cruisegirl1

Thanks for posting the letter. Normally when an item is unavailable, and a substitution is made, new items are somewhat equal. Not with this issue. The wine I had previously ordered was worth $18 retail ( total wine) and the substituted wine is under $8 ( total wine). M

The ship YOU selected does not offer special dining for suites. You should not have been disappointed about that. M

I wonder that as well. Seems like it should, but we always leave extra on the table. m

Seems you can get off in the morning with general deportation and wait in the terminal until boarding begins. Once you commit to the turnaround process, you’re pretty much stuck with that. I’ve gotten off a few times, but last time was the first I’ve gotten off after General boarding has begun m

Thanks - I had an In-Transit pass, the problem was general boarding had started and the long security Iines. Even the suite/Pinnace/Key security line was long and slow. I was hoping the folks in from of me with 3 kids, two strollers, two carry ons, soda, water etc would see me and let me go before them, but no. (I never asked). Once I got in the terminal, of course I did not need to check in, and I was able to find a shorter line to get back on. Agents allowing folks on board seemed perplexed that I had a sea pass card to scan. Last time I did this, I was able to get off just before the B2B group, and was back in the terminal while the B2B were still waiting to reboard. They let me back in the B2B group to get on board. EASY M

MM gives good advise. So many processes are ship or terminal specific. The letter will provide you with all the info you need. m

Heads up - I decided to put a few things in my car after the first cruise. Decided it after lunch. Getting off to the garage was no issue but i did get held up in the security line getting back on. Even though I had nothing to put through security, I still had to wait my turn in the long lines. I was in a priority line because of C&A and accommodation but it was long and slow. Once I got through security, i showed the sea pass I was given earlier and got on the ship. M

Most of the time is about 9AM. We take the time after breakfast and prior to the meet up to check out cabins around the ship. As an example, We wanted a boardwalk cabin with a specific vantage point and walked in the cabins to look for the cabin that meet our needs. Then we knew what cabin to book in the future. M

That is nice but not the norm. Generally as reported, we gather in a room, get new sea pass cards, escorted off, go through customs, escorted back on. ( Sometime we get the new sea pass cards just after customs so we don't get them mixed up). Sometimes we have to wait in the terminal for 30-minutes to one hour. Years ago we had an empty ship for an hour or so, but seems the B2B are back on and then general boarding starts right after. It is nice to be able to get to our cabin at any time. We find the process is super easy, even if there is a cabin change, The letter does a good job of explaining the process. M

During the first leg, try to see the cabin attendant for the second leg cabin. If they know a B2B is in there, they will usually try to service that cabin first. You can't move in till the room is serviced. They may let you move your suitcases to the closet, but be aware the room is not secure. M

We were on Mariner and there with Allure. It was pretty crowded, but there were plenty of available seats at the beaches. Most of the pool chairs were crowded mid morning. We had a late lunch at the snack shack and honestly didn’t get a chance to see if the buffet was crowded. If you come to the beach to 11 o’clock and try to get eight chairs together, that might be tough. You need to come out earlier for that. If you’re not picky and you’re looking for two or three chairs, no problem. all the groupings of chairs have complementary umbrellas. As others have said, the island is developed to hold the capacity of two large ships m

Mini bus worked out great for us a few weeks ago. $7 each way pp. and we were on our time schedule. We were dropped off in the parking lot and just had to walk down the ramp to the beach. Plenty of beach chairs, $10 each, but by the time we got there they had run out of umbrellas. Plenty of mini buses waiting for us to make our return back to the ship. Fewer than 20 people in the bus each way Nice snack bar with drinks and food. Gorgeous beach with soft sand. We had a beautiful day there. m

The meal might be good but the beach club is $500 for the two of us (actually $498). Been there/done that (once) and not worth it to us at that price. Hard pass. I know it is apples and oranges, but I can get the unlimited dining package for 7 nights for 2 for less than a day at the beach club. As a seasoned cruiser who has been to Coco Cay countless times, I am perfectly happy at the complementary beaches. Same sand/same ocean. M

Go to the planner and order something. We recently sailed during my husband's birthday and the cabin attendant made our towels in the shape of a cake, and left a lovely note. Let the dining room staff know and they will have a piece of cake/candle for you both. congrats. M

Wouldn't count on it. We stopped there last cruise on the 8 night Mariner and all aboard was 12:30. (Started out at 2PM)

Hi John- I hope you have a fantastic time. Anxious to hear about your cruise . Are you solo? m

Hmm - Hanky Panky Private. I think you may have just created a potential revenue source for RCCL . 😀 Put it in the suggestion box! M

The certificate of recovery is good for 11-90 days from the positive diagnoses prior to sailing. The letter from your health care provider should note the diagnosis date. I hope it all works out. M

We went once and frankly I wouldn't pay much to be there. Couldn't eat when we wanted because of limited reservations ( our error). Early spring, pool was cold so never used ( again not the cruiseline fault). Meal was OK. Didn't bother with much of the Bento Boxes as most of those items are found on board. Fish was delicious and the best part of the meal. Oh, that special Cuvee cocktail was nice. All in all, I'm glad we went once. I'm amazed by those who are paying $250 for the Beach Club or renting an OTW cabana for $3400. If they are happy, terrific! M

It may not be news but it certainly disrupts your cruise ( a bit more than a stuffy nose) if you test positive. Captain reported cases on Mariner the past few weeks and suggested we wear masks indoors. Many did not, except for elevators. My cruise social media pages are all abuzz with folks reporting Covid positive cases. Small group of members, and over 50 positive cases. Personally I want to know of there is covid, norovirus, colds, flu, whatever on board so that I can gauge my involvement in entertainment or activities. I was on Mariner for over 2 weeks. Once I learned about the increases early on the first cruise, I decided not to go to the (packed) promenade parties. M

I recently received the rejection email about 10PM the first night I was already on board! M

I'll come back to say, if there is a non connecting cabin, in a good location I'll take that. I don't seek out connecting cabins. Now it seems that RCCL often prices the connecting cabins HIGHER than non connecting cabins. They are a huge plus for families. M

OK, Many, not most. Ritz Carlton, had a standard hotel room that connected to our suite. I know for sure because we booked it that way on purpose. Many of the standard roadside hotels like Hampton Inn, Fairfield etc. are set up with connecting rooms. Works great. We also find the set up it at beach hotels and many better Vegas properties. obviously, YMMV M

Beach club is in the $250 PER PERSON range for most all of our upcoming cruises. $500 - Hard pass. M

Now, umbrellas are complementary and are at every set of chairs. We used to rent one, so that is a new benefit for us. They also have a small table at every set of chairs. If you are traveling with a younger child, there is a terrific COMPLIMENTARY water park (#7 on the map) , complete with several slides, dump tower etc. We like the new complimentary food options. enjoy