39august

I was on Serenade recently and didn't find the Solarium cold at all. The sun shining thru' the glass roof kept it quite comfortable for me. The pool was too cool for me, but saw many folks in that pool, so it was OK for some.

I feel your pain! There is only one ship in the early fall/late summer besides the big TWO on a 7 night cruise to the Caribbean and Freedom is it. I would also like to see some more Caribbean in Royal Caribbean! Next summer I believe both AOS and SOS will be in Europe leaving nothing out of SJ. I too think RCI is trying to force people to cruise OOS and Allure. I'm frankly not interested in those shiips.

It is usually a cocktail party for Platinum, Diamond and D+. I suppose they will now also include Emerald and Pinnicle (sp). So it's probably going to be pretty crowded!

You will get the Emerald discount when you book during your 11 nite cruise. But after that cruise when you become Diamond, call RCI and they will give you the difference for the Diamond discount. I have done this so I know it works. As for the six month question, I'm sure they will be strict about it, so book early on your cruise!

There are instant hot chocolate packs in the Cafe Promenade on Voyager and Freedom class ships. These are also usually available in the Windjammer buffet on all ships. Juice is no charge at breakfast only. Regular coffee is always at no charge anywhere on the ship that it is available. Usually the dining room coffee is very good.

Last time out of SJ, we were advised (on this board) to leave our ship tags on luggage and it would be exempt from the USDA line...and that worked OK. Still the case?

I don't believe the dining room is open for lunch on any ship on embarkation day.

The use of a specialty restaurant for GS and above guests for breakfast and lunch after getting WJ food is for Voyager and Freedom class ships. I do not know about Oasis, but this is not available on Radiance class as the specialty restaurants are not anywhere near the WJ. They are down on deck 6 I believe.

There is no charge for the sauna and steam rooms on Voyager and Freedom class ships. There is on Oasis and Allure.

Many folks don't find the Sea View cafe on Radiance class ships. The easiest way is to go toward the back of the Windjammer on the starboard side and take those stairs up to deck 12. Turn right and the Sea View is just ahead. Also, tho' robes are not given to pax unless they are C&A Platinum or above, many times you can get robes just by asking your cabin steward. If there are any available, you will get them. The steam and saunas inside the locker rooms on Voyager and Freedom class ships are at no charge. (can't remember if Radiance class has these too) And if you want a larger shower, use those in the locker room which are bigger than those in your cabin if you are in less than a Jr. Suite or higher. Don't miss the "peekaboo bridge" on Voyager class ships on deck 11 all the way forward. If you like shrimp, be sure to check the Cafe Promenade for shrimp salad and egg sandwiches. They are usually served on the second or third day of the cruise. Yummy!

Actually, deck 4 is not the "running track". That is on deck 12. I believe there are signs asking pax not to run on deck 4 on Freedom and Voyager class ships. But, yes, there is smoking on one side of the wraparound outside deck. Usually it is port side, but not always. On Voyager class ships I believe there is no smoking in any of the Promenade area. However, that is not the case on Freedom class as smoking is still allowed in the pub and in Bolero's...or it was last week anyway. Smoking is allowed on balconies. Of course, no smokiing in any dining venue or in the theater.

We've done 3 b2b's and on the last day of the first week each time we bought liquor and took it to our cabin. I think the trick is to buy the LAST afternoon.

Can you please give us some prices for Vintages?

Can you please give us some prices for Vintages?

What is the cost pp for Giovanni's Table , please?

What is the cost pp for Giovanni's Table , please?

Right, LMZ, no gray area on Radiance class ships. Totally unobstructed view. We had a deck 7 aft cabin on Jewel a few years ago and never heard a thing from the club below. I would guess that if your cabin is directly above the club's stage where the band plays, you would get some noise, or "beat" of the music. Do not let this pass opportunity pass you by!

Is RCI still offereing champagne and munchies for priority boarding members in Galveston, please? They did in 2008 and 2009.

What a great read! Thanks so much.

For what it's worth, I was told just last week by C&A rep that it is awarded according to credits. I should get mine on Liberty in 2 weeks!

Thanks!

Is there a $2 or $3 bus tour of Progresso? If so, where do we catch the bus after we get off the pier shuttle, please? And how long does the tour take?

The Sea View Cafe has very nice food at no extra charge. But it can be difficult to find. It is aft on deck 12. The easiest access is toward the back of the Windjammer on the starboard side, where there are steps up to deck 12. Watch the Compass for daily hours, as they do vary. Also, many folks really love the crepes which are served in the Solarium cafe. I believe the Jewel is the only ship which offers these. Again, watch the Compass for hours. There are also limited sandwiches and pizza in the Solarium cafe. Do NOT miss the self-leveling pool tables on deck 6 going toward the aft. They are amazing. I will be looking for Patrick in the lobby bar when I sail in Jan. He is such a sweetie pie! Look for Rusty in the Champagne bar. He is very polished and professional. Yes, and don't miss those flamingos! I am hoping that on our cruise they will open a Diamond and + overflow lounge up on deck 13. The concierge lounge is very small, tho' it has a wall of glass for great daytime viewing.

My massage in Dec. at Costa Maya was $20 for 45 minutes right in front of The Cat's Meow bar and restaurant. A friend was on Grandeur last month and she and her husband loved dining at the Windjammer at night. They found they could order a strip steak which was then cooked to order. They also requested escargots several nights and received them. She also said that the waiters came around and asked if they could bring them anything. This service must be only on the Grandeur, because we have not experienced this on Jewel, Radiance or Navigator.

We were in 7092 and got lots of noise from the entertainment in the atrium. I wouldn't stay on the cabin nearest the elevators unless it was on deck 9 or 10.