Ginnylou

Explorer of the Seas had distilled water in my stateroom when I arrived and cabin steward set up extension cords for me. Everything worked out just find. I did notified RC prior to my cruise by email.

So back home from Explorer of the Seas out of Seattle. The kids club was okay my son did ask to go each day. I noticed a big difference between Princess and RC. It's a personal preference and could just be the ships we were on and the personnel working in the kids clubs. Would have to sail on another RC ship to see if our experience was the norm or not. For now I favor Princess which makes me sad as I prefer RC but then again they don't have a ship out of San Pedro.

I talked with my provider yesterday and was told I could go one week without cleaning. Think it would be rather awkward to try and clean tubing and hope it would be dry in time to use that night. I could see doing just the face piece but was told I could also get away with not cleaning it for the week. I purchased a So Clean machine after the first few weeks of cleaning the different pieces a couple times a week. It is so much easier then but not something I want to bring on a trip even though they do have travel ones as well. Anyway thank you everyone for your input. I did not know anything about cleaning wipes but thanks to this thread I do now! Think I will purchase some wipes and bring them along. :)

Thank you both for your replies.

My question is a bit different but regarding the CPAP machine. Was wondering if other users try cleaning their machine a few times during the cruise. The mask, tube, etc. or do you just wait until you get home and not worry?

Recently on Ruby Princess 4 night cruise with 4 year old. They had envelopes on table next to entrance for those you chose to tip on the last night. They are also professional salaried employees on Princess Cruise Line so opens it back up for me as to tip or not. That was my first experience cruising with my child, but not my first cruise and wondered what would be the right amount. They sure made my son thrilled to be at the children's club allowing me to have the much needed time to relax and enjoy my cruise also. I ended up giving $10.00 for each night of the cruise to be split between whoever was on duty. Right/wrong I don't know but that is how I handled it. :)

Will be on Explorer of the Seas and will handle it the same way.

Thanks for the great information on this thread, so very useful!

Thank you for responding. :) Useful information for planning a specialty dinner or lunch.

I don't know the exact activities, but most of the younger kids LOVE the clubs! Yes...it's open on port days, too! Late night hours do incur a charge...I'm thinking in the $8-10 per hour range.

Thank you!

Home from the Ruby Princess and son had a great time on his very first cruise. Took step stool, but never needed to use it as he was tall enough to use the sink (just).

Was recently on Ruby Princess with 4 year old and used the Children's Program. My son loved it and couldn't wait to return. Ruby was the first time using a service and curious what RCCL Adventure Ocean will be like for a just turned 4 year old. Will be on Explorer of the Seas to Alaska. Your experience/adventure will be apprectiated. What hours might I expect the program to keep? What type of activities? Are they available on port days? Cost for after hours program? Not a great deal of info on their site. Thank you :)

Great information about step stool and potty ring. Ordered the step stool and have potty ring in bathroom cabinet so will be all set for future travel. Thank you!!!!!

Depends on the ship. On Liberty, AO is open from 8:30-10:00 on night 1.

 

 

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Thank you

Was wondering if the children's club is open the first night for the kids to do more then register/sign-up on the first night.

If you mean the Butterfly Gardens they are very close to Butchart, so organized bus tours basically all treat it as an add-on. Assuming you're also interested in Butchart, just take a CVS tour from downtown and pay for the add-on (makes it about $78pp instead of $65pp). Unfortunately they don't sell tours JUST to the butterfly gardens as the volume doesn't justify it even in peak season - most Victoria visitors arrive wearing 'Butchart Blinkers' as it's by far the most well-known local attraction.

 

Public transit is feasible with a full day like yours though - and only $5pp for a Day Pass (your 4 year old would be free). The 75 bus goes all the way out to Butchart and stops conveniently for the Butterfly Gardens too. About an hour each way depending on day & time of travel (use the trip planner on the link I gave).

 

A cab would cost at least $50 each way - split among a full taxi not much over $10 per person - but a rental car would very likely cost you less including gas than cab fare and offer even more flexibility.

Thank you for your help. :) Just interested in the Butterfly Gardens. I have been to Butchart Gardens 3 or 4 times and really enjoy going but with a 4 year old I think it would be to much for me! Will look into the Public transit.

Interested in the Butterfly Exhibit as I will have my just turned 4 year old and wants something he would enjoy. RCCL does not list any excursions to the Butterfly Exhibit. What transportation is available from the ships dock to the Butterfly Exhibit please? In the past I do remember there be horse drawn carriage, buses and taxis but wonder if there is bus that would transport there and back. In Victoria from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Also any idea of cost for transportation. Thank you

Looking at taking my 3 year old on a four night Princess Cruise out of Los Angeles, CA. While I have cruised on Princess this would be the first time with my son. Will the children program be available on the four night cruise? I find the web site to have some info but not enough for me. Appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.

Really enjoyed reading your review along with the photos. I so want to take my 2 year old on a cruise and this has been very helpful. Thank you! :)

Ribbon was fun to use when I had a pony tail. But I will also keep the ribbon as I am sure someday I will find a use for it again.

Appreciate the basket and kindness of RCL having this gift waiting for me when I board the cruise. Enjoy the bottle of water or other beverage of choice as well.

Truly enjoyed your review read all 20 pages straight through. :)

I had cabin 9404 on Liberty of the Seas in July. Because this cabin is an aft corner the balcony is smaller, uncovered completely and had 2 chairs and 2 loungers on it. It was crowded with all of the seating.

Should also mention that it doesn't have a sliding glass door but rather a single metal door with a window in it. There was also a very large round window. I was able to sit on the bed and look out as well. It was very heavy for me to open as I had put my back out 1 1/2 weeks before the cruise and was having a difficult time walking for the first four day on the cruise. The door is most likely not a problem for others unless you have back problems.

The cabin itself was quite nice.

I was disappointed that the balcony was not at least partly covered for some shade and that it was impossible for the first four days for me to even get out on the balcony (was traveling alone). I was afraid if I got out on the balcony once I got the door open I wouldn't be able to reopen it and be stuck out there. That my story and I am sticking to it. :D

PokrChick thanks for posting the compass it helped with planning for the specialty rest. :)