baldilocks

NOTE !!! If you in SE USA, there is a BIG problem brewing in the USPS. The major distribution site in Palmetto, GA is backed up beyond belief. The local new has tried to talk with USPS management, but all they will say is 'unexpected difficulties'. The whole mess has both our Congressman Collins and US Senators now involved. They get no answers either. Mail has been sent to the wrong addresses or not delivered for weeks. People that get medications through the mail are suffering. There is a long list of problems. So, if you are in the SE USA, please send in any mailed requests (i.e. passports) early. You may also request a signature for your mailing, but that seems to have a minimal effect.

Very nice place....except... beware that the ship excursion for the local beach says it is a 350 yard walk from the ship. It is more like 1350 yard walk. Nice beach with some rocks.

Try lunch. It will save you about 35-40% and the menu is basically the same.

We had an experience many years ago with the Grandeur out of Baltimore. We were just looking for a cruise and saw they had a special for a 9-night cruise. Interior cabin and they select the cabin. We got an interior cabin next to the laundry chute. A little noisy in the morning as the laundry went down...but for a $900 cruise price for two...so what.

We like to get to the port early (port Canaveral) as the parking can be an issue. It also may help if there is a wreck on I-95. A couple of months ago we saw a very large...and I do mean very large...motor yacht block all lanes of southbound I-95. Heaven help anyone trying to get to the port on time. We have no idea how they were going to move that three-story high three engine yacht. The trailer carrying the yacht was bent so badly it could not be used.

We prepay our gratuities. We tip a dollar for each drink we are served since we are D+. We usually add another $20 to our room steward. We tip the MDR crew depending on service. We are not rich. The regular tipping and above is about all we can afford.

Your pictures are professional quality. It is rare that pictures are taken with such composure. Thank you for the tour.

We got off the Mariner last month and we definitely had a problem with small children in the MDR. Two large tables next to us had about 3-4 kids each. They looked to be around the 4-7 years old. All they did was run around the tables and scream and push each other. Parents were oblivious to their actions. We never ate in the MDR after that. In the Windjammer for breakfast, we saw one family bring in a baby with a diaper only. That was bad enough, but the Dad put the baby right in the middle of the table when they got ready to leave.

I'm not sure if this the same excursion, but we took a taste of Nassau excursion last month off the Mariner. We got a very nice mini-lunch and a beer. Other places were the rum bottling plant, tea store and one other I can't remember. It was a nice tour. Not too much walking. Something different for us as we have been to Nassau many times.

We liked Cats. The performers were first rate. However, our first pick of all the shows is Momma Mia on the Allure.

Are you arriving early? If not, I would go with the Royal or private transportation. Parking at the port facility will run you $9-$17 a day depending on off site or at the port parking. Car rental and parking can add a lot $$$ to your trip.

The Mariner has three. Some a few dollars and book lunch.

On the Mariner, our room steward asked if we wanted the room made up in the morning or afternoon. We took the morning time. No problem. He was there when we were out except for one time. When that happened, we just moved out to the balcony to get out of his way. Once a day does not bother us since we do not eat in our room. Some rooms were opened as the stewards were working. We peered in as we went by. I do not know how they got through some rooms as they looked like a tornado had hit. Stuff all over the place including cans, dishes, towels, let alone belongings..

We have for the most part booked shore excursions through Royal. They will not leave you stranded if the tour goes long. We had that experience once and that was enough nerve racking for us. That happened on a Celebrity cruise last December in Panama. A tour was to go on a ferry through a lock for the experience. Well, the freighter ahead of them had a problem in the lock. They were scheduled for 3-hour tour. It lasted 6 hours in the heat with little shade and hardly enough snacks and water aboard for everyone. The ship waited an extra hour to get them back on the ship. We saw a couple come through the lounge where we were having drinks. Boy, did they ever look haggard.

Us Boomers are facing inflation with very small COLA raises. Some Boomers have a large pot of $$$, but we certainly do not. Our medical insurance will go up $350 a month beginning January 1st. The company I retired from decided to completely change the way they will handle medical insurance.

I Know Nothing of the Seas Lobster of the Seas

Anyone used the Port Canaveral Terminal 5 parking lot? Is there a best time to arrive? How fast does it fill up? We are thinking about a 10:30 a.m. arrival time.

We have tried to send a private message to a fellow cruiser, but the private message system is disabled. Anyone have an idea on how to send a private message?

Agree

We have stayed and enjoyed the Promenade staterooms. We find people watching as an added bonus, especially when the last day promenade $10 sale is on. People can sure get grabby at that time.

Well, as customers, we have been spoiled (on purpose) to all the nice extras. Due to COVID, RCI now has a huge debt load to deal with. They don't want to go out of business. So now they are trying to get as much money as possible without offending most of their customers. It does irritate a lot of folks. That is the world that we cruisers will have to deal with for the foreseeable future. So go and endure or don't go....our choices.

With all the news about Haitian unrest, will Labadee be safe? I know they have fence guards, but a couple of years back no one could get off the ship due a fleet of small boats doing a protest.

We have to RCL cruises lined up this year....Bermuda (October)and eastern Caribbean (December). These will probably be our last cruises as my wife has put her foot down due to my heart condition. NO MORE TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE LOWER 48 !!!

We are on the Adventure for an 8 night eastern Caribbean sailing in December. We were originally scheduled to sail on the Mariner, but it was switched to the Adventure. We were a bit unhappy that Royal also switched our cabin placement. It was the same category but not where we really wanted to be. We called Royal and they said that the original stateroom that we had was already gone. We decided not to push it as we did that once before and Royal cancelled out original reservation and booked a new one for over $500 more. After a big fight about just moving to a different stateroom in the same category, we got Royal to honor the original price.

A lunch at a specialty restaurant is a good idea (i.e. Chops). The cost is lower and there is less congestion so tables could be arranged to accommodate the group. For this to work, I would suggest that you call Royal to get a reservation ahead of time...and the cake. When you board, make a beeline to the restaurant to confirm everything. It is best to pick a sea day so it will not conflict with folks going on excursions.