CGoguen

In some countries small appliances are really expensive so people will often buy them when in North America and bring them home.

sailings with more than 2 sea days in a row you must be at least 12 months old regardless of the length of the cruise.

Thank you for the clearification

Just a quick note... make a fake booking (just don't confirm and pay at the end). Some sailings do not allow children under 1. We ran into this booking Allure of the Seas 7 day Caribbean. We finally agree on a date (our child would have been 11 months) and we get to the end to get an error saying she can't sail because she isn't 1 and they only allow under-1 years old on sailings less than certain days (or perhaps certain locations).

I think you can easily find ways to bring her with you and have an awesome vacation. Just go with the flow and don't have too many expectations of things you must-do. Be flexible so if baby isn't being agreeable you can enjoy some down time and not be disappointed in what you've missed.

In the end we decided to leave babe at home with grandma (as well as our older child) simply because we needed time to reconnect as a couple child-free. We live across the country from any family so we don't ever get a chance for time away from the kids and we really need some decent sleep, adult time and morning that don't involve diapers or cartoons. We put the savings from not paying for the extra people towards a nicer cabin and are looking forward to this 'break', coming in less than 2 weeks.

While I'm sure it is helpful, it many cases it is just an illusion. Especially at buffets, they can sanitize everyone and then once inside somebody can sneeze or cough and then touch things.

Ship!

I actually live in Orlando. My dad was going to drive me but he's older and doesn't drive at night too well any more. If I take transportation it's gonna be $140. That's why I'm angry. It's either my dad drives at night or I pay $140.

Here's a very obvious solution... have your dad drive you when it is a good time for him. Find something fun or relaxing to do in the area while you wait.

The protests have been going on for months off and on. I believe something about their elections. They just hope for world news coverage.

This. It has nothing to do with donations. They are just trying to piss off the government

Can I ask what city this was? I am from a Canada and I cannot think of a single remote city that Royal would go to there.

Nope, you are not thinking right.

 

Premium upgrade, Ultimate same.

 

I'm sure once the rollout happens those who bought the Ultimate will be ticked off for paying more when the Premium get the upgrade.

 

I don't see the 20% off continuing with these new packages.

My theory has been the dynamic pricing and 20% has been testing the waters for the ideal price point.

 

Added

Ultimate is no downgrade going to Deluxe. Only downgrade is your wallet for buying it in advance over the Premium. Once onboard Deluxe will hopefully be cheaper than Ultimate was.

Opposite is the non-alcoholic one going up in price.

This is why I called today and cancelled my ultimate package and ordered the premium. By the time I cruise in December, they will both be the deluxe package but in the end, I saved $80 and it only took about 5 minutes on the phone.

I did just that; canceling ULTIMATE and purchasing PREMIUM. It saved me about $16; not much, but that's $16 I can spend elsewhere.

I did it too. Total saved was about $80 for me and my husband

Growing up in Canada and spending extensive time in Halifax or Saint John, I think I would cry all week if I had to go there on a cruise. But for people who have never been, it could be interesting.

I'm not sure if you're trying to be funny or something, but this is EXACTLY how it is spread.

 

Quote from CDC website:

Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.

Wow! Thank you for clarifying this. This was not the same info that circulated when Zika first started being a problem but clearly they have updated with more info. I was wrong.

I believe Zika is on St Thomas. I plan on bringing repellant. While I am not as concerned about Zika impact on me... don't want US mosquitos spreading it from me to others. I have a relative who is pregnant. My thought was to use it if I go on excursions... eg St Kitts trip into countryside. Not sure it would be needed on the ship. As I understand it the mosquitos dont travel around much... I figure that if I have it with me I can decide later if I need it.

It doesn't work like that. If you get Zika the only way you can pass it on is through sex. US mosquitos can't bite you and then bite somebody else and pass it on.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Today I as able to book Allure reservations for Dec. 4th too

My allure entertainment options are available for booking now for my cruise in December so I'm surprised October isn't showing.

Same two comedians doing largely the same matierial every night. You can only book one performance pre-cruise.

Thank you

Quick question..

Are the comedy shows the same every night or different? We love comedy shows but not sure if we should try to book it a few times or just once.

Thanks everyone!

My husband and I are going in Allure in December, staying in a crown loft. This will only be our second cruise (first was with Carnival). Anyway, my question is, if you were to choose only 3 speciality dining options what you would choose?

We like: pastas, steaks, salads, soups, rice dishes, desserts

We do not like: fish (although I will eat mussels or shrimp), super spicy foods

I think we've decided on Giovanni's but can't decide between Chops, Samba, 150 Central Park or Chefs table.

Thoughts?

Hate to break it to you but American call centers are no better. Recently, I bought some new furniture from a furniture store that only operates in California. Their call center was located here, everyone I spoke with knew fluent English. Guess what? It took 6 calls to them to fix one problem that they caused.

My point is, it is all about training your staff and providing them consistent information which we know is not RCI's strong point.

So glad to hear this update. With a young family myself, I can only imagine the heartbreak of that day. I'm sure you will never miss a ship again but here is a tip just in case: ... While in ports, the ship departs on 'ship time' and not necessarily the time it is in whatever port you are in. Your cell phone may change time zones automatically so do not rely on that and always know what time it is on the ship!

Enjoy your vacation!

We purchased the unlimited package and I am wondering

1. What is the maximum price per beverage that is included? $12?

2. Can we pay the difference if we go over that?

Anyone know if raw sugar is readily available on board? Hubby and I prefer that in our coffe/tea

This sounds like a question for Effy, not cruise critic