Grandma Dazzles

Always read these dress code threads - but never have posted until now.

Personally follow the suggested guidelines - would not wear shorts on an evening in the MDR.

However, what other people wear doesn't really bother me.

The problem as I see it is that so many people would "stretch" what is appropriate. I am trying hard to make an effort not to use the words "dress shorts" but there is a difference. If shorts were permitted so many people would wear their gym/running/workout-type shorts and I honestly don't think they are appropriate for dinner. They are meant to be for working out - even the color coordinated "nice" running outfits - think Nike top and shorts as an example.

Men/women/kids - clean, appropriate short outfits/collared shirts, etc. - yes.

Gym/workout wear - no.

I am sure someone will know if there is an actual "rule" - but I don't think it would really work - the pools are too small. You definitely wouldn't be very popular with other cruisers! Have seen people take them along for use at the beach.

Had my knee scoped a week prior to a cruise some time back. I was still icing it down and in therapy at the time of the cruise. Was supposed to be icing 30 minutes out of each hour, if possible; or at least several times a day.

Asked the room steward for extra ice - more than the usual "cocktail" ice bucket - he was wonderful! Brought a pail twice a day, with a lid; similar to what you see staff carrying around the ship to bars/food venues.

I had brought an "old fashioned" ice bag to fill - the round kind with a screw on stopper; it was rubber and worked better than anything! This was much easier than using Ziploc bags, etc. Nice thing about this was that I could take it anywhere - sat in the solarium and filled it with ice there as well as in the cabin.

We have stayed at the Embassy Suites a couple of times with no problems - very convenient, liked free breakfast, happy hour, etc.

Also have stayed at the Crowne Plaza. We liked it there although no free breakfast. It is more of a "business man" location - not far from the Embassy Suites - has a roof top pool - not much in terms of green space or relaxation. However found the food there to be good and not too expensive. Restaurant and bar on premises. Also rooms were very nice. Also has free airport shuttle and I believe a cruise shuttle that you pay for - found cab to cruise terminal to be easier and cheaper depending on number of people.

Mentioned the Crowne Plaza as often have found it to be cheaper than Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express in Fort Lauderdale - part of the same chain and usually more expensive, but not in Fort Lauderdale for some reason.

I think it is used more by business travelers than cruisers.

Agree that buying at embarkation port is easier.

However, if you plan to bring wine/booze home bubble wrap works fine (watch luggage weight). Also wrap well in a large Ziploc bag or garbage bag in case of breakage.

Did a back-to-back on the Allure last November. On turnaround day we were given lunch in Giovanni's. A nice perk and very enjoyable.

I think perhaps original poster is referring to just the regular formal night - dinner with steak/lobster - some people refer to as "Captain's Dinner" or "Captain's Night."

If so, no, you don't sign up - it is just one of the formal nights in the main dining room.

The captain will be in attendance. He is seated at a large table and guests are invited to join him for dinner at his table. You are selected for this - often frequent cruisers, suite guests, etc. and receive a formal invitation.

As far as pictures, the daily CruiseCompass, which is a newsletter left each evening by your cabin steward with the following day's events, will tell you where to go for photographs and times. You wait in line. You do not have to sign up. This is very popular on formal nights when people are dressed up and want a nice picture.

Hope that helps!

Even though I am an aft cabin lover, and the southern Caribbean is my favorite, I also love the Allure/Oasis.

If prices, etc. are equal, I think you need to ask yourself what do you enjoy - if shows, entertainment, ice show, several specialty dining locations, truly a unique, awesome ship, are important to you - do the Oasis. If you are looking for a quieter, probably more relaxing time, more of a "regular" cruise, then I would pick the Jewel.

Also, how important are the various ports of call? Need to think about that also - where have you been before? Again, what do you enjoy doing on shore?

The Oasis is amaxing - never have found the Allure/Oasis any more crowded than any other ship.

Not sure about the Brilliance, but on the Independence there is a piano in the game room/multi purpose room - up on the same deck as Viking Lounge (deck 13?) - just to the right as you get off the elevator. It is a nice room - people playing Monopoly, Scrabble, Cribbage, cards, etc. Quite a large room with lots of chairs.

On the Independence a group of us met to knit there each morning for a couple of hours (transatlantic cruise).

We were fortunate to have a music teacher on board who used the piano each day to play - he was very good and played wonderful background music for everyone.

Very easy to take the bus to Palm Beach too. Bus station is downtown - just across the street from the cruise pier - local people are delightful and happy to tell you which bus.

Cruised to Aruba a few times - enjoyed the island and people so much that we returned for week-long vacations.

I don't recall seeing this on any of my cruises. My DH does say I don't pay attention! But I will be looking for in this cruise. I'm going off topic but does anyone have an opinion on beverage packages? I'm leaning toward the one that is $20. per day for bottled water, fresh squeezed juice, special coffees, etc. On the last cruise I had quite a bill due to getting bottled water. On vacation I can't take a chance on water from anywhere but home, so I stick with bottled. Thinking this package might be a better deal in the long run.

You may want to begin a new thread with your drink question - sure you would get more answers.

Can't help you as I just drink the regular tap water on board (that's what's making your ice!). Have never felt the need for bottled water.

There are multiple threads on the various packages too if you do a search, which may be able to help answer your question.

List posted indicates Oasis for August.

Sailling on the Oasis on July 19 - just got an e-mail today indicating drinks will be on my set sail pass.

Hope this is not a dumb answer! Have you checked your spam? I requested a copy of a booking - called twice as I had not received it. Agent said he would send again, and to check my spam. Sure enough I had three copies there! Problem was that the reply did not indicate it came from RC - was some odd heading - computer did not recognize.

Shows in the Comedy Club are adult themed - believe you have to be 18 to have a reservation.

Regular comedy shows in the main theater are for the entire family. Cruise compass sometimes will sometimes have a notation that a show is for adults - usually a late night show.

Allure and Oasis are ships with actual Comedy Clubs - there is a definite difference between these shows and a comedian in the main theater.

Thinking about buying this insurance for an upcoming cruise. Does it cover medical bills you incur on the ship itself? My friend recently became ill on the Allure and spent $1500 in medical bills. He didn't have cruise insurance, so he had to charge it.. He had chest pains-thought he was having a heart attack-luckily he's fine. Said he had wonderful care in the ship's hospital.

I would say yes - My balcony door accidentally slid and hit my hand (ship was rolling a bit). It really gave it a good whack. I thought I might have a broken wrist/thumb area. Care on board was excellent. X-ray they thought was negative, but due to extensive bruising advised getting it re-xrayed at home (this happened two days before departure). Wrist and hand were wrapped in an Ace bandage and I was given extensive instructions re icing, etc.

At home further x-ray indicated no break, but a ligament/tissue injury. I went to therapy for 8 weeks before being discharged - therapy is not cheap!

Insurance covered everything that my primary carrier did not cover - had no problem at all - just sent copies of bills and completed some forms. They did require that I file with my primary carrier first.

Travel agent has given us a choice of D1, superior ocean view with balcony, can anyone recommend a good room number for me to specify. Thank you

The D1 category may be perhaps a good fit for you. However, rather than accept "what the travel agent offers" would suggest going to Royal Caribbean's website and reading about the ships, deck plans, etc. You may find that you would prefer another category of cabin. You can also do a "dummy" booking on line to check prices.

Very sorry for your loss.

Had a very personal similar situation a few months ago. My husband passed away very unexpectedly. We were booked on the Oasis. My daughter and family were also booked on the cruise - two staterooms across the hall - linked reservations. We will be sailing this summer and I decided to continue on with the cruise.

Instead of trying to move people around, re-book to avoid single supplement, etc. I contacted RC directly - actually by mail. I wrote to Adam Goldstein's Office. They were kind enough to have someone phone me - offered sympathy and resolved the stateroom situation. Without going into a lot of personal details, they were very kind and generous.

Highly suggest contacting Resolutions or some similar department - I was told that they handle each case on an individual basis.

I am Diamond Plus with Royal, and have always enjoyed cruising. I truly felt they went out of their way to be sympathetic and understanding. I was truly impressed. The upcoming cruise will be hard, but I am looking forward to continuing to cruise with RC.

PMcC1998 many thanks for your advice. I will definately look into the powdered drinks.

Glad to help ..... welcome to Cruise Critic ...... Have a wonderful cruise!

What ship were you on? I've *never* seen them without lifejackets in the cabins.

Allure and Oasis have never had life jackets in cabin - instructed to get them at muster station - makes sense - ships are too large - would not be possible to go back to cabin to retrieve.

Haven't been on Freedom/Independence class for a while - don't remember the policy there.

Would not recommend keeping milk in the "cooler" in the room - it is not a true fridge and would not keep milk cool enough. Milk is available (no charge) in all the dining locations - you will see it out in the Windjammer at breakfast mainly for cereal - but you can ask for it any time and the staff will get you a carton (specifiy whole milk not skim or 2%).

Also in the morning they have orange juice, sometimes apple or other juice, again no charge. They do offer fresh squeezed orange juice, but there is a charge for that. Lemonade, iced tea and sometimes flavored waters are offered for lunch and later in the day in the Windjammer.

I do not remember seeing cordial for sale on board - but I could be wrong. I have seen a lot of people bringing individual packages of drink mix to mix with water ..... easier to carry and less room in luggage. A lot of sports drinks now come in powdered form.

Also, back to the milk, if you want milk or anything else, consider room service. Again, no charge - there is a service charge after midnight. It is expected to tip the delivery person (usually a couple of dollars depending on how much you order).

Don't forget, those that wear military uniform or dress to represent nationality (Scottish kilt) are technically breaking guidelines. While very nice these sorts of dress are neither suit nor tuxedo. That's a fact willfully ignored or purposely overlooked by the vacation police.

Not wanting to join another "dress" thread, however, I believe that military uniforms would be considered a suit (jacket/tie) or dress, as opposed to the camo type uniforms worn on a daily basis. They are a suit - just as a businessman would wear a suit.

Have seen many military personnel wearing the short jacket, bow tie, etc. which is definitely military formal. Maybe someone else can clarify. Regardless military uniforms look great and should be worn with pride and honor.

Vacation police are not overlooking them - military uniform is a suit/tuxedo depending on which uniform is worn.

What does DD and DS stand for?

Darling daughter/darling son or Dear daughter/dear son

Congratulations - youwill have your hands full!

As far as booking, you may have to contact RC directly- five (5) in a cabin seems to give them all kinds of problems. Understand the "safety, number of souls on board, etc." however when my daughter's kids were young they were advised a suite only was the way to go for 5 people - even for little ones. Could not book on line. They ended up booking two connecting cabins.

Perhaps someone else has tried 5 in a cabin and could advise you.

As others have said, it would help to know what ship you are planning.

If you are "just looking" and haven't decided on a particular ship go to the RC website and look at deck plans. You can also do a "dummy" booking on line - it will only allow the correct number of people per cabin/suite.

Sounds like you have a lot of planning to do - bear in mind with one cabin you would only get one bathroom. A suite might offer more room - but not necessarily extra bathroom. Perhaps work with a travel agent, or call RC if you plan on booking directly with them. There might be lots of options both room-wise and financially. For example, two or three rooms might work out to be less expensive than a large suite.

Good luck!

The deck plans for cabin numbers are the same. Keep in mind for the best views you need to be closer to the back (aft) of the ship.

If you do a search on this board you will find lots of information regarding pros and cons of different decks - e.g. views, noise, etc. Everyone seems to have their personal opinion.

There are also public balconies on decks 10, 11 and 12 on the aft of the ship - often referred to as the "secret balconies." They are usually not crowded and offer great views of the ocean and theater.

Bookings for shows usually open up around 90 days or so before sail date - keep checking the RC web site.

It is a good idea to book the shows - they do open up seating 10 minutes before a performance so if you don't have a reservation you can usually get in. Exception might be the Comedy Club - smaller venue - usually is full. The reservation is tied to your Sea Pass Card - if you choose not to go you are not penalized, so it really doesn't hurt to make a reservation.

Would recommend booking the aqua show early in the week in case weather conditions cause a cancellation - they reschedule for another night later.

Welcome to RC - enjoy your cruise.