Help Create a NEW "Cruising on Royal Caribbean FAQ"

[SuitCaseBears]

Here's a link to a .jpg and hopefully a good attachment of the .pdf. The previous one that was posted didn't open for me.

CLIA-Pre-Boarding Health Questionnaire_Rev7.pdf

[SuitCaseBears]

Just looked more carefully and it's both Rev 6 and Rev 7. I'm not sure of the difference.

[Rockfc1]

about to cruise on the Adventure of the Seas and was wondering if anyone can post drinks prices. They now do an alcohol pack and I would like to compare the costs against bar / wine prices

 

Tanks

[Travel R]

Best advice - book ahead, plan ahead, reserve ahead.

 

If you want the best dining, excursion, and sailing experience - don't wait to departure day to plan those things. More often than not - you snooze, you lose.

 

As for excusions, I would add a caveat for fully outdoor/adventure type of tours (myself and my DW like to do the oudoor adventure stuff - kayaking, bike riding, deep sea fishing, etc.). For very popular excursions, yes, book as early as possible. However, for those outdoor excursions, I would wait until closer to the cruise (or on the ship itself) until you can determine the weather conditions for that day.

 

[Tip - Always pack one of those small/cheap ponchos with you, even for walking-tours. They will come in very handy when it rains, and much easier to pack and carry than an umbrella.]

 

Also, make sure you have researched alternative/back-up excursions in case the one you have booked has been abruptly cancelled (both on-cruise and private). If you find out your excusion has been cancelled (it happened to us), you can quickly book a different excursion ASAP before your desired alternate excursion choice is fully booked.

Edited May 22, 2013 by Travel R

[Doudou1]

RCCL's alcohol policy states "Guests are NOT allowed to bring alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption or any other use" - this includes WINE, beer, liquor and any and all other alcoholic beverages. (RCCL no longer allows you to bring wine onboard and pay a corkage fee). You can purchase bottles of wine onboard, or pre-cruise through Gifts and Gear, and have it delivered to your stateroom or the main dining room. You can purchase a bucket of beers and bring them to your stateroom. You cannot purchase bottled liquor for consumption in your stateroom.) Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from Shops On Board will be stored by the ship and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.

 

RCCL's alcohol policy further states "Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over consume, provide alcohol to people under age 21, demonstrate irresponsible behavior, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage check points or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Conduct Policy. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them. Please Note: All guests must comply with TSA guidelines for transporting liquids."

 

 

You ARE allowed to bring non-alcoholic beverages onboard for personal use. This includes bottled water, soda, juice, etc. Although the water on the ship is fine to drink, many cruisers (this poster included) have purchased a case of bottled water at the departure port, put a luggage tag on it and dropped it off at the pier with it safely delivered to their cabin later in the day. For soda and juices, you might want to pack them in a garbage bag inside a duffel bag or small suitcase. Bear in mind, again, that Security may inspect the containers. Further, it has been posted on this board that RCCL may restrict this policy during spring break. So if in doubt, call ahead and check.

 

This has changed .You are allowed to bring 2 Bottles off your favourite Wine or Champagne with you on embarkation day (the day you start your Cruise )

[PlanoCJ]

Yes! Thank you.

 

 

I look forward to adding our info to the thread after our first cruise. ;)

 

PlanoCJ

[rvcastle]

I was interested in finding out the status of the refunds from the cruise. I have received the certificates but have not received any refunds for the soda package and the special dining package.

I was wondering if I misunderstood the refund policy. How does everyone else understaand the package ?

Thanks Roy Castle

[luckey1]

they no longer let you bring water or soda on board

[Coralc]

they no longer let you bring water or soda on board

 

Since when?

[ticktoneer]

they no longer let you bring water or soda on board

My buddy has just taken 24 x small water and 2 x 8 can cases of coke on the current AOS cruise so they do let you :-)

[nb125]

Hi - this is only my second post after years of lurking because that's how long my husband has been trying to convince me to try cruising. We have finally booked Indpendence of the Seas Spanish Med cruise next June. Too early to start serious planning but I can't resist reading the boards evey day.

 

I was curious about the contradictory reports regarding water so I asked the question of RCI on live chat and got the following answer which seems pretty definite.

 

" Our policy is that guests are not allowed to bring anything other than 2 bottles of wine/champagne with them. [16:50] If you require water, this is complimentary on board, however if you want to take your own water for medical reasons, this can be discussed further.

 

 

[DaisyL]

Recently cruised EOS and they had the new Coke machines. Love them! Every possible combination of sodas with several choices of caffeine-free diet sodas. You need to purchase the soda package though.

Edited June 30, 2013 by DaisyL

[scmarie]

Recently cruised EOS and they had the new Coke machines. Love them! Every possible combination of sodas with several choices of caffeine-free diet sodas. You need to purchase the soda package though.

Do u know if navigator has the new coke machines

[rodenboy]

I went on the Allure last September and was just wondering, when I sail next year (also on the Allure) will the shows change or will Chicago/Blue Planet etc etc still be playing?

 

Sorry if I asked in the wrong place!

[jodrealtor]

I have been taking a case of water with me for years. Just booked Independence for November. We can't take water?

[slmwo]

It's my understanding that the "rules" have always said no water but that it's not enforced. I've brought full cases of water on board with no problem. I've also read where some people put the luggage sticker right on a case of water and haven't had problems.

[sully108]

This has changed .You are allowed to bring 2 Bottles off your favourite Wine or Champagne with you on embarkation day (the day you start your Cruise )

 

Hi - trying to determine - can each passenger bring 2 bottles of wine - or is it each cabin ?

[nb125]

It's 2 bottles per cabin.

[michelle131964]

It's 2 bottles per cabin.

 

 

I was advised in Australia you cannot take any wine or spirits on board but can take water. I took bottles of water last december and it was ok. :)

[Yenom]

It's my understanding that the "rules" have always said no water but that it's not enforced. I've brought full cases of water on board with no problem. I've also read where some people put the luggage sticker right on a case of water and haven't had problems.

 

 

I've not only read, but seen this done many times. However, I have recently read people saying that they were not able to do the luggage tags on them anymore. The last cruise I went on, I saw a few cases of water sitting outside the security scanners. However, I also saw a couple of people carring water onto the ship.

 

I purchase a couple of cases of water onboard the ship every time I cruise (2 cases Evian were around $70+ last cruise -I drink a lot of water at night to offset any drinking done during the day). I'm always thinking that I'm going to just take the chance and try carrying a case or two on. However, I just don't really like just going against the rules so openly. The stress of wondering if I'll get on board hasn't been worth it for me.

 

I wish they would just say everyone can bring a case of water if they carry it on (officially). That would greatly improve my experience. They make plenty of money off of me for all the drinks I get during the cruise, so they won't be hurting with me carrying a case of water onboard to supplement my water purchases. It would be even better for me, if they would add bottled water the premium drink package (I heard they do it on Celebrity, but I want to stick exclusively with the RCCL cruises until Double Diamond).

[Dizfan]

they no longer let you bring water or soda on board

We just got off Explorer today after a great eight night New England cruise. I had no problem bringing on a case of water on which I had placed a luggage tag. Our travelling companions did the same. I am wondering if it could depend on the port? We have been doing this for years out of Bayonne with no problem. I also put quite a few bottles of soda in my carryon, mainly because I drink Diet Pepsi rather than the Coke they have onboard. Also, never a problem. -- Joan

[OurWay2Go]

I can't drink the desalinated water as it makes my ankles swell terribly. This includes the water that is in the fountain sodas, soup, reconstituted juice, ice cubes, etc..

If I get a note from my Dr., do you think they would let me bring my own water on board? And who would I show the note to??? I've seen wrapped cases being taken away by the inspectors and they can be nasty.

[BrownCalico]

They should be able to make a medical exception. Contact the Special Needs department, and they should be able to help you!

 

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/allaboutcruising/guestSpecialNeeds.do

[cruisenfever]

Effective for all sailing starting on and after January 1, 2014 a new Smoking Policy on board all RCI ships will be enforced.

 

Some additional information regarding this change is available on the Royal Caribbean web site. In their Onboard Policies FAQ listing, they've added some new FAQs related to this change including:

 

Why is the smoking policy changing?

 

When is the new policy in effect?

 

There are several more FAQs related to smoking listed on the Onboard Policies page.

 

In addition to the above, an email was sent out on September 9, 2013 and containing the following information.......

 

Dear Friend,

 

In consideration of ongoing guest feedback and evolving industry standards, Royal Caribbean International is revising its onboard smoking policy, effective for all sailings departing on or after January 1, 2014.

 

Under this new policy, all indoor public spaces will be smoke free, with the exception of the Casino and the Connoisseur Club on Freedom and Voyager Class ships and one designated smoking venue on ships sailing from Chinese homeports. In the Casino, there will be designated smoking and non-smoking areas.

 

Additionally, smoking will not be permitted in the staterooms or on stateroom balconies. Outdoor smoking areas will be designated on the starboard side of all ships; with the exception of Oasis-class ships that will allow smoking on the port side of the ships.

 

Indoor smoking areas permit tobacco cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. Cigars and pipe tobacco can be enjoyed in designated outdoor areas, or in the cigar club on the ships that offer this venue.

 

Please consult our Smoking Policy FAQ for more details.

 

Royal Caribbean International is committed to continually enhancing the guest vacation experience. To find smoking venues and areas while onboard, please consult your Cruise Compass, or visit Guest Services, where we will be happy to assist you.

 

Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

Edited September 10, 2013 by cruisenfever

[grammy221]

Johnny Rockets is on board the following ships.

 

Majesty, Voyager, Explorer, Adventure, Navigator, Mariner, Freedom, Liberty, Independence and Oasis of the Seas.

 

There is a cover charge of $4.95 per person. This fee includes all food ordered for dining in. Beverages such as milk shakes, bottled water and sodas are extra. Cover charge includes standard gratuity. The cover charge also applies to carry out but each person is limited to the amount of food that one can order.

 

Hours vary by day and ship. Oasis of the Seas currently offers breakfast with no cover charge.

 

They have the best breakfast offered on Allure of the Seas. No charge for it.

:) We will be on the Oasis in March and will eat breakfast there again.