First time cruiser leaving next week. A few questions...

[Michi_Gal]

Hi there! I am leaving on my first cruise next week (4 nights on Mariner of the Seas) and I have some questions...

 

Do I need cash for the casino or does it go on my credit card I checked in with?

 

Do the Freestyle machines have water in them? Just plain unflavored water? Sometimes I just want a giant ice water 🙂

 

Can I use the Royal Caribbean app if I don't have an internet package? Just to see daily activities and such?

 

Is there usually a hook on the back of the bathroom door for a hanging toiletry bag? I will bring a couple magnetic hooks but I just need to know if I'll need a heavy duty one.

 

I can bring two bottles of wine and 12 bottles of water but it has to be in my carry-on. Do I have to lug that around with me for hours until I get into my cabin?

 

What other advice do you have for a first timer who is clueless about cruising? Thank you!

 

 

 

 

[cruiseguy1016]

6 hours ago, Michi_Gal said:

Hi there! I am leaving on my first cruise next week (4 nights on Mariner of the Seas) and I have some questions...

 

Do I need cash for the casino or does it go on my credit card I checked in with?

 

Do the Freestyle machines have water in them? Just plain unflavored water? Sometimes I just want a giant ice water 🙂

 

Can I use the Royal Caribbean app if I don't have an internet package? Just to see daily activities and such?

 

Is there usually a hook on the back of the bathroom door for a hanging toiletry bag? I will bring a couple magnetic hooks but I just need to know if I'll need a heavy duty one.

 

I can bring two bottles of wine and 12 bottles of water but it has to be in my carry-on. Do I have to lug that around with me for hours until I get into my cabin?

 

What other advice do you have for a first timer who is clueless about cruising? Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

1.) I have always used cash in the casino so I know that works. You can't use a credit card but I believe you can use your Sea Pass and the money will be charged to the credit card linked to your Sea Pass.

2.) I have never used the freestyle machines on the ship so I can't answer about water.

3.) I don't think the Royal IQ app works on Mariner. I'm sure someone will clarify that.

4.) Yes, there is a hook on the back of the bathroom door.

5.) The cabins usually open around 1:00 or 1:30. You will need to lug your carry-on around with you until then.

[Sobro]

Cash in the casino or you can use Seapass or ATM for a 5% fee.

 

Every bar will give you water, but I don't know about Freestyle machines.

 

I don't know if the RC App is active on Mariner.

 

All bathroom doors have a hook.

 

Yes, you'll have to lug your bottles until cabins open at 1:00 PM. 

 

You can check in at any time you like. Disregard what your cruise documents say.

 

Don't miss the ice show.

 

Avoid the buffet on embarkation day and have sandwiches at Cafe Promenade.

[shipgeeks]

You can easily get ice water in the Windjammer just about any time.  It will be set up where the hot and cold drinks are. You can also ask to have your cabin ice bucket filled, and use that with tap water.  All good water.

[Clarea]

2 minutes ago, shipgeeks said:

You can easily get ice water in the Windjammer just about any time.   ...

 

True, anytime the Windjammer is open, which on most ships is closed after 9 or 9:30pm.

[smplybcause]

I know you can get ice from the freestyle machines on board even without a freestyle cup. I'm fairly certain you can get water as well -- I know you can from freestyles on land. 

[blackshirt]

Just to be clear about the casino, you can use your sea pass card to get cash but the casino is all cash. As for the Royal app, yes you can use it without buying internet if it is supported on your ship. You can login on the app now, it will show you if your reservation is one that can use the app.

[Clarea]

2 minutes ago, smplybcause said:

I know you can get ice from the freestyle machines on board even without a freestyle cup. I'm fairly certain you can get water as well -- I know you can from freestyles on land. 

 

That would be the same water that is served in bars, restaurants, Windjammer, etc.

[smplybcause]

7 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

That would be the same water that is served in bars, restaurants, Windjammer, etc.

 

For sure! A couple times the freestyle was more convenient based on where I was and no wait unlike the bar - and it was nice when my clumsy self needed a bag of ice. Personally I just refill my water bottle at WJ most times. 

[jean-lynd]

FYI - according to the RC app Mariner is currently supported. I hope this helps!

[LeeW]

On Anthem saw kids trying to get soda in the Freestyle machine without the soda package cup.  Didn't work.  But they were able to get ice and water without the cup.  So if you are near a machine, you can use it.  

[OCVTSGIRL]

19 hours ago, jean-lynd said:

FYI - according to the RC app Mariner is currently supported. I hope this helps!

 

Where on the app can I find this information?  I wanted to check the Brilliance but I'm seeing this information.

[cb at sea]

You can get ice water at ANY bar or eating venue...and in your cabin, if you request ice!

[jean-lynd]

1 hour ago, OCVTSGIRL said:

 

Where on the app can I find this information?  I wanted to check the Brilliance but I'm seeing this information.

If you tap on the icon that looks like a person at the top it will take you to a screen where you can "select a different sailing".  The Brilliance does come up as one of the options.  I hope this helps!

[Michi_Gal]

Thank you all so much! I'm glad to know I can get water anytime I want. I will definitely bring cash for the casino. I appreciate all the help! 

[sadoan]

Whenever we bring water on board I tape around it leaving a handle and slap a luggage tag on it.  We give it to the porters and have never had any problems with it being delivered to our room!

[cruiseguy1016]

57 minutes ago, sadoan said:

Whenever we bring water on board I tape around it leaving a handle and slap a luggage tag on it.  We give it to the porters and have never had any problems with it being delivered to our room!

 

That practice is no longer allowed. The new rule is you are allowed to take 12 bottles and IT MUST be in your carry-on luggage. You are no longer allowed to slap a luggage tag on a case of water and send it through as checked luggage. There are a few reports of this new rule not being enforced but there are several more reports of it being strictly enforced.

[Clarea]

54 minutes ago, sadoan said:

Whenever we bring water on board I tape around it leaving a handle and slap a luggage tag on it.  We give it to the porters and have never had any problems with it being delivered to our room!

 

That technique will not work at Port Canaveral, and  it could be that other ports will at some point do the same.  Royal has changed their policy on bringing non-alcoholic beverages on board and requires they be carried on.