About this journalThis Journal is the place I tend to write my general thoughts and feelings about all things in life....as they cross my path.
July 2008
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5/15/08 12:33 am
Cruise Tips from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

 |  | We've talked to our guests and they've helped us compile an invaluable list of helpful tips for first-time cruisers. Who knows? After your cruise you may have something to add.
1. Online Check-In - Speed up the boarding process by completing the Online Check-In process online after reserving your cruise, instead of at the port prior to departure.
2. Our Shore & Land Excursions are fun, full of adventure and very popular, so they book up fast. You have 3 options: reserve them online (up to 10 days before departure), reserve them onboard the first day at the Explorations Desk or on your TV in your stateroom using your remote control. Reserve early so you won't miss out on any of the fun.
3. For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, maybe workout clothes, and any medications you may need. This will allow you to begin enjoying your vacation immediately, because you won't have to wait for your bags to arrive at your stateroom.
4. If the spa is your thing, try to make your appointments on the first day, as the most popular treatments and times fill up fast. 5. If you want to grab a bite to eat when you first get onboard, head up to the Windjammer Café; they'll be serving.
6. Every ship has two seatings for dinner in the main dining room - 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. When you book your cruise you can select what time works best for you and we'll assign you a table. Also, some of our ships have specialty restaurants (i.e., Italian, steak, etc.) we highly recommend you try. (A nominal fee applies.) For more info check out Dining.
7. To make your cruise even more enjoyable, we offer fountain soda packages that entitle you to unlimited fountain sodas at our bars and lounges. It's a great idea for families!
8. What's the SeaPassSM? For your convenience, our ships use the SeaPass signing system. This system allows you to charge all onboard purchases by presenting the Cruise Card that is issued to you upon boarding. On the last morning of your cruise vacation, an itemized statement will be delivered to your stateroom for verification. Your SeaPass charges will be billed automatically to the credit card you selected upon check-in.
9. Getting on and off the ship - Depending on the port, there are two ways to get on and off the ship. In some ports, we dock right in the port so you can get on and off whenever you want via the gangplank. And in other ports, we use tenders (small ferry-like boats) that will take you to the port; tenders run frequently between the ship and the port. But remember to ALWAYS bring your SeaPass with you, as you will need it to get off and get back on the ship. 10. Tipping - So that you can thank those who have made your cruise vacation better than you could have imagined, we've developed these gratuity guidelines: | Suite attendant: | $5.75 USD | a day per guest | | Stateroom attendant: | $3.50 USD | a day per guest | | Dining Room Waiter: | $3.50 USD | a day per guest | | Assistant Waiter: | $2.00 USD | a day per guest | | Headwaiter: | $.75 USD | a day per guest | Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages. Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine check when you are served. | Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:  | Pre paid by having them added to your reservation by your reservation agent. |  | Added to your onboard SeaPass account. |  | Paid in cash at the end of the cruise | |
5/15/08 02:21 am
Last Cruise Detail Booked...the Ft. Lauderdale Airport to Port of Miami Transportation!
 Well....as far as I can tell...I have made the last bit of arrangements needed for our cruise.
I booked a car between the airport at Ft. Lauderdale and the Port of Miami.
It is a private van / car. and it picks us up at the airport and whisks us to the port. It costs $73.00 total (one way), or about $18.25 each.
Now I can rest easy as we make our way down to Miami.
5/15/08 12:23 pm
A little information on our cruise ship.......
First of all, I was looking on a website called Vacations To GO for information on our particular cruise ship......I have included the list and basic specifications of all the ships in the Royal Caribbean ship inventory far below.
Then just below you will find more details on the our specific ship.....Magesty of the Seas:
Majesty of the Seas |    | The seven-story Centrum is the hub of this ship, an atrium of polished marble and gleaming brass that's surrounded by bars, lounges and shops. Favorite gathering places on board include the elegant champagne bar, the nautically themed Schooner Piano Bar and the Viking Crown Lounge, which is perched high atop the ship and offers spectacular views. Work out with a view in the ShipShape Fitness Center, spend a few pampering hours in the spa, or play basketball on an open-air court. There's also a cinema, casino, showroom and three lounges for dancing. The Windjammer Café is a casual alternative to the two formal dining rooms. | | | | | Ship Statistics | | | Year Built | 1992 | | | | Refurbished | 2002 | | | | Refurbished | 2007 | | | | Tonnage | 74,000 tons | | | | Registry | Bahamas | | | | Length | 880 feet | | | | Beam | 106 feet | | | | Passenger Capacity | 2,744 | | | | Crew Size | 827 | | | | Total Inside Cabins | 445 | | | | Total Outside Cabins | 731 | | | | Cabins & Suites w/ verandas | 63 | | | | Suites | 13 | | | | Maximum Occupancy per room | 4 | | | | Age Restrictions | One person must be 21 or older | | | | Dinner Seatings | 2 | | | | Seating Assignments | Assigned | | | | Dining Hours | 6:15 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. | | | | Dining Room Dress Code | 3- & 4-day cruises: 1 formal night, others casual or smart casual. | | | | Tipping Recommended? | Yes | | | | Tipping Guidelines | Waiter, $3.50 per person/day. Asst. waiter, $2 per person/day. Maitre'D, $.75 per person/day. Cabin steward, $3.50 per person/day. 15% tip included on beverage orders. | | | | | Services & Amenities | | Movie Theatre | Yes | | Casino | Yes | | Chapel | Yes | | Disco/Dancing | Yes | | Elevators | 3 | | Hot Tub | 2 | | Internet Access | Yes | | Laundry/Dry Cleaning | Yes | | Library | Yes | | Onboard Weddings | Yes | | Self Serve Laundromats | No | | Shops | Yes | | Showroom | Yes | | Spa | Yes | | Video Arcade | Yes | | Bars/Lounges | 9 | | Beauty Salon/Barber Shop | Yes | | Fitness & Sports Facilities | | Basketball Court | Yes | | Fitness Center | Yes | | Golf Simulator | No | | Ice Skating Rink | No | | Jogging Track | Yes | | Mini-Golf Course | No | | Rock Climbing Wall | Yes | | Swimming Pool | 2 | | Tennis Court | No | | Water Sports Platform | No | | Cabin Features & Amenities | | Telephone | Yes | | Television | Yes | | 24-Hour Room Service | Yes | | Hair Dryer | Yes | | Safe | No | | Kids Facilities | | Babysitting | Yes | | Children's Playroom | Yes | | Kiddie Pool | Yes | | Supervised Youth Program | Yes | | Teen Center | Yes | | Special Needs & Requests | Adjoining Cabins (private connecting doors) | Yes | | Kosher Meals | Yes | | Single Occupancy Cabins | No | | Single Share Program | No | | Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins | 4 | |
| SHIP | PASSENGERS | BUILT | |  |  | Adventure of the Seas | 3,835 | 2001 |  | Brilliance of the Seas | 2,501 | 2002 |  | Enchantment of the Seas | 2,446 | 1997 |  | Explorer of the Seas | 3,835 | 2000 |  | Freedom of the Seas | 4,375 | 2006 |  | Grandeur of the Seas | 2,446 | 1996 |  | Independence of the Seas | 4,375 | 2008 |  | Jewel of the Seas | 2,501 | 2004 |  | Legend of the Seas | 2,076 | 1995 |  | Liberty of the Seas | 4,375 | 2007 |  | Majesty of the Seas | 2,744 | 1992 |  | Mariner of the Seas | 3,835 | 2003 |  | Monarch of the Seas | 2,744 | 1991 |  | Navigator of the Seas | 3,835 | 2002 |  | Radiance of the Seas | 2,501 | 2001 |  | Rhapsody of the Seas | 2,435 | 1997 |  | Serenade of the Seas | 2,501 | 2003 |  | Sovereign of the Seas | 2,850 | 1988 |  | Splendour of the Seas | 2,076 | 1996 |  | Vision of the Seas | 2,435 | 1998 |  | Voyager of the Seas | 3,835 | 1999 |
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