Royal Caribbean/Questions Answered by Expert Christine Sholander
| Subject | Date Asked |
| upgrades | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: How do I find out about possible cabin upgrades? A: You can periodically check the cruise line's web site to see if there are sales in the higher ... | |
| Shore Excursions | 4/26/2011 |
| Q: I will be sailing on the Vision of the Seas this June. This will be my first time visiting ... A: Good Morning, The two tours you mention are similar in one aspect- wherever you journey in ... | |
| Shore excursions | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: Are there any shore excursions at Cococay? We don't do the water activities. A: There are eco-boat excursions, nature walks, parasailing and glass-bottom boat tours. Try this ... | |
| CRUISE BOOKING ON-LINE DISCOUNT SITES | 2/12/2011 |
| Q: I WANT TO BOOK A CRUISE. I LOOKED ON-LINE AT A WEB-SITE AND THE FEE WAS GREAT. IS IT SAFE TO BOOK ... A: I can't speak to the safety of booking with online web sites. I can, however, highly recommend ... | |
| Royal caribbean cabin | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: I wanted to know what all is included in the cabin? Would I need to take my own shampoo and body ... A: In your stateroom you'll find bar soap for the sink and liquid soap for the shower, as well as ... | |
| dining | 5/25/2010 |
| Q: I just booked a cruise on RCCL going to the Caribbean. I need to have the early dining seating. ... A: A lot of factors are at play with set dining. The sooner you book your cruise, the more likely you ... | |
| outside rooms | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: Where on a royal caribbean ship would i be best booking. I am very claustrophobic and would need to ... A: Take a look at the deck plans for the ships. You'll be able to see where the cabins are located on ... | |
| disembarkation | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: We are sailing on Voyager of the Seas leaving from Galveston. We are driving from WISCONSIN so are ... A: You'll need to speak with Guest Services on board to request self-disembarkation. Basically, you ... | |
| disembarkation | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: We are sailing on Voyager of the Seas leaving from Galveston. We are driving from WISCONSIN so are ... A: When you fill out your SetSail information online, you'll need to give them your departure travel ... | |
| Payments | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: We are doing our first ever cruise on the ten night cruise from Miami on the jewel of the seas ... A: Before you cruise, you'll need to go online to www.royalcaribbean.com and fill out the mandatory ... | |
| Dress Code | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: We are doing our first ever cruise on the ten night cruise from Miami on the jewel of the seas ... A: There are two formal nights on 10-night cruises, two smart casual nights and six casual nights. ... | |
| Water Package | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I will be cruising on the Oasis Of The Seas later this year and also on the Allure. What is the cost ... A: The water packages available for purchase are listed below: 8 bottles - $28.45 12 bottles - $40.30 ... | |
| Drink price and tipping - Freedom of the seas | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: My daughter and I are travelling on FOS - 24Jan2010. We are from South Africa. I would like to know ... A: Depending on the brand of beer and rum you choose, you can expect per drink prices to be in the ... | |
| Royal Caribbean | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: On the Cruise Tours from Venice to Rome 4EB what are the hotels that the cruise lines uses? Thanks A: Royal Caribbean has a number of hotels in each city that they may use for this cruisetour. In ... | |
| soda fountain package | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know which soda's are includes in the soda package. Is there a non fizzy drink ... A: All the regular sodas are included in the package. For instance, Coke or Pepsi, Sprite, Ginger Ale, ... | |
| Menu Substitutions in Specialty Restaurants? | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: We set sail on Freedom of the Seas in September. I'm a real foodie & am looking forward to Chops & ... A: I've found that the restaurants on board are usually very willing to make substitutions when ... | |
| Royal Carribean Cruise | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: Do you know if we can buy a drinks pass for a 7 day cruise if so how much and what are the terms and ... A: Royal Caribbean usually offers a soda pass for kids and adults. The cost is around 7USD per person ... | |
| Dress Code | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: Our family is going on our first cruise on the RC Mariner Pacific side of Mexico. I am wondering ... A: The kids are fine on formal night with khakis and a nice shirt with a collar, ties are good as well ... | |
| Formal and smart casual on Legend of the Seas | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: We are on our first cruise to the Eastern Med on the Legend of the Seas, Sept '09. I'm happy with ... A: The cost of renting (or hiring) formal attire is the cost for the entire cruise. Some cruises have ... | |
| Formal and smart casual on Legend of the Seas | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: We are on our first cruise to the Eastern Med on the Legend of the Seas, Sept '09. I'm happy with ... A: I love the Legend of the Seas - she's a beautiful ship! You'll find that passengers on Eastern Med ... | |
| Europe shore excursions | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: We are contemplating a cruise aboard the Voyager of the Seas in Europe. I've seen your comment ... A: Depending on your sightseeing spirit - and energy, there are ways to visit these cities on your own. ... | |
| soda | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: I was just wondering if you can bring your own soda on the ship with you? also, this is my first ... A: Cruise lines do not allow passengers to bring their own beverages on board with them. You can ... | |
| Ship to airport shuttles Alaska Cruises | 3/28/2009 |
| Q: We are planning a cruisetour 8/31/09. Does RCCL provide or have arrangements for airport shuttles - ... A: Good Morning Phil, RCCL does offer transfer service between Vancouver airport and the cruise ship ... | |
| choosing a suite | 3/12/2009 |
| Q: We are interested in booking a suite and have been told the best decks are 6,7,or 8. However, it ... A: Royal Caribbean has many ships within their fleet and many deck plans for their different classes of ... | |
| hot to talk to others on our cruise in advance | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: love to know others out there that might have kids close to mine. We are sailin RC Liberty of the ... A: I don't know who else is sailing on board that may have similar-aged children as yours, but I do ... | |
| Vow renewal | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: Can you have an on-shore vow renewal on RCL private island cococay? A: Royal Caribbean has a service which handles all of their weddings and vow renewals, both on land and ... | |
| Royal Carribean | 2/2/2009 |
| Q: We have a 10-14 year old boys. We are on Granduer of Seas to Costa Maya and Cozumel on March 21. ... A: Your boys will be fine in shirts and ties for the formal dinner night. Even button-down shirts and ... | |
| shore excuraions | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: I am booked on the radiance of the seas from buenos aires to valparaiso 14 days . I am looking for ... A: On their web site, www.RoyalCaribbean.com, there is a section under the pull-down menu "Before You ... | |
| Formal cruise attire | 12/31/2008 |
| Q: I was reading up on cruise attire and I noticed RC recommends "cocktail dresses" for formal attire. ... A: I have sailed many ships and many itineraries and I've found that formal attire runs the gamut from ... | |
| Royal Caribbean - shore excursions | 12/16/2008 |
| Q: We are doing our first RC cruise leaving Rome June 14th, going to Crete, Turkey, Greece. Does the ... A: Without additional info about your ship and itinerary, these are my thoughts: Civitavecchia is the ... | |
| Cocobay snorkeling | 12/7/2008 |
| Q: We are going on a Royal Caribbean cruise (Mariner Of The Seas) with the extended family and are ... A: Coco Cay is one of Royal Caribbean's private island destinations located in the Bahamas. There are ... | |
| Noise on lower decks | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: I'm going on an alaska cruise next summer on Rhapsody of the Seas and we've a N-type cabin on deck2. ... A: I have never experienced noise problems from the engines or anchor on the lower decks. You don't say ... | |
| Rhapsody of the Seas cruise to Alaska 9/5 | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: Can you furnish me with the itinerary. I am already booked. A: I have included the itinerary for your cruise below. If you wish, you can also go to ... | |
| Royal Caribbean Mexican Riviera shore excursions | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: This is our first cruise (2 adults, 16 year old). Is it recommended to purchase shore excursions in ... A: I have a personal rule of thumb regarding booking shore excursions in advance. If there is something ... | |
| wine on board | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: Christine,Hello,we are going to Med on RCCL Brillianse ots,if we pre purchase wine from online gifts ... A: Royal Caribbean does have a corkage fee for wine brought into the dining room but I have done this ... | |
| Land Excursions | 7/13/2008 |
| Q: We will going on a Mediterranean Cruise in October on Royal Caribbean. I heard it was less ... A: I'm not sure which excursions you are referring to, but in general, while in Europe I would stick to ... | |
| Acceptable attire for Specialty Restaurant? | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: We are taking a 5 day Western Caribbean cruise in July on Enchantment of the Seas. Is a jacket ... A: Below is the suggested attire for specialty dining restaurants posted on Royal Caribbean's web site: ... | |
| Arrival time | 6/22/2008 |
| Q: I want to pick up a passenger from your RCCL ship returning to San Pedro, CA from Mexico on Sunday, ... A: RCCL has cruise terminals in San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you wish, you can go to ... | |
| Top deck staterooms | 6/7/2008 |
| Q: We are planning two caribbean cruises on Adventure of the Seas and want Junior Suites. We wanted ... A: I have very rarely had a noise complaint from Deck 10 Junior Suites on board the Voyager class ... | |
| horseback riding in Aruba | 6/3/2008 |
| Q: Is it worth it? We have horses in KY. , just pleasure ride, but are very experienced. Want to ride ... A: Most horse-back riding excursions in the islands are based on the premise that vacationers are not ... | |
| Freedom of the Seas | 5/27/2008 |
| Q: We have booked a deck 6 Balcony room category D2 on Freedom of the Seas to sail July 13th from ... A: Freedom of the Seas does not have passenger washers/dryers on board. A laundry service is offered ... | |
| RCCL food questions | 4/17/2008 |
| Q: Do you know if Explorere of the Seas has any kind of a "champaigne bar" and if so, do they sell ... A: The Explorer of the Seas has a fabulous Champagne Bar! Unfortunately, they no longer serve caviar. ... | |
| Wine pre-purchase | 4/16/2008 |
| Q: Christine, We are going on a Caribbean cruise on Enchantment of the Seas next month. I noticed ... A: If you pre-buy wine through RCCL's web site and have it delivered to the dining room, they will keep ... | |
| Alaska Cruise - Rhapsody of the Seas | 4/1/2008 |
| Q: I believe this is the first time this ship sails to Alaska, is that correct? If so, what have they ... A: You're correct - the Rhapsody of the Seas is making her debut in Alaska this season. As far as the ... | |
| Liquor | 3/21/2008 |
| Q: Can we still purchase scotch on board and pay the corking fee and take it to our room that day? A: As of this date, Royal Caribbean has the following policies regarding liquor purchases: "Alcoholic ... | |
| transporation | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: can i pay rccl by credit card for transportation from fll to ship and back travel time in march A: If you are planning to purchase transfers from Royal Caribbean to get you from the airport to the ... | |
| rccl | 2/1/2008 |
| Q: we arrive back at cape liberty early morning after our cruise on the explorer of the seas our flight ... A: Cape Liberty cruise port has many sightseeing opportunities for its debarking cruise ship ... | |
| dress code defined better | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: Good Morning! I am going on a June cruise to Bermuda on Royal Caribbean's "Explorer of the Seas" and ... A: Typically the Bermuda itinerary tends to be a little dressier than some Caribbean itineraries. On ... | |
| dress code | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: On a 5 day cruise. How many formal nights? What manner of dress on other nights.Nothing was stated ... A: You didn't mention your ship or itinerary but typically there is one formal night on a 5-night ... | |
| explorer of the seas cruise | 1/18/2008 |
| Q: we are going on this ship in march and would like to know if all the staterooms have now been ... A: Explorer of the Seas is a great ship! If you are asking if the all of the staterooms themselves have ... | |
| Alcohol | 12/30/2007 |
| Q: Would it be ok to take a small plastic bottle of alcohol on board? A: Royal Caribbean has a clear policy regarding alcohol brought on board by passengers. For your ... | |
| pre cruise tours | 10/28/2007 |
| Q: I would like to know hotel and cruise company that is safe and good for a handicapped senior. We ... A: I'd like to make sure I understand your questions. - You say you are scheduled to depart Barcelona ... | |
| Catholic mass | 10/21/2007 |
| Q: Is there a catholic mass onboard for Sunday and Holy Days? Can we get our wedding vows renewed, it ... A: My apologies for the lateness of my response - I did not receive your original email question. ... | |
| precruise/flightarrangement | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: do you know, which hotel RCCL books for his guests in San Juan in combination with precruise ... A: Royal Caribbean uses a variety of hotels in San Juan for pre- and post-cruise stays. They are: - ... | |
| RCCL Enchantment of the Seas | 9/19/2007 |
| Q: I have booked a Junior Suite in the back corner of the Enchantment. I have the Carousel Lounge ... A: The Western Caribbean in April can be a bit like spring in the East Coast - windy and blustery. ... | |
| RCCL Enchantment of the Seas | 9/19/2007 |
| Q: I have booked a Junior Suite in the back corner of the Enchantment. I have the Carousel Lounge ... A: I have generally found the noise level above the Carousel Lounge to be manageable. This lounge is ... | |
| job offers | 9/4/2007 |
| Q: Where can I find a link to application for navigation officer? A: I have included below a link to Royal Caribbean's employment opportunities web page. (Please make ... | |
| Bermuda Excursions | 8/29/2007 |
| Q: We are planning a Bermuda sept 9 thru the 14 on Royal Caribbean, would you recommend any ... A: There are many ports which offer wonderful snorkeling spots, but Bermuda is filled with fabulous ... | |
| Bermuda Excursions | 8/28/2007 |
| Q: We are planning a Bermuda sept 9 thru the 14 on Royal Caribbean, would you recommend any ... A: You didn't mention who is traveling with you (perhaps children or grandparents) so I have tried to ... | |
| cruise | 8/26/2007 |
| Q: I am going with 10 of my family members on a cruise. It is RCC on the navigator ship. It sails ... A: Your stateroom 8654 on deck 8 is not very far to a main staircase. The Voyager class ships do not ... | |
| Free stuff onboard | 8/20/2007 |
| Q: Can you tell me if there are any free stuff onboard RCL. I was on a Carnival Cruise and were able to ... A: The Enchantment of the Seas is a wonderful ship! And, yes, there are some of the things you ... | |
| Re cruising on the Legend of the Seas | 8/16/2007 |
| Q: I am cruising in a week's time together with my family joining you in Rome on the 23rd It is our ... A: First, I need to tell you that I am not a Royal Caribbean employee - I am the owner of an ... | |
| Dress code | 6/29/2007 |
| Q: We are traveling on Mariner of the Seas to the eastern Caribbean in October. We will be taking our ... A: Royal Caribbean has a 'No shorts allowed' policy for the dining room at dinner time. This applies to ... | |
| job on RC.... | 6/28/2007 |
| Q: ...... my name is delano am from india looking for a job on RC.. in front office or guest ... A: I have included below a link to Royal Caribbean's employment opportunities web page. (Please make ... | |
| attire for cruising | 6/15/2007 |
| Q: We are cruising to Bermuda on Empress of the Seas. Two nights are formal...I think we have that ... A: Royal Caribbean has a 'No shorts allowed' policy for the dining room at dinner time. This applies to ... | |
| pop on board | 6/2/2007 |
| Q: i mean the kind like on Disney which is self serve? A: The Sovereign of the Seas has self-service beverage stations located in the Windjammer buffet. These ... | |
Royal Caribbean
Answers by Expert:
Christine Sholander
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer questions about Royal Caribbean's ships, staterooms, destinations, cruise tours, pre- and post-cruise travel, shore excursions, short vs. long cruises, deposits, transfers, dining, accessible cruising, weddings and vow renewals, honeymoons, reunion and group travel.
Experience
I have over 20 years in the travel industry with a concentration in cruising, and have owned my own travel agency for the past 7 years. I love cruising! and have sailed almost every Royal Caribbean ship afloat! Ask me about Destination Weddings!
Organizations
CLIA Cruise Agency Accredited Cruise Counselor
Bridal Association of America Member
Destination Weddings Senior Certified Specialist
Education/Credentials
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Expert Plus
Celebrity Special Agent
Norwegian Cruise Line Specialist
Princess Cruise Line Captain Rank
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