What I did
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What I would do differently...
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Day 1
 4:30 A.M. taxi to O'Hare Airport (Chicago, IL, USA) dropped me off in just 30 minutes. Just like the expressway that brought me there, O'Hare was EMPTY at 5am on a Sunday morning for my 7:30 flight.
By 5:15 I was in the security line for baggage check. Looked around and realized I WAS the line. After walking through the snake path to the x-ray tables I found it wasn't required that I take off my shoes and show off my clean socks. At about 5:18 I was on my way to my gate. Glad I passed up Starbuck's $25 orange, I got an egg mcmuffin at McDonald's.
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Although Starbucks looks like the only food station you'll encounter, keep walking! I almost bought an orange for $25.00 (ha-ha). If you're looking for your latte - go for it, BUT....
if you're looking for a McDonalds or Burger King experience, hang on, it's probably around the corner. I found a McDonalds right next to my gate.
On my way home at the Orlando airport I again only saw Starbucks before the security gate. I asked a guard and she told me there was a "Sabbaro's Pizza" past security. I LOVE Sabbaro's (this is from a gal from Chicago :)) Let me tell you, if you can get excited about anything on your way home from a cruise... it's a good thing!
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Flight from Chicago to Orlando was a great buy on Spirit Airlines -- about $160 at Orbitz.
We were served (morning flight) a tiny bag of pretzels (which was the snack I had brought with me) and a soda.
We were three across; I had the window seat and a husband/wife were next to me. Apparent from the blanket wrap and multiple kleenex tissues, I determined my seatmate had a cold -- great!
And.... if you're flying into Orlando, remember odds are good there'll be kids on your flight. The little girl behind me was traveling with her aunt who didn't want to remind her how impolite it is to kick the seat in front of you!!
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I got a good deal on a non-stop that got me to Orlando in plenty of time to get to my ship. I wouldn't change anything.
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I'm a smoker and hadn't had one since 5AM. (remember the little girl who kicked the back of my seat all the way to Orlando?!) So, upon arrival, I frantically searched for a way OUT for a quick cigarette! After diving out the first doors I see... well, "OOPS" THIS LEVEL doesn't allow smoking OUTDOORS! Can I bite someone's leg now?!?!
After not being arrested for smoking tobacco (I was a good girl and found a LEGAL place to smoke), I found my bags and decided on a luggage cart from the free-standing machine. Couldn't figure out how to get the cart out and had to pay another $3 after I locked it back in by mistake.
And then -- there I was.. ready for my cruise... standing in the Orlando Airport.... with my luggage cart WITHOUT A CLUE!!
There were lines and people with signs and everyone appeared to know what was going on. (except me, of course.)
Someone informed that me I needed to walk 'down there' for the RCL buses. It would have been more helpful if they had said "we're at this end of the airport and the buses ARE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE AIRPORT"?!
Hey, I'm cool! (actually I huffed and puffed with sweat as I lugged my luggage cart in the heat.)
Before boarding the bus you are asked to fill out all your paperword if you hadn't already. From reading the cruisecritic boards I knew to do this beforehand. It saves the hassle of standing outside filling it out!
I also learned what to put in my carryon suitcase (i.e. medications, make-up, bathing suit, clothes for 1st night dinner, etc.). There wasn't much room on the bus for a carryon - unless it was a briefcase. So ALL luggage was packed together and unloaded at the ship on its way to your cabin. Since I chose not to wait for the luggage to be unloaded to grab my carryon, I tipped the porter (positioned at the door as you get off the bus) and began my FIRST CRUISE!
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1) quit smoking :)
Then Grab a porter!!! Not only will they handle your luggage for you, but they know their way around!
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Embarkation ('check-in') was terrific!
They were passing out FREE Rum Punch (at a table out of a punch-bowl) on Deck 4.
I'd heard so much about the infamous "Welcome" drink that comes in a souvenir glass and costs $7.95 (+/-) that I was surprised. But, sure enough, after I "flushed the toilet and checked the lights" in the cabin, I went to top deck for "Bon Voyage," where my drink was $7.28 (including 15% tax) and included a souvenir glass. Hey! You ARE on vacation ;)!
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I read somewhere "Go to the line on the LEFT. For some reason, people usually automatically go to the right line; so the left is shorter." This proved true :)!
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Don't tattle on me, but I found my cabin steward (Alfred) and gave him $10 in advance to keep my collapsible cooler filled with ice (for the Caffeine-Free Soda and beer I smuggled on in my luggage).
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"Smuggling" as it is known, is a topic of MUCH debate and discussion. Perhaps one day I'll dedicate an entire page to the subject.
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Sometime before dinner was "Muster" - the Safety Drill. Everyone must attend -- and for a good reason -- this will show you where you would go in case of emergency. You'll also learn how to put on your life-jacket correctly.
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We all complain about this process. But I would like to believe that most appreciate how important it is.
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Dining
Had early seating at a table for six (would have been three couples, but my Tim didn't make it). I had wonderful tablemates with a couple celebrating their xxth anniversay and Newlyweds that did make it to dinner most nights ;)!
Day 1 - Dinner was casual; wore sundress. Thoroughly enjoyed my: Minnestrone soup, Caesar Salad, Chicken Marsala and Angel Food Cake with marinated Strawberries.
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It was delightful, I wouldn't change a thing.
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CASINO - As I think most of us do, I have a love/hate relationship with the Casino.
It'd been a while since I'd been in a Casino and as much as I dislike the slots, that's usually where you "ease into it".
The first slot machine "ate" two quarters before I got a chance to pull the handle/push the button. (You have the right to go through a number of channels and get your money back. Right, for Fifty Cents?!?)
I moved on to another machine. The same thing happened in the Poker machine (5 quarters this time).. and I said g'nite to the Casino.
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Wouldn't change this: Decided "This is not my night" and left the Casino :)
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DAY 2
Had heard the best "alarm" is to order Room Service and since I love breakfast I ordered some Tea and Fruit for a leisurely wake-up. Two hours later I headed to the Windjammer Buffet for a breakfast with more substance :) -- yep, a COLD bagel, sign said "scrambled eggs" (or I wouldn't have known), hard pancake, fresh muffins and terrific fruit!
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Wouldn't waste time at the breakfast buffet.
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COCOCAY
Headed to Deck 3 for Tender about 10:15. Line was relatively short. (FYI: You just need your SeaPass.) After waiting about 15 minutes for tender to fill, it was a quick 5-minutes to the island.
After checking out the shops, bought a frozen rum drink in a plastic souvenir cup ($5 / $4 w/o alcohol). A lot of seaweed and 'stuff' on the shore. Found a chair (which were plentiful); checked out the (beautiful turquoise blue) water - there was a couple snorkeling. When I sat down to read my book the rain came. Everyone ran to the cute tiki thatch shelters. It was fun, like part of the whole experience. But I broke my sunglasses (while wiping them dry) and when the rain stopped I headed back to the ship.
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?? Better sunglasses?!?
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Lunch in the Dining Room
Although it's 'open seating' I was seated at a table with other diners, perhaps due to the fact that I was solo. I enjoyed Pineapple soup, Chicken burger with fries (not great) with (MY Favorite) Carrot Cake for dessert :D!!
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Fun, Games and Beverages!
I didn't really enjoy "Music Movie Trivia" at 3:00. The instrumental versions were all done in a similar fashion (they all had that "Raiders of the Lost Ark" or James Bond quality) and often weren't close to the real thing. Also, although this was held in the "Music Man Lounge" the lounge was closed and no beverages were available.
Tried my luck at Bingo (4:45 in Finnian's Rainbow). Thinking how wise I was, I brought along a soda. And, of course, the bar was open! Discovered a WONDERFUL drink called a "Mango Tango" - yum, yum yum! (I really enjoy my beer and don't usually drink harder liquor -- but RUM is a wonderful drink!!)
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Check your Daily Compass to see what time the lounge is open.
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DINNER - 6:00 - The honeymooners were missing at dinner as I enjoyed my Banarama soup, Cedar Key salad, Fettucini Alfredo and Sherbet.
7:45 - Had fun at the "Battle of the Sexes" -- a game similar to Family Feud that pits guys against gals.
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Don't miss "The Quest"!!! This adult-oriented game (usually held after 10pm) is a favorite on RCCL cruises and one of the highlights of my cruise!
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Day 3 - Nassau
Having no intention of buying anything (which must be why I tucked my new RCCL Credit Card in my purse) I headed into the Port of Nassau.
Word of advice: Learn how to read the map! Armed with only the shore map from NCL, I headed into town. Following the map, the streets and shops continued to look seedier and there were less people as I walked along. After being propositioned a few times I realized I had read the map upside down!
Quickly retracing my steps I searched for "Tanzanite International." Along my way (now among many other tourists) I found that liquor stores offer a taste of their wares. I fell in love with Banana Schnapps and had to have a bottle. Shopkeeper was wise enough to inform me that when I returned to the ship the cruiseline would take and hold my large bottle until the end of the cruise, but I could purchase a smaller bottle to take back in my purse.
The Tanzanite store? I eventually made it there... and they made me as the tourist I was... and I came home with a beautiful Tanzanite ring that I love - and I'll kick the person who says I paid too much!
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- Go ashore with friends, if possible.
- LEARN TO READ THE MAP beforehand!
- Decide ahead of time if you may purchase jewelry and do your homework. (Although I still believe I got a good deal!)
- When I returned to the ship, they did take my large bottle of Banana Schnapps, but not the smaller bottle I had in my carryon. I'll revisit the alcohol debate throughout my cruise reviews.
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Day 4 - Debarkation
Having left my luggage outside my cabin door before midnight using the color coded tags provided, I was supposed to be out of my cabin by 8-9am. I made my last visit to the dining room for breakfast. Many people were taking advantage of the buffet breakfast topside as well.
My color code was assigned to the Schooner bar to await debarkation. Well, someone has to be last... and that was us. I'm sure it was due to being my first cruise, but I joked and exchanged cruise stories with the others, and actually enjoyed the wait.
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On future cruises I learned that the order of debarkation by color codes are listed in the Daily Compass.
I also found that they don't check the color code on your luggage and you can blend in with others and get off earlier. WARNING while you may be off the ship early, your luggage probably won't as they unload the luggage by color codes as well.
If getting off the ship is a priority for you - Get an Early Departure pass. You can opt to carry off your own luggage (also known as self debarkation) and be off the ship as early as 7:30. The night before debarkation, go to the Guest Services desk on Deck 4 to get an early departure pass.
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NEW!