confession to make hhh

[dvandentop]

ok against all the royal carib.haters the.countdown is gettin low and cant keep it a secret any longer so excited.


symphony of the seas is the ship


really good discount via ur comp for this cruise balcony with aft deck and good location
retail was around 6k for what we wanted got it for 1500 or so with casino discount

add on another $1000 for full open bar and full.speciality dining and internet. also paid for zip line and waterpark at coco cay so $2500 for 7 days cant complain.

really looking forward to our 1st.cruise


post your.fav st thomas and st kitts excursions


not sure if we will do any or not for sure planning on st thomas.sky tram and gettin a bushwhacker atleast


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[dvandentop]

loaded up on some sweet cruise shirts on kohls summer.clearance


also was able to use my amex.free companion flight to miami so.saved $550 by using thathttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191027/b06d4ff98c2ed5972b1e89660c8d2078.jpg

[Elf70]

It sounds like you got a tremendous deal! You will have an amazing time for sure. Hopefully you’ll do a TR so we can follow along.

[treyster]

You'll get a couple of handpays onboard making the entire trip free!

[zeus]

Good for you! Sounds like a helluva deal. I can only offer suggestions for St. Thomas. One of my all time favorite excursions was a quick boat ride over to St. John. It is beautiful with great beaches and snorkeling. We visited Trunk Bay when we were the only ship in port, so it was not crowded at all. And if Amy wants a little something pretty, you cannot beat the prices on jewelry, and I mean incredible deals, and it is all duty free. You two will have a ball.

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[Nhcris]

Sounds like a great deal Derek! You kids are going to love it.

St Thomas is all about the beaches and snorkeling, IMO. If you decide not to do St John (still on my wish list), Megan's Bay is lovely, Sapphire Beach is also very nice, and Coki Beach is not as peaceful but has fabulous snorkeling. After my excursions, I usually spend a bit of time at the bar right near the cruise terminal. I think it's called Mojo's Rum and Surf Shack & it's sort of in the middle of the road. They have swings at the bar and the bartenders have great personalities and pour a great drink.

I don't have any suggestions for St Kitts as we usually just wander around the port area. For us it has been the last stop on port intensive itineraries, and we are lazy by then. There is a little casino right near the pier, and just to the left of the main shopping area there is a little craft market where I have picked up some neat pottery. Lammie grabbed a taxi tour one trip, and said the island is beautiful. It is on our itinerary in March (last stop again) and we are thinking of taking the water taxi over to Nevisif we are'nt beached out by then. It is supposed to be gorgeous and have beautiful beaches.

I can't to see all your pictures and hear how much you guys love it!

[dvandentop]

It sounds like you got a tremendous deal! You will have an amazing time for sure. Hopefully you’ll do a TR so we can follow along.got internet just so i could do some updates for my jokers of course!

in struggled at buying a week of internet at $88 or so but i figured better to keep ontop of email as week went on or would be hellish to catch up once back.

[dvandentop]

You'll get a couple of handpays onboard making the entire trip free!yeah i sure hope so but with how crazy work has been this last month having to pay some up front totally worth it

[dvandentop]

Good for you! Sounds like a helluva deal. I can only offer suggestions for St. Thomas. One of my all time favorite excursions was a quick boat ride over to St. John. It is beautiful with great beaches and snorkeling. We visited Trunk Bay when we were the only ship in port, so it was not crowded at all. And if Amy wants a little something pretty, you cannot beat the prices on jewelry, and I mean incredible deals, and it is all duty free. You two will have a ball.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalkthanks for suggestions trying to widdle down hitting tourist area plus do excursion.

trying to fit in as much as can during a port day if possible. but don't want to feel run through the ringer

[dvandentop]

Sounds like a great deal Derek! You kids are going to love it.

St Thomas is all about the beaches and snorkeling, IMO. If you decide not to do St John (still on my wish list), Megan's Bay is lovely, Sapphire Beach is also very nice, and Coki Beach is not as peaceful but has fabulous snorkeling. After my excursions, I usually spend a bit of time at the bar right near the cruise terminal. I think it's called Mojo's Rum and Surf Shack & it's sort of in the middle of the road. They have swings at the bar and the bartenders have great personalities and pour a great drink.

I don't have any suggestions for St Kitts as we usually just wander around the port area. For us it has been the last stop on port intensive itineraries, and we are lazy by then. There is a little casino right near the pier, and just to the left of the main shopping area there is a little craft market where I have picked up some neat pottery. Lammie grabbed a taxi tour one trip, and said the island is beautiful. It is on our itinerary in March (last stop again) and we are thinking of taking the water taxi over to Nevisif we are'nt beached out by then. It is supposed to be gorgeous and have beautiful beaches.

I can't to see all your pictures and hear how much you guys love it! yeah deffinately contemplated meghans bay. also did see some catamarn or water taxi type deal for nevis as well.
was strongly considering one shorter excursion at each place. regardless i am sure some excursions feel like herded cats haha.

deffinately excited about the specialty restaurants each night!

been being a good boy on the diet until cruise but sure scale will be a shocker when i get home.

[DK528]

Can’t wait to read what you think of Coco Cay. Have read some
articles about it and it sounds great!



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[BorgataBabe]

That is awesome, can’t wait to hear all about it. I keep wanting to cruise RC but I get such good offers from casinos at sea on NCL that we keep cruising with them. Maybe my next cruise I’ll reach out to urcomped.

We spent a day in St. Thomas about 23 years ago, I remember it being beautiful but we basically stayed on the beach all day. My sister-in-law almost ran over people snorkeling while she was on a jet ski!


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[Penguin]

Sounds like a great deal and better yet a great time for you and Amy. Lot's of pics and critique of the cruise.

[dvandentop]

That is awesome, can’t wait to hear all about it. I keep wanting to cruise RC but I get such good offers from casinos at sea on NCL that we keep cruising with them. Maybe my next cruise I’ll reach out to urcomped.

We spent a day in St. Thomas about 23 years ago, I remember it being beautiful but we basically stayed on the beach all day. My sister-in-law almost ran over people snorkeling while she was on a jet ski!


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yeah i was less then impressed with my royal Caribbean direct offer from mlife was inside cabin and like a 3 day cruise even though was platinum but their system said i was gold.

so figured reach out to urcompd and just based off my previous trips eith em was able to get this deal. i am sure once i go a trip with royal the offers will roll in and make easier to get fully.comp on some dates.

the ship we are going on is their newest in us fleet so they got best pricing they could and such short notice before cruise it wasnt on their list to try to fill.spots for casino player so they really helped me out.

[dvandentop]

Can’t wait to read what you think of Coco Cay. Have read some
articles about it and it sounds great!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkyeah seems like a ton to do and have heard lots of good things
we coulda prob skipped the expense of waterpark and zip line but yolo! who knows how soon would get back

[dvandentop]

Sounds like a great deal and better yet a great time for you and Amy. Lot's of pics and critique of the cruise.thanks yeah as long as casino isnt too brutal should be a fun decent cost getaway

[noleman]

Good for you! Sounds like a helluva deal. I can only offer suggestions for St. Thomas. One of my all time favorite excursions was a quick boat ride over to St. John. It is beautiful with great beaches and snorkeling. We visited Trunk Bay when we were the only ship in port, so it was not crowded at all. And if Amy wants a little something pretty, you cannot beat the prices on jewelry, and I mean incredible deals, and it is all duty free. You two will have a ball.

Sent from my SM-G955U using TapatalkSecond the Day Trip to St. John's. Incredible place. Have lunch at Caneel Bay restaurant.

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[FL Mary]

I like Royal Caribbean! Have a fun time!

[dvandentop]

I like Royal Caribbean! Have a fun time!i would too with ports right in my backyard!

[dvandentop]

been binge watching all the youtube cruise videos and checking out blogs etc..


going to get onboard as early as we can

staying at hyatt centric brickell the night before got a awesome rate for government contractor rate

[dvandentop]

Second the Day Trip to St. John's. Incredible place. Have lunch at Caneel Bay restaurant.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalkhow long does boat ride take?

[BorgataBabe]

yeah i was less then impressed with my royal Caribbean direct offer from mlife was inside cabin and like a 3 day cruise even though was platinum but their system said i was gold.

so figured reach out to urcompd and just based off my previous trips eith em was able to get this deal. i am sure once i go a trip with royal the offers will roll in and make easier to get fully.comp on some dates.

the ship we are going on is their newest in us fleet so they got best pricing they could and such short notice before cruise it wasnt on their list to try to fill.spots for casino player so they really helped me out.

I’m sure you are both going to have a great time.

Will urcomped base a cruise comp on my play at Borgata?


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[dvandentop]

I’m sure you are both going to have a great time.

Will urcomped base a cruise comp on my play at Borgata?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalki am sure they could based off of mailers or offers from borgota.

deffinately worth checking into

easy just fill put a profile on their site and pick a cruise and they will get in touch


if you already have stayed with royal though they mignt not be able help since there is already an existing relationship.

[tee2green]

You do such great TRs, Im sure this one will be so much fun to follow along. You guys always make the most of your vacations!

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[zeus]

how long does boat ride take?Maybe 20 minutes.

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[noleman]

Maybe 20 minutes.

Sent from my SM-G955U using TapatalkAgree. Also budget time for 15 min. cab ride from cruise terminal to Red Hook ferry terminal.

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[BorgataBabe]

i am sure they could based off of mailers or offers from borgota.

deffinately worth checking into

easy just fill put a profile on their site and pick a cruise and they will get in touch


if you already have stayed with royal though they mignt not be able help since there is already an existing relationship.

Thanks, I’ll have to remember this if I look into Royal again, we are already cruising again to Bermuda in May through NCL on their newest ship (Encore). We have an inside cabin, with the admin fee for 2 that NCL charges for a comp, free drink package, gratuity for the drink package and travel insurance we are paying $1100 total. I don’t think that’s bad at all. NCL lets you bid on cabin upgrades that are discounted about a month before sailing, if we can get a balcony cheap we’ll do it, otherwise we don’t mind staying in an inside cabin. We’re there to sleep, shower and get dressed.

I’ve never sailed Royal before so maybe I can get a decent offer through urcomped.


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[dvandentop]

Nice boat ride looks a lot longer than it is these islands must all be pretty close to each other Google Maps makes it look a little longer

[dvandentop]

just booked a trunk bay excursion for.st thomas and also booked cockleshell beach for st kitts.



got amy a massage on day 6 of day 7 since i am sure we will wanna do our.own morning routine on the last sea day morning

[dvandentop]

I was surprised when they said you couldn't use any sunscreen at Trunk Bay and had to wear a rashguard or something like that for sunscreen which I have so it's not a big deal for me since we're only there 90 minutes

[Nhcris]

I was surprised when they said you couldn't use any sunscreen at Trunk Bay and had to wear a rashguard or something like that for sunscreen which I have so it's not a big deal for me since we're only there 90 minutes

Wow, I am surprised they don't even let you wear the reef safe sunscreen? But they are trying to keep the reef alive, so it's probably a good thing. Definitely wear rash guards as even 90 minutes down there can turn you into a lobster. I am proof :nevreness:

[dvandentop]

Wow, I am surprised they don't even let you wear the reef safe sunscreen? But they are trying to keep the reef alive, so it's probably a good thing. Definitely wear rash guards as even 90 minutes down there can turn you into a lobster. I am proof :nevreness:Yeah I wear mine pretty much all day when we're down in Bahamas or whatever not worth getting burned all over your body and being uncomfortable trying to sleep



I guess I reread it again and they do say biodegradable sun protection

[dvandentop]

almost single digits getting so excited cant wait!! dont think ever been as excited for a vacation.

maybe last time was this excited was going to bahamas for 1st time

[tee2green]

almost single digits getting so excited cant wait!! dont think ever been as excited for a vacation.

maybe last time was this excited was going to bahamas for 1st timeGetting out of the cold weather helps too!

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[Georgiagambler]

Hope you have a great trip. I loved Magens Bay in St. Thomas but I’m sure all the beaches there are beautiful. I think St. Kitts is where I got sunburnt but I just wanna be in the beach and the water so I paid the price for not applying sunblock more frequently and I still enjoyed it.


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[Elf70]

Have a fabulous trip. Can’t wait for your updates. You are going to love it!

[Nhcris]

So excited for you guys! I really can't wait to hear all about it!

[dvandentop]

was 7 degrees when pulled onto interstate this morn and now frozen slush all over ground cant wait for the warm.

[dvandentop]

heads deep in packing gonna be most luggage ever taking but want to be able to take stuff home if we see some stuff at ports

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[zeus]

Man, you are going to have so much fun that you will want to go again in February to get the hell out of the snow and cold ass temps.

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[michelelovesvegas]

Man, you are going to have so much fun that you will want to go again in February to get the hell out of the snow and cold ass temps.

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It's cold as heck here! 55 highs, 39 lows. HHH

[dvandentop]

Man, you are going to have so much fun that you will want to go again in February to get the hell out of the snow and cold ass temps.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalkyeah deffinately if we have a good time might be a new vice! especially if can get good comps on nice ships

[dvandentop]

It's cold as heck here! 55 highs, 39 lows. HHHlol 55 was beautiful here today

[dvandentop]

got a helper to pack!


Someone tell me if I am over packing I am thinking I am but a dress shirt for every night and a t-shirt for the morning and during the day each day when we're not at the pool or maybe just wear the pool outfit all day long each day we are not at a cruise port?

i wont able to sit at pool all day so many day time things to do even kn cruise days. but who knows what will all do.

gonna be like walking the vegas strip on water




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[Elf70]

got a helper to pack!


Someone tell me if I am over packing I am thinking I am but a dress shirt for every night and a t-shirt for the morning and during the day when we're not at the pool or maybe just wear the pool outfit all day long each day we are not at a cruise port?

i wont able to sit at pool all day but who knows hhh




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You’re not overpacking. I couldn’t believe how much I packed for the cruise. I was glad I had it all.

[dvandentop]

You’re not overpacking. I couldn’t believe how much I packed for the cruise. I was glad I had it all.i am taking 2 carry on size suitcases i suppse 7 days is quite a bit longer then out usual trip so will be nice to have extra room if find some Souvenirs or cups etc...

amy taking same as well. we have a okder huge suitcase was thinking of taking but that thing weighs also 25lbs alone without any clothes in it.

[Elf70]

i am taking 2 carry on size suitcases i suppse 7 days is quite a bit longer then out usual trip so will be nice to have extra room if find some Souvenirs or cups etc...

amy taking same as well. we have a okder huge suitcase was thinking of taking but that thing weighs also 25lbs alone without any clothes in it.

We both took a carryon and checked a bag. I never check bags but wanted to have room for anything we bought and lots of clothing options during the cruise.

[dvandentop]

We both took a carryon and checked a bag. I never check bags but wanted to have room for anything we bought and lots of clothing options during the cruise.ok glad i am not crazy hhh

yeah i never check either even when we went to bahamas for 7 days last spring.

i must be getting old too even bought a 7 day pill organizer lol.

[QHLover]

Can’t wait to see warm pictures have fun you too


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[Nhcris]

I always bring a checked bag (24") and a 22" carry on. Sometimes I bring an additional duffle type bag with the snorkeling gear. If we are doing a fancy cruise, we also bring a garment bag. I do not think you are overpacking at all!

Be sure to bring a backpack or a beach bag to take with you on shore excursions to the beach.

[dvandentop]

I always bring a checked bag (24") and a 22" carry on. Sometimes I bring an additional duffle type bag with the snorkeling gear. If we are doing a fancy cruise, we also bring a garment bag. I do not think you are overpacking at all!

Be sure to bring a backpack or a beach bag to take with you on shore excursions to the beach.yeah i am taking a backpack with all my usual essentials for any trip. carry my bankroll phone chargers snacks reusuable water bottle sunglasses etc..packing swinsuit and stuff as well.so we can board early and eat lunch and then hit cabin at 1pm once we can get.in and change and hit the pool and other areas of the ship before it gets too crazy. been watching alot of cruise tip.videos so learned lots of knowledge.



hopeful the hangars are plentiful in the closest??
or can we ask cabin attendants for more?

[DK528]

Lol, I love my pill organizer - have 7 individual ones with a few pockets each. And yes I feel old when I admit it :)

Have a wonderful trip Derek and Amy!


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[DK528]

The NCL escape is currently parked near my apartment .. it’s massive. Coming down the highway along the Hudson River and seeing it - wow. It’s like a city avenue long.

Also there are like 15 semis parked waiting to drop off goods.


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[dvandentop]

The NCL escape is currently parked near my apartment .. it’s massive. Coming down the highway along the Hudson River and seeing it - wow. It’s like a city avenue long.

Also there are like 15 semis parked waiting to drop off goods.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkis that the brand new one? i can only imagine the whole staging process to reload these 7 day cruises etc... lots of man power

[DK528]

is that the brand new one? i can only imagine the whole staging process to reload these 7 day cruises etc... lots of man power

I don’t know if it’s the newest. But googling it, as of 2917, it was the largest. Looks like it carries twice as many passengers as the ship I was on!


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[Luckylinda123]

This reminded me when I got to tsa Checkin at Phoenix Friday an employee asked me if I had a cat
Are the cats sneaking in with the carry on bags?

[chrissyDee]

yeah i am taking a backpack with all my usual essentials for any trip. carry my bankroll phone chargers snacks reusuable water bottle sunglasses etc..packing swinsuit and stuff as well.so we can board early and eat lunch and then hit cabin at 1pm once we can get.in and change and hit the pool and other areas of the ship before it gets too crazy. been watching alot of cruise tip.videos so learned lots of knowledge.



hopeful the hangars are plentiful in the closest??
or can we ask cabin attendants for more?

There will be hangars. How many is hit or miss, but I have never had an issue getting more. I also bring several ziplock bags with me (gallon & quartsize). They come in handy for things, especially on beach days.

You will be taking beach towels with you for some excursions, and you are responsible for returning them to the ship. They will likely be wet and sandy. Not sure about RC, but some cruise lines charge you if you lose them. That’s why I bring a beach bag along, in addition to a backpack. Although a beach bag is a fun souvenir to pick up in port.

I’m getting very excited for you both!


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[serenasea]

Just an FYI -- when we went on our RC cruise to Alaska in 2015, there were no robes in our balcony room (I assumed there would be, since my brother says he always has them on Carnival). Apparently they provide them only for the suites.

This will be a fun getaway for all of us, I think. Have fun!

[dvandentop]

Just an FYI -- when we went on our RC cruise to Alaska in 2015, there were no robes in our balcony room (I assumed there would be, since my brother says he always has them on Carnival). Apparently they provide them only for the suites.

This will be a fun getaway for all of us, I think. Have fun!still the same scenario on the robes for suites only.
not gonna be much time to be wearing one anyways hhh

[Luckylinda123]

Have a safe cruise you and Amy always are having a great time on your trips.

[dvandentop]

amy dad told her to not put anything in safe and to not bring wedding rings etc... i think he is being little over cautious.

they went on cruises before prob been 10 years thought.

its not like we are going to south africa or something its virgin islands.

not too concerned about room safe myself never had any issues anywhere

[Nhcris]

amy dad told her to not put anything in safe and to not bring wedding rings etc... i think he is being little over cautious.

they went on cruises before prob been 10 years thought.

its not like we are going to south africa or something its virgin islands.

not too concerned about room safe myself never had any issues anywhere

I don't want to contradict Amy's dad, but I will say that I always bring my rings but mine are not knock your eyes out expensive looking. I would take the same precautions that you would take in Vegas or NOLA, or anywhere stateside. I always use the room safe. I have never had an issue.

[dvandentop]

I don't want to contradict Amy's dad, but I will say that I always bring my rings but mine are not knock your eyes out expensive looking. I would take the same precautions that you would take in Vegas or NOLA, or anywhere stateside. I always use the room safe. I have never had an issue.Yeah I asked on a Royal Caribbean group as well and no one's ever had any issues with their safe either and like I said it's a captive audience so it's not like you won't be able to pinpoint who did steal something anyways.

like I said i didnt have same concerns as him either. up to amy if she wants to wear her main ring or just band.

4 days wohooo

[Laurie]

I know you guys will have a great time look forward to your pictures!


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