The Symphony, The Key, Two Teens, and Me: A March 2019 Review

FWIW I'm Chinese. I got the reference. Not offended because I know you were making a pop culture reference. Also I'm old.

The beignets are definitely in the running for Most Disappointing Dessert. They probably make them way ahead of time which is not what you want in a beignet.
 
Thank you for posting that Calgon commercial! It was driving me crazy. I knew the phrase "Ancient Chinese Secret", but I couldn't for the life of me remember what commercial it was from. I was thinking it was a shampoo commercial.
 
This TR is amazing!! So helpful with all the tips- and the pictures are great!!

Yes- I'm old too and remember Calgon take me away very well!!

We sail 4/14 and I'm going to make a list this weekend of dos and do nots!
 


FWIW I'm Chinese. I got the reference. Not offended because I know you were making a pop culture reference. Also I'm old.

The beignets are definitely in the running for Most Disappointing Dessert. They probably make them way ahead of time which is not what you want in a beignet.

I am glad there was no offense taken. You just never know. I mean, I didn't create the commercial, nor did I post the sign in Nassau, but I did post it here.

Yeah, that was such a disappointing last dessert. Ugh, gotta do better next time.

Thank you for posting that Calgon commercial! It was driving me crazy. I knew the phrase "Ancient Chinese Secret", but I couldn't for the life of me remember what commercial it was from. I was thinking it was a shampoo commercial.

I couldn't remember the product for a while, either. I *thought* it was Calgon, but then I thought no, Calgon is a bubble bath that is supposed to take you away from your stress and problems.


But apparently it is both an Ancient Chinese Secret that cleans your clothes and transforms your bath tub into a small swimming pool and your home into a Roman temple. Who knew!

This TR is amazing!! So helpful with all the tips- and the pictures are great!!

Yes- I'm old too and remember Calgon take me away very well!!

We sail 4/14 and I'm going to make a list this weekend of dos and do nots!

So glad you are enjoying it! You will have such a great time. Please feel free to ask any questions. I am happy to help if possible! I hope you will share your experience, too!

I am sad the review is ending. I have almost a year until my next cruise. Though we are going to Disney in August. Your review made me feel like I was right there with you.

Aww, thanks! I am jealous of your upcoming Disney trip. We haven't been there in over a year now, and my kids and I are going through withdrawal!
 
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Day 8. Get Off The Ship.

I had let all of the anxious naysayers get to me, and I was once again worried about getting to the airport and making our flight. I swear everything I read and heard was about the long lines, both in the port and the airport, and how it was very risky to take a flight before noon. I mean, I advise my clients to book flights after noon, too, but I don't completely freak them out about it.

We had sailed 3 times, in 2 cities, and we had always arrived at the airport before 9. I know, anything can happen, and the ship can be detained, and you never know. And that is what was getting to me. The "You never know..." thoughts, and the "We arrived at the port at 6am but we weren't allowed off the ship until 10!" stories.

So I think I had us wake up at 6:00am, or some ungodly hour like that. I went to the window and saw a very dark version of the exact view we had on boarding day. So it was true. The cruise had really ended, and we had to get off the ship.

On DCL you are rudely awakened by announcements in your room that she ship has arrived and it is time to get off. The whole vibe of the ship is "GET OUT". We didn't hear any announcements in our room, ever. If I ever heard an announcement I tried to step into the hall to hear it. Usually I couldn't hear them. This morning was no different.

We got up and got dressed, and brought our bags downstairs. I had picked up the account statement and I wanted to talk to Guest Services.

When I had checked us in online, I am positive I was asked who would have charging privileges, and I only selected myself. I made sure of this, because we had issues on DCL where someone had taken DS's card and charged $200 in the arcade. DCL took $50 off the bill but made me pay the rest. I didn't want to take any chances.

On one of the nights, the teen club went to the arcade. You see where this is going. I assumed that if they were taking the kids to the arcade as an activity, it must be free play. DD had been there that night, so it must have been the comedy night, and she had been texting me that the free games were lame blah blah blah. Yet somehow she had played $50 worth of games. You guys, I swear I turned off charging privileges! Is anyone at check in time and if so can you tell me whether you can turn off charging privileges on your kids' accounts? Because...

I went to Guest Services and asked how the arcade charges had happened, since my kids didn't have charging privileges. They looked it up and said both kids had privileges. I said no, I had turned it off online during check in and they said that wasn't possible. I was told the ONLY way to turn off charging is through Guest Services on board the ship. I argued it and they insisted I was wrong. I wasn't going to spend hours arguing about it. But it left a bad taste in my mouth. The bill was really harmless, especially compared to DCL who hits you with the bill for all of your drinks and excursions and souvenirs and EVERYTHING at the end of your cruise. Talk about a shocker! We had about $20 in port fees returned to each of us, and $50 on board credit, and the Escape Room credit, so our ending bill was just over $100. I said to go ahead and pay with the Visa on my account, and we headed to breakfast.

Again, I was feeling anxious about leaving. When we went to Guest Services, there was a line down the hall and beyond sight of people waiting to get off the ship. That did not help.

The Key: We went to the 4th floor, where the Key disembarkation breakfast was. We were able to leave our luggage in the waiting area, and we were walked to a table. It was maybe 6:45 and there were maybe 3 other tables in use. I said we were in a bit of a hurry and could we please have faster service, and they said no problem. We were given the menu, and we asked for orange juice. They came around with a basket of pastries and I think one of us took a danish, or something. I don't know. I had planned on ordering the filet and eggs, because I could, but after all of the red meat/steak/filet I had over the previous week I just couldn't do it. So I ordered French Toast. I know one other kid did, and I think the other one ordered pancakes? I don't know.

40586764593_9bbecaac0a_k.jpg


It was served quickly, and it was really good. But I was still just in panic mode and I couldn't really enjoy it. I like having plans after the cruise so I don't feel this pressure to get off the ship and go home. It just doesn't feel good. Or at least I need to schedule a later flight, or something. The breakfast was really good, and we enjoyed it.

I took this photo of the other breakfast that was being served on the 3rd floor of the MDR. Looked like a buffet set up, and did not look too crowded.

47500040532_507960bd94_k.jpg


The Key: When we had finished, it was about 7:10am. I asked about our priority disembarkation and I was told that they were escorting people off the ship at scheduled 30 minute intervals. This had not been communicated previously. I was told I could wait until 7:30 for an escort off the ship or walk off on our own now. What do you think I chose? Of course. We left. This benefit was of no use to us.

We went back to Deck 5 to disembark, and there was no line whatsoever. Sweet!!! We got up to where they scan your Sea Pass one last time. This was it! We were saying goodbye to the Symphony, uncertain of when we would see her again. It was really sad, especially because we could see the balloons set up for the drop that would happen at midnight that night with all of the new guests. Such a punch to the gut. Those balloons are such a happy sight on the day you arrive, and so incredibly depressing the day you disembark.

I handed over my Sea Pass one last time.

DING!

"What's that? What does that mean?"

"I'm sorry, you have a note that you need to go to Guest Services."

"What do you mean, I was just there. Why do I need to go back?"

"I don't know, but you can't get off the ship until you go."

"I was JUST there, maybe this is a mistake?"

"I don't know, you have to go clear that up with them."

Of course now that it was after 7 the line at GS was much longer. I was so mad. I mean, looking back we had PLENTY of time. It was 7:15 and our flight was at 10:30. We had our bags, all we needed was a taxi and a 20-30 minute ride to the airport. But try telling me that when I am in panic mode and I will cut you.

I stormed off to GS and the wait wasn't too long, but that didn't matter. What could they possibly want? It was so frustrating.

I get to a GS representative, and they scan my Sea Pass, and they said my Discover card had been declined and I needed to pay my bill with another card.

"I'm sorry, what? I don't have a Discover card."

"Your Discover card was declined. You need to pay your account with another card."

"I don't have a Discover card. I have never, in my life, been in possession of a Discover card. Why is there even a Discover card linked to my account? I had a Visa linked. Use that to pay my account."

"I don't see a Visa here, only a Discover card."

"But I don't HAVE a Discover card! I have NEVER had a Discover card! Who linked a Discover card to my account?"

"Ma'am, I see a Discover card here on your account, and it was declined. We'll need another card to close your bill."

"But there isn't a Discover card linked to my account. I. do not own a Discover card and never have."

"I can see right here in your account that you have a Discover card linked."

"But I didn't DO that! Who did that?"

"I can't see that. All I can see is that your Discover card was declined and we need another form of payment."

This right here was the worst moment of the week. How did this happen? I have never, ever, ever, had a Discover card in my life. I set up my charging account myself. I am the only adult in my family, and the only adult on our reservation, and the only member of the family old enough to have a credit card. Who did this, and how?

I still have no idea how this happened.

But at this point what can I do? We have a plane to catch. I have heard horror stories about leaving the ship. I can SEE the exit from where I am, and I can't go until I just give them a freaking credit card and pay my bill. I would deal with it later.

I still haven't dealt with it.

So by now there was a long line again at the disembarkation place across from GS. Great.

I remembered someone had said there was another exit down past Sorrento's. So we headed there, and lo and behold there was no line. Everyone was going to the one exit where the line was. I AGAIN handed over my Sea Pass card for the last time, and it scanned perfectly and we were told to have a safe journey home, or so I'd like to believe. I have no idea what we were told because now it was time to get to the airport and I had no idea what to expect.

It was 7:27am.

We walked through the port. I had our passports out but I was told we wouldn't need them. Please step to the line and look right here. Ok thanks, you are all set. Thank you, have a nice day!

Whoa! That was even easier than the passport scanners in Vancouver! Facial recognition for the win!

We walked out and easily got into a taxi.

It was 7:35am.

We headed to the airport and arrived without incident. No traffic at 7:40am on a Saturday! We got to the airport, went through security (TSA Pre-Check), and discovered that our gate was at the veeeeeeeeeeeery back of the airport. Farthest gate possible. I feel like this is always our gate, at every airport. "Chicago? Oh put them in the back. All the way back." Always! So mean.

So we shlepped our stuff, walked past every other gate, every newsstand, every bathroom, everything in the whole airport and we finally arrived at the gate.

It was 8:05am.

I guess we made it in time.

I could go on about our return, but it was event-free. We got home safely, the cats were happy to see us, and our vacation was over.

I'll be back with a final wrap up, with thoughts about the ship, the itineraries, The Key, Royal, etc. And ask me questions if you have them!
 
I’ve really enjoyed your trip report. We will be on the harmony of the seas over Thanksgiving this year. We did purchase the Key too. I’m slightly nervous if the amenities for the key will change before we sail. It sounds like you didn’t really get any benefits from purchasing it.
 


The bill was really harmless, especially compared to DCL who hits you with the bill for all of your drinks and excursions and souvenirs and EVERYTHING at the end of your cruise. Talk about a shocker! We had about $20 in port fees returned to each of us, and $50 on board credit, and the Escape Room credit, so our ending bill was just over $100. I said to go ahead and pay with the Visa on my account, and we headed to breakfast.
If we're being fair here, you did get the drink package so you eliminated maybe 50% of your shock right there.

Weird about the discover card. Here's a weird thought - did they accidentally link someone else's card to your room? Might explain the game room charges as when they linked this phantom card they also reenabled charging privileges
 
If we're being fair here, you did get the drink package so you eliminated maybe 50% of your shock right there.

Weird about the discover card. Here's a weird thought - did they accidentally link someone else's card to your room? Might explain the game room charges as when they linked this phantom card they also reenabled charging privileges

If we are being fair, it is more like 75-80% of my shock that was eliminated due to having the beverage package.

It is possible that is what happened. But the guy was adamant that I would not have been able to turn off charging privileges in the first place without GS assistance. He was 100% certain that only GS has the ability to turn on and off charging. I am hoping that someone either here or on the other site where I am sharing this will have a reservation that is within the check in window, and maybe they can check whether they can manage charging privileges in their check in process. My next RCI sailing is too far out for me to try it.
 
I’ve really enjoyed your trip report. We will be on the harmony of the seas over Thanksgiving this year. We did purchase the Key too. I’m slightly nervous if the amenities for the key will change before we sail. It sounds like you didn’t really get any benefits from purchasing it.

I will be very curious to see how The Key plays out in the future. Right now there is zero consistency in implementation even just among the sister ships, let alone the whole fleet.
 
If we are being fair, it is more like 75-80% of my shock that was eliminated due to having the beverage package.

It is possible that is what happened. But the guy was adamant that I would not have been able to turn off charging privileges in the first place without GS assistance. He was 100% certain that only GS has the ability to turn on and off charging. I am hoping that someone either here or on the other site where I am sharing this will have a reservation that is within the check in window, and maybe they can check whether they can manage charging privileges in their check in process. My next RCI sailing is too far out for me to try it.
If we are being fair, it is more like 75-80% of my shock that was eliminated due to having the beverage package.

It is possible that is what happened. But the guy was adamant that I would not have been able to turn off charging privileges in the first place without GS assistance. He was 100% certain that only GS has the ability to turn on and off charging. I am hoping that someone either here or on the other site where I am sharing this will have a reservation that is within the check in window, and maybe they can check whether they can manage charging privileges in their check in process. My next RCI sailing is too far out for me to try it.
I feel pretty confident that I’ve assigned charging privileges to myself and my wife only during the online check-in process. Unfortunately I’m not cruising anytime soon. Will have to remember to do screenshots during the process but the memory isn’t what it once was...

I’m sure someone at CC will answer this but this will inevitably happen during a 2 page back and forth debating something or other in your thread.
 
I feel pretty confident that I’ve assigned charging privileges to myself and my wife only during the online check-in process. Unfortunately I’m not cruising anytime soon. Will have to remember to do screenshots during the process but the memory isn’t what it once was...

I’m sure someone at CC will answer this but this will inevitably happen during a 2 page back and forth debating something or other in your thread.

I thought about posting about charging privileges at CC but yeah, it would likely turn into a heated debate about something unrelated, like travel insurance, chair hogs, D+/Pinnacle benefits, or how/when/if the Oasis will get to Europe.
 
Just read the whole 9 page trip report. Thanks for posting. We are cruising RCCL for the 1st time in a few weeks, only a 3 night on a smaller ship, but we purchased the key, so your notes on that were very helpful.
 
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Thanks for the report! My family and I are booked on this ship on the Nov 30th sailing. Reading your review has only increased the anticipation. :worship:

For all the reservations you made for the shows, escape room, and dinners, how far out did you book them in the cruise planner?

Based on your comments on The Key, unless some improvements are made over the next few months, I'm likely going to pass on it and go with the Voom Surf + Stream. I bought one of these portable wifi routers and intend to use that to share the connection with the group. A friend did the same on a Harmony of the Seas sailing last year. That said, does the internet service provided by The Key include 'Stream'? Or is it simply 'Surf' level?

https://www.amazon.com/RAVPower-Wireless-Portable-Streamer-Cellphone/dp/B07N6BYH7Z/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_3?crid=290CCCIMGXQ9W&keywords=filehub+plus+wireless+travel+router+portable+sd+card&qid=1554835914&s=gateway&sprefix=filehub+plus,aps,191&sr=8-3-fkmrnull
 
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I have read elsewhere that you can't turn off charging in the arcades. I know when I got the prepaid arcade credits through the planner (at a discount) I had to get them activated through the casino so I wonder if there's a way to turn of arcade charging through the casino.
 
Just read the whole 9 page trip report. Thanks for posting. We are cruising RCCL for the 1st time in a few weeks, only a 3 night on a smaller ship, but we purchased the key, so your notes on that were very helpful.

Thanks for reading along! Are you sailing on the Mariner or Navigator? Those look awesome!

Thanks for the report! My family and I are booked on this ship on the Nov 30th sailing. Reading your review has only increased the anticipation. :worship:

For all the reservations you made for the shows, escape room, and dinners, how far out did you book them in the cruise planner?

Based on your comments on The Key, unless some improvements are made over the next few months, I'm likely going to pass on it and go with the Voom Surf + Stream. I bought one of these portable wifi routers and intend to use that to share the connection with the group. A friend did the same on a Harmony of the Seas sailing last year. That said, does the internet service provided by The Key include 'Stream'? Or is it simply 'Surf' level?

https://www.amazon.com/RAVPower-Wireless-Portable-Streamer-Cellphone/dp/B07N6BYH7Z/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_3?crid=290CCCIMGXQ9W&keywords=filehub+plus+wireless+travel+router+portable+sd+card&qid=1554835914&s=gateway&sprefix=filehub+plus,aps,191&sr=8-3-fkmrnull

I booked the shows 3 months in advance, but they may have been available prior to that. We switched to this sailing late in the game. The Escape Room was available for a while, and then it wasn't, so you should keep checking for it. We didn't reserve any dinners so I don't have an answer on that, sorry!

The Key internet is Surf and Stream and it was great!

I am curious about the router, don't you all need to be in close proximity to it for it to work? For us that would defeat the purpose, since we used the internet to text each other on the ship because that's the only way you can do it on Symphony.

I have read elsewhere that you can't turn off charging in the arcades. I know when I got the prepaid arcade credits through the planner (at a discount) I had to get them activated through the casino so I wonder if there's a way to turn of arcade charging through the casino.

Interesting. Since this is our second issue with the arcade I will specifically check GS when we board next time and make double sure the kids cannot charge ANYTHING.
 
Thank you so much for the trip report! We are considering a cruise on RCCL and it helps to hear all the little details of the ship and their offerings.
 
If we are being fair, it is more like 75-80% of my shock that was eliminated due to having the beverage package.

It is possible that is what happened. But the guy was adamant that I would not have been able to turn off charging privileges in the first place without GS assistance. He was 100% certain that only GS has the ability to turn on and off charging. I am hoping that someone either here or on the other site where I am sharing this will have a reservation that is within the check in window, and maybe they can check whether they can manage charging privileges in their check in process. My next RCI sailing is too far out for me to try it.


this scares me as I also just checked in online (for my cruise in June) for my children to NOT have charging privileges as i know my 2 kids could/would rack up hundreds of dollars in the arcade alone. thank you for this report, i will be sure to hit up GS once i'm on board to ensure my kids do NOT have charging privileges.
 
Thank you so much for the trip report! We are considering a cruise on RCCL and it helps to hear all the little details of the ship and their offerings.

Glad you enjoyed it!

It took me a while to finally get on a RCI ship, but I am glad we did! It was a great cruise, and I am happily sailing on Royal again next year!

this scares me as I also just checked in online (for my cruise in June) for my children to NOT have charging privileges as i know my 2 kids could/would rack up hundreds of dollars in the arcade alone. thank you for this report, i will be sure to hit up GS once i'm on board to ensure my kids do NOT have charging privileges.

Were you able to click something so that it appeared they will not have charging privileges? Because I SWEAR I did that when we checked in. But the GS guy was adamant that this wasn't possible. Our next sailing isn't for just under a year so I can't check whether there is an option to select who will or will not have charging privileges.
 
Glad you enjoyed it!

It took me a while to finally get on a RCI ship, but I am glad we did! It was a great cruise, and I am happily sailing on Royal again next year!



Were you able to click something so that it appeared they will not have charging privileges? Because I SWEAR I did that when we checked in. But the GS guy was adamant that this wasn't possible. Our next sailing isn't for just under a year so I can't check whether there is an option to select who will or will not have charging privileges.

correct, when i checked in , there was a section called "Onboard Expense Account" and there you will find 3 options: Credit Card, Cash or No Charging Privileges, i checked the "no charging privileges" for my kids. you will know if you click on the "Credit Card" option because it will prompt you to enter in a credit card info.
 

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