Unless you have stayed in Miami on Sunday Night , the first thing you will need to do is make arrangements to get from the Airport to the Port of Miami. There are shuttles that are available from Royal Carribean that run between Miami International and Ft. Lauderdale Airports. They vary in cost, but round trip from Miami International to the Port of Miami is about $30. You can usually buy the transfer ticket at the Airport but I recommend that you contact our travel agent (Group Source Travel,
toll free 800.800.2519, in Nashville 615.385.3673) to make advance arrangements. You can also grab a taxi. The one-way fare from Miami International is about $25. By the way, most Miami taxi's only take CASH so be prepared. If you are driving in, you can park at the Port of Miami for about $12-15 per day paid in advance when you park.
So, when can I board the ship?
toll free 800.800.2519, in Nashville 615.385.3673) to make advance arrangements. You can also grab a taxi. The one-way fare from Miami International is about $25. By the way, most Miami taxi's only take CASH so be prepared. If you are driving in, you can park at the Port of Miami for about $12-15 per day paid in advance when you park.
So, when can I board the ship?
Well, you're suppose to be able to start boarding after 12 noon. Something that we learned during our site survey is that Royal Caribbean has improved their boarding system and we actually boarded like lightening about 11:15 am. There were NO LINES! You might try it. But, if you arrive in Miami early that morning, have a cup of coffee somewhere and wait until about 11 am before heading on over to the Port. But PLEASE, DO NOT EAT LUNCH before you board! There is a HUGE lunch buffet waiting for you in the Windjammer as soon as you board.
Details about getting on board.
Details about getting on board.
Regardless of how you get to the port -- be sure and tell them that your destination is Royal Caribbean...Majesty of the Seas. They'll know where to take you (look for a big white ship with that name and STOP!) Ship porters at the curb will take your luggage, tag it and get it on the ship for you.
Check-in.
To check into the cruise, have your papers ready (including your on-line check-in printout, your passport/birth certificate and drivers license and credit card) You will go to the check in desk based on the deck where your stateroom is so make sure you know your stateroom number -- it speeds up check in time. After finishing with the front desk, you will head up the escalator and through the scanning machine and security (and the first of MANY pictures). Walking through the entrance onto the ship you feel like you are walking into another world. That's when you gasp (if this is your first time) and say, "I can't believe this! It's big, beautiful and it's all mine for five days." One item you may want to take care of immediately while you are in the entrance area is to get your "Coke Pass." This pass (which is a small sticker attached to your Sea Pass) allows you to get an unlimited amount of soft drinks while on board -- which ends up saving you a LOT of money since cokes are about $3.00 each. The cost of the pass is $4.00/day for adults and a bit less for children. And they give you a lovely souvineer cooler cup which is nice to take to the pool area with you.
To check into the cruise, have your papers ready (including your on-line check-in printout, your passport/birth certificate and drivers license and credit card) You will go to the check in desk based on the deck where your stateroom is so make sure you know your stateroom number -- it speeds up check in time. After finishing with the front desk, you will head up the escalator and through the scanning machine and security (and the first of MANY pictures). Walking through the entrance onto the ship you feel like you are walking into another world. That's when you gasp (if this is your first time) and say, "I can't believe this! It's big, beautiful and it's all mine for five days." One item you may want to take care of immediately while you are in the entrance area is to get your "Coke Pass." This pass (which is a small sticker attached to your Sea Pass) allows you to get an unlimited amount of soft drinks while on board -- which ends up saving you a LOT of money since cokes are about $3.00 each. The cost of the pass is $4.00/day for adults and a bit less for children. And they give you a lovely souvineer cooler cup which is nice to take to the pool area with you.
On Board.
Once you board you will probably not be able to get to your stateroom immediately (especially if you board between 11 am and 1 pm). There are two things you will need to do. First, proceed to Deck number 7 and look for the Worship At Sea registration table. We want you to register as soon as possible so we know that you made it and are with us! Then, go have some lunch in the Windjammer on the 11th deck. Fill your plate, sit down and enjoy what we hope will be a 'rain free' gorgeous view of Miami harbor. Relax for a while! You may want to bring a small carry-on or roller bag with you until you can get to your stateroom -- keep any medicines, cameras or a change of clothes if you are coming from colder weather and are too hot once you arrive in Miami.
Then, after 1 pm, proceed to your stateroom, take a nap, find your life jackets in your closet or on your bed and get ready for mandatory MUSTER at 4:30 pm on the 7th Deck. More on this in a future blog entry. Trust me, it's interesting and you have to do it!
Then, after 1 pm, proceed to your stateroom, take a nap, find your life jackets in your closet or on your bed and get ready for mandatory MUSTER at 4:30 pm on the 7th Deck. More on this in a future blog entry. Trust me, it's interesting and you have to do it!
The fun will have just begun...but let this time start you on a path of relaxation and preparation for what God has for you during the cruise and conference...it is going to be GREAT!
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