First Time Cruisers - Tips/Info - Click on the following links to be taken to the correct section
- Cruising vs. Board Game Cruising
- Cruise Ship Amenities
- General Ports of Call information
- Recommended Royal Connections
- Packing
- Passport/VISA Requirements
- Other Information
Cruising vs. Board Game Cruising
We enjoy cruising, visiting new ports, being introduced to new parts of the world, and meeting new people and experiencing new things. We also enjoy boardgaming. QwyxEvents Cruising allows us to enjoy the best parts of both things we enjoy - visiting new ports on port days and playing games on "At Sea" days. While there are lots of things to do on the cruise ship that fill a niche for lots of people, we like to fill one more niche with boardgames.
Cruise Ship Amenities
Review these pages for more information regarding our Ship
General Ports of Call information
You can review our specific ports of call HERE
General Tips for visiting the ports
- KEEP YOUR WATCH ON "SHIP TIME". Ship Time is generally based on the departure port for the ship. Ship Time is the clock used for determining what time excursions start and what time the ship will leave the port. NOTE- If you are doing an excursion that is not arranged through Royal Caribbean, you are on your own to make sure you get back in time for ship departure. Excursions booked through Royal Caribbean have a guarantee that the ship will not leave without you.
- Take your SeaPass Card everywhere you go - Most ports do not require passports or other ID while you are visiting, but you can take those with you if desired.
- Money - Credit cards are good at most storefronts. Cash is also good for local shops/street vendors. US Dollars are generally accepted.
- Any items required for purchased excursions - When purchasing a Royal Caribbean excursion, review the description for any information regarding towels, swimwear, hiking shoes, scuba gear, etc. Some can be provided/rented, but other items may need to be brought from home.
- Most ports have a large shopping area right as you disembark. Great for souvenirs and just walking around.
Once your booking has been made, you can purchase shore excursions directly from Royal Caribbean or join us on one or more of the excursions tailored just for our group:
EXCURSIONS
If you are interested, here are some things Stephen, Paula, Jeff and Kristine are planning to attend:
- Monday, April 29 - (Polynesia Cultural Center) Book this one directly on your own. We're doing the Super Ambassador Luau "everything, all-in" package, with a tour of the island on the way there from our hotel:
Tuesday, April 30 - Tour of Pearl Harbor - Details TBD
Kailua, Kona (Day 3)
Kailua, Kona (Day 4)
Recommended Royal Connections
Royal App
We strongly recommend getting the Royal Caribbean App installed on your phone. The app provides the required emergency drill information, an up-to-date calendar of ship activities, stays on "ship time", has a map of the ship, the ability to help you book some excursions, and has a chat feature that can be used with members of your group on the cruise ship so you don't have to use cell phone data.
Royal Caribbean Account
If you have never cruised with Royal Caribbean before, please create an account on the Royal Caribbean site. The account will allow you to add your booking number (when we have it). Once your cruise booking is attached to your account, you then have access to purchasing dining/drink packages, excursions, purchasing wifi packages, etc.
Your account will also have a Crown & Anchor Society number tied to it. As you cruise, you accumulate points that will increase your status and privileges in the Royal Caribbean system.
- Royal Caribbean Welcome Info - this links to a pdf file.
- Royal Caribbean Online Check-In Info - this links to a pdf file.
Packing
It is helpful to review the weather forecast for our port destinations, as well as the nature of your excursions to plan your packing. You may want to consider packing layers to allow for all kinds of weather and room temperatures.
Also, because this is a weeklong cruise, the cruise ship generally schedules 2 "formal" nights. On formal nights, dress recommendation is much nicer than normal - suits and ties, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, formal wear, etc.
Dress recommendations for other nights are slacks/pants, casual, business casual, but no shorts/swimwear in the dining rooms. RCCL Dress Code
Games - We won't have a dedicated library per se, but feel free to bring a few of your favorites to share with others on the cruise. We'll setup a GeekList on BGG when we get close to sailing to coordinate what games everyone is bringing. Stephen and Jeff will be sure to bring a few extra suitcases worth from their own collections.
Passport/Visa Requirements
It is highly recommended that you cruise with a passport, though not strictly required for U.S. residents sailing from and returning to a U.S. port.
All guests (U.S. Citizens and non-U.S.), please review the requirements HERE
Other Information
- How to Join Podfather - The Cruise
- Pre-Cruise Planning
- Dining Options
- Health and Safety
- Code of Conduct
Click a link and see where it takes you. New adventures await!
Questions
If you have any questions not answered through any of the links on this site, email us directly at info@qwyx.events.
