Cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda
in 2023!

Table Games
Mark will work to secure dedicated gaming space on the ship. We hope to secure all three conference rooms and will have some floating space: the dining room between meals and one of the bars that is closed during the day. We'll have a final schedule for gaming well in advance of the cruise. You will receive itineraries and updates before we leave, and then a daily schedule each morning at your door.

There is a $50 fee for each table game player. That gets you a shirt with logo and covers all administrative expenses (prizes, flyers, etc.). The shirts may also be for sale to non-game players. I will forward information and links when that is available.

Cruise Registration
If you have not already done so, please go to https://www.royalcaribbean.com, click on Log In and create a profile for yourself. This lets you see ship and cruise details, including prices for drink and meal packages above and beyond the included food and beverages. It also lets you see excursions through Royal Caribbean. Mark is available to answer any questions you may have. That includes during the cruise! We've reserved a block of rooms. Get yours with this link. https://www.bellecruises.com/cs/1521150

If you have not done so already, please visit TBD, click on MyTrips and create a login. This lets you view details about your trip, such as due date for any payments, look at excursions offered through Shore Excursions, and get suggestions for what to pack or bring with you on the cruise!

Final Payment
Final payments are due by TBD. Mark will continue to check every new Royal Caribbean promotion to see if your price can be reduced.

Ship
It’s a ship, not a boat. If you call it a boat on board, you will probably be corrected with good humor.

Alcohol
You are allowed to depart with two 750ml bottles of wine per stateroom; NOT per adult!. (Eric noticed that there didn't seem to be a check for roomies each bringing two bottles.) You may freely consume these in your cabin but, if you bring them to dinner or open them in a public area, the ship can (and probably will) charge you a $15 corkage fee. You are allowed to bring alcohol bought in Bermuda back onto the ship, but the crew will store them until departure.

The drinking age on Royal Caribbean is 21 – it is not a party ship. There are ships and companies that observe the 18 and over in International waters. This is not one of those companies.

Tipping the Crew
The crew you will meet are almost all from poor countries. Although their income is high for a citizen of a poor country, it's still little compared to incomes enjoyed in the USA. They are eager for tip income. You can prepay tips ahead of time so you don’t have to worry, or you can tip on board. It is always less expensive to prepay. Experienced cruisers will often bring some cash and give additional tips, because it helps move them from great service to luxury service.

Each cabin has a safe for storing valuables

Electrical Outlets
There are at least two outlets per room, with standard 110V American sockets. If you have four people, charging devices, a lap top, etc. you will need to get a multi-USB power port for at least one plug. Mark will bring a couple of USB chargers for gaming room use, but you will need your own USB cables. DO NOT bring a power strip – you cannot use it. This is a fire hazard and strictly forbidden. If you use a CPAP machine or something that requires an extension cord, this is available on board on request. It woudl be quite unusual for the ship to run out, but still best requested in advance. Please let Mark know if you have any special needs or questions!

Internet/WiFi
Yes, you’re on vacation, but there are some people who can't completely cut the cord. Mark has a text messaging group that will alert our group when games are starting. There are two connectivity packages: a per device/perday wifi charge and a package unique to Royal Caribbean, called “The Key.” More information and pricing are on RoyalCaribbean.com, but note that "The Key" has to be purchased for every person in the cabin over a certain age. This is because it includes a meal plan and a few other benefits. It's 30% cheaper to sign up before the cruise begins.

Meals and Drinks included
There is no additional charge to dine in the main dining room, Latte-tudes (small sandwiches and pastries), the Solarium's Park Cafe (adults only), and the Windjammer Cafe. Eat. Don’t hesitate. You will find that they are insistent about it sometimes. Once the food is prepared it has to be consumed. So go ahead and have that third cheesecake. No one is judging you.

Dining in the specialty restaurants on board: Chef's Table, Chops Grille, Giovanni's Table, and Izumi require additional fees. There are fees in Café Latte-tudes for Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, and for Starbucks drinks.

Room Service delivery fee is $8, and includes almost all the items on the meal plan menu.

Drinks
Free drinks:

• tap water
• milk
• tea
• coffee (regular and decaf)
• lemonade
• iced tea
• flavored waters
• juices (at breakfast and not fresh squeezed)
• hot chocolate (via instant packets)

Adventure Ocean
There is kids club for children between the ages of 3 and 17! You need to register kids on the first day – the Compass (the on-board newsletter) will have times listed for registration. It is open the first day, but there is a tendency to confuse the times for registration and the times it’s open to children. On sea days, Adventure Ocean is typically open 9am - noon, 2pm - 5pm, and 7pm - 10pm. On port days, Adventure Ocean is open continuously, but, once the ship leaves port, it resumes the normal sea days schedule. It is open until 10 pm. From 10 pm to 2 am it remains open, but with a fee of $7 an hour. This are more activities for the 17-year-olds than the 5-year-olds. Be warned. There is a "Pets at Sea" option. It is similar to Build a Bear. $20 for the pet, and then there’s clothing and accessories. You’ve been warned!

Here is a good breakdown of age groups and general activities.

Kings Wharf
Here's a link to a great article on Kings Wharf and things to do there. https://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_000027.htm The beach is a five minute walk from the ship and has decent snorkeling, a bar, fresh-water showers, and a $5 entry fee. Because of the amount of tourism, pretty much everything, including an excellent national museum ($5?), is within 500 yards of the dock. You can rent mopeds for an island tour, and there is a bus stop. Bus #7 goes to the famous South Shore beaches.

Packing Tips
Note – There are shops in Bermuda that will sell any of these items if you don’t want to pack them. The mall is a five minute walk from the ship the ship.
Carry on bag with criticals (medications, phone/camera chargers)

• two bottles of wine or champagne (750 ml) – one guest in the room must be 21 or older
• 12 bottles of beverages (non-alcoholic – soda, water, etc.)
• Activity appropriate clothing
• One pair of closed toed shoes if you’re a flip flop or sandal person
• Bathing suit and cover up if you are going to the pool, goggles if you want see fish while swimming
• Beach Towel if you are planning a day at the beach
• A sweater or light jacket – the open ocean at night is not warm. If you are going to be on deck, be prepared for a little chill
• Backpack or beach tote – if you are planning on getting off the ship in Bermuda. Or winning a ton of money at the slot machines.
• Sun screen and after sun lotion!
• Toiletries – it is hotel-like and the rooms will have some basics, but you may want your own.
• Air freshener – you cannot open a window in the bathroom and the vent fans are not that powerful.
• Medications for upset stomach/motion sickness – if you haven’t been at sea before, you may find you need a Dramamine or Bonine. Cheaper to bring it with you than purchase on-board
• Underwater camera
• Cash in small bills for tipping
• Portable back up charger for phone or camera

Congratulations all! Mark is looking forward to cruising with you!