Onboard Questions | Monsters of Rock Cruise Feb 8 -13, 2021

Most of our artists will be joining us for the full cruise and performing onboard the ship. However, there may be some cases where an artist needs to join us during the cruise or depart early due to a scheduling conflict or other family commitment.

WILL THE ARTISTS BE SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS/TAKING PHOTOS WITH GUESTS?

Many of our artists will be doing Photo Experiences with our guests, however, not all bands or artists will be included in these events. Our professional photographers will capture these images and they will be available for download free of charge about 2-3 weeks after sailing at www.vipcruisephotos.com. Any autographs, additional photos or other interactions will be at each band/artist’s discretion.*

*At this time, Alice Cooper in NOT scheduled to participate in any of the Photo Experiences onboard.

HOW MANY SHOWS WILL THE ARTISTS PLAY?

Most bands will be performing two (2) times. Other artists will be playing at least once, with some performing multiple times.

Please note for 2021:

Alice Cooper will perform twice on board – All guests will be assigned a colored show ensuring they will see this performance once. All other shows will be open seating.
For all shows in most venues (including Alice Cooper), guests will enter in the following order – VIP Gold, VIP Silver, followed by General Admission.

ARE THERE ASSIGNED SEATS FOR PERFORMANCES?

Please note for 2021:

Alice Cooper will perform twice on board – All guests will be assigned a colored show ensuring they will see this performance once. All other shows will be open seating.
For all shows in most venues (including Alice Cooper), guests will enter in the following order – VIP Gold, VIP Silver, followed by General Admission. Seats will not be assigned.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHIP?

You can view photos, deck plans and even a virtual tour of the Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas by clicking HERE.

WHAT CAN WE DO WHEN GOING ASHORE?

Each port of call has multiple shore excursion options. To learn more about Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic click HERE. For more information about the Private Isle of Labadee click HERE.

Shore excursions will be available for purchase approximately 30-60 days prior to our sail date.

WHAT IF I WANT TO GAMBLE AWAY ALL MY MONEY AT SEA…IS THERE A CASINO?

Yes, feel free to gamble from sun up to sun down as the beautiful Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas has a casino featuring slot machines, blackjack, roulette, bingo and much more! Please keep in mind that Royal Caribbean is required to close the casino (as well as other shops onboard) while we are in port.

WHEN WILL WE KNOW THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS?

We will release the schedule of concerts and events during embarkation. Please know that this is not something we do to torture you…but that the schedule is a delicate balancing act and we want to be sure we have made every necessary change before we release it to you. We don’t want you to miss anything due to having an incomplete or altered schedule!

AM I GOING TO STARVE ON BOARD?

Not a chance! The Independence of the Seas offers several dining options on board. These options are subject to change. CLICK HERE to view both the complimentary and specialty (not included in cruise fare) restaurant options.

ARE THERE SPECIAL DIETS AVAILABLE?

If you have any food allergy or a dietary requirement that requires Kosher meals or gluten-free food products, please advise us at the time of booking. Obtaining the products for many of these requests requires 90-days notice prior to sailing, and we want to ensure that we are able to fulfill your request. Kosher Meal requests made within 90 days of sail date cannot be guaranteed. For the protection of all of our guests, it is not permissible to bring aboard any food items that would require preparation by the ship’s staff, or food items that would require cold storage in the kitchen facilities.

I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY CELL PHONE…WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY CELL PHONE ON BOARD?

Royal Caribbean has an advanced roaming network available on all ships, allowing you to place and receive calls, voice mail, text messages and GPRS data using your own cell phone. Per minute rates apply; international carrier rates may apply. Cellular service onboard is turned off while the ship is in ports of call.

AT&T Cruise Ship Packages?
Discount Cruise Ship packages are now available for AT&T® mobile customers while aboard select ships. Choose from options for calling only, calling and messaging or calling, messaging and data.

How much will I be charged when I use my cell phone onboard?
The rates vary according to cellular phone carrier and the pricing /roaming plan which you have established with them directly. The charges incurred will appear on your normal mobile carrier’s bill you receive at home. For more information on exact pricing contact your carrier or visit their webpage.

Can my family call me onboard?
Yes, Royal Caribbean guests can also be contacted on the ship by calling their cell phone number. The service works just as it does on land. If the party does not answer, a voice message can be left on the phone and later retrieved by the guest.

How to make calls?
Dial “+” followed by country code, city code, and number, just as you would when traveling abroad.

IS THERE INTERNET SERVICE? WIRELESS?

Yes. There are Wi-Fi areas located throughout the ship, staterooms included.

Please note, internet access onboard is significantly slower than high-speed connections normally experienced on land.

Current Pricing (subject to change without notice):
$20/day per device

HOW DO I PAY FOR THINGS ON THE SHIP?

For your convenience, all shipboard expenses are charged to your Onboard account. When you check-in, you may add a credit card to your account, establishing your method of payment with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. You may also use your debit card, however, please be advised that RCI obtains pre-authorization, as they do for all Credit Cards, and some banks hold these funds for up to 30 days. Traveler’s checks or cash can also be used as a method of payment to settle your account with an initial deposit paid in advance.

Using your debit or ATM card

RCI does not recommend the use of a debit card as payment for your onboard folio.
Please be advised that multiple holds will be placed on your debit card account based on your onboard purchases.
After settling your onboard folio, these debit card holds may remain on your account up to 30 days after the cruise ends.
To avoid overdraft charges from your bank, please make sure that you have enough available funds in your account during this hold period.
Royal Caribbean will not be responsible for overdraft charges resulting from holds placed on Debit Card accounts.

Cash/Traveler’s Checks Procedures

You can deposit cash or US Traveler’s Checks into your onboard account.

A cash deposit of $300 per person may be placed on your account in lieu of a credit card.

Once you have exceeded the deposited amount, your account will be closed to further charges. You can deposit as much money as often as you’d like throughout the cruise, however, refunds cannot be made until the day of disembarkation for any excess. US Traveler’s Checks can be cashed onboard and are the same as cash.

**Personal checks will not be accepted, nor can they be cashed onboard.

I RAN OUT OF CASH GAMBLING. ARE THERE ATM’S ONBOARD?

Yes, there is an ATM located on Deck 5 near the guest services desk.

DO I NEED TO TIP FOR ANYTHING DURING THE CRUISE?

Gratuities are included in the base cabin fare of your reservation. Please note, however, if you receive excellent service, you may always tip any additional amount you feel.

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to bar service beverages, mini bar items, and spa & salon services. These gratuities may be itemized on your on board receipt.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE CRUISE?

Alcoholic beverages will not be sold or served to anyone under the age of 21. The Monsters of Rock Cruise, MORC LLC and Royal Caribbean reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone. Please refer to ShipBoard Etiquette.

CAN I SMOKE ON THE SHIP?

For the comfort and enjoyment of our guests, our ships are designated as non-smoking; however, we recognize that some of our guests do smoke. Therefore, to provide an onboard environment that also satisfies smokers, we have designated certain areas of the ship as smoking areas.

Cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette and pipe smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas of the starboard side of all ships. To assist in locating areas where smoking is permitted, guests will find visible signage posted within all smoking areas and ashtrays that are provided for use. Outdoor areas near restricted areas, food venues, and kids play areas and pools will not allow smoking.

Casino Royale allows smoking and has a designated area for non-smoking guests. There will be visible signage indicating the non-smoking area in the casino.

Onboard all interior public spaces are smoke-free. Smoking is not permitted in any dining venue, theater, bar, lounge, hallway, elevator, and jogging track.

Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or any stateroom balcony. This applies to all stateroom categories onboard. If a guest is in violation of this stateroom policy, a cleaning fee of $250 USD will be applied to their SeaPass® account and may be subject to further action pursuant to the “Consequences Section” of the Guest Conduct Policy.

Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard. Cigar and pipe tobacco is limited to designated outdoor areas and Cigar Bars. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco onboard.

Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are only permitted within the designated smoking areas.

Royal Caribbean International kindly asks all guests to please observe the smoking policy. These requests are made to provide a comfortable cruise for everyone. Guests may also inquire at Guest Services for the location of the designated smoking areas onboard.

Guests who violate this smoking policy may be subject to further action pursuant to the “Consequences Section” of this Guest Conduct Policy.

Royal Caribbean updated the smoking policy September 2013 and the above policy is in enforcement on all ships with cruises departing on or after January 1, 2014.

ARE THERE HAIR DRYERS AND IRONS PROVIDED IN THE CABINS?

All staterooms have hair dryers.

Staterooms do not have irons or clothing steamers as they are NOT allowed onboard. Please be aware for the safety of all passengers, these will be confiscated from luggage during embarkation. However, you may use the laundry/dry cleaning service for all of your pressing needs.

IS LAUNDRY SERVICE AVAILABLE?

There is a full laundry and dry-cleaning service available onboard for reasonable rates.

While the ship does not have self-service laundry, they do offer laundry, dry cleaning and pressing service for a nominal charge.

Irons and clothing steamers are NOT permitted in cabins, do not bring them, they will be confiscated during embarkation.

ARE THERE ANY BABYSITTING SERVICES ONBOARD?

Due to the nature of this event, babysitting services will be unavailable.

ARE THERE ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN ONBOARD THE SHIP?

Due to the nature of this event, children’s regularly scheduled activities will be extremely limited and at times, unavailable. All guests bringing children agree that they understand these services may not be available and guests are responsible for the care of their children at all times while onboard.

ARE CRIBS AND/OR ROLLAWAY BEDS AVAILABLE?

Royal Caribbean provides Play Yards for use onboard. Play Yards are similar to a playpen. Cribs are no longer provided.

Play Yard specifics:

For use by children unable to climb out, less than 24″ tall, and less than 30 lbs.
Mesh on four sides sets up in less than one minute strong and stable, yet lightweight
Approx. dimensions 28″W x 38 7/8″L x 31-1/4″H Mattress/pad is 1″ thick
Sheets are provided Folds for storage and includes carrying bag with handle*Play Yards should be reserved in advance so that quantity can be reserved.

Due to maritime law, however, each cabin is capacity controlled and rollaway beds are not allowed.

**Infants under six (6) months of age are not permitted to sail.

ARE THERE MEDICAL SERVICES ONBOARD?

A physician and 2 nurses are on each ship to provide medical care and services at customary charges. These charges will be billed to your onboard account.

Commonly used medications are kept on board and may be prescribed by the ship’s doctor.

Please be aware that onboard medical facilities do not accept normal insurance policies. We highly recommend finding travel insurance that can cover these types of unforeseen circumstances.

CAN I BRING DRINKS ONBOARD?

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR 2021: Due to new charter rules from Royal Caribbean, guests are no longer permitted to bring ANY beverage onboard. This includes, but is not limited to: wine, beer, hard liquor, fortified wine, bottled water and/or any other non-alcoholic beverage onboard for consumption or any other use. This includes boarding on embarkation day or returning from any port of call. Any beverage confiscated may not be returned, so don’t risk it!

Security may inspect containers (shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, mouthwash and/or all luggage) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over consume, provide alcohol to people under age 21, demonstrate irresponsible behavior, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and/or luggage check points or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with Royal Caribbean’s Guest Conduct Policy. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them.

Note: All guests must comply with TSA guidelines for transporting liquids.

WILL DRINK PACKAGES BE OFFERED?

Cruise lines do not typically offer drink packages to chartered cruises like ours but we always try to negotiate to see if it is possible. If we are successful, an email will be sent out 30-45 days prior to sailing with all the information you will need.