This fanmail Friday answers a few questions that I received via email.  A couple of them are pretty common questions with one being pretty specialized but interesting nonetheless. As always if you have any questions feel free to email them to me using the contact form on this website.

Usually when do you have to be back onboard the ship?  If I am set to be in port from 1-10pm what time do I have to come back?

Each night you will receive a daily ship program which details everything going on for the following day.  In that program it will list the time you are set to be in port and will also tell you the all-aboard time.  You only have to be back onboard by the time given, however in order to be sure you don’t miss the ship its best to either be back onboard the ship or at least within walking distance within one hour of the ships departure time.

The reason I say one hour is because I have seen instances of taxis breaking down on the way back to the port.  In fact, on my last cruise we picked up a group of cruisers that were stranded on the side of the road.  Most ports have shops, cafes or other activities right by the dock so you can still maximize your time in port but from a safe distance.  Anytime I need to take a tender back to the ship I usually shoot for 30 minutes before the last tender is set to depart.

I broke my tibia and am now on crutches will this ruin my cruise?

Although it will of course be harder to get around than if you hadn’t broken your leg, there is no reason why your cruise will be ruined.  Cruise ships are very good at catering to passengers with disabilities, even if it’s only crutches.  Although ships are huge these days, elevators are usually very conveniently located and the crew will be very accommodating.  Depending on which type of cast you have, water activities may be out of the question but that shouldn’t ruin a cruise, there are tons of activities that you will still be able to enjoy.

Going into port will probably present the biggest challenge.  If I were in your shoes (or cast) I would get a wheelchair while in port.  Depending on where you are going it may be difficult to navigate the terrain on crutches.  Another option could be booking sightseeing tours since you can usually find one that involves being shuttled around rather than you doing the walking.

Is there a weight limit for the Oasis of the Seas zip line?

Yes, every zip line has a weight limit.  I can’t tell you for sure what the weight limit of that particular zip line is but I can assure you that it does have one.  While I doubt there will be an actual scale there to get your exact weight please do yourself a favor and don’t lie.  Although that zip line does look like great fun, no amount of fun is worth putting yourself in danger.

I know that the Oasis of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship but will the Allure of the Seas be bigger since it is newer?

No.  Actually they are sister ships.  Although the Oasis was the first one built the Allure will be nearly identical.

Oasis of the Seas:

Passenger Capacity: 5,400 double occupancy
Gross Tonnage: 220,000
Staterooms: 2,700
Decks: 16 high
Length: 1,187′
Max Beam: 184.40′
Draft: 30′

Allure of the Seas:

Passenger Capacity: 5,400 double occupancy
Gross Tonnage: 220,000
Staterooms: 2,700
Decks: 16 high
Length: 1,187′
Max Beam: 184.40′
Draft: 30′

Same size, same capacity, basically the same ship.  The only difference will be superficial things like decor and of course the crew.