Event Starts in: Do you work in the Technology industry and need to get away and take a break? Ready to recharge, rejuvenate in new surroundings and be inspired by other like minds? Then, you can’t miss the 4th annual TECHSPO At Sea!
TECHSPO At Sea is a 7 night tech networking cruise onboard the Royal Caribbean ‘Grandeur of the Seas’ Cruise Ship, departing Baltimore, Florida, sailing to King's Wharf (Bermuda) and back.
With plenty of networking opportunities in a relaxed environment, it is the perfect place to build a professional network, find business partners, generate new ideas, and learn. In addition to networking opportunities, there are also 3 optional Events on the Days at Sea if you would like to get in some learning during the cruise, including DigiMarCon At Sea, Sales Summit At Sea and TECHSPO At Sea.
Take advantage of our super saver registration rates and secure your cabin early and be sure to bring your partner/family along for a vacation. Hurry, this cruise will sell out weeks before we depart as it did last time. For more details visit https://techspoatsea.com.
Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas, Baltimore, Florida
Other TECHSPO Events 
Hurry, Limited Passes Remaining! 
Life Onboard
During the cruise, what will I need with me to get back on the ship?
At the pier, you will receive a SeaPass® card once you’re all checked in. The SeaPass card is one of the most important things you’ll have onboard – besides your camera and sunscreen. Your SeaPass works as:
- Your room key
- Your boarding pass at all ports of call
- Our Specialty Restaurants – like Chops Grille or Portofino – offer amazing food in a restaurant atmosphere.
Be sure to keep it with you at all times!
What is an Onboard Expense Account? How does it work?
An Onboard Expense Account is the cashless system used for all onboard purchases and services.
The account may be set-up with either a credit card or as a cash account. You may establish a master account and add guests from your stateroom or another stateroom as authorized purchasers on your account.
For each purchase made onboard the ship you will receive a receipt at the point of sale. A final statement will be delivered to your stateroom on the last night of your cruise vacation for your review.
Guests that set up an account with a credit card should verify the statement. If all purchases are correct, they will automatically be billed to the credit card.
Guests on a cash account will need to settle their statement onboard prior to disembarking. The ship will provide you with specific details.
Are ATM machines available onboard?
All ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet have ATM machines. There is a transaction fee levied by BB&T, the owners of the ATMs, plus any other fees the guest’s financial institution would charge.
What activities are available for children and teens?
There’s no better way to excite every member of your family than with a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. We offer a huge variety of activities onboard and excursions on shore, so you can explore and have fun as a group or break out and do the things you each love most.
Many of our excursions offer the excitement and wonder that appeal to all ages. Be sure to check the descriptions to pick the ones your family will enjoy.
Onboard, our Adventure Ocean Youth Program offers adventure (and education) for kids ages 3-17 with different activities and programs for different age groups. For our youngest guests and their parents, we offer Fisher-Price Playgroups with interactive sessions for 6 to 36-month-olds developed by early childhood experts at Fisher-Price.
How do I find the hours and activities for Adventure Ocean?
We keep all the info on our Fisher-Price Playgroups and Adventure Ocean Youth Programs right here online. Some programs do vary by ship and itinerary, and you’ll find that noted in the program description.
Are babysitters available onboard?
Babysitting is offered both in a group setting, and individually in your stateroom. In stateroom babysitting must be reserved through the Guest Relations Desk (Purser’s Desk) at least 24 hours in advance.
It cannot be reserved prior to the cruise vacation and there is no guarantee that sitters will be available. The service is offered between 8:00 am and 2:00 am when personnel is available. Sitters will be assigned on a first come first served basis
Children MUST be at least 1 year old.
Approximate Rate: $19 per hour for up to three children within the same family.
Times and prices are subject to change without notice. Payment will be made using your onboard SeaPass card.
Is there a charge for skates or ice skating onboard? What size skates are there?
Skates and skating are complimentary on the ships with ice rinks, which are the Oasis-class, Freedom-class and Voyager-class ships. All skates are unisex. Long pants and socks are required to participate. We offer figure and hockey style skates in adult sizes only. Skates are very similar to regular rental boots rented at most ice rinks.
We carry the following sizes:
- Children size: 2 – 7
- Adult size: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 12.5, 13
What are the dress codes onboard?
Onboard Dress Code
Smart Casual: Ladies: Skirt or pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a blouse. Gentlemen: Pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a collared shirt.
Formal: Ladies: Cocktail dress or pantsuit. Gentlemen: Suit (black tie is optional)
Note: Swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurants or specialty restaurants. T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops are acceptable for lunch.
Note: Smart Casual is allowed on Boarding Day at The Grande Restaurant (should only be included where we are speaking about The Grande)
What is Royal Caribbean International's Age Policy?
Royal Caribbean International’s minimum age to sail unaccompanied on sailings originating in North America is twenty-one (21). The minimum age to sail unaccompanied on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is eighteen (18).
The Company retains the right, on rare occasions, to raise the minimum age to sail unaccompanied on any sailing when local laws require or permit such a modification.
For voyages originating in North America:
No Guest younger than the age twenty-one (21) will be assigned to a stateroom unless accompanied in the same stateroom by an adult twenty-one (21) years old or older. A guest’s age is established upon the first date of sailing.
This age limit will be waived for children sailing with their parents or guardians in connecting staterooms; for underage married couples; and for active duty members of the United States or Canadian military.
Certain other restrictions and conditions will apply; such as compliance with the age twenty-one (21) alcohol policy, and proof of marriage for underage couples or proof of active duty military status required.
INFANT POLICY
Infants sailing on a cruise must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise and/or CruiseTour. HOWEVER: For transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, select South American and other selected cruises and/or CruiseTours, the infant must be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise/CruiseTour. For the purposes of this policy, any cruise that has 3 or more days consecutive at sea will require infants to be 12 months old on the first day of the cruise/CruiseTour.
Please be aware that guests travelling with a young infant that does not meet the infant policy will be denied boarding. No refunds or other compensation shall be due from the cruise line to anyone as a result of the denial of boarding to an underage infant or other accompanying guests.
Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to ask for proof of age. Royal Caribbean International’s age policy for gambling and consumption of alcoholic beverages is as follows: Please note: An individual’s age on the date of sailing determines his or her status for their cruise vacation. However, if a guest celebrates their 21st birthday during the cruise, the guest may thereafter ask the Guest Services Manager to modify ship’s records to permit their consumption of alcohol during the remainder of the cruise. The guest will be required to appear at Guest Services with his or her parent or guardian and to present a government issued form of identification to establish that the guest’s 21st birthday was celebrated during the cruise.
ALCOHOL POLICY
- Effective immediatly on all sailings, the minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Royal Caribbean International is as follows.
- The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean International ships on sailings originating in North America is twenty-one (21).
- The minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean International ships on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand is eighteen (18). The minimum age to consume alcohol at all private destinations remains twenty-one (21) without regard to where the sailing originated. The Company retains the right, on rare occasions, to raise the minimum age of alcohol consumption on any sailing when local laws require or permit such a modification.
- Guests may bring personal wine and champagne onboard only on boarding day, limited to two (2) 750 ml bottles per stateroom. When consumed in any public area, each bottle shall be subject to a corkage fee of $25.00. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports of call or from onboard shops will be stored by the ship and delivered to guest staterooms on the last day of the sailing. Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Royal Caribbean’s Guest Conduct Policy may be enforced, up to and including disembarkation, if a guest violates any alcohol policy. Guests under the age of 21 will not have alcohol returned to them.
- 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 our Guest Conduct Policy.
- All guests must comply with TSA guidelines for transporting liquids.
- Royal Caribbean reserves the right to revoke or otherwise restrict drinking privileges of any guest, regardless of age.
GAMBLING POLICY
Guests eighteen (18) years of age and older are welcome to play in our casinos (for all Alaska sailings, guests must be 21 years of age in order to play in our casinos).
Does Royal Caribbean provide highchairs or baby strollers?
Highchairs are available on each of our ships upon request. Reservations are not needed.
Royal Caribbean does not provide strollers.
Can cribs/rollaways be provided in my stateroom?
Royal Caribbean provides Play Yard’s for use onboard. Play Yard’s are similar to a playpen. Cribs are no longer provided.
Play Yard’s 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 Yard’s should be reserved in advance so that we are sure we have enough onboard.
Please Note: Only one Play Yard per stateroom can be reserved in advance. Requests for additional units must be made onboard.
What electrical voltage is offered onboard?
All of our Royal Caribbean ships are equipped with North American standard, 110 volts AC and standard European 220/230 volts AC outlets.
Are walkie-talkies allowed onboard?
Dect phones (portable phones) are available to rent for $25.00 a week on Radiance and Voyager class vessels. Guests may reserve a set at the Guest Relations Desk, (price is subject to change). Guests are also allowed to have two-way radios, more commonly know as walkie-talkies, for onboard personal communications. Basic specifications are as follows: Up to 10-mile coverage range, Up to 5 watts power, Internal Voice, Operated Transmission, No external mounting antenna.
Is Internet access available from the ship?
Yes, depending on the ship there are two options for staying connected while onboard.
Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi)
There will be six designated *”Hot Spots” which vary from ship to ship.
To use our WI-FI access, you’ll need:
A laptop
Windows operating system
802.11b Wireless networking capability
The cost for Wi-Fi access through your own laptop varies and is subject to change. Visit guest services once onboard for more information.
The Internet Cafe/Workstation
These stations provide access to e-mail and the Internet, plus direct connections to favorite websites for stock, sports and entertainment updates. You can also send virtual postcards while at sea, and in ports-of-call worldwide. If you don’t have an e-mail account, you can also establish one onboard. This service is available onboard all ships. Prices vary and are subject to change. Please visit the Internet Cafe for more information once onboard.
Do the menus and entertainment change from sailing to sailing?
Our menus and entertainment do not usually change from cruise to cruise. However, most guests find that the wide range of options we offer provide more than enough variety for those who reserve consecutive cruises.
How can I audition to become a singer or dancer onboard?
If you are interested in becoming a part of Royal Caribbean’s In-House Production shows, please visit us at Royal Caribbean Productions.
Who do I contact if my onboard purchase is lost or damaged?
If you made a duty-free purchase in the gift shop, you can call Starboard Cruises at (800) 540-4785.
What items are not allowed onboard the cruise ship?
Weapons, illegal drugs, and other items that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of our guests and crew are prohibited. The following are examples of items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. These and other similar items will be confiscated upon being found. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned..
Prohibited items:
- Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas.
- Sharp Objects, including all knives and scissors. (Note: Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed.)
- Illegal Drugs & Substances
- Candles, Incense, Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, Travel Steamers & Hot Plates. (Items that generate heat or produce an open flame. This includes heating pads, clothing irons, hotplates, candles, incense and any other item that may create a fire hazard. NOTE: The only exception to this policy are curling irons and hair straighteners. Matches and normal lighteners are allowed onboard. However “torch lighters” and novelty lighters that look like guns are not allowed onboard. Torch lighters emit a powerful concentrated flame, and therefore are prohibited.
- Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats, Bows & Arrows
- Illegal Drugs
- Skateboards & Surfboards
- Aerial Drones
- Martial Arts Gear
- Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, night sticks.
- Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks.
- Hookahs & Water Hookah Pipes.
- HAM Radios
- Electrical Extension Cords
- Dangerous Chemicals, including bleach and paint.
- Alcoholic Beverages (Note: Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.)
Is there a way to transfer pictures from my digital camera to a CD onboard?
The Photo Shops onboard have mini digital photo labs that allow you to have pictures burned onto a CD. Pictures from a digital cameras cannot be transferred to a CD from the computers onboard our ships.
Does the SeaPass® card include security features?
Before our guests board their ship, they are issued a SeaPass card that is used to check their identity each time they board and leave the vessel. It is also used to gain access to their cabin, as a form of identification, and to make onboard purchases. The card is linked to electronic data, including the guest’s photograph to assist with onboard activities such as verifying the guest’s identity when they leave and return to the ship.
Do you accept personal checks, travelers checks and foreign currency?
The shops, lounges, shore excursions, and Spa operate on a cashless system, therefore guests must use the SeaPass card when purchasing beverages and services throughout the ship. The card can be activated at check-in with a Visa, Master Card, JCB, Diners Club, Carte Blanche or American Express credit card. Accounts can also be settled by cash or travelers checks. Personal checks and gift cards cannot be used to settle an onboard account at the end of the cruise. Most major foreign currencies can be exchanged for US dollars onboard. Please contact us for further information.
A guest may cash one check per cruise as follows:
- One check up to $200.00 USD.
- Only checks written in US dollars which are drawn against a US bank can be accepted.
- Guests can no longer cash a personal check at the Casino cash desk; they can only do this at the Guest Relations or Guest Services Desk.
- Guests can only cash one personal check per bank account per cruise.
Foreign Currency and Travelers Checks:
- Guests cannot exchange more than USD $950 in travelers checks and foreign currency per day.
- Guests can only exchange foreign currency and travelers checks for cash at the Guest Relations or Guest Services Desk.
- Guests can only exchange foreign currency and travelers checks for chips and tokens in the Casino.
ATM Withdrawal:
The following cards (debit or credit) can be used to withdraw cash from the onboard ATM: Visa (Plus), MasterCard (Cirrus, Maestro), American Express, Pulse, NYCE, Discover/Novus, Quest. Most ships have an ATM available in the Casino and by the Guest Relations Desk.
I booked my cruise before this adjustment. Do the new guidelines apply to my cruise?
Royal Caribbean will not change the gratuities for any bookings that set sail before July 1, 2011.
Pre-existing bookings for sail dates on or after July 1, 2011 will not have increased gratuity guidelines as long as they meet at least one of the following requirements:
The booking shows that prepaid gratuities were selected before 12:01 a.m. U.S. Eastern time on 12/11/10
The booking shows that My Time Dining was selected before 12:01 a.m. U.S. Eastern time on 12/11/10
Will the Quantum class have a Spa, H2O Zone or Studio B?
Signature venues and experiences such as the Rock Climbing Wall, FlowRider, and Vitality Spa and Fitness Center will be back on Quantum class. In addition, the adults-only Solarium along with an outdoor pool, a new indoor pool with operable roof, and a H2O Zone kids’ aqua park will all be featured on the top deck.
Quantum class will not offer Studio B, our signature ice-skating venue, as those looking to book a cruise vacation with Royal Caribbean have 10 ships to choose from that offer Studio B. Guests now have exciting new venue choices on Quantum and Anthem where they can experience roller skating, bumper cars and even a circus school with flying trapeze in our new sports and entertainment venue, SeaPlex.
What is Autism Friendly Certification?
Autism Friendly Certification is awarded by Autism on the Seas to cruise lines for their efforts to ensure their products and services are accessible for inclusion and participation by the autism and developmental disability community.
What does Autism Friendly Certification include?
Autism Friendly Certification includes achievement in up to seven areas, such as cruise line staff training, youth program services, pre-vacation planning and services, dining and dietary needs, disability accommodations, guest satisfaction and feedback, and support for “Cruises with Autism on the Seas Staff.” There are four levels of certification, each progressing with increased levels of staff training.
What does Autism Friendly Bronze Level Certification include?
Bronze Level Certification confirms the ship’s readiness to accommodate guests with autism and other development disabilities to provide equal access to onboard services and amenities.
What does Silver, Gold and Diamond Level certification include?
Silver, Gold and Diamond Levels focus on increased staff training. Silver Level ensures that all Youth Staff have received basic awareness training in autism and other developmental disabilities. Gold Level ensures that all Youth Staff have received advanced training, and we provide other shipboard staff with basic awareness training. Diamond Level ensures that we provide “hands-on” training for our Youth Staff.
How does Autism Friendly Certification impact families with autism?
Families with autism sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Autism Friendly Certified ships can be confident that Royal Caribbean has autism friendly products and services that will help accommodate family members with autism.
What?s changing in terms of what you offer families with autism?
Autism Friendly Films
Autism Friendly Toy Lending
Autism Friendly Activities
Cruising Social Story
What are Autism Friendly Films?
Autism Friendly Films are presented in a low-lit and low volume environment. Guests are encouraged to freely talk and walk around during the film. These films will be offered on all autism group cruises and cruises when there are at least five children with autism onboard. Dates and times will be highlighted in the Cruise Compass.
What is Autism Friendly Toy Lending?
Autism Friendly Toy Lending is available in our Adventure Ocean Youth Program on all ships. Upon request, we will provide a tote bag of autism friendly toys that may be used in Adventure Ocean or in their stateroom. Parents may select other autism friendly toys that are more appropriate for their child. Examples of Autism Friendly toys include: non-toxic crayons, markers, water colors, building blocks, dominoes, and picture books.
What is a Social Story in relation to autism?
A Social Story is a written or visual guide describing various social interactions, situations, behaviors, skills or concepts. These Social Stories help individuals with autism to better cope with social situations. Royal Caribbean offers a Cruising Social Story about cruising to help families with autism prepare for their cruise vacation.
What do you offer for teens with autism?
Expedited check-in, boarding and departure
Special dietary accommodations including gluten-free and dairy-free
Autism Friendly Toy Lending
Autism Friendly Films
Social Story
Our Teen Program with teen-only hangouts and activities. Please note while some activities are hosted, they do not provide supervision or one on one attention. (Adults are not permitted in teen spaces.)
What do you offer for adults with autism?
Adults with autism who sail with Royal Caribbean are offered:
Expedited check-in, boarding and departure
Special dietary accommodations including gluten-free and dairy-free
Autism Friendly Toy Lending
Autism Friendly Films
Social Story
Our Cruise Activities Program. Please note while some activities are hosted, they do not provide supervision or one-on-one attention.
What if my autistic family member has difficulty waiting in line?
Please notify one of our pier or shipboard staff members for assistance. Please let us know you have a family member with autism and he or she is unable to wait in line. We’ll do our best to assist you.
What if my autistic family member has a special dietary need?
We offer gluten free and casein (dairy) free menu options as well as accommodate other special dietary needs. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are listed on our main dining room menus. Check with your head waiter for assistance with selecting appropriate menu items. We can accommodate most food allergies in the main dining room. Once you are on the ship, speak with our head waiter to discuss your allergies and review your menu selections for the next day. For complex food allergies contact our access department for assistance. Please note we may not be able to accommodate all food allergies.
What if my autistic family member requires one-on-one attention?
We are unable to provide continuous one-on-one attention. We will discuss different options with you on how to best accommodate your family member.
