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I posted this on the TODAY SHOW page:

It generates revenue. TV shows are all about ratings which help them sign up advertisers. Facts don't matter, ratings do. Keep this mind for anything else you hear about on the Today show... it's all fake news.

For anyone considering a cruise to NZ, please please please don't let this tragic incident put you off. I have travelled New Zealand a few times and it is a magical place. I even experienced some earthquake aftershocks (late 2011) and this has not put me off revisiting in the future. The Kiwis are big of heart, with amazing natural landscapes and a brilliant culture. I look forward to my next trip there and showing my kids around.

Don't leave any children behind by mistake.

7 days and we are outta here! Packing is underway and today I resigned myself to the fact that we need to take another checked bag ... I have made peace with this! The packing cubes seem to be working great! Definitely frees up space but my bag was over limit so I had to reshuffle some of the packing cubes. Resulting in the extra checked bag. Hubby is out of town working and missing out on all the pre cruise fun. He will literally walk in the door and we are off to the airport. All he said on the subject of baggage is, “that seems like a lot”. To which I said, it is a lot. End of discussion. 🙂 He knows me too well! I decided not to stress over baggage; we are each allowed 2 free checked bags and I had already booked an SUV. So not a big deal. I have hair, mani and pedi booked for this week 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Update on pre cruise communication with Andres Andres hopes the holiday menus will be confirmed in the next day or two, at which time I think I will see a draft schedule of dining, entertainment and activities. I think I will hear more by the end of the week. 🤷‍♀️ Laundry services are included in star class and Andres got back to me about whether synthetic fragrances are used in laundry detergents. Not surprisingly, they are but we have several options so all is good! All that matters is that our 🧺 will get done. I will post holiday menus when I receive them.

I signed up here just to comment on this story as the more I read it, the more my blood boils. I have been on three Royal cruises and have my fourth booked for next year. Also, when I was recently on Anthem, I’m guessing no one had a problem seeing the open pool deck window because no adult or child fell off the ship. Honestly at this point I question the fanily’s motives and what type of people and parents they really are. Why do they seem to have no problem with the fact that the baby was put on a railing so high up when there were many safer ways to play with her or look out the window? Were the parents already off drinking and too preoccupied to care? Why, instead of grieving privately and getting counseling and trying to keep their family together, do they keep appearing on TV news and at press conferences? Why is their hand out for money from Royal Caribbean when Grandpa is the one who held the baby up and lost his grip? Do I believe Grandpa intended to harm the baby? Of course not. But everyone in this family has very questionable judgment. The mom is a lawyer and can’t see a this is a fruitless lawsuit? I think this family needs to step off and drop their lawsuit and get out of the spotlight. They’re not helping themselves. And don’t get me started on the “But it’s so HEARTLESS and MEAN to not understand the family’s SUFFERING!” opinion of so much of the public. Think critically and don’t just believe everything the media, the family, and their lawyer tell you. I also majored in journalism and used to work at a law firm. So I know all about the Today show wanting ratings and finding the best stories possible. And while my former firm was much smaller time and didn’t really take cases of this magnitude, there was definitely talk about clients who needed to take responsibility for themselves at some point.

Get your cellphone unlocked so you can purchase a sim card in dublin. If you buy the data PAYG pack it will be a lot less and you can use it anywhere in Europe at no extra cost. So when you are walking about the streets of dublin or Reykjavik your cellphone can be on as normal just using the data on the pack you buy

Ooooh, good one. I forgot to bring them last week on Navigator, and I was PISSED! I even like them out at sea - never know when you'll spot a whale, dolphin, interesting sea bird, or Kraken #nottherum.

A video explaining my entire career at sea!

That's been offered many times in this thread. The glass starts at the floor so the child could see through the glass while standing on the floor. A child on a hand railing could fall sideways off the railing and split their head open on the hard pool deck floor, or break a leg or an arm, or any number of injuries falling nearly 3 1/2 to 4 feet off the railing to the floor. They can fall onto a chair and lose an eye if they hit the edge of the armrest. A hand railing is never meant to be a sitting area. Never. Even if there was actually glass in front of the railing what he did was irresponsible and exposed the child to danger. In some states that is child endangerment. Why a child banging on glass is a good thing that should be encouraged is another matter altogether.

Everybody involved in this tragedy had a better chance of getting hit and killed by a car on their way to embarkation than being killed in a volcanic eruption. Any day could be our last. Live like it is and enjoy your life!

Hi John, hopefully this link will provide some of the answers you are looking for. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-the-golden-suite-program

If Chops is open for lunch, why wouldn't I eat there?

Thanks for all these suggestions, everyone! Some good ones in here I definitely didn't remember / think of... My cell phone is already unlocked, and I'm on Verizon's PAYG international plan -- for $10 a day, I have full access to my regular 4G voice and data plan; I've already verified it works in all of the countries I'm visiting. If Dublin were our starting point I'd probably do as @Ray suggested and get a local SIM card, but it's actually the end of our trip (we start in NJ). I may still get one so that we have good cell access for the four days we're there, but it would depend on the cost vs my $10 daily rate. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to take my phone out of airplane mode while I'm in Iceland, but I don't think there's any point; I'll be doing excursions both days that have me wandering all over the place, and I don't see myself calling anyone or Periscoping or anything like that. I'll still look at the cost of getting a card in Iceland and whether that card will also work in Ireland, but unless it's cheaper overall than my current daily rate would be (and I know how expensive Iceland is!) I doubt I'll go that route. Due to the length of this cruise, the weather is almost impossible to plan for beyond a vague guess. I've looked at the average temperature range and rainfall in Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Ireland in August and will be making packing plans based on that, along with some contingency planning based on the reported weather in the days leading up to departure. We can definitely plan against the weather forecast in Halifax and Sydney, as we'll be there in the first few days of the trip. But we don't arrive in Greenland until the end of our first week on the ship; Iceland is days 10 through 12; and Ireland isn't until two weeks after we've left home. Weather forecasts still aren't accurate more than 4 or 5 days out, so we'll just make our best guesses for what we'll need and what will fit in our luggage, and hope for the best! Layers, layers, layers, layers! 😁 We have a universal adapter we got for my daughter when she went to Ghana last year, but I'll have to find that. We'll probably want one or two more for while we're in Dublin, though. Added to the list! Passports are all good. Mine is the oldest and doesn't expire until summer of 2022. None of my credit cards charge an exchange fee, so I plan to use that for as much as possible. If I need to get cash for some reason, I'll do it in the country at an ATM; my credit union refunds all ATM fees for me as part of my checking account perks. I've spoken with @Ray about the Dublin and Reykjavik airports and how to plan for them, and if I remember right they both take cards as well as cash. But Ray also warned me to try and have as full a stomach as possible before entering the Reykjavik airport because it's hella expensive! We're departing from Cape Liberty cruise port, just 45 minutes from my home, so getting the wine is no problem. I have the neoprene carry bags and will throw it into my travel backpack. Which leads me to... You know, I used to have a pair of binoculars but they were the huge variety that wouldn't be travel-friendly. Not sure if I'll make that investment, but I'll ask my wife since she and my older daughter won't have a camera / camcorder plastered to their face and might like have a pair of travel binocs on hand. Added to the list! And I got a nice compact travel backpack when I did my first cruise last year. Was recommended by @DocLC and has been great on every trip I've brought it! It's my go-to for carrying the wine, camera accessories, water shoes, and other odds and ends either when boarding the plane (as my secondary under-the-seat personal item) or while out on an excursion. No alarm system, but I will be letting our neighbors know we'll be away and to keep an eye on the place as they're able. Never thought of also notifying the police, but that's a good idea. Our home is on a main road and police regularly go by anyway, so hopefully they can just pay a little more attention while doing their regular patrol routes. And no newspaper subscriptions any more (all digital), but I do already have a mail hold notification in my list. As mentioned above, I don't really plan to use cash at all. But if needed, I'll get some at the airport ATM or even an ATM in town (which will probably be a better option for both fees and exchange rate). While we do all take prescription meds, it's just one or at most two. I had asked about whether it was necessary / worthwhile to bring the bottles or pictures of them in case TSA or other airport security asked any questions about the daily pill containers, and was reassured by all it's not necessary. I may still take a photo of our various bottles, though, just in case the worst happens and someone loses their pill container and needs an emergency refill while we're still abroad. Added to the list! I have the information for all of our passports recorded in secure entries in 1Password, along with my driver's license. Not a photo, but it's as useful as a photo since it's really just the serial numbers and things like issue / expiration date that matter. No one will accept a photo of a passport or DL as official documentation anyway. Thanks again for all these tips, everyone! I'll keep an eye out for any others you might have!

I'm with you on the blood boiling... I'm trying so hard not to throw things at my TV. 😂 In the article, the South Bend Police Department seems to be giving their all out support for this family, even initially letting them use the police facilities for the press conference until they were called out on it. "The news conference was originally scheduled to take place at the South Bend Police Department, but was changed to the FOP Lodge after a Tribune reporter asked a family spokeswoman why the event was taking place on city property." I'm all for supporting a grieving family but the South Bend Police Department should be careful not to involve themselves in a frivolous lawsuit such as this.

I usually hear back within 24 hours. Have emailed multiple times, as that is my preferred method of doing ALL business so that every communication is in writing.

If you take prescription medicine and taking it with you in a pill carrier, take pictures of all the prescription bottles on your cell phone. We also take pictures of our passports and drivers licenses.

There are two way for it. 1. Around two month before the cruise Royal Caribbean will send you a link to download your cruise document , in this document you will have the tags which you should print. 2. You should have in the online site option to print your tags

Interesting as they move closer to filing their case they are softening the statements. Technically it's not a dining area. Dining service isn't offered on the pool deck. Guests are free to take food from a buffet almost anywhere on the ship including the pool deck, but that doesn't mean the entire ship is a dining area. If you take a plate of food to your balcony cabin does that make your balcony a dining area? If you take food into the library does make the library a dining area? Subtle change from the totally false claims of a "kids play area" yet still inaccurate. I get it, they are grasping at ways to suggest windows don't belong there.

Yes, it should - I've never had an issue seeing a current price on something I've already purchased (whether it be higher or lower).

I didn't see pick up some currency in the US to have in the airport for meals, etc. But you could also get $$ at the airport ATMs.

@SpeedNoodlesThank you!!

Beautiful pictures as always, thank you so much!

Rather doing yet another trip blog since there have been a couple of really good ones already, I'm just going to do a photo dump in this thread to showcase the newly amplified Oasis of the Seas. I've got a couple of weeks of photo ops to gather my collection of pictures so over the next little while I'll update this post with different areas around the ship. I may bounce around a little but that's just the drink package effect. Without further delay, here is the new Oasis of the Seas fresh off a $165M makeover.

1) Check projected weather at all destinations - you mentioned thermals, but sometimes other clothes necessary, as mentioned in Dublin layers. 2) Know your air carrier's luggage limitations, and weigh your luggage! 3) Have copies (paper or electronic) of all reservations.

The Music Hall. First on an Oasis class this concept came over from some of the Quantum class ships. It occupies the space of the former Dazzles nightclub. Downstairs bar.

We just did the Trikes Aruba tour and really enjoyed it. I wrote a review of Freedom in the discussion board if you want to see my write up, I don't know how to link it. I have never done the other one so I can't comment on which is better.

USA: crownandanchor@rccl.com

I just liked having the favourites page, I had 6 cruises in there that I could keep an eye on at a glance to see if the price was dropping

On our last cruise on Allure I lost 2 lbs and my wife did not gain any. Now it has to be known that we tracked our steps and we would hit 10k before lunch. Also we did not try to avoid any meals or beverages. We ate as we were on vacation and enjoyed it. We even took a desert back to the room to have as a later night treat.

Playmakers. Like Symphony this is outdoors on the boardwalk. The "Owner's Box" within Playmakers is available on a reservation basis. Cost on this sailing was $100 per hour. Menu Expanded draft beer choices. With additional sports content on ships with a Playmakers they have expanded the NFL football broadcasts. In the past only two games were shown based on what was available with the standard channel lineup.

El Loco Fresh is new to Oasis of the Seas. This appears to a closely resemble El Loco Fresh on Symphony. Handwashing stations. Like other El Loco Fresh in the fleet there are a selection of premade options. A tortilla press right in the restaurant. Toppings. El Loco Fresh is always a popular spot and it's pretty much impossible to get photos absent of any guests. A freestyle drink machine is found around the corner convenient for anyone on the sports deck.

An early mistake was not doing research on how to play blackjack. How hard can it be to count to 21? My first trip to the blackjack table was not good. There were some unhappy campers at the table by the time I got run off. If you plan on playing blackjack, read some books on the how to play smart. It will not only pay off money wise but you won't have some people throwing things at you the rest of the cruise.

No new acquisitions lately. Keeping an eye on some gear though, just in case.

flying in on same day as cruise

They wouldn't let me bring an emotional support moose. Eh? You prefer Kraft dinner?

Before the nonsense of Hurricane Dorian, my biggest mistake was booking my arrival to the port city the day of embarkation. Even though I didn't go on the sailing, I was feeling the stress of having the flight the same day. Will not be making that mistake this summer and will see a little what Miami has to offer.

My first meal was lunch on boarding day. Sammie with pulled pork. It's a lot of food and quite filling. For dinner another night I had the brisket and ribs. Very tender. Fall off the bone tender. It's so much food I couldn't finish the brisket and all the ribs. Sauces are available at the table. At dinner they had live music. Turkey leg lunch on another boarding day. I feel like Fred Flinstone the Turkey leg is that big. All three meals at Portside BBQ have been really good.

Portside BBQ. Where else but deck 15 aft on the port side. The inside section is air conditioned. Orders placed on the left then you slide to the right for sides, desserts and beverages. For dinner you can choose two or three meats, sides and a dessert. For lunch or a smaller snack you can choose some of the favorites. The full lunch menu: Dinner menu: Late night menu: The food all looks really good.

Spotlight Karaoke is a new change replacing the On Air Club.

Hi, we had a fantastic cruise on Spectrum in a J4 Silver Suite earlier this year (5-night July 7th). The indoor Silver Dining area, which is very nice, has a small lounge off to the side and a speck of a space for the concierge. The entire area connects to a HUGE solarium area for Silver Suite guests. Signage also indicated Diamond and up C&A could use the area. The Solarium is fabulous, with a couple of hot tubs, a mini-lazy-river thing, a dedicated bar, and tons of comfy seating with great views. I don't think we ever counted more than a dozen people in the entire area. That was awesome for us and we spent a ton of time enjoying the space (but as an RC fan, I couldn't help thinking the space was really underutilized -- although it could be because Silver Suites on our sailing weren't sold out). For our sailing the Dining/Lounge area had a small mobile bar cart that offered a limited selection of complimentary alcoholic beverages during certain times (5:30-8p I think?) -- so, basically, a Diamond lounge benefit. The lounge area was almost always empty, and hardly anyone got a drink at the bar cart. We felt soooo bad for the poor bartenders in the Silver Solarium and really all over the ship -- the bars were ghost towns. My wife and I enjoyed some generous pours/conversation with bored bartenders who just wanted to chat with someone, lol! We noticed on the 2nd day that 12-drink punch cards were being sold for just $69 after tax (!). We received 10 C&A points for our 5-night sailing. Hope this helps!

Random questions & answers from our Genie, Andres in pre cruise communication. We are first time star class guests cruising for the first time with Royal so I apologize in advance if any of this is repetitive. Hoping this may be useful for other first time guests like us. 🎄will be in our suite 🙌🏻🙌🏻. This was a big deal for us as we ❤️ Christmas! Pictures with 🎅🏻 are available Royal Photographers will be at Coco Cay Paper straws on board. Andres is checking with bar team to see if plastic are available. If not he suggested we bring some with us. Formal and semi formal nights have not yet been finalized Holiday events, activities and dining have not yet been finalized. Will be finalized closer to sailing. Copies of menus provided. (Will post) USB connections available - one on first floor and another on 2nd floor. NO extensions cords permitted. 18 days to go (till we leave for NYC) and Andres has been super so far! I heard from him for the first time Sunday, Tuesday, twice yesterday and again this morning. I am taking this as a good sign. Follow below for menus.

Hey guys, just popping on quickly to let you know of some Black Friday deals on cruise planner. I booked the All digital photo package for $234.99 and it is now discounted to $149.99 for the next 24 hours. Looks like there are a number of featured Black Friday deals you may want to check out. I cancelled and rebooked the package at the lower price. 🙌🏻

I hope this goes into effect. I would like to go to the casino and try my hand at the tables, but not at the risk of my clothes, hair, etc. coming out smelling like an ashtray. I am a former smoker so I get the addiction, its a nightmare. But, I firmly believe that there needs to be a designated area away from the main attractions of the ships. Also it needs to be outside so the smoke can not permeate through the ship. The smell of cigarette/cigar smoke now gives me a terrible headache. The less it is in common areas like the casino the better. I also think that there would not be a dip in the money taken in by the casino. The potential loss of smokers playing would potentially be replaced by non-smoking payers.

Seem a bunch of people treat the casino as a smoking lounge. To prove my point walk through there when the casino is closed and there’s people down there smoking. You’ll even see people just sitting around during open hours not playing just taking up seats smoking. Royal really should make all indoor areas non smoking or do some serious upgrades on the ventilation system.

If they took smoking out of the casino, I'd spent WAY MORE time and money there!

You're lucky i'm not in charge, i would ban smoking indoors (to include the casino) and make the only place for smoking, in the aft (designated section) upper decks. If you get caught smoking in a non-authorized location, you would be dropped off at the next port. I'm surprised that Royal Caribbean hasn't been sued yet, by an employee that has been diagnosed with cancer from second hand smoke due to improper ventilation in the casinos.

And they miss my home town (Dunedin)

The injured are currently in various hospitals around New Zealand. A number have severe burn injuries including inhalation burns requiring assisted breathing. It is expected that some of the people with the worst injuries will not survive. Authorities are also looking to move some of the victims back to Australia to be treated so they can be closer to their families. Last night New Zealand police took DNA samples from the cabins of the missing passengers to help identify the missing and injured. Included in the missing is a family of 4 from Sydney. 6 confirmed dead 8 missing, presumed dead 30 are in hospital - 24 are in four regional burns units and the other six will be transferred as soon as possible 3 have been discharged The police on going onto White Island today to attempt to retrieve the bodies for identification purposes. Due to the injuries suffered it has been very difficult to identify the bodies and injured.

Forgetting to put my cell phone in airplane mode. Was able to negotiate down the outstanding balance. It was a huge lesson.