Matt

I agree, initially there were mobile readers for wowbands that waitstaff had, but I think back in 2014, the technology wasnt great and waiters soon just started asking for the band to be removed rather than scan them on the spot.

I got the UDP for $56.99 for the Europe group cruise this summer on Independence of the Seas

The equivalent space is the Hideaway on the back of the ship

There was this comment a few weeks ago concerning cruises: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2025/02/20/trump-official-says-cruise-ships-dont-pay-taxes

No, but I also don't follow Carnival stuff.

That's what they want you to think...

This was something that came out last week on Carnival. It's not a Royal rule

A lot of passengers dress up for St Pattys day for sure. You won't be alone

A friend ordered that seafood tower once at Chops. It was so much food

Looks like same as Baltimore. Nothing

A few decorations from the dollar store and that's about it.

Did you book more than 1 cabin? Not sure I understand what they mean by "they would have to change everyones"

Digital is more than fine. I just posted this article yesterday that is appropriate for this question: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2025/03/05/reasons-add-royal-caribbean-boarding-pass-apple-wallet

No Baltimore is very surprising

You can stay onboard and eat breakfast. These times listed are the earliest times you can leave, not the time you have to leave.

Have the seasonal Caribbean been released? I can't find any resources on it

It's so silly they perpetuate this myth C&A members get any kind of advanced notice or access for new deployments

I'd still board normal time and save the San Juan touring for pre- or post-cruise

I agree, I'm not saying it's not true, but it's not enough of a smoking gun to report on my own.

Posted on FB last month from Icon

So many good choices to consider. You could easily just go to Oasis Lagoon pool or Chill Beach and enjoy time there without spending a nickel more on the experience. Some might point you to Hideaway Beach since you have no kids, but it costs extra and has a Vegas pool party vibe to it. Coco Beach Club is lovely, but usually quite expensive too.

Yes, I know the Country Trio band is planning to be on the ship for it, as are a few different bartenders working there

Distance. It's sufficiently far from US homeports that it takes longer than a week to get to, so that limits the appeal/market for US cruises that prefer 7 night sailings (or shorter)

Yes, just dont waste time getting off the ship. Plan to take your own luggage off the ship and try to disembark as early as possible.