Matt

Reduced deposit with NextCruise was removed last year: However, reduced deposit is only available if you purchase a non-refundable cruise fare. It's no longer an across the board option as once before. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/12/05/royal-caribbean-introduces-nextcruise-100-person-deposit-policy-non-refundable-fares

Great idea, and superior to the death grip

Back in November, RC revealed their tech initiative and it looks like WOWbands are indeed a thing of the past. You can watch the presentation here (about 33 mins in) https://www.periscope.tv/w/1yNGaVMWYnXJj

This blog post should be helpful for staying in touch with someone while on a cruise: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/07/27/how-stay-touch-someone-your-royal-caribbean-cruise

It already occurred (finished the other week) and the work done was mostly maintenance. The most noticeable work done was changing of carpets.

Officially, RC has only said they are making enhancements to CocoCay, which will last into 2019. A pier is included with the work, and that will be done by June 2018. Other than that, no other work has been confirmed.

Welcome Ray & Jennifer!

Bon voyage!

Best smell not coming from the Windjammer!

You could book a shore excursion with RC for that disembarkation day. They often include transportation back to the airport.

I can see where perhaps they hoped for a better outcome, but I am rather surprised they did not roll back. 24+ hours of essentially a dead account management site is unacceptable for a major company like this. Their backend system is antiquated and overdue for an overhaul, so it's not a simple upgrade. However, as you mentioned @LetsTryThisTech, the duration of the problems exhibited is really bizarre to see in production for this length of time.

I'd pick Mariner, but I like the big ships more. Both ships are great.

Thank you for sharing all these photos! It's great to follow along

Cruise day is here!

Park Cafe is probably a good choice. The issue with kids is if they are picky eaters or not.

RC doesn't offer it, but there are a few... Nachi Cocom Mr Sanchos Playa Mia

My suggestion is if you can't login (like me) to give it a day or two. Just not worth the aggravation.

Tried that but it got stuck on the "save new password" screen and if I try to login with any password, I get the old error again

Thank you for sharing all these photos!

Can't wait to follow along!

Yes, if possible. They are pre-assigned, but you may have some leeway if there are others available or you arrive before someone else. In other words, it can depend. Technically you're not supposed to hold the camera in your hand. That being said, I've seen this rule broken a lot. Of course, I don't know what kind of death grips these people have on their cameras because it looks so easy to drop it. Never heard of this, but you might bribe a fellow cruiser with an offer of a free beer if they take your photo. No problem at all. She just needs the kids' SeaPass cards.

Who did you book with? Which country do you live in?

Same error on my end.

You can always get the internet package and then agree on an app to use to communicate with while onboard.