Matt

I openly question the value these awards have to actual cruisers. I know the marketing departments of various cruise lines enjoy the awards, but does anyone actually book a cruise because of an award? Does it influence anyone at all? As a fan, I love to see RC get all the accolades it can get, but I really doubt it does much to influence bookings.

Check out this post: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/04/14/things-do-old-san-juan Old San Juan is a pretty safe area. I've walked around at night, and never felt unsafe. I think using caution is always good advice, just like any city in the United States. But again, I've never felt unsafe at night. OSJ is more of a touristy area than other parts of San Juan. I always advocate getting there early. Plan on an arrival in the 11:00am hour and you will be among first onboard. Check out this blog post: 15 important things to do on your first day on a Royal Caribbean cruise

I think that's a far better solution as well.

Absolutely. Do not be embarrassed!

For two trips, it's not worth it. I have 5 cruises for the year (as of now), so compared to buying individual travel insurance for each, it doesn't make sense. We rarely bought travel insurance ever, but on our last cruise we had an incident where we instantly wish we had it. Thus, I decided it was worth throwing down some money for the annual plan since we cruise so often. If you have one, two or maybe even three cruises in a 365 day span, it may make better sense to buy individual travel insurance for each sailing. What I liked about Allianz (besides its reputation among the cruise industry) is that it offered a good blend of medical and travel related coverages.

It's definitely against the rules, so don't do it. Smoke in the designated smoking areas.

I know this is not terribly helpful, but I think the answer to all of your questions are going to be based on the exact policy you are considering. Also keep in mind that it's actually easy enough to swap out people on a reservation, as opposed to adding or removing. So if your son cant go, but you want to essentially remove him and add someone else, changing names on a reservation is doable.

Here's a link to Jay's stateroom tour https://www.periscope.tv/DunkelBier_Jay/1OyJAdgMOoLGb

@twangster is correct. Your drink package does not cover room service or mini bar drinks.

I just bought same plan for my family

Welcome to the boards and thank you for becoming an Insider! Looking forward to getting to know you here!

Welcome Peggy!

Looking forward to another live blog!

Hmmm, not sure

Guest services can definitely set you up to have access to both.

First and foremost, suites are a splurge. They rarely are a value, but you can find good pricing on them from time to time. Again, a "good price" is a relative term. Suites on older ships and/or cruises during slower months of the year tend to get lower pricing.

Welcome @cindy324 !

When it comes to kids, do not buy them packages or restaurant reservations in advance. You will essentially overpay and then have to get it fixed onboard. Better to book just the adults, and bring kids with you and get charged at the meal at lower price. Certainly simpler that way.

No need to apologize, that's what this site is all about... helping everyone have a better Royal Caribbean cruise!

Correct

Pinging @DocLC

That is what I would expect too.

True story: while handing out candy this year for Halloween, someone came by and said "trick or treat...love the blog!"

FWIW, I did not enjoy Blue Waters, although the behavior of my kids may have overshadowed other deficiencies in the excursion itself. I can tell you this much: the 5 star lunch they advertise was anything but.

I'd love to see photos of the MDR dinner menu. I'm trying to figure out if Brilliance has the new or old MDR dinner menu. The rub on Rita's has been it's fine for drinks at the bar, but the food is not great (see link below). Yes, and when I went on Brilliance in November 2015 it was awful. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/12/09/review-ritas-cantina-brilliance-of-the-seas