Matt

Your benefits will not kick in fully until your second cruise.

My first few cruises with my kids I would re-learn this lesson: you have to slow down and let some aspects of the cruise go on its own time. Meaning, while I might want to do 4 other things, with family cruising, sometimes you just have to slow it all down and let things materialize on their own. There is absolutely room for planning ahead, and I firmly believe research ahead of a cruise only serves to save you time and money. But it's also important to let vacation happen too.

First, I am really glad to hear this blog helped you plan your trip. Means a lot to me to hear this info is useful! More importantly, you are way ahead of the game and off to a great start!

I'd check out Lyft or Uber

Actually, it's the opposite. I asked RC CEO Michael Bayley this exact question. Remember all the complaints and negative press from Harmony's sailings from the UK? RC did, and they decided to give more time to completing construction.

Thank you for your service!

Can we get a spoiler version of your review here? What'd you think?

I've been on a RC cruise where first day was Thanksgiving. There was a special menu in the MDR that evening, in addition to the normal menu.

I really like not running up a mega bill at the end of the cruise. For this purpose, prepaying is a great option for me.

I can't think of any places to get complimentary candy, as you described.

It sounds like the drink package will be a good investment for you

There were gifts, like flags, hats and mugs. I even snagged a few on the couple of sailings that followed the TA.

It's all about the merchandise!

http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/03/06/royal-caribbean-put-symphony-of-the-seas-sailings-sale-beginning-wednesday

Photo proof: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/03/06/royal-caribbean-put-symphony-of-the-seas-sailings-sale-beginning-wednesday

I don't think there is much risk in waiting to book it closer to your arrival. Either before you leave for your cruise or even onboard. There are so many places like Playa Mia in Cozumel, it's not exactly somewhere that is likely to book up. Personally, I might wait until just before sailing to book it. If you are concerned about having to pay it all in advance, keep in mind you could try booking it on that day or going to a similar resort that does not have those kind of restrictions (like Paradise Beach).

While I love Labadee, that silver lining is not bad at all!

The self-serve coffee is the complimentary coffee. There is a brewed coffee option at places like Cafe Promenade or Park Cafe on Oasis of the Seas that are premium coffee. The premium coffee is the coffee you order and the barista prepares for you. Lattes, espresso, etc.

We found the terminal (Terminal G) on our Navigator of the Seas to be a bit small, but we arrived early to beat the crowds. I think it behooves you to arrive before noon if you want to beat lines.

Yup, a reader on Freedom said the Captain reported 30-40kt winds and 3-4m swells in port. Reporting similar conditions in San Juan tomorrow

Yes, I am targeting an Alaska GC in June 2018. Those itineraries should be released next week, and then I hope to be able to pick a sailing quickly to set it up.

Given you are British, all I can think of is this meme :lol:

Welcome! The answer is no, you will have to wait for your next cruise to take advantage of your Diamond status. Loved it! One of the best cruises I have ever taken, second only to my honeymoon cruise. You can read my live blog here: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/navigator-of-the-seas-live-blog

Your SetSail pass has a bar code on it. The bartenders/waiters can scan that barcode and know you have the package.

The date floating around is the 8th for a release.