Matt

That is generally the case. In terms of check-in, Platinum and above get priority, but once it comes time for boarding, Gold members typically get included in the priority over non-C&A guests.

Now that I could do! Granted, I'd need to wait for another repo back, but that's just a minor detail, right?

In general, how crowded a space is tends to reflect more on the time of day than the venue's capacity. Meaning, the Windjammer will not (likely) have a crowd before 8-8:30am. Likewise, My Time Dining is will not have much of a wait if you choose to eat before 6pm or after 7:30pm. Avoiding the busy times is a great strategy for enjoying the venue you would prefer to dine at, without the crowds.

I would love to do that. Just waiting for Star Trek transporters to be invented (I am quite scared of flying).

Being the awesome friend I am, I could only be bothered to ask one bartender on Navigator about Billy's issue. :P At R-Bar, they told me the best chance of success was at the Pub. I also recall on Allure RC told you there were none and then the Jerel Memorial Bar and Lounge (Champagne Bar) had some scotch available. YMMV.

All that means is they have to make the booking. Nothing is stopping you from checking of its existence. I am not certain about accessible rooms, but family rooms are not usually listed on the site. It is one of those rooms you have to call in for, and like accessible rooms, after a certain point, they will open up for smaller quantity of guests if they go unbooked.

Regardless of the scenario you choose, I would almost always lean towards renting a car, rather than taking a taxi because of convenience and price. The only exception might be a cruise at Port Everglades and Miami, but a rental car makes your life easier all around. Whichever port you depart from, I would recommend planning to be off the ship as early as possible.

In general, being a C&A Society member still gets you priority over someone not in C&A. Even gold members seem to get a higher priority than non-C&A members. As Todd mentioned, it can depend on some other conditions, but I still think you would benefit from it.

You are absolutely correct, Deedee.

Catching sunrise, especially in spring/summer is tough! So glad you enjoyed your visit to Labadee AND had a labadoozie! How did you like the beach lounger experience? I thought it was well worth the $35 price.

That is great news that you will be joining us, Sue! Love your strategy for booking this cruise and I think your husband will eventually warm up to the idea (like after the credit card bill hits).

While I do not have direct experience, I would shop around at home and then go on your cruise and shop around there to see if prices are better. The key is to be an informed consumer. With this approach, you have nothing to lose (other than time, I suppose).

Isn't that the best feeling?

I agree with you, Paul. The Hotel Director is a position largely overlooked by cruise fans, but critical to how a ship works. The reason most fans do not consider this crew member is because they are not a guest-facing position. The hotel director never makes announcements or shows up at activities. Other than a Crown and Anchor event or Captain's Corner, they are quite hidden.

Like all Windjammers, if you roll in after 9am, it will be crowded and there can very well be lines to get in. So either avoid busy times or seek alternatives during those times.

I was against Paul moving from Texas too. Who is going to drive me to Galveston now?! :o

We had good luck buying jewelry in downtown Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas. Be prepared to haggle, ask questions and most of all, walk away if the deal does not suit you.

I just ask a bartender what the drink of the day is if/when I remember that there is a drink of the day.

Harmony group cruise!

In my experience, reservations were made at RipCord. There is a desk there that handles it. That being said, just look at the Compass and see what time North Star opens and show up 15 mins before hand. You will liekly be in the first or second ride up. Also, dinner time is a great time.

Food is not worse at all. The Windjammer itself is just smaller. On other classes of ships, the Windjammer was designed to be the place onboard to get quick food. On Oasis class ships, they wanted to break up the crowds so creating a large buffet restaurant was not going to work. The idea is you can get food quickly at many other places (Wipeout Cafe, Park Cafe, Cafe Promenade, etc).

I agree, and this is true of all Oasis or Quantum class ships. There is a lot going on.

Yes, it is advertised in the Cruise Compass and most bars should know what it is. While there may not be a sign, if you ask the bartender they can easily find out (if they don't know what it is).

There are two forms of Dynamic Dining: Dynamic Dining Choice and Dynamic Dining Classic. Dynamic Dining Choice There is no main dining room, instead, you choose between dining at complimentary or specialty restaurants for dinner. There are 4 complimentary restaurants (plus an additional complimentary restaurant for suite guests) and a variety of other specialty restaurants. You can make reservations in advance for any time, or simply walk up to the restaurant and ask for a table (there could be a wait with this scenario). There is no formal night on the ship, although some restaurants do have their own dress code. At The Grande, it is always formal night. Dynamic Dining Classic There is no main dining room, instead, you choose between dining at complimentary or specialty restaurants for dinner. The difference here is you Royal Caribbean assigns you a rotation, where you will have a set time and the same wait staff and tablemates and each evening, you will dine at a different complimentary restaurant. You can always substitute a specialty restaurant at your discretion.

Agreed!