Matt

Probably not a prudent long-term strategy, but I admire your conviction to join us!

Kat, Love OceanAria. It is a great show and some of the "tricks" are really impressive beyond simply diving from some spectacular heights.

Any bar with a blender can make it.

I've definitely seen oxygen provided for guests. As Billy suggests, coordinate with Royal Caribbean special needs.

I am totally good with that idea. Someone just needs to convince my wife that this sort of "research" is completely necessary!

I always book NextCruise because it is essentially free money. I know I will take another RC cruise, so there is very little risk for something you cannot otherwise get.

Great advice, Marc. Sometimes how Royal Caribbean advertises its prices can be difficult to understand how it all adds up.

Love going there, especially if you do not have a balcony

Here is a good overview of the lava flow: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/09/27/royal-caribbean-classic-lava-flow

I have booked cruises for lamer excuses!

Love the lava flow!

You basically board the ship based somewhat on the order you check-in, as well as your Crown and Anchor status and/or if you are staying in a suite or not. All that being said, the earlier you check-in, the earlier you will board. Yes, I have seen it offered at the R-Bar and Vintages. Obviously what is offered depends on your ship and sailing, but I saw it offered on Navigator of the Seas earlier this month. Being in a group gets you more "power" with RC, meaning you can get rewards for having more cabins booked. This can be used in the form of onboard credit, money back to the group leader, special events, etc. When dealing with groups in general, I always advocate using a travel agent to assist you in all the nuances of managing a group.

Building on what Todd said, it can only go over the sides of the ship when at sea. While in port, it just goes up and down.

We have had good luck when seated with others in the MDR. I give the person (or machine) that arranges the seating a lot of credit, because it tends to work out a lot more than not.

Thank you very much for the kind words. I am really happy to hear the blog and podcast are helpful and even happier to see you joining us here!

I respectfully disagree. North Star's view is quite impressive, and its ability to move around the ship and offer 360 degree views around really make it substantially different than VCL. I do agree it would be great to restore the VCL access to all guests, but that is a completely different discussion.

10am usually.

You are correct. I just would think if you are going to invest money in building Texas cruising, an existing terminal is usually a safer bet than trying to push something brand new. And considering Houston is not doing well, expansion might not be prudent currently.

Here is a write up I posted about what you need to know about Cozumel: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/09/26/what-you-need-know-about-cozumel

You could rent a car. Puerto Rico is part of the United States, and its roads are generally comparable to roads on the mainland, with similar traffic patterns. Plus, your car could be the perfect place for your luggage.

You cannot make lunch reservations and frankly, it wont be necessary. There is a lot of seating and there is so much going on at any given time on Allure, I think you will be fine rolling in for a table at your leisure. If you are really concerned about it, show up right when they open for lunch.

I would speak to the head waiter to be sure there will be something done.

Formal night is almost aways on the second night. On 7-night cruises, the second cruise is on day 5 or 6, depending on your itinerary.

Yes, because Freedom of the Seas lacks an Izumi. You will find complimentary sushi in the Jade section of Windjammer each evening.

You can definitely make a request for a table alone. Speak to the head waiter on embarkation day in the main dining room about it. They will have posted hours, where you can go to make requests. That being said, we are often seated alone even though I do not make any requests. I have always assumed Royal Caribbean sees we have young kids and assumes no one would want to sit with us :lol: