Matt

Cruises out of NY can go south to Caribbean, southeast to Bermuda or north to Canada. Obviously some of those destinations are not feasible year-round. Historically, NYC was a summer port but in recent years, cruise ships have sailed more often from there because storms that could completely block a cruise are fairly rare (despite what the media wants you to believe) and ships post-2000 are significantly more adept at navigating rough waters than every before. I don't agree about your assessment of where ships can go in all ports. Many hurricanes can easily block the path for cruise ships. For example, if a storm sits around Florida Keys/Cuba, that effectively blocks eastern Florida from the Gulf. Ships will not use up extra fuel to go all the way around the storm to the extreme south. Like NYC, it's rare for this to happen and because storms typically move quickly, there is usually some wiggle room for staying in one port for a day or two to let it pass. I guess what I'm saying is that you cannot say RC should not sail from NYC because there could be a big storm in the area but at the same time ignore the hurricane risk in the Caribbean. I would need scientific data to back this up, but I would wager there are more significant storms in the Caribbean over the course of a year than NYC/North Atlantic.

Glad to hear it worked out well!

Totally respect your opinion and when at home, I would never dream of putting my kid in a car without a car seat. However, when in Mexico or in a cruise port, I do what my parents did (and their parents did) and hold the kid on our lap. Never in the front seat.

What is "Raise"?

Pay when you get there. When you leave, you just drive out with no lines. I definitely like this approach.

Depends on the cruise I have booked. Sometimes the stateroom (if it's a new category to me) or perhaps a new itinerary or new class of ships.

Great report!!

Question: What is the source of the OBC in this situation? Did you book the cruise directly or with a TA?

Yes, your premium package will be upgraded to the deluxe package. And the drink packages work in all specialty restaurants, provided the drink you order is covered under the package.

Ditto. Much easier than trying to lug family and stuff back from garage.

To clarify, a price adjustment is really a re-booking without a penalty fee. So if you see the rate dropped $25, you can re-book at the prevailing rates, although any booking incentive you had before could be removed and replaced with whatever booking incentive is available at your new booking.

The SetSail documents are like your boarding pass. It indicates who is going on the cruise, stateroom number, etc.

I stayed at the Springhill Suites in Newark Airport: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2014/11/11/quantum-of-the-seas-live-blog-bayonne

That is correct.

No route is without its risks (Caribbean this time of year is ripe with them), but I do believe the media makes this seem like a MUCH bigger problem than it is. I definitely do think Atlantic storms are a concern and should not be ignored, but there is no route that will always be sunny skies and calm seas.

Kris updates the master list here: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php/topic/2056-master-member-cruise-list/

Great recommendations. Thank you!

You can never know, but they've been hanging out there for a while now on my sailings.

Navigator is my favorite RC ship. But more importantly, ignore all of those reviews. You can find negative reviews about everything. People hate Star Wars, puppies and ice cream. All that means is everyone has their own opinions. I will tell you that Navigator is fabulous and you will have a great time!

Over the last few months, I've noticed a discernible effort to simplify policies/programs and the drink packages have been at the top of that list. Given how many questions this site gets about them, clearly guests are not understanding how the program works.

I do agree about that.

Well, this is embarrassing.

You are a brave soul for taking this on. Thank you!!

I suspect the flyer was aimed at being simple to understand, but I do believe all of the alcohol packages include soda.

I agree