Matt

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!

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.