Matt

Love Maya Chan http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2010/08/02/excursion-focus-maya-chan-beach

Keep in mind the flat rate dining packages save money at the expense of being able to pick specific days and times.

The price is usually the same whether you book with a TA or not. I recommend booking with a TA for the extra service you get. How many nights is your cruise and is it $350 total extra? Or $350 per person?

Great stuff, thank you for sharing. You neglected to mention which hotel has the best bacon. ;) Sounds like a super deal! :P

If you want to keep costs down, consider a beach on the Dutch side. You can walk to Philipsburg from the port (about a 15-20 min walk from the port) and there is a large beach area adjacent to the downtown area. There are also nearby beaches that would require a minimal taxi cost. I think the beaches on the French side are more beautiful, such as Orient Beach. http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2013/10/08/excursion-focus-bikini-beach-st-martin

I got in line to get off the ship about 45 mins before tenders began and we were on the first one out.

That is how these dining packages work and it is why I, personally, do not buy them. On the bright side, you are saving money versus buying them individually but you give up your control of when you will eat there. I thought I read once onboard you can change the days/times.

Yes you can have the Adventure Ocean Compass delivered to your room. Here is one from Liberty last year: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/liberty-of-the-seas/thu-2015-06-18-0000-0

I dont think you will have a problem with having separated beds and being able to get to the balcony. Certainly no more so than having the bed together. Also keep in mind that you can always change your mind. If you find the beds apart is not working, your stateroom attendant can always put it back together.

Updated!

2017-2018 release dates are announced: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/01/23/royal-caribbean-announces-2017-2018-deployment-opening-schedule-dates

Yes, you can purchase a daily pass for wifi access, but it is significantly more money than the cruise-length cost. Last I checked, it was like $39.95 for 24 hours of access

Haha interesting observations. I could see it being a coincidence or there being something to it. We'd need a more scientific approach: a few people tip normally, a few people over tip and see how it plays out.

Info all about Studio staterooms at the bottom of this blog post: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/01/15/top-5-different-staterooms-you-should-consider-your-next-royal-caribbean-cruise

I really feel like the convenience factor of parking at the pier outweighs the cost savings elsewhere.

Good tip!

It's true, Grandeur and Anthem are staying out an extra day. If I were onboard, I'd be happy but those on the delayed sailing must be quite sad.

Knowing nothing about what RC's plans are, nor having any insight into what they are thinking, I will offer this bit of pure speculation: I could see RC having a "wait and see" policy for another week before opting to take action. There is no doubt the best scenario is for this play itself out and protests to end without RC having to radically change up their planned itineraries. But I think (or at least hope) RC would see a point where they have to act rather than letting things linger until the last minute.

You are correct that it is on the pricey side of things and if there are a lot of ships in port, Atlantis tends to get quite crowded.

Atlantis is an impressive, albeit expensive, resort. How much going there is worth it depends greatly on if you want to go to a great waterpark, beach and/or casino.

Here is one in Cozumel: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/shoreExcursions/product/detail/view.do?sourcePage=shorexByPort&ProductCode=FY03&DestinationCode= Here is one in Falmouth: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/shoreExcursions/product/detail/view.do?sourcePage=shorexByPort&ProductCode=FY09&DestinationCode=

When you consider big vs small ships, there are some basic differences but I always compare them to sedan vs a pick up truck: they are both cars and both get you places, but it's a different experience in either one. Big ships offer those whizz-bang and OMG moments with things like the FlowRider, ice skating rink, 10 pools, etc. Smaller ships offer a more intimate experience and you will definitely notice that you recognize more guests because it's a smaller crowd. Also, the smaller ships have their own charm to them. The good news for you is that the big ships offer a lot to see and do. For your kids especially, it will be a real treat.

Call me crazy, but avatar changes screw me up more than username changes. Like Kris is always the guy with the Thanksgiving parade float.

Me too!

I do not envy RC in this scenario. They could bring in private security, but that would do more harm than good. Festering a sense of resentment between locals and RC is definitely not a good long term strategy. They could be deferring to the Haitians to deal with them, but that leaves the situation out of their hands. They could try negotiating with the locals to hear them out but no guarantees that will do anything. Heck, it could encourage more protests. Or they could simply be monitoring the situation and hope this goes away. No easy answers here.