Matt

Welcome to the group, Murray! Thank you for your support

Royal Caribbean does not post the Cruise Compass' in advance, but we do archive all the old ones we find here: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass

Have you considered driving across the border? I have Canadian friends who live in Ottawa and they drive to airports like Syracuse or Buffalo, where they can take cheaper "domestic" flights.

I get that and I would be disappointed if the points system changed tomorrow, but I'm going to worry about it either. To me, it's about the onboard experience, first and foremost. Anything I get from C&A is icing on the cake.

Good point. It certainly does predicate upon flying often enough that you will be able to use those credits.

Amazing work, as usual, Steve!

I have a "que sera sera" approach to the whole C&A benefits thing. I'm 1 point away from Diamond and I cannot wait to hit diamond for those rewards, but I also do not cruise purely because of the C&A rewards. It's certainly nice to have good rewards, like free drinks, increased discounts, etc, but at the end of the day, I'm cruising RC because I find it quite enjoyable and a good value. Just my two cents.

You sound like my wife! ;)

Here is a recent cruise compass from a 5-night Independence of the Seas cruise in November. It should give you a reasonable idea of what to expect onboard: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/independence-of-the-seas/sat-2015-11-21-0000

Which ship are you going on?

Have a great time!

[email protected] or [email protected]

One thing that has changed recently is we created a Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook group that is great for discussing our favorite topic: FOOD! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1633271950269692/

Next time we come to Orlando we are coming to say hello!

Gratuity is included with the unlimited alcohol package so additional gratuity on each drink you purchase is not required. You will see on the receipt the option to tip extra, but keep in mind an 18% gratuity has already been added.

I want to say I have seen that kind of scenario in the past. Best advice I can give you right is now is to give it some more time.

Quite rare. Postponement is nearly never heard of. I went on the second cruise post refurb for Navigator of the Seas and it was all good. You should expect all the venues and additions promised in the refurb to be complete by the time the refurbishment is scheduled to end. Could there be some minor work being done? Sure, but they are always working on the ships.

If you can fly Southwest, you can book now and then re-book if the price drops with no penalty. I recognize this is not an option for everyone.

Good tips, Mike

I wouldn't bet on it. Any venue that changes over to Sabor will need some construction.

I would have loved to see that! Tried to convince Annette to do it on her wedding cruise.

Not a bad idea!

I think you are better off using text messaging. Even with the surcharge for roaming, it's likely a cheaper and more convenient alternative.

It sounds like have similar cruising habits

I rented two back in 2010, so my memory of the experience is pretty vague right now. As I recall, there were not many to rent and if you lost or damaged it in anyway, you were going to pay for the full replacement. I also recall having to go to a specific location on embarkation day to pick them up.