Matt

I think you will find this post helpful: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2014/07/17/cruising-101-crown-and-anchor-society-complimentary-drink-coupons

Here are 3 posts breaking down each package: Select: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/08/10/depth-look-royal-caribbeans-select-drink-package Premium: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/10/19/depth-look-royal-caribbeans-premium-drink-package Ultimate: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/07/01/depth-look-royal-caribbeans-ultimate-drink-package Essentially, Select package is beer and wine only. Premium gets you beer, wine and mixed drinks (cocktails). Ultimate is just a combination of Premium package and the Royal Replenish package.

Yes, once you purchase the drink package, it is for the duration of the cruise.

I agree, Freedom's captain was quite good. On Quantum we had concerns about big waves and the captain was on TV showing a map and explaining what was going on and what we could expect. It was very helpful!

I'm surprised they aren't on sale yet. I wish I could give you an answer but I don't see anything yet.

Gotta gloat when you can!

I know what you mean. Quite a bit has changed since then!

Yup, I know that feeling exactly. Well, I actually don't but I certainly have that fear! #Geek

Thank you, sir! That sounds about right to me and embarkation day is a port day.

Let me play devil's advocate... Prior to the unlimited packages, people constantly became disgruntled about timeouts and server issues that resulted in wasted minutes. I know I would often waste tens of minutes in a session waiting for the ship's network connection to return. This also translated into guests subsequently going to Guest Services to complain. It just was not a good customer experience. The new unlimited packages are much more affordable than they have ever been and it makes it simpler to use overall. If the ship's internet disappears or is just taking a long time to load, you can feel better about trying it again later since the cost is fixed. Hope that makes sense.

Going on Brilliance next month (that feels so good to say)

In short...it depends. Refurbishments have varied from ship to ship, even within the same class. Look at the recent refurbishments on Navigator of the Seas vs Adventure of the Seas. Night and day difference. I think what a refurb entails depends on the budget and other factors. In the example above, I think the reason why Adventure's refurb was so paltry is because she had propulsion issues right before it and a large part of the budget was eaten up to fix it. That is pure speculation on my part and perhaps it's just as simple as RC knew Adventure would still be sailing from San Juan and did not need to commit resources there like they do for a ship out of mainland.

They have greatly simplified the internet package options now. Given that 24 hours is $40, it's really difficult to pass up on the unlimited option. Probably what they planned on!

Ha! I will be trying my best to get my moneys worth. And I am trying to be as objective as I can be but I suspect I will be drinking for drinking sake. But we shall see!

I bought the Premium package for my 4-night cruise on Brilliance but it's more of "research" for the blog (I swear, it's work!) and we also do not have our kids with us on that sailing. I'll report back my experience when I get back.

Ship size isn't as impactful as you might think. These ships are designed to maximize their space so well and each class has its own uniqueness to them.

Interesting. We did a stay in September, which was definitely off season.

Dude, I am counting down every day. It's so close, yet so far!

Great photo Keith!

We stayed at the Sheraton Old San Juan also. Very nice and perfect location. You still need a taxi to the port, but if you are sight seeing in Old San Juan the day before, it's perfect.

In regards to the unlimited alcohol packages, try this link for some posts all about them: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/unlimited-alcohol-packages If your first inclination is they are too much for you to drink without drinking for the sake of drinks, do not feel bad about paying cash for your drinks. I do it all the time and it has always been more economically feasible for me to pay a la carte.

Correct, there will be some Halloween events and I would bring a costume too!

Not saying you are wrong Nicky, but in the case of water slides, RC has been behind the curve and I think they are trying to play catch up.

The dress suggestions in the case of entertainment is always a suggestion and not a requirement. I haven't heard of a dress suggestion for Saturday Night Fever, but maybe later that night is the glow party. As for TV, I would ask Guest Services. It may only be available in one spot onboard. Often I haven seen notable sporting events advertised in the Cruise Compass. Nonetheless, I would ask about it one way or the other.

I've only sailed in a balcony room on Jewel, sorry.