Matt

First, I'd recommend reading my Jewel of the Seas live blog that was very port intensive: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/jewel-of-the-seas-live-blog I think you will find activities on port days for this cruise similar to port days on other ships you have been on. There arent many activities in the prime hours of the day but you will still find lots to do in the afternoon and evening especially.

I know what you're saying (and I tend to agree) but they aren't trying to be secretive. What they are doing is trying to avoid creating wrong expectations. Imagine if they advertise 70's night for months before your cruise and for some reason they can't hold the 70s party. It's unlikely but the nature of these onboard events are always subject to change and I think they don't post events they aren't certain will happen just to make sure folks aren't disappointed.

I am beginning to think they don't necessarily care if all guests are dressed up or not. These parties are more about excuses to come out and have a good time (and spend some money).

They had a white night, 70's party and another party or two on Freedom

Hate to give you this answer but... it depends. It definitely is possible for there to be new carpeting or decor. Each ship's refurbishment scope seems to vary. As an example, Freedom of the Seas did not get any water slides but sister ship Liberty of the Seas will be getting three.

There you go. Thanks for pulling that info!

My guess is no cruises from Galveston in January.

My wife really wants to do a Panama canal cruise. For us, it's always been about vacation time as to why we have not done it yet.

The free drinks are available all day

I was surprised it was not on the Freedom class either.

Free drinks are water, tea, coffee, flavored waters, milk, and juices at breakfast. Royal Replenish is the "soda card". It's just sodas. Royal Replenish: Premium coffee Premium tea Bottled water Sparkling water (375ml) Still water (500ml) Fresh squeezed orange juice Non-alcoholic cocktails Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup You can buy the packages even after the first day. I know with the alcohol packages there have to be at least 4 days left, not sure if that is also the case with these other two packages.

I think the Jamie's thing was more about the audience. In UK, Jamie Oliver is a big celeb whereas in the USA, he is not as well known. I had heard RC indicated it was Jamie's people that insisted on the a la carte pricing in UK to capitalize on the folks going there.

I always recommend ordering multiple entrees because the portions are on the small side (and I love food).

I have seen folks that bring on drinks like bottled water carry them via a small cart.

August 2015 8 - Dan (Liberty of the Seas) 10 - jlynn222 (Enchantment of the Seas) 10 - Nicole (Enchantment of the Seas) 16 - Cruiserholic (Legend of the Seas) 17 - Bryce G. (Enchantment of the Seas) 17 - dbixler (Enchantment of the Seas) September 2015 13 - Shocked (Allure of the Seas) 18 - ian91 (Brilliance of the Seas) 19 - MarriedonRRC (Oasis of the Seas) 20 - sulross (Navigator of the Seas) 26 - RCKRZR (Jewel of the Seas) 27 - Steve (Brilliance of the Seas) 27 - sulross (Navigator of the Seas) October 2015 4 - sulross (Navigator of the Seas) 18 - bkirkham (Navigator of the Seas) 22 - JohnK6404 (Libert of the Seas) 24 - greenline627 (Grandeur of the Seas) November 2015 1 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) 3 - rekkie (Explorer of the Seas) 7 - Jerel (Independence of the Seas) 9 - monctonguy (Majesty of the Seas) 13 - rekkie (Explorer of the Seas) 13 - Steve (Liberty of the Seas) 13 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) 29 - dh1ch1 (Freedom of the Seas) December 2015 6 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) 13 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) 19 - WAAAYTOOO (Grandeur of the Seas) January 2016 2 - Dan (Oasis of the Seas) 3 - DocLC (Liberty of the Seas) 10 - Michel (Allure of the Seas) 11 - monctonguy (Independence of the Seas) 11 - ian91 (Splendour of the Seas) 17 - Huntley (Freedom of the Seas) February 2016 7 - jlynn222 (Freedom of the Seas) 7 - Nicole (Freedom of the Seas) 7 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) 14 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) 21 - Matt (Allure of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!) 21 - AGSLC5 (Allure of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!) 21 - WAAAYTOOO (Allure of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!) 21 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) 21 - Jerel (Allure of the Seas) 21 - eaglesfaninfl (Freedom of the Seas) 22 - monctonguy (Brilliance of the Seas) March 2016 4 - Dan (Anthem of the Seas) 13 - Marc (Freedom of the Seas) 13 - Cowcrazy65 (Grandeur of the Seas) 13 - Knisley96 (Navigator of the Seas) April 2016 3 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) 10 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) May 2016 21 - Welshrose15 (Navigator of the Seas) June 2016 12 - Shocked (Harmony of the Seas) 24 - Steve (Explorer of the Seas) July 2016 4 - Cruiseman (Radiance of the Seas) 22 - DocLC (Explorer of the Seas) August 2016 7 - amejiajr8 (Allure of the Seas) 21 - Davyb33 (Jewel of the Seas) 28 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) September 2016 18 - JohnK6404 (Allure of the Seas) 18 - sulross (Liberty of the Seas) October 2016 3 - WAAAYTOOO (Harmony of the Seas) 9 - Marc (Liberty of the Seas) 23 - WAAAYTOOO (Harmony of the Seas) 23 - sulross (Harmony of the Seas) November 2016 28 - Jerel (Majesty of the Seas) January 2017 2 - DocLC (Allure of the Seas) 9 - rekkie (Ovation of the Seas) February 2017 18 Jerel (Harmony of the Seas) March 2017 4 - Marc (Freedom of the Seas)

Welcome Glynis!

Welcome Gwennie!

I'd like to see that.

We did this on Freedom. You should pack it in your carry on luggage. Officially, the rule is you cannot. But my wife did and she put it in the checked luggage. The bag never was delivered to our room and we got a voicemail to come pick it up. The X-Ray machine saw the bottles so they had to open the bag in front of me and inspect it. When they saw it was water, they gave me the bag and the water.

The prepaid gratuities are for your stateroom attendant, waiter, assistant waiter and head waiter. When you pay a la carte for drinks, you will get an automatic 18% gratuity on your receipt that is added to the total cost of your drink purchase.

I agree, it's certainly nice to have the Dreamworks Experience and enhances the fun for kids but I think your kids will still have a blast without Shrek et al.

I've re-read your original post a few times and I'll be honest, I'm not clear on the question you are asking. Are you asking about booking another cruise online? Paying off your onboard account?

I love to listen to music that reminds me of being a cruise

I have to say the impact of the fire on the ship is very, very minimal. After seeing the ship first hand, I can tell you it was a big nothing in terms of the effect on the ship.

I've usually seen people bring the bottles in their carry on luggage or as a carryon on its own.