Matt

Welcome Damion and thank you for reading the blog and listening to the podcast!

 

This is a good "problem" to have.  I think at the very least Quantum 3 or Oasis 3 will be in USA to at least start.

 

Anthem of the Seas will be sailing out of New York for the winter 2015-2016, so you can bet on that.  I don't have any insight other than guessing as to where Oasis and Quantum will go so my suggestion is book Anthem for winter 2016 now or keep waiting to see what happens since you cannot book Alaska 2016 yet.

 

You can always change your reservation so if you book Anthem for 2016 today and in a few months they announce Oasis 3 and you'd rather do that, then you can easily change your reservation to match. Heck, you can book Anthem now and put some money down and help start saving for whichever cruise you ultimately choose.

 

The key thing to understand is what you choose today is not "written in stone" and you have plenty of time to change your mind. Be sure to share what you end up doing with us!

You don't have to participate. I just go because its fun to watch

That's right.  You can opt to watch instead of play.  It's a fun experience eitherway!

It's not a bad location.  Both cabins are a little aft, so there will be a bit of a walk to get to the elevators (relatively speaking) but if I were you, I'd be okay with those cabins.

 

The nice thing about moving up to ocean view from inside is the extra square footage you get.  The deck plans show it's an extra 20 square feet or so but I always enjoy as much space as I can get.  If the price difference isn't too bad, I'd go up to ocean view.  By "too bad" I'd say around $1-200 difference in price between the two.

Here's a copy of the fleet-wide menu: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/oasis-seas-main-dining-room-menu-september-2012

We are taking  our first cruise End of August .  What are some of the recommended dishes in the MDR?  Specialty Drinks? Favorite Desserts?

TIA

French onion soup, escargot, the tortillas on the kids menu (seriously), spinach dip are what come to my mind right now

Thanks for the info Kyle

What is Quest?

Essentially it's an adult scavenger hunt. Search youtube if you want to really know what goes on.

There definitely is a Starbucks on Navigator of the Seas in addition to a Seattle's Best in the Cafe Promenade

It's pretty tough to get that information unless you go back on the ship and ask him/her for it.  Royal Caribbean doesn't divulge that kind of information for privacy reasons.  

Only other recourse you might have is to find another crew member on the ship online and see if they can connect the dots for you.  

From what I can tell, climbers must be 6 years of age or older and minors must be accompanied by an adult.  You must also sign a waiver.

This will be our first cruise and We are driving into Galveston that morning.  Do you have to reservations when using the port parking?   Also, any recommendations  on other parking spots in area?

There are a ton of cruise parking options for you in Galveston.  Just google "galveston cruise parking" and you will see a few show up.  

 

I haven't used any so I can't vouch for any of them but one option I am aware of is some hotels offer a deal where if you stay for a night, you can park for the week.  The Galveston Beach Hotel does that.

I sailed out of Port Can 3x, on 2 different ships headed to the Bahamas.

 

I never noticed a theme. Yes, they had the 70's/disco nite when they did a great show with staff. But to me, it seemed like there was a ride range of music played in different areas at different times during the cruise.

Same. On Freedom and Oasis there wasn't a distinct theme. Just a blend of pop hits, oldies and other genres of music.  It's probably why on Navigator (Galveston) and Jewel (San Juan) I could pick up on distinct musical themes.

Aside from the casino, you really cannot pay with cash for anything onboard other than what Murray said about settling up.

The same was at the Explorer. I think it makes people think twice on leaving that towel behind.

I found it very smart on tracking the towels as many people are careful to bring it back.....

On sea days you can grab the towel but they don't scan.

Sounds like a fair trade off

Ok, so you are taking this the wrong way....of course the person deserve a tip for dragging the chair for me and everyone that is there.

You totally miss the point.

And yes, we ALL tip the guy, all 8 of us!M don't worry about it.

Sorry for the confusion, didn't mean to insinuate you didn't tip them. 

 

I don't mind having people there to help.....for a tip.  By the point I get to the beach, I've likely lugged a bag full of beach things for the family and/or my daughter so I'm okay with someone else setting up my stuff  :D

Entertainment, like so much else, is very subjective.  What I find great you might hate and vice versa.

 

I think some shows are stronger than others.  The Broadway shows are by far the best but a lot of the new shows on Oasis and Allure (Come Fly, Oceanaria, etc) are quite good.  The ice shows in general are really good too.

I found ridiculous the fact that you have to tip for almost everything on Labadee..... If this is their private place, why do I have to tip? Plus the chairs were set up almost on top of each other's, barley any room on this place.

Beautiful place but packed!

If someone is taking the time to drag chairs and umbrellas for me in the heat, the least I can do is toss him a few dollars.  Just my thought

On Navigator they play nothing but country music for the same reason.

Thanks!  That looks perfect.

 

Is it a close distance away from the boat?

Close taxi ride, but definitely NOT walkable.  I'd say 10-15 mins car ride

Thanks for the report Steve

I dont think the ship's name is on the lanyard, just "Royal Caribbean"

In St Maarten go to Le Galion beach.  It's a little cove PERFECT for young kids. My 2 year old (at the time) LOVED it because she cant swim but she could sit in the water with no waves at all to bother her.  

 

I have a review of Le Galion here: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2013/03/07/excursion-focus-le-galion-beach

We are suffering from a lack of "shock and awe" that we got from the Oasis reveals. I feel like I don't know much about these ships and they are nearly ready. Also I feel the advancements and innovations are less thrilling this go around. 

They drew the announcements out for Quantum so there were a lot smaller but more frequent reveals than Oasis. My opinion, anyway.

 

Also Oasis was a huge gamechanger in terms of what a ship can offer. Quantum is more akin to Freedom class with Oasis touches, if you ask me.

There are cruises out of Boston but they are New England and/or Canada cruises.  I've actually always wanted to try one, especially one that ends in Quebec City.

I've been doing some thinking as we pass the 45 (42 now, huzzah!) day mark. In relation to cash can y'all give any good guideline or a good guess on how many 1's and 5's should be enough for good measure? On that note do they break larger bills on board in USD thus eliminating that worry? I know it may sound a little on the sweating the details side, but I'd like to avoid getting caught in port with not enough low denominations.

Guest Services will happily break bills.

 

I always bring a lot of 1s for tips but otherwise combo of 10s and 20s is always safe.  Maybe even a few hundred dollar bills for when you are eating in port somewhere and indulge a little.