Matt

Thank you all!

Just a reminder to vote again today!

 

http://www.10best.com/awards/new-media-awards/best-cruise-blogger/

I thought I saw a post, but cant find it now, talking about Starbucks. Has anyone been on with a royal replenish or ultimate package to find out if they fall under their definition of 'specialty coffee'? I'm so gonna get my moneys worth on Navigator if so. Muahaha!

On Navigator Starbucks was included in Royal Replenish package back in Feb

Done!

 

Thank you!

 

Voted!

 

Thanks!

 

voted!  Good luck!

Thanks!

 

Love the support you all give this site.  You can vote once per day, so please keep it up :)

From what I've heard, it's somewhat random.  Or at least, there isn't a means of signing up.  Rather, you are picked.  How you are picked remains a mystery.

Marc is correct

USA Today is holding its annual 10Best Readers Choice Awards and this blog is nominated!
 

Go to http://www.10best.com/awards/new-media-awards/best-cruise-blogger/ and vote for "Matt Hochberg - Royal Caribbean Blog"

 

Thank you in advance!

You might find this blog post helpful: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2013/07/29/what-wear-your-royal-caribbean-cruise

 

For a jacket for smart casual, it can be a blazer or a suit jacket.   

 

I'll be honest, jackets on smart casual aren't a requirement.  A collared dress shirt alone will be fine.  

Finish this topic's sentence.  Only one improvement, so choice wisely!

You can have your gratuities included with your final payment, if you wish. (It's required to do so if you have My Time Dining.) Simply contact your travel agent (or Royal Caribbean, if you don't have one) and ask that they be paid in advance.

Beat me to the answer.  Good post Marc!

Congrats Michelle!

 

In a word? EVERYTHING :P

If the excursion is a RC excursion, do not worry about missing the ship leaving. You are guaranteed the ship will wait for you.

 Cannot imagine though who could

not "spend" money on cruises = all those things listed you can use it for -

Agreed, RC offers a lot to use your money on

You're still too far out to book most things.  Once you get within 6 months more opens up.

I heard that Len mentioned interest in tapas when you were discussing Boleros. He'll have a treat if he goes to Vintages as they do serve yummy tapas in there (a la carte).

I did forget that Vintages has food too. Great point!

Hi, I am Peter, My wife Annette and I are going on the Radiance of the seas to New Zealand in February.

Welcome Peter!

Thanks for listening and I'm planning on having both Len and Laurel back after their cruise to share their thoughts.

Yes, I always give them a dollar or two

This article will be helpful: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2014/01/16/cruising-101-onboard-credit

Typically staterooms do not open until about 1pm or so.  YIf you embark before that time, you will have to take your luggage/belongings with you to lunch or anywhere else.

Get to the port early on embarkation day and study the Cruise Compass each evening to prepare for the next day.

Yes, you get a sticker on your SeaPass card

thanks tylor, I have looked at some of the excursions and tried to find out more but the site tells me I can only book onboard or it is too early

Peter

How far out is your cruise?

Now that gratuities are automatic, they all know what the deal is. In fact, I'd expect them to be more surprised if you did tip on the final night than not.

Hi Peter,

 

Don't worry about tipping. Royal Caribbean will pretty much take care of it for you. If you feel that it is necessary to tip extra, then do so. Otherwise enjoy your cruise!

I agree. Not tipping extra is not going to result in poor service.  I also do not believe in tipping in advance for good service (that's called bribery LOL).

I have never tipped a porter.... I drop my 1 bag off at the cart. It is then pulled by a tractor onto the boat. At some point, someone has to bring it down the hall close to my room, but I have no idea who that is or see them. I self check out with my bags.

 

If everyone tipped the porters at the docks $10, that would be some of the best paying jobs in America!

 

I don't get that concept.

Often the porter is lugging my stuff around out in the sun and making sure it goes on its way.  I make sure that I dont lift a finger, so they take the luggage from my car/taxi to where it needs to go and I tip him/her for the service of not having to do it myself.