Matt

How time has flown since RCL4Life posted the above and how right we all were. I can't wait till next year when she arrives at Southampton. I will be sad to see the Independence go but what a fantastic ship that is going to replace her.

Always fun to look back at old rumor posts

42 Podcasts and climbing , totally awsome job Matt. I've enjoyed every one from start to finish as they provide a great insight into RC , good listner feedback and I really enjoy it when you have guests on the show :) :).

 

I still don't know you do it mate juggling work , family , Facebook , Twitter and the blog site. I really appreciate all that you do to keep it all going so strong.

It's fun to do and I'm glad to hear you enjoy my efforts.  Keep listening and be sure to keep posting here and supporting the site :)

Just want to make sure, if 1 person gets the package dso does everyone else in your stateroom?

Not any more.  It used to require all adults but now anyone can get any package and it doesn't matter who else is in your room.

I actually love staying near the elevator! I have never heard any noise and its just easier being near an elevator. I also agree agree with Dave and like being closer to the aft elevator because I find more things I like to do are on the aft of the ships. 

I like being near the elevator too. Thought noise might be an issue but not in the least.  Very convenient too!

The basic difference is the size of the room and balcony, relative to each other.  If I'm not mistaken, D class is slightly larger and E class.  Also, sometimes the location of the stateroom (midship versus aft/forward) can be part of the equation.

Welcome HwyFuzz!

Going on my first cruise September 7. It is a seven day out of Galveston on the Navigator of the Seas. I am here to learn as many tips as possible before we sail.

You may find my Navigator of the Seas live blog from earlier this year helpful: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2014/02/03/live-blogging-navigator-of-the-seas-preamble

Thanks Matt! I've heard you talk about a driver you've used before. Was that St Martin or St Thomas? Do you have his info on the site somewhere?

Yes, Leo Brown in St. Martin.  Leo's phone number is 721-524-4290. He's a great guy!

You might be better off hiring a driver for the day, which would be about the same price in my experience.  Or  you could rent a car, which would also be cheaper (although renting a car in a foreign country is a put-off for some).

Hi, I had posted on the blog article comments but realized these forums are viewed more often. I have a suit for formal and slacks with button up collared shirts for every other night. My question is for my wife who will not wear cocktail dresses or one piece dresses as she says they are too form fitting. Are NICE 'Sunday's finest' fine( like something you'd wear to a wedding or funeral ) fine? I know opinions are split so I'm curious what yalls thoughts are. I'm a bit surprised that men get 2 options but women do not. We avoided the issue on our honeymoon 5 yrs ago as it was only a 4 night... however with 7 nights this time we would like to go to one formal so we can at least experience it finally.

I think your wife will be just fine with that plan.  Tell her not to worry

July 2014

3 - Sandya (Explorer of the Seas)

20 - Islandspud (Freedom of the Seas)

 

August 2014

2 - angel1912 (Oasis of the Seas)

9 - brooklynn1950 (Oasis of the Seas)

30 - michelle (Oasis of the Seas)

31 - Bryce G. (Allure of the Seas)

 

September 2014

12 - greenline627 (Grandeur of the Seas)

28 - CaribbeanPirate (Brilliance of the Seas)

 

October 2014

2 - Shocked (Independence of the Seas)
5 - Marc (Allure of the Seas)

14 - Darkcabbie (Independence of the Seas)

15 - ChrisTravel2114 (Oasis of the Seas)

15 - ian91 (Oasis of the Seas)

 

November 2014

9 - RCL lover (Navigator of the Seas)

16 - Greg (Allure of the Seas)
23 - Sheltie (Quantum of the Seas)

 

December 2014

6 - Swazoo (Independence of the Seas)

13 - Auburn14 (Explorer of the Seas)

27 - Islandspud (Explorer of the Seas)

27 - KeithnRita (Serenade of the Seas)

 

January 2015

3 - KeithnRita (Serenade of the Seas)

 

March 2015

14 - Marc (Independence of the Seas)

21 - Matt (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!)

21 - RCKRZR (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!)

21 - pnyxprss (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!)

29 - ian91 (Quantum of the Seas)

 

April 2015

4 - bcarney (Jewel of the Seas)

5 - FloatMe (Adventure of the Seas)

10 - CaribbeanPirate (Grandeur of the Seas)

 

May 2015

10 - RCL lover (Independence of the Seas)

 

June 2015

13 - Shocked (Anthem of the Seas)

 

September 2015

26 - RCKRZR (Jewel of the Seas)

 

November 2015

3 - rekkie (Explorer of the Seas)

13 - rekkie (Explorer of the Seas)

 

March 2016

13 - Marc (Freedom of the Seas)

I love the Windjammer because it is such a "temptation island" for me.  We will go there to maybe get my daughter a drink and I'll be set in not getting anything. But a few steps in and I spot a half dozen items that look amazing and my wife finds me eating quietly in the corner.

A portable DVD player is not a bad idea but you probably wont spend that much time in your cabin as there is loads to do day and night.

As long as it's a DVD player with it's own screen because you cannot hook anything up to the TVs in your stateroom

Thank's everyone for the input, wife want's to stay with the Grand Suite but I'm stepping out on a limb and booked the Crown Loft just for the WOW factor and something diffrent.

Great choice!

Hey, just saw the news that RCI will partner with Coca-Cola to present the World Cup at sea!!!

I am very happy now, since it is official.

Great news indeed.  They usually do a good job of showing major sporting events onboard.

July 2014

3 - Sandya (Explorer of the Seas)

20 - Islandspud (Freedom of the Seas)

 

August 2014

2 - angel1912 (Oasis of the Seas)

9 - brooklynn1950 (Oasis of the Seas)

30 - michelle (Oasis of the Seas)

31 - Bryce G. (Allure of the Seas)

 

September 2014

12 - greenline627 (Grandeur of the Seas)

28 - CaribbeanPirate (Brilliance of the Seas)

 

October 2014

2 - Shocked (Independence of the Seas)
5 - Marc (Allure of the Seas)

14 - Darkcabbie (Independence of the Seas)

15 - ChrisTravel2114 (Oasis of the Seas)

15 - ian91 (Oasis of the Seas)

 

November 2014

9 - RCL lover (Navigator of the Seas)

16 - Greg (Allure of the Seas)
23 - Sheltie (Quantum of the Seas)

 

December 2014

6 - Swazoo (Independence of the Seas)

13 - Auburn14 (Explorer of the Seas)

27 - Islandspud (Explorer of the Seas)

27 - KeithnRita (Serenade of the Seas)

 

January 2015

3 - KeithnRita (Serenade of the Seas)

 

March 2015

14 - Marc (Independence of the Seas)

21 - Matt (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!)

21 - RCKRZR (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!)

21 - pnyxprss (Quantum of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!)

29 - ian91 (Quantum of the Seas)

 

April 2015

4 - bcarney (Jewel of the Seas)

5 - FloatMe (Adventure of the Seas)

10 - CaribbeanPirate (Grandeur of the Seas)

 

May 2015

10 - RCL lover (Independence of the Seas)

 

June 2015

13 - Shocked (Anthem of the Seas)

 

September 2015

26 - RCKRZR (Jewel of the Seas)

 

March 2016

13 - Marc (Freedom of the Seas)

Any pre cruise plans?

I think a pre-cruise dinner is in order somewhere

I love Chinese & Indian food mmmmmmmmmmm

Yes! The Indian food on RC is really quite good.  Wish they had better Indian bread selection but it's really quite good and underrated overall.  I have at least one Indian dish per night

Do you know if the Medic on RCI works the same way as Disney? Meaning, you are not covered and it will cost you as much as the cruise is you have to visit them? ....lol (luckily, when I got so sick, they didn't charge me. But I think I got more sick thinking about the charge)!!!

Yes, the doctor costs money and is usually NOT covered by insurance.  But yes, it's always a good fall back.  My family has used the doctor a couple of times for minor things and other than the extra cost, no problem.

Pretty sure the package is ONLY on cruises 4 days or longer.

I have read that it's now 3-night cruises too but haven't been able to confirm it 

Thanks!  Heh... maybe I should try searching before posting....  

No worries, we're all happy to help here!

Crown Loft for sure

I see Carnival is jumping at China/Asia as well. If this doesn't go well, it will be like Europe 2 years ago and everyone will be heading back to the US soon.  :huh:

Pretty much.  I think this is an even bigger gamble considering Asia's cruise market (namely China) is behind Europe in terms of infrastructure and cruise market

Our kids will be 17 and 15 when we cruise next year. I'm thinking one of the non-alcoholic drink packages may be in order - but I really have no idea what the packages cost or what sodas cost purchased a la carte.

More info on the drink packages: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/royal-caribbean-beverage-packages

Hey I wasn't pre selected for dining reservations but I was able to get into the dining reservations system today and made reservations for my Quantum trip in Feb. Book away!

Same here!