Matt

Okay, this might be an Australian slang term but what is "streaky bacon"? :)

I do believe larger ships will make there way to Asia/Australia just because all these new ships coming online are going to force other ships elsewhere. So question is will it be Independence or maybe some of the other Voyager class ships.

Good question, as well as the name for Quantum 3. Both Oasis 3 and Quantum 3 are scheduled for "mid-2016". I believe the problem is from a PR standpoint. Royal Caribbean wants to maximize exposure for all its new ships so it can get he most press possible and right now it's all about Quantum of the Seas. I'm sure they are waiting for an opportune time to make name announcements.

I tend to agree with what you said. When it comes to how to tour places, I like his advice of not settling for super-touristy stuff but his view on cruising is certainly dated, to say the least.

I found an interesting blog post by Arthur Frommer (author of many guide books) where he wrote about Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas' entertainment innovations being essentially bad ideas. Obviously I don't agree with Mr. Frommer and having listened to his weekly radio show often, I know he's a bit of a troglodyte when it comes to new trends in travel (especially cruises). I really feel that while not everyone may absolutely want to go roller skating or go to circus school everyday, I do think offering more choices is always a good thing for us (consumers). Plus the fact Royal Caribbean (and the cruise industry) continue to push the envelope in terms of what can be on a cruise ship is always a good thing for us.

The one chain I am willing to stop in anywhere I cruise to is Starbucks!

Couple inches is all that matters. Plus, Royal Caribbean can boast they have the 3 largest cruise ships in the world.

Welcome! You should ask the TA if they can help. Often what may be required is to cancel the existing reservation and then re-booking. However, they may have a way to get around that. But I'd get confirmation about transferring the reservation to them first.

That's pretty much my exact thinking these days

The issue with most 4 and 5 night cruises is they usually take up 4-5 business days so if I'm going to essentially take off a whole week basically from work, may as well go for the 7 night cruise and get more cruise for same time off work.

There's at least one on Quantum of the Seas being offered

They had groups of $10, $20 and $50 bills. You could easily win a couple hundred dollars but it is really difficult to thread that needle

Hahaha! I played in the casino quite a bit on Jewel. Did anyone play the Key Monster game in the casino? If you don't remember the name maybe this will jog your memory I pumped way too much money into this in a failed effort to win. Fun but soooo frustrating

Same here. I got back from my cruise on Saturday and life was easier as you said....and more fun! Just not having to worry about what to make for dinner was something I could use in my everyday life.

Last I heard Royal Caribbean was offering other excursion ideas due to the closure. If no one can help you Don, I'd suggest checking Yelp and TripAdvisor for other ideas in Bar Harbor. It's a beautiful town but I haven't been there in probably 10-15 years now.

It loo It looks like the certification comes from Sustainable Travel International: http://sustainabletravel.org/program/step-eco-certification-standard/

Welcome!

MDR serves breakfast and dinner every day. Lunch on sea days. If you want to change to traditional dining instead of mytime and they say they are booked, try on your embarkation day and go speak to head waiter. Usually they can fit you in

I wouldn't worry too much about that sort of thing. I've eaten ashore in plenty of countries and loved it all. One time we had a snow cone in Mexico and later realized that we had Mexican water. No side effects

Nothing wrong with indulging for breakfast on cruises. Frankly, cruises are the only times I really eat breakfast. Can't get enough of the omelette station!

Thanks for posting this

Putting your phone in airplane mode and then using wifi only is best way to avoid charges while being able to access the internet

There is the CD option as well, which may be cheaper for you.

Thanks! We can't wait and will be posting updates on the blog here as well on Twitter

In terms of things to see and do on a Royal Caribbean cruise, what things would you consider to be bucket list items? Meaning, what things would you like to do at least once in your lifetime?