Matt

It loo

 

I've been reading alot about RCL's CocoCay island getting awarded the Sustainable Tourism Education Program (STEP) Gold-Level Eco Certification (that's a mouthful!), and have been seeing that they had to get a "third-party" to assess them that was independent of RCL and the Sustainable Travel International. 

 

Does anyone know who the third party was? Everything I've found is very vague on this. I would love to visit CocoCay now, as sustainable tourism is an interest of mine.

 

Thanks!

 

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

Eating ashore makes me nervous. I've heard stories and even read things in the Cruise Compass about "don't order drinks with ice or eat uncooked seafood" etc because of the different cooking / water treatment / cleaning standards some of these islands have. 

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.

Hey Matt, I Hope you and your family have a great cruise on the 21st :) :) :) .

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?

My wife would be all about Quantum if Wicked was the show they had onboard

Yes there is and it's usually around $7-8 but you can ask for the drink of the day without the souvenir cup and bring price down a few dollars.

Rumor I've heard for Quantum is Jersey Boys, mostly because it would make sense because the ship is based in New Jersey.  

Frankly I don't think any of the rumors are based on anything but speculation.  

Good answer Tyler.  I agree expensive is a relative term but I find the prices for booze onboard to be fair.  About what you would pay at any average bar/lounge/restaurant in USA.  Probably only exception is there aren't many drink specials, if any at all.

We, ve been able to take advantage of these super last minute deals 3x. Retired & within driving range to Canaveral is great. Never get tired of the Bahamas.

Living the dream Don!

Times like this I wish I still lived in Florida.  That is beyond a good deal

I've been a fan of Mexican dark beer ever since. Agree with you about the views-- Most incredible Caribbean blue water you'll ever see.

Love Mexican beers in general.  And I agree, their ocean is beautiful

We are thinking that more & more now , it would help if RC gave more info of what you get for the money.

 

All they say is 2 specialty restaurants included plus tour of the bridge and engine room. Maybe if they explained in more detail what you get and maybe a souvenir I would go for it but at $340.00 they just don't sell it to us which is a shame because we would love to see the bridge.

I'm sure the tour is very interesting and offers great insight into the operations of a ship.  I just would rather spend that kind of money in other places on my vacation, so I think it comes down to priorities.

For those that took Tulum excursion, I have heard in warmer months of the year, that excursion can be brutal with heat, jungle and the bus ride. True?

Shore excursions are an integral part of any Royal Caribbean cruise, allowing guests the opportunity to explore the ports of call their ship visits.  There’s a multitude of options to choose from starting with booking a shore excursion directly through Royal Caribbean or going out on your own to book it yourself.  This week, let’s look into why or why not you might want to book your next shore excursion with Royal Caribbean or with an independent company.  We will share experiences with both and what might work best for you and your party.

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Yes, I brought wine on my last cruise in February and no problem.  In fact, I was never even charged a corkage fee when I brought both bottles of wine to dinner in MDR each night.  I will try this again on my next cruise to see results.

I agree. I doubt many remember Genevieve from her days on Trading Spaces. When I think about it, I would never sail on a ship designed by the designers from that show. But style has changed over the years and I believe this new class of ships will all the more amplify the signature look that is uniquely Royal Caribbean.

 

Maybe the Quantum Class will all tie in Television/Musical Celebrities? First Kristen Chenoweth, then Genevieve Gorder, and who will be next?

The celeb angle is for media hype more than anything. I mean, the best architects, interior designers, etc aren't celebs.  But hiring Smith and Jones Agency doesnt generate headlines. Getting Kristen Chenoweth or Gorder gets her fan base, celeb blogs and other people talking way more.

Not demeaning the celebs' skills, but it's obvious they want to get as much publicity for Quantum as they can and this is a pretty darn good strategy.

I balked at the price when it was announced.  I'd love to see those parts of the ship but $340 for 2 people just isn't worth it to me.

Haha, I appreciate the compliment.  I have no doubt these experts are good in their field, but I do believe it's as much a publicity exercise as it is about designing the ship.  

Hey Matt , why don't you record a review of the Jewel when you go on her on the 21st and then post it on the blog. If it's as good as your podcasts are it would be great to see.

Already one step ahead of you on this ;)