Dinabug38

We are headed to Ovation on 13 May.  This is Ovation's first Alaska cruise and it is so packed with Diamond and up we received the following email.  I have never heard of specialty coffee being preloaded onto your Seapass before.  Has anyone else?
ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING TRAVELS
    Dear Guest,
We are excited to welcome you onboard Ovation of the Seas for its transition sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia to Seattle, Washington.
As you may know, this sailing is quite popular among our Crown and Anchor Society and as a result, our staff is making enhancements to accommodate you.
During your cruise, the Nightly Happy Hour will expand to include both the Diamond Club and the Music Hall on deck 3&4. As always, 3 drink vouchers will be loaded on your account for you to use at the bars and lounges throughout the ship during happy hour.
DIAMOND CLUB & MUSIC HALL
CONCIERGE LOUNGE
Deck 3 & 4
Deck 12
Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club
Pinnacle Club and Suites
Additionally, we understand with more top tier guests than usual, the rush for morning coffee can become hectic. To alleviate some of the wait, we are loading one specialty non- alcoholic coffee voucher per day onto your SeaPass card. This can be used in the Main Dining Room, La Patisserie, Café Two70°, Solarium Bistro, and the Windjammer. Once onboard, please check your Welcome Letter or with your Concierge for additional information.
We’re happy you’re joining us for these special sailings and we hope your time with us is nothing short of spectacular!
Thank you for being Loyal to Royal, we appreciate your patronage.
Sincerely,
Your Crown & Anchor Society Team.

What about getting caught in the rain?
Sorry, couldn't resist.

You should also add a ride on the Rising Tide Bar.  Doesn't matter what you order, it's the experience.

I am beyond excited! I have to share this news with my RC Blog family! As some of you know already know from reading my posts, star class has been on my radar for a while now. I was never able to do it though for various reasons, either kids too young or work or price too crazy.
Anyway, as @WAAAYTOOO mentioned in another post, yesterday I noticed early in the morning there was a STAR discount of $1000. I had my eye on upgrading my Anthem sailing next month to the GLS but sadly I moved too slow and it was gone. 
Because I am obsessive by nature, and also persistent, I knew that I wanted to take advantage of the $1000 discount which ends at midnight. So this morning, I was able to find (although I'm not sure what I signed up for) a 2BDR ATS-GTY for about $3400pp on none other than my favourite ship ever-Harmony!  I did not hesitate this time because for a March break sailing, I knew that price was a no brainer. I am just praying that I guessed the correct dates for march break 2019 because the school calendar doesn't even come out for another two months. 
I am beyond excited but I have never done a guarantee room on anything before. So I am not sure what I will end up with. Any thoughts anyone? But as @WAAAYTOOO put it, the worst I can get is an A2 on deck 10 and even that is amazing!  Only 403 days left but who's counting!

Looking at estimated costs. Its going to be $80-$110 for regular UBER/LYFT for IAH, or $45-$60 For Houston Hobby

Do you mean the replenish package at about $26?  If so, it's the same as the ultimate package minus the alcohol. Virgin drinks, specialty coffees, soda, bottled water, etc. 

This to me is the added value of the drink package. I don't feel compelled to finish a drink I don't like, or any drink, really. Some might say that it encourages more drinking, which may be true to some degree, but it allows me to try new things, which is part of the fun!

I find myself ordering drinks I would likely not otherwise order simply because I have a drink package.  Such as waiting for a show to start, when the waiter walks around at the pool, etc.  To your point, my mindset when I have a drink package is "why not?".

At the port, you will go through both metal detector and carry on bag x-ray. Getting on board the ship, hand wand metal detector and bag x-ray. I haven't seen any bags being opened on the cruises we have been on, but that's not to say it does not happen. As far as the size, it's up to you. Your room may not be ready for you when you board, so, you will have to carry/drag whatever you carry/drag on board until your room is ready. What the majority of the experienced cruisers here do is a small carry on or back pack with the essential stuff, ie, medications, camera, passports, bathing suits, etc. You want your cruise vacation to start the minute you step on board the ship. The less stuff you are dragging around, the more enjoyable the experience will be. 
Welcome aboard, enjoy your cruise and fire away with any and all questions! 

How about a list of things NOT to bring in a carry on:
your neighbor a goldfish in a bowl an uncooked ham a sofa Anyone think of any others?

Not really sure it "forces" one to drink more.  It's really a question of your mindset.  I bought the package and already am of the mind that I will probably lose money on the deal.  However, I know if I hadn't spent the money now when I can be done with it and have it out of my budget, then on the trip my penny-pinching mindset would have scrutinized every drink I bought.  Now I can drink whatever, whenever I want and not think twice about the payment.  a weird way to think of it in the long run I know, but it works for me!  Same thing with the balcony.  It's my first cruise and most of the shows / night clubs just don't sound all that appealing.  It is comforting to know that should I find myself not in the mood for "partying" in the evening I always know I have a bottle of wine, a cribbage board, my wife, and a balcony waiting on the 8th deck
 

Stop you guys are KILLING  me over here!!!!!!

I do! I have had them since high school when I bought them at Zayre or was it Venture? I'm old and can't remember! 

Yes it has, but you have to admit that it is absolutely HILARIOUS!!!!!   Especially the comment that @rjac made about the full length front zipper and the chest hair, downright  priceless!  Yes the mental picture is absolutely disgusting but its funny as well!! 
 

Well. This thread took a turn. 

Ohhh man, hopefully not the full length zip front with the chest hair exposed at the top. That will get your beverage package revoked and a Captain's escort to the front of the line on debarkation...... even if it's not your home port of debarkation.

That was actually @FManke, but still very funny. 

A bit mis-leading subject title.  There is in fact a refund.  In fact, from the sounds of it, there are several options for refunds.  What is true is that you cant simply get a refund and walk away.  form what I have read on the various other cruises effected this season , this seems pretty normal.  My question would be how the 50% cruise credit works?  50% of the cost of this current cruise or 50% of the cruise I take next?  I could see this as a real wind-fall.  I still go on a cruise now (though shortened) then turn around and book a more extravagant cruise (like Alaska with a balcony!)
 

Good thought. We will check email once or twice during the week. But honestly, my workaholic hubby needs to be incommunicado for all but the most dire of emergencies ? no worky-worky! Lol!! Can I get an amen?
Dina ?