twangster

For the same reason they charge the same for Voom across the fleet yet it's different experience depending on the ship. However to be fair, they don't claim Voom is O3b on all ships and they don't claim all have ships have Freestyle dispensers. Just be glad they don't charge for a 'premium' soda package (*available on select ships) versus a 'standard' soda package.

I'm not sure about up there, but here in Colorado, miles from any ocean, local restaurants and bars have stopped providing straws. Many are using re-usable straws, hard plastic or metal that get washed like the glasses and silverware are. The elimination of disposable straws isn't just a cruise ship thing, it's an international movement that has little to with being PC.

Yes, you may take ship towels anywhere as long as you bring them back. They scan your seapass card when you sign them out. You can ask for a number of them, but make sure to bring back the same number or you will be charged. You can exchange the towels as often as you wish. Lay in the sun, exchange the towel. Go for a swim, exchange the towel. Go off ship to a beach, exchange the towel when you return.

Only hubster?

Following! And now that you and hubster will be Diamond, I can cruise with you. Just kidding (for all those folks who are pre-Diamond).

Typically charters tend to take a ship from shorter cruises and on small(er) ships. It is rare to see an Oasis class ship charter because they are 7 nights and it costs a LOT of money to charter one but it can happen. By a large margin most cruises operate normally so I wouldn't worry about. From http://www.royalcaribbeanincentives.com/full-ship-charter-faqs/

I'm on a month after you. Probably not worth blogging or scoping...

Eager anticipation... Probably not. Belize is an amazing reef system. That's probably why scuba diving is so popular there. With that comes the need to anchor way out. Destroy massive amounts of coral reef to build a channel, harbor and pier - I hope not.

Keep checking. Holiday menus from last year on Indy. Price was higher but you got more. For example Whole Maine Lobster was included. Champagne included as well. I'm surprised it's sold out already. Maybe they are trying to create a demand market for it.

I booked a JS a month before you on Ovation and access to CK was a factor for me. Dinner only for JS, no breakfast or lunch. I plan on doing Jamie's and maybe Wonderland because my travel companions haven't experienced them. I'd place CK somewhere between MDR and specialty dining, but as you say, food is personal.

Occasionally Sitka appears on limited itineraries. Sailing out of Seattle generally will call on Victoria which typically isn't offered on the one-way North/South cruises. Don't discount the Seattle round trip Alaska cruises. I've done both and enjoyed both very much. My pattern is Southbound, Seattle round trip, Southbound, Seattle roundtrip. 2020 is unknown. With more and bigger ships doing Alaska it is possible more ports or lesser used ports may become more common.

My apologies, I didn't see this until after I responded in the "Introduce Yourself" thread. In case any one else come across your post and has the same question, I'll copy my response here as well: While RC and Celebrity are sister cruise lines, each maintains it's own loyalty program. You only earn points in each respective program when you sail with that cruise line. Points can NOT be added or moved between programs. As a Celebrity Captains Club member you may already have a Crown and Anchor number assigned to you. You can call either Celebrity or Royal Caribbean to ask, just be aware if you have never sailed Royal, your initial status will be "Pre-Gold". If you have achieved Select or higher with Celebrity your status will be recognized when you sail on a Royal Caribbean ship. Select will gain your the same benefits as if you are Crown and Anchor Platinum level, Elite or higher will gain you Diamond benefits. It is detailed here: https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/enroll (go to the bottom)

Correct, forgot that one.

While RC and Celebrity are sister cruise lines, each maintains it's own loyalty program. You only earn points in each respective program when you sail with that cruise line. Points can NOT be added or moved between programs. As a Celebrity Captains Club member you may already have a Crown and Anchor number assigned to you. You can call either Celebrity or Royal Caribbean to ask, just be aware if you have never sailed Royal, your initial status will be "Pre-Gold". If you have achieved Select or higher with Celebrity your status will be recognized when you sail on a Royal Caribbean ship. Select will gain your the same benefits as if you are Crown and Anchor Platinum level, Elite or higher will gain you Diamond benefits. It is detailed here: https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/enroll (go to the bottom)

I was just happy to visit before Diamond International opens a store. More pics coming in September. Havana overnight.

Port or Starboard? Yes. There is no set side that always is against the pier. It varies. From an Ocean View cabin you might find it better to visit the highest deck to take a picture of each island. Better views higher up. Grand Cayman tenders (Western Caribbean). CocoCay tenders (Bahamas, pier is nearing completion by EOY 2018).

Woohoo! What did I do now?

There is no right or wrong answer to your question. It depends on the people involved and how you cruise. There are 'big ship' cruisers and there are 'small ship' cruisers. Nothing wrong with either. I recently sailed the smallest ship in the fleet and had a blast. Before that Adventure and Explorer. I've sailed 3 of the OA class and loved them all. There are things I like about each ship. I love that Royal has variety across the fleet. Adventure, Indy and Mariner just came out of 2018 refreshments. Several ships are getting revitalized in 2019 and early 2020. Navigator in early 2019, Voyager and Oasis later in the year. Explorer, Freedom and Allure in 2020. At the moment Mariner is just doing 3/4 night sailings but full 2020 schedules haven't been announced yet.

Among other inconsistencies one of the stand outs is beverage package pricing. There are often trends you can detect for internet or dining packages however when it comes to drink packages there is no obvious rhyme or reason. It wouldn't surprise me to see a different pricing approach to short cruises. Royal is all about analytics and adjusting prices to maximize revenue. They have operated thousands of cruises and they can predict how many people will purchase a package in advance and when the typical guest is most likely to make that purchase. They also know how many guests never find the cruise planner and purchase a package on board. Drink fatigue is real so there is less risk offering lower prices on longer cruises compared to a 3 night weekend cruise where it's more likely to see people drinking a higher average daily drink count. Once onboard with every swipe of tens of thousands of cards across the fleet they know how many and what kind of drinks are consumed by those with a package and those without.

That's what I'm thinking. Interested in this sailing as well.

QM2 is 150,000 gross tons, 236' high total (keel to top of funnel) minus 33' draught = 203' above the waterline. OA class is ~225,000+ gross tons, 236' from the waterline plus 31' draught for a total of 267' (keel to top of funnel) The bridge clearance (from the waterline ) is 215ft. Definitely no myth OA can't go there.

Yes, Indy has Freestyle machines. @hayley_bopp scoped the interior of Indy on her recent cruise last month. Here is her scope: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1RDGlWwPZQoKL?t=7m41s The freestyle machines can be seen around the 7 minute mark.

The links you added only appear to work for your login. If Cococay items like Cabanas appear for Nassau it's mistake. They probably will correct in a day or two.

Lulu @ Lababdee