HeWhoWaits

CANNONBALL!!!!!!! (unless they want to give me free adult beverages for the inconvenience)

Jerusalem is in Asia.

I went to the guacamole "class" with my three year old granddaughter in June on Freedom. She had a blast making the guacamole and eating the chips (but still didn't eat the guac that she made). The "limited" menu for lunch still includes plenty of choices even though it isn't the full Sabor menu. And one beverage was included in the price (margaritas that they showed, pina coladas (full-on or virgin).

On Freedom in June, the horn sounding scared our 20 month old grandson awake (despite having two sets of hands covering his ears) and he screamed the rest of the drill. None of us were given the opportunity to take him away from the crowd and noise.

I doubt you LOST your waistline - if anything, you gained some extra.

I have to disagree with this sentiment. Docking right in Hamilton or Saint Georges is an entirely different experience than taking tours or local transportation to those locations. From King's Wharf you have to plan ahead for what time you want to do something in either of the towns. Being docked there allows much more flexibility.

Bonaire is great for snorkeling and (especially) diving. Less to do in Bonaire than any other stop on that itinerary. Not much in the way of lazy day beaches and there isn't much to the town of Kralendijk. You might want to think of that port day as an opportunity to enjoy the ship with less crowds.

Totally agree here for Freedom - was on her in June. Concierge Lounge was never crowded, so if just looking for pre-dinner drinks or grab and go breakfast it was a good option. If looking for a view, stick with Diamond Lounge.

While that may be true, I have never seen a crew member smoking in any public areas, let alone in areas supposedly prohibited.

I have yet to go on an excursion that included a photographer.

Exactly the way we approach it.

Apparently MEI agents work 24/7.

And the closer they get, the harder cruise lines push to fill the ships.

Call on a Sunday morning - the wait time is MUCH shorter.

You will need to get your drinks in ship-provided cups and transfer them to your reusable cups.

Not on the Strip so many won't be as familiar with it, but think more in terms of Sunset Station.

Nobody has really addressed the question asked in the post title. Of course, my answer won't really address it either. Is 4B an upgrade or downgrade from a 2B? - That all depends on whether you prefer mid-ship or closer to one end. We prefer to have some noticeable motion while under way and like the forced extra walking, so for us 4B would be an upgrade from 2B. If you like it calmer or want to be closer to stairs and elevators, it would be a downgrade.

In the two sample menus shared I would say the vegan options for salads and soups are an improvement to what is on the main menu most nights. I'll have to remember to ask for the vegan options menu along with the main menu from now on. Thanks for sharing.

In that case, you're either losing too much in the casino or carrying off a large sum of cash!

If you're taking multiple trips a year and spending $15000 or more ONBOARD each trip, I'm available to be adopted!

I can see not wanting to be close to FAMILY you're sailing with, but FRIENDS should be okay.

If you see an excursion you like at a price you're willing to pay - book it. Then keep an eye on pricing during various "sales" (and random checks when no "sale" is announced) - you will often find an opportunity to cancel and rebook at a lower price. We have rebooked the same excursion as many as five times when the price keeps dropping. Worst case scenario - the price you were comfortable paying when you first booked is the best price you find.

When a group "takes over" a table that I was using by myself, I just pull up a chair, sit down, and start eating. "Oh, sorry. Didn't notice that you had joined me."

The story was pretty lame, so you're watching it correctly.

If you travel with someone under 18 for whom you are neither parent nor legal guardian, you must have documentation that they are permitted to travel with you. This is true for grandparents taking a trip with grandchildren but not the sandwich generation as well as for your situation. Best to have it signed by both parents and notarized.