mom2mybugs

Are you sure they are not splitting their time between working at the excursion desk and the RC website IT dept.?
You seem to get the same results.

Be very careful of the pick pockets around the Louve and Notre Dame in Paris.  We experienced one group that were young teenage girls with clip boards acting like they were taking surveys.  They come in all shapes and sizes with many different scams.  They are professionals and they are good at what they do.

Remember when Amazon just sold books ??

[checks prohibited items list]
You're good - but you must provide phot evidence of you playing with glow sticks in super weird places.  I suggest an elvator party.

You all are missing the point of a buffet.  It's about being lazy, and getting your money's worth (or more).  If you have to get up to get more then you're wasting valuable eating time.  So pile it up!  ?
Side note:  That was total sarcasm.  I know some people have various mobility issues, and a pile of food is much easier, and quicker than making multiple trips.

That didn't bother me, but the wasting of food does.   I'm all over trying different things,  but only try a spoonful, not a cup,  and then feel free to get more!  Jane

That didn't bother me, but the wasting of food does.   I'm all over trying different things,  but only try a spoonful, not a cup,  and then feel free to get more!  Jane

We have two sons who are musicians, so I know what you mean! Although most of our trips are usually to Guitar Center.

Agreed. You can make as many trips as you want. Take a small amount and if you like it, go back for as much as you can eat. Take what you want and eat what you take. 

That didn't bother me, but the wasting of food does.   I'm all over trying different things,  but only try a spoonful, not a cup,  and then feel free to get more!  Jane

Usually, after you fulfill your drink quota for the day on your ultimate drink package, you will have quite a glow on. The friendly bartenders will point you in the right direction for the party, which is typically at the end of the bar with all the other glow-ees.

I will defend your right to smoke, as long as it doesn't infringe on my rights not to inhale second hand smoke. Truth be told, I wouldn't cruise on a ship that allowed karaoke through out the ship! I don't do that either. 

Just wait until I join the group, Ron! ;)
Oh wait, we're Facebook friends. I guess that means I need to be nice! :)
In all seriousness, this group is like family and you'll get to that feeling, too, as you get more experience on the boards. I'd also recommend joining Matt's various broadcasts on Facebook, Periscope, and Instagram as many participate there as well. In no time, you'll feel like you no everybody like they were your neighbor--the one's you like; not the crazy ones down the street.

Yes...it is pretty bad.  And i hate waiting for the cruise to actually start!   Jane

Ignore all the reviews. Seriously.  
I can find you negative online reviews of Star Wars, puppies and ice cream.  All it means is some people have no soul different tastes, but I recommend not relying on the reviews in picking a cruise ship.  I've found these reviews to be notoriously unreliable.

For most of us, these charges aren't appearing on the folio. They're being added after disembarkation, raising the final bill $6 higher than what was on the folio. However, since it's in the general ballpark of the folio, I think most people don't even notice. But then again, I teach statistics and I'm anal about numbers, so that's my excuse for noticing.

I think we stayed at the doubletree too.  There was a terrific argentinian steakhouse nearby and we had no trouble catching a taxi to tour old san juan.  We actually walked to the beach because we didn't find the shuttle.   The price wasnt bad...we stayed as part of our pre-pkg part of the cruise.   Jane

Whether a precruise hotel is a deal or not through a cruise line is always questionable. I've yet to find a bargain, but you could run the numbers to find out. For Paris, though, the airports are a bit distant, so it could pay off once you add in the transfers. 
Most memorable shore excursion was our the day tour of St. Petersburg which included canals, hydrofoils, places, churches, museums, the subway, etc. My favorite destination would be Norway, but I think Royal's ultimate Baltics itinerary is the best, which I wrote about here: https://mycruisecourse.wordpress.com/2017/06/21/now-is-the-time-to-plan-your-baltic-cruise-for-next-year/

From what I understand of river cruises, the cruise line usually offers a pre-cruise stay.  These are much more tied into the cruise itself than what Royal typically offers.  The service is very high and some excursions and meals are usually included.  I think you should definitely look into it and go with what is offered unless you're sure you can get comparable somewhere else.

Norway or the Baltic Sea are the most impressive cruises in Europe in my opinion. I never did a Norway cruise myself but I went on a camping trip about 15 years ago - the nature is stunning, especially the fjords. I did the Baltic Sea last year on another cruise line - as I don't know your potential itinerary I'll just report what we did in the ports we visited. Every port was very enjoyable and I can't pick a favourite. 
- Gdansk: We had a coach trip to Malbork Castle and a few hours in Gdansk afterwards. Although the castle is quite impressive I'd suggest spending the whole day in Gdansk - the old town is beautiful. Maybe you could combine it with a visit to Sopot, a nice seaside resort in the vicinity.
- Klaipeda: The city isn't something to write home about. But the Curonian Spit is not to be missed! Beautiful landscape and cute touristy villages like Juodkrantė and Nida with endless timber houses as well as some nice sandy beaches are well worth a visit.
- Riga: Now one of my favourite cities - beautiful architecture, I'd suggest a walking tour. A trip to Sigulda in so-called Latvian Switzerland is also an option.
- Tallinn: We got a taxi to the Upper City in the morning and then explored it on foot. Try to use Pikk Jalg to get down from the Upper to the Lower City in the morning - before it's crowded with fellow tourists. After exploring the Lower City we had a lunch break on the market square and then did a hop on hop off tour to see the rest of the city.
- St. Petersburg: We had 2 days and did 4 shore excursions: 1) Catherine Palace - don't do it. The amount of people is frightening, the palace and especially the amber room aren't nearly as interesting as I expected. If you feel compelled to do this - try booking an evening tour after normal opening hours.
2) Walking tour of St. Petersburg city centre in the evening: Thoroughly enjoyed it, you get to see many of the attractions and it feels as if the whole town is out in the street having a party. A word of warning: these tours usually include quite a few kilometers of fast walking.
3) Peterhof Palace - if you want to do one palace, choose this one. The interior isn't that impressive but the Gardens are a must-see. I'll try this again someday as we had torrential rain on our visit :(
4) Boat trip on river Neva and the canals with a visit to St. Isaak cathedral - skip the cathedral but the boat trip was really enjoyable - and quite relaxing after running around the city for 2 days.
- Helsinki: We had a tour around the city by bus and boat. Quite nice but I regret not visiting fort Suomenlinna or Porvoo (fishing village).
- Stockholm: Whatever you plan for the day - get up real early and watch the sunrise while cruising the archipelago. It's so much more impressive than the trip back in the evening so don't miss it. For shore excursions we did a city tour by bus and boat and really enjoyed it.
- Visby (Gotland): We did a bus trip around the island and a walking tour in Visby. Skip the bus trip (with the exception of Högklint - 48 metres high cliffs with a great view over Visby and your ship). A walking tour of the medieval city is enough to keep you occupied for the day.
- Copenhagen: We did a bus and boat city trip. The canal tour is a must do, I'd also recommend the changing of the guards at Amalienborg.

Might have to make that happen!

@coneyraven Bad new for you....the price adjustment that you received....has been in error, please redirect the money over to my booking ?

I believe the reason you cannot figure it out is because I did not share the replay from last night.  I did a quick Instagram Live during lunch and it is showing up now.

I haven't done the mountain top yet...i keep putting it off for beach time,  but i love st thomas and st johns so at some point i will be back!   Jane

My best ever of a cruise was my first sea day on my first cruise on vision of the sea.   Im a person who goes all the time (and my trips are usually disney busy vacations) and to be able to lay on a pool deck with my teens and not have to do anything was the most relaxing day of my life.   I have had great times at ports and on other sea days, but that was the best.   Don't forget to give yourself permission to relax and simply enjoy the moments you've been planning months for!  Jane