spiralqueen

Excellent, that’s definitely me. Thanks!
ETA: Yes, I AM already researching and planning for sky class in 2 years time, why do you ask? This is totally sane behavior. Don’t judge me. 

Excellent, that’s definitely me. Thanks!
ETA: Yes, I AM already researching and planning for sky class in 2 years time, why do you ask? This is totally sane behavior. Don’t judge me. 

Excellent, that’s definitely me. Thanks!
ETA: Yes, I AM already researching and planning for sky class in 2 years time, why do you ask? This is totally sane behavior. Don’t judge me. 

Excellent, that’s definitely me. Thanks!
ETA: Yes, I AM already researching and planning for sky class in 2 years time, why do you ask? This is totally sane behavior. Don’t judge me. 

I'm sure there will be many who disagree with this being a mistake, but my biggest mistake was not getting the internet package on my cruise and thinking I could just unplug. I later realized that I value being able to text or message the other people in my party too much and that I felt as if not being able to do so limited me in what I could do. For example, if I was hanging out by the pool and wanted to go to trivia, I felt like I couldn't because I had no way of telling the others where I was going and didn't want to worry them that they lost me. I also undervalued how much I rely on looking things up during a conversation to either illustrate a point or check something. (ie: "where do I know that actor from? It's going to bug me so much!" "See! I'm not crazy. Folding the cold butter between layers of dough is called lamination and that's how they can get the puff pastry"). I now get the internet every time.

I'm sure there will be many who disagree with this being a mistake, but my biggest mistake was not getting the internet package on my cruise and thinking I could just unplug. I later realized that I value being able to text or message the other people in my party too much and that I felt as if not being able to do so limited me in what I could do. For example, if I was hanging out by the pool and wanted to go to trivia, I felt like I couldn't because I had no way of telling the others where I was going and didn't want to worry them that they lost me. I also undervalued how much I rely on looking things up during a conversation to either illustrate a point or check something. (ie: "where do I know that actor from? It's going to bug me so much!" "See! I'm not crazy. Folding the cold butter between layers of dough is called lamination and that's how they can get the puff pastry"). I now get the internet every time.

I'm sure there will be many who disagree with this being a mistake, but my biggest mistake was not getting the internet package on my cruise and thinking I could just unplug. I later realized that I value being able to text or message the other people in my party too much and that I felt as if not being able to do so limited me in what I could do. For example, if I was hanging out by the pool and wanted to go to trivia, I felt like I couldn't because I had no way of telling the others where I was going and didn't want to worry them that they lost me. I also undervalued how much I rely on looking things up during a conversation to either illustrate a point or check something. (ie: "where do I know that actor from? It's going to bug me so much!" "See! I'm not crazy. Folding the cold butter between layers of dough is called lamination and that's how they can get the puff pastry"). I now get the internet every time.

I'm sure there will be many who disagree with this being a mistake, but my biggest mistake was not getting the internet package on my cruise and thinking I could just unplug. I later realized that I value being able to text or message the other people in my party too much and that I felt as if not being able to do so limited me in what I could do. For example, if I was hanging out by the pool and wanted to go to trivia, I felt like I couldn't because I had no way of telling the others where I was going and didn't want to worry them that they lost me. I also undervalued how much I rely on looking things up during a conversation to either illustrate a point or check something. (ie: "where do I know that actor from? It's going to bug me so much!" "See! I'm not crazy. Folding the cold butter between layers of dough is called lamination and that's how they can get the puff pastry"). I now get the internet every time.

So after 20+ cruises on Carnival my wife and I go on our first Royal cruise this weekend.  Doing Harmony and from what I have seen via videos and read on this site I believe Royal will most likely be out carrier of choice going forward.  It will be interesting having a gold card vs our normal platinum but I guess we have to start somewhere.  I also want to shout out to Matt as this is a fabulous site with a tremendous group of people who share their knowledge freely and willingly.  

Yes, any OBC can be applied to dining, spa, gratuities, on board purchases.....basically it's like cash in your account in that anything you charge to your seapass account it can be used for. And you don't have to let a venue know you are using OBC. It should be reflected in your balance upon boarding. You would see a credit balance so if you hadn't charged anything, it would show as -$100 if you had a hundred dollar of OBC. 

This isn't included in the cruise fare, but rather a tip for included with the refreshment or deluxe beverage packages that not everyone knows about. One of my favorite things about the Oasis class ships is that the fresh fruit smoothies and juices at the Vitality Spa Cafe are included in the (non-soda) beverage packages. The only thing not included is if you want to add a shot of protein powder. So yummy and with WAY less sugar than those daiquiri syrup mixes. 

I think that is one of the eternal truths of Royal Caribbean along with "there's an IT bug" and "well....it depends on the ship". I have people ask me IRL how I get the deals I get. I tell them honestly that I just stalk the cruise planner and cancel/rebook with regularity. It's quite normal for me to have purchased things I fully intend to cancel before sailing just to lock in a price. For example, I have the Key booked for my May 2020 sailing, but I also have a 3 device internet package booked in case I change my mind about the Key since the internet was priced at $8 per device a day. For that same sailing I also have a South Beach cabana and a Coco Beach day pass booked. I won't keep both, but I want to see reviews and pictures of those spaces once they open in Jan before finalizing my decision. BUT, I booked them both at prices that I'm very comfortable with and the cabana especially has ballooned in price since.  

I think that is one of the eternal truths of Royal Caribbean along with "there's an IT bug" and "well....it depends on the ship". I have people ask me IRL how I get the deals I get. I tell them honestly that I just stalk the cruise planner and cancel/rebook with regularity. It's quite normal for me to have purchased things I fully intend to cancel before sailing just to lock in a price. For example, I have the Key booked for my May 2020 sailing, but I also have a 3 device internet package booked in case I change my mind about the Key since the internet was priced at $8 per device a day. For that same sailing I also have a South Beach cabana and a Coco Beach day pass booked. I won't keep both, but I want to see reviews and pictures of those spaces once they open in Jan before finalizing my decision. BUT, I booked them both at prices that I'm very comfortable with and the cabana especially has ballooned in price since.  

I have heard that the hibachi can fill up quickly due to the limited seating for each timeslot so that one I would recommend booking ahead of time. 

I think that is one of the eternal truths of Royal Caribbean along with "there's an IT bug" and "well....it depends on the ship". I have people ask me IRL how I get the deals I get. I tell them honestly that I just stalk the cruise planner and cancel/rebook with regularity. It's quite normal for me to have purchased things I fully intend to cancel before sailing just to lock in a price. For example, I have the Key booked for my May 2020 sailing, but I also have a 3 device internet package booked in case I change my mind about the Key since the internet was priced at $8 per device a day. For that same sailing I also have a South Beach cabana and a Coco Beach day pass booked. I won't keep both, but I want to see reviews and pictures of those spaces once they open in Jan before finalizing my decision. BUT, I booked them both at prices that I'm very comfortable with and the cabana especially has ballooned in price since.  

This isn't included in the cruise fare, but rather a tip for included with the refreshment or deluxe beverage packages that not everyone knows about. One of my favorite things about the Oasis class ships is that the fresh fruit smoothies and juices at the Vitality Spa Cafe are included in the (non-soda) beverage packages. The only thing not included is if you want to add a shot of protein powder. So yummy and with WAY less sugar than those daiquiri syrup mixes. 

Matt has some really great resources to help sort through all the information about Coco Cay. One of the complaints I hear a ton is that Coco Cay is a money grab and there is nothing to do for free there. While I agree that the point of any business is to make money, I think people are not giving enough credit to all the great, free things to do there. 
What's included and costs extra on Coco Cay video
A bit of info on the Beach Club (more will be available once it opens in Jan)
Coco Cay prices and costs (paid things vary a TON, but also breaks out the free things)
Coco Cay Things to Know/FAQ
The whole Coco Cay tag
ETA: Based on your girls ages though depending on activity levels and interests, you may like South Beach as an option. If you just do chairs and an umbrella there, it doesn't even cost. Though likely some of the activities will. At a glance, I wouldn't be shocked if they charged for paddle boarding, kayaking and zorbing (which looks like that giant hamster ball thing??)
"South Beach - Offering volleyball, beachside basketball, soccer, paddle boarding, glass-bottom kayaking and zorbing in an inflatable zorb ball. "

I have heard that the hibachi can fill up quickly due to the limited seating for each timeslot so that one I would recommend booking ahead of time. 

Matt has some really great resources to help sort through all the information about Coco Cay. One of the complaints I hear a ton is that Coco Cay is a money grab and there is nothing to do for free there. While I agree that the point of any business is to make money, I think people are not giving enough credit to all the great, free things to do there. 
What's included and costs extra on Coco Cay video
A bit of info on the Beach Club (more will be available once it opens in Jan)
Coco Cay prices and costs (paid things vary a TON, but also breaks out the free things)
Coco Cay Things to Know/FAQ
The whole Coco Cay tag
ETA: Based on your girls ages though depending on activity levels and interests, you may like South Beach as an option. If you just do chairs and an umbrella there, it doesn't even cost. Though likely some of the activities will. At a glance, I wouldn't be shocked if they charged for paddle boarding, kayaking and zorbing (which looks like that giant hamster ball thing??)
"South Beach - Offering volleyball, beachside basketball, soccer, paddle boarding, glass-bottom kayaking and zorbing in an inflatable zorb ball. "

Matt has some really great resources to help sort through all the information about Coco Cay. One of the complaints I hear a ton is that Coco Cay is a money grab and there is nothing to do for free there. While I agree that the point of any business is to make money, I think people are not giving enough credit to all the great, free things to do there. 
What's included and costs extra on Coco Cay video
A bit of info on the Beach Club (more will be available once it opens in Jan)
Coco Cay prices and costs (paid things vary a TON, but also breaks out the free things)
Coco Cay Things to Know/FAQ
The whole Coco Cay tag
ETA: Based on your girls ages though depending on activity levels and interests, you may like South Beach as an option. If you just do chairs and an umbrella there, it doesn't even cost. Though likely some of the activities will. At a glance, I wouldn't be shocked if they charged for paddle boarding, kayaking and zorbing (which looks like that giant hamster ball thing??)
"South Beach - Offering volleyball, beachside basketball, soccer, paddle boarding, glass-bottom kayaking and zorbing in an inflatable zorb ball. "

I know it's not a toiletry, but on a related note, they do provide a hair dryer, though it is the same sort of small, lower powered one you see in many hotel rooms. If you have particularly thick or long hair, I'd recommend bringing your own. 

Oh another thing they don't provide that I would really recommend is lotion. Both facial and body. I don't know if it's just me, but the sea air really dries out my skin. 

I actually saw them hawking the various dining plans a ton on Grandeur Thanksgiving week. They were working pretty hard to sell the Chops + 1 and the 3 night. Mainly the Chops +1 was the one emphasized the most which makes sense since it offers the least value of all of the dining packages IMO. But I saw the same guy approaching people in the Centrum, Solarium, and Pool deck throughout the cruise. There was also a permanent advertising display on an easel near Chops advertising the packages. I think it depends on the ship (.....Royal's unofficial slogan)

Awesome! Found it and joined. I have the same icon on here and FB. 

I think the 25lb limit is correct, but I believe it was limited to 2 pieces per person. I know this past May I definitely checked a duffel bag and a backpack with the Key. 
ETA: Yep, Royal lists a limit of 2 pp in the footnotes https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-the-key-program