Bbjunkie

It was on Facebook, too!!   I had a little crazy-fan moment when I saw it, as if I know you personally. ???

You came to see our kids dance!  Thank you so much for watching.  My daughter is in the last pic you have of the dancers (the aqua) and another as well.  All of the kids were in two dances.   Oh, I’m so happy you came!

100%. I've heard too many stories of them being overly generous with refunds. I suspect this is just a stressful time for all. Once the storm settles (pun?) everything will work out in the end. I feel terrible people are going through this, I know I'd be stressed out too.

I think people will find Royal does the right thing.  They always have for me.  In the end things always work out.  

You're out a lot of money just in taxes, if a few more calls doesn't get better results, you're probably better off going for the 2 nights and relaxing a bit. You might end up with a better offer in the end than a future cruise credit for the 2 missed days.
A friends cruise was diverted a few years ago and they received 50% off their cruise fare as an OBC which they didn't need to spend it all and could 'cash out' the balance.

We need to remember as well that RCI has its headquarters in Miami, so people working there are probably concerned not only with others people's vacations, but about the safety of their families and homes.  I understand the stress this is causing but try to remember that many people have worries beyond their vacation and trust that RCI will find a solution, even if not immediately.

Stay safe @Matt. Good thoughts and prayers headed your way and all those in the path of Dorian.

Stay safe!

I too am cancelling my cruise and taking the FCC, but elected to do RoyalUp.  For the time being, I've got bigger, hurricane sized, problems than this to deal with. 

I agree with you and will be very surprised if they don’t make it right. I’m sure they are just overwhelmed at the moment. 

The expert meteorologist can’t even predict this historical storm so try to imagine RCCL trying to make sure vacations are not ruined and safely executed. People are going to bitch no matter what just because you can’t please everyone. If people used a travel agent and purchased the correct travel insurance, there should be no issues taking a cruise in the middle of hurricane season. Don’t wait for RCCL to make a decision if you are not comfortable for your individual situation. I am sure they are doing the best they can with the resources they have. Remember most of the employees are based in Miami area, which is going to be impacted as of today, and needs to secure their family and homes. In short just saying EVERYONE needs to be patient as no one knows what is going to happen. (Off soapbox now)

And unfortunately, Royal is probably bombarded with phone calls, emails, etc with the same staff they have on regular days.  This hurricane is straining their resources I'm sure.  I'm sorry you are in this situation-hurricane season when there is really a hurricane must be very difficult.  I cannot imagine since I haven't experienced dealing with hurricanes personally.  I hope everything works out for you with the refund.

I’m not sure that you can buy a specific experience, but you can buy Royal Gift Certificates that get emailed, then the receiver “redeems” them and they turn into onboard credit, which could then be used for the Escape Room.

There’s one in Costa Maya (Mexico).

They can likely at least seat you at tables next to each other. To be honest, 2-3 tables might be preferable -- it's too hard to talk to people if you're all in a long line at one table! You could rotate each night so you get a chance to visit with everyone at least once. Just my opinion ? 

This is exactly why I get frustrated when people talk of removing the daily gratuity and just tipping cash, “to the people that deserve it”.   

This is exactly why I get frustrated when people talk of removing the daily gratuity and just tipping cash, “to the people that deserve it”.   

Hello and welcome!   This spot is a wealth of great information!
in regard to your tipping question, I’d suggest you bring with you several singles, fives, and maybe a couple of tens.   I’m not going to argue the philosophy or etiquette of gratuity as it can get contentious and that isn’t my intent here.  But, if you are like many, you’ll want to have a few dollars available to quickly pass to the porters that handle your luggage.   While you have prepaid the standard 18%, that is money divided up amongst the service staff, some of whom you don’t see.   Right now, you may not be thinking of a scenario where your cabin steward goes above and beyond, but I’d guess you’d rather be prepared if you discover they have.  (For example, if someone unfortunately gets sick and they are heavily cleaning up, or they bring a much-needed fan and have it set up for you on the second day because you didn’t realize it would be something you need.).  Anything can happen, and if you want to give him an extra $20, you want to be sure you have it.    Same is true if you plan to eat in the MDR.   On our June cruise on Navigator, our assistant waiter made our vacation.  He had such a great personality and made such a connection with our pre-teen dancers at our table, that dinner was a significant highlight to our vacation.   He deserved more than whatever fraction of our daily gratuity provided him.

Hello and welcome!   This spot is a wealth of great information!
in regard to your tipping question, I’d suggest you bring with you several singles, fives, and maybe a couple of tens.   I’m not going to argue the philosophy or etiquette of gratuity as it can get contentious and that isn’t my intent here.  But, if you are like many, you’ll want to have a few dollars available to quickly pass to the porters that handle your luggage.   While you have prepaid the standard 18%, that is money divided up amongst the service staff, some of whom you don’t see.   Right now, you may not be thinking of a scenario where your cabin steward goes above and beyond, but I’d guess you’d rather be prepared if you discover they have.  (For example, if someone unfortunately gets sick and they are heavily cleaning up, or they bring a much-needed fan and have it set up for you on the second day because you didn’t realize it would be something you need.).  Anything can happen, and if you want to give him an extra $20, you want to be sure you have it.    Same is true if you plan to eat in the MDR.   On our June cruise on Navigator, our assistant waiter made our vacation.  He had such a great personality and made such a connection with our pre-teen dancers at our table, that dinner was a significant highlight to our vacation.   He deserved more than whatever fraction of our daily gratuity provided him.

He has a Facebook page you can join.   Cory Rogers Cruise Director.  He has been posting daily from Navigator.

Welcome to the blog, Scott and thank you for your military service.
You are fortunate, indeed to have received a military discount from Royal Caribbean.  They are, unfortunately, very rare. It’s one of the few disappointing things about Royal Caribbean. 
In all of our years of cruising, We have only received a military discount once and that was on Carnival, years ago.  They required that I fax the “proof” to them when I booked. I really have no idea how Royal handles it but I would certainly take either the 214 with me or a military ID or something. No sense in having utter chaos ensue at the port by not having some kind of paperwork with you, just in case.
As far as tipping goes, it’s completely a personal choice.  You are already tipping the room attendant by virtue of your daily gratuity so an additional tip, should you choose to give one, would be on top of that.  We always tip our attendant extra but it is not required or even expected, from my experience.
I’m happy to hear that your somewhat disappointing first cruise hasn’t spoiled you from the chance to try again.  You certainly picked a great ship.  Allure is a beauty.  If your wife is uncomfortable in crowds I will offer a suggestion regarding the muster drill.  That is the one and only time I ever feel crowded on a ship - any ship.  
Let’s say the muster drill is at 4:30.  At around 4:00, go to your muster station and find the person who is scanning Seapass cards and have that person scan both of your cards.  Then tell that person that your wife is claustrophobic and that you are going inside to have a seat.  Go to one of the bar areas (but not at the bar itself) and have a seat. That is where people who are in wheelchairs or have other physical limitations will sit through the drill.  If anyone says that you must go to your muster station, just tell them that your cards have already been scanned and that you are going to sit where you are for the muster drill. You will find others will come and sit there as well.  One of the staff will perform the life jacket demonstration for those of you who are seated inside.  Then...once the drill concludes and everyone begins to surge towards the elevators, just remain seated and enjoy your seat for a while longer until the crowds clear out.  Not only will you avoid the mass of humanity but you get to sit down in the cool bar area while everyone else is cued up outside.  Of course, on Allure your muster station might be inside anyway but you can avoid the crowds by being elsewhere.

Just to clarify, the standard gratuities are figured at 18%, so people who are accustomed to tipping 20% for extra service would tip more, as would people who receive special services.  You decide the % that is right, but tips are a major source of income for the crew.  Also, Royal has a breakout of the daily gratuity, and guest services can give you a business card that shows how much goes to the stateroom/suite attendant or to the wait staff.  Based on those amounts, you can calculate the assumed value of the food you eat using 18%.  If you eat more, you'll want to tip more, for example.   Different countries have different customs -- Australia and NZ tip less given their culture and value added taxes, etc.
You shouldn't feel uncomfortable whatever you decide, you should just enjoy your cruise.

Melbourne is a sleepy little airport which can be great but sometimes that means rental cars options are more limited or priced higher.  It's also not that much closer, it's still a drive.  
One thing I didn't like, if a flight has delays or cancels there are very few flights into Melbourne while Orlando has many daily flight that your airline can move you to if one flight cancels.  
I did Melbourne once but now just use Orlando when cruising from PC.

We had an Oasis Lagoon Cabana June 26th.   (We were in #23).  It DID have a lockable safe.  I wish I would have taken more detailed photos of it, but I just wasn’t thinking at the time.  Our attendant came frequently, as a matter of fact every time someone was actually in the cabana they got a visit. Lol!  Anyway, there is a long couch, two chairs, a coffee table with open storage on one and and the lockable safe on the other end, the round cooler with ice and bottles of water, towels, the ceiling fan, outlets, and lounge chairs in front.  The menu they bring to order from is the Snack Shack menu, so it includes the hamburger, crispy chicken sandwich, I think fries, onion rings, cheese sticks, I believe a couple of salads, and the famous funnel cakes.  Also, our attendant brought drinks whenever asked.  There were also servers constantly walking around the pool and serving.   We did just make the short walk to the buffet for lunch.  It was extensive and yummy.  There were many gulls around the buffet eating areas, but there was also Royal staff whose job it seemed to be to keep the, at bay.  We noticed them, but were not bothered by them.  
We booked our Cabana early for $379.   It was a great deal, and as supply and demand increase, it seems clear the prices will go way up.  I loved the experience, but also don’t think it’s necessary.  There are so many chairs and umbrellas as well as numerous complimentary lockers and servers roaming around the Lagoon pool, that we’d be perfectly content not spending a dime!

We had an Oasis Lagoon Cabana June 26th.   (We were in #23).  It DID have a lockable safe.  I wish I would have taken more detailed photos of it, but I just wasn’t thinking at the time.  Our attendant came frequently, as a matter of fact every time someone was actually in the cabana they got a visit. Lol!  Anyway, there is a long couch, two chairs, a coffee table with open storage on one and and the lockable safe on the other end, the round cooler with ice and bottles of water, towels, the ceiling fan, outlets, and lounge chairs in front.  The menu they bring to order from is the Snack Shack menu, so it includes the hamburger, crispy chicken sandwich, I think fries, onion rings, cheese sticks, I believe a couple of salads, and the famous funnel cakes.  Also, our attendant brought drinks whenever asked.  There were also servers constantly walking around the pool and serving.   We did just make the short walk to the buffet for lunch.  It was extensive and yummy.  There were many gulls around the buffet eating areas, but there was also Royal staff whose job it seemed to be to keep the, at bay.  We noticed them, but were not bothered by them.  
We booked our Cabana early for $379.   It was a great deal, and as supply and demand increase, it seems clear the prices will go way up.  I loved the experience, but also don’t think it’s necessary.  There are so many chairs and umbrellas as well as numerous complimentary lockers and servers roaming around the Lagoon pool, that we’d be perfectly content not spending a dime!