AshleyDillo

Freestyle machines use Seagrams and offer a diet version.
I've always seen the bars use ginger ale out of a can, but the brands varied.  

oh my.  That Ballast point is one of my favorite beers. Please let it be 3 weeks from now!!!

Thanks for this excellent review.  It's always interesting to see how the other half (folks that prefer this to cruising) lives.
I will say that a land-based resort has always had zero appeal to me.  A resort for a day on a cruise port stop is almost too much for me...and the price per night you quoted nearly made my heart stop.

"They" see EXCITEMENT. Twanger et al. sees EXCREMENT. 

Thanks for this excellent review.  It's always interesting to see how the other half (folks that prefer this to cruising) lives.
I will say that a land-based resort has always had zero appeal to me.  A resort for a day on a cruise port stop is almost too much for me...and the price per night you quoted nearly made my heart stop.

We took Uber/Lyft..they're very easy to use in Boston and then you are on your own schedule and time.  Should be less $ per person than any shuttle that would be offered.

Floridians don't like to fly to cruise. ?  (She lovingly says about her Florida friends who know exactly who they are and agree with me!) 

Considering you've cost several of us here between several hundred and several thousand dollars, I don't think a measly 80 bucks balances the scales that well. ? ?

I'm debating booking this one as well...it isn't the first sailing after drydock so less of a cancellation risk.  
But the first scheduled sailing appears to actually be Thanksgiving..and that also has no solo supplement...whoa..that's less time off work for me..it's a little more expensive but not much!

I'm debating booking this one as well...it isn't the first sailing after drydock so less of a cancellation risk.  
But the first scheduled sailing appears to actually be Thanksgiving..and that also has no solo supplement...whoa..that's less time off work for me..it's a little more expensive but not much!

The cruise industry in general has some skeletons in the closet and many cruise lines left room for improvements.  

When you try to research why Royal hasn't been doing Glacier Bay in nearly two decades it certainly pulls up some stuff doesn't paint them in a good light.  Wasn't able to find anything official about permits being denied or revoked, but did learn a lot about EPA regulations in Alaska.
Glad to see that they've cleaned up their act!

Thanks @AshleyDillo & @twangster. It does sound like this is blog-worthy.

If I recall correctly, I think they ran a foul of emissions restrictions and lost their appetite for GB due to the fines.  Other lines have as well but paid them and stayed.

I wear my contacts when I snorkel and have no issues. My mother bought a mask with prescription lens inserts and just brings it with her; she uses the tour company's snorkel and fins. Investing in a mask depends on if you might want to snorkel more in the future or if this is a one-time thing.
Also, if you are only a little near-sighted, the light refraction in the water will make things appear about 25% larger/closer anyway, so you might not need to do anything special! 

Thank you for the link. @AshleyDillo

Thanks again @AshleyDillo!!

While prescription masks do exist, it is pretty rare that an excursion would have them available.  It would be best to try to find one that is customized for your nearsightedness and bring it with you on the cruise.  You can order them online or find a local dive shop to assist you.  
You won't be able to get the proper seal on a mask while wearing glasses unfortunately.  I feel your pain as I am nearsighted as well and absolutely would not be able to see anything without corrective lenses.  I rarely wear contacts, but snorkeling is one activity where I do.

It is definitely a fun time.  The MEI folks take care of you and it's always great to run into a familiar face around the ship.  Me and @CGTLH played an impromptu game of laser tag this evenjngevening with from group cruise folks.

Glad to help..I'm usually the dropper-offer in these scenarios so I learn a lot about places by driving in circles  ?   
I will overcomplicate situations by having many moving parts to save a few $$ too..so totally familiar with that.  ?

Google Maps is great in this area.  The Wawa is probably your best bet for proximity and gas prices...it will also be very new and clean.
FYI..there's a free trolley that runs to the port that goes right in front of the Marriott.  If you time it right you can save a possibly warm, humid walk for yourself.
 

There's so many different ways to get to the port, so I can understand wanting to know your way around.  
Check your GPS directions.  If you're planning on following them, they may want you to take the Selmon Expressway toll road to the port.  There is no way to pay cash for this toll so you need to have it set up before with the rental car company or make sure you set your GPS to no tolls.
If that's the case and you want to follow the GPS to the toll road, exit 5 off of I-4 has a Wawa that is easy to get to (left onto MLK, to go under I-4) and will have the cheapest gas.  The Selmon Expressway is Exit 2, so you still will be full at the drop off.  If you avoid the toll road you'll get off at Exit 1 for Ybor City.  
The Terminal 6 end of the port is hardly ever congested...the mess is all between Terminal 3 and the Marriott.  Construction and port traffic..but even with that it's still not an incredibly difficult area to get around despite being so close to downtown.

If you are not renting a car for any other reason in Orlando, just take an Uber or Lyft to do the shopping.  If you want a mall with higher-end stores, I would suggest The Mall at Millenia.  If you click on that you can see what stores are there.  Otherwise the Orlando International Premium Outlets has a lot of variety in outlet stores.  These two are reasonably close to your hotel.  Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets  is a little further out but may have a different store selection that interests you.

A kiosk is considered an actual location that is branded as Starbucks.  They will take the Starbucks app and gift cards as payments, even.  Coffees at those locations are NOT included.   Some ships, such as Anthem, use Starbucks brand coffee at their specialty coffee shops and those would be included.  I don't believe this is the case for Harmony that they use Starbucks.
There should be specialty coffee locations available that offer espresso based drinks and blended frozen coffee drinks and the like.  I'm not familiar with Harmony, but I know these were available at Cafe Promenade on Symphony.  Most of these use either Seattles Best or Illy brand coffee.  That's where you would get the specialty coffee drinks included with the refreshment package.  You should also be able to order cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso in the dining room and specialty restaurants as well.

Izumi is sushi only on the Quantum class ships.  I much preferred to just do a to-go order for sushi than sit for the meal on Anthem.  The location on those ships just feels like an afterthought.