SpeedNoodles

I was on Mariner back in Feb. There were several solo meet ups held in the evening. I went, but I never saw any other solos there. So even if they host them, it doesn't mean there will actually be anyone to hang with.

I've purchased The Key twice - I like it, but I would not pay more than $24.99 for it, and prefer $19.99, which is what I've paid both times. At $37? Newp.

Shop around. Know exactly what you want out of insurance (just trip cancellation? Trip interruption? I need "cancel for work reasons". Med evac?) Check out Matt's podcast, just released yesterday: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-315-travel-insurance-101

Ooooh, I hope that did that with our Navigator sailing!

Yes, the drink package rocketed for many people - there are separate threads on it.

It will be under their photo next to their post if they've added one. Not everyone does.

You just never know when a deal will pop up. Before the Black Friday sales hit last November (actually ON Thanksgiving Day), I randomly found Chops at $33.60 each and snagged it. The price didn't even come close during the Black Friday sale. I advocate for keeping a close eye on the Cruise Planner for things you know you want.

Hmmm, not even remotely close to how they the Lavender Martini on Ovation - and when I google, no two recipes agree. I hate bitters and gin. It was definitely made with vodka.

My new favorites after my last sailing are the Lavender Martini and French Martini.

Yes, you will pay a gratuity on top of the price. Things are almost always cheaper on the cruise planner than on the ship.

Not sure. I wish they had it at all ports - it's incredibly fast.

If you call Royal directly and tell them that your wife doesn't drink alcohol at all, they may allow you to purchase the DBP still, but she will have to buy the Refreshment Package. Whether this is a good value or not is really based on how much you'll take advantage of it.

I'll defer to those who are more worried about wrinkles than I am, lol - I've always used the Daisy Mae method and have taken advantage of showers, lol

You can bring and use Downy Wrinkle Release Spray (it actually works better than I thought it would), take advantage of hanging clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, or send the item(s) out for pressing. Everyone's in the same boat (ok, pun kind of intended) so a few wrinkles won't even stand out.

No, this is only at disembarkation at the end of your cruise, when you go through customs. When you are in port during the cruise you'll need whatever they suggest in the daily Cruise Compass (at a minimum, your Sea Pass card and often some form of photo ID, like a passport or driver's license). You can buy the soda package for only one person if you like. It's only if you are buying the Deluxe Beverage Package that they require all adults in the same room to purchase the package. They don't require it for the soda or refreshment package. Enjoy your cruise, and welcome to the boards!!!

You don't have to do anything. It just means that they'll park you for about 2 seconds in front of a machine that uses facial recognition when you disembark instead of handing your passport over to customs. It's super quick and you'll be left wondering what you forgot to do when you walked out the door, lol.

Which beach?

I feel your pain. (Warning: apologies in advance for those who have read this tired story before). Before I started booking with MEI, I used a travel agent with a company that I used 10 years ago for booking cruises, who was listed on Royal's site for "Royal Caribbean Experts". Back in the day, we'd arrive with a bottle of champagne in our stateroom from them (not necessary, not expected, but a nice touch). Well, our last Alaskan cruise was booked with them, the agent knew far less about cruising and Royal Caribbean than I did, they charged a $100 booking fee (and she offered to book our flights for "only" a $50 fee - no thanks). I thought, well for a $100 booking fee, I'm sure she'll have something waiting for us in our cabin (like in days past). But, nope. Unfortunately I suspect these things are just live and learn experiences.

Awwww, that is VERY kind of you!!

Costa Maya.

Well....since that was last February.... Just sounds like you've had a bout of bad luck. People go on 3-4 night cruises successfully all of the time.

The Key is now available for my October 2020 cruise (the Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise) for $24.99 - 14 months ahead of sailing, lol. The UDP has been available for months (whereas it's still not an option for Feb 202). It's so weird.

The Key was just released today for my Symphony sailing in Feb 2020 (for $37.99. Just. No.)

I've had no trouble on my laptop, desktop, or android phone - have you tried a different device?

"The Royal Caribbean ship was just moving away from the pier as the two of them looked annoyed with themselves." ^^^^ This is the appropriate reaction for such a situation ... annoyance pointed in the correct direction. ^^^^