SpeedNoodles

Yay!!!

I need to put together a scavenger hunt for Ovation for June (and maybe a pub crawl, too!)

I'm looking forward to seeing how I feel about it, too - although I think ANY ship to Alaska is a great choice! But I'm sure I won't shut up about it when the time comes :)

They're still missing ? But I understand people being busy! I enjoyed reading the blog, anyway!

I can't wait to retire out your way - but clearly not for cruising (although I'm pretty happy on ferries, too). We're in land locked Minnesota now, so there are no bargains no matter where we want to cruise. But we're still doing Ovation next June because we love Seattle and Alaska so much. We have 2 Caribbean cruises booked, but I'm concerned we'll be too hot! :)

Wow, that looks fun!

If it's in your carry on, I assume they'd see it right away and deal with the issue on the spot? I'm only going to have a carry on.

Me too!! I work overnights, and there's virtually nothing to do between midnight and 7am most nights this time of year. These cruising boards, blogs, and vlogs on YouTube are all that keep me awake!!

Gotta love The Onion!

Right? I actually have to buy something, because polar fleece and gym sweaters are all I own.

I've tried watching his videos but they're all doom and destruction, lol

Sometimes I agree. Although I'm in Minnesota, and it was 39 degrees today (January is usually below zero here) and I was out in a very light sweatshirt and comfortable as can be ... but I don't like being chilly when I'm not active.

Actually, that's a perfect answer. Long sleeves or extra sweater it is! (It's a woman thing).

I haven't cruised in almost 9 years, so I can't really remember what temps are like on the ship. Here in Minnesota, restaurants are cold in the winter because it's cold outside, and they are cold in the summer because everyone has the A/C cranked to 60. Do I plan on wearing long sleeves in the evenings in Feb on a Caribbean cruise? I guess I can just bring a sweater, but they are a pain. I'd rather wear one appropriate layer.

Congratulations!!!!

^^ This is one of the reasons I haven't been on a vacation in 8 years ... 4 giant dogs that I can't board. I finally found someone who's willing to stay at the house for 10 days with them.

I haven't cruised since 2010, but the highlight of this year is booking 3 upcoming cruises and finding all of you!!!

Stupid questions about this, but I just want to clarify because in past cruises I didn't even know it was possible to get a better price when/if there's a price drop. It has to be done before final payment, I assume? And can you do it on both refundable and non-refundable bookings? Do you keep your same room number? I am working through travel agents - my most recent booking is through MEI, so I know that'll get done right, but I booked my June Alaskan cruise through another agency (before I discovered this site) and I really don't trust her - despite being listed on Royal's recommended travel agents, I have very little confidence in her - and I KNOW she won't check prices. Lesson learned!

Thanks!!! I get myself into all kinds of trouble when I have a quiet overnight shift at work with nothing to do!! I almost read TOO much!!

I hope, however it's kind of vague. I could also read that it's limited to guests sailing on Junior Suites and above, Crown & Anchor Diamond Society and above - and in China only to Royal Premier guests. But yes, I hope you are correct.

Ok, I'm super bummed - one of the reasons that I booked Ovation for June in Alaska was the Solarium. But I read this on one of the Royal Caribbean pages. I hope we still have access to the Solarium Bistro, though, because it's the restaurant we're most looking forward to.

I'll be sailing on Mariner on Feb 4th - 1st stop is in Nassau. I'm really iffy on whether or not I want to go on an excursion or not, so I'm toying with waiting until I get on the ship and seeing what's still available the day before. I'm pretty easy going, and, since I've never been to Nassau (I've been a cool-climate cruiser - I've never been on a warm cruise!) I'm not likely to be super picky about what I do, and if there's nothing I'm fine with hanging out on the ship, too. Do they ever do deals on the ship for excursions that just aren't selling well? (Yeah, I'm the one who wanted to do the Birding on Nassau tour but can't sign up with just one person! ha)

Where did you see this?

I wish it worked like NCL, where you just purchase vouchers at half price towards a future cruise, and not have to book the actual cruise right away. Love RCL, but they fall behind here.

I'll be on her for the June 21st sailing. She's been in the Southern hemisphere until this spring. I've watched many YouTube videos about her, though.