SpeedNoodles

Yup. You can also make reservations for every day if you want to.

That's a loooonggg sailing ?

I just got the Refreshment Package for 5/12/19 sailing on Allure for $17/day ?

No, I actually meant June 21st.  This is the result of sleeping less than 4 hours several days in a row.  I think I need a cruise.  :)

No, I actually meant June 21st.  This is the result of sleeping less than 4 hours several days in a row.  I think I need a cruise.  :)

November 30 mariner of the seas
 

No, I actually meant June 21st.  This is the result of sleeping less than 4 hours several days in a row.  I think I need a cruise.  :)

I am on Anthem and CONFIRMATION !!!! Johnny Rocket Drinks includes with Deluxe and Refreshment Drink packages. Happy dance ?
 

Asking a serious question here, nothing meant behind it but pure curiosity.  Do you actually capitalize the first letter of each word manually when you type, or are you using some type of talk-to-type software?  Just curious.   

How will there EVER keep those dolphins still for that long ?
Sorry...couldn't resist.

My DW and I just completed our first cruise, Mariner OTS from Nov 12 - 16. We had a blast. 
The only bad part about the cruise is that I was not even home yet, sitting in the DFW airport emailing MEI to get booked on our next cruise. 
Is there any cure for this madness?
BTW, I hope to see y'all in Galveston on May 5 for the Liberty OTS cruise. 
Steven

So, who at your table is going to say anything? 

I just did my first solo cruise last month. I was asked quite a bit if I was alone and when I said yes the feedback was amazing. I had an older woman I met on an excursion that she didn't know but she was proud of me.. adorable. In general all of the women I spoke to had the same response, which I appreciated. Men seemed more surprised a woman would travel alone. No one but the staff said anything while I was eating about being solo - except for Chef's Table but that's a whole different experience.
I loved dining alone. I had my Kindle. I enjoyed my food. I'm a people watcher so I tried to watch a little while being discreet.

There's a gym on the ship? ? That's a lot of wasted space that could be used for more food venues ?

Well, I certainly think that @twangster has fully answered that question, no further replies needed! ?

It always seems that people accept a man sitting at (a bar, a restaurant) by himself, but women get judged a bit harsher (especially at bars  - at restaurants we're just lonely).  At least this has been my observation over the years.  I'm still gonna do it, though, lol.

It always seems that people accept a man sitting at (a bar, a restaurant) by himself, but women get judged a bit harsher (especially at bars  - at restaurants we're just lonely).  At least this has been my observation over the years.  I'm still gonna do it, though, lol.

No worries, I drink the water station water a lot on cruises.  It's pretty easy to use one of their clean glasses to fill my personal water bottle, staff have never said anything or complained about dealing with my shortly used glass.
On a kitchen tour the chef once said "Do you know why we are so careful with food preparation?"  After a few dumb guesses on our part he replied... "Because there are over 5,000 guests and crew on board but the medical center downstairs only has four beds".
On a serious note, things like noro are a thing because of guests, not because of the ship.  While not washing as many plates would save money, it's not worth the cost of sick guests.  
Wash your hands, it's easy to do, you only have two...

Thank you, twangster - you are a wealth of information!

Cruises are based on nights.  A seven night cruise actually has eight days.  You embark on day one and debark on day eight. 
Drink packages are purchased based on the number of nights.  

Just be aware those liquor packages use a 375ml bottle which is pretty small for the price.  

You may be able to purchase a liquor package on the Royal Gifts website and have it delivered to your cabin for consumption. These packages are not available on all ships though.
https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/royalgifts/onboard-delivery/packages/page/1/

I’m a poor firefighter, give me a break!  Lol!

A lot has changed since 2004.  Very few midnight buffets, no complimentary wine served at dinner, lots of opportunity to purchase specialty dining and photo packages, daily gratuity charges to cover cabin and dining wait staff.  You may at first think they are trying to sell you everything needed to cruise but in reality you don't need to purchase anything else. 
The main dining room and Windjammer buffet is included, you don't have to buy specialty dining to cruise, but if there is a special occasion the additional charge for specialty dining can provide a nicer ambiance with even better food.  
The changes are industry wide, not just Royal.  Cruising remains a great way to travel but it is different now.  With the proper expectations you will still have an excellent time, just be prepared for the changes over the past 14 years.

They no longer allow liquor to be brought on board or purchased in duty free shops onboard to be used in your cabin. 
For several years now any alcohol purchases will be held and provided to you the night before the cruise ends.  
Most cruise lines do the same these days.  
I think the exception is when boarding in certain European ports when a bottle of whiskey can be brought on board.
You are allowed to bring two 750ml bottles of wine in your carry on during boarding day only.