ThyriC

I think the appeal of looking at the open ocean at night is seeing the stars and the moon reflected on the ocean's surface because its so dark. You'd be surprised how bright the moon is when there's no light pollution. And then there's the existential aspect of the vastness of the open ocean and how minuscule we all are comparatively to the great universe. If you're into that kind of contemplation, its very nice.

I think the sparkling water onboard isnt of the flavored variety, but they do have "enhanced water" that's flavored. I think its san pelegrino and perrier but I could be mistaken, I'm not a huge sparkling water fan (I think it all tastes salty for some reason). If you must have something like la croix or bubly or other similar flavored sparkling waters, remember you are allowed to bring onboard up to a 12 pack of non alcoholic beverage like soda, sparkling water, milk, etc.

First of all, you're doing the right thing by ASKING QUESTIONS! No question is too often asked, no question is too silly. ASK! The people on these forums are super nice and really do want you to enjoy your vacation! Secondly. Immerse yourself in @Matt 's videos and vlogs. https://www.youtube.com/user/RoyalCaribbeanBlog/videos This is a great resource for many commonly asked questions by first time cruisers and Royal Caribbean veterans. Thirdly come up with a communication system for all of your people. Be it postit notes, whiteboards, using wifi calling/instant messaging, smoke signals, whatever. Come up with a communication system among your people. That way you can let them know if plans change. Maybe you want to go to the comedy act but others want to go to the pool deck... and then your plans change to going to karaoke. Set a postit note in the cabin or on the cabin door saying you're at a different location, or text each other saying the plans have changed. Set a designated meet up spot. Be it the pool bar, the windjammer, a restaurant, whatever. Set a meeting spot so you know where to go to assemble your tribe. Fourth, Be organied. Get a binder to keep you organized. To keep your receipts for excursions, travel documents, receipts for anything, ideas of things to do onboard, whatever. But keep your binder and keep it organized. There are 3 ring folders or sleeves to use as tabs and pockets to organize documentation. Personally with my cruise documentation I like having in multiple places. One copy in my checked luggage, the originals in my binder, and pictures or scans of the originals emailed to myself. That way in case anything happens to the most important documents, copies are readily available. I like also keeping my packing list in the binder. That way I know what I packed so I know what I should have when I leave. I might be a little overorganized when it comes to packing but I'm an organizing nut. I do the same with my charging cords. I label them. I have a little checkin, checkout system in a cable organizer that way I dont leave behind a charging cable. I use packing cubes to keep my clothing and cosmetics etc organized and separated so packing up everything becomes a breeze with just packing the cubes and then depositing the cubes into my luggage. Fifth. Set a spending limit for the teens. I'd limit their seapass cards personally but that's up to you how you handle the teens and the seapass cards. This is just so you dont get any surprise charges on your account due to the arcade or drinks or gifts or whatever. Sixth. Ask questions! And when you think you've asked too many questions, ask MORE questions!

If you've prepaid your gratuities and excursions, and you know about the drinks, be aware that they add 18% gratuity to the drinks that you purchase onboard. Only other extras would be specialty dining, extras that you'd get in the MDR (lobster and surf and turf can be extra), drinks in souvenir cup, souvenirs in general, extra tips that you may choose to give on those drinks you buy (over the automatic 18%), in room pay per view movies, room service surcharge and tip, any laundry or dry cleaning, special onboard experiences that have a charge. But in terms of "hidden charges" if you've prepaid the gratuities and excursions, only what you choose to charge to your seapass card will appear on your final invoice. You can keep an eye on your seapass account on your television to be sure, and then if something appears that you dont expect, dispute it with the customer service desk when you see it, rather than at the end of the cruise when there would be a long line. Wanted to add this video from @Matt

I'm a big fan of pretty much any "tiki drink". So your Painkillers, Zombies, Scorpions, Mai Tais etc. They just scream "vacation!" to me. One of the fun things you can try with the DDP is, try a new beverage! You say you're not a fan of vodka, but dont let that limit you. Maybe there's a cocktail with vodka but its a secondary ingredient or its made with a combination of juices that overpower the peppery vodka taste. Give it a go! I'm not a big whiskey fan, but I use the DDP to try whiskey or gin cocktails that I wouldnt normally try at a bar only to not like them. And dont be afraid to try something you've never heard of before. Never tried a Dark and Stormy? What better time to try one than with your DDP! Use it to sample cocktails, and you can ask for them in a smaller glass if you're concerned about wasting. Another thing you can do with your cocktails that you DO know you like is amp them up with your favourite spirit. So you say you like gin. Ok so maybe have that tom collins made with bombay sapphire or other fave gin. Like the lava flow with Kraken rum (its a game changer I swear there's something magical about Kraken rum) Afraid of getting a little too buzzed? Dont feel the alcohol pressure all the time and ask for a non alcoholic version of your favourite poolside frozen drinks. Virgin daiquiri, pina colada, lava flow, etc. Dont forget the water! A good strategy to prevent hangovers and getting too intoxicated with the DDP is make a rule for yourself. 1 bottle of water per drink. It will slow you down and will keep you hydrated while drinking. It also tends to fill you up as well so you dont overindulge in the alcohol. Helps prevent DDP fatigue as well.

I'm going to join in the chorus of Enjoy the sea. Watch a sunset over the open ocean. Watch a sunrise over the open ocean. Meditate (ok that's a little spiritual, sorry, its a thing I do) on the vastness of the open ocean when you're nowhere close to land. Its absolutely awe inspiring that I get on every ship I've ever been on. Also, find a quiet spot on the ship. You may have to search for one. Maybe its the library, maybe its a nook off of the centrum, maybe its the solarium. Maybe its in one of the specialty restaurants. Maybe its the art gallery. No matter the place, find a place to get away that's not your room, and its at least semi quiet. Have a conversation about your trip, what you've done, who you've met. Its amazing that in all of the hustle and bustle of a cruise so many forget to just take time to reflect on those experiences. I'd also suggest, dont miss formal night. Yes its adult prom. But I love it. No matter the cruise line, no matter specialty unlimited dining packages, take time to enjoy formal night. Take pictures. You dont get this moment many times anymore as an adult. So make the most of it. Get in those suits, get in those sparkly or flowy dresses or pantsuits. Have FUN at adult prom. Its 3 hours of your life. Suck it up for 3 hours and then you can put on your track suit again.

The villa still scares me to put everyone in. That's about 160 sq ft per person. excluding the balcony. I'm just thinking about the bathroom situation in the villa. For formal night everyone dressing and getting ready. But that's me, and I like a fair bit of "personal space" If this group is more of a use the cabin to sleep and maybe enjoy that huge balcony, ok that's great. But personally, I spend a little more time in my room and enjoy a little more space, and sometimes even a place to get away from the others I'm travelling with. Its just my personal opinion. I mean the villa sounds lovely, and I wouldnt hesitate to put 4 people in there. Or even 6 people. But 8 frightens me. And gods I'd never stuff 14 people in that villa. I'm sure its more than capable of handling it, I just wouldnt want to be one of the 14

For me, the villa sounds nice, but that's filling that villa to the brim with people. Its a big space, but that's 8 people sharing that space. Personally I'd look at the price for the Panoramic and something on the same floor for the other 2. That way you're not packing 8 people into 1 room. I mean even with other ships and the star class and all that stuff.... I wouldnt want to pack 8 people to the room's capacity

Thanks @Lovetocruise2002 I havent received my welcome to the suite letter yet (still 2 months out, I'm in no rush to get it) because it seemed like the non Oasis and Quantum perks have changed (for the better!). Here I thought I'd just get the priority boarding and disembarkation, the concierge lounge, and maybe a robe. Woohoo! more perks!

@Matt or anyone, do you have a link for the suite benefits on the non Oasis and Quantum class ships?

This is so wonderful to hear. Not that the money that they pledged wasnt already wonderful, but now the delivering of aid and the personal notes from passengers, that's just so heartwarming.

Beers tend to run around 6-8 dollars each (before the 18% gratuity that WILL be added to all bar drinks). Wine can run the complete gamut from about 8 dollars to a ship load of money. "basic" mixed drinks (well spirit and coke, well spirit and juice) run about 8 dollars, and "deluxe" mixed drinks (think your pina coladas, margaritas, etc) are 12-14. Usually the daily alcoholic beverage number you want to hit is 5 drinks per day to make the drink package "worth it". Of course you can complicate your math with specialty coffee, sodas, mocktails, bottled water, fresh squeezed juices, etc. For many here on the forums, the value of the deluxe beverage package is more in the buy now and pay off your credit card over time peace of mind factor than it is being a raving group of alcoholics. Drink package fatigue is a thing, and while you may be able to pound down 5 beverages on your first day, can you do that for the duration of your sailing? On non sea days when you're in port longer than you're onboard the ship enjoying that beverage package? The refreshment package (the middle one, not the just soda package) tends to be a popular option for those who may only want 1-2 alcoholic beverages a day and may be one that works for you. Mocktails by the pool are just as tasty as their alcoholic counterparts and dont come with the drink fatigue that can come with the deluxe beverage package. Also, your magic number for the deluxe package would be around 48 dollars per person, per day, before gratuity. That is a good price.

According to Marinetraffic, Grandeur is past the turn to Newport News. Looks like she's coming back home.

Maybe she was stretching her legs and now coming back to Baltimore for the Thursday sailing? I can think of worse exercises than a cruise down the bay

Yes the recommendation is to use a travel agent. And have that agent help you with pricing. You dont have to commit to buy if you ask for pricing. Traditionally your best prices will be for the smaller ships (Majesty, Empress, Vision, etc) that dont have as many bells and whistles like your megaships like Harmony, Symphony, etc. Your next best pricing will be when school's in session. This means avoiding spring break, summer vacation, winter vacation, etc. Another good pricing is during hurricane season (july through october). So that doesnt leave too much time that the prices are good and is even close to being convenient to sail. So what is a bargain hunter to do? Look for group cruises. Group cruises can sometimes get special offers for their blocks of rooms. Be those special offers some onboard credit, reduced deposit costs, or lower room cost. Another option, set your per day cost for your cruise (include tips and taxes so you dont get any surprises on that cost) and keep looking (and this is where the travel agent comes in, they can check multiple times per day for the price you want to pay) If you're comfortable paying 1000 for your cruise, and the website shows 1000, pull the trigger and put down your deposit. If the price goes down before the final payment date, you can reprice the cruise (usually. Sometimes some special offers cant reprice and you have to literally cancel and rebook). But if you're going for repricing, then you and your travel agent need to keep your eyes open. If you're getting a non refundable price, the change fee is normally around 100, so your repricing should be a savings of over 100 to make the change worth it. Also be honest with yourself about the type of cabin you want. Inside cabins are SMALL. Great if all you want to use your cabin for is sleeping. Not so great if you want to make your room more of a "home base" Do you need a balcony? Do you need more space? Be honest about that question to yourself. It might be inexpensive to cram a family of 4 into an inside cabin, but in the morning when everyone's getting ready to head out for the day, you have a bathroom bottleneck and 4 people trying to get ready for the day in under 200 square feet. I'm not saying it cant be done, many do. But be honest with yourself if this will work for you. And you're doing one of the best suggestions any of us here can have. ASK QUESTIONS! There are no dumb questions and no question is asked too much (want to know if the drink package or the Key are worth it? dont hesitate to ask!)

Grandeur does appear to be on the move right now going 18kn through the chesapeake bay. Unsure of where she's going but she is underway somewhere. Still not going her full speed but that does seem faster than with just one engine. Hopefully there will be more news from Royal about what's going on with Grandeur.

No they wont take glucose tablets from diabetics. Nor will they take most prepackaged snacks that are still in their original packaging (protein bars, pretzels, etc) but zip lock baggies with cereal or fruit or a sandwich, etc, that's a nope. I always keep a mini lara bar in my purse in case of getting hangry, and I've never had issues with the prepackaged snack in my purse.

Watching cruisemapper, I've been confused by a LOT of Carnival's decisions with its ships that were in the hurricane's path. With Sunshine, Pride and Fascination.... I mean I'm sure Carnival doesnt want its passengers to have a bumpy ride or a crazy trip, but man those ships were really close to the storm's path

Seeing those videos from the people in Abacco were just absolutely heartbreaking. This storm that looked like nothing much when it began just turned into a monster. My thoughts are with these people that they come out safe on the other side. Homes can be rebuilt, possessions re-acquired, but lives cannot be brought back.

I'm also on team tub. But also I'm a part of team "clorox wipe ALL the things!" Because I'm using that tub. And i'm also wiping that thing down within an inch of its life. Hey its not that I dont trust my cabin steward, but I know how fast turnover day is. I'm wiping down that tub

Yes. There is Royal Gifts that has several different bottles of liquor (and wine) available for prepurchase to be in your stateroom. I believe the options are jim beam, bacardi, a type of gin (sorry I'm not a gin drinker), and Absolut. They also include like 4 sodas with the bottle. But keep in mind the size of that bottle because that's not a typical liquor bottle they have for the cost.

Personally I'd book your trains for the afternoon so as to allow some wiggle room in case of arriving late, or delays in customs, or delays upon disembarkation, or delays in general. I normally plan with an assumption that I'm going to walk off the ship and into customs between 9 and 10am. I can always leave earlier but my plan allows for several hours of delay. Then I also assume it takes about an hour to get through customs, now at 11am. This allows in case customs is crowded, they ask extra questions, you have extra duties to pay, etc. Then I assume a half hour to an hour to get my bag. Out of 3000 bags, 90% of them are going to be black with no easily identifying information on them, and one of those will be yours. Only then are you going to be getting out of the terminal. And with the conservative estimates I've given (with plenty of wiggle room for delays), you'll be on your way to the trains at around noon. You could be on your way as early as 8am, but that model is a little spooky to me because if anything goes wrong and you book those trains too tightly against that 8am mark, you may miss your travel home.

I bought 2 for my hub and I. My reasoning was the cost was pretty decent for a towel of this size, and it would be a souvenir.

I'm on the sailing on the 26th but I'll be bringing the cruise compasses home with me.

Being about 60 days out until my sailing on Grandeur as a suite guest (yay suite life!). Is the concierge available if you board early to make reservations for specialty dining? I cant make reservations through the cruise planner yet, it seems like it'll let me make MDR reservations but if I want to book a specialty restaurant, it wont let me utilize my unlimited dining package. So I guess my question is, should I utilize the concierge or should I high tail it to my restaurants of choice to get my reservations done? I might be a little early in my embarkation route map, but I'm going to try to do my best to avoid the madhouse that is the windjammer on embarkation.