KJones

Huh, I wonder how many different sample menus they're using on the surveys. Mine was basically the traditional MDR menu, no theme whatsoever

Not that I've found. And I believe Royal Gifts are only for gifts being delivered onboard, they can't be shipped to a residence.

Not that I've found. And I believe Royal Gifts are only for gifts being delivered onboard, they can't be shipped to a residence.

I visited Maya Chan today for the first time. We got in off of the wait list a couple of months ago, much to our excitement. I'm happy to report that it exceeded expectations by far. The service was phenomenal, the food and drinks exactly as wonderful as described, and our private little section of beach was a slice of paradise we never wanted to leave.
As a side note, I was quite nervous about the drive to/from Maya Chan as I had read a lot of horror stories and a) I get motion sick easily and b) I recently suffered a concussion. I reached out to David at Maya Chan and he assured me I'd be fine. It ended up being a non issue; the drive there took about 15 minutes, and although it was occasionally bumpy it was nothing I'd have felt the need to mention in a review if I hadn't read so much negative feedback about that portion!

I guess I need to go and trademark “Mouster” before Iger beats me to it. 🙂

Happy to report that I booked with MEI and I'm thrilled with the package and the service! I was first assigned to a new agent who was still learning the ropes, but ended up with someone more experienced who has done a fabulous job. Great price, responsive, easy to book, teens in adjoining room - everything I could hope for from a TA!

I wouldn’t even dream of trying to get to Magic Kingdom on an excursion. 

And it's changed! No penalty! We are so, so happy. Awesome move!  I'm glad I asked about this and it worked out. 

Its official!!! Booked our July 2024 cruise to Alaska!!!! Yay Royal!!!!

Is this really a typo or is it some kind of Freudian slip ?  😇🤣

2:30 should be fine. Most operators will schedule their excursions based on docking times since a lot of their customers will be coming from them. If the ship is late docking generally they'll try to delay the excursion leaving, but not always. Also, when booking 3rd party, we always look for companies that offer a full refund if the ship has to skip the port for some reason.

This is a very important point I had to learn the hard way one time.  I wouldn't be worried about a late arrival (within reason) as I would a full skip of a port.

We are going to Alaska.  July 2024.  1st cruise ever.  So excited

I love it- and the sparkling ones they have are great too- the lime and the berry ones especially. 

We did Alaska some years ago and all the operators worked within port times of the ships.  We booked everything independently. 
The whale watching tour was really telling.  We were on a really great boat that was maybe 30 or 35 ft with open back and a closed cabin area.  Just a group of 8 of us plus the captain and a mate. The excursion offering from the ship was near us most of the time and it was shoulder to shoulder on that boat with about 50 people crowding the railings trying to get a glimpse of the breaching whales. Plus, we had soft drinks, smoked salmon and crackers to nosh on that was included in the cost.  It was less expensive than the ship excursion offering.

When we originally boarded Wonder in Rome about 2 weeks ago, I was surprised how small the plants still were in Central Park. After a full growing season on the ship, I expected the park to be much more lush than it actually is. It looked as if the plants had only been put in maybe 2 or 3 weeks ago.
Today, I did the guided tour in Central Park and Laszlo, RCL‘s head gardener, who started the parks on all Oasis class ships, explained that they had to pull out all the plants and replant everything only a couple of weeks ago, since most of the original plants had been chosen for the asian climate Wonder was originally supposed to go. However most of those plants would not be compatible with the Caribbean climate and worse, are considered invasive species by the USDA, so Wonder would not be allowed to dock at any US port with those plants still in.
 

I think the OP came here seeking answers to questions they already had and just did not like. Royal like any airline, hotel, resort, etc basically any business charges fees for changes and cancelations, that is what we call life. By following their own rules on this I don't believe they are bringing anything negative on themselves. To pay more upfront to book refundable was an option. Just like airlines offer. It costs a great deal more and most don't and take their chances. This is what your left with if you do. And I believe $100 change fee to save all the money spent by allowing you to rebook for a different date is a very fare and reasonable compromise. Everything has a fee attached to it. That's just life and business. 

And please remember to insure your trip. It's a little more money but so worth the peace of mind especially since your family member has experienced some major health issues. A travel agent (like @Traveljenn)could help you with all the things cruise related and it won't cost you anything extra. 
MEI is the agency that sponsors @Matt blog which so many of us  use to learn about and/or enhance our cruising experience. 
Best of luck and happy cruising. 

I only buy liquid death water which is canned spring water..I love it!

You will be processed by CBP in Vancouver as you board the ship.
CBP likes to weed out the riff-raff before they step on US soil.  
 

personnally I find it an insult to give a different OBC based on cabin type.  As if Suite Guests were more put out than anyone else LOL
Geez.    

MTD reservations can start as early as 6:30pm, but those spots go quickly in the Cruise Planner. Walk-up (no reservations) MTD starts earlier.

Just got off of a sailing in Los Angeles, and in the 2 months since my last trip CBP has added the facial recognition tablets to the Customs clearance process. Wanted to share with the entire community since it dramatically improved clearance times after debarkation. Seemed to have a few hiccups still being new to LA, but it was great to be off the ship and in my car in less than 10 minutes this time.
(Also, @Matt could you update the RC Cruise Terminal directions and parking post to show LA parking at $20/day?)

This is when I remind everyone not to take financial investment advice from random people on the internet, especially fans of the company who may not be objective.

Time to buy is before “better than expected” earnings are announced.