loki007

since the restart the food seems to differ significantly between ships. i like the new menu. Caribbean night was really great on my cruise last month. one of the best things with the new themed menus is the windjammer serves the same food so if you don't feel like the MDR just head to the buffet.

I have noticed the food quality varies vastly from ship to ship since the restart, not sure why? The food on Mariner was absolutley terrible (both the Windjammer and MDR) but last month on Liberty the food was great, I think my favorite meal was in the Windjammer one night.

Gold chain by the inch is my favorite...it will turn green before the cruise ends

after 10:30 the nightclub with the DJ (location varies by ship) becomes 18+ and that is enforced. There are absolutely no locations on board that are 21+, casino is also 18+, solarium as mentioned is only 16+. Maybe try a cruise line with less families...Celebrity is great.

february is hit or miss. If you can move to April I would definitely do that

I have to agree my experience on Mariner last summer was very similar. MDR food was bad and specialty was ok. Service was pretty bad. Switch to Celebrity, still a Royal company but much better food and service. We were on Apex in December and Silhouette in February and both were awesome. We do royal for 3 night weekend getaways now but never for a week.

How many in your party? We rented a private boat for 2 families (8 people) to go to St Johns and some great snorkeling spots and it was cheaper than 8 people purchasing Royal excursions. If I recall it was $800 total and remains one of our best memories. I found them on tripadvisor

you should be able to get off the ship by 8:00 am if doing self assist. Possibly earlier but never a guarantee. Probably an 1:15 to volcano bay. I bet you're there by 10:00 am

they basically have any of the coffee drinks you would get at starbucks but are twice as fast (and you can get a shot of baileys if you want)

Labadee is awesome. The only time you would leave the controlled area is to drive up the mountain to the start of the zip line. Its one of our favorite Royal stops. Make sure you have a "Labodoozie with the Boozie"

i would make sure the parents are on record at guest services that its ok for the kids to be off with you. A letter to that effect for you to carry would also be helpful i would think.

there are plenty of hotel options in PC, i don't believe any are going to offer transport to and from MCO (its about an hour). We always stay at the Residence Inn across from the port. It offers a shuttle to the cruise terminal in the morning. There are shuttle services to and from MCO (google), we have also used Uber in the past.

a day trip from Cozumel would be more doable I think. Chichen Itza is pretty incredible and about a 90 minute drive from the playa del carmen area (need to take the ferry over). I would think this is the port Royal would offer excursions from if they were going to have them.

absolutely. You can order it thru room service as well. If you have the drink package its better just to get glasses to avoid the extra charge. You get 40% off bottles with a drink package. I would also recommend taking 2 bottles on with you if you want bottles in your room.

just got off liberty and paid $160 pp for the beach club. I'd pay up to $200, its a great experience. Overwater cabanas were going for over $3000. I can't imagine paying that but people clearly do so I don't expect prices will fall anytime soon.

i find PC much better for parking than either Miami or Port Everglades. Especially if you are sailing out of the newer Royal Terminal. The parking garage has ample spaces, attached to the terminal, and you pay on the way in so when departing there isn't a line to pay.

Thank you

For on board internet Prime receives a discount and Signature receives a free 1 device package. How do you access those benefits? Do you have to call club royal?

I'd stay at PC, we always stay at the Residence Inn right across from the port. Has a shuttle, a decent breakfast, nice pool. Much better than staying near MCO. When you wake up you can see the ship

renting the pool side cabanas on sea days is awesome and well worth the $300

i love the beds...sleep like a baby every night

we've been there a dozen times and never had a taxi issue in cozmel or cancun

as soon as you exit the port area there is a taxi stand. They will quote you one way and round trip fares. I'd expect $20-$30. There is no arguing. Very friendly and simple process.

The pool deck is full of people wearing bathing suits that maybe they shouldn't (present company included). I think you and your partner will be fine, have fun.

I'll pay up to $200pp for the beach club. For us the upgraded area, pool, and food is worth it. When we have done Coco Cay and not purchased the beach club I wished I had.