Wilson

I was reading the past posts on the Roll Call for the Sept 16th Harmony sailing (group cruise). A few folks mentioned that the RCblog group cruise was part of that sailing. I got a chuckle out of one members reply... 

To the above worried CC member...I would advise the ultimate drink pkg.  Also, don't get in their way with elevators, or pool chairs.  You have been warned!

Today Harmony.....Tomorrow the World!!!! 

You can never predict the weather in Alaska. I've been to Alaska both in late May and early June and had food weather both times, but I still needed to dress in layers as it is pretty cool in the mornings. However, by mid afternoon it can climb into the 70s if you're lucky. My fondest memory in Alaska is having a snowball fight with my son in a  t-shirt at the top of Mt. Robert's in 70 degree weather. 
I'd also recommend water proofing everything you plan to wear ashore. We used this same strategy with our British Isles cruise. 

Let me tell you something about this group.  I've never met anyone in this group that made me feel like an outsider looking in.  You will be welcomed with open arms...this is the most positive group I've EVER been associated with and I credit that to Matt and his positive outlook on life and cruising.  No need to worry if you are a newbie or not, or left out, or anything like that.  The only way you'll be left out is if you stay in your cabin or avoid the group...which BTW is hard to do!!!

Disembarking!
 

Disembarking!
 

Disembarking!
 

I cashed in another $250 in obc for the Harmony group cruise. 
To date playing MyVEGAS has awarded me $650 in obc and I have not spent $1 on the game. 

Disembarking!
 

Disembarking!
 

Disembarking!
 

Packing!

The travel getting to the cruise. For European cruises, it takes us about 24 hours from the stateroom door the the door of our house. And for domestic cruises, it always requires a hotel stay the night before since Royal doesn't offer much on the left coast. 

Disembarking!
 

Check out this blog post, it is a great starting point for finding a first cruise: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/01/04/royal-caribbean-itinerary-recommendations-first-time-cruisers

Now that we pre-purchase drink packages, excursions and specialty dining our onboard account is usually no more than $200 or $300. 

Sept 16, 2017
Excited to announce that I am finally booked for the Harmony group cruise. Look forward to sailing with old and new friends alike. HUGE thanks to my lovely wife for being so supportive of my cruise addiction and allowing me to go. She is unavailable due to a new job but she is booked the Alaska group cruise. 
 

Enjoy your cruise. The Brilliance is a great ship. I spent about 2 weeks on her sailing the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland out of England a couple of years ago.
Enjoy. I love the Oasis class.
Two of the three have been listed. We don't list Carnival cruises here! ;)
Sorry for the delay on posting this one. I was on a cruise myself and only returned on the day you left.
Awesome! I really need to book one of the group cruises. Unfortunately, my wife has not interest. And while she says I can go, I think it's a trap. ;)
The updated list with all of the cruises quoted above can be found here: 
 

Sept 16, 2017
Excited to announce that I am finally booked for the Harmony group cruise. Look forward to sailing with old and new friends alike. HUGE thanks to my lovely wife for being so supportive of my cruise addiction and allowing me to go. She is unavailable due to a new job but she is booked the Alaska group cruise. 
 

Traitor. Ban him! LoL 

Lucia, the first time I went on a group cruise with these nice people, and Brandon, I booked it on my own.  As time went on, I switched the reservation into the group, with MEI as my TA, and immediately saved about $500 off the fare.   YOLO, Book It !!

You are correct. It is Libby. Was reading another post while typing. Fixed the original. Thanks.

Okay gang I've put together a website which will be updated periodically with all the logistics information on it as we get closer - there's also an RSVP form on there, it would help out greatly if those definitely interested could fill it out so I could have a better idea of who will be there, and I can make arrangements with the venue to get a spot reserved for us. 
The site is here:  https://iamjohnbamber.com/rc-blog-tx-meetup/
 

Also check sites like Autoslash for car rental deals as the reprice constantly. When we sailed out of Galveston, it was cheaper for us to rent and park the car at the port than for two transfers.