BrianS_MEI

I don't mind the increase....and I really like Johnny Rockets...I just feel for burgers and fries it should be included in the cruise fare...UNLESS the milkshakes were included in the price...then I would have less of a problem with it. But I really can't complain too much, as I usually eat at JR at least once a cruise :)

I keep my sea pass cards as well...the only other thing is the cup from the soda packages...I use those all the time.

I would definitely drive down the day before...trust me...it is not worth the stress of having car trouble, accident on the road, or something else to cause you to miss your cruise. Plus...you will get a better nights sleep in a hotel and be totally rested before your vacation starts. This will give you the option of parking at the Radisson like Matt suggested. I have stayed there as well as Country Inn & Suites...I definitely prefer the Radisson. I also have used Park-n-Cruise. It was a couple of years ago, but was nice and easy. We also got a great rate by booking online before our cruise. It was extremely easy on departure. On return, it took quite awhile to get a shuttle back to the car. It was a group of 6 of us though, so space was a bit of an issue. If you are not in a rush, I think you will be fine.

I like the look of the menu...looking forward to hearing your review.

I believe we were in line about 30-45 mins prior to the announced debark time. But it was also a bit confusing because there was no "official" place to wait. We waited at the top of the stairs (front of the line), but others in our group asked RCCL employees and they were sent to the casino...if they had stayed in the casino, they would have been VERY late.

I certainly see RCI adding more of these to more of their ships. My experience is clients tend to purchase the soda package more often if they have the Freestyle Machines.

I am betting you will be OK Matt. Like I said, with the company we used, it seemed like standard practice that nobody was at their excursion meeting point on time...once a van was full they took off. Now...if you were going to be too late that the excursion would make you miss the ship, they will not take you. I do know I was a bit stressed because we did not get to our meeting point until at least an hour after the "scheduled time"...but it was no big deal to the folks running the excursion. If you are in line early to get off the ship, I don't foresee you having an issue.

Depends....on a short, getaway cruise, I would take the discount. More often than not, I am not going to use the OBC on these types of cruises... Longer cruise, I would take the OBC...more time for specialty restaurants, beverages, excursions etc.

The night before I put the activities in my notes app on my phone (I keep my phone on airplane mode). I carry my phone with me for the camera/video and clock, and add cruise activities as well...

On the most recent podcast, Matt mentioned he was stopping in Belize on his upcoming Navigator of the Seas cruise. I thought I would offer some insight if anybody else was stopping there in the near future. Here are some of my thoughts on my stop there on Liberty of the Seas A couple of things: 1. It is a tender port. I booked our excursion thought a 3rd party company ( I was purposefully trying out a 3rd party company). It was quite confusing getting off the ship (where to line up, RCCL vs non-RCCL booked excursion etc.) We had an early excursion, so we wanted to be off the ship as early as possible. BUT...they take off all RCCL booked people first. So...keep that in mind if you book through a 3rd party. It took at least an hour before we got off the ship, and we were one of the first lined up in the Non-RCCL booked line. As a result, we were late to our excursion, but I asked and they just kept running vans to the excursion through most of the morning. It really did not appear like the starting time was that important. When then had a van full, they left for the excursion. There was a mid-morning cut off, but that was only to ensure they got you back to the ship on time. IF I were to go back to Belize, I would definitely book through RCCL. 2. We did the Cave Tubing excursion and really enjoyed it. I would have liked to do the zip line combined with the cave tube, but my wife is terrified of heights, so that was not an option. We did a short hike where the guide showed us some various things in the "jungle"...nothing earth shattering at all...the hike was probably 30-45 mins...not a hard walk at all...just a few stops while he talked and such. Then we got to the end, got in our tubes and floated though the caves for quite a while...Like I said...we did enjoy it, as did the others in the group. Lunch after was just OK...nothing great. One last thing...the caves are located about 45 mins to an hour away by van, so there is a bit of riding to get there.... If anybody has any questions, feel free to ask!

Ben & Jerry's....no Contest! My last experience was on the Liberty and it was average...enjoyed it, but have had better meals at JR.