12thman

Thank you for the information. That's what I'll do so he/she can get what they want instead of me guessing.

Makes sense. I've done this as well.

Thank you, only if the price is right.

That's what I thought. Thank you very much!

Thank you, just sent my ta email to inquire about that. That's really strange that they would list a suite available but when you try to book it you can't. That would make me believe that someone just purchased it.

After thinking about it and the opinions of @AshleyDillo, @WAAAYTOOO, @twangster and @Lovetocruise2002 I'll keep my Crowne loft (L1). The reason the ATS was even considered was the balcony. Originally when we looked at Suites the price difference was $2,000 between those two. Thank you to all for your input it really does help! Much appreciated! On a side note anyone know why RCI lists suites that aren't available to book? There's a Star class suite listed and when trying to book it it says not available.

Would appreciate some input as to which is better Crown loft suite or the spacious aquatheater Suite 1 bedroom (A3)? We have the crown loft suite now but kid upgrade to the spacious aquatheater Suite 1 bedroom for about $1,000 is it worth it? Ship is Allure.

Congratulations @Matt thank you! This has given me so much information and taken out a lot of the stress of planning my first RCI cruise.

Why did they stop sailing out of New Orleans? Did the port do an improvement?

Seems RCI will return to New Orleans full time next year January 2020 with Majesty of the seas. News link: https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1402/royal-caribbean-returns-to-new-orleans-year-round-in-2020/

Thank you for the information! The Sony A7III seems to be the one closest to what I'm looking for that's in the price range of the camcorder. Only problem is I'll get the photo bug again and buy all kinds of accessories for my new toy!! LOL!!!

Thank you @twangster what mirrorless camera do you use? I'm not an Apple fan. Also the video looks great on my laptop but how is the video if you watch it on a 65" 4K screen? That's the reason for the camcorder (4K).

Still I've had to use attorney's and I've never had an attorney say you should file suit today! Obviously if that's true then the attorney is only looking for a payday and not the interest of the family. Now the family gets to relive in every detail of what happened TWICE! Once in deposition and again in court. The company attorney's will use ever single word they have said and say from this point forward to win the case. This will literally take years to resolve all the while the family has to relive this everyday because they are now suing RCI. Been there done that and it's really not worth it!! The toll it takes on your emotions and mental stability is something that one talks about when you sue.

Umm.. I'm not sure if that was me that I could hire an attorney so quickly and file suite against RCI. I'd be grief stricken and trying to come to grips with planning a funeral that I should never have to be planning. From the news reports it now gives me the sense that the family is now focused on the almighty $$$ rather than getting to the truth which maybe they already know. RCI won't be commenting or giving the family any answers until the company attorney's weigh in. Such a tragic loss.

I'm thinking about getting a camcorder instead of a DSLR or mirrorless because I want to capture the action or just record the scenery. Would a DSLR or mirrorless camera be better than a Sony FDR-AX700? https://www.sony.com/electronics/handycam-camcorders/fdr-ax700 If there's a camera in the same price range and able to video equal to or better than the Sony please let me know as I would really consider it. I'm hoping that @twangster or @JLMoran might have some experience in this matter. Anyone else please give your input.

Thanks @F1guynz do you know what the downside for a US resident booking through Australia website is?

Would giving a gift card be appropriate? Something like Amazon? Amazon gift cards are for the US so I'm not sure if they bought something it could be shipped directly home without significant costs?

Anyone know what will happen to the grandfather if anything? That's a very careless act.

Okay didn't know that. Made a Mod or @Matt could delete this please?

Just watched this video. Very sad and disturbing. How can an adult be so reckless with a 1 year old and think it's okay to dangle her 11 stories off the side of a ship!? What could possibly posses anyone to do such a careless act!? Prayers to her mother and father now suffering the most painful loss anyone could have to endure. Video: https://www.aol.com/article/news/2019/07/08/toddler-falls-to-her-death-royal-caribbean-freedom-of-the-seas/23765918/

Thank you @spiralqueen!

Anyone know where the popcorn is on the Allure?

Happy anniversary and birthday!! Enjoy the magical journey!!

The only real drawback to a birth certificate vs passport you can't leave a foriegn country with just a birth certificate. If you don't get kicked off the ship or miss the ship you'll be fine. If either happens then it'll rather expensive to get back.

Thank you Jane, hopefully when I can bid it'll be accepted quickly.