12thman

Yes, originally had that then the unlimited went on sale and doing the math for lunch and dinner it was a really go deal. Then came across people mentioning how go CK is and how the menu rotated nightly. Which I thought stayed the same every night which didn't interest me. That's why I put up the question here as to which is better unlimited dining package or Coastal Kitchen so I could get some feedback to decide what to do. As of right now I still have the unlimited dining package.

What an amazing cruise!! Hope you have a marvelous time!!! That's now on my bucket list.

We are looking forward to trying many different eateries that's included with our fare. Bit disappointed to read about Sorrentos, love pizza!!

Thank you Jane, I wanted to try the Park cafe for it's Kummelweck sandwich. Plus whatever is included with our fare. Dinner at CK seems like a really good choice now that several people have said very positive things.

I've looked into the Bliss and Joy. The Bliss would be the one that we choose if we choose NCL. Although the Ovation has the North Star and we would be in Sky or Star class so that would help our Crown and Anchor points. Based on your points you are a veteran of many cruises so I'll take that into account. This board and site in general is very helpful as I haven't found a dedicated website for NCL fans. Thanks for your suggestion.

Yes it's true. Washington State DL do not qualify unless you get the new version unless you have the enhanced DL.

That's true, didn't think about booking another cruise that didn't have CK. Looking a Ovation for next year they have CK. But it would save us money towards next year to do just CK this year.

Thanks for the link it's very good. The pictures at CK really help. Did notice that the menu is very similar to Allure in CK.

Good to know, didn't even think about that.

Well if my wife doesn't mind giving up the unlimited dining then CK it is. Seems Samba isn't that good so another reason to just do CK.

Thanks for your input, yes everyone's situation is different. You make a good point about right place right time. Did forget to mention this cruise is for our anniversary so this is the most important cruise that I can give my wife...she's my life and deserves everything I can give her!! We sailed to Alaska for our honeymoon and I'm hoping to capture a bit of that magic again for her...

I'm betting on your wife!!! LOL!!! Remember happy wife is a happy life!!

So I've been looking at NCL Bliss for Alaska next year and it's very inclusive (unlimited open bar, shore excursions credit, specialty dining credit, free wifi (250 minutes I think?) But also Ovation because of the entertainment. It's really hard to decide. We have decided that our cruise on RCI in September will be the deciding factor. Not happy how RCI has handled the way they altered our trip in September. One day just got an email saying my shore excursion in St Thomas was cancelled, no explanation as to why. Then When I tried to book shore excursions in Puerto Rico it kept showing St Thomas until I emailed them and they said it would be updated in a few days as they hadn't secured all the logistics and contracts. So we'll see how our cruise goes and decide if we'll be loyal or not. Loyalty is earned.

Based on your amazing pictures and not really seeing a huge crowds on deck, do you think a balcony or suite is needed? @Matt mentioned in his review of Alaska that he didn't think a balcony or suite is a must. We are looking at doing another Alaska cruise next year, the only reason I'd get a suite is the service, food but mostly just walking out on the balcony and seeing the sights without having to go far. When we last sailed to Alaska many moons ago. We had the best suite available, we were sailing up the inside passage and we happen to look over the portside to see a huge glacier fall in the ocean, then the thunderous sound off the glacier cracking and rumbling down the side, then the coldest breeze I've ever felt. If we had been in a different cabin we would never have seen it. That was the only time that happened during the cruise. So I'm not sure what suite/cabin to book this time? It's way more expensive then when we first went.

No we originally booked a cruise on NCL SKY because it's the ship we sailed on our honeymoon to Alaska back when it was the inaugural season in Seattle. But it was too short of a cruise and RCI seemed to offer a better cruise for the time off work, travel time, and ports. We really wanted to go to St Thomas but San Juan Porto Rico could be a blessing in disguise. We didn't really think about food options as that hasn't been a problem because not much was offered back then. We like shows, comedy clubs, etc. Allure has a lot to offer in that regard.

Thanks for the information! The Brazilian restaurant here in Bellevue, is pretty good but very expensive.

They don't have the games in your room? Just in bars or poolside?

Thank you, I'll discuss it with my wife. The ones we really wanted to try are Izumi and Samba. We have There's a couple Brazilian steakhouses here in western Washington and excellent sushi restaurants but not at the prices that RCI is offering.

Thank you!!! So Much!! You don't know how much time I've been spending searching this site for the exact cruise we are taking. Even spending time looking for the cruise compass. Thanks to @Matt for posting it to the cruise compass!! It really does help to know what we want to do!! The menu pictures from CK are extremely helpful as I was under the impression the food was the same every night in CK. Oh and posting about your trip with ThenGrey Ford has been really help as we not be doing the railroad trip as it's not what we thought it was.

Thank you for confirming that!! I'll definitely follow your advice!!

Thank you so much for all the information, it will be very useful! We have the Crown Loft Suite it does have a good size dinning area from looking at it on YouTube. After @Lovetocruise2002 and @spiralqueen live blog and what you mentioned seems CK is the better option. Being our first time on RCI it's a bit overwhelming to decide what to do about meals. Thanks to all for the input it has really helped us!!!

Will do. If they let me make reservations for lunch at Chops maybe we'll do that but after reading your live blog maybe ck for lunch on embarkation day?

Thank you. Been reading your live blog as we're doing the same in September. Still on the fence about unlimited or just costal kitchen. Thank you for giving @Matt the cruise compass I've been searching for that exact itinerary.

Thank you again. We'll be on Allure in September. I'll look at @spiralqueen live blog post.

Thank you. Does the menu change during a 7 day cruise or stays the same?