Curt From Canada

My first response is:
"Cite the case"
Those examples are either myths (where the case can not be cited) or a single event (where your "higher odds" thought is 100% right).
After your trip, make sure you bring lots of pictures back showing how you had a blast. In the end ...
Don't ask for security, ask for adventure.
Have a blast.
 
Curt from Canada
 

My first response is:
"Cite the case"
Those examples are either myths (where the case can not be cited) or a single event (where your "higher odds" thought is 100% right).
After your trip, make sure you bring lots of pictures back showing how you had a blast. In the end ...
Don't ask for security, ask for adventure.
Have a blast.
 
Curt from Canada
 

My first response is:
"Cite the case"
Those examples are either myths (where the case can not be cited) or a single event (where your "higher odds" thought is 100% right).
After your trip, make sure you bring lots of pictures back showing how you had a blast. In the end ...
Don't ask for security, ask for adventure.
Have a blast.
 
Curt from Canada
 

The Packing List is an absolute must.  We have maintained one for over 10 years.  The best example of how it was used was when my son traveled to Europe on a vacation, and was told 5 hours before his flight that it had been moved up by 3 hours.  He had delayed packing.  We pulled out the list and had my son, daughter and soulmate gather all of the clothes; as I called out things to gather (from the List).  He packed for a 2 week European vacation in 10 minutes.  Then to the car, and drive to the airport to make his flight.
Always have an up to date Packing List.
Curt from Canada

My Soulmate and I will be sailing on the next cruise (NOV 08) as you get off Lady G (it will be our 3 cruise on her in the last 2 years).  We have sailed on every class of RC ship (except Empress and Majesty).  She is, obviously, one of our favourites.  Here are our biggest observations:
1) Baltimore port is very easy to navigate ... in and out.  You will not feel like you are on a "cattle call".
2) If you love to dance (or even like it a little bit), this might be the best cruise ship in RC's fleet.  We are always in the Centrum at 4:30ish to dance all the way until late seating.  Live bands on RC are great ... Lady G does not disappoint.  While you are dancing or enjoying the music, you will notice a "connection" to the sea.  Everywhere from the Centrum you can see outside.  Some of the larger ships rob you of this experience ... drink it up.
3)  If you like a piano bar, the Schooner Bar is very similar to the ones on other RC ships, with one small exception.  We find it is a little more intimate, a little more inviting, and a great place to hang out.  AND, just like the Centrum, you are always connected to the sea ... there are wonderful views from virtually everywhere in the Schooner Bar.
4)  The staff is excellent ... we have seen some of the crew twice now and really hope we see them again in NOV.
5)  We are big "show people".  Still, even the basic performances on this small ship are very enjoyable.  They are genuine and feel more like someone is performing in your living room.  Very special.
6)  If John Blair is the Cruise Director, he will perform his Neil Diamond Tribute.  We have seen twice (JAN 2006  & NOV 2018).  It is excellent.  After seeing the first time, I found myself listening to a lot more Neil Diamond.  Not to be missed.
7)  The ship is extremely easy to get around.  This was different for us, in NOV, as we just got of Harmony ... early in the year.  It is kind of nice to not have to plan 30 minutes in advance to get somewhere (slight exaggeration).  Have I mentioned yet, that you CAN ALWAYS SEE THE SEA.  This is a big plus and something not to be missed.
8.  Relax ... we are always relaxed on this ship.  The Solarium is small, but very quiet and relaxing.
9)  If you like to walk, the best place is on Deck 5  where you can walk outside all around the ship ... it is shaded for 95% of your trip.  Did I mention that you are still really connected to the seas.
 
As others have said, there are very few bells and whistles.  Still this is one of the most enjoyable cruise ships we have experienced.
HAVE A BLAST ...
Curt From Canada
 

The Packing List is an absolute must.  We have maintained one for over 10 years.  The best example of how it was used was when my son traveled to Europe on a vacation, and was told 5 hours before his flight that it had been moved up by 3 hours.  He had delayed packing.  We pulled out the list and had my son, daughter and soulmate gather all of the clothes; as I called out things to gather (from the List).  He packed for a 2 week European vacation in 10 minutes.  Then to the car, and drive to the airport to make his flight.
Always have an up to date Packing List.
Curt from Canada

The Packing List is an absolute must.  We have maintained one for over 10 years.  The best example of how it was used was when my son traveled to Europe on a vacation, and was told 5 hours before his flight that it had been moved up by 3 hours.  He had delayed packing.  We pulled out the list and had my son, daughter and soulmate gather all of the clothes; as I called out things to gather (from the List).  He packed for a 2 week European vacation in 10 minutes.  Then to the car, and drive to the airport to make his flight.
Always have an up to date Packing List.
Curt from Canada

The Packing List is an absolute must.  We have maintained one for over 10 years.  The best example of how it was used was when my son traveled to Europe on a vacation, and was told 5 hours before his flight that it had been moved up by 3 hours.  He had delayed packing.  We pulled out the list and had my son, daughter and soulmate gather all of the clothes; as I called out things to gather (from the List).  He packed for a 2 week European vacation in 10 minutes.  Then to the car, and drive to the airport to make his flight.
Always have an up to date Packing List.
Curt from Canada

Mine was "given" to me by the Diamond Lounge Concierge on Grandeur in May.  It is supposed to be "re-hidden" each time the "Duckie" is found.  Please do not look for it on Grandeur ... I plan to retrieve "mine" when I get back on Lady G in Nov.
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Curt from Canada 

Some of my favorite perks on celebrity that my husband and I used on our last sailing:
I love the specialty coffee, mimosas, or bloody Mary's during the morning captain's club hour in the Tuscan grill.  The views are breathtaking at the aft of the ship. Love the free bag of laundry for each guest.  Each guest can also get 1 item dry-cleaned, so we got my husband's suit dry-cleaned on our last guest (This will be nice on your longer itinerary) Many days on the Solstice, we got invited up to special sailaways on the helicopter pad (invitations to our cabin) There is not captain's club hour on the 1st night, but on the second night and after, they rope off part of the sky lounge and serve drinks and appetizers. The captain's club party is also usually nice and always has special entertainment Each guest gets one complimentary scoop of gelato On 2 seperate cruises on solstice, my husband and I have been in the right place and the right time, and gotten invited to a special dinner in the Tuscan Grill with the hotel director and the director of food and beverage.

I know exactly where one is on Grandeur.  I was asked to hide it somewhere that was impossible to find.  I plan to pick it up when I return to Grandeur in November.
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Curt from Canada

Normally Canadians do not tend towards being provocative. However, I am bucking this trend by presenting an alternate opinion. If we have differences of opinion, I will not respond with vitriol, I will respond with the emotions of a man totally enthralled with the attention, and love of my soulmate.  This is a “turn our heads upside down” opinion of how men should dress on a cruise.
I dress for no one. Not at work, not at home, and not on a cruise. With one massive exception. I dress for my soulmate. Since I really can’t see what I am wearing, and I really could care less about what anyone else thinks, I dress for only one person ... the woman I fell in love with 40 years ago and the woman I want to make happy every single day of my life. 
I also do not care what other people wear … I am looking at my soulmate, everyone else is the equivalent of “visual background noise” … Sorry if some of you are upset.
I see frequent requests for what is acceptable in the MDR, and on Formal nights. I understand these requests are sincere questions about what is normal and tolerated. My advice is ... Ask your soulmate. Ask the person who you are devoted to. Ask the only person on the earth that matters. You and they will be much happier as a result. 
On a cruise (and many times at home), I wear what my soulmate wants.  She also asks me what I prefer that she wears, and I am honest and very appreciative when she responds. When we do this, almost always she says I “look sexy”, and I feel great (I also laugh a little). I think she is the most beautiful woman on the ship, and I would wear anything to make her happy. 
I hope everyone can have this feeling when they go cruising. 
 
Curt from Canada. 

Normally Canadians do not tend towards being provocative. However, I am bucking this trend by presenting an alternate opinion. If we have differences of opinion, I will not respond with vitriol, I will respond with the emotions of a man totally enthralled with the attention, and love of my soulmate.  This is a “turn our heads upside down” opinion of how men should dress on a cruise.
I dress for no one. Not at work, not at home, and not on a cruise. With one massive exception. I dress for my soulmate. Since I really can’t see what I am wearing, and I really could care less about what anyone else thinks, I dress for only one person ... the woman I fell in love with 40 years ago and the woman I want to make happy every single day of my life. 
I also do not care what other people wear … I am looking at my soulmate, everyone else is the equivalent of “visual background noise” … Sorry if some of you are upset.
I see frequent requests for what is acceptable in the MDR, and on Formal nights. I understand these requests are sincere questions about what is normal and tolerated. My advice is ... Ask your soulmate. Ask the person who you are devoted to. Ask the only person on the earth that matters. You and they will be much happier as a result. 
On a cruise (and many times at home), I wear what my soulmate wants.  She also asks me what I prefer that she wears, and I am honest and very appreciative when she responds. When we do this, almost always she says I “look sexy”, and I feel great (I also laugh a little). I think she is the most beautiful woman on the ship, and I would wear anything to make her happy. 
I hope everyone can have this feeling when they go cruising. 
 
Curt from Canada. 

Dress to impress that “soulmate in hiding”. For some people that is jeans and a t-shirt. For some people that is smart casual. For some people that is “knock down drag ‘em out” formal wear. I do not think it is a fluke that my soulmate and I have similar tastes. 
I truly hope your quest for a soulmate will be as successful as mine was. 
 
Curt from Canada. 

but but but...what about those who don't have a soulmate? I mean, my dog matters but I'm pretty sure she can't tell me what looks good.

Normally Canadians do not tend towards being provocative. However, I am bucking this trend by presenting an alternate opinion. If we have differences of opinion, I will not respond with vitriol, I will respond with the emotions of a man totally enthralled with the attention, and love of my soulmate.  This is a “turn our heads upside down” opinion of how men should dress on a cruise.
I dress for no one. Not at work, not at home, and not on a cruise. With one massive exception. I dress for my soulmate. Since I really can’t see what I am wearing, and I really could care less about what anyone else thinks, I dress for only one person ... the woman I fell in love with 40 years ago and the woman I want to make happy every single day of my life. 
I also do not care what other people wear … I am looking at my soulmate, everyone else is the equivalent of “visual background noise” … Sorry if some of you are upset.
I see frequent requests for what is acceptable in the MDR, and on Formal nights. I understand these requests are sincere questions about what is normal and tolerated. My advice is ... Ask your soulmate. Ask the person who you are devoted to. Ask the only person on the earth that matters. You and they will be much happier as a result. 
On a cruise (and many times at home), I wear what my soulmate wants.  She also asks me what I prefer that she wears, and I am honest and very appreciative when she responds. When we do this, almost always she says I “look sexy”, and I feel great (I also laugh a little). I think she is the most beautiful woman on the ship, and I would wear anything to make her happy. 
I hope everyone can have this feeling when they go cruising. 
 
Curt from Canada. 

Sorry for the long post, but I love this discussion.  One question (about less sea days) has led us down a path looking at a few different approaches to cruising.  Obviously, there is no “right” answer, but it was very interesting to hear the preferences of others.  I thought the “choices” comments were very astute and got me thinking … One of the reasons my soulmate & I cruise with Royal Caribbean, so often, is the wide variety of experiences on board. 
1).  The Ship is the Destination:  How can anyone disagree that the ships are so special that they want to maximize their time on the ship?  The large ships offer so much that visiting no ports would probably be fine for some.  Our last trip on Harmony was so busy, there was little time for afternoon naps (we think this is necessary if you dance all night).  Even their medium sized ships are packed with on board options.  So many ships (Oasis, Quantum, Freedom Classes) have so many itineraries, we have not run out of sailings yet that meet our needs.
2).  Travel is the Main Goal:  We have spent a lot of time in Europe with self-directed land vacations.  It is a different experience and has its advantages.  One thing that is an absolute pain is packing, unpacking and travel between destinations.  When we are in “Travel Mode” it is such a treat to unpack and pack once and wake up with a new experience almost each day.  These are not necessarily restful vacations, but they are stimulating and are normally filled with many special memories.  Although these can be had on the large ships, we find that small and medium ships are better to meet this objective.  We have been on Grandeur twice in the last year (and will sail one more time before the year’s end).  Lady G does not have all the “bells & whistles”, but she has taken us to many places we have never been before.  She also has been the catalyst, for our main reason for cruising …
3).  Make Your Own Fun:  We did not start with this strategy, but it is becoming our primary one.  Sometimes, day to day routines can foster a complacency that turns into a “rut”.  Travel is one way to shake this up, but we think the concept is a little simpler.  By using new experiences (ship or port), we “connect” better on cruise ships.  Relationship building is about shared experiences, and we find that we converse more, laugh more, dance more (and drink more too) on the ship.  It does not matter if the ship is big or small, if the number of days are few or many, or if we are in port or at sea … we make our own fun.
Regardless of how you cruise … Have a Blast.
 
Curt from Canada

Best of luck ... although my soulmate and I are fairly laid back about vacations, cruising does take an extra level of preparation for the important things on your agenda.  We always take advantage of the discounts on Specialty Dining through advance purchases.  However, if we had not received coaching (from this site) on how to get the times and dates you want, we would probably pay the extra.  It is still a slight "gamble", but the early bird gets the worm on Specialty Dining Times.
Now you have someone to blame if it does not work.
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Curt from Canada

Typically the way these packages work, is they will set the first time and then you can book the second time once on board.  HOWEVER, the real process is that as soon as you get on board, go to any restaurant and change the reservations to the Restaurant and times you want.  I think the first one must be night 1 or 2 (for the BOGO package).  Still you should be able to get the time and date  you want if you go directly to a restaurant to change.
I have done multiple times and I think I lined up once.
Curt from Canada

I forgot to mention that the option to book specific dates and times exists, but not with discounted packages.  My guess is that night 1 and 2 are difficult to fill up their Specialty Dining Restaurants, therefore discounts are made to get at least some people booked into night 1 or 2.  Typically we take night 2 as it is often a Formal Night.
Curt from Canada

Typically the way these packages work, is they will set the first time and then you can book the second time once on board.  HOWEVER, the real process is that as soon as you get on board, go to any restaurant and change the reservations to the Restaurant and times you want.  I think the first one must be night 1 or 2 (for the BOGO package).  Still you should be able to get the time and date  you want if you go directly to a restaurant to change.
I have done multiple times and I think I lined up once.
Curt from Canada

Sorry for the long post, but I love this discussion.  One question (about less sea days) has led us down a path looking at a few different approaches to cruising.  Obviously, there is no “right” answer, but it was very interesting to hear the preferences of others.  I thought the “choices” comments were very astute and got me thinking … One of the reasons my soulmate & I cruise with Royal Caribbean, so often, is the wide variety of experiences on board. 
1).  The Ship is the Destination:  How can anyone disagree that the ships are so special that they want to maximize their time on the ship?  The large ships offer so much that visiting no ports would probably be fine for some.  Our last trip on Harmony was so busy, there was little time for afternoon naps (we think this is necessary if you dance all night).  Even their medium sized ships are packed with on board options.  So many ships (Oasis, Quantum, Freedom Classes) have so many itineraries, we have not run out of sailings yet that meet our needs.
2).  Travel is the Main Goal:  We have spent a lot of time in Europe with self-directed land vacations.  It is a different experience and has its advantages.  One thing that is an absolute pain is packing, unpacking and travel between destinations.  When we are in “Travel Mode” it is such a treat to unpack and pack once and wake up with a new experience almost each day.  These are not necessarily restful vacations, but they are stimulating and are normally filled with many special memories.  Although these can be had on the large ships, we find that small and medium ships are better to meet this objective.  We have been on Grandeur twice in the last year (and will sail one more time before the year’s end).  Lady G does not have all the “bells & whistles”, but she has taken us to many places we have never been before.  She also has been the catalyst, for our main reason for cruising …
3).  Make Your Own Fun:  We did not start with this strategy, but it is becoming our primary one.  Sometimes, day to day routines can foster a complacency that turns into a “rut”.  Travel is one way to shake this up, but we think the concept is a little simpler.  By using new experiences (ship or port), we “connect” better on cruise ships.  Relationship building is about shared experiences, and we find that we converse more, laugh more, dance more (and drink more too) on the ship.  It does not matter if the ship is big or small, if the number of days are few or many, or if we are in port or at sea … we make our own fun.
Regardless of how you cruise … Have a Blast.
 
Curt from Canada

Sorry for the long post, but I love this discussion.  One question (about less sea days) has led us down a path looking at a few different approaches to cruising.  Obviously, there is no “right” answer, but it was very interesting to hear the preferences of others.  I thought the “choices” comments were very astute and got me thinking … One of the reasons my soulmate & I cruise with Royal Caribbean, so often, is the wide variety of experiences on board. 
1).  The Ship is the Destination:  How can anyone disagree that the ships are so special that they want to maximize their time on the ship?  The large ships offer so much that visiting no ports would probably be fine for some.  Our last trip on Harmony was so busy, there was little time for afternoon naps (we think this is necessary if you dance all night).  Even their medium sized ships are packed with on board options.  So many ships (Oasis, Quantum, Freedom Classes) have so many itineraries, we have not run out of sailings yet that meet our needs.
2).  Travel is the Main Goal:  We have spent a lot of time in Europe with self-directed land vacations.  It is a different experience and has its advantages.  One thing that is an absolute pain is packing, unpacking and travel between destinations.  When we are in “Travel Mode” it is such a treat to unpack and pack once and wake up with a new experience almost each day.  These are not necessarily restful vacations, but they are stimulating and are normally filled with many special memories.  Although these can be had on the large ships, we find that small and medium ships are better to meet this objective.  We have been on Grandeur twice in the last year (and will sail one more time before the year’s end).  Lady G does not have all the “bells & whistles”, but she has taken us to many places we have never been before.  She also has been the catalyst, for our main reason for cruising …
3).  Make Your Own Fun:  We did not start with this strategy, but it is becoming our primary one.  Sometimes, day to day routines can foster a complacency that turns into a “rut”.  Travel is one way to shake this up, but we think the concept is a little simpler.  By using new experiences (ship or port), we “connect” better on cruise ships.  Relationship building is about shared experiences, and we find that we converse more, laugh more, dance more (and drink more too) on the ship.  It does not matter if the ship is big or small, if the number of days are few or many, or if we are in port or at sea … we make our own fun.
Regardless of how you cruise … Have a Blast.
 
Curt from Canada

Sorry for the long post, but I love this discussion.  One question (about less sea days) has led us down a path looking at a few different approaches to cruising.  Obviously, there is no “right” answer, but it was very interesting to hear the preferences of others.  I thought the “choices” comments were very astute and got me thinking … One of the reasons my soulmate & I cruise with Royal Caribbean, so often, is the wide variety of experiences on board. 
1).  The Ship is the Destination:  How can anyone disagree that the ships are so special that they want to maximize their time on the ship?  The large ships offer so much that visiting no ports would probably be fine for some.  Our last trip on Harmony was so busy, there was little time for afternoon naps (we think this is necessary if you dance all night).  Even their medium sized ships are packed with on board options.  So many ships (Oasis, Quantum, Freedom Classes) have so many itineraries, we have not run out of sailings yet that meet our needs.
2).  Travel is the Main Goal:  We have spent a lot of time in Europe with self-directed land vacations.  It is a different experience and has its advantages.  One thing that is an absolute pain is packing, unpacking and travel between destinations.  When we are in “Travel Mode” it is such a treat to unpack and pack once and wake up with a new experience almost each day.  These are not necessarily restful vacations, but they are stimulating and are normally filled with many special memories.  Although these can be had on the large ships, we find that small and medium ships are better to meet this objective.  We have been on Grandeur twice in the last year (and will sail one more time before the year’s end).  Lady G does not have all the “bells & whistles”, but she has taken us to many places we have never been before.  She also has been the catalyst, for our main reason for cruising …
3).  Make Your Own Fun:  We did not start with this strategy, but it is becoming our primary one.  Sometimes, day to day routines can foster a complacency that turns into a “rut”.  Travel is one way to shake this up, but we think the concept is a little simpler.  By using new experiences (ship or port), we “connect” better on cruise ships.  Relationship building is about shared experiences, and we find that we converse more, laugh more, dance more (and drink more too) on the ship.  It does not matter if the ship is big or small, if the number of days are few or many, or if we are in port or at sea … we make our own fun.
Regardless of how you cruise … Have a Blast.
 
Curt from Canada

This might help give an idea of activities, from my Edge sailing two months ago.