Momof4crazytocruise

I have never been "upcharged" for going over the max - unless it's wine. But I am not snobby enough with my wine to want to order a $30 glass of wine (and I am too cheap to order it to see if they would). I think I ordered a $16/glass once or twice - and I wasn't charged the overage. Could be bartender specific, could be I'm cute. Who knows. Bottom line, I wouldn't stress too much over that $1. And I agree with Matt - you would be hard pressed to find a mixed drink they charge you extra on - you're going to have to go top-top-top shelf. 
 

Aftless chaps.

If they did that it would wipe out Carnival sales in Texas.  But then Carnival would install bigger horns.  
Gives new meaning to cruise ship horn battles.  

Gotta have something to hang that huge Texas flag from.

Hopefully they put the horns on her like they did with Voyager back in the day.

I'd say just keep checking and likely over the Labor Day weekend coming up you'll see a new "sale". As a "Diamond member", I would think you're well versed in the weirdness of the Cruise Planner, but also the fickleness of the pricing. 

And no mention of MTD?  Early is too early. Late is too late.  I book MTD for 6:30-7 every night, just right??

I never put cash in the envelope - I prefer to hand it directly to the room attendant and express my thanks face to face. We usually do half on the first day, half on the last day. I don't read anything into the envelope being left in my room as anything other than a checklist item for the attendant. 

The standard has always been $100 per person for short sailings (under 7 nights) and $250pp for sailings that are 7+ nights.
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/deposit-requirements

I have learned that there are some people who are not happy unless they’re unhappy. Quite the conundrum.

This is the first I have heard that you can't go independently from the port. Was that a Celebrity thing? Or a port restriction? 
 
There are plenty of shops in the port - but in Cozumel, a short taxi ride into San Miguel will get you more shops and restuarants. There is a town square and lots of shops in a pretty touristy area. For a nice beach you should plan on a taxi ride. Same for Costa Maya. The port area at Costa Maya is pretty great, but a short taxi ride will get you to a decent beach. The taxis will all take US dollars and have set price fees. Do your research ahead of time what that should be. 

I don't normally get a drink package but when I know @Matt will be on board it's a compelling case to get the drink package. 
Otherwise I might miss out when he drinks ALL the Kraken on board.  

A third vote for Michelle at MEI!

I second that!?

You have absolute control, if you arent comfortable out in the environment ... stay in your house.

YES !!!!!

This is the way.  

Looks like we'll be the guinea pigs. Just did a PCR test at CVS today but we are also doing the Binax test proctor administered. We board Friday I'll show the Binax first and see what happens. If it's rejected we should have our PCR as back up. I'll post here our experience. 

If you fill out a special needs form, royal will supply an extension cord

A woman in the windjammer on boarding day lunch, putting the ladle from the Alfredo sauce to her mouth to taste before putting on her pasta and then putting it back in the container...strange and gross!!!!

Sadly (fortunately?) you don't have to pull them out of their shells - they've already done that. Kinda takes away the ick factor, but also takes away the fun.?? I would order them every night if I didn't think my waitstaff would judge me behind my back (or my gut! French Onion soup and Escargo every night does not sit well for me).

Looks like Liberty of the Seas was stretching her legs today off Cadiz. She arrived in dry dock July 18 (23 days ago). I still think there must have been some Amplification work done. Let's see what happens next.

I asked my TA about Liberty being amped. Her reply:
It's real. I saw it on our coffee talk today

Close to the NASA Hilton, and within walking distance of some restaurants and Space Center Houston is the Nassau Bay Courtyard Marriott. My family stays there when they come down to visit/cruise with us out of Galveston. 

Hobby is much more convenient. Your flight might be more expensive, but weigh it against how much you would pay in baggage fees (southwest is the big airline at Hobby 2- free bags) and Uber/Lyft rides to the port from IAH. Clear Lake area is halfway between the airport and the port, 35-40 minutes from the port. Very convenient, lots of restaurants and reasonable hotels. Also, Space Center Houston/Johnson Space Center.