CruisinUpinLife

As anytime we dine out in our lives, we find some food we like, some we don't care for, and some we cannot get enough of.  The mushroom risotto when we were on Oasis in December 2018 was one of those "cannot get enough of."  You  had to roll me out of the MDR that night between my starter, entree, and dessert.  I enjoy MDR for the time to chill, relax, and be served.  MDR is really similar to WJR in that if you don't like something, get something else or get multiples of whatever you want.  Only want dessert that night?  GO FOR IT.  Only want two different appetizers and then dessert, you can do that too.
My husband and I prefer to save our money for excursions and skip the whole specialty dining.  We just didn't think there was value in it when we went with my family on our BOFS cruise in December 2016.
I firmly believe to fully know your own take on MDR vs WJR vs Specialty Dining is to try them all out for yourself ?

I heard that @twangster is going to be the Godfather of Odyssey of the Seas.
Not the Fairy Godfather, mind you. Just...

I'm sure that I commented on the other thread as well but I just need to reiterate what I said! We have cruised out of San Juan 12 times (see signature) and have 4 more booked in the future (including back to back cruises). We absolutely love leaving from San Juan because you don't have to wait for the weather to "warm up" in January like you might have to if you left from Florida. The ports from San Juan are just amazing! We usually stay 1 or 2 days beforehand in San Juan because it's an amazing place itself! You really won't be disappointed. There are always going to be people out there who complain but honestly, you can't rely on their opinion because they just hate life in general (lol). Freedom is a wonderful ship (our favorite class) and there is always something to do! If you have any more questions, let me know!  

Here is a link but the live blogs can be found under Message Boards then Live Blogs.
 

When you did the caribbean paddling, did you book the excursion version that included travel or traveled there another way?

If you look on the excursions section, several have posted on this (or on St Maarten), particularly @lauraodonnell86.  My husband and I did the Snuba RC excursion when we first went to the island.  We are going a second time in January on FOTS and are hoping to do a non RC excursion that Laura mentioned to Pinel Island on kayaks (www.caribbeanpaddling.com).

@twangster did a GREAT live blog of Ovation of the Seas and is definitely worth checking out.

Here is a link but the live blogs can be found under Message Boards then Live Blogs.
 

If people have to tell you they are a big deal, they're not.

This is a very interesting model to charge for everything.  From what I've seen, the cruises on Spectrum of the Seas are extremely reasonable (just the lowest list price which is probably for an interior/non inclusive area such as a suite) for a brand new ship but I guess that is part of the business model over there.  It seems the best thing to do is to call RC and ask all the questions about what is/isn't included, particularly your must haves.

I hope so too!  I keep checking SW but no flights past cruise sailing day are out there so I sit and wait a bit to get round trip and research pricing...doesn't look wonderful at this point but oh well.

Are you on the FOTS Jan 5 sailing?
edit: I just saw you are. How exciting! My husband and I will be on your sailing from St Louis!

@RickinSTL @Baked Alaska As a resident of St Louis, MO....LGB!!!!!  (not a big hockey person or fan but excited for the Blues!)

@RickinSTL @Baked Alaska As a resident of St Louis, MO....LGB!!!!!  (not a big hockey person or fan but excited for the Blues!)

That does seem insanely high....there must be a "catch" to it.

Sorry it didn't work out for you.. LETS GO BLUES! 

LET'S GO BLUES! Barbachev is BACK!

My wife and I are doing this itinerary in Nov of this year.  Rather than suggest excursions, here is a list of what we plan to do, which might give you some additional ideas and options.  Hope that this helps.  
 
St Maarten -  12 meter regatta.   https://www.12metre.com/
Sail a authentic America's cup yacht and engage in an actual race following to Cup rules.  One can take an active part in trimming the sails, etc., or just sit back and let your other sailmates do the work.  We've done this before in Cozumel and really enjoyed the experience.  Available as an RCCI excursion.
 
St Kitts -  our choice is a Couples Massage and relax on the ship.  But the Island tours that have already been suggested are very nice and received great reviews.
 
Antigua -  A foody excursion.  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147243-d1739072-Reviews-Nicole_s_Table-St_John_s_Saint_John_Parish_Antigua_Antigua_and_Barbuda.html
We chose the seafood option, but all look interesting.  Not been here before, but the company has received outstanding reviews.  Independent operator.
 
St. Lucia -  We have booked Spencer Ambrose to visit Soufriere and the Pitons.  http://spencerambrose.com/
Still deciding if we want to visit the volcanic mud baths or just spend some beach time on Jalousie Beach.  Being beach folk, you may be interested in the latter option. Independent operator.
 
Barbados -  Mount Gay rum tour.  Available as an RCCI excursion.  According to the description, RCCI offers the extended tour which is not available through independent booking on the date that we dock.  
 
San Juan -  We have a late flight out of SJ, so we booked the RCCL excursion that allows 4 hrs to explore Old SJ prior to departure with luggage transfer and transport to the airport.  Seemed like a god way to wind down from the cruise.