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There are different types of OBC, refundable and nonrefundable. Nonrefundable is lost at disembarkation if not used. I usually spend my OBC, but I have learned the casino trick mentioned by others: Take an advance at the casino on your seapass card, pay the 5% commission or whatever it is, and pocket the cash (don't lose it gambling).

In Costa Maya, we really enjoyed Chacchoben (take insect repellant), and we've also just hung out at the local village.

Chocolate Sensation in MDR. I used to have it multiple times for dessert...Last cruise I couldn't find it listed.

We had a lunch at Sabor on Harmony, and it was a lot of food. Basically, we didn't have much room for dinner in MDR. My recollection is it was starter, entree, and dessert, but it's been a couple of years. My take away was that next time I won't eat lunch there so late (about 2 PM). Food quality was high.

Thanks everyone! Good suggestions.

There is an iced espresso drink - Caribbean Coconut, I believe, for which I was charged two punches on the Harmony. I have tried making my own iced coffee using complimentary cups and ice, as mentioned above.

We are travelling to the Med in 22 and are trying to plan a Royal Caribbean excursion out of Civitavecchia that doesn't go to Rome (been there, done that). Suggestions? Can't get an updated excursion brochure yet. Thanks for sharing your suggestions.

My wife and I continue to wear masks while shopping, picking up pizza, etc. That in addition to what has been said about social distancing, etc.

One winter we booked a cheap one and froze our rears off in the water. There were too many people crammed into the boat and on the water - kept getting kicked. There was only one stop at a reef outside the harbor (I think a 15 min boat ride). So don't pick the "cheap" one. Next time I will try a catamaran snorkeling adventure!

Yep. They punched by the shot on that cruise. On a different cruise they didn't.

On Monday I tried to take advantage of a cruise planner sale and discovered that $75 promotional OBC was added to my account. I used $25 on one excursion and was going to use the balance on another, but at checkout the OBC had been reduced (it should have been $50 but only $25 showed). So $25 in OBC disappeared. But at the same time, the "sale" discount of 20% jumped to 25%. Given previous posts, IT issues aren't a surprise anymore. But I had never encountered these particular cruise planner issues before. My takeaway is to use all of the promotional OBC at once!

One small note. The last time I sailed on the Harmony, Sep 19, some drinks were charged two punches instead of one (like the Caribbean Coconut iced drink). I don't know if this is still a practice on some ships. Something to think about as it would be moot with the Refreshment package. I still prefer the coffee card, though.

Agree, we've always had travel insurance, but we've only needed to use it for luggage problems.

What really opened my eyes was my first snorkeling excursion out of Labadee over 10 years ago. To a degree, it changed my life. But aside from that, Chacchoben, Dunn's River Falls Climb, and the Amazing Secret River at Playa del Carmen are ones I'd heartily recommend, physical exertion required! In Europe, Pisa and the Acropolis were underwhelming, but Ephesus really piqued my curiosity. Some historical sites you've just got to visit to compare your direct observations with what you've read over the years. The quality of your tour guide makes a difference (not too much talk, not too little).

After being in hibernation for over a year, I've exhausted my supply of Royal Caribbean T-shirts! Now more than ever before, I miss the on-board T-shirt sales. Yes, they can create a bit of a mob atmosphere, but the patient and considerate guest can still enjoy the process and improve one's casual wardrobe. Anyone else have thoughts?

I think we are all waiting for confirmation when Royal will actually begin departures from US ports. Test cruises are first, then the real deal.

2009, before the remodeling. Snorkeling was a bit better then. Had to deal with tenders, which a couple of years later led to a missed port (waves too high). Frankly, I favor the more primitive settings, but I understand that competitors like Disney drive an effort to create a theme park atmosphere. I love the fact that we have a pier and don't tender anymore.

I think Royal is motivated to cruise wherever it is legally permissable, so that would be the driver, I think. They need revenue!

On the topic of inconsistent rules enforcement, we have found it frustrating when noisy kids are in the Solarium (e.g, not supervised properly by parents). But I'd say I am not bent out of shape about this as most ships still have a quiet space somewhere.

I was referring to the article this week about Florida being one of five states with the highest rate of new infections. I don't think that supports efforts to begin cruising. I love Florida, I have a brother in Florida, I am booked to cruise from Florida. But the data could be better...and we need to do a better job in my state, too. Despite what you have stated, Florida and several other states have made several missteps that have delayed the restart of cruising. I am glad vaccinations are going up everywhere, as that is making us all safer.

We did a combination excursion at Jamaica--Dunns River Falls and a dolphin experience. It was worth it. The photos are expensive, as mentioned. We bought just one of our son being kissed by a dolphin, but it provides a lasting memory. Also, as mentioned, you need to decide how much interaction with dolphins you want.

Until Florida gets a handle on controlling the virus (e.g, new cases and hospitalizations), I doubt Florida ports will stand a chance of reopening. We need folks to be less self-centered and follow protocols so everyone is safe. Many Floridians are doing the right thing, but the visiting spring breakers and some others haven't really helped the port re-opening. I'd urge politicians to pledge to follow recommended COVID protocols. Then the petitions and lawsuits will appear to be on-target. Without evidence we are really following safe practices, we can't expect the CDC to have confidence in the mitigation strategies proposed by the cruise lines.

I believe the first US cruise will be delayed until Thanksgiving, 2021. There is just too much red tape to wade through, but cruise lines need to be able to capture the market for fall/winter holidays.

We are booked for two; Rhapsody in Feb 22 and Mariner in June 22. We are still searching for the right South Pacific cruise.

For those who don't have a medical reason NOT to get the vaccine, my wife and I believe getting the vaccine is important for the safety of others. It isn't just one's own health at stake, it is reducing the likelihood that one will be a "carrier", it is increasing herd immunity, reducing the chance of dangerous variants, etc. Now I admit I am selfish about my own life -- I want to have a happy and enriching life -- but I find that part of the enrichment I receive from cruising is what I gain from others. I wouldn't want to put others' health at risk unnecessarily. We have been fully vaccinated, we are booked twice in 2022, and we will willingly follow all protocols in place. We would prefer not needing to wear a mask all the time for the sheer pleasure, but my wife and I will make the best of whatever circumstances we are in when we cruise. I have a relative who doubts she can safely take the vaccine for medical reasons, so I understand those who cannot participate in public health that way. I hope everyone can be happy and safe whether they cruise or not.