DebAtSea

Is it wrong that I feel able to answer these with absolute certainty? 

I like to bring thank you cards and put the money in that. 

I like to bring thank you cards and put the money in that. 

I’m having a severe episode of post-cruise blues... so I decided to watch a movie on Netflix - “Poseidon”

To be honest, you don't need a "party dress" -- I can't do dresses anymore (can't wear heels/hose), so I have dressy palazzo pants & nice blouses for "formal" nights -- but if you want to wear a sundress, or slacks & a nice blouse, you won't be out of place.  I also own a few maxi length sleeveless dresses that I just throw a shrug over -- takes up very little space, and jewelry dresses it up enough for me.  Go to formal night neatly dressed -- you'll be fine!

As @ChessE4 and @JLMoran mentioned, there are many alternatives to eating in the WJ on embarkation day. A lot of people like @Mattlike to eat there first thing, because it's tradition, others because it has a great variety  of really great food. Because of this though, WJ is always the most crowded food venue on embarkation day, no matter what ship you seem to be on. I don't think it's a must to eat there first thing. You'll have enough time during your cruise to eat there. Just my opinion.
Happy Cruising!

On Mariner, you'll have a few complementary options. Besides the Windjammer, you have Sorrento's Pizza, Cafe Promenade, and the Boardwalk Dog House on the pool deck. You have one other upcharge venue besides Johnny Rockets -- the new Playmakers sports bar -- which should still be in your $15 budget.

That's how/where they make their money....I have been stating all along here that CocoCay is now just a huge money grab for Royal.
 
if they implement this 2 stop option on their short cruises, be interesting to see how well it works out. I would prefer a sea day over a 2nd day at the same place...but that's just me....

The restaurants vary by ship. For example, on the Harmony you could eat at the Solarium Bistro (for free) as an alternative to the Windjammer or Main Dining room, but they want reservations for dinner to manage the crowd.  You can look at the deck plans for your ship to learn more about restaurants and locations.
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/deck-plans
If you read a past cruise compass for your ship, you can find hours of operation for the restaurants.  You also can eat in the Main Dining Room without a party dress...Have a great cruise.

I was on the Ovation early September. We had to turn back on the way to Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier because of the fog.  @firebuck was on the same itinerary two weeks later, the same thing happened to them.  
My waiter told me it often happens during the shoulder season.  He said June-July were the best times.
On the Northern Lights, some guests saw them at around 1-2 AM.  I missed them because I fell asleep. I had someone Airdrop this picture to my phone.
 

I like to bring thank you cards and put the money in that. 

I like to bring thank you cards and put the money in that. 

I like to bring thank you cards and put the money in that. 

I will share Black Friday deals here on the blog.

But years ago they didn't make you take off your shoes and feel you up at the airport! ?

Is it wrong that I feel able to answer these with absolute certainty? 

It's kind of huge and can be an excellent resource if you want to research a question. But it's also the internet in miniature. It's weird how angry and unpleasant people can be. I don't really get how something as fun as cruising can inspire such rage and vitriol. Giving rise to sentiments like, "This is why we can't have nice things," and "Don't make me turn this car around!" 
 
Clearly here is where the happy funny good looking cruisers go. 

Hello,
Just checking in from new england and  thank you Matt! Im a long time follower of your Youtube channel and now a member of this forum.  My family have been bitten by the cruise bug when we cruised on the Anthem of the seas and can't wait until our next cruise on the adventure of the seas!
I just wanted to say hi to all of the other cruise enthusiasts and thanks for the input and postings and insight into all things cruising.
John
aka, trashman 

Is it wrong that I feel able to answer these with absolute certainty? 

Maybe it was his "best" AC/DC shirt though, and he left his Ratt t-shirt at home.

I leave my Kindle and a bag (taking anything else of value). I also don't go too far because I will get violent if someone takes my book/ereader

It's kind of huge and can be an excellent resource if you want to research a question. But it's also the internet in miniature. It's weird how angry and unpleasant people can be. I don't really get how something as fun as cruising can inspire such rage and vitriol. Giving rise to sentiments like, "This is why we can't have nice things," and "Don't make me turn this car around!" 
 
Clearly here is where the happy funny good looking cruisers go. 

The preference for mattress feel and firmness must be a big deal, because mattress designers/engineers know even couples can't compromise on mattress preferences that they've even come up with options for each side of the bed (I'm looking at you, Sleep Number beds!)   I think it will be close to impossible for a cruise line to satisfy all mattress preferences.  Imagine that extra option that has to be added right after choosing your stateroom!  ?
 

I always sleep really well....but maybe the Deluxe Drink Package helps with that!  LOL

We can be friends. ?