Ogilthorpe

Wait a second...they used spaghetti noodles and called them Singapore noodles?? ??‍♀️ This is why I want to sail Spectrum....

Packing
With the help of the numerous packing lists on here, I was able to pack efficiently and did end up using everything I brought (with the exception of the umbrella, but no complaints there). 
Some more noteworthy/helpful items I brought:
Lanyard & Card Holder - For my sea pass, a great suggestion I found on here Ear Plugs - Living in an apartment building with some noisy neighbors, I normally sleep with ear plugs anyway, but brought them just in case. It ended being a good call as my cabin was next to a crew access door, I think for laundry Reusable Water Bottle - Great for the port days, especially in Key West Snorkel mask set - ~$30 from Amazon, which I believe was about the same prices as the all-day snorkel rentals, but the upside of bringing my own is I get to keep mine and know that no one else’s mouth has been on it ?  
Flight
I utilized the Air2Sea service that Royal provides. I flew out of Philadelphia on American Airlines on *gasp* embarkation day. I know now that this is NOT advised, but once I learned of the recommended flight in the day before through the blog, it was already too late for me to change. So I hoped for the best as my vacation approached and thankfully it all went smoothly. 
I don’t typically fly AA, so I was a bit concerned when I kept getting updates of flight time changes a couple weeks before my trip. My flight to Miami was originally set to depart at 5:00am, which was changed to 6:00am. Soon after I got another one of these emails, though less of a change, letting me know my return flight’s departure had been changed from 1:55pm to 1:45pm.
Time changes aside, my flights were uneventful, though extremely packed. I was expecting as much during a holiday travel time. Both my flights to and from Miami were oversold, and had the gate attendants asking for people with flexible plans to take a later flight for a voucher of an unannounced value. I will note that I was not able to make a seat selection for my flights before check in, as the website kept giving me errors when I tried. I’m not sure if this was because of it being booked through Air2Sea, or just a bug with AA’s site. 
Overall, I think Air2Sea is convenient, but I'm not sure if it really ended up being cheaper in my case. I think next time I would handle the air travel on my own, and with my preferred airline.

Just remember that there are cameras *everywhere*... ?
(not including your stateroom, of course)

Super easy if you are comfortable with taking the trains.  Google Maps can be helpful with pointing you in the right direction if you aren't familiar with the different lines and stops.

The first time we sailed on Princess they upgraded us from a mini suite to a full suite so all cruise lines do it. As twangster said if they upgraded based on loyalty level it would be all the Pinnacles being upgraded so it is not something I worry to much about.

When I used to fly a lot frequent flyer programs were a thing that I paid attention to.  Top frequent fliers often get free upgrades to first class.  Two years straight I received complimentary first class upgrades 99% of the time.  The only time I didn't was when missing a connection due to flights delays.
It was interesting to hear complaints and claims of upgrade shenanigans from folks who weren't at the top level.  Claims of upgrades being given to employees or military or someone in a lesser level were commonplace.  
The wisdom I'll never forget was "Upgrades are not an entitlement.  Book a seat in the cabin your want to fly in".
If a stranger was given an upgraded cabin on a sailing 99% of guests would never know.  How Royal chooses to hand out upgrades before sailing is a mystery because it rarely happens.  
A loyalty ambassador in days of old sometimes had unused inventory at their disposal.  They might offer upgrades on board.  Loyalty ambassadors have no input to a pre-cruise upgrade.  Now with cruises selling out and with RoyalUp the loyalty ambassadors don't have upgrades to hand out very often.  
It's entirely possible someone wanted that cabin for a specific reason.  They may have asked and been denied by Royal, unless they were willing to pay to upgrade those guests to a suite.  
We'll never know the mechanics of why that cabin was chosen to be upgraded.  You were not owed an upgrade, Royal was not disloyal.  You can choose to dwell on this and let it impact your cruise or you can shrug it off and let it go.  
With thirty two cruises under my belt at the D+ level I'm not going to waste a moment to fret that at some point someone else got an upgrade.  In all those D+ cruises I was never upgraded.  I cruised in the cabin I booked and I enjoyed all thirty two cruises.

I’m just curious why you would care how others felt about the loyalty program based on what happened to you. I don’t get the point of your question other than to cause an uproar. The loyalty program doesn’t guarantee you anything other than the perks stated on the website. 

did you also complain about this on a Facebook group
get over it some folks are just lucky.....  personalty I'm happy when ever some or myself gets over on the system
If I really want it "I pay for it" ... i.e. book a suite
wish i was in the 1%
but darn happy to be in the 10%
most people to sail more than once are, and I'm just guessing at  this are at least in the 20%
 

And you confirmed with your friends that they did not submit (and subsequently win) a Royal Up bid?
While I can’t say for sure, outside of the Royal Up program, why you were snubbed but your initial post certainly does not exhibit happiness for your friends. You were/are clearly upset that you were ‘passed over’ for a cabin you feel you are entitled to. To answer your question... I joined C&A because I think a number was assigned to me when I booked my first cruise. 

Hello all! Hoping you enjoy this "live-blog" style recap of my first cruise. A little about myself and the trip:
I was completely new to cruising before this trip. I knew it was something I wanted to do, and I knew that I would have time off in-between Christmas and the first Friday of the new year, so I decided it try it out. I tried to get a friend to come along, but ended up deciding to do a solo trip instead. I've done solo traveling in the past, so I was not worried about this aspect. Around the end of July, I worked with a family friend who is also a travel agent to find different cruises that fit my time and budget (including any flights that might be needed). I had looked at itineraries from other cruise lines as well, but this one stood out to me the most. Once I put down my deposit, I started some research and found Royal Caribbean Blog, which proved to be invaluable!
Part of my goal with this trip was to see exactly how much I could do included with the cruise. I didn't book any excursions before my trip, or on-board. I didn't purchase any drink packages, preferring to pay by the drink as I realized I would most definitely not be able to keep pace to make the deluxe drink package worthwhile. I did receive $50 on-board credit through my travel agent when she booked for me. I used part of this for a lunch reservation at Chops Grill on embarkation day, which I booked online ahead of the cruise. I did not purchase any Voom packages ahead of time, or on-board. I thought it would be a nice way to start the year, with some technology disconnect.
Itinerary
12/30/19 - Miami
12/31/19 - Key West
01/01/20 - Sea Day
01/02/20 - Perfect Day at Coco Cay
01/03/20 - Miami
I am still fiddling around with some of the photos I took on this trip, so please feel free to ask any questions in between posts!

On our last cruise, we had an owners suite and took our son and his girlfriend.  I had an almost fatal accident in not realizing that they are not neat and tidy with their belongings as my hubster and me.  They were situated in the “living room” which was between us and the balcony. One of the things I love to do is rise super early to see the sunrise/enjoy the balcony while it is quiet.  Just a me and the sea sort of thing.  The first morning I popped out of bed and went to the go out on the balcony and in the complete darkness, tripped over a pair of shoes, pirouetted and took out a side chair with a whole bunch of clothing that actually ended up cushioning my fall, got back up, snagged my foot in more clothing and went down again.  I think a somersault was involved, but was too shocked and laughing too hard to be fully sure.  Needless to say, I didn’t try to do that again for the rest of the trip.
While they are not cruising with us this time, I bought battery tea lights to help traverse nighttime wanderings anyway ?
 

When I get time I love to ask the genies about their life on ship.  I think it’s so neat. We will probably not sleep much tonight.... too excited 

After lunch the kids went back to the room for a nap, while my wife went back up to the pool deck to… nap. I went to the promenade to grab a coffee and a latte (for my wife – we got a coffee card) and relaxed on the balcony.
 A little before 3pm, we headed down for our skate session. Seeing as we flew in from Toronto, we wore our “travel” clothing on the ice. I hadn’t done any proper skating in about 4 years, so despite the skates not being a great fit (as to be expected with rentals) it was a lot of fun – like riding a bike. Other folks were not having as much of a good time – as you can see in the photos some were having issues just trying to skate, which if it was one of your first times, is not unexpected.
 
 


Tonight’s dinner was formal night, and as such we took a little extra time to get ready so we could get some photos taken.
 

The show tonight was Grease. Olivia and my wife were a little tired so Hannah and I went to watch. We figured getting to the theatre 15 minutes early would be sufficient for us to get some decent seats. We were wrong. Check out the crowd! And that pillar right in front of me! 
 

Believe it or not, this was the first time I’d seen a production of Grease from start to finish, and I thought the cast did a pretty good job with it. And I know that the musical has some themes that might be considered too mature for kids, but I wasn’t much older than Hannah when I started watching Degrassi Junior High, so I didn’t think this had anything that she couldn’t handle.
 After the musical, Hannah went back to the room and I decided to try my luck at some blackjack. And to say that I had no luck would be understating things. I don’t play with a huge buy-in, but I lost my stake in about 30 minutes thanks to a combination of dealer blackjacks and players that consistently stayed on 14/15 against a 10. I can usually grind myself back to even, but on this night I had no shot.
 With my wallet a slight bit lighter, I went up to grab a couple of slices from Sorrento’s. And was actually surprised as the pizza was better than I’ve had on other Royal ships. Not sure I’d have more than a couple of slices at any one time, but I’d definitely eat it over Big Chain pizza.
 After the pizza and some water, it was time for bed.
 The next day would be our first port – Grand Cayman.

So....I've never been a country music fan, but I was in my 20s when this song was getting lots of play time in the bars.

Now it's playing in my head....over and over and over and over and over

Wait till my wife gets home and I unconsciously sing it.  ? 

So excited to follow along! I'm stalking SC prices on Oasis in May out of NJ. Royal is slooooowly coming to their senses with their prices. I'm sure Royal is underestimating my tenacity at price tracking, but without having to fly and our May vacation schedule wide open, I'm living on the edge... Can't wait to hear about your experience! 

Go right ahead!  The more that start early, the more attention it takes off me.  Isn't that right @Matt? lol

I’m making sure that you get to see what you’re planning for. Sort of warming up those tastebuds before the taste actually happens ?

@mworkman why must you torture me like this???
63 days and counting!

Thank you. I have been a member here for a little bit and now am proud to be an insider as well. I have made some great friends that I am excited to be cruising with soon. I too read all the star class blogs to help me through this dry dock! At least I have a cruise coming up in 36 days on Liberty of the Seas so I have that going for me! What do you think? Is it too early to start a live blog? (Asking for a friend) @Lovetocruise2002

Welcome @emsff02!  I wasn't a member of this. Community when I was counting down to my first SC trip.  At that time I was only reading reviews on another site.  But reading them helped keep me excited though the countdown!

@Lovetocruise2002, We go in disguise!  I always have to do the Windjammer at least once.  People shoving, cutting in front of you, taking the last of a food item right out of your hand.  Dirty dishes everywhere. Reminds me of home..

Just think, Royal is making a killing on these. Cancelled cruises inside the "forget it you lost it$$$" window and then putting in NEW passengers into those cabins (even at reduced prices).

Cannot wait to follow along on this one @Rags1! 
And what is this nonsense about eating in the WJ or MDR???  A wise Genie once told me that they would feel like they failed at their job if their guests ended up there! lol

Well, actually we’ll fly on down, but you get the idea.
Warnings/Disclaimers:  This blog is the sole opinions and thoughts of just the old guy who is writing it.  It doesn't reflect the thoughts, opinions, clarity, good sense or tact possessed by those sailing with me.  And to be clear, I don’t have the sense of humor, literary skills, or good judgement of most of you who post these live blogs.  But I'm going to do it anyway.  I guess I can be labeled as a “lurker” on this site.  I read it daily but have made only a few comments.  So today I take the plunge and become one of you by just jumping in the deep end with a live blog! 
Two weeks from today I will be in the air traveling from Palm Springs, California to Miami to begin our next Star Class adventure.  In 2017 we sailed on the Oasis in a crown loft suite and thought we had found the ultimate way to cruise.  But no, there was more to discover!  In 2018 we booked another crown loft, this time on the Allure.  A month or so later while checking for a price reduction I stumbled across something called the.Royal loft Suite!  After watching a quick YouTube video of that suite I quickly booked it.  YOLO as someone on this blog always says.  We sailed in July with Dave Mac as our Genie and there was no turning back.  In May of 2019 we cruised in the RLS on the Harmony with the amazing, wonderful Ariceli who I think has spoiled us for life!  As I said, there’s no turning back now so two weeks from tomorrow we will be in the RLS on the “new” Oasis and will have Allan as our Genie.  
If this blog goes as planned you will see and hear much about each of us and what we will be doing during the week. So let me introduce our merry band of sailors:
Stacy, my bride and partner.  I many times refer to her as Pollyanna, which is defined as “an excessively cheerful or optimistic person.”  Defines her to a T.  She sees the good in everything and everyone.  Poor thing. My Pollyanna uses those traits everyday as she toils as an RN, or BSN to be accurate, in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Desert Hospital in Palm Springs.  She is our cruise planner, specializing in the culinary aspects of the Star Class experience.  As she takes her break from those 12 hour shifts at the hospital she will be seen around the ship with a permanent smile on her face and a blended Love Connection drink in her hand.  I expect she will pop in on this blog and provide you with some of her excessive cheerfulness!
Shari who I refer to as Polyanna2.  Yeah, no kidding.  Another one.  Stacy’s identical twin sister.  The Oasis is a big ship but I’m not sure there’s room enough for this goodness!  She and her family have cruised with us the last three trips but this time she will leave them behind at jobs and school while she gets a well deserved week of relaxation. Shari is the 24/7 caregiver for her mother-in-law who suffers from dementia. That’s a task where that Pollyanna thing coms in pretty handy.  I expect the twins to be side by side everyday and although they act and talk alike you can tell them apart by their hands.  Shari’s will be holding a Bud Light!
Daughter Taylor, almost 21. Young T, as I call her, is a preschool teacher with with a gaggle of I think 3 year olds.  Can you imagine?  A classroom full of germ carrying, tantrum throwing, runny nosed 3 year olds and Taylor is too young to drink!  T is the calm, chill one in the group.  She gets that from me.  You will find her sleeping late, spending lazy days in the sun and with one of two things in her hand.  Her Starbucks or a virgin Pina Colada.  I told our Genie that I think T holds the Harmony record for most virgin Pina Coladas consumed in one week!  We might also find her in the casino which she discovered last year. 
Daughter Kaitlyn, 30 something.  The party girl of the bunch. She is also a nurse like her mom. But she is in the other Intensive Care Unit – the one for adults.  Same hospital as her mom.  On December 19th Katie received her Doctorate of Nurse Practioner degree which we will be celebrating on the cruise.  So now she has more letters behind her name:  Dr. Taylor, RN, BSN, DNP, EIEIO. I asked the Genie for time in the engine room for this one because she can talk and drink like a seasoned sailor!  You’ll recognize her by her flaming red hair the the gin and tonic in her hand.  Or a Margarita. Or a vodka and soda.  Or…well you get the idea. 
Rounding our our group is yours truly, Jim. The quiet one of the group.  I will usually be found on that massive balcony at our suite, on the quiet suite sun deck or in the suite lounge.  With a Jack Daniels and sprite in one hand and a camera in the other. My plan is to try and share as much here in words and photos as I can.  I have enjoyed and learned so much from reading others blogs here so I hope to return that favor.  I’m sure much of the blog will deal with Star Class aspects as I try to justify why we spend a bazillion dollars every year to do this!  I will be doing Genie recon for those sailing after us and will certainly try to answer questions anyone has once we board.  We plan on eating everywhere except the Chef’s Table this year. We’ll even work in the MDR for a breakfast or lunch and a couple of trips to the Jammer.  I think we will do all of the shows. Even Cats.  Yep, I’m gonna do it.  I’ll spend the afternoon in the suite lounge slamming the Jack and sprites and then go experience the feline extravaganza!  We have no plans for Cozumel or Falmouth. Just maybe a little shopping and back on the ship.  We are looking forward to Labadee which we all love.  A relaxing day on the suite beach.  
In the lead up to our sail day I plan to share more about our travel plans, our night in Miami, our previous experiences with RC and how we survive the Miami airport as we disembark on Super Bowl Sunday.  I might have to involve Jack in breakfast plans that morning!  I know its somewhat early to post but I’m hoping we can all share and get to know each other by our sail date. It’s not too early by Matt or Sabrina’s standards but it is early!
So come along for the ride with this crazy bunch as we embark on our 3rd Star Class adventure. It’s a long way from my first sailing on the Song of Norway.