WAAAYTOOO

We were torn on purchasing the drinks package or not. In the end I got the Ultimate Package for my wife and I will probably end up getting the Royal Replenisher Package (I really don't drink that much alcohol so makes little sense for me). We are not 100% sure we will 'make our money' on it but we thought we would give it a go for our fist RCCL cruise and keep a tally etc and see how it worked out.
 
One advantage of the package is its is likely to encourage us to do is try something new.... Even though we could probably save money by putting money aside until the cruise and then just putting that on our account the reality is mentally we probably wouldn't take a 'risk' on something new knowing we had to pay later... since it is already paid for though there is no risk (Yes I know it is a head game.... but I swear I've been tested and am relatively normal... at least that is what my wife told me and she's got a PhD in Psychology... either that or I am the live in experiment). 

Such good news ! We will keep our fingers crossed that your F-I-L continues to improve. Have a wonderful cruise !

Not strict at all.  The email with your boarding time is just a suggestion.  They will not prohibit you from boarding.  Feel free to go to the port as early as you please !
 
They have recommended boarding times to try and manage the check-in process but they do not enforce it.

No, the table limits are the same as they've been....at least, on the ships I've been on.

Congratulations, Kris ! That's a big milestone. Enjoy it !

I love the theaters on the Radiance Class.  I wish all of the ships had these small theaters.

The atm is the only electronic machine in the casino I can ever get to give me money. That's why I tend to stick to blackjack.
 
Eric

I can tell you what the problem is: BANANA LIVES MATTER !

I just wanted to post real quick about how great most of the customer service/booking agents have been with me lately. Due to some family medical issues and some indecisiveness, I've spent a lot of time over the past few months on the phone with RC moving cruises around. It's always complicated (multiple rooms and moving of some future cruise credits) plus cancellations. Everyone has been so patient with me and worked to get everything straightened out. Most of them have great personalities and make all of this bearable for someone who hates being on the phone.
 
Plus, I never hold for very long to speak to someone! Good job, RC!

I only book when kids are most likely to be in school, i.e. first week in January.   Not to save money....but to save my sanity.  

Feb 11, 2017- Harmony of the Seas

Yes, barring any unforeseen delays (flight, luggage, etc.) that will give you plenty of time to get to the ship.

You and WAAATOOO were spot on ..... they arrived via e-mail on Saturday --- DAY 49 ----

I agree with you. This is my only objection to southern Caribbean itins. They are so port-intensive that it wears you out ! You just don't get a break. wonderful ports...just too many of them.

I suggest never going overboard. IMHO

In the past I have seen people dressed up but not formal. A coat with or w/o tie and dress or nice pants is fine. No need to ho overboard.

Cruise docs are issued 49 days before sail date.  I know...it's a weird number but that is when they will appear on the website....almost without fail.

This is possible.  I'd love to know how the demographics look on Empress bookings vs Enchantment and Majesty.  It would seem possible that they're a bit older, as retired folks can go last minute more easily.  Just a theory though, no idea if that's the actual reason for the lack of night life.

There are certainly benefits both ways.  For those of us who are obsessive controllers, the freedom to make those critical momentary changes is pretty important.  Then you have a situation like Empress-Gate, which was NOTHING but a nightmare and headache and I am so grateful that I had Michelle to handle that mess !
 
Because I get such a big room discount through Club Royale, I will always make my initial booking directly with CR and then hand it over to Michelle once I have it booked.  It is rare that I make any changes thereafter, as the BOGHO, 30% discounts and all the other flighty promos never apply to me.  It's really ONLY when I need to change rooms that I ever need to make a change...and the one time that I needed to do that quickly, they handled it for me without any problem, directly.  For the MOST part, I have very few changes.
 
Besides, Empress-Gate, Michelle did get me a very NICE package (at no additional cost !) on my Feb. 18 booking on Celebrity Reflection.  That is a SWEEET deal with ultimate beverage package, gratuities, internet and $300 OBC with absolutely NO cost increase at all !  So....is a TA a good thing ?  Yep....almost always.

There needs to be a similar club for people who spend all their $$ on specialty dining. Club Foodie or something

My wife and I are considering the Sydney to Seattle cruise in the next few year (we have a 2017 and 2018 cruise booked so maybe a 2019). Living in New Zealand it's nice and easy to pop over to Sydney and the idea of a couple of weeks of a ship visiting some pacific islands, Hawaii and then ending up in Seattle sounds spectacular. Who knows... we might add an Alaska cruise on the end of the transpacific cruise (I KNOW we'll spend some time in Disneyland... I'm not going that far without hitting a Disney Park).

Welcome back to cruising, Wendy. Gla to have you with us too.

Welcome, Sharon !

The secret to enjoying a Labadoozie for someone that isn't sure whether they will like it or not,
is to try one. Then, immediately repeat the process. After the second one you will be enjoying
yourself whether you like rum cocktails or not.
 
Eric

Why not ask the agent for an updated confirmation/receipt.
 
Every time Michelle makes a payment for me she sends me a new confirmation that shows the amount paid and the balance due.
 
There's no reason why this agent should do the same.  If he hesitates in doing this, then I would DEFINITELY go straight to Royal and insist on getting a receipt from SOMEONE.