JohnK6404

Yes! Yes! Yes!
I believe you are sailing out of Miami, but still make sure your SetSail pass reflects the Key to be safe. We had problems in the waiting area (Ft. Lauderdale/Port Everglades) with the terminal employees because our printed SetSail pass (from the RC website) and digital SetSail pass did not reflect the Key. Even after I showed them proof of the purchase printed from the Cruise Planner, they gave us a hard time. Only after we were persistent and spoke with yet another terminal employee did they let us through to board the ship.
Have a great time!

@Kpak,  bring a copy of the confirmation email or the cruise planner order history. If yours is like ours was, the set sail pass does not show any Key purchase membership. You may need to show your confirmation along with the set sail pass to take advantage of the priority boarding perk. Happy sailing!

We found that for our cruise on Allure last month, the underlying "onboard" price for the DBP was $65 consistently.
The math made sense for our cruise as the typical 20% off CP sale came in at $52, the BOGO 50% (effectively 25% off) came in at $49 (25% off is actually $48.75), and the 30% off came in at both $45 and $46 (rounding as 30% is actually $45.50) at different times. 
The 18% surcharge/gratuity is not included in the CP price. Only when you actually purchase the package through the CP will they tack on the 18% surcharge/gratuity.
Each "Voom" package allows access for one device at a time. If you purchase the package for 2 devices, then 2 devices can be connected at the same time. You create a login account when you are on the ship for each "package" or device plan purchased and can switch between devices at any time. My wife and I each had the package and usually had our iPhone connected during the day. Periodically, we would log into our iPads when we were in our cabin, which would automatically force our respective iPhone (or any other device currently linked to that particular login account) to disconnect (we would get a prompt confirming that we wanted to connect before the other device would get bumped and the new device would connect). I hope my explanation wasn't too confusing!

We found that for our cruise on Allure last month, the underlying "onboard" price for the DBP was $65 consistently.
The math made sense for our cruise as the typical 20% off CP sale came in at $52, the BOGO 50% (effectively 25% off) came in at $49 (25% off is actually $48.75), and the 30% off came in at both $45 and $46 (rounding as 30% is actually $45.50) at different times. 
The 18% surcharge/gratuity is not included in the CP price. Only when you actually purchase the package through the CP will they tack on the 18% surcharge/gratuity.
Each "Voom" package allows access for one device at a time. If you purchase the package for 2 devices, then 2 devices can be connected at the same time. You create a login account when you are on the ship for each "package" or device plan purchased and can switch between devices at any time. My wife and I each had the package and usually had our iPhone connected during the day. Periodically, we would log into our iPads when we were in our cabin, which would automatically force our respective iPhone (or any other device currently linked to that particular login account) to disconnect (we would get a prompt confirming that we wanted to connect before the other device would get bumped and the new device would connect). I hope my explanation wasn't too confusing!

Hi Dan!
Yes, we had adjoining Central Park balconies last month on Allure. The frosted glass section can be opened by the room attendant. We asked our attendant, Andrew, as soon as we met him and it was done on embarkation day. Pics from last month.



Here are a couple of pics from our balcony at night...

Royal is geared to appeal to families across the spectrum from the young to the young at heart.  There is always a lot going on around a Royal ship.  Royal also trends to larger ships where Celebrity operates a smaller fleet.  You won't find any Quantum or Oasis class sized ships in the Celebrity fleet.  
Celebrity is more an adult cruise line, more refined but not in the luxury high end market.  No bumper cars, zip lines, ice skating rinks, water slides, sky pads, laser tag, flowriders, iFly indoor sky diving, etc. on Celebrity.  
That's not to say kids are not welcome on Celebrity but there isn't the space and activities dedicated to them like there is on Royal so you tend to see fewer kids on Celebrity.  It won't be zero kids but not as many as Royal. 
I enjoy Royal even if I don't do all the activities because it keeps me young.  Celebrity is there for me if I ever grow up and mature.  

On Anthem an out of control kid ran into the Staff Captain, literally.  This brat had been punching random guests waiting near elevators while the parents did nothing.  Small kid like 5 or 6 so not a death punch but still, you don't do that.  He's running around and slams into the Staff Captain who walks into the area by coincidence.  
Staff Captain grabs kid and tells him to slow down, calm down, etc.  Father doesn't like a crew member admonishing his kid so he starts getting into it verbally with Staff Captain.  Along the way the father escalates it into "I know where you live and I'm coming for your family".  Boom - cabin arrest.  Next morning the whole family was put off in San Juan.  Around eight of them including grand parents who all got to fly home at their own expense.  
Big tough Jersey attitude didn't fly with the Staff Captain.  Threatening his family was the last straw.  I'm sure this guy went home and told his friends "I didn't do nothing, we were just kicked off" and maybe by New York or New Jersey standards that's just friendly banter but it didn't work on the ship.  That was our first stop on a 11 night cruise after one sea day coming down from Bayonne.  Nice way to lose what must have cost several thousand for the cruise plus then having to buy plane tickets same day to fly home. 

Yes, USB hubs appear to be fine... just got back last week on Allure and I used one of these hubs for comparison. I believe it was recommended here on the forum.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P936188/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

After breakfast and some pool time, we took an Uber to the port.  Unfortunately, we ran into an event (some type of triathalon), so the trip took much longer than anticipated.  We are staying in 1758 which qualifies as Star Class.  We arrived relatively early (about 11:30).  We had no problem finding the Star Class flag and the attendant with the flag.  It took the Star Class person a bit of time to find a porter to help, but once she tracked one down, we were whisked away (with luggage) to a private lounge area.  We were offered a nice place to sit, and one of the genies came over and took our passports.  After a couple of minutes, he returned with our boarding cards and we boarded the ship, luggage and all.  Although early, our room was prepared and beautifully set up with birthday decorations and a birthday cake for my husband.  From the time we arrived at the terminal to arriving in our cabin with our luggage took no more than 15 minutes.
Back up -- we were the Allure going to Nassau, Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.  Sorry about the lack of upfront information!
Before we left, I had exchanged several emails with our genie, Alan.  I let him know which shows we wanted to see (my son is a theater kid, and wanted to see Mama Mia all three times!), our food likes and dislikes, and our general schedule.  I also let him know it was my husband's birthday.  We really enjoyed all of the work that Alan put into making our cruise perfect for us, as I will try to detail as we go through the trip.
We first met Alan when we got to our cabin.  He greated us effusively and let us know everything going on for the day.  We asked for a lunch recommendation, and he recommended Coastal Kitchen.  As we had a big breakfast and planned for dinner at Chops, we decided to have a light lunch and CK was perfect!  In addition, we had so much food in our room when we arrived, we did not really need lunch at all!  
Alan also explained the entertainment schedule for the week, and set up spa appointments.  The cabin attendant, Marco, came and explained how to use the room.  There were many buttons and switches that controlled the lights, curtains, and shades.  He also explained how to use the hot tub on the balcony (use there was a hot tub, and we used it!)  The hot tub was an amenity we were not expecting, so that was a great surprise.
We stayed in cabin 1758 which is next to CK, and it was a simply spectacular cabin.  It offers an entirely separate bedroom with a door separating the bedroom from the living area, two bathroom areas, a huge amount of storage space, floor to ceiling windows, and an expansive balcony.  We were just astonished by the cabin, and ended up spending as much time as we could in it.  I far preferred sitting on the cabin balcony to sitting at the pool.  I could feel like I was alone on my own ship as opposed to sharing it with 6000 other people!
After eating and getting oriented, we spent some time outside before the muster.  Our son took advantage of the zip line several times as well as the flowrider before it got too busy.  We also played mini golf, which for some reason was empty.  After the muster, we just relaxed and unpacked until a fabulous dinner at Chops and then Mama Mia.  
At Chops, we enjoyed the filet and lobster.  I know some do not like Chops.  I love it, and I am not much of a meat person.  To me, they did a great job with the lobster and sides, and provided top-notch service.  The Mama Mia case was excellent, and we go to many shows.  Honestly, the cast on the ship rivaled many I have seen in LA.  We later learned that it was that cast's last cruise on their contraperhaps they did a spectacular job the last week?  Regardless, the show was great.
 

I had great intentions of blogging our trip live.  Unfortunately, I was so exhausted each day that I failed miserably.  But, I kept pictures.  And, I may have some helpful information on ports and the like.  So, I thought I would share and answer any questions folks might have.
I arrived in Miami a couple of days before our cruise for work and my family joined me a day early.  We stayed at the Loews Miami beach, and loved the room, the views, the beach, and the Miami beach vibe!  Being from California, we were able to stay up late (for us 11:00 pm is late), and just wander Lincoln Avenue.
The hotel is pricy for a short stay.  It does, however, offer a beautiful oceanfront pool area for kids and a terrific beach.  We used both.  The folks at the beach hut were quick to provide chairs and umbrellas.  
On the morning of the cruise, we got up early (the picture that looks like night was really morning) and walked the beach all the way south.  On the way back, we walked up Collins Ave. and found a nice little place along the sidewalk for breakfast.  They all run together, so I did not really figure out where we actually ate.  But, I think all of the places along the street would be nice for breakfast. 
 
 

Am I the only one up before 6 am with excitement? lol 

My wife and I make the initial decision together (when, which ship, what itinerary). Once I book the cruise, I traditionally continue to monitor the RC website and this forum ?. We discuss the planning along the way (Cruise Planner stuff). However, my wife is still on the cruise high since last month and has been obsessively researching our next one! Love it! ?

My wife and I make the initial decision together (when, which ship, what itinerary). Once I book the cruise, I traditionally continue to monitor the RC website and this forum ?. We discuss the planning along the way (Cruise Planner stuff). However, my wife is still on the cruise high since last month and has been obsessively researching our next one! Love it! ?

My wife and I make the initial decision together (when, which ship, what itinerary). Once I book the cruise, I traditionally continue to monitor the RC website and this forum ?. We discuss the planning along the way (Cruise Planner stuff). However, my wife is still on the cruise high since last month and has been obsessively researching our next one! Love it! ?

Hey @SpeedNoodles, you started only a week early, meaning you were late! Happy anniversary, happy birthday and happy sailing!
And @JohnK6404, happy belated anniversary to you guys!

As a New Yorker and a Ranger fan, I would like to congratulate the Blues and their fans and thank them for beating the Bruins! Boston has enough championships of late! ?
Now, for all you folks in Florida, I’m rooting for Tampa Bay to get it done next year! ?
 

Final coastal kitchen breakfast

UIDay 5 part 2 
So we arrived enough time before we needed to go to the chef table. We booked it on the ship on day 1 , when we have asked if there is any offer they told us 20% and been told it's 20% as it's only day one and they have only spots for day 4 and 5 . We booked it for day 4 which became day 5 as most of the people canceled for day 4 . The chef table take place at a strange location - it's inside the suite lounge across from the bar near the CK. Not the best location but Ok we did not mind. It was us and a family from Madrid that did not spoke English but we got alone after the the third glass ?. Food was good as always and they kept fillings the glasses if you  allow them. 
We started with the scallop carpaccio 

Continued with the amizing smoke tomato soap which came in a big bowl but we finish every last drop of it.

Next was the shrimp salad  that replaced the lobster one I thought it was it was better  , maybe because all the wine I consumed until this point.

The truffle spaghetti followed , it was my second one for today , but this one with truffle oil so different.

For main course we both took the fillet it was amazing and came with truffle mushed potatoes.

At this stage I was already heaving food comma but could not leave  it in the plate.
For dessert we got the famous chocolate sphere I could only take one spoon of it no more although it was quite good.


That came with chocolate martini

All and all it was a good experience which I might do again next time , but maybe a day of fast before 
 

Filet count ... 7 for 9 nights
Coastal kitchen ... before and after lol

Enjoy your vacation together! We'll be following! Alaska is at the top of our dream vacation list.
Happy Anniversary to you both and Happy Birthday to your husband! It's my 50th this year too (very sad, LOL) and our 15th anniversary (the "6 4 04" in my screen name).

I know that at any price, the drinks do make me rounder.?

From what I understand there is no set rule. It can vary based on ship, itinerary, Cruise Planner sale, etc.
The cheapest price we saw leading up to our cruise last month (Allure) was $45/$46 (30% off sale... $65 was the "onboard" pricing... must be a rounding thing!). You generally see the typical 20% off pre-cruise price, BOGO 50% (effectively 25% off), and 30% off sales. Not sure if Black Friday has an ever better sale (I somehow missed that one).
I agree with @ChessE4, purchase it when you are comfortable with the price... you can always cancel and re-purchase at the lower price down the road.

CK (finally) sunset

Have a Happy Birthday and an amazing cruise! We'll also be following!
My MIL is now 80 and mobility impaired too (knee replacement a few years ago). We would love to take her on another cruise (my FIL has no desire to cruise ?) and Navigator is on the short list if we can coordinate it with her!

Ok you guys, I'm SO excited. Mr. SpeedNoodles and I have not been on a vacation for 10 years (yes, you read that correctly). We've had time off from work, hauling the hounds to dog shows, but those are work.  Lots of fun, but lots of work.  This year is our 25th wedding wedding anniversary, his 50th birthday, we found a hound(s)/house sitter, and we are READY TO GO!!!
I'll focus this blog mostly on the ship, since there's no way my photos of the scenery will do any justice of it, and Twangster did a superb job on his. Hats off to him - they were absolutely incredible!  I don't know that I'll be able to post daily, but I intend to do the best that I can.  We will have 36 hours in Seattle before we get on the ship, so we're super excited about that! 
Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick .....