Linda R

And you can still get a drink in Galveston right after boarding, there are just some limits on the choices.

The State of Texas limits what brand of alcohol you can consume until the ship gets a distance out of port. Do not stress, the selection is still good and you can order as soon as you step onboard.

Sounds like you are a smart lady.  What I have found is the larger ships are great for when you are with families, and you want to do everything available.   The smaller ships are nice when you want a more personalized cruise.  When you are on a ship with 2000 passengers you see the same ones often and the staff gets to know you easier.  I am 62 and find I like the trans-Atlantic cruises on the smaller ships.  I get to know people I am cruising with, and the cruise staff have time to learn who I am and what I like.
So
When I am with my son and friends, I cruise the Sympathy of the Seas (or similar) and have lots of ports.
When I am alone, I cruise the Voyager (or similar) and cruise with lots of sea days.

Been following this blog for awhile but first time posting. Love this blog. Feel like I’m taking an advanced course in Cruising - too much good info for Cruising 101.
Just returned from Mariner Aug. 12. Previous 2 were on Wonder so wasn’t sure about “down sizing “ ship. Must say we had a great cruise! Nothing negative to say. We even enjoyed the MDR. Maybe we just aren’t picky eaters. Food was hot, served in a timely fashion, great waiter and assistant. Room steward was also good. Met him on first day as soon as cabins were ready. Did a great job - cleaning and meeting our requests. 

Thanks to everyone who posts such great info here! Feel like I know you just from following.

As of now we haven’t heard anything and are preparing to board in about an hour and a half. I’ll keep y’all updated on this unexpected change!

I haven't uploaded a check-in photo since the restart.  It takes maybe 5 seconds for them to snap a picture when boarding.  It's not worth the hassle of doing it yourself.

"The Gift" ... still included at no charge 

Not only will windjammer be weighed by the plate but it will be self checkout. Enter the number of napkins you need on the kiosk, as well as number of water glasses. Reserve a table by the window for an up charge.
For the rooms they will drop bed linens off at the door, guests will need to make their bed. Full service will be an up charge. 
Sorrento’s will be an up charge, first toss your own pizza, put it in the oven, weigh and pay. You can bypass this hassle with the pizza package.
Pool chairs will cost extra, using the dynamic pricing model. As more guests book chairs the price will rise based on demand until the last chair is $3,000 per day.
Coco Cay will use the European model of charging for bathroom use. The paper towel dispenser will be coin operated.

Priority Gangway Service or PGS.  Split the gangway with a rope barrier.  Regular pre-existing access on the right, premium boarding on the left.  Just $19.95 plus 18% gratuity.  
Priority Bar Service or PBS. A separate station/queue at every bar reserved for guests who purchased PBS.  $13.95 per person per day, plus 18% gratuity.
Priority Elevator Service.  One elevator with an operator who checks for the PES sticker on guest sea pass cards with priority direct floor service.  $7.95 per person per day, plus 18% gratuity.
Entertainment:
Aqua show, $9.95 per person, plus 18% gratuity.   Ice Skating shows, $12.95 per person, plus 18% gratuity. Broadways shows, $15.95 per person, plus 18% gratuity. Royal Caribbean original production shows $13.95 per person, plus 18% gratuity. Two70 production shows $11.95 per person, plus 18% gratuity. Priority Promenade Viewing areas.  Used for parades and promenade entertainment.  Dedicated standing areas in premium locations.  $8.95 per person per day, plus 18% gratuity.
Shall I continue?

The survey asking if we will pay money for Sorentos made me think why to stop there. Here some more creative ideas for RCL:
Weight the plates in the WJ and pay by the pound. 
Want Emuster ? Pay extra otherwise you are back to the regular crowded muster.
All cabin doors to be removed , want privacy ? It's extra, diamonds will get free transparent shower  curtains,  D+ will get free transparent door and pineapples will get a real door but without a latch.
Quest challenge lidt can be purchased the day before , same for Love and Marriage. 
Tender boat tickets will cost money,  people will be able to swim to port for free. 
For dinner time you can choose between 5 to 5:15 PM , want another slot ? It's extra.
Extra charge the comedy show if you don't want to be the star of the show.
Jacuzzi will be coin operated,  the good news, you can use your key to charge it to you room.
The flowrider will still be free you just need to pay if you want it filed with water.
At the end of the cruise at the exit you will need to be weight , every extra pound you gain during the cruise will be charged. 
Charge 4500$ for a 7 hour use of the over the water cabanas , oh wait ...
 

I always check the TV and my app the night before leaving a cruise for my bill.  And check it every couple days while on cruise.  Then you can also check the morning before you leave ship in several places.  Even though we have it on our app, but also take a photo of the bill the morning before we leave.  

Why do people drop in just to complain and tell us how they will not cruise RCL.  I would not mind if they were here for help or sharing wisdom but the popcorn, really?  When I was on the ship, I went over to get some popcorn and seen there was a charge and made a decision that I did not want popcorn enough to pay for it.  As far as the bill,  
You can see your bill on the TV in your cabin. You can see your bill on the RCL app. You can stop by customer service anytime and get a copy of your bill. I watch my bill every day and make sure I am not charged for something I should not.  if there is an issue, I call the ships customer service and they fix it.

We have seen several helicopter evacs on cruises.  And on 1 cruise they actually fueled the helicopter with a plane in mid-air right off our cabin.  They were not close enough to land for the helicopter to carry enough fuel. I always hope that everyone involved are safe and recover. 

We have seen several helicopter evacs on cruises.  And on 1 cruise they actually fueled the helicopter with a plane in mid-air right off our cabin.  They were not close enough to land for the helicopter to carry enough fuel. I always hope that everyone involved are safe and recover. 

It is a sauna, steam room. hot tile loungers, and showers.   I really enjoy it.

I understand why they are doing shorter Utopia cruises, and the reason behind it.  Which I think is great.   Personally I rarely go on cruises less than about 10 days.  Usually I do 7 night cruises back-to-back.  We are retired and have to fly to cruises, so 7 nights are just too short for us.  Hopefully at some point Utopia will do longer sailings.  If not, that is ok with me.  We have lots of ships to choose from. We will be on Wonder in October for 2 weeks and have Icon booked for 2 weeks next year.  Anxious to see the new ships!  Happy sailing everyone.

We have seen several helicopter evacs on cruises.  And on 1 cruise they actually fueled the helicopter with a plane in mid-air right off our cabin.  They were not close enough to land for the helicopter to carry enough fuel. I always hope that everyone involved are safe and recover. 

I understand why they are doing shorter Utopia cruises, and the reason behind it.  Which I think is great.   Personally I rarely go on cruises less than about 10 days.  Usually I do 7 night cruises back-to-back.  We are retired and have to fly to cruises, so 7 nights are just too short for us.  Hopefully at some point Utopia will do longer sailings.  If not, that is ok with me.  We have lots of ships to choose from. We will be on Wonder in October for 2 weeks and have Icon booked for 2 weeks next year.  Anxious to see the new ships!  Happy sailing everyone.

I understand why they are doing shorter Utopia cruises, and the reason behind it.  Which I think is great.   Personally I rarely go on cruises less than about 10 days.  Usually I do 7 night cruises back-to-back.  We are retired and have to fly to cruises, so 7 nights are just too short for us.  Hopefully at some point Utopia will do longer sailings.  If not, that is ok with me.  We have lots of ships to choose from. We will be on Wonder in October for 2 weeks and have Icon booked for 2 weeks next year.  Anxious to see the new ships!  Happy sailing everyone.

We have seen several helicopter evacs on cruises.  And on 1 cruise they actually fueled the helicopter with a plane in mid-air right off our cabin.  They were not close enough to land for the helicopter to carry enough fuel. I always hope that everyone involved are safe and recover. 

While I hate medical emergencies for those involved - and I wish a speedy and thorough recovery for anyone who was injured or ill - I do LOVE a helo-vac off a ship.  So exciting and fun to watch.  I know they are dangerous and never under pleasant circumstances (except when Santa comes - and he arrives mostly by tenders these days).  I have so much respect and admiration for those who are in the medical evac field.  God bless 'em.

Yes, 30 days (or so) before the cruise

We have stayed at Hilton Doubletree GalleryOne in Ft Lauderdale.  It is older but good location.  It is on canal and the water taxi stop is at the hotel.  The ocean is about 2 blocks away, mall across the street.  i think all rooms have mini kitchen and grocery store about 2 blocks away also. 

Usually an interior cabin is not able to bid on a suite.  It kinda goes in sections.  An interior would get offers for ocean view or balcony.  Depending on the ship and the cabins available.  Balcony would get offers for suites.   I have bid several times and never had one accepted.  I even once did max bid on an upper suite, and did not get it.   I usually book back-to-back cruises so I rarely bid anymore.  But many people do get upgrades and with lower bids.  So, it can be  worth trying, even if you do not get it.  

Agree! At this point it would be just for fun, and since I am probably going solo a JS is fine.