Jerel

That's cool. Too bad your getting in late, we're all meeting up near the port around 5:00. Oh well, it's the ship that's the important thing, see you there.

Nice, we're sat feb 20th.

Embassy suites on 17th Street I belive

Glad to read that you and Michelle like the Embassy, me and my wife chose it for the group cruise next month. From what we've seen in pics the central park area of hotel looks nice, I'll have to look into their happy hour too. Tks Edit; just looked into happy hour, free drinks between 5-7, that's pretty freaking cool!

I can't speak from experience either, we're going for first time next month and staying at the Embassy. Its a nice hotel by our standards, we figured if we are getting gouged we might as well pay a bit extra and get a nice place. Lauderdale hotels are expensive! They all tend to offer shuttles from the airport and to the ship, which is good, but still pricey IMO. Since your driving I'd look into the option of staying a bit out of town to save on money. You might save enough to warrant paying for parking at port.

It's Feb 17, 2017, 9 nights going to the ABC islands. From what I hear many people signed up already, should be a blast.

Ya know, if you really want to try a southern 9 night navigator trip you could join us on the 2017 group cruise, just sayin.

Great review, I enjoyed reading it. One small point I'll make in defence of the windjammer. I find their supper food is a heck of alot better than their lunch and breakfest, really suprised over their quality in the evenings. Problem is I never get to eat much of it because I love the MDR so much, food and experience.

If so he's telling them right where they can find him.

No. At least they didn't in November. You could always get your cup filled by bartender but it's just not the same IMO. The free style machines have good selections and less of a wait. On the Indy I spent a decent amount of time in line just for water.

There is a cover charge though, it makes a bit less sence if you have a drink package.

Forgot to mention we are doing Tulum in Cozumel and left Falmouth open. Also we are scheduled for 6:00 dining in the MDR.

I'll be there with my wife Jessica. Really looking forward to it. We always do our cruises on the cheap but this time we splurged a bit. We got a nice hotel and suite (park balcony), got the drink package for once and are going to 150 for Jessica's birthday dinner. We booked the Aqua Theater and Blue Planet, also a comedy club. May do a ice show and Mama Mia, haven't booked them yet though. Was thinking of the prohibition party but not sure yet. We don't go to specialty restaurants because we like the included food, but looking forward to trying some this time. Doing 150 and then Sabor with the group, fallowed by the 'civilized pub crawl'. Also want to do the 'Labadoozie Aprication Socity' meating in Labadee. Looking forward to going to shore and watching the ships leave the night before the cruise, watched alot of Billy's scopes and want to be there in person. Also would like to do a meet up before the cruise but it would have to be convienent for us. Just because we are already planing on watching the ships leave, otherwise I'll just meet everyone on ship.

I can say Mason was good to deal with and payed promptly when I sent him one. He has almost every ship, it would be good to see him finish the collection. Mason, you'll have to post a pick of your fleet when you get them all.

Thanks, I think it will be a blast, she's 9 nights to the ABC islands. Seams like a nice bunch of islands, pretty unique compared to other Caribbean islands.It would be great if you could make it. It would be a good option if traveling solo, lots of activities and great folk to hang out with. It wasn't easy canceling two cruises. My November cruise I think I would of cancelled anyways, I have a 10 day vacation planned for Vegas in August (convention). So the money and time was hard to come up with when both are so close to each other. Canceling my Harmony in Febuary was tough though, but in the end we liked the 9 nights and ABC islands

Well it's official, I canceled my Nov 2016 cruise and my Feb 2017 cruise, all to go on the 2017 group cruise!

That's a really great deal. We paid 585 when we went last year, and I thought that was a good deal. It's funny because San Juan is so far away but costs the same as flying to Toronto or Boston. Iv noticed many Americans complain about the cost of flying to San Juan, it's not so bad for us, concidering. Best of luck.

Couldn't of said it better, hopefully you and your wife have a great time. Enjoy.

Funny thing is Matt didn't even need to look anything up, right off the top of his head. I have a problem finding pineapple and papaya concentrate, so I just use pineapple juice and mango concentrate.

Tough one, first thought would be new years. Mainly because it's a party holiday and I think it would be a great time. Halloween sounds like fun too, the dressing up would be cool and seeing the MDR full of people in costume would be hilarious. I don't think I'd like empty holidays (if I can call them that) just because the ship would be full of people taking advantage of being out of school. Family/turkey holidays would be a no for me, id feel like im missing out. Valentines day would be fun, maybe with a central park balcony.

I'm looking forward to seeing other currencies too, also more options in state rooms, like inside balcony or virtual balconies. I know it's just early days, just glad we have it. Thanks

That is a very good idea. Like they say, drunk wife happy life :) .

Any word from Royal yet? If not you should call them and say you know 'Matt freakin Hochberg', that'll get some results.

Aside from the less motion, Central Park looks like a great place to hang out. And the Promenade isn't too many stares either, or you could just take the rising bar.

Wow, you did the top 5 yourself, good job. Watch out Matt, you got some competition.I really liked the podcast comparing Royal to Disney, many of the same observations you made.