Jerel

In 39 nights at sea iv only ordered room service once. Because I stay in inside rooms and would rather eat at a table it's not really my thing.
But I'm still disappointed, that was a nice perk, I used to bring it up when trying to sell people on cruises.
I'm sure it was allot of work and not cost effective but it was a feature, and a good one.

I tend to try and persuade people to cruise, in Canada it's not as common of a thing as it is in the US. I see many misconceptions about cruising.
When I tell people 'everything is included', I hate having to say 'except this' or 'doesn't include that'.
The more exceptions there are the less people trust the price.

I tend to try and persuade people to cruise, in Canada it's not as common of a thing as it is in the US. I see many misconceptions about cruising.
When I tell people 'everything is included', I hate having to say 'except this' or 'doesn't include that'.
The more exceptions there are the less people trust the price.

I guess to me, the charge for room service outside of morning coffee delivery really just isn't a big deal to me. If I want a snack, I'd be more compelled to make a quick Windjammer or Cafe Promenade run rather than sit in my room and wait for something from a very limited menu to be brought to me. I can grab a drink while I'm out, too! 

And gas used to be a $1 a gallon!

In essence, this is a fare increase for those that utilize the service. They're now paying for something that was previously included in the fare. The same has happened in the past, too. Soda used to be complimentary in the dining room, Johnny Rockets was once complimentary, room service was once 24 hours a day without charge, etc.

I like to think of it as losing something they were already paying for...
 
Still, I prefer this to the effect of higher fares.
 
You'll find me in the MDR and sometimes the Windjammer for breakfast and lunch...and hopefully at a cookout on the pool deck...with an ice cold beer. And not to forget a mimosa or bloody mary with breakfast.

I think the fact that they are now charging for something that was "free" has people upset. Even those that never used it or ever planned to use it. Just the idea of "losing" something that they had for free, is upsetting. I think this brings up the general question, should they make everything included and charge more for the cruise, or charge less in general and make more things a la cart?

I think your experience sums up what a vast majority of cruisers have done too. Room service was something that they used sparingly, but it was nice to know it was there.
 
Of course, if you feel strongly about the change, let RC know.  Dynamic Dining was canceled based on guest feedback, room service policies can garner a change too.

In 39 nights at sea iv only ordered room service once. Because I stay in inside rooms and would rather eat at a table it's not really my thing.
But I'm still disappointed, that was a nice perk, I used to bring it up when trying to sell people on cruises.
I'm sure it was allot of work and not cost effective but it was a feature, and a good one.

I am hearing Alaska will be released tomorrow and Caribbean/Bahamas on Thursday

I booked the Maiden out of Barcelona. I haven't done one before but heard they leave small gifts on your bed. Hats, mugs, ect. I'm also expecting some celebrations, I guess I'll find out what happens.
Really I think the appeal is just the novalty of being the first on the ship and in your bed, and also being able to say you sailed her when very few have.
I'm also expecting some bugs to be worked out, it is a brand new ship, bound to be some problems.
When we booked on the weekend the prices weren't that bad, and the itenary looks amazing, only one sea day though.

During the Top Tier I spoke withe the hotel director about the the solarium issues. He gave me a sort of a corporate non-answer but did indicate that they are well aware or the awning problems. I hope they can over time implement a permanent solution while Harmony is in port for a few hours once a week.
 
Regarding the water slides, In addition to having water on the pool deck you would walk around if you had dress shoes on they have caused significant damage to Central Park. In the area where the slides are cantilevered over the park, the leaking chlorinated water killed a bed of plants. During our windy voyage water was picked up in the air and brought down into Central Park. It defoliated one tree and a big swath of one wall installation. You could see the dramatic difference from one day to the next. So much for Splash Zone.

I think it may be like buying a first year model of a car. You have a lot to brag about, if it all goes right.

Being on a maiden voyage is really about the novelty of it and bragging rights.  There might be some maiden voyage merch or special events, but I'm not sure I would book it just for that.
 
Not to talk you out of a maiden voyage, but there can be some elements either still being developed or worked on.  As an example, sometimes not all the entertainment (i.e. shows ) is available on a maiden voyage.

Cruise has been transferred to MEI, so I am now officially on board for the blog cruise....same as in September this year.  YEA!!  Thanks for your help.

Excited!  I just booked.  Ocean balcony on deck 11, port side just aft of the elevators.  We've had a similar location (starboard) on the Alllure and love it.
 
This is the second earliest I've ever booked a cruise.  Only 617 days to go, lol.

I think it's designed this way to entertain those not playing ping pong. ;)

I'm sorry, but I actually laughed a little reading this. I can picture it in a movie or something. Glad you're safe.

Haha! It started out innocent enough until she needed 2 more people to fill up her van! They already drive on the wrong side of the road but she proceeded to barrel onto the sidewalk of the wrong-wrong side of the road into oncoming maniac traffic. Yelling "Atlantis Paradise Island"! Finally I told my wife to hand me $10 to cover the 2 spots so we could get outta the beeping horns and near misses. I was sitting shotgun and she called me her "co pilot". I can't help to wonder if co-pilot equates to co-conspirator for the potential vehicular homocide that took place moments later before the bridge? Oh well, that was a crazy ride!!! The best part is Big Mamas ability to continue on without the slightest interruption of her Bahamian History lecture as she is slamming into cars. This all happened before we even reached the toll plaza on the far side of the bridge. I hope a fellow forum member was in this van with us or knows of "big mama"!

Anyone have experience w/ big mama? She's totally outta control. We literally side swipped a gentleman off the road and he drove into a bridge piling. She told us all the "he should have asked to move into her lane". We then clipped another cab on the bridge to paradise island and ripped the mirror off her van. I gave her a 20.00 tip & told her to get another mirror. Watch out for big mama and her big white van with 1 mirror.

I don't have kids but Matt likes to recommend two adjoining cabins, kids in one and parents in another. It tends to be cheaper, you get two washrooms, and privacy is easier to come by.

We are getting ready to book our first Alaska cruise-tour and would like readers insights on the land-tour portion costs. Our expectations are that the excursion costs will be comparable to excursions costs for typical cruise excursions but the we will also have to budget for meals as well. What options are available? What can I expect on the train portions of the land cruise? Are there any good resources that can provide guidance here?

I booked Thanksgiving cruise through RCCL over the phone.  Do I need to transfer it to MEI to take advantage of the blog group activities?  If so, do I just call an MEI agent and explain the situation to them?  Thanks!  

I just gave my deposit to MEI, it's official!
Actually adding it to my signature feels like I'm really making it official.
Cabin 10605, central park view. We tried a CP balcony before and liked it but this time I feel like we're better located, more centered looking at where the musicians set up near the skylight that looks down into promenade.