DAVE(Darkcabbie)

Hey Matt hope you had a good cruise :) . I really enjoyed your live blogs ever day.
 
If there is one of those machines on the Independence I will be checking it out in just over a week.

I like that game where you put in a $20 bill and it spits out 80 quarters... winner EVERY time!!!

Hahaha!
 
I played in the casino quite a bit on Jewel.  Did anyone play the Key Monster game in the casino?  If you don't remember the name maybe this will jog your memory
 

 
I pumped way too much money into this in a failed effort to win.  Fun but soooo frustrating

Oh, by the way, if you can't make up your mind about what menu item you want, try more than one! I always describe crusing as; "the toughest decision you have to make all day is what you're going to have for dinner & if you can't decide you can have one of everything". That includes the dessert menu -- my suggestion, Apple Pie Ala Mode + Cherries Jubilee, + a side of Tiramisu OR whatever esle strikes your fancy.

Ok here you go DARKCABBIE. This is the dessert cart on Oasis. I don't know if it will be the same setup on Independence. This cart sits (protected) out in the open when you walk in the door next to the large Prosciutto slicer. Note the rather large dish of tiramisu!  ;)
 

Hi, I'm Mason. I'm 33 years old and live in Perth, Australia. I'm a travel agent and cruise specialist, so I love my job! I'm going on my first RCI cruise in just under five weeks and am so excited! We're doing a 13 night cruise to the Pacific Islands & Fiji on Rhapsody of the Seas. At the top of my cruising bucket list is a cruise on Oasis around the Western Caribbean. I would love to visit Labadee!
One of my nerdy little hobbies is collecting cruise ship models (the sort that are sold onboard). I am madly trying to collect the entire RCI and Celebrity fleets.

Wow that question really makes you think.

Here's our top 10 of things we would like to do with 1 more for luck.
1. If RC ever do it a Round the World Cruise.
2. Southampton to New York a few days there and then New York to Southampton.
3. Go through the Panama Canal.
4. Hawaiian Cruise.
5. An Alaskan cruise.
6. Climb to the top of the Rock wall on the ship.
7. Stand up straight for at least 1 minute on the Flowrider.
8. The Zip Line on the Oasis.
9. See the Northern Lights.
10.Get the biggest Suite they have.
11.Sail into Venice

At $170/pp I'd have to have at least 10 seconds "at the wheel", with a free photo to prove it happened.   :)

Wow that question really makes you think.

Here's our top 10 of things we would like to do with 1 more for luck.
1. If RC ever do it a Round the World Cruise.
2. Southampton to New York a few days there and then New York to Southampton.
3. Go through the Panama Canal.
4. Hawaiian Cruise.
5. An Alaskan cruise.
6. Climb to the top of the Rock wall on the ship.
7. Stand up straight for at least 1 minute on the Flowrider.
8. The Zip Line on the Oasis.
9. See the Northern Lights.
10.Get the biggest Suite they have.
11.Sail into Venice

Hey Matt, I Hope you and your family have a great cruise on the 21st :) :) :) .

Wow that question really makes you think.

Here's our top 10 of things we would like to do with 1 more for luck.
1. If RC ever do it a Round the World Cruise.
2. Southampton to New York a few days there and then New York to Southampton.
3. Go through the Panama Canal.
4. Hawaiian Cruise.
5. An Alaskan cruise.
6. Climb to the top of the Rock wall on the ship.
7. Stand up straight for at least 1 minute on the Flowrider.
8. The Zip Line on the Oasis.
9. See the Northern Lights.
10.Get the biggest Suite they have.
11.Sail into Venice

Exactly! I don't spend thousands to go on a cruise and worry about a hundred I might spend on alcoholic beverages!

And let's be honest when you've had a few and your having fun who cares :) IT'S ALL ABOUT THE WELL EARNED VACATION.

It would depend on what expensive means to you. A pina colada is around $6.25. Beer ranges from $4 to $7 depending on what brand it is. Frozen drinks range in price from $5 to $12 depending on size, whether or not you can keep the glass, as those drinks are more expensive. A martini is normally $8 or $10. If you want top shelf liquor it will be more expensive. Also you'll be charged a 15% bar gratuity automatically on top of the drink price. 

My opinion? Save your money until you can do the All-Access tour on an Oasis Class ship. The "I-95" corridor is completely worth it. Only on Oasis-Class ships from what I understand.

Pack bags, take the week off, get to Port Canaveral, board Monday 16th, Enchantment, Bahamas, 4 nights $101! Coco Cay is calling!

The time of year we went to Tulum was October and although it was hot I wouldn't say it was brutal and as Don said the buses were modern and air conditioned and our guide also had cold beers waiting on board for us. 
Although it was a few years back I don't remember the jungle but I do remember feeling very humbled by how little the local people have and how bad some of their living conditions are it really makes you realise how lucky you are.
 
I have fond memories of our visit there. The local people we met were lovely and the views from the cliff where one of the ancient sacrificial structures rises up is stunning as you look out across the ocean. It really was a fantastic tour and we would definitely do it again if we go back.

I've been a fan of Mexican dark beer ever since. Agree with you about the views-- Most incredible Caribbean blue water you'll ever see.

It can be rather warm. Buses are modern and well air conditioned. Our guide had a trash can full of iced down beer when we go back on board at Tulum -- priceless. Even though warm it was one of our best ever tours!

The time of year we went to Tulum was October and although it was hot I wouldn't say it was brutal and as Don said the buses were modern and air conditioned and our guide also had cold beers waiting on board for us. 
Although it was a few years back I don't remember the jungle but I do remember feeling very humbled by how little the local people have and how bad some of their living conditions are it really makes you realise how lucky you are.
 
I have fond memories of our visit there. The local people we met were lovely and the views from the cliff where one of the ancient sacrificial structures rises up is stunning as you look out across the ocean. It really was a fantastic tour and we would definitely do it again if we go back.

Never been to either port but my favorite restaurant is Fishlips in Port Canaveral.  Great view of the ships!

I balked at the price when it was announced.  I'd love to see those parts of the ship but $340 for 2 people just isn't worth it to me.

When I did the tour, it did NOT include the two specialty restaurants. I did the tour on Oasis of the Seas in October.
 
If you're going with a family, it will get pretty costly.
 
It's up to you--if you're into technology, engineering, and behind-the-scenes, it's certainly a very neat experience. There's definitely no need to do it multiple times on different ships, but doing it once is certainly enjoyable.
 
Note that it'll certainly be more worth your money if you do it on a Freedom or Oasis Class ship, only because they're newer and the engine room, bridge, theatre, etc. are likely to be a lot more technologically-advanced and interesting.
 
If you're traveling with a companion, make sure that they're genuinely interested. If they're just neutral on the idea, tell them to go hang at the pool so you don't waste $150-$170 on them!
 
Hope that helps!

My wife played blackjack and was $100 up when she (surprisingly) quit.  That's a win in my book.  :)

After what seems like forever it's now next month.
 
To quote a well known song. I'm so excited I just can't hide it I'm about to loose control and I think I like it . :) :) :) .
 
Anyone who tells me who sung that can have an extra Tiramisu on their next cruise as a prize.