Lexster

Agreed, I'm pretty sure it's a staffing issue.

The problem is the machines require a water hook-up, so it's not a simple matter to just add more of them without running more water lines. But, yeah, I did find myself just asking bartenders for diet coke which is a disappointment since the Freestyle machines obviously have way more options. I usually get the refreshment package, so I have more choice, but I'd be really annoyed if I got the soda package.

I did even mention all of this on the post cruise survey, so hopefully it's something they will address. The freestyle machines are both simple and difficult to maintain, so I get it being an issue. I also don't know whose responsibility it is to make sure they're filled. Is it the people in restaurant where the machine is located or are there staff members tasked with making sure all of them remain filled? I have no idea.

Yep, had similar issues on Oasis back in May. I don't think they consider them a priority, though they should. If you're going to sell packages, I expect to be able to get what I paid for.

I like the big ships mostly because of the modern-ness of them. I think a new smaller class would be fun, but they'd have to figure out what demo to go after for that style.

Very little. Matt's mentioned it before, but it's very unlikely RC will be talking about Utopia at least until Icon launches. No reason to lose out on hype by talking about both at once.

Good question. I hope not since if I'm not interested in French night, I'd like something different in the Windjammer.

Yeah, I feel like a couple of these theme nights are a little half-assed, but I'm sure it'll change over time. Also a bit sad there's no Indian night.

I would still massively prefer the old menus. I still say if you're that worried about taking two hours, then go to the Windjammer. I like taking my time at a nice dinner.

I think we'll be doing the dolphin excursion. As much as I'd love to do the ruins, having to be on a bus for like four to five hours does not seem super fun to me. The dolphin experience is just off the pier, so no need to rid anywhere.

Looks like they added some more excursions for Costa Maya, FYI

Lava Flow Minus Kraken Rum is really good as well (Sorry, Matt).

I would get the creme brulee every night, thank you very much. Not happy about this change for that reason alone.

Hell, I'm probably never going to make it to Diamond, let alone Diamond Plus, so not exactly worried about this! it does suck to lose benefits, though.

Okay, so since I keep seeing this and I saw someone say they speed-ran through a 24 minute dinner, I feel like I must be weird or something If I go to Texas Roadhouse or something, I can pretty much expect at least 60-70 minutes. Do people expect /less/ time for a pretty much formal dinner? I don't see people complaining about how long specialty dining takes, which is often about the same amount of time. If you don't want that, go to the Windjammer or something. I LIKE taking my time. I don't want to feel rushed through a fancy dinner. Hell, when I eat AT HOME, I generally take 45 minutes because I'm not rushing through eating. Do people just like getting indigestion or something?

That sounds more like a process issue. Like...yeah I'm sure you want a drink, but I don't think it needs to be a hard-and-fast rule that the guest MUST have a drink OR bread beforehand.

I do want to be positive, so I want to add that I do like the idea of a theme night. The Windjammer gets theme nights and having a "Caribbean" night in the MDR with caribbean-themed dishes or maybe even an Indian night is a good idea. There, I can be positive, too.

Why would ordering a cocktail increase service time?

How many really did that, though? I think that's a cop-out, personally. I have a feeling it's just a primer for further changes in the future to add more restrictions.

Not surprising. Looks like RC is wanting to cut corners in various places lately if the new MDR is any indication.

Lovely, so now all the options I'd get many nights are gone. Thanks, RC, making me feel really loved here. Oh wait, they only cared about the opinion of "new customers." And, what, now you can't ask for anything to be changed? Can't ask for anything additional? How long until you can't even have multiple dishes to try out? How long until you don't get to choose more than two options? Heck, if they really wanted the MDR faster, just have one dish that's already on the table when you get there. I know I'm being ridiculous and I'm sure I'll get over it, but I hate seeing options scaled back. To me, it just looks like taking away value and once companies start doing this stuff, it doesn't end.

It's all day for the entire cruise. You can order those drinks anywhere you like except smoothies are exclusively in the spa cafe. I think fresh juice is only in Windjammer and MDR, but mocktails you can get at any bar and on Coco Cay.

I think Music Hall is usually open. As long as the doors are unlocked, I think you're safe. if not, a crew member will just politely ask you to leave. I found that for some reason the comedy club on Oasis was only open during shows. They actually kept the doors closed and locked.

I'm not sure if it's the lowest it will ever be, but it's the lowest I've ever seen. Granted, this is my second cruise. You get everything with the refreshment package except alcohol and drinks from the Starbucks kiosk. Includes soda, mocktails, smoothies, specialty coffees other than Starbucks, bottled water, etc.

Yeah I'm just going to wait until tomorrow. The sale is good for like 63 hours, so no rush for me. I don't want to risk billing getting screwed up