lildawgscottFL

When I was on Freedom a few weeks ago, I was chatting with an older gentleman (an fellow Harley rider, for the record ;)) who was ordering Canadian Club. They were charging him $7, plus grat. Just FYI. That might help sway someone regarding the packages. Yes, it's a well liquor, but it's not bottom shelf and it's not mixed with grain alcohol. It's swaying me a bit, because of how much you could drink before ever touching the $57/day price.

Well, there goes the neighborhood. http://www.cruisecritic.com/v-3/news/news.cfm?ID=6642 I'm sure Royal will be soon to follow. Believe me, on balance, I'm happy about it.

I hope it doesn't violate any of Matt's non-existent rules ;), but here's a link to my other travel guru Rick Steves's podcast wherein he discussed Bermuda. It might give you a bit of background on Bermuda. http://podbay.fm/show/79063354/e/1125806400?autostart=1 (starts at the 33-minute mark) I hope that helps a little.

It covers almost everything, with very few exceptions. You know those bigger bottles? Those are excluded. I know there were other exceptions, but I can't think of them now. We got the Premium Package and didn't want to dollar-cost-average down, so we stayed away from beers for the most part. However, my wife had a few IPAs and I had some other types - all craft beers and ciders, and all included. I hope that helps a little. I know not much. :unsure:

That's formal night!!! Grrr!!! :angry: ;) :lol:

Hi Ally! "...this will be my first US Cruise on the Oasis of the Seas in July." What a way to start!!! The Oasis Of The Seas!!! My favorite class of ships!!! You will have an amazing time!!! "...not sure if there is a thread that answers all newbies questions..." I'm actually not sure about that. Matt would know. (I wish we could "tag" people on here, a la facebook tagging.) # 1 - Doc's absolutely right about # 1. But, I still prefer facebook to both. Ship Mate, however, is an amazing app, especially when you learn everything it can do, and Cruise Critic is a great source of information, although I do not enjoy their boards. These boards are far better! Facebook is the most real-time, the most searchable, and the most easily followed - among other reasons for liking it. Usually someone will create a cruise-specific group, like I did for my Navigator cruise in April 2017: https://www.facebook.com/groups/101267193569846/. Often, the Cruise Critic Roll Calls will have an affiliated facebook group anyway, so why bother with CC? # 2 - First, my disclaimer: I am a bartender at Dockside Margaritas in Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I live on tips. So, admittedly, I am biased. That said, I can still present an objective argument as to why tips really are not included when you purchase the drink package. Yes, technically, they are. But, it is a set dollar amount regardless of how much you drink or do not drink. For example, let's say that the total gratuity amount is $50 (it's not, but it's close to that - round numbers are just easier, obviously). Then let's say you get 10 drinks over the course of your cruise. Each bartender would get $5 per drink. But, you never would get just 10 drinks, because to break even on the drink package, you would need to drink 5-8 drinks per day (easy for this guy to do! not so easy for others). So now let's say now that you get 50 drinks. Each bartender would get $1 per drink. You see how their tip just dropped a lot? But still, you probably wouldn't get just 50 drinks, because then why buy the package? You didn't come out ahead and you should have just bought the drinks individually. BUT!!! It gets worse. They tip share! Not only do they tip share with the people at their specific bar - let's say R Bar - but they also split with other people at other bars - let's say the On Air Bar. The bars are grouped, so stronger bars will help support the staff at weaker ones. So when you give the bartender $1, you're really giving that bartender $1 divided by the amount of people sharing that $1. In the case of the R Bar and On Air folks, that's split at least 6 ways. So instead of the traditional 15-20% tip a tipped crew member should receive, they're receiving something like 2-3%. I don't know about you, but I think the service I receive from the Royal Caribbean crew is worth far more than 2-3%. So what we do is leave a buck per drink on top of the "included gratuity" - in some cases two bucks for more difficult to make drinks, like mojitos,etc. At the R Bar, the bar we spent the most amount of time at, we ended up giving them a lot more than that. But, we weren't just paying for someone to put liquid in a cup. They provided such a unique experience that we felt the need to say thank you in a big way. Remember, if you do not do the drink package, you still have an included gratuity. We always round that up as well, again because they earn more than they're being given. One contrary point. If the bartender isn't happy to see you, seems to begrudgingly pour the liquid in the cup, and doesn't seem to care if you are there or not, feel free to stiff the guy! Well, okay, maybe not stiff. He still lives on tips. So maybe just a bad tip. ;) Just because I'm in the industry, doesn't mean I don't recognize that there are horrible servers and bartenders out there. Speaking of servers, you should also give them something more. Calculate the amount of money you would have to spend for any meal based on the prices you'd pay on land, and then consider how much of a tip you'd give your land-based server - 15-20%. Then consider how much you're giving your sea-based server. Then, don't be a curmudgeon! If you can afford to spend thousands on a cruise, find a few bucks for the service you're receiving. If you can't afford it, maybe you can't afford the cruise in the first place. Finally, don't forget to tip something anytime someone goes above and beyond for you. If you're stateroom attendant does his job and nothing more, then he is already being tipped. But, if the deck patrol guy does something WOWing for you, give him a few. He probably doesn't get that often - you'll make his day! If he WOWed you, WOW him!!! Instant Karma!!! # 3 - There are definitely packages available on board. We purchased the unlimited photos package WITHOUT the digital copies (we just scanned them in). We took advantage of a deal they had whereby the $349 package became $299. We ended up getting about 150 photos for that price. We could have posed for more, but we chose not to (at some point, I'm done being a super model, ya know?). But, we were already down to $2 a photo, so we definitely got our money's worth. This is the company that Royal uses for the photos: http://www.mycruisephotos.com/ You DO NOT have to pre-purchase to get the savings. It's the same discounts once you get on board. # 4 - I have no idea. I've never played. # 5 - DEFINITELY pre-book, but there is no cost. The shows are included in your cruise price. # 6 - Doc's got it right again! I hope that helps! P.S. Doc, feel free to private message me the next time you "tag" me, in case I miss it. I don't want to disappoint! :D

Scott will be happy to chime in...tomorrow morning. Bedtime now.

You're welcome. Matt has created a very positive environment here and has attracted quality folks. I'm sure one day you'll return the favor or pay it forward to someone else - either way works for me! :D As for the pictures, Matt is very keen on illustrating, in addition to describing. I don't generally post photos of myself. In fact, I don't usually take them either. But The Queen (a.k.a. my wife) really wanted the unlimited photo package this time, and how can I say no to her majesty? And Matt has provided me with so much, that I also could not refuse him. So photos were taken, and photos were posted. I'm glad you could benefit from them. So now it's your turn. What on earth is a "Hawaiian Columbian Jamaica Joe type shirt?" Post a photo or share a link, because I cannot answer one way or another without knowing what you mean. Sorry. :unsure: I will say this though, I didn't know if a Harley-Davidson button down would be a appropriate, but I went for it. It's a cruise! It's not a meeting with the Matt Hochberg! It seems that these days anything goes on a cruise! A meeting with Matt Hochberg, however, has clearly delineated guidelines. It's a lot like meeting Queen Elizabeth II. In fact, I think I'd be more humbled meeting Mr. Hochberg. ;) But seriously, anything goes. If your husband feels comfortable in a "Hawaiian Columbian Jamaica Joe type shirt," then that's what he should wear. Did I feel like people were looking at me because of my HD attire? The thought never entered my mind! I love riding and I love cruising. Why shouldn't the two intermingle? So tell Mr. Marline to wear whatever the heck he wants to! It's a cruise!!!

Nicky, has that been verified or is it just speculation?

Hey Matt! I was just listening to episode 102, and it made me wonder when we're gonna make a Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook GROUP, not just a page? If you've got too much going on already, that's understandable. Just remember, you have a lot of tech savvy friends out here who would be happy to help you.

I have to split from the group a bit here. My favorite class is the Oasis class, for all of the reasons cited and more. If money and timing (and it's usually more a timing thing, than a money thing) weren't an issue, I'd choose the Oasis class every time. Admittedly, I have not sailed on any Quantum class ships yet, but there are things about the design of the Oasis class ships that Quantum left out. I know I will LOVE the Quantum ships, but I really don't believe they will overtake the Oasis class as my favorite. Does that emphasize how much I love the Oasis class? ;) That said, would I recommend the Oasis class as the first class of ships a new cruiser should take? No. If it was going to be the ONLY cruise someone would ever take in their life, ever!, then I would. There is no equal. But, if you plan on cruising again, I would not start on it. As for the rest of the fleet, I would never recommend anything less than the Voyager class, which includes the Navigator, for a first time cruiser (unless price was such a big concern as to overshadow every other consideration). I think anything older is for seasoned cruisers - people who are already "loyal to Royal." The impression the older ships give to a first time Royal cruiser would not be representative of what Royal can do - the experience they can provide. The Voyager class was a pivotal point in Royal's evolution. The Voyager class provides the foundation for the Freedom class, the Oasis class, and the Quantum class. It's where modern day cruising begins. So my recommendation is to start with the Navigator (Matt's favorite ship, by the way), and work up from there. We started, nearly a decade ago now, with the Legend. We then went to the Sovereign. Both small, older ships, even at that time (in fact, the Sovereign has since been retired). When we got on the Oasis, we were absolutely blown away. We then went down a step to the Freedom. I won't say we were disappointed, but we were underwhelmed. Though, we did have a wonderful time! But, the last thing I want for any new cruiser is to be underwhelmed. If you start with the Navigator and work up, you'll always be blown away with each new class. Moreover, the Navigator has SO MUCH to do. It's a first-class ship, and you'll have a first-class experience. You won't know what you're missing, and you may not even believe you could be missing anything. You'll think, what else could there be? Then, you'll get to the Freedom class, and then Oasis, and you'll wonder how Royal makes such amazing magic happen! P.S. I work for Disney. You will like Royal more! :D

I was waiting to weigh in. I didn't know how Matt felt about discussing this here. A lot of people (who run blogs and facebook groups, etc.) are handling it differently. Some say "out of respect" we shouldn't post the video or even discuss it, but I don't believe it's ever smart to sweep things under the rug, bury your head in the sand, and pretend like it didn't happen. I agree that we shouldn't speculate and slander, but it's reality and people ought to be informed. Again, I'll await Matt's leadership. Regardless, it's an unfortunate tragedy with lessons to be learned. It was a sad day.

Hi Marline! I've never been on a holiday cruise, so I can't speak to that. However, maybe I can help with the other two questions. Recently, we all had a big discussion about the dress code in the theater and dining room (http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php/topic/1168-dress-code-for-the-shows/). Regardless of our personal opinions about how things SHOULD be, we all seem to concur about what actually does happen. If your husband went to the MDR (Main Dining Room) on any non-formal night, wearing jeans or slacks and a button down or polo, he'd fit right in. Sure, there would be some people dressed more formally than he would be, but there would likely be even more people dressed worse than he would be. I'm a full-on suit or tux man on formal night guy (not just "wear a tie and call it formal"), but I've attached a few photos to show you what I did for casual nights (as well, I've included a photo of some new friends we met and what they wore). In fact, even though they say you're not supposed to wear shorts to the MDR, many people were. The dress code tries to create a certain atmosphere, but when push comes to shove, the Royal crew is not going to make guests feel uncomfortable by calling them out, if they're at least halfway decently dressed. It does happen, but it's rare. To be called out, you'd probably need to be wearing flip flops and a pool towel as a shirt. Sadly, a lot of people do not respect the traditions. On our recent 7-night Freedom cruise (sailed on 10/18/2015), there were two formal nights. We scanned our Cruise Compass in so Matt could post it for everyone. You can see it here: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/freedom-of-the-seas/sun-2015-10-18-0000. You'll see that, on the top of each new day, Royal posts what that day's dress code is.Some days it's "casual" and some days it's "smart casual," but don't ask me what the difference is. I saw no difference in what people wore. I hope that helps.

Welcome Howard! You sure do know how to pick 'em! I love the Oasis class! I am totally jealous. My Enchantment and Navigator upcoming cruises will just have to hold me over until the Harmony cruise my wife is planning. Ah, the problems we have! This is a great group you've joined. You'll get a lot of great information and meet a lot of super people. Again, welcome!

Matt, in episode 111, you were unsure about asking for a second entree at specialty restaurants. Well, at Sabor, at least for lunch anyway, I was allowed multiple appetizers but not multiple entrées. The Queen and I could each choose one.

Your boy is unique for sure. I don't know about those 20-somethings. There are romantics among them. They hide it. And what's old is what's new to them. I've seen a heck of a lot of band tee-shirts with bands from 20 years ago on teenagers. I guess time will tell. Neither of us are gonna sway Royal at this point.

Well now, slow down, my good doctor. No one said anything about 8 year-olds. ;-) I was thinking 20-somethings, 30-somethings, 40-somethings, 50-somethings, and even 60-somethings. Kids won't want to sit still for Grease any more or any less than they'll want to for Les Mis, Phantom, or any other great show. I wasn't ready for Broadway until at least 14 or 15, and even then, I was bored by most of it.

It is dated, but it's also a crowd favorite. And, it's cross-generational.

If your standard is Bern's (and yes, I definitely know it, as I live in Orlando), it sounds to me like we have similar standards, and then it sounds to me like I'll find Chops to be less than I am hoping for, sadly. However, we just found out that friends of ours from the UK are joining us on our Navigator cruise in April of 2017. They like to blow it out, so I will get the chance then to try Chops, whether I want to or not. It'll be a sacrifice, but sometimes we must suffer for the team. ;) The experience you describe from years past sounds like it would have been fabulous!

Quickie question: What's the discount on suites once we reach platinum? or emerald? etc? Is it a certain percentage off?

Was that you!? THEN I LOVE YOU TOO!!!! And I owe you a few Labadoozies!!! :D

I LOVE my ShipMate app! We just saved $100 for no reason whatsoever! Woo hoo!!! :D :lol: B)

We have not chartered privately, but we did do a small group (15 people) in St. Maarten with Captain Bob Soualiga. It was either the best excursion we have ever taken, or a very close second. I would absolutely charter privately if I could afford it or if I got a few folks together to chip in. Next time I'm in Cozumel, I'll be checking out Captain Ron, if you're suggesting to. Here's my review on TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147347-d2083816-r322757696-Soualiga_Destinations_Boat_Tours-Philipsburg_Sint_Maarten_St_Maarten_St_Martin.html Here's Bob's website: http://www.soualigadestinations.com/soualiga_destinations/Welcome.html

Does anyone know if there is a method to their madness when assigning seating in the MDR? In other words, do they use demographics or something?

April 2017 Navigator (but we're also about to book February 2016 Enchantment - I'll let you know; and maybe something in July for our anniversary) UPDATE: We are now also booked on the Enchantment Of The Seas for February 8, 2016, in addition to the Navigator Of The Seas for April 14, 2017.