lildawgscottFL

I'm so addicted to cruising that I . . .
...become friends with the crew! I just got sent these photos tonight. What great people!

Show off ;)

I'm so addicted to cruising that I . . .
...become friends with the crew! I just got sent these photos tonight. What great people!

I agree; the list could go on forever. Regarding #3, if you did a California Coastal with an overnight in San Francisco, you'd have the opportunity to visit the wine regions of California. There's even a decent winery in Ensenada for the required foreign port stop.

1. Joined Matt's periscope while on the clock at my Disney bar. Shh! Don't tell!
2. Consider whether or not anything and everything we do could be better done on a cruise.
"Honey, should we head out to the beach?" "We could just book a short cruise and go to the beach in Labadee instead" "Okay!"
"Babe, want Mexican?" "You mean Sabor?" "Uh...not what I meant, but....sure!"
"Wanna go to NY to visit family?" "Could we cruise instead?" "But we haven't been back in 8 years." "Hmmm?" "Eh, screw it. You're right. Cruise!"
3. Wonder why there aren't any cruises in Wine Country! Build a river or something, damn it!
 
Oh, Doc, this list could go on forever!

1. Joined Matt's periscope while on the clock at my Disney bar. Shh! Don't tell!
2. Consider whether or not anything and everything we do could be better done on a cruise.
"Honey, should we head out to the beach?" "We could just book a short cruise and go to the beach in Labadee instead" "Okay!"
"Babe, want Mexican?" "You mean Sabor?" "Uh...not what I meant, but....sure!"
"Wanna go to NY to visit family?" "Could we cruise instead?" "But we haven't been back in 8 years." "Hmmm?" "Eh, screw it. You're right. Cruise!"
3. Wonder why there aren't any cruises in Wine Country! Build a river or something, damn it!
 
Oh, Doc, this list could go on forever!

1. Joined one of Matt's scopes while running the Disney Avengers Half Marathon this past weekend.
 
2. Do online registration as early as possible.
 
3. View the menus online and already know what I'm going to order before stepping onboard.
 
4. Have reviewed every available Cruise Compass.
 
5. Contemplate when the next, next, next cruise is going to be.

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Don't anyone dare touch my R Bar! ;)

Can Sabor be #1-5?

That's so funny. :lol: I was just thinking that this would make a great topic! I almost created it, but then I decided to search instead. And, of course, Doc is on top of things! B) But why didn't this take off? I think this would provide such useful information. Oh well. :( I guess I'll take a stab at it too. (I had not intended on this becoming an novel. Sorry.)

As I've said many times before, I have to hand it to the Oasis Of The Seas. As I've also said before, it's hard for me to put my finger on the "it" factor, but the Oasis definitely has "it" in a BIG way! So in defining "it," I have to find the more subtle, more overlooked features that added color and richness to my experience. After all, every ship has a Windjammer. I love the Windjammer, but it doesn't separate one ship from another for me (though I do find myself enjoying it more each time I cruise). And that's not meant as a knock against anyone. It's just not THE quintessential "favorite ship" thing for me. Which brings me to my first IT factor item...
The Chef's Table (scroll down to see my photos and videos) - Other ships now have The Chef's Table experience too, but from what I've seen so far, none have it quite like the Oasis does. Matt, as always, is on top of things and has a great blog about it here (with some help from Marc Schwartz): http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2014/05/19/guest-review-chefs-table-oasis-of-the-seas. (The pictures blow mine away! Of course, back then I had no idea I'd one day be sharing them with you all. Also, check out this video from Royal: )

The memories created that night are still vivid in my mind. Additionally, we met our UK friends Kerry and Mike that night, and have remained friends since. We're actually all cruising together on the Navigator in April of 2017. (We also met our Canadian friends Damian and Barb, through Kerry and Mike, at the On Air Club, where we all spent many nights carrying on like youngsters! We've since hung out three times with Damian and Barb at Biketoberfest in Daytona. If not for The Chef's Table, we never would have met such great folks!) And, as is usually the case with Royal, the crew helped make the night! Such amazing service - caring, attentive, and yet unobtrusive. Though, at times, the crew became part of the show and they were wonderful! The Broadway show is also not THE quintessential "favorite ship" thing for me. We saw Hairspray twice while on board. We love Broadway shows. But, even with as fabulous as the performances were, they still weren't THE factor. Though, I will say that the Broadway shows do help me draw a line in the sand between ships that have them and ships that do not. Which brings me to my second IT factor item...
Classical Musicians - Much like the new elevator piano guy on Anthem, these musicians would show up at different places and different times throughout the cruise, and, whenever we could, we'd hunt them down just to catch a few moments of their stellar performances. I've never seen anything like them before or since. Again, it's not something that would headline anyone's description of the Oasis - it's a subtle thing that adds depth and makes memories. I remember being in Central Park, wine in hand, sitting next to my Queen, and just listening to these two. A wonderful moment in time! https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B41VaJKWq_l0UWwtMEVUaHU5ZzA/view?usp=sharing Now when I say that the Broadway show is not THE thing, I do not want to give the impression that the performers were anything less than top-notch. Hairspray was fantastic! But that's actually not where they made memories for us. The performers were far more involved with the guests than any others I've witnessed. We actually went on an excursion with the troupe! Admittedly, that was total luck. They sang on the bus ride. Their energy was contagious. It took an otherwise disappointing excursion and made it memorable. Which brings me to my third IT factor item...
The Performers - Two things stand out for me when it comes to the performers: a not-well-advertised and not-well-attended event in the Viking Crown Lounge, and the 70s Dance Party!

We were extremely fortunate to have Jim Bullock ("Monroe" from "Too Close For Comfort") starring in the role of "Edna" in Hairspray. Bullock and his co-star Nancy Hill (she starred as "Tracy Turnblad") performed in the Viking Crown lounge to a very small audience, late one afternoon. It was an informal, dressed-down event, that simply showcased the singing. They also hosted a behind-the-scenes event, which was lots of fun. Here's The Queen with Jim and Nancy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h2sjWp-kKNkVPC01fe76kM6QDW9pXTMTKw/view?usp=sharing.

The 70s Dance Party was electric! It completely blew away what we saw on Freedom. The performers, again, are to credit. On Freedom, it was a spectacle. On Oasis, it was immersive! Here are some videos of The Queen, Kerry, Barb, and Mike dancing with the performers. Check it out...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11x2TlgWCGLDuevPCygyydj0wO7P-6rbnQw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18TNvGU_-H1_GYJ-TqnD8-GLKhmPhoyoDpg/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W0oPaXdaKveec4yGbSheGg2BrTJ_TSeXDQ/view?usp=sharing Okay, so this one won't be so subtle. My fourth IT factor item...THE SHIP ITSELF!!!! WOW INDEED!!!
The Oasis Of The Seas - Groundbreaking! Awe-inspiring! Revolutionary! Innovative! There are just not enough adjectives to accurately describe what the Oasis brought to the world compared to what came before it.

The neighborhoods! Of which Central Park is my favorite.
The dining! Of course The Chef's Table tops my list here, but also Giovanni's Table. Giovanni's Table was so far beyond what it was on Freedom. Of course, some of that credit probably is due to its location in Central Park.
The activities! A zip line at sea!? Wow!
The entertainment! A diving show at sea!?!? I saw it, but I still don't believe it's possible! And a comedy club!? That's fantastic!
The Royal Promenade! The Globe & Atlas Pub was so much fun (especially with our new British friends). Boleros was total excitement.
The Solarium! Ahhhhhh......relaxation......!! I can almost still feel it.
And who can forget the art!? The Small Wonders was one of The Queen's favorite little things to do each day. (http://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/video/32/the-wonder-of-oasis-an-art-gallery-at-sea/)

I could go on and on, but an Oasis class ship is something to be experienced, not described. Which is why we'll be on the Harmony as soon as humanly possible! And finally, my top reason why the Oasis Of The Seas is my favorite ship, and will likely always be. An IT factor to end all IT factors...
The Joy It Brought To My Queen - It had been a while since my wife and I were on vacation. In the years leading up to our Oasis cruise, we had a lot of challenges. Things that tested us as individuals, and as a couple. After 22 years together that's bound to happen, you know? So when it was finally time to get away and leave that past behind us, my wife was overtaken with joy. Her response upon entering the Oasis Of The Seas will live with me forever, and it's why we'll never stop cruising (and probably never try another cruise line).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B41VaJKWq_l0WHZwazZWSHV3T0E/view?usp=sharing  
The Chef's Table Photos and Videos
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B41VaJKWq_l0S1B0UC1DeVdTLVk/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B41VaJKWq_l0TC1zTXRvNkswbTg/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sWS59CrKWUFmf9jRQ_DcxJb75BqzDQpBPQ/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1leaZXiA90OPZX2LD-ZAo2ifnO9AFLviAlA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/187F1IfYMNKw_k2QgrPG0YETRIBQbfloHGQ/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZkinqP_F4uoOTIh2gzkFKCoOF24j3ekwdg/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iQcz6vCJwxyfcW8q1LqSuLo-Jp3K-gPE-g/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WmEfrRivRZzEm4Yj4Wh1Q6b0iKrd3_UMRw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ukx9E1_H44dkNH5kqPiwWa2xN7YP4gTdag/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lTc6p6OknSZdtIPHSzh4qkwCSC9GIQwIuw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xaTRk1On_Kn_vFfmm_GSHGutIJcaHFlzgA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SVRU-1GC76eDGxJw2_2D4QehjPyawrfBLA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1re6VLn2rnfMHxNvr977d5dRLOP7pxKiLHw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11FnJ6jHLyWvxAzMXp4-Cj1wQfmQXqKoWIw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13_LjGQuaOCYtsKaecLpQj_0fjpVvS-r7cw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/198iMLun1eLM5_msxCUm88JDGZ9sp-1ltxw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aRkSMMOhuS-bOmR1Mzcp6IZZlsP5kZBVZw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/102q-ogZO9nZJnv03bX36Pn_pdKLfXsCsxQ/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mhXGLm5oVubMF_WmBCtxfjmwhZbLUuVPFw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gVvmZF0XM8XWipzIfXrF-Up_YhE7QCy7xA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hWjKDtDOKJpL5bHeaQUFQsrlNqwgawGQUg/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1whO2-RDJcgZQeQVa1z8epUCm5WiJ2tWP6Q/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/131el24ieFmDOqbNvZxb1GJmMUfKm9k1Lww/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MglxBXYAfZvlHTdnFRLlnz5f0zLCGDbRvw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b9WJT0CAyjPql4d_BckIseG51IKzGkvT0Q/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yLbxMwoueCLGzUvG2lTwt37c0ctsnv3nCA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BA8HNwFhzESgyZaVfdWAdfgxh0AROSkH9Q/view?usp=sharing

That's so funny. :lol: I was just thinking that this would make a great topic! I almost created it, but then I decided to search instead. And, of course, Doc is on top of things! B) But why didn't this take off? I think this would provide such useful information. Oh well. :( I guess I'll take a stab at it too. (I had not intended on this becoming an novel. Sorry.)

As I've said many times before, I have to hand it to the Oasis Of The Seas. As I've also said before, it's hard for me to put my finger on the "it" factor, but the Oasis definitely has "it" in a BIG way! So in defining "it," I have to find the more subtle, more overlooked features that added color and richness to my experience. After all, every ship has a Windjammer. I love the Windjammer, but it doesn't separate one ship from another for me (though I do find myself enjoying it more each time I cruise). And that's not meant as a knock against anyone. It's just not THE quintessential "favorite ship" thing for me. Which brings me to my first IT factor item...
The Chef's Table (scroll down to see my photos and videos) - Other ships now have The Chef's Table experience too, but from what I've seen so far, none have it quite like the Oasis does. Matt, as always, is on top of things and has a great blog about it here (with some help from Marc Schwartz): http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2014/05/19/guest-review-chefs-table-oasis-of-the-seas. (The pictures blow mine away! Of course, back then I had no idea I'd one day be sharing them with you all. Also, check out this video from Royal: )

The memories created that night are still vivid in my mind. Additionally, we met our UK friends Kerry and Mike that night, and have remained friends since. We're actually all cruising together on the Navigator in April of 2017. (We also met our Canadian friends Damian and Barb, through Kerry and Mike, at the On Air Club, where we all spent many nights carrying on like youngsters! We've since hung out three times with Damian and Barb at Biketoberfest in Daytona. If not for The Chef's Table, we never would have met such great folks!) And, as is usually the case with Royal, the crew helped make the night! Such amazing service - caring, attentive, and yet unobtrusive. Though, at times, the crew became part of the show and they were wonderful! The Broadway show is also not THE quintessential "favorite ship" thing for me. We saw Hairspray twice while on board. We love Broadway shows. But, even with as fabulous as the performances were, they still weren't THE factor. Though, I will say that the Broadway shows do help me draw a line in the sand between ships that have them and ships that do not. Which brings me to my second IT factor item...
Classical Musicians - Much like the new elevator piano guy on Anthem, these musicians would show up at different places and different times throughout the cruise, and, whenever we could, we'd hunt them down just to catch a few moments of their stellar performances. I've never seen anything like them before or since. Again, it's not something that would headline anyone's description of the Oasis - it's a subtle thing that adds depth and makes memories. I remember being in Central Park, wine in hand, sitting next to my Queen, and just listening to these two. A wonderful moment in time! https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B41VaJKWq_l0UWwtMEVUaHU5ZzA/view?usp=sharing Now when I say that the Broadway show is not THE thing, I do not want to give the impression that the performers were anything less than top-notch. Hairspray was fantastic! But that's actually not where they made memories for us. The performers were far more involved with the guests than any others I've witnessed. We actually went on an excursion with the troupe! Admittedly, that was total luck. They sang on the bus ride. Their energy was contagious. It took an otherwise disappointing excursion and made it memorable. Which brings me to my third IT factor item...
The Performers - Two things stand out for me when it comes to the performers: a not-well-advertised and not-well-attended event in the Viking Crown Lounge, and the 70s Dance Party!

We were extremely fortunate to have Jim Bullock ("Monroe" from "Too Close For Comfort") starring in the role of "Edna" in Hairspray. Bullock and his co-star Nancy Hill (she starred as "Tracy Turnblad") performed in the Viking Crown lounge to a very small audience, late one afternoon. It was an informal, dressed-down event, that simply showcased the singing. They also hosted a behind-the-scenes event, which was lots of fun. Here's The Queen with Jim and Nancy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h2sjWp-kKNkVPC01fe76kM6QDW9pXTMTKw/view?usp=sharing.

The 70s Dance Party was electric! It completely blew away what we saw on Freedom. The performers, again, are to credit. On Freedom, it was a spectacle. On Oasis, it was immersive! Here are some videos of The Queen, Kerry, Barb, and Mike dancing with the performers. Check it out...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11x2TlgWCGLDuevPCygyydj0wO7P-6rbnQw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18TNvGU_-H1_GYJ-TqnD8-GLKhmPhoyoDpg/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W0oPaXdaKveec4yGbSheGg2BrTJ_TSeXDQ/view?usp=sharing Okay, so this one won't be so subtle. My fourth IT factor item...THE SHIP ITSELF!!!! WOW INDEED!!!
The Oasis Of The Seas - Groundbreaking! Awe-inspiring! Revolutionary! Innovative! There are just not enough adjectives to accurately describe what the Oasis brought to the world compared to what came before it.

The neighborhoods! Of which Central Park is my favorite.
The dining! Of course The Chef's Table tops my list here, but also Giovanni's Table. Giovanni's Table was so far beyond what it was on Freedom. Of course, some of that credit probably is due to its location in Central Park.
The activities! A zip line at sea!? Wow!
The entertainment! A diving show at sea!?!? I saw it, but I still don't believe it's possible! And a comedy club!? That's fantastic!
The Royal Promenade! The Globe & Atlas Pub was so much fun (especially with our new British friends). Boleros was total excitement.
The Solarium! Ahhhhhh......relaxation......!! I can almost still feel it.
And who can forget the art!? The Small Wonders was one of The Queen's favorite little things to do each day. (http://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/video/32/the-wonder-of-oasis-an-art-gallery-at-sea/)

I could go on and on, but an Oasis class ship is something to be experienced, not described. Which is why we'll be on the Harmony as soon as humanly possible! And finally, my top reason why the Oasis Of The Seas is my favorite ship, and will likely always be. An IT factor to end all IT factors...
The Joy It Brought To My Queen - It had been a while since my wife and I were on vacation. In the years leading up to our Oasis cruise, we had a lot of challenges. Things that tested us as individuals, and as a couple. After 22 years together that's bound to happen, you know? So when it was finally time to get away and leave that past behind us, my wife was overtaken with joy. Her response upon entering the Oasis Of The Seas will live with me forever, and it's why we'll never stop cruising (and probably never try another cruise line).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B41VaJKWq_l0WHZwazZWSHV3T0E/view?usp=sharing  
The Chef's Table Photos and Videos
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B41VaJKWq_l0S1B0UC1DeVdTLVk/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B41VaJKWq_l0TC1zTXRvNkswbTg/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sWS59CrKWUFmf9jRQ_DcxJb75BqzDQpBPQ/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1leaZXiA90OPZX2LD-ZAo2ifnO9AFLviAlA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/187F1IfYMNKw_k2QgrPG0YETRIBQbfloHGQ/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZkinqP_F4uoOTIh2gzkFKCoOF24j3ekwdg/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iQcz6vCJwxyfcW8q1LqSuLo-Jp3K-gPE-g/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WmEfrRivRZzEm4Yj4Wh1Q6b0iKrd3_UMRw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ukx9E1_H44dkNH5kqPiwWa2xN7YP4gTdag/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lTc6p6OknSZdtIPHSzh4qkwCSC9GIQwIuw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xaTRk1On_Kn_vFfmm_GSHGutIJcaHFlzgA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SVRU-1GC76eDGxJw2_2D4QehjPyawrfBLA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1re6VLn2rnfMHxNvr977d5dRLOP7pxKiLHw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11FnJ6jHLyWvxAzMXp4-Cj1wQfmQXqKoWIw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13_LjGQuaOCYtsKaecLpQj_0fjpVvS-r7cw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/198iMLun1eLM5_msxCUm88JDGZ9sp-1ltxw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aRkSMMOhuS-bOmR1Mzcp6IZZlsP5kZBVZw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/102q-ogZO9nZJnv03bX36Pn_pdKLfXsCsxQ/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mhXGLm5oVubMF_WmBCtxfjmwhZbLUuVPFw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gVvmZF0XM8XWipzIfXrF-Up_YhE7QCy7xA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hWjKDtDOKJpL5bHeaQUFQsrlNqwgawGQUg/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1whO2-RDJcgZQeQVa1z8epUCm5WiJ2tWP6Q/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/131el24ieFmDOqbNvZxb1GJmMUfKm9k1Lww/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MglxBXYAfZvlHTdnFRLlnz5f0zLCGDbRvw/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b9WJT0CAyjPql4d_BckIseG51IKzGkvT0Q/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yLbxMwoueCLGzUvG2lTwt37c0ctsnv3nCA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BA8HNwFhzESgyZaVfdWAdfgxh0AROSkH9Q/view?usp=sharing

You guys crack me up!
So, I'm currently of the Gold Wing persuasion with outbursts of r6 and CBR1000 when I want to drag a knee on the race track.  I also have two pocket bikes but haven't raced those in years.  Too easy to crash when I throw caution to the wind.
I'd post some pics but, for the life of me, can't figure out how to do it.
 
DB

I don't even know that I can pick a favorite ship.  I can, however, give my top 5 for the Voyager/Freedom class of ships.
 
5 -  The seating at the very back of the Windjammer.  One of my favorite things to do is eat breakfast or lunch at the tables along the glass at the back of the Windjammer.  I love just watching the wake as we sail along.  We also got to watch one of the Disney ships dock at Costa Maya from this vantage point.
 
4 - The deck 5 outside promenade & helicopter pad.  We like to take a stroll around this area in the evening after dinner.  This is a great feature on several RC ships. It's nice that you can walk around the ship outside on a lower deck.  While you can do this up on the top deck, deck 5 isn't usually as windy as the upper deck can be.  It is especially cool where the walkway passes the dining rooms and extends beyond the sides of the ship over the water.
 
3 - The Art.  I can say this about any RC ship, however.  I like how each Voyager class ship has a different sculpture in the open stair area at the end of the promenade.
 
2 - Unique balcony cabins on the cheap.  We have sailed in the deck 7 corner aft on the Freedom and the deck 10 corner aft on the Mariner.  The deck 7 corner aft features an OUTSTANDING balcony which I think is actually larger than the cabin.  The great thing it is a standard E1 so you don't have to pay extra for it.  The deck 10 corner aft has a nice balcony but a considerably larger room for a D1 price.  If you want either you better book early.
 
1 - The Promenade. RC had a great idea when they put this large open area right in the middle of the ship.  There is a lot going on in this space with shops, food & bars.  I love stopping for a quick bite at Sorrento's or the Cafe Promenade.
 
I guess I'll have to throw together my list for the Allure next.

A few weeks ago, I posted my Top 5 for the Jewel of the Seas after hearing Matt's podcast episode regarding the same for the Enchanment and previously for the Freedom. On this week's podcast episode, a listener stated that s/he would like to hear more Top 5s, so it got me wondering what all of your Top 5s are for your favorite ship.
 
Below is what I wrote regarding the Jewel. What are your Top 5sand for what ship?
 
******************************************************************************************
 
Inspired by today's podcast episode (Episode 77 - Top 5: Enchantment of the Seas), I thought I'd take a stab at my top 5 for the Jewel of the Seas.
 
5. The View - excellent views are to be had from just about everywhere. An added treat comes from the center bank of elevators that offer a sea view.
 
4. The Eclectic Art Collection - each deck has an interesting theme as do each of the stairwells. We went for walks every night after dinner and had a fun time strolling the decks looking at the various art that range from neon sculptures, pictures of dogs, animations, photography, etc.
 
3. The Windjammer for Dinner - the Windjammer really impressed us for dinner with grilled to order fish, chicken, steaks, and burgers along with a variety of accompaniments (e.g., black peppercorn sauce). In addition, they had a nightly action cooking station where you could get the themed entrée cooked to order which varied from night to night and included things like fajitas and quesadillas to pasta dishes.
 
2. The Sea View Café - every ship should have one of these and in my opinion it should be open 24 hours per day. While the food wasn't phenomenal, it was very good and fresh as it was cooked to order. For an indulgent snack, the chicken finger/chicken wing/fries plate was great. And while the Rubens were good, we fell in love with the Cubans. My son was also a fan of the vegetarian sandwich after leaving Adventure Ocean at night.
 
2a. The Water Slide - since the Sea View Café is going away with the Jewel's refurb, I'll add the water slide as the Radiance class is the only class in the fleet that offers a water slide. While it doesn't compare to those offered on Carnival, Disney, or NCL, it is still a nice addition overall.
 
1. The Cinema - my wife and I enjoyed several movies here. The cinema spanned two decks, had stadium-style seating, and had a relatively large screen. It was our go-to form of entertainment in the evenings as there were a lot of good movies being shown that we hadn't seen.

I can't speak for Matt, but keep in mind that I believe that episode was recorded before he went on the Navugator and before the ship was refurbished. And let's be honest - it has Sabor, Izumi, and R Bar!

I disagree, Doc. I think there is a bad choice. The problem is, when you're new, you don't yet know what that bad choice is for you specifically.

As you said, you're itinerary focused. Others may be casino focused, or food focused, or whatever. And, to complicate it more, we all change what we want, depending on the circumstances. I, for one, have stated several times that I am an Oasis class fan, and I don't love the older, sub-Voyager class ships. That said, as a Floridian, I have the luxury of taking a cheap cruise whenever I just want to get away. For that, Majesty works just fine. And when it's time for that Alaska cruise, I don't have much choice in ships - it is what it is. If I want Sabor (and I do!), then that directs my options. (Which, by the way, I'm now pissed off because no guacamole will ever compete! Damn you, Sabor! You're my crack!) Again, it all depends on the focus.

Moreover, irrespective of our personal opinions, the bells and whistles of the mega-ships WOW people, regardless of the cruise line. I'd hate for someone to compare Carnival's latest and greatest with Royal's older, more quaint ships, and then walk away with the opinion that Carnival is better, when it's not.

#justmytwocents

Scott, I didn't realize bikers came in high def. ;)

Hi folks.  Dancing Biker here checking in.  I've never sailed RC before so I thought I'd have a look around here to get the 411. 
looking forward to learning some things about Royal Caribbean and making some contributions to the forum.
 
DB

While on a Freedom or Voyager class, keep an eye out in the compass for the "Cigars under the Stars" night.  Last March while on the Adventure I attended the event, up at the Sky Bar above the main pool area along with a half dozen other cigar enthusiasts.  For $20 the Connoisseur Club Manager paired everyone's individual preference in cigars with a proper cognac or brandy for their choice of sticks. I met some great people and it was a fun time.  Check it out next time you are on a Freedom or Voyager class cruise.  The event is usually held around 10 pm and if I remember correctly it was about mid week.

I'm good with Voyager class ships (see the number of times Adventure appears below).  We were a bit overwhelmed with Oasis.  We also take smaller ships due to the ports they can get to, plus not having to pay the Oasis/Quantum premium prices helps a little.  
 
But I would agree, try Voyager/Freedom first for the "holy smokes this is amazing!" first impression.  Later if you get to the point where the ports are the destination, not the ship, go for the smaller ships.  But it the ship is your thing, then go big on the big ships.  
 
Or just try them all. :)

Love that quote

These are the same sort of people who complained when Root Beer overtook Sarsaparilla. Some people just find things so they won't be happy.

Thanks Doc and Scott!! Appreciate your insight and my first experience on the friendliness I have been told I would be greeted with by my fellow US friends....
I will endeavour to find a facebook page for my cruise  :)

Can I see it both ways and not shunned? :unsure: Though, on balance, I clearly agree with you. :)

Remember, Arthur Frommer comes from a very different generation and a very different philosophy, based on helping people explore our world frugally. He is a pioneer and I am not sure where travel would be without his influence. He helped to take travel out of the hands of the rich, and make it accessible for the masses. In his day, the world was not so small and exploring it was not as affordable as it is today. He also helped pave the way for all travel writers and bloggers. For that, we owe him our gratitude.

That said, I disagree with Frommer when it comes to cruising. Cruising is a hedonism. It's pleasure-seeking. It's fun!!! :D Cruising is not exploration, however. Traveling in order to explore our planet can be, at times, not so much fun, but exploration is always educational, enlightening, and uplifting. And while they may both compete for our vacation dollars, they really are two totally different industries.

While cruises do travel to exotic places, they do not allow for the depth and breadth of exploration that Frommer advocates (and Steves, and others like them - though Rick, I'd say, is more in our camp than Frommer's: http://blog.ricksteves.com/blog/so-is-cruising-really-travel/). However, people do not cruise to Athens just to see Athens. They cruise to Athens so that Athens is a part of a "larger cruise experience." And when they are enjoying that "larger cruise experience," they want more than to just sit and look at the sea. I say that as a person who will spend many of his cruise hours sitting and looking at the sea. I spend the extra money for balconies simply because I feel more at peace than I ever do on land when I just sit and look at the sea. I am a big, big sea guy (though, oddly, not a huge beach guy). And even being the big sea guy that I am, I still want satiating dining experiences, breathtaking entertainment, first-class amenities, and I want to unwind and party a little at the many exciting bars and nightclubs. And while I'm at sea during the day, I want to do more than just read or play bingo! Though I do like the art. ;)

So, maybe Frommer overstepped. And maybe he should have followed Steves's lead: "...I’ve left the cruise-ship rundowns to the industry aficionados..." But, he does have a point. When does it become less about being at sea and traveling to foreign lands than it does about the hedonism? If the Voyager class ships and beyond are all destinations in themselves, why do we need to sail anywhere? To be honest, I'd be fine with that. Sail out to sea, just so I can see the sea, and sit there. Or go to Coco Cay or Labadee. A cruise to nowhere would be perfectly alright by me!

P.S. "About half those photos are just RC's photos." I didn't know that. That's funny! :lol:

The CA coastals are awesome. I did one on Celebrity with an overnight in San Francisco and three other CA ports and it is among the top itineraries I've done and I live in the state.