lildawgscottFL

Ha!
 
First of all, thank you for listening to the podcast and reading the blog.  All of this is for you, so I am glad you enjoying it!
 
Google doesn't really have much of a podcast directory that is as important as iTunes, so that's primarily why I have only ever mentioned iTunes.  
 
If you want to support the blog and podcast, post here regularly and be a friendly face to help others when they have questions.  Newbies really respond when they see that there are nice people who also love to take a Royal Caribbean cruise!
 
Just two days, eh? You must be losing your mind in anticipation!  Have a wonderful time and I look forward to hearing back about your experience!!

Hey Matt! You do know that like half the people have Android phones, right? And we love you and your podcast too! Where else can we post a review that helps you aside from the devil's world (aka all things Apple)? If you make me go there, I swear I won't drink any Labadoozles again! (not true)
 
Thanks for the great blog site and podcast. You've been an amazing resource leading up to our cruise, which is now two days away! Woo hoo! Keep up the great work!
 
P.S. I haven't forgotten that I owe you two answers when we get back - the mystery dinner theater and the Sabor lunch on embarkation day thing.

Hey Matt! You do know that like half the people have Android phones, right? And we love you and your podcast too! Where else can we post a review that helps you aside from the devil's world (aka all things Apple)? If you make me go there, I swear I won't drink any Labadoozles again! (not true)
 
Thanks for the great blog site and podcast. You've been an amazing resource leading up to our cruise, which is now two days away! Woo hoo! Keep up the great work!
 
P.S. I haven't forgotten that I owe you two answers when we get back - the mystery dinner theater and the Sabor lunch on embarkation day thing.

Yes, they are

With MTD, they try to seat you with the same wait team each night, so you'll have the same head waiter. However, they also take your room number each time they seat you, so they'll be able to see the note if you stop by on the first day and inform them of your wishes.

Specialty restaurants...been there, done that...so not as special anymore (though always fab!). What I've never done is gotten the attention of the entire MDR focused on her. ;-) Especially, as you say, "listening to the waiters try and sing happy birthday in the MDR has been hilarious, English is not their first language and they arnt the best with the words." <-- That'll be a hoot!

Jerel is correct. There are several "head waiters" and they are each responsible for several waiters. Your head waiter should stop by your table on the first night to introduce him/herself, but that doesn't always happen. You can also stop by the dining room on embarkation day and there is usually a dining room supervisor available to help you find your table or help with other requests. Any of them would be very glad to help make your wife's birthday special.
 
Make sure you note in your reservation, either through your travel agent or online, that you are celebrating a birthday and which day you want to celebrate. When doing this in the past (for an anniversary) the staff in Chops brought out a very nice slice of cake with "Happy Anniversary" spelled out on it and then sang to my wife and I. So I would have it noted in your reservation and then follow up with the head waiter or dining room supervisor as soon as you get on board.

Others would know better than I, but I'll jump in anyways.
I think there is many head waiters per floor, on my ships they dressed differently than the other waiters with their vests and bow ties, I noticed a few of them running around. That said, I'm sure there is a head head waiter for the floor. I think just about anybody would be happy to help you with your request though.
Also, just an idea but a birthday might be a good reason to try a specialty restaurant, maybe even present her with a gift at the table. I'm going to try it next year myself.
Although I must say listening to the waiters try and sing happy birthday in the MDR has been hilarious, English is not their first language and they arnt the best with the words. But that's my twisted sence of humor speaking.
 
Best of luck

My gut says Sabor is open for lunch on embarkation day.

Guess I owe you two reports now. ;-) I'll let you know about lunch.

For dinner, yes.  Not sure about lunch.  
 
They definitely had a Sabor tasting booth on the Royal Promenade set up!

At the Mystery Dinner Theater at Giovanni's Table, you will likely be sat with other people. It would be nice to have some time to mingle before being assigned seating. That way, YOU can pick your tablemates, not Royal Caribbean, and hopefully ensure the most enjoyable experience. Also, it would be nice to pre-lubricate, so we reduce any shyness.  ;) 

In light of this, we have created a little gathering that we are organizing through Facebook. If you are going to be on the October 18th sailing of the Freedom of the Seas, and you are going to the Mystery Dinner Theater, come join us and let's make the event a night to remember!  :D
https://www.facebook.com/events/1041769092513856/