RickinSTL

Thanks @twangster that was really cool.. I think at this point in my life, I'm just going to stick with cruises..  We've only ben on one land based vacation since we started cruising (Gulf Shores AL for my brothers wedding).  it was nice.. but we realized that land vacations aren't for us 

The early morning and late evening flights out on Saturdays and Sundays (in particular) are usually priced lower than the ones that leave between 11:00 - 2:00.  That's not a coincidence.  The airlines know that a cruiser is unlikely to be able to make a very early morning flight and not inclined to wait around all day for a late afternoon or evening flight. That is why those "sweet spot" flights are so pricey.
Could you do it ?  Probably.  Should you do it ?  I wouldn't.  I try and get my flights out - even at the really easy access airports (FLL, MIA) - between noon and 2:00 even if they cost more money.  I am not great under pressure. I tend to turn into a real biatch (NO responses are necessary !).
?

How I do formal night ?

I always figure I can sit in a boring hotel room or sit right next to the ship. I’ll always pick the ship. 

Thank you for your post! I had been wondering, and the wife and I have had quite a few talks about it! Now that I know what to expect, I will still choose a cruise vs all inclusive.  I just know that for me it’s going to be my personal preference.  You just helped me make up my mind!!? 

Oh, I see.  You're in rebound mode ?

How I do formal night ?

TMI ALERT !
??

My husband and I are gonna be in Costa Maya in September and we booked Maya Chan beach! They had great reviews on trip advisor and transportation is included to and from the ship which I love!

It's through Facebook.
 

If folks are thinking about Alaska and particularly visiting glaciers here are some thoughts about Ovation.
The natural tendency is think that being forward is the best place to see a glacier.  That's only partially correct.
Forward may be the best place to see the approach to the glacier but for viewing the glacier the sides of the ship are where its at since the Captain will turn the ship.  
 
Here is approaching Hubbard Glacier from Radiance last year:
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=83677
For our approach to the Glacier the helipad is okay but higher up produced better overall view.  Down low you miss the effect of the mountains and shear size of the glacier.  
 
Here is approaching Dawes Glacier from Explorer last year:
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/6634-explorer-alaska-62218-7-nights-rclblog-group-cruise/&do=findComment&comment=73654
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/6634-explorer-alaska-62218-7-nights-rclblog-group-cruise/&do=findComment&comment=73667
 
In both cases my best pictures and video came from the upper decks, outside, midship.  Sure approaching the glacier is cool and being forward is the place to take that in, but once at the glacier the sides of the ship are where it's at.  Having been to see them I probably won't put a lot of emphasis on being forward to catch the approach.  I expect the Solarium and bridge wings will be crazy packed.
The sides of the ship are where I plan to accomplish the best viewing of the glaciers.  

I have the slots running on Auto-Spin in my computer background during the workday. I just click it every once in a while if I see it has stopped. I also added the Blackjack to my phone to play; I'm learning strategy in preparation for my July cruise!

Harmony September 8, 2019
Harmony September 15, 2019
Freedom, September 20, 2020

Harmony September 8, 2019
Harmony September 15, 2019
Freedom, September 20, 2020

As it turns out she bought it as a gift for a friend in Skagway..  I don't know if they let her off the ship with it when we were in port..  But it was funny nonetheless lol 

My drink package dropped to $49 for my Brilliance sailing next week. $30 more in my pocket

Thar she blows!

My wife and I have been wanting and waiting to go on Freedom for many years, but the heavens never quite aligned for us.  Last week we were in San Juan leaving on an NCL cruise and as I took our traditional "first drink" photo, what photobombs me?  Freedom!  I have been chasing that elusive whale for many a voyage, and finally I have come in contact with her.  I checked your "Events" page and saw that you had an upcoming cruise aboard her, so threw my harpoon and I am booking.  
See you soon!
Mike_

I had read a post somewhere that a woman boarded with a crock pot.. she said she didn't want to leave it at the hotel so took it on board and willingly gave it to security.. 
 

I had read a post somewhere that a woman boarded with a crock pot.. she said she didn't want to leave it at the hotel so took it on board and willingly gave it to security.. 
 

UPDATE: we made it on board with the fishing pole no problems! We have it in a plastic document case and at first security asked what was in it, but said ok when we said fishing pole-walked right on through 

Remember the old Ronco Pocket Fisherman? They're still around, check it out:https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Fisherman-Spin-Casting-Outfit/dp/B01C7TZJE8

Check out this podcast about cruising with young children https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-180-guide-cruising-young-children-royal-caribbean

Get ready for Culture shock.. I put it like this.. You're on a cruise ship in 2018 and the minute you walk out of the terminal, you're instantly transported back to 1959.. I loved the time we spent there.. 

Get ready for Culture shock.. I put it like this.. You're on a cruise ship in 2018 and the minute you walk out of the terminal, you're instantly transported back to 1959.. I loved the time we spent there.. 

I'd just wonder if my Deluxe Drink package would be transferable to the ship im visiting for the day..  Also would I get Extra C&A points for visiting the other ship in port? lol