RobWhatley

Morning guys and gals!
 
Cin and I traveled BOTS Jan 7-11, 2016.  Wonderful "first" time cruise.
 
We traveled with 10 other guests, all with "my time dining".  When we all arrived at the MDR, we were asked if we would like to sit together.  Reply was yes, if possible.  Within 4 minutes, we were escorted to the far back corner of the upper level MDR (they knew we were trouble, lol).  When we got to the table, it was only set for 10 guests.   2 of our party offered to sit close by, but there was no way the head waiter was going to allow that.   She said, NO!  and in less than a minute there was another table added and room for 12.
 
It gets better....
 
Our Waiter, and assistant, were 2nd to none.  I know these guys work for tips, but, they were sincerely "interested" in our group, and wanted to please.  They also showed a sense of pride in and about what they were doing.  Not deadbeat "here we go again" type of service.
 
Two of our guests were young boys, 10  and 15.  The boys had their food even before the adults order was taken.  Amazing!  The boys were able to ask for something NOT on the menu, and were not disappointed.  They soon after went to the teen area of the ship, leaving the remaining time/dinner for adults.  We love the kids, even though they are well behaved boys, surely they enjoyed NOT having to sit with 10 adults for over an hour.  It's the little things the staff do, and did, that make a venue "special".
 
Order taken.
 
Grilled asparagus was awesome was offered as a side veggie.  A couple of our people mentioned how pleased they were to the head waiter during her walk-around.  Others in our group chimed in (it was awesome veggie).  She smiled and said, "you all like it"?,  "I'll make sure you all have Asparagus, for the group, tomorrow with dinner".  Go Figure...talk about a happy crowd.  Yes, the next evening, Asparagus "magically" appeared on 2 separate large plates as a veggie to be shared by the table. And, yes, every night thereafter.  Yes, it was just as good as the first night.
 
Now, to the nitty-gritty....The Food!
 
Between the group, we had pretty much everything available on the menu. Starting with fresh baked assortment of dinner rolls....Pork, Duck, Fish beef and more.  Homemade mashed potato's.  What more could one ask for? lol.  Everything was excellent, no complaints, and many empty plates.  Our Waiter actually "built" a dinner for Cindy, when she was having trouble deciding, taking the best from different dinners.  Cheese topped escargot was a surprise.  I didn't ask to see if it was available without, but, sent back an empty plate.  Deserts were enjoyed by all.   The quality of the food made me think "why would anybody want to go to one of the other pay venues"...it was really that good.  Cin and I will most likely have to try "chops" on the next cruise just to compare, but we don't see how it could be $70 better, really!  
 
Our waiter and assistant, both, had all of our names memorized AND what we drink, by the 2nd night.  Unbelievable when you think of the number of people they work with during a 4 night cruise.  The entire wait staff was smiling!  Not only when around the tables...they honestly looked "happy" with their jobs.....I notice little things like that. There was a "stout" Black Man, bald, suit and tie, walking around that seemed un-interested in answers after asking how we were doing....every night within about 10 seconds of arriving to our table, he pulled his cell phone from his jacket as if answering a call, never received our responses, and walked away as if something more important was going on.  It got to be a joke around the table.  The last night he showed up, I picked up my cell phone and loudly said "yes, he's here".....looked at him, and said, "Grab your cell phone...you're fixing to get a call...."  The whole table cracked up, and so did he.....then he walked away, like the other nights...We didn't need him anyways. lol  The staff was doing a great job. We were NOT a rowdy group, 5 of us are over 60 and the entire group was well behaved.  The group did not feel "rushed" in order to turn the table.
 
Cin and I visited Windjammer for Breakfast and Lunch.  Next cruise we'll try MDR for those when we can.  Windjammer, after the 2nd or third meal, becomes blah, with the same "type" menu/buffet repeated.  Maybe not the same exact food Items, but buffet food.  We found that "filling", but nothing remarkable. 
 
To be noted: we found, by mistake, in the back of the ship where the bingo is played, a bar/lounge.  In the late afternoon/evening there was a hot finger food bar there.  I peeked... large fried coconut shrimp, cheese sticks and other warm items.  I was surprised at the size of the shrimp.  They sure "didn't scrimp on the shrimp".  I found later they are the dinner size shrimp served in the MDR.  It wasn't advertised, so keep an eye open for it, or ask...it was late afternoon.  I didn't want to spoil dinner so I held off. lol
 
Over all, we give the MDR an A++ for our experience.  Over and above our expectations.
 
Cin wants to go FOTS next.....the MDR will have a high standard to meet, much less beat.
 
 
 
 

The next one. :D

The next one. :D

Morning guys and gals!
 
Cin and I traveled BOTS Jan 7-11, 2016.  Wonderful "first" time cruise.
 
We traveled with 10 other guests, all with "my time dining".  When we all arrived at the MDR, we were asked if we would like to sit together.  Reply was yes, if possible.  Within 4 minutes, we were escorted to the far back corner of the upper level MDR (they knew we were trouble, lol).  When we got to the table, it was only set for 10 guests.   2 of our party offered to sit close by, but there was no way the head waiter was going to allow that.   She said, NO!  and in less than a minute there was another table added and room for 12.
 
It gets better....
 
Our Waiter, and assistant, were 2nd to none.  I know these guys work for tips, but, they were sincerely "interested" in our group, and wanted to please.  They also showed a sense of pride in and about what they were doing.  Not deadbeat "here we go again" type of service.
 
Two of our guests were young boys, 10  and 15.  The boys had their food even before the adults order was taken.  Amazing!  The boys were able to ask for something NOT on the menu, and were not disappointed.  They soon after went to the teen area of the ship, leaving the remaining time/dinner for adults.  We love the kids, even though they are well behaved boys, surely they enjoyed NOT having to sit with 10 adults for over an hour.  It's the little things the staff do, and did, that make a venue "special".
 
Order taken.
 
Grilled asparagus was awesome was offered as a side veggie.  A couple of our people mentioned how pleased they were to the head waiter during her walk-around.  Others in our group chimed in (it was awesome veggie).  She smiled and said, "you all like it"?,  "I'll make sure you all have Asparagus, for the group, tomorrow with dinner".  Go Figure...talk about a happy crowd.  Yes, the next evening, Asparagus "magically" appeared on 2 separate large plates as a veggie to be shared by the table. And, yes, every night thereafter.  Yes, it was just as good as the first night.
 
Now, to the nitty-gritty....The Food!
 
Between the group, we had pretty much everything available on the menu. Starting with fresh baked assortment of dinner rolls....Pork, Duck, Fish beef and more.  Homemade mashed potato's.  What more could one ask for? lol.  Everything was excellent, no complaints, and many empty plates.  Our Waiter actually "built" a dinner for Cindy, when she was having trouble deciding, taking the best from different dinners.  Cheese topped escargot was a surprise.  I didn't ask to see if it was available without, but, sent back an empty plate.  Deserts were enjoyed by all.   The quality of the food made me think "why would anybody want to go to one of the other pay venues"...it was really that good.  Cin and I will most likely have to try "chops" on the next cruise just to compare, but we don't see how it could be $70 better, really!  
 
Our waiter and assistant, both, had all of our names memorized AND what we drink, by the 2nd night.  Unbelievable when you think of the number of people they work with during a 4 night cruise.  The entire wait staff was smiling!  Not only when around the tables...they honestly looked "happy" with their jobs.....I notice little things like that. There was a "stout" Black Man, bald, suit and tie, walking around that seemed un-interested in answers after asking how we were doing....every night within about 10 seconds of arriving to our table, he pulled his cell phone from his jacket as if answering a call, never received our responses, and walked away as if something more important was going on.  It got to be a joke around the table.  The last night he showed up, I picked up my cell phone and loudly said "yes, he's here".....looked at him, and said, "Grab your cell phone...you're fixing to get a call...."  The whole table cracked up, and so did he.....then he walked away, like the other nights...We didn't need him anyways. lol  The staff was doing a great job. We were NOT a rowdy group, 5 of us are over 60 and the entire group was well behaved.  The group did not feel "rushed" in order to turn the table.
 
Cin and I visited Windjammer for Breakfast and Lunch.  Next cruise we'll try MDR for those when we can.  Windjammer, after the 2nd or third meal, becomes blah, with the same "type" menu/buffet repeated.  Maybe not the same exact food Items, but buffet food.  We found that "filling", but nothing remarkable. 
 
To be noted: we found, by mistake, in the back of the ship where the bingo is played, a bar/lounge.  In the late afternoon/evening there was a hot finger food bar there.  I peeked... large fried coconut shrimp, cheese sticks and other warm items.  I was surprised at the size of the shrimp.  They sure "didn't scrimp on the shrimp".  I found later they are the dinner size shrimp served in the MDR.  It wasn't advertised, so keep an eye open for it, or ask...it was late afternoon.  I didn't want to spoil dinner so I held off. lol
 
Over all, we give the MDR an A++ for our experience.  Over and above our expectations.
 
Cin wants to go FOTS next.....the MDR will have a high standard to meet, much less beat.
 
 
 
 

AGSLC5, Thanks so much for the link.  I looked all over this site before posting the question.  Even after Doc's attempt to help, saying it was "this site", I couldn't find it. Guess I'm getting too old for "hunting" on sites. lol  .
 
You're link took me "directly to the page".  Thanks so much for your help, from an ole fart!
Rob-o

Did "Scooter" change his SN?  You guys shouldn't do that to an old man.  lol

Did "Scooter" change his SN?  You guys shouldn't do that to an old man.  lol

It's a 500 mL cup. Approximately 17 oz.

 

Morning guys and gals!
 
Cin and I traveled BOTS Jan 7-11, 2016.  Wonderful "first" time cruise.
 
We traveled with 10 other guests, all with "my time dining".  When we all arrived at the MDR, we were asked if we would like to sit together.  Reply was yes, if possible.  Within 4 minutes, we were escorted to the far back corner of the upper level MDR (they knew we were trouble, lol).  When we got to the table, it was only set for 10 guests.   2 of our party offered to sit close by, but there was no way the head waiter was going to allow that.   She said, NO!  and in less than a minute there was another table added and room for 12.
 
It gets better....
 
Our Waiter, and assistant, were 2nd to none.  I know these guys work for tips, but, they were sincerely "interested" in our group, and wanted to please.  They also showed a sense of pride in and about what they were doing.  Not deadbeat "here we go again" type of service.
 
Two of our guests were young boys, 10  and 15.  The boys had their food even before the adults order was taken.  Amazing!  The boys were able to ask for something NOT on the menu, and were not disappointed.  They soon after went to the teen area of the ship, leaving the remaining time/dinner for adults.  We love the kids, even though they are well behaved boys, surely they enjoyed NOT having to sit with 10 adults for over an hour.  It's the little things the staff do, and did, that make a venue "special".
 
Order taken.
 
Grilled asparagus was awesome was offered as a side veggie.  A couple of our people mentioned how pleased they were to the head waiter during her walk-around.  Others in our group chimed in (it was awesome veggie).  She smiled and said, "you all like it"?,  "I'll make sure you all have Asparagus, for the group, tomorrow with dinner".  Go Figure...talk about a happy crowd.  Yes, the next evening, Asparagus "magically" appeared on 2 separate large plates as a veggie to be shared by the table. And, yes, every night thereafter.  Yes, it was just as good as the first night.
 
Now, to the nitty-gritty....The Food!
 
Between the group, we had pretty much everything available on the menu. Starting with fresh baked assortment of dinner rolls....Pork, Duck, Fish beef and more.  Homemade mashed potato's.  What more could one ask for? lol.  Everything was excellent, no complaints, and many empty plates.  Our Waiter actually "built" a dinner for Cindy, when she was having trouble deciding, taking the best from different dinners.  Cheese topped escargot was a surprise.  I didn't ask to see if it was available without, but, sent back an empty plate.  Deserts were enjoyed by all.   The quality of the food made me think "why would anybody want to go to one of the other pay venues"...it was really that good.  Cin and I will most likely have to try "chops" on the next cruise just to compare, but we don't see how it could be $70 better, really!  
 
Our waiter and assistant, both, had all of our names memorized AND what we drink, by the 2nd night.  Unbelievable when you think of the number of people they work with during a 4 night cruise.  The entire wait staff was smiling!  Not only when around the tables...they honestly looked "happy" with their jobs.....I notice little things like that. There was a "stout" Black Man, bald, suit and tie, walking around that seemed un-interested in answers after asking how we were doing....every night within about 10 seconds of arriving to our table, he pulled his cell phone from his jacket as if answering a call, never received our responses, and walked away as if something more important was going on.  It got to be a joke around the table.  The last night he showed up, I picked up my cell phone and loudly said "yes, he's here".....looked at him, and said, "Grab your cell phone...you're fixing to get a call...."  The whole table cracked up, and so did he.....then he walked away, like the other nights...We didn't need him anyways. lol  The staff was doing a great job. We were NOT a rowdy group, 5 of us are over 60 and the entire group was well behaved.  The group did not feel "rushed" in order to turn the table.
 
Cin and I visited Windjammer for Breakfast and Lunch.  Next cruise we'll try MDR for those when we can.  Windjammer, after the 2nd or third meal, becomes blah, with the same "type" menu/buffet repeated.  Maybe not the same exact food Items, but buffet food.  We found that "filling", but nothing remarkable. 
 
To be noted: we found, by mistake, in the back of the ship where the bingo is played, a bar/lounge.  In the late afternoon/evening there was a hot finger food bar there.  I peeked... large fried coconut shrimp, cheese sticks and other warm items.  I was surprised at the size of the shrimp.  They sure "didn't scrimp on the shrimp".  I found later they are the dinner size shrimp served in the MDR.  It wasn't advertised, so keep an eye open for it, or ask...it was late afternoon.  I didn't want to spoil dinner so I held off. lol
 
Over all, we give the MDR an A++ for our experience.  Over and above our expectations.
 
Cin wants to go FOTS next.....the MDR will have a high standard to meet, much less beat.
 
 
 
 

Morning guys and gals!
 
Cin and I traveled BOTS Jan 7-11, 2016.  Wonderful "first" time cruise.
 
We traveled with 10 other guests, all with "my time dining".  When we all arrived at the MDR, we were asked if we would like to sit together.  Reply was yes, if possible.  Within 4 minutes, we were escorted to the far back corner of the upper level MDR (they knew we were trouble, lol).  When we got to the table, it was only set for 10 guests.   2 of our party offered to sit close by, but there was no way the head waiter was going to allow that.   She said, NO!  and in less than a minute there was another table added and room for 12.
 
It gets better....
 
Our Waiter, and assistant, were 2nd to none.  I know these guys work for tips, but, they were sincerely "interested" in our group, and wanted to please.  They also showed a sense of pride in and about what they were doing.  Not deadbeat "here we go again" type of service.
 
Two of our guests were young boys, 10  and 15.  The boys had their food even before the adults order was taken.  Amazing!  The boys were able to ask for something NOT on the menu, and were not disappointed.  They soon after went to the teen area of the ship, leaving the remaining time/dinner for adults.  We love the kids, even though they are well behaved boys, surely they enjoyed NOT having to sit with 10 adults for over an hour.  It's the little things the staff do, and did, that make a venue "special".
 
Order taken.
 
Grilled asparagus was awesome was offered as a side veggie.  A couple of our people mentioned how pleased they were to the head waiter during her walk-around.  Others in our group chimed in (it was awesome veggie).  She smiled and said, "you all like it"?,  "I'll make sure you all have Asparagus, for the group, tomorrow with dinner".  Go Figure...talk about a happy crowd.  Yes, the next evening, Asparagus "magically" appeared on 2 separate large plates as a veggie to be shared by the table. And, yes, every night thereafter.  Yes, it was just as good as the first night.
 
Now, to the nitty-gritty....The Food!
 
Between the group, we had pretty much everything available on the menu. Starting with fresh baked assortment of dinner rolls....Pork, Duck, Fish beef and more.  Homemade mashed potato's.  What more could one ask for? lol.  Everything was excellent, no complaints, and many empty plates.  Our Waiter actually "built" a dinner for Cindy, when she was having trouble deciding, taking the best from different dinners.  Cheese topped escargot was a surprise.  I didn't ask to see if it was available without, but, sent back an empty plate.  Deserts were enjoyed by all.   The quality of the food made me think "why would anybody want to go to one of the other pay venues"...it was really that good.  Cin and I will most likely have to try "chops" on the next cruise just to compare, but we don't see how it could be $70 better, really!  
 
Our waiter and assistant, both, had all of our names memorized AND what we drink, by the 2nd night.  Unbelievable when you think of the number of people they work with during a 4 night cruise.  The entire wait staff was smiling!  Not only when around the tables...they honestly looked "happy" with their jobs.....I notice little things like that. There was a "stout" Black Man, bald, suit and tie, walking around that seemed un-interested in answers after asking how we were doing....every night within about 10 seconds of arriving to our table, he pulled his cell phone from his jacket as if answering a call, never received our responses, and walked away as if something more important was going on.  It got to be a joke around the table.  The last night he showed up, I picked up my cell phone and loudly said "yes, he's here".....looked at him, and said, "Grab your cell phone...you're fixing to get a call...."  The whole table cracked up, and so did he.....then he walked away, like the other nights...We didn't need him anyways. lol  The staff was doing a great job. We were NOT a rowdy group, 5 of us are over 60 and the entire group was well behaved.  The group did not feel "rushed" in order to turn the table.
 
Cin and I visited Windjammer for Breakfast and Lunch.  Next cruise we'll try MDR for those when we can.  Windjammer, after the 2nd or third meal, becomes blah, with the same "type" menu/buffet repeated.  Maybe not the same exact food Items, but buffet food.  We found that "filling", but nothing remarkable. 
 
To be noted: we found, by mistake, in the back of the ship where the bingo is played, a bar/lounge.  In the late afternoon/evening there was a hot finger food bar there.  I peeked... large fried coconut shrimp, cheese sticks and other warm items.  I was surprised at the size of the shrimp.  They sure "didn't scrimp on the shrimp".  I found later they are the dinner size shrimp served in the MDR.  It wasn't advertised, so keep an eye open for it, or ask...it was late afternoon.  I didn't want to spoil dinner so I held off. lol
 
Over all, we give the MDR an A++ for our experience.  Over and above our expectations.
 
Cin wants to go FOTS next.....the MDR will have a high standard to meet, much less beat.
 
 
 
 

They confiscated by best man's pocket knife, which was a groomsman gift, from his checked bag. And my sister had her swiss army knife confiscated from her carry on. Both were retrieved after the cruise.

For the record, I brought my little swiss army knife. But, when I say "little," I mean little. It's about the size of your pinky finger. Had it in my carry-on bag.

Sharp Objects, including all knives and scissors are not allowed.
 
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&faqId=2608&faqSubjectId=333

I do not believe so...on my cruise in April on Enchantment my travel partner had one in her checked luggage...never thought about it.....suitcase was held and she had to pick up the knife at the end of the cruise....

Here are two small advantages for waiting till you get aboard.
 
IF you get aboard early before access to the cabins is available
 
IF you really like those cups they give you for pop/soda 
 
Then buying your package upon embarkation makes sense because you will get your cup immediately. Otherwise it may be held hostage until cabin access is opened up.
 
 
To tell you the truth, I always wait till we are on the ship for another reason.
 
I always give my brand new, still wrapped cup away to a Mom or Dad who is also waiting in line to by a pop package for their kid. I always choose someone who looks like it will take the least amount of explaining to this little scam. If some kids want to drink pop out of the machines on me for a week; God bless 'em. If it saves a fellow cruiser $65 for the week--even better.

True, but I forgot to mention that I usually prepay for that as well.

Thanks for the question and the info Guys! 
Just spoke with Sprint.  They offer texting while on the ship (which is considered international service).  $.50 outgoing/$0.15 incoming. 
 
NOTE**** They "Strongly" advised turning off Cellular Data While on the ship.  DATA rates are through the roof. 
 
Cin and I will use I-phones for Texting if needed. :)  This will work well with the 3 other couples in our "group".   There are certain settings that need to be made on your phone for use on the boat.  Call your carrier and ask.  Then, "HAVE FUN".
Rob-o

I remind my wife of that fact every cruise.
 
We used the same rationale for the Brilliance of the Seas cruise my wife and I did without the kids.

I think this is the post Rob is referring to: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/04/02/should-you-buy-the-unlimited-alcohol-packages

Specialty dining!

The only reason I can give for buying it ahead of time is that you can begin boozing IMMEDIATELY!!!! ;) :D B) The line we saw on Freedom was ridiculous! The Queen was particularly happy to not have to wait on it. Also, like Matty always says, it's nice to have things paid off over time. Of course, since I'm not a shopper, not a gambler, and I prepay for my excursions, I have no idea how I'll use my OBC.

Thanks, Steve. I know we'll have a great, but there's a part of me that just wishes we had cancelled given the frustration this has caused. Fortunately, I have faith in Royal and my TA to resolve this. It's just unfortunate that showing an invoice from Royal showing a zero balance wasn't enough so now I have to wait for this to be resolved.

Couldn't of said it better, hopefully you and your wife have a great time. Enjoy.

Thanks Steve and Jerel, I know everything will be fine and this likely wouldn't be a problem if I wasn't an uber planner and picked the specific cabin that I wanted. Had Royal just contacted us before the move, then it could have been resolved without such an issue.
 
Drive by the terminal today on the way to the Space Center. Super excited and bags are tagged. My son even said today how much he wished we could be on the Liberty today.

Ok, they finally opened up reservations for the rest of the restaurants on Liberty for my Super Bowl Sunday cruise.  3 nights at Chops, 2 nights at Giovanni"s.  Lobster Night is, of course, in the MDR, and we"re just gonna do finger food for sailing day at the Windjamaire. I originally had Chops reserved for Sunday night, but then I remembered,, THE GAME, so cancelled that one. Not a big fan of Sabor (I know Matt, I know), and I don't do sushi.  37 days out and cannot wait !!