monorailmedic

On ships that have Sabor Modern Mexican (such as the Freedom), you pay a cover, but all food is included for that charge. While we were on, a margarita was also included, but I suspect this varies based on the restaurant manager/revenue management. That in mind, on Freedom we did see that they offered guac "to go" or for consumption at the Schooner Bar right next door. On ships that have Sabor Taqueria (Oasis class), there is no cover, and everything is a la carte. I find this preferable, as I like to come in for a quick snack some times, not commiting to a full meal. pic: http://bit.ly/saborguac

I can't speak to specific sizes, but they seemed to have a wide range of sizes on FR in September.

I'd suspect that they'd wait to offer this until they've passed the window in which you can purchase a drink package. This suspicion is of course, based on very little.

Not all disabilities or challenges are visible to those of us around those who are affected. Some service animals can recognize ailments before their onset and help alert others (seizures, for example), some persons with significant PTSD use service animals to help them navigate crowds, etc. While I'm sure some people in the world abuse these policies I certainly can't begin to understand the challenges of other persons I don't know. To that point, on episode 175 (link below, highly recommended - though I'm bias :-) ), I mention my spouse requiring a wheel chair during disembarkation, though you can also find her on our group cruises walking around with the rest of us. It's easy for others around to assume she was just being lazy, but if you don't know - well, you don't know. http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/podcast/episode-175-disembarkation-day

We sailed the Marina in the Med in 2011. I'm really quite split between the newer ships and the R-Class ships. The Regatta was so intimate, but man what I would do for Red Giner right now. RCI certainly has a more lively atmosphere, and I know my spouse enjoys that a bit, but I'm happy sipping my drink and staring at the ocean. I'd be interested to know where your preferences are with both lines. Certainly every line has something for everyone, it may help me wrap my mind around things a bit better. I've also not sailed on a smaller RCI vessel...yet.

Thought I replied to this the other day, but the critical step of hitting "post" was skipped... It is apples and oranges, isn't it? I've sailed both a few times. A comparisson is really difficult to even begin, especially as we don't have kids, so there isn't much about Oceania that we don't love. What Oceania ship were you on in the Med?

I can honestly say I leverage a combination of both of your techniques.

I sometimes ask for a plate of berries. I'm not gonna lie, it's not instead of dessert, it's "dessert appetizer" for me.

I agree. For the record however, the privacy factor I was mentioning with with a feature that leads some people to think others cannot hear their conversations on other radios - which couldn't be farther from the truth, the feature just keeps you from hearing others.

Checkout the thread where we discuss keeping on touch on your Royal Caribbean cruise. I'll also paste below some information I wrote (in the comments of that thread) about using radios on the ship. Coped from http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/07/27/how-stay-touch-someone-your-royal-caribbean-cruise This is certainly a popular suggestion for staying in touch with others onboard. Using a phone and data yields the advantage of being able to communicate with those on land, as well as others you've just met onboard. Also, while the small FRS radios may work, depending on the circumstance (there is a whole lot of steel on ships, obviously), they present two issues that I'm particularly sensitive to as a former paramedic/ff and also a radio communication technician. 1) The FRS (Family Radio Service) frequencies are allocated in the US. Frequency allocations are different in every country, which means, beyond it likely violating local laws, one of those radios, keyed up in a given port, could potentially be operating on a frequency that interferes with communications on land (police, fire, or maybe just a fast food drive-through - you get the idea). 2) They can be a distraction to others onboard. Lying out by the pool, having a quiet read in a lounge, etc, I generally don't want to hear the tones they generate, statically and amplified conversation, etc. It's not the end of the world, it doesn't ruin my vacation, but I'm sure it's a popular consensus as well. All of that in mind, it isn't against the cruise line's rules, and I can certain appreciate the practicality. I assure you I won't judge you negatively if you show up on a cruise we're both on rocking a yellow radio :-) I will remind you that despite the manufacturers calling the CTCSS tones on these radios 'privacy codes' and similar things, the conversations are not private in any way, shape or form. So only discuss information you're okay telling the entire ship.

We have some friends on Navi (Rich and Tammy) and they were on the previous sailing as well. I don't beleive they experienced issues on the first sailing, only the second. I'm at Port Everglades right now having just returned from Independence of the Seas (checkout the live blog here), but once I get back in the swing of things I'll see if Rich and Tammy know the nature of the delay. I'd doubt you'd have a simlar expereince with your upcoming sailing, though things certainly do come up.

Welcome! That's a wide open question with a ton info that could be shared. I'd say start off by reading about Harmony and the First Time Cruiser articles (links below). Also, reply here and let us know what you enjoy doing, some more about you and your fiance, etc so we can make better recommendations. Lastly, let us know whether you're sailing the Eastern or Western Caribbean so we can help with information about your ports. http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/first-time-cruisers http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/harmony-of-the-seas

Hallo, Sven! While different regions see different promotions, starting very soon we can expect to start seeing some incentives relating to the holidays. It remains to be seen what they are, but as you've been lurking you probably know it's best to book early, so booking soon, combined with upcoming sales could work out nicely for you.

I am not good with absolutes and superlatives. When people ask me my favorite cruise, my favorite ship, my favorite color...I never know the answer. That in mind, Norway is my favorite destination. There are some similarities to Alaska, but while the destinations in AK are beautiful, and there is much to see in terms of culture and wonderful people (we're planning on going back soon) - Norway stands out even more. The fjord towns in Norway look like things you've only ever seen in movies or in Epcot. The construction of buildings is unique, with a quaint feel, while meshing amazingly well with the technologically advanced city that shows itself just blocks in from the water. People are among the most pleasant you can imagine, and most destinations are very 'trouble-free' with lots to do and see very close to the port. Similar to Alaska, you can enjoy great views for hours as you sail through the fjords, though Norway seems to have a near monopoly on water falls. As you can tell, I'm all in on Norway. Bergen is probably the city that stands out most for me, but I'm not sure there are any losers to be had. I don't know you, so I generally refrain from saying, "you'll love X" or "you'll hate Y", but I think a 12 night Scandanavian sailing would be pretty swell by the standards of many. Now - all of that in mind, the Caribbean is obviously a totally different ball game, and the Harmony is a totally different ship. This is amplified all the more by the contrast to the Netherlands, so I can appreciate the desire to branch out in that way - something I'm bias toward living in the Caribbean. So, we can load the points on that side, and then the cruise nut in me says, "Go for the longer sailing!" Whatever you chose it seems you have little chance of being disappointed.

+1 for Kayak and also Google Flights. They both use methods of predicting whether or not it's a good time to buy. That in mind, nothing is certain, and much like Matt, I like Southwest for their flexibility.

As mentioned only some of the inside rooms have virtual balconies and I'm not sure about Adventure. The below link should show you all articles tagged with virtual balcony info. I'll have on on Navi for 9 nights in February and will certainly share. http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/virtual-balcony

You're correct in that a drink over $12 will cost you only the difference. This is the same as it was under the old Ultimate package. Bottles of wine are a bit different, as you'll get a 40% discount on bottles of wine under $100 and 20% off bottles above $100.

Is the itinerary different? I know VAT applies to cruises differently based on whether all ports are in EU nations, if specific countries are visited, etc. Let us know exactly which sailings, that may help.

This all varies by sailing, and is adjusted as needed, but as a frame of reference, on Indy, I paid $941 (tax in) for a verandah GTY (ended up w/ Superior). That also included a $25 OBC. Bev package is $44/day on that sailing, so that was on the lowest end as well. Not too bad IMO.

I'm on Indy this Thanksgiving as well. I've cruised over x-mas on NCL, I don't recall doing any other major holiday sailings. To us it was an easy decision, we're taking a 4 night cruise at a great rate without using any vacation.

Welcome! Generally speaking the answer is no. Non-suite guests are only able to order room service off a fixed menu. This in mind, it never hurts to ask. I don't suspect you'd be able to pull off a full meal, but if there was a particular dessert you enjoyed, for example, I wouldn't hesitate to ask politely if I can pick it up and take it back to my room - the worst they say is no. As far as Grande, main dining room experiences currently take place in Chic, Silk, Grande and American Icon.

Our goal is to retire or semi-retire (come on solid worldwide broadband coverage...) in this way. The difference is that we'd aim for a much smaller number of ships/changes (perhaps just one) on a cruise line that doesn't repeat itineraries as often. I can imagine staying on an Oceania or similar type line (I'd say Crystal or Silver Sea, but I don't anticipate that being in the budget). As a side note, I've always found it funny that RCI doesn't put self-service laundy facilities on their ships, as it's pretty common - even on ultra-premium lines where you'd expect people to pony up for dry-cleaning and such.

Correct. From what I've seen on the bulletin boards Jerel is correct. Sanctioned/RCI organized events are int eh Cruise Compass, non-RCI organized events are on the bulletin board. I've seen this on Celebrity as well. While there are usually Friends of Dorothy meets, I recall seeing several other (potentially more widely attended) LGBTQ events on the bulletin board. I have a feeling they were better attended largely based on new ones being put up regularly. I don't see why not. Definitely on the last 3 RCI (RCL/X) cruises I've been on. Guest Relations (or in days past, the Pursers Desk), is located on deck 5, starboard, just forward of the main dining room (which is all the way aft).

Unless something has changed I beleive Coke Freestyle machines are only available on ships that spend the entire year sailing out of US ports (which Navgiator doesn't do, she's in Europe right now in fact).

I'd add that as always, ask for a discount or other special. It seems that while there isn't always a deal to be had, it isn't infrequent either.