Pat and Bob

Sailing Aug. 14th 4 night Bahamas first time ever! We will be celebrating our 55th wedding anniversary. Looking forward to relaxing, having a few drinks, and the wife is going to be looking for the Lobster tails in the main dining room when they have them.

Yes accidents do happen, I don"t know why the towel was on the floor!

Yes accidents do happen, I don"t know why the towel was on the floor!

Happy 50th, and no I'm sorry, that towel would be on the floor.

There seems to be a lot of hype on the new Icon of the Seas. Bloggers,vloggers youtube influencers and the author/moderator of this blog make statements like they cant wait to sail on it and no doubt will either be invited or make a reservation on this ship come this Wednesday Oct 25 when bookings begin.  What many people fail to realize is that these first cruises are a "shake down" cruise. Not everything will run smoothly. It just won't , so dont expect it to. Not every thing will be open.  Staff are new to the ship and still in learning mode.  Shows, performers, last minute rehearsals, are all in test mode.  Dinner reservations, wait times, room service will all be a challenge.  Oh you might meet some famous people, top cruise line execs, and get to try out some new stuff., and of course you get the bragging rights that you were one of the first people to be on a inaugural voyage.  For me the cons outweighs the pros. I can wait. I will wait. 

There is the "All Access Tour," which has recently returned after a COVID inspired hiatus.  It takes you into the kitchen and provisions areas, the engineering control room, the bridge and the laundry area.  It was very interesting and informative, I enjoyed it a great deal!

Sailing Aug. 14th 4 night Bahamas first time ever! We will be celebrating our 55th wedding anniversary. Looking forward to relaxing, having a few drinks, and the wife is going to be looking for the Lobster tails in the main dining room when they have them.

Do everyone in line behind you a favor, and print your set sail pass

I have to Google sometimes too! There are so many! 
FWIW = For what it's worth
IMHO = In my humble opinion
BOGO = Buy one, Get one
B2B = Back to back sailings (same ship)
S2S = Side to side sailings (jump to another ship)
FCC = Future cruise credit
MTD = My Time Dining (in MDR)
OV = Ocean view

The two that I learned and have embraced the last couple years.
YOLO You Only Live Once
FOMO Fear Of Missing Out

Such a helpful group here🥰

TA = Travel Agent
OTS = "...Of The Seas"   All Royal's ships are called "<something> Of The Seas"

YMMV-your mileage may vary
DX- deluxe beverage package 
PC-Port Canaveral 
PE-Port Everglades 

My favorite
 
OBC = On board credit

An Amped ship is a ship that Royal refitted to include more of the modern amenities. For example, Oasis of the Seas was Amped to include things like the Bionic Bar and Ultimate Abyss dry slide which debuted after the Oasis was originally launched.  Amping a ship allows it to feel newer without Royal having to build a whole new ship and it keeps people interested in sailing them. Plus, on a money-making side, Royal can justify charging more for these amped older ships because they have so much to make them "new".
Other things you might have seen floating around:
UDP = Unlimited Dining Package
DBP = Deluxe Beverage Package
GS = Grand Suite
OS = Owner's Suite
AS = Aquatheater Suite
....I know I'm forgetting some.....but most of these are just shorthand jargon to avoid typing a bunch and you don't really need to know them beyond these forums.

This article should help: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/09/14/royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-term-glossary

Going on our first cruise 8/23 for 55th Anniv. and both my wife and I have mobility issues. I use a scooter and wife uses a cane. I figure we will set our bags out the night before keep a small carry bag for meds etc, and just chill in the public areas till the crowds thin out. We live 40 min. from Port Canaveral and Daughter is picking us up so no hurry.

Going on our first cruise 8/23 for 55th Anniv. and both my wife and I have mobility issues. I use a scooter and wife uses a cane. I figure we will set our bags out the night before keep a small carry bag for meds etc, and just chill in the public areas till the crowds thin out. We live 40 min. from Port Canaveral and Daughter is picking us up so no hurry.

As already noted, you'll be on deck 4 of Independence. 
Keep in mind this varies from ship class to ship class (and on rare occasions by embarkation port).

4

You will board into the Royal Promenade on Deck 4.  You should go directly to your muster station and check in before doing anything else.

Going on our first cruise 8/23 for 55th Anniv. and both my wife and I have mobility issues. I use a scooter and wife uses a cane. I figure we will set our bags out the night before keep a small carry bag for meds etc, and just chill in the public areas till the crowds thin out. We live 40 min. from Port Canaveral and Daughter is picking us up so no hurry.

Given how packed the elevators can be on disembarkation day, depending on what floor you're on the only potential downside is if you have anyone with mobility issues who might have trouble navigating stairs with a bag. But otherwise, it is definitely a much easier option in my opinion. 

You may want to think about getting the Anniversary package, or Anniversary decorations oft the Gifts and Gear.  Since your cruise isn't until next August try to see what the price is around Black Friday.  Remember you can always buy it now and if the price goes down cancel and rebuy. 

Yes I have the app. and told me my start of check in would be June 30th.