DunkelBierJay

I think you made a good choice! Once you're on the free shuttle bus, you'll be in the terminal within five minutes.

Here's a plot of rental car locations. I have only used Hertz and I like their service, so I can't attest to the others.

My oldest slept in an upper birth on Freedom in 2016. She is the smallest and the oldest of our three. She is also the one who swears she will never cruise again. The other two loved it. I am convinced it was her experience with the upper birth, although she says it was the ship's motion. The seas were as close to glassy as I have experienced on a cruise. So, for comfort, although I have no experience myself with an upper birth, I would favor the pull out in a balcony stateroom.

Sorry, but your frustration seems to be based upon comparisons to normal sets of circumstances. If you watch Snapchats and Periscopes from PR since the hurricanes, you would know how bad it is there far beyond what the main stream media is reporting. If you spent time in this community and on this blog, you would know that RC is not immune from criticism here. You would know that issues pertaining to RC are treated fairly, and yes, the vast majority people here are frequent cruisers with Royal and love the company, because it consistently doea the right thing especially when there are circumstances beyond their control. As a mass market cruise line, they have mastered the art of mass customization. Despite the catastrophic conditions in PR, you will find that your experience on Adventure will be wonderful unless your practice in life is to criticize every adverse situation that comes your way. If you are any kind of a planner, why don't you simply seek out a plan B for accommodations on the island? It appears you didn't use a travel agent. Why didn't you do that? I won't touch your sanitation comments. They are just bizarre.

Another thing to remember are port fees and taxes...those are not included in your base fare...it's best to get a quote from a travel agency or RC directly. They aren't that much especially for the Enchantment's itineraries, but I remembered that I left that out my last post.

The Ship Enchantment is a wonderful, very stable ship...despite that, I was in 9' seas on her in January a couple years ago, and it bothered me a little when I was very far forward in the theater balcony for a show. I moved to the main level more mid-ship, and was fine. Our stateroom was deck 8 aft, and the motion didn't bother me there. Bonine is important to have in case you're bothered. Green apples, ginger ale...things like that also help as well as not missing meals and staying hydrated. Cost One thing to be aware of that I didn't see in the other comments is gratuities. Here is a link to the current policy: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/onboard-service-gratuity-expense Here is one of Matt's posts about it: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2015/05/19/first-time-cruisers-what-you-need-know-about-gratuities-royal-caribbean I highly recommend doing pre-paid gratutities so that you have it behind you. This is a critical source of income for the crew, and I like to slip my stateroom attendant, waiters and really good bar tenders cash from time to time in addition.

There are lockers for rent next to the hut where you check in for the zip line. If I recall correctly, it's either $8 or $10 for the day.

The Dutch and French governments are sending aid according to some news articles I have seen. Since Sint Maarten is dealing with Jose right now, we won't know much for a few more days. The SXM government website has not been updated since Thursday. Quite a few YouTube videos have popped up. All of the Snapchat videos that were up yesterday except one near Marigot have expired as I write this. It shows what looks like some aid efforts. You can use the pinch to map feature and find it if you move the map to the Eastern Caribbean. There are no Periscopes from there. I found a Facebook tourism page that posted links to send money. I won't post it here because while I think it is legit, I am not certain how quickly the aid will get to those who need it. I am choosing to hold out until I see something more concrete. It's killing me, because my heart goes out to all on that island. FYI, as far as the USVI and British Virgin Islands, I saw that the country singer Kenny Chesney is putting together a big effort to send aid.

I hate what this video shows, but it looks like the piers are completely gone. I can't imagine what it will take to rebuild that area, and the impact to their economy seems mind boggling.

If you get a chance, search #sintmaarten on Instagram and Twitter. The photos are devastating. I am thinking and praying for our friend on that island who Matt introduced us to through his many blog posts, Leo Brown. We spent a great day with him in 2016. If anyone knows any organizations collecting support for that island, I'd love to know.

The Royal Caribbean Instagram and Snapchat stories feature the great DanandMoore. Whenever he takes over the RC accounts, I don't miss anything he posts because he is so good at sharing the experience. He is currently on the Explorer Alaska itinerary, and it's amazing to watch. If you aren't already, follow either the IG or Snap stories...it's helping me look forward to the Alaska cruise, and ignore my Harmony GC (not going) blues....

They're trying to move product, and that's fine...the best strategy is to book as early as possible and watch for the CP sales up to 3 days prior to sail date...book when you see them and if a better deal comes up later, cancel and rebook...I've done it a few times and have saved some decent money that way...you just have to be diligent about checking regularly.

I got excited and checked the package on my next sailing, and it actually went up a buck since yesterday....:(

I remember the sombrero lady...I almost bought the pic... The cost of the beach massage was half of what I would have paid on board. I wanted to get one on Navigator earlier in the year after doing a 10 minute pool deck massage, but I couldn't justify the cost...

As will we! Cabin 1816 on the starboard...I'd like to be a little more forward than that, but Brock at MEI hooked me up after I asked for it too late.

All the people coming by work for Nachi and are not obtrusive or annoying. I did get a massage that turned me to jelly that I would not have bought had they not come around. The staff there are really really nice and accommodating.

I don' t think the risk of bad weather and cancelled ports of call in the Eastern Caribbean is worse that time of year compared to the rest of the non-hurricane season...I'd say go for it...there are fantastic ports in the Eastern.

Yeah, I've been around them before...they take over bars...they have fun (yeeuccchhh)...they're noisy in the main dining room...they keep yelling BUS THREEEEEEE...What in the world is that about? oh...and all those people on their phones periscoping...the never ending smell of scotch...as if....

I've gotten a couple of good tips about ports (not necessarily excursions) from the CD or entertainment talent staff especially if they have been working that itinerary for a few months. I never thought to ask the excursion staff about particular details about an excursion. I would get that here or on Cruise Critic.

I would spend some time in Marigot and shop...wine is a great deal (Le Gout du Vin)....there are a couple great French bakeries. Another place to check out is Maho Beach if you want to watch planes land very close to you while drinking a cold beer.

gold except the pic looks like Navigator

I found that it doesn't necessarily show up in my stories row especially if a lot of people you follow post stories. If you go to the page on IG, you can tap the avi, and it should run if it hasn't expired.

The lack of unlimited money and time to be on a ship

I go by Jay, and my name is James...I just shrug it off...the servers in the Dining room who remember get bigger tips from me.

I love that idea...I also imagine building on what Carnival did on Vista and adding a roller coaster that is not necessarily self powered like that bike/rail thing is...I know it's kind of out there