DunkelBierJay

This is the crux of my biggest issue with pricing a cruise. Before I do a dummy booking, it took a while to get in the habit of adding taxes and port fees. At first, it was always a rude awakening when the published fares didn't represent the actual cost. 
 
So far, among my friends, I convinced one family to do a cruise. Now, after their cruise, they are hooked, but it took lots of info sessions to help them understand what is and is not included, and how to compare cabins, itineraries, ships, etc. There are so many factors, it's easy to forget things. If RC is trying to maintain a certain cost of goods percentage or to offset labor that could be directed elsewhere to maintain overall profitablility, they needed to make this change, but these things always tend to lead to customer dissatisfaction. It's a trade-off and a risk. I will watch with interest how this plays out once RC gets reviews back after this is put in place. I suspect that if upcharging hot foods in room service is standard within the industry, RC will be willing to take the PR lumps, and it's here to stay.

I like to think of it as losing something they were already paying for...
 
Still, I prefer this to the effect of higher fares.
 
You'll find me in the MDR and sometimes the Windjammer for breakfast and lunch...and hopefully at a cookout on the pool deck...with an ice cold beer. And not to forget a mimosa or bloody mary with breakfast.

I ordered room service once. That was all I needed to know that I wasn't going to do it again. There needs to be a huge quality improvement for people to use the service, I think. 
 
I wish this was designated for staff, because they will be the ones who lose additional tips.

From what I've read, at least about hot breakfast, people aren't really missing much. I think at least keeping the complimentary continental breakfast is a good move. In the end, if somebody really wants room service they will pay for it. I think a lot of people just order it for the novelty of it and maybe that staff will be better used elsewhere?

I like the idea of being able to walk up to the bar and have a couple of margaritas (drink package) and some really good guac for just a couple bucks... I'd be sad if this option was taken away.

I think that Sabor on Nav is a great option. Sanborn on the O class is not

This just made me really sad. I like the idea of being able to go in for a snack. Guess this will be a lunch stop, then.

I booked the Maiden out of Barcelona. I haven't done one before but heard they leave small gifts on your bed. Hats, mugs, ect. I'm also expecting some celebrations, I guess I'll find out what happens.
Really I think the appeal is just the novalty of being the first on the ship and in your bed, and also being able to say you sailed her when very few have.
I'm also expecting some bugs to be worked out, it is a brand new ship, bound to be some problems.
When we booked on the weekend the prices weren't that bad, and the itenary looks amazing, only one sea day though.

We've gone to both and the vibe was very different even though the amenities are basically identical.
 
When we went to Nachi (a big group) it was a little on the chilly side and all we did was go in the hot tub.  It definitely would have been too cold to swim in the pool or ocean   The food and service were very good.  No complaints about those.  There were very few people there when we went to Nachi.
 
We went to Mr. Sanchos this last trip.  There were definitely more people at Mr. Sanchos this year than at Nachi last year.  The food, drinks and service were equivalent and it was a little too cool for me to swim, even though I went into the swim-up bar and got 1 drink.
 
Both trips were at exactly the same time of year - mid Feb.
 
If I had to make a choice right now, I would probably choose Mr. Sancho's.  I feel the facilities are a little better (they have 2 swim-up bars) but neither place would be a mistake.  They both have the same amenities and I believe the cost was identical.

We have been to both and love Sanchos. We went to Nachi last April based on reviews from others on the forum. We experienced very poor service and it seemed as though our server was hungover or just didn't care. Several times we had to walk to the bar to get our own drinks. Had a bad experience with the bartender at the pool too. We returned to Coz in November and took our large group to Sanchos. Nachi was not even a consideration based our first visit.
 
Without going on an excursion the snorkeling is not good at either location. We reserve our Sanchos visit on shoreexcursioneers.com and save $5. Pre-book the snorkel trip through them and save about 25%. The snorkel boat leaves from Sanchos and they take you to some very nice areas.  

I don't think you can go wrong with either from what I've read. I've only done Mr. Sancho's and truly enjoyed it. Service was top notch, food and drinks were good, and the pool with the swim up bar was nice.

I am pretty certain I am driving from TN to Tampa for the June 3 Empress sailing. Has anyone run across any Tampa cruise port parking promo codes?

They have my money from right after Matt's scope the other night and MEI is taking it over once Brock gets back tomorrow....I'm skeered...taking my kids who are getting an OV with balcony and my wife and I are getting a CP balcony....that's a lot of money even though I've seen the price go up and staterooms get gobbled up.
 
I will have to re-price it often to feel like I got a deal...

When I cruises from Tampa, I just parked in the lot across the street

http://www.theparkingdoctors.com/  
Used them once with no issues... Its not a garage but is fenced and only about 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the ship.  About half price and they were at the pier waiting for us in the morning and we carried off.

We stayed at a hotel on Ocean drive on 2/16 after arriving at FLL. We took a Lyft, and it was about $40. Look for the www.cruisehabit.com post about this topic. Billy, the author gives discount codes at the end for Uber/Lyft. We took a cab back after the cruise and the total cost was almost $100.
 
You can get Uber or Lyft on the baggage claim level between the terminals...I think the sign said commercial vehicles or something, and there was a large drop off/pick up area designated.  If you have that many people, have either two people order the Uber/Lyft, or call for an UberXL, or Uber Black. It would still be cheaper than cabs or a SuperShuttle. When I priced Supershuttle for two, it was $72 one way if I recall correctly.

I need help. I know I'm an over planner, but I can't seem to help it. I once told my wife and kids on a Disney trip that there was "no time for pictures." It has become a source of humor since then. Does anybody else have this problem? Any suggestions? I want everything to be perfect, since this is a surprise anniversary cruise for my wife.

I can give you the same advice someone gave me a while ago..... Book it and don't go back to see if its cheaper...

So I did the Navigator 9 day from Miami that visits Curacao, Aurba, and Bonaire.  I have to say, of all the ports of call I've been to, Bonaire was simply incredible.  I cannot give a high enough recommendation to Renee Snorkel Trips.   Renee is a former marine biologist who relocated to Bonaire 25 years ago. Her knowledge is simply second to none.  I certainly won't get into the pro's and con's of booking an excursion through RCI or through places like Shore Excursioneer, but I will tell you what we were looking for.  
 
1.  Something unique
2.  Something not packed full of our other shipmates 
3.  Something affordable 
 
I stumbled upon her website about 2 months prior to sailing.  Her website says she does small groups, and the cost for a two hour trip is 40 dollars, equipment and beverages included.  I'm sold.  
 
When she says small groups, she means it.  It was my sister, my dad, and a couple from the ship from Toronto.   We drove about ½ mile down the street from the ship and just parked on the road and she said that this was our first stop.  I thought it was somewhat strange, but when I tell you that you will encounter more fish than you have ever seen in your life, I'm not exaggerating.  The only fair comparison I can make is that it was like snorkeling in a fully stocked aquarium.  Renee points out all of the different varieties of fish, including several octopus.   The water was calm, and crystal clear.   Renee ventured to say at the first stop we saw between 150-200 different species of fish all at a depth of 4-7 feet. 
 
The second stop is the Bonaire Marine EcoPark which offers the deeper of the two stops, and it allows you to see the vast schools of fish swim through the coral.  This stop is about 5 minutes in the opposite direction of the first stop.  
 
I hate to be 'that guy' that gushes... but out of the 12+ sailings I've done, Renee offered the best excursion I've come across.  To give you an idea of how impressed I was, outside of the 120 dollars it cost for the three of us to go, we tipped her another 120 dollars because of how friendly, and knowledgeable she was as a tour guide.  
 
http://www.reneesnorkeltrips.com

To Matt's point, it's a diving destination.  The town is lovely, but there isn't much going on (I liked Bonaire Blond Brewery though).  
 
I'd look into a water taxi ride to Klein Bonaire.  It's a snorkel destination, but the sand and water is so incredibly beautiful that if you're okay w/ a two hour beach stop that doesn't have restrooms, beach loungers, ubrellas, etc it's worth it even as a non-diver.  It's a cheap and beautiful option. 
https://goo.gl/photos/URq6UcGrScjV5yRi6

When I have booked on my own, I fastidiously checked pricing every week or so. Every month, I paid a little using my Southwest cc in My Cruises on the website until there was zero on final payment day. 
 
Using MEI, I essentially did the same thing, and had my agent make regular payments with my cc on file...
 
As far as option for payment -- since you are in Europe -- if there is a customer service number to call, I would do that if you can't see your payment options in My Cruises on the website. They may need to turn it on for you so you can see it.

I cancelled a shore excursion to lessen the sting of spending more...I still spent more, though...

I'm wrapping up planning for Sint Maarten on a stop on Freedom in June, and am leaning toward renting a jeep to get around the island verses some of the other options. If you have been there, how is the parking situation around Maho Beach? Google maps shows what looks to be a decent parking lot next to Sunset Beach Grill, but their website doesn't have a lot of information about it.

Yes, they do.  It's super easy to find, very close to the McDonald's by the terminal.  It's a really nice taproom, as well.
 

 
 
Bad thing is that, unless you're sticking around when you return, you won't be able to have any to take home, as they 
won't be open that early in the morning.
 
I'd be ecstatic if they had some Florida beers, be it Jai Alai or something from Funky Buddha!   I know - dream on, son.

No kidding - life is too short for fizzy yellow beer! Super interesting perspective on that, though. So do something similar to what Carnival is doing with the Vista and it's brewery?
Definitely agree
 
 
<3 Lagunitas Sucks, but I'd even settle for the standard Lagunitas IPA or Pale Ale. Even some of the larger non-acquired breweries would be great to see (Stone, Founder's, etc). I drink a lot of La Fin du Monde as well when the ships have it... but that ABV will definitely kick your butt after a bit! Haha! :) I did once find Dogfish Head 90 Minute on Indy but I think I drank their whole supply the first day. :| At the very least... can they have an IPA that isn't a pine-tastic Red Hook?! Gimme Citrus, I'm in the Caribbean! 
 
Does Florida Brewing Co. have a tap room? Going in to Port Canaveral the evening before my Majesty cruise and that could be fun to check out. I do enjoy Florida Lager! ... Probably because if I'm drinking that, it means I'm in Florida awaiting embarkation.