rjweber3

When we were is Germany in 1980, our two oldest sons (12 and 10 years old) plugged in the new TI-99 their grandparents had gifted to them. They knew to use an adapted plug but that's all. They didn't understand why it smoked for about 15 seconds and that was it.

We've cruised on Radiance Class ships many times. We usually stay on Deck 10. Many times, below the Windjammer. I am a relatively light sleeper and have only been bothered in the morning once. That was what sounded like a herd of cattle stampeding overhead. Later found out some parents had sent their kids to the WJ so that they could sleep in. Evidently, they were playing tag or something. The crew corralled the cattle, so the noise stopped. Others have complained about chairs being moved across the deck, causing noise. I've never heard that to any great extent. If you are bothered by such, a white noise app playing on your phone or a fan might help.

Spa, Sports Court, Casino, Any place with Sushi, Windjammer for dinner, Dance Parties, Art Auctions.

Crete. We visited a Greek farm/botanical garden of native vegetation. While there we had the opportunity to learn how to make authentic Greek Tzatziki. I still use the recipe today.

Totally agree. MEI TAs have been great for us. Recommend them completely.

I can't imagine that RCL will allow that. But, I've been wrong before. I would have your TA call and find out. Or call them yourself BEFORE going to the port. Just my$0.02.

I was on Harmony in June. A non-hosted time was in the Cruise Compass. When I arrived several were just sitting in the area and looking at each other. I couldn't stand that, so I started by asking each person's name and service. That got things started. It ended up being a nice, relaxing way to get to know and appreciate other's experiences. We met several times on that 7 night cruise.

My son +3 used Uber in June. He said he requested an Uber XL. Held 4 plus luggage well. Cost was about $125.

Sure. MyTime dining is available to all. Make a reservation in advance or as the Retreat Concierge to make it for you. The lines at popular times can get long for those who elect to walk up.

We have used the laundry service many times on RC and X. No complaints. Price is high but I guess you pay for the convenience and one less bag on an airplane. Any issues were always ours.

We did a B2B on X last year. It would have been as easy as Ampurp85 said. But the INS requires that ship to show 0 aboard other then crew. A young man had gotten drunk in the Casino the night before debarkation. He ran up lots on is seapass. He knew he couldn't pay it. He tried to hide, apparently hoping he could avoid the bill. We had to sit in a lounge ashore for about 45 minutes before they found him. The last we saw he was being taken from the ship in cuffs.

I concur. We have sailed in JS on Radiance Class ships several times. All JS are on Deck 10. Never had an issue with noise.

9 - rjweber3 +7 family (Harmony)

Our cruises are in my signature block. I haven't counted in years. We're D+ on RC and Elite+ on Celebrity. Caught the bug 24 Februarys ago. Retired US military, retired contractor, current semiretired consultant.

We especially liked the scotch tasting. Various ages and casks were shown. In fairness, this was in the evening of a port day. We had consumed a couple of cocktails and wine with dinner. My wife faded early in the tasting. We enjoyed it anyway.

I concur with TimeRacer. TPA security tends to be long in the AM.

We've cruised on all the R class except Jewel multiple times each. We prefer the smaller, more intimate ships. If a ship is going where you want to go at a time you can cruise, just go for it!

It may be that the are seeing folks reluctance to book based on sticker shock.

The shows onboard are all included. But reserving in advance is usually necessary to guarantee a seat for a particular date and time. Some ships do this, and some don't. I don't know anything about the escape room. Bottled water is extra, about $3/bottle. Coffee from the Windjammer, Main Dining Room or other sources is included, except for "fancy" coffee like lattes and such. Anything from Starbuck's is fancy. I think the Strenuous tag is a liability hedge for Royal. It depends. When I was under 60 years old, I didn't think it was. Now almost 20 years later, it is for me. It depends on your body and condition.

I remember tendering to Labadee. Somewhere I have a photo of the beach with waiters in swim trunks and Tuxedo shirts and coats wading out to serve drinks. I wouldn't expect that today. The changes there have been amazing since 2000! But even than the vendors were a pain.

Not that I know about. There are several Facebook groups.

The popups are becoming more ubiquitous and persistent. Some even refuse to close for 3-5 seconds. I also understand the economic requirements, but they are becoming a reason not to view this blog.

I really prefer the older, smaller ships. Better itineraries and Oasis Class seems SO SLOW! But then, I'm older too. Radiance, Brilliance, Serenade, Explorer, Mariner.

I don't know about that specific cruise. But other European cruises have had one ATM for dollars and one for Euros. As recently as this May.

Lahaina was a nice little town with lots of local color. We will miss it.