Tylor

This is correct. The reason is these machines need to be serviced by Coke personnel who are familiar and have the resources nearby to service the Freestyle machines. Ships sailing out of ports where there is no Coke Freestyle machines probably won't see the machines onboard until that region or country gets the machines/products. Also Coke products vary widely by region. A lot of the same products we enjoy here in the US are not available in many European countries. Likewise they have their own Coke branded products in Europe that aren't available here in the US.
 
Currently Freestyle machines are only available in the US, Canada and limited availability in the UK and Europe. As they become more popular, Coke will eventually install them in other countries.

That's very close to what I do

Typically re-positioning cruises happen in the spring and fall when ships re-position from the Caribbean to Europe (and back) or from one location to another. There are several available on Royal Caribbean's website. When using the search tool look for re-positioning or transatlantic sailings.
 
One cruise you might be interested in, if it isn't sold out already, is the transatlantic cruise on Oasis of the Seas when it comes back from Europe after drydock in fall 2014.

Unfortunately no! Actually where I live received a nasty ice storm Sunday and so a lot of people are without electricity at the moment. I'm thankful mine was restored and I had heat and lights on for Christmas!

It is the airfare that kills me. Depending on when I cruise the airfare can be as much as the entire cruise! If cruise ships could fit through the great lakes region and sail out to the Caribbean I would have no problem cruising several times per year. $189 is a great deal especially on a larger ship like Liberty!

Best Value
For staying in Fort Lauderdale before a cruise I would recommend the Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port for exceptional value. The hotel is 5.4 miles or 7 minutes away from Port Everglades cruise terminals. The hotel is located right off 95 south of Port Everglades.
 
The Hyatt House is an all suite hotel. Each room features a full kitchen and living area. Rooms are King Suite, 1 bedroom King Suite, 2 bedroom King Suite, 2 bedroom trio (a mix of king and two queen beds). Multiple bedroom suites each have their own bathrooms.
 
This is a great option if you're cruising with a group and don't want to get separate rooms for everyone. Or if you have kids, you and your kids can have their own bedroom and bathrooms which are all located within the same suite.
 
A full hot breakfast is included in the room price. The hotel has a gym and a nice pool. Next to the Hyatt House is a Hyatt Place which is slightly more upscale, and also more expensive. The hotel is located across the road from many restaurants and stores.
 
Hyatt House - 90 Southwest 18th Avenue Dania Beach, Florida, USA, 33004
http://www.fortlauderdaleairportsouth.house.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
 
Best Resort
For staying in Fort Lauderdale and looking for a resort experience I would recommend the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. The hotel sits near the 17th Street bridge and offers magnificent views of Port Everglades.
 
The Hyatt Regency Pier 66 features many different room types including standard and suites. Rooms are available in the tower (more expensive - views of Port Everglades) and surrounding the pool. The Hyatt Regency Pier 66 has several restaurants and a resort style pool.
 
If you have the money to spend and want to watch the ships sail in early in the morning or be right by the action for sail away, this is the hotel for you.
 
Hyatt Regency Pier 66 - 2301 S.E. 17 Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 33316
http://pier66.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

Well what types of gifts are you looking for? One year I bought my wife a fancy necklace that she could wear with a dress on formal night on the cruise. Women love jewelry, clothing, shoes. They really aren't hard to buy for. 
 
If you can't find something that she needs before the cruise, decide to get something on the cruise for her. Example: Pandora charm bracelet. Buy her the bracelet now and when you're in a port of call with a Pandora store you can buy charms. Each time you cruise you can buy a few charms that symbolize that trip.
 
I bought my wife a pair of gem earrings in Grand Cayman once and she treasures them and each time she wears them it reminds her of that wonderful cruise we took on Freedom of the Seas!

Best Value
For staying in Fort Lauderdale before a cruise I would recommend the Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port for exceptional value. The hotel is 5.4 miles or 7 minutes away from Port Everglades cruise terminals. The hotel is located right off 95 south of Port Everglades.
 
The Hyatt House is an all suite hotel. Each room features a full kitchen and living area. Rooms are King Suite, 1 bedroom King Suite, 2 bedroom King Suite, 2 bedroom trio (a mix of king and two queen beds). Multiple bedroom suites each have their own bathrooms.
 
This is a great option if you're cruising with a group and don't want to get separate rooms for everyone. Or if you have kids, you and your kids can have their own bedroom and bathrooms which are all located within the same suite.
 
A full hot breakfast is included in the room price. The hotel has a gym and a nice pool. Next to the Hyatt House is a Hyatt Place which is slightly more upscale, and also more expensive. The hotel is located across the road from many restaurants and stores.
 
Hyatt House - 90 Southwest 18th Avenue Dania Beach, Florida, USA, 33004
http://www.fortlauderdaleairportsouth.house.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
 
Best Resort
For staying in Fort Lauderdale and looking for a resort experience I would recommend the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. The hotel sits near the 17th Street bridge and offers magnificent views of Port Everglades.
 
The Hyatt Regency Pier 66 features many different room types including standard and suites. Rooms are available in the tower (more expensive - views of Port Everglades) and surrounding the pool. The Hyatt Regency Pier 66 has several restaurants and a resort style pool.
 
If you have the money to spend and want to watch the ships sail in early in the morning or be right by the action for sail away, this is the hotel for you.
 
Hyatt Regency Pier 66 - 2301 S.E. 17 Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 33316
http://pier66.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

This is a tough question to answer. I sailed Oasis last December and ate in the main dining room each night. But I only did this because I was part of a group and was the organizer for the cruise and I felt I needed to be with everyone. I want to go back on Oasis with my wife and I plan to eat in the specialty restaurants, most of them, not all. 
 
The menu: If you've cruised Royal Caribbean before then you will see many favorite and usual offerings on the new menus. Alternative selections are still the same, a steak, chicken and fish dish. Also thrown in are a pasta and vegetarian selection. Certain "starters" or appetizers are also available every night such as Caesar salad, escargot (when available, if not substitute sea scallops) and shrimp cocktail. There will usually be a pork dish too. The filet of beef and prime rib is also still on the menu. Filet of beef is first formal night. Lobster is second. Probably the biggest change I noticed was the addition of Indian dishes and more casual dishes like beef sliders. 
 
From what I found, the names for menus really have nothing to do with the dishes offered. The waiter will explain the significance of the name. For example, If some dishes featured saffron or shittake mushrooms during their respective nights, then I missed that dish (with the exception of the mushrooms in puffed pastry starter - never skip that!). I was still able to pick my usual favorites and try some new dishes. In addition to the "always available" selections each night is a trio of desserts that are also available each night. BBB Creme Brulee is one that I would recommend. Also if you're a fan of Baked Alaska, it is back on the dessert menu!
 
Ultimately it will have to you be up to you on which nights to skip the MDR for a specialty restaurant because only you know what you want. I would suggest that you check out the main dining room menu on your stateroom tv or on the actual menu placed out by the dining room after lunch to decide whether you want to eat there or not that night. You can always make specialty restaurant reservations same day. When I was on Oasis the ship sailed with 6,283 onboard and every night when I was strolling through Central Park or other areas I never saw jam packed restaurants. Also no one ever dined outside in Central Park either. So strange. 
 
Enjoy your trip on Oasis of the Seas. It's an amazing ship and an experience in itself. Don't forget to submit a review and let us know what you thought!

This is a tough question to answer. I sailed Oasis last December and ate in the main dining room each night. But I only did this because I was part of a group and was the organizer for the cruise and I felt I needed to be with everyone. I want to go back on Oasis with my wife and I plan to eat in the specialty restaurants, most of them, not all. 
 
The menu: If you've cruised Royal Caribbean before then you will see many favorite and usual offerings on the new menus. Alternative selections are still the same, a steak, chicken and fish dish. Also thrown in are a pasta and vegetarian selection. Certain "starters" or appetizers are also available every night such as Caesar salad, escargot (when available, if not substitute sea scallops) and shrimp cocktail. There will usually be a pork dish too. The filet of beef and prime rib is also still on the menu. Filet of beef is first formal night. Lobster is second. Probably the biggest change I noticed was the addition of Indian dishes and more casual dishes like beef sliders. 
 
From what I found, the names for menus really have nothing to do with the dishes offered. The waiter will explain the significance of the name. For example, If some dishes featured saffron or shittake mushrooms during their respective nights, then I missed that dish (with the exception of the mushrooms in puffed pastry starter - never skip that!). I was still able to pick my usual favorites and try some new dishes. In addition to the "always available" selections each night is a trio of desserts that are also available each night. BBB Creme Brulee is one that I would recommend. Also if you're a fan of Baked Alaska, it is back on the dessert menu!
 
Ultimately it will have to you be up to you on which nights to skip the MDR for a specialty restaurant because only you know what you want. I would suggest that you check out the main dining room menu on your stateroom tv or on the actual menu placed out by the dining room after lunch to decide whether you want to eat there or not that night. You can always make specialty restaurant reservations same day. When I was on Oasis the ship sailed with 6,283 onboard and every night when I was strolling through Central Park or other areas I never saw jam packed restaurants. Also no one ever dined outside in Central Park either. So strange. 
 
Enjoy your trip on Oasis of the Seas. It's an amazing ship and an experience in itself. Don't forget to submit a review and let us know what you thought!

Congratulations on booking your first Royal Caribbean cruise! And welcome to the world of Royal Caribbean!
 
Family Dining from Royal Caribbean website:
 
Opt for My Family Time Dining® in our main dining room, and your kids will be served right away before Adventure Ocean® staff pick them up for a night of fun. Parents stay behind to relax and continue their meal.
 
My Family Time Dining is offered for the first seating time in our main dining room, for children ages three to 11. Kids enjoy their meal within 40 minutes of seating, before heading to the evening's Adventure Ocean activities. The program starts the second evening you're onboard. After that, you can use it each evening or whenever you wish.
 
Already booked your cruise? You can easily pre-register online for My Family Time Dining right now. Or, visit the Adventure Ocean Youth Program area while onboard to sign up.
 
Adventure Ocean site:
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experiencetypes/category.do?pagename=onboard_cat_kids_teens_and_families
 
To fully answer your question: Yes it is okay to just send your children to the main dining room just as long as they know where your dining table is. If you have a 15 year old then they'll be able to go back to the location and explain to the waitstaff that mom and dad are dining by themselves tonight. I wouldn't recommend this option for younger children as they might get lost or not fully understand what they are to do. 
 
The family dining option listed above has age restrictions. After age 11 children can really do as they please. Your 15 year old might be fine going to the arcade or hanging out in the teens club. There is always the Windjammer Marketplace buffet too for dinner and snacks.
 
If you plan to send your kids to the main dining room without you I would talk to the waitstaff first (like the night before) just to let them know. Or you could escort your family to the table and explain what is going on. I have seen kids dining alone at tables before as the adults are gone for an adult only dinner. The waitstaff will most likely spend extra time with them doing tricks and showing them neat things to keep them occupied (I have seen this also).  ;)

Well what types of gifts are you looking for? One year I bought my wife a fancy necklace that she could wear with a dress on formal night on the cruise. Women love jewelry, clothing, shoes. They really aren't hard to buy for. 
 
If you can't find something that she needs before the cruise, decide to get something on the cruise for her. Example: Pandora charm bracelet. Buy her the bracelet now and when you're in a port of call with a Pandora store you can buy charms. Each time you cruise you can buy a few charms that symbolize that trip.
 
I bought my wife a pair of gem earrings in Grand Cayman once and she treasures them and each time she wears them it reminds her of that wonderful cruise we took on Freedom of the Seas!

Congratulations on booking your first Royal Caribbean cruise! And welcome to the world of Royal Caribbean!
 
Family Dining from Royal Caribbean website:
 
Opt for My Family Time Dining® in our main dining room, and your kids will be served right away before Adventure Ocean® staff pick them up for a night of fun. Parents stay behind to relax and continue their meal.
 
My Family Time Dining is offered for the first seating time in our main dining room, for children ages three to 11. Kids enjoy their meal within 40 minutes of seating, before heading to the evening's Adventure Ocean activities. The program starts the second evening you're onboard. After that, you can use it each evening or whenever you wish.
 
Already booked your cruise? You can easily pre-register online for My Family Time Dining right now. Or, visit the Adventure Ocean Youth Program area while onboard to sign up.
 
Adventure Ocean site:
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experiencetypes/category.do?pagename=onboard_cat_kids_teens_and_families
 
To fully answer your question: Yes it is okay to just send your children to the main dining room just as long as they know where your dining table is. If you have a 15 year old then they'll be able to go back to the location and explain to the waitstaff that mom and dad are dining by themselves tonight. I wouldn't recommend this option for younger children as they might get lost or not fully understand what they are to do. 
 
The family dining option listed above has age restrictions. After age 11 children can really do as they please. Your 15 year old might be fine going to the arcade or hanging out in the teens club. There is always the Windjammer Marketplace buffet too for dinner and snacks.
 
If you plan to send your kids to the main dining room without you I would talk to the waitstaff first (like the night before) just to let them know. Or you could escort your family to the table and explain what is going on. I have seen kids dining alone at tables before as the adults are gone for an adult only dinner. The waitstaff will most likely spend extra time with them doing tricks and showing them neat things to keep them occupied (I have seen this also).  ;)

Well what types of gifts are you looking for? One year I bought my wife a fancy necklace that she could wear with a dress on formal night on the cruise. Women love jewelry, clothing, shoes. They really aren't hard to buy for. 
 
If you can't find something that she needs before the cruise, decide to get something on the cruise for her. Example: Pandora charm bracelet. Buy her the bracelet now and when you're in a port of call with a Pandora store you can buy charms. Each time you cruise you can buy a few charms that symbolize that trip.
 
I bought my wife a pair of gem earrings in Grand Cayman once and she treasures them and each time she wears them it reminds her of that wonderful cruise we took on Freedom of the Seas!

All I know is that if I once lived in Florida I would never leave. I would trade Michigan for Florida any day, and cruising would just be the icing on the cake!

Eventually as the Asian market ramps up I wouldn't be surprised to see both an Oasis and Quantum class ship there for at least part of the year. If everything pans out the way Royal Caribbean wants it, I've seen rumors that there are 4 Quantum class ships on order and eventually 5 Oasis class ships. With enough ships to go around we could see permanent ships in Asia, Australia, Southampton and the US.
 
The Asians will probably go crazy over an Oasis class ship. And the new Kai Tak terminal in Hong Kong opened this year and is capable of handling Oasis class ships. There is even a photo of an Oasis class ship on the Kai Tak cruise terminal website. http://www.kaitakcruiseterminal.com.hk/
 
Some folks say 5 Oasis class ships would be too much. But in the next 10 to 20 years Royal Caribbean will probably be thinking about discontinuing the Vision class ships in favor of larger more energy efficient ships. The Oasis class ships are cash cows for Royal Caribbean, and money talks.

Okay so I did do some research on NCL Breakaway, because their Broadway show sparked my interest. Well I'm not interested in seeing Rock of Ages, but just their whole theater and how it compared to Royal Caribbean is what really sparked my interest.
 
Is this really the space that is the Breakaway Theater where Rock of Ages is performed?
 

 
I am really sorry, but this is one reason why I sail Royal Caribbean. They actually put thought and creativity into their public spaces. The Breakaway Theater looks awful. A lot like Carnival and MSC, monotone with no creativity and a low ceiling? Not impressed. 
 
Furthermore, I do not understand the design (I'm rambling here) concepts behind Carnival (I know that Farcus guy) and other lines like MSC. So strange! It is like they use one fabric swatch or one theme and repeat, repeat, repeat. The rooms are confusing, and not very appealing to the eye.

I caught that too. I didn't do any research because I figured they were right otherwise it would not have been written that way. I don't pay that close attention to what shows are Tony award winning and which ones aren't. But when I did read that I thought wait a minute. NCL now has Broadway shows, but then I reread it and caught the "Tony" part. Very creative indeed!
 
Someday I won't have to go to NYC to catch any shows, I can just catch ships on my fav line and watch them all!  :D

I caught that too. I didn't do any research because I figured they were right otherwise it would not have been written that way. I don't pay that close attention to what shows are Tony award winning and which ones aren't. But when I did read that I thought wait a minute. NCL now has Broadway shows, but then I reread it and caught the "Tony" part. Very creative indeed!
 
Someday I won't have to go to NYC to catch any shows, I can just catch ships on my fav line and watch them all!  :D

Ships that have Johnny Rockets are:
 
Majesty
Oasis
Allure
Freedom
Independence
Liberty
Voyager
Explorer
Adventure
Navigator
Mariner

I wonder if the Broadway show on Anthem will be British themed? I feel like a lot of ships right now (NCL's Breakway, Getaway, and Quantum) are customizing several elements or onboard experiences to the cities and or areas where they are home ported. :D  We have yet to see the Broadway show on Quantum, but several shows would fit the ships theme including Jersey Boys and Wicked.
 
How does Royal Caribbean keep all this so hush hush? In this modern age of instant technology how can something remain so quiet? We know the US spies on every country in the world in many different ways. :ph34r:  We know who has what weapons and what they are doing with them. But we can't crack the code on what Royal Caribbean is up to with their latest class of ships.  :unsure:
 
It is interested to note the pace at which this new class of ships are being built at a different ship building company/yard when compared to the Freedom and Oasis class. Things seem to be progressing rather quickly this time around with the second ship already beginning to be built and it will be released only a few months after the first. Not a whole year like as in Freedom or Oasis class.  :o

I don't want my post to sound anti-cash. That is not my intention. I just want people to be careful. I've read a lot of posts on Cruise Critic about things being stolen from stateroom safes. Personally I don't bring really expensive jewelry on cruises. I keep my wallet on me, I feel naked without it. My SeaPass goes in it while I'm on a cruise.
 
I do agree that you do need some cash for things like you mentioned tips, taxi fares, and other things. I make sure I have enough cash for those items. But I don't bring (for example) a $1,000.00 onboard the ship to spend while on the cruise. I think that is dangerous.

What are you bringing cash for? I would not advise getting cash at the ship ATM as the fee is really high. I bring some cash, a few hundred. If I purchase things in port I use my credit card. If you do use a credit card make sure it doesn't have a foreign transaction fee. Otherwise you'll get charged extra for using it outside of the US. A lot travel rewards (hotels, airlines) credit cards don't have foreign transaction fees. 
 
I don't bring a lot of cash because if it is stolen, then you're left with nothing. I also don't utilize the in room safe. I keep everything on me, like I do in my normal everyday life. If you make credit card purchases and are left with bad merchandise or a problem you can always fall back on your credit card company to remove the charge. Also if your card gets stolen, your card company will protect you and send you another card. I bring 2 credit cards. My wife also has a few others.
 
Using a credit card for all purchases also makes it easier to see exactly how much you've spent and where you spent it at. And it's one less thing to have to organize and keep track of.
 
I also link my SeaPass account to a credit card. Not that putting cash down is bad, but I just don't do that. I don't restrict myself on spending money while on vacation because I don't vacation very often. Honestly, I've already spent thousands on the cruise and airfare, what's a few hundred more?

What are you bringing cash for? I would not advise getting cash at the ship ATM as the fee is really high. I bring some cash, a few hundred. If I purchase things in port I use my credit card. If you do use a credit card make sure it doesn't have a foreign transaction fee. Otherwise you'll get charged extra for using it outside of the US. A lot travel rewards (hotels, airlines) credit cards don't have foreign transaction fees. 
 
I don't bring a lot of cash because if it is stolen, then you're left with nothing. I also don't utilize the in room safe. I keep everything on me, like I do in my normal everyday life. If you make credit card purchases and are left with bad merchandise or a problem you can always fall back on your credit card company to remove the charge. Also if your card gets stolen, your card company will protect you and send you another card. I bring 2 credit cards. My wife also has a few others.
 
Using a credit card for all purchases also makes it easier to see exactly how much you've spent and where you spent it at. And it's one less thing to have to organize and keep track of.
 
I also link my SeaPass account to a credit card. Not that putting cash down is bad, but I just don't do that. I don't restrict myself on spending money while on vacation because I don't vacation very often. Honestly, I've already spent thousands on the cruise and airfare, what's a few hundred more?

What are you bringing cash for? I would not advise getting cash at the ship ATM as the fee is really high. I bring some cash, a few hundred. If I purchase things in port I use my credit card. If you do use a credit card make sure it doesn't have a foreign transaction fee. Otherwise you'll get charged extra for using it outside of the US. A lot travel rewards (hotels, airlines) credit cards don't have foreign transaction fees. 
 
I don't bring a lot of cash because if it is stolen, then you're left with nothing. I also don't utilize the in room safe. I keep everything on me, like I do in my normal everyday life. If you make credit card purchases and are left with bad merchandise or a problem you can always fall back on your credit card company to remove the charge. Also if your card gets stolen, your card company will protect you and send you another card. I bring 2 credit cards. My wife also has a few others.
 
Using a credit card for all purchases also makes it easier to see exactly how much you've spent and where you spent it at. And it's one less thing to have to organize and keep track of.
 
I also link my SeaPass account to a credit card. Not that putting cash down is bad, but I just don't do that. I don't restrict myself on spending money while on vacation because I don't vacation very often. Honestly, I've already spent thousands on the cruise and airfare, what's a few hundred more?