DavidSodapop

I should probably stay out of this but I don't think "grammar shaming" somebody who is angry is anything except treating someone the way they said they've been treated already. If a mistake was made (and don't for a minute suggest that sometimes a large corporation and it's employees don't make mistakes--or are rude) why not just say so.
I like reading this blog because it was so nice to see everyone's positive outlook on cruising. All of you love to tout how much money you saved, and the value of the dollar, and saving up your pennies to go on cruises. It's nice to read--so when someone is upset they've lost a deposit I"m pretty sure all of you would be pissed off if you were out $500 in 24hrs for a clerical error on your part. Anger can get the best of us, as clearly at has gotten the best of you at this person with their vitriolic language. Direct them and help, don't criticize them for their opinion....it's always our behavior in bad times that is a great reflection of who we are, and admitting when we are wrong and moving on....

I should probably stay out of this but I don't think "grammar shaming" somebody who is angry is anything except treating someone the way they said they've been treated already. If a mistake was made (and don't for a minute suggest that sometimes a large corporation and it's employees don't make mistakes--or are rude) why not just say so.
I like reading this blog because it was so nice to see everyone's positive outlook on cruising. All of you love to tout how much money you saved, and the value of the dollar, and saving up your pennies to go on cruises. It's nice to read--so when someone is upset they've lost a deposit I"m pretty sure all of you would be pissed off if you were out $500 in 24hrs for a clerical error on your part. Anger can get the best of us, as clearly at has gotten the best of you at this person with their vitriolic language. Direct them and help, don't criticize them for their opinion....it's always our behavior in bad times that is a great reflection of who we are, and admitting when we are wrong and moving on....

Thank You David --- you are right --- my initial response first thing in the morning was rather cold (pre-coffee vs the shining light that I am post-coffee) .....
 
Apologies to those that have had the negative experience ...... Hope everything comes out the way it should be.
 
The cynic side of me had control this morning.

I should probably stay out of this but I don't think "grammar shaming" somebody who is angry is anything except treating someone the way they said they've been treated already. If a mistake was made (and don't for a minute suggest that sometimes a large corporation and it's employees don't make mistakes--or are rude) why not just say so.
I like reading this blog because it was so nice to see everyone's positive outlook on cruising. All of you love to tout how much money you saved, and the value of the dollar, and saving up your pennies to go on cruises. It's nice to read--so when someone is upset they've lost a deposit I"m pretty sure all of you would be pissed off if you were out $500 in 24hrs for a clerical error on your part. Anger can get the best of us, as clearly at has gotten the best of you at this person with their vitriolic language. Direct them and help, don't criticize them for their opinion....it's always our behavior in bad times that is a great reflection of who we are, and admitting when we are wrong and moving on....

I should probably stay out of this but I don't think "grammar shaming" somebody who is angry is anything except treating someone the way they said they've been treated already. If a mistake was made (and don't for a minute suggest that sometimes a large corporation and it's employees don't make mistakes--or are rude) why not just say so.
I like reading this blog because it was so nice to see everyone's positive outlook on cruising. All of you love to tout how much money you saved, and the value of the dollar, and saving up your pennies to go on cruises. It's nice to read--so when someone is upset they've lost a deposit I"m pretty sure all of you would be pissed off if you were out $500 in 24hrs for a clerical error on your part. Anger can get the best of us, as clearly at has gotten the best of you at this person with their vitriolic language. Direct them and help, don't criticize them for their opinion....it's always our behavior in bad times that is a great reflection of who we are, and admitting when we are wrong and moving on....

I should probably stay out of this but I don't think "grammar shaming" somebody who is angry is anything except treating someone the way they said they've been treated already. If a mistake was made (and don't for a minute suggest that sometimes a large corporation and it's employees don't make mistakes--or are rude) why not just say so.
I like reading this blog because it was so nice to see everyone's positive outlook on cruising. All of you love to tout how much money you saved, and the value of the dollar, and saving up your pennies to go on cruises. It's nice to read--so when someone is upset they've lost a deposit I"m pretty sure all of you would be pissed off if you were out $500 in 24hrs for a clerical error on your part. Anger can get the best of us, as clearly at has gotten the best of you at this person with their vitriolic language. Direct them and help, don't criticize them for their opinion....it's always our behavior in bad times that is a great reflection of who we are, and admitting when we are wrong and moving on....

I should probably stay out of this but I don't think "grammar shaming" somebody who is angry is anything except treating someone the way they said they've been treated already. If a mistake was made (and don't for a minute suggest that sometimes a large corporation and it's employees don't make mistakes--or are rude) why not just say so.
I like reading this blog because it was so nice to see everyone's positive outlook on cruising. All of you love to tout how much money you saved, and the value of the dollar, and saving up your pennies to go on cruises. It's nice to read--so when someone is upset they've lost a deposit I"m pretty sure all of you would be pissed off if you were out $500 in 24hrs for a clerical error on your part. Anger can get the best of us, as clearly at has gotten the best of you at this person with their vitriolic language. Direct them and help, don't criticize them for their opinion....it's always our behavior in bad times that is a great reflection of who we are, and admitting when we are wrong and moving on....

You can get it off your chest here....but I have a feeling that there isn't a single person here that has any power to help you.   YOU need to contact RCCL directly.   THEY have the power to rectify your displeasure...if you are willing to cooperate with them.  Learned a long time ago...the person yelling the loudest is most likely in the wrong.  Good Luck with your endeavors.  

I should probably stay out of this but I don't think "grammar shaming" somebody who is angry is anything except treating someone the way they said they've been treated already. If a mistake was made (and don't for a minute suggest that sometimes a large corporation and it's employees don't make mistakes--or are rude) why not just say so.
I like reading this blog because it was so nice to see everyone's positive outlook on cruising. All of you love to tout how much money you saved, and the value of the dollar, and saving up your pennies to go on cruises. It's nice to read--so when someone is upset they've lost a deposit I"m pretty sure all of you would be pissed off if you were out $500 in 24hrs for a clerical error on your part. Anger can get the best of us, as clearly at has gotten the best of you at this person with their vitriolic language. Direct them and help, don't criticize them for their opinion....it's always our behavior in bad times that is a great reflection of who we are, and admitting when we are wrong and moving on....

I should probably stay out of this but I don't think "grammar shaming" somebody who is angry is anything except treating someone the way they said they've been treated already. If a mistake was made (and don't for a minute suggest that sometimes a large corporation and it's employees don't make mistakes--or are rude) why not just say so.
I like reading this blog because it was so nice to see everyone's positive outlook on cruising. All of you love to tout how much money you saved, and the value of the dollar, and saving up your pennies to go on cruises. It's nice to read--so when someone is upset they've lost a deposit I"m pretty sure all of you would be pissed off if you were out $500 in 24hrs for a clerical error on your part. Anger can get the best of us, as clearly at has gotten the best of you at this person with their vitriolic language. Direct them and help, don't criticize them for their opinion....it's always our behavior in bad times that is a great reflection of who we are, and admitting when we are wrong and moving on....

Thanks for all the info Donolog, I think I'll have to sit down and devise a better plan. Every payday I withdrawal some USD in cash for vacation savings, I know it's not the best plan but it works for me. My bank (CIBC) has tried to sell me on a USD credit card. I'll have to look back into it, the benifits of it seemed confusing to me at the time. The Rogers Mastercard linked in your article looked interesting too, I'll have to look into that one aswell.Thanks for the reminder there is better ways.

This one threw me a bit the first time.  The button to get the luggage tags PDF is at the bottom of the check-in screen.  See screenshot: http://imgur.com/a/TMHYD

Why do you think they walk you through first class on airplanes before getting to coach? So you can see how much nicer it is at the front of the plane. It's okay wherever you sit, sure I love to fly first class who doesn't but I don't always do it, just depends on the trip, the price, and all the other factors. I am a happy traveler....happy regardless of where I am...and I can tell everyone on this blog is really keen on travel and just LOVES the adventure like I do. Spring for first class on the airplane (it's often cheaper than you think domestically) or upgrade to a suite at a hotel...its fun sometimes, other times you don't want to....but TRAVEL and the adventure is the best part....I never feel bad regardless of the room or seat I"m in...just happy to go

I'd tend to agree.  Canadians aren't paying 33% more anymore than those on the Euro are paying 11% less.  

If my comment is off-base I apologize but my thinking is like this.... Unless you ask RCI the company to charge you 30% less then of course you can't ask the employees to accept it either with tips...unless you just decide to opt out of tipping altogether. With fluctuating rates on any currency (including USD) you can't really time the market...you can prepay your cruise if you think that will help but you just have to decide in advance whether or not the exchange rate issue is within your budget. Plus you aren't paying 30% more, as tips are just a fraction of the cost of the cruise, and higher percentage if you get a smaller cabin, and lower percentage if you get a more expensive cabin. It will cost my family of four $420 in tips for a week on a cruise...in our case just under 5% of the total amount for the cruise---so calculate 30% of 5%...that's really the difference.

"6)  And here's the biggest take-away .... which you could never purchase, but is priceless --- The ability to decompress from the world, even when you don't even realize you need to decompress.  It was truly a medicinal experience ....
Plus, the removal of all the hate, politics, Clinton, Trump, Media and all the other negatives that fill the airwaves.  It wasn't until we got off the ship that we were able to grasp how important that was.... We were all one big happy family, regardless of where we all came from, for one brief moment, we were all together..... and I, for one, will be eternally grateful."

Couldn't agree with you more.
Our first cruise ever was three years ago. A four day on the Enchantment out of PC. 
It was liberating to not carry a phone or wallet. I thought I'd miss it but I didn't. While on Coco Cay I floated out in the water staring up to the sky and just cleared my head of any thoughts. Nothing. Just me, the water and blue sky. Honestly it was a bit of work for me to clear my mind but floating in the Caribbean helps.
I'd never done that before in my life. It was the most peaceful I'd been in recent memory. 
Can't buy that kind of peace. 

we are booked on our first RCI cruise as well on Vision of the seas in a royal family suite and here are the suite "extras" listed that I know about (but haven't actually been
riority check-in Personalized attention throughout the cruise with complimentary Concierge Club service on select ships Reserved prime seating in the main theater for entertainment shows, where available Priority tender tickets on select cruises. (Tender service is provided when smaller vessels are necessary to reach shore in locations without docking ports large enough for cruise ships.) VIP pool deck seating, where available Full breakfast, lunch and dinner dining room menus available for in-room dining Private breakfast and lunch seating in specialty restaurants on our Voyager and Freedom Class ships Complimentary luggage valet service Luxury spa bathrobes for use onboard Complimentary pressing service on formal night Priority departure with exclusive suite* departure lounge featuring continental breakfast   on it yet so just pulling this from website) other comments perks include ordering from the MDR menu for room service, loaning of dvd and players on board and a couple of them say use of an iPad on board for booking things, movies, etc...we shall see I suppose:)Hope this helped.

I don't like the thought of a bribe tip either. Although I'm guilty of it, that or guilt is my main reason for tipping. If a bar is busy I'll tip in order to be able to get his attention next time, Total bribe. If my waiter is just ok I'll still tip just because I don't want to be 'that guy'.
I do tip because I'm amazed at the service, it's just rare, normally it's guilt or bribe.
 
Personally I believe the best way to tip is to give them a wow card or really talk them up in you survey through Royal. My last cruise I was really impressed with the eagerness of my assistant waiter so I typed up a long statement on how she impressed me and on how it improved my cruise.
I can only hope these things go on to help their career.

I tip throughout my stay at a hotel and have a wait-and-see attitude. If the regular housekeeper is doing a stellar job and responding to my requests even for little stuff I tip and make sure to do so regularly throughout the stay. I always do it after it happens and then make a point of remembering people. I really feel privileged to be able to travel as much as we do and make sure I reward the people who make my vacation time memorable--and frankly it's all about service for me--the ship could go anywhere and I would be most happy with great service--hell it could stay in port---so I like to reward because good service should be rewarded. 

I tip throughout my stay at a hotel and have a wait-and-see attitude. If the regular housekeeper is doing a stellar job and responding to my requests even for little stuff I tip and make sure to do so regularly throughout the stay. I always do it after it happens and then make a point of remembering people. I really feel privileged to be able to travel as much as we do and make sure I reward the people who make my vacation time memorable--and frankly it's all about service for me--the ship could go anywhere and I would be most happy with great service--hell it could stay in port---so I like to reward because good service should be rewarded. 

I tip the room steward on our first meeting....and generally, $20.   I don't tip bartenders since I rarely see them again and don't drink enough to establish a regular bartender.  I know they are getting the mandatory assessed tip with every drink.    That being said, I always go to the bank and get $50 in singles because you will always need them.  Every room delivery will always get 2-3 bucks and the porter 5 per bag which doesn't include the bag I am carrying.    

sunrises...
sunsets....
and kummelwecks...plenty of roast beef kummelwecks
 
...pls tell me café promenade on Freedom OTS has the roast beef kummelweck :unsure:

The SetSail documents are like your boarding pass. It indicates who is going on the cruise, stateroom number, etc.

I have vacationed in Key West countless times, and the best way to see the hotspots on the island is either to rent a bike from nearly anywhere (for about $15/pp) or what is way more fun are scooters...you can see the Truman White House, Ernest Hemingway house and the Southernmost Point. Ft Zachary Taylor has the nicest beach, admission is $1....or you can walk. There is nothing unsafe about the place. Lots of great dining....Louie's Backyard on the water if you want a fine (and expensive) meal....spending money on a tour is worthless...its a walk able city and everyone is friendly.

Sorry to say but the Concierge Lounge on Adventure is ummm..... Real, real low on the list of RCL spectacular spaces. I think it was formerly a library. So there are no windows and no sense it is a unique place. Some other ships have some really outstanding Oh Wow! spaces.
 
Now for the good news. Our cruise in a GS on Adventure last March had a really outstanding concierge, Ryno. You will be getting an introductory email from whomever the concierge is about a week before you sail. You will also receive in the mail from RCL a quite nice package of pre cruise documents with luggage tags etc.
 
If you would like to go on any of the tours (the Bridge Tour, Entertaimment Tour, Behind The Scenes Tour, or GalleyTour) you can go for no charge; but, you will need to ask concierge to attend. Ask and you can magically receive Group 1 disembarkation luggage tags, even if you don't require them.
 
Keep in mind the concierge carries a lot of weight on board. And it's his or her job to take care any difficulties. So, for suite guests there are no sold out excursions, specialty dining is never fully booked, and it's amazing how fast an extra pillow or hangers will brought to your cabin.
 
Enjoy your doorbell room, they are quite a treat.