Garnet21

Spitting in public is very common place in China and some other Asian countries. It's a behavior that is ingrained in many people.  You were on a cruise from China to HK so you should expect the ship is going to tolerate the  local  sensibilities.  I am not saying that it isn't a health concern or seriously off putting to Westerners, but I really don't think RC could stop it from happening.    If you are going to service that market,  you would have a very tough time trying to  impose strict rules and impose fines on passengers.  

2 hours ago, GlennGlenn said:

Do cruise ships even charge VAT? 

Cruise ships charge VAT tax when in port and probably within a certain distance of a port that they stop in.  I am not sure about the law when you are just "driving by".  The VAT rate varies between countries and can vary for different services, ie there may be a lower rate for food than for watches.  No business is allowed to eat sales tax.  They are required to collect it by law.  IF a business wants to give you a discount to negate that fee, that amount of money will come out of their revenues, not from  the taxes that are collected. 

The website could definitely use more detail and information.  It looks like the coffee card value varies among the ships.  

We  have a Johnny Rockets in a local Tanger Outlet.   I tried it once.  $12 is way too much  to eat there but that's just my very humble opinion. 

Hi! I might as well join the roster.  :)  Please add:

Allure - 27th  May, 2018  Eastern Caribbean

Freedom - 1st September, 2018  Southern Caribbean

Anthem - 4th July, 2019   RC Blog Group Cruise

Marianna

I agree that the water on Royal ships tastes fine.  No odd flavors or odors.  

It's sad that at age 24, this young man felt he needed to make such a tragic choice.  

I agree with mworkman.  Call everyday.  What have you got to lose?  Good luck!

Yes, you can drop off your luggage with the porters and go back to seeing the sights.  Just know that there is a good amount of traffic in San Juan so give yourselves plenty of time to get back to the ship and check in.  

Thanks!  I am down for My Time Dining so that sounds like a good thing.  I did look at your blog.  It inspired me to book the Swept Away excursion in St. Martin.  

I will be going on a 7 night Caribbean cruise on Allure May 27th.  Due to a major work issue, my husband had to back out but I have decided to  go solo. He is cool with this so it's all good.  I am excited about the cruise but also a little nervous.    I know what to expect of the Windjammer, but not sure what will happen in the MDR.  I am an outgoing person but I would hate to be seated with people who really don't want me there.  I am toying with the idea of buying the ultimate dining package.  Would I have a chance at being seated at my own table?  I booked an excursion on the Swept Away for St, Martin and a clam shell on the beach at Labadee (I burn wearing sunscreen). I haven't decided what to do in San Juan but I think I  may just walk to old San Juan, take in the sites, and  have a great cocktail and some mofongo.  Anyone have any pointers or experiences to share?  I have too many people telling me that I am crazy to do this.  I need some positive reinforcement!  

I think I may have put this in the wrong spot.  Sorry!

I ate dinner a few times in the Solarium Bistro on the Anthem last July.  There was only a charge for certain dishes, like lobster and filet mignon and at that time it was very reasonable- like $10.   You had to make a reservation to guarantee a seat at dinner. I thought the food, variety,  and service were  great.  A lot of people are unaware of it's existence (shhhh!) so it is not overcrowded.  At lunch it is a buffet and at dinner it is buffet and also made to order dishes.   I am sailing on the Allure in May and from what I understand, the Solarium Bistro serves lunch but it becomes the Samba Grill (Brazilian) in the evening and that is an up charge restaurant.  

WOW! Thanks for such a thorough and beautifully photographed blog.  After seeing this, I would definitely book a cruise on Serenade.  I just  changed my St. Maarten excursion to Swept Away  after seeing your photos.  :)  I was there last year on Adventure and I will be back there  on Allure the end of May. 

When you look at an excursion and want to see the time(s) that are available, click "add to cart". This will bring you to a screen that allows you to see the date and times of that particular excursion.  Don't worry about it accidentally becoming a purchase.  It takes many steps to finalize. 

I went on my first cruise in September of 2016 with no major expectations.  I loved the experience and have been getting on board a cruise as often as I can. I haven't had a bad ship yet so even the  last was great.  :)  I do have to say that the Anthem stole my heart.  I loved everything about the ship. I will be sailing on Allure on 5/27/18 so we will see how that changes the stats.  

1.  Anthem

2. NCL Breakaway

3. Adventure

4. Enchantment

55 till Allure! 

If you click the "BOOK" button, the day and time(s) will come up.  Don't worry, you still haven't made a commitment to purchase yet.