CGTLH

First off, disclaimer and information slab of text. I'm not much in the way of a writer/reviewer. My options are just that, mine. I try to stick with factual information and avoid confrontational topics. So don't expect to hear such items of discussion such as the estimated percentage of number of people wearing shorts in the MDR on Formal night. I'll do my best to report back things like cost of the drink packages and if any discounts are being offered. More than happy to provide pictures upon request. Just don't be upset if I'm unable to get something I'm comfortable with. Being a single male with no kids, I'm not all that comfortable with photographing an area like Adventure Ocean. Another thing, I really enjoy it when content is partly driven by you guys. So please, give me your requests! Also, keep an eye on Twitter/Periscope for any material not posted here. I will try my best to do a few broadcasts, just give me some ideas PLEASE! Twitter/Periscope: @CGTLH Going to also provide some sailing details I'm on the January 15th 2017 sailing (7n) Western: Port Canaveral, Sea Day, Labadee, Falmouth, Sea Day, Cozumel, Sea Day I’ll be in a Central Park Balcony room on deck 12. Pre-purchased the Deluxe Drink Package and Voom, think it was called Sip and Stream ($392.39 [$49 a day, plus 14.5% service charge]). This was a Black Friday/Cyber Monday Special. Pre-purchased First Night Done Right. When I was on Oasis back in December for a 12 day back to back I had purchased it for both segments. On the second segment this package should have had a completely different name. In a nutshell, at Central Park 150 I was being told that the package was really just $15 OBC and 50% off the fee. Not the expected $15 upfront and nothing more out of pocket. So hopefully things are as expected now, guess I'll find out in about 40 hours. That is it for now, unless you want to know my tech toys, need to do a few more final packing things and get ready to get out later this morning. Once again, I am more than happy to scout any thing out on board. As long as it is with in reason and not a violation of Guest policy.

Greetings all! I know I'm a new comer to the Royal Caribbean Blog's Message Board. But trust me this isn't my first message board rodeo. Some of the content here is cross posted on another message board (If they won't let someone mention this site, I'm not going to mention their site!), but if asked I'll be more than happy to provide exclusive content. Trust me, I've provided this site a bit of content already! First off, I want to give Matt a shout out for the hard work he does. Trust me, I know how much of a pain in the rear it can be running a site devoted to a Cruise Line. Many many moons ago I operated one my self with a different format. Because I'm a new comer here I just wanted to give a little info about my self. My name is Michael, live in Tallahassee Florida, and under the age of 35. At the time of this posting I have 30 cruise under my belt and Diamond Plus with Royal. I'm also a "legacy" Platinum with Carnival, 10 cruises. I've also sailed once with Holland America, NCL, and Princess. With all that out of the way let me get started with you guys came reading for. But really that stuff won't start until Sunday, so I'll give some expectations and background information on the next post.

Hush, I love it when my hour long on board projects work. Simplifies photo transfers to computer so much.

Unless the Echo has a means to store/download music, an Internet connected device won't work. Even if you had a multi device Voom package, the issue is these devices have no means to enter a username and password/authentication code that is required to login for Internet access. This is normally entered when a device with a screen first connects to the network, think of it as click that darn agree button when getting on free WiFi. Best bet for music, TV does have music channels, most common on is the map channel that most ships have. Other would be to download music to a cellphone and use that. I have a Slacker subscription and Amazon Music (not the new Unlimited service, just the one with Prime).

Boleros on Freedom is a fun place to camp out waiting and watching other would be the Pub if you can fine a spot out in the Promenade. So much fun getting to see people's expression when they first walk on.

Not directed at you MikeK, just using your quote Pet peeve of mine: If you do happen sit somewhere. Please don't do it in Windjammer (or Park Cafe on Oasis Class), others would like a spot to sit to enjoy their first meal on board. Also, depending on ship, the space between tables can be tight and luggage will limit that even more. Best bet, after enjoying a meal would be to find a lounge/bar or other area and wait until the rooms open up.

Know what you mean. I bring a camera bag with me and also have a backpack with stuff that I don't want checked. Backpack isn't so bad. Dang loaded down camera bag becomes a pain.

You can carry on your luggage. Just keep in mind the bag has to fit in the xray scanner in the terminal. I want to say a suitcase in the 27 inch and under category should fit. Other thing to keep in mind you won't have access to your room until around 1:00pm.

I know, would love for Royal to sail out of New Orleans again. Yes, I know what you really meant...

You forfeit the deposit. Example if $100 in instant OBC was given with a $100 deposit, the deposit washes out the OBC. But say you put down $200 and the instant OBC was $100, you'll get $100 back. Essentially, the OBC is taken from the returned amount.

Oh, I'll be doing my best starting the 15th from Oasis. Had a very fun and interesting time doing it, on a different site, when I was on for 12 days last month. Now, if I could only make it a habit of not doing the posts at two in the morning... Side note: Expect to get a copy of the elusive Western run compasses when I'm back. I might post at a minimum the Daily Planner part "LIVEish".

30 cruises over all, don't think I have ever been once to an art auction. Then again, not much of a "grape juice" drinker... Unless it was bubbly... With gin and lemon juice added. Boy do I miss the French 75 from Oasis. Just have to wait until Sunday!

For me it would be Ovation, reason being I would love to sail out of Australia.

Toss me on the list... 2017 Oasis: Jan 15 Harmony: May 13 Anthem: Aug 31

Not really, at least Celebrity has a list of what brands/calls are covered for the primary two packages.

True... Still thinking they merged as a first step and will split again to cover based on brands.

Looking at the new menu, things that have changed since the May 2016 version on Allure. $2 across the board price change. Cherry Orchard: Gone Spiced Apple Pie: Gone Beer's Knees: Botanist gin vs Tanqueray No. Ten gin "Brand name" Manhattan: Buffalo Trace Bourbon vs Woodford Reserve James Bond Martini: Belvedere vs Ketel One Gin Fizz: Aviation gin vs Tanqueray No. Ten gin

I'm starting to think that Royal is wondering down that path to meet up with her sister Celebrity with three packages that cover alcohol. From reading the Standard package covers drinks to $6, Classic package covers drinks to $9, while the Premium is $13 (plus the sheet lists a slew of brand differences, Standard just says select and doesn't list anything). Per day cost difference is starting at $10 between each level.