CGTLH

Ahh yes, the hidden gems of dinner in Windjammer.

I like the Champagne Bar mainly due to it is a comfortable place and tends to be quite. Even when bar service isn't available I'll sit and people watch. Plus something about sitting on one of the couches and listening to the water under Rising Tide. In a way it reminds me of the Suite Lounge without a view. Side topic like the bar setup in the Suite Lounge on Oasis and Allure better. Nice sitting at the bar and being able to directly look out over the pool deck.

Quoted for the truth! Long live the Champagne Bar!

In my mind Wipeout Cafe and Mini Bites gave "sundeck people" a spot to grab a bite to eat without the "formality" of Windjammer. For a majority what was offered was sufficient. I do agree El Loco Fresh is unique. Not sure what the breakfast selection is at El Loco Fresh, but one nice thing about Wipeout Cafe and Mini Bites was a much less crowded area to grab some food in the morning.

Nope, I don't think so. Same argument could be said with liking Oasis or Allure over Harmony or Symphony. Right now me personally when it comes the Oasis class I still nudge a bit towards Oasis and Allure. Main reason is the amenities. Once I've sailed Symphony that might change. If Oasis and Allure change during the dry dock my views might change. On paper alone, I like SY over HM. Think Playmakers is a better use of space. Not a taco, nacho, burrito, fan so El Loco Fresh is a wash. Seafood lover so I like the idea of Hooked, bonus points for it not being all things deep fried.

Doing some quick research... Pricing seems to be around $1-1.50 a band depending on chip used (based on 20k+ units). Nice profit margin

Not really, it can have the potential to create revenue (outside of "accessory" sales). Placing readers throughout the ship they could gather various metrics of guests. Get better insight who they might be spending time with. How much time they are spending in various areas. Yes, I know this can also be done with wireless device tracking. Now on the subject of accessory sales. I'm sure you could find upper tier members of the CAS willing to buy a premium version of a WOW band that might indicate status.

Not sure if this number would be of any help: 888-767-4644. Was a number tied to someone's extension in the Executive offices.

Still have to find that bar server... Only thing my thought really does it stop the need to hand over a card or band. One of the future features of the new app was ordering from a mobile device.

Extending some thoughts... One of the biggest things that could be done to help along the adoption of bands would be the roaming bar staff. Give them a handheld point of sales system (tablet or "phone" size). Have the ability to enter the order and read a band or card at the time of ordering. Other thought could be having the signature either captured on device or old school with paper receipts. The challenge is the willingness to invest in the hardware and competence to setup the software.

Sure every ship in the fleet is going to eventually have the contact style doors and readers. Think one of the core features that the Royal app was going to be capable of was a card/band replacement while on the ship. Personally I think the upcoming dry dock of Oasis will tell Royal's future.

Wonder if these guys will start getting picked on. Know at Port Everglades and Cape Liberty this got detected in carry on. Port Everglades it would up being allowed, Cape Liberty confiscated.

For Suites, yeah. Normal rooms aren't that crazy.

Correct, 19.99 x 6 = 119.94

Missed that part... Yes, you would pay for the remaining days. Using @twangster logic, if you can do without internet access the night of departure just wait until day 2 to purchase.

Wait for the 90-100 day mark. Should start to see the suites open up around then. Just be warned that pricing is going to be crazy (see my post above). Paid pier/onboard upgrades are far and few. Most ships even have a sign that states no upgrades are available. Close out for an over the phone upgrade I've been told is 24 or 48 hours prior to departure. This is what an A4 (deck 14) is going for on the sailing I mentioned. I would imagine prices would start to decrease more as the sailing get closer.

Or in the case of the SY CG, end up at crazy prices. Even a JS is crazy Sure glad I booked when I did...

Going cost for the package has been $19.99 a day for Surf and Stream. For an individual day for $29.99. For the slower surf package, $15.99 a day and individual day for $23.99

Don't know why, think I've seen in one of @Matt Live Blogs dining with the wife and having a bill just over the one person limit. Difference was paid and they returned another night to use the other credit. So I would imagine it would be allowed. Worst case, order it to go.

All depends on how much is ordered. For example the Sashimi combo (15 slices) and tuna wasabi (think 5) would be $30. Add to the mix specialty rolls in the $13-17 range. Things can add up real quick.

Dining packages will have a $35 credit for Izumi

Toss the Champagne Bar into the mix. Don't let the name fool you, they are more then just Champagne.

One thing to keep in mind. If you are under the Nonrefundable Deposit rules, you'll get charged for changing ships. Also add to the mix that that the suite is unique. It is only available on Oasis and Allure. Other thing is it is up on 17, right around the corner from the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen. Given the choice, I'd go with Allure. The ship might a bit older but it is still nice. Partial bias due to the Champagne Bar (plus Star Class helps).

Understand 100% It was fun, but the organizer had it down to a science. Could tell it wasn't their first time setting it up. One thought to take some of the gambling aspect out of it. No pot, no fee to participate. Good prize and crummy prize (example: voucher for a shirt | a sticker/magnet).

Comment about a Poker "Run"... Fun to do, but the logistics can be a pain. Plus depending on numbers of participants it can become very complex. On one cruise it was combined with a Suite only cabin crawl. Think we stopped at 4 different suites plus a refreshment break at a bar. Drew two cards at the first and last stop, then one at the other stops. Best and worst 5 card hand (out of 7), split was 90/10.