FManke

It is always the few, who ruin it for the many. I know that it is unlimited, but I would personally be all right if there was a time limit between drinks or even a drink limit per day. Even on the refreshment package, which I have purchased. Also, I think some of the blame for this abuse can be put on the shoulders of the serving staff. I've been in the hospitality business for over thirty years and you can't tell me that the serving staff doesn't see what's going on. They just turn a blind eye, especially if somebody is throwing them a couple of bucks. I get it. I've been there and I'm not sure it is even their responsibility. If they aren't going to police the program, the only way to, is to put some type of limit in place, that's electronically attached to your card.

I'll stick with my rough and callused feet, thank you very much.

Thanks Tiny! I hadn't noticed that before on the compasses. Just went back and looked at one.

I agree. If the ship and itinerary were great, I'd cruise on it if it was named, Chicken of the Seas! I do love tuna!

How long before debarkation time, does a ship usually dock? In other words, if I want to watch a ship pull into port. How much time should I give myself to be on deck? I know this may be ship and/or port specific, but just a ballpark figure would be great.

I've read some people who have complained about all the hand sanitizer stations they have aboard cruise ships. That some how that's a sign that they are dirty and unclean and that's why there are "outbreaks" of illness on board. How about the fact that those germs are being brought onboard by passengers and that's the reason for all the stations. If everybody used them, at least for the first few days on board, it would benefit everyone. It only takes one person to infect everyone.

I'm sure they will have tonic on board as a mixer of course. Not sure if it would be available on its own to purchase.

I hear everything tastes better on a cruise. Can't wait to find out. Only 89 more days!

It wouldn't be the first time I've been blamed by a wife. Usually it's mine though.

They've kind of become a thing here in the states the last couple of years. Especially the combination of maple and bacon.

If Homer ever had one, he'd say, "MMMM Bacon Donuts" Don't knock 'em until you try 'em!

Rjac, I almost didn't recognize you without your mask!

From what I've read recently, Honey Stung chicken might be a thing of the past. I hope not as I will look for it in Oct. Also, I look forward to visiting both Chops and Giovanni's. The menus both look great!

As mentioned above, the general break even point so to speak is like 5 drinks a day, every day of your cruise. This is taking into account that you spend an average of about $12 a drink. Matt has mentioned a lot previously about drinkers fatigue. This is where by day 3 or 4 you have really slowed done on your drinking and don't use your average of 5 drinks a day. That being said, if you are a big drinker in general, like myself that always has a beverage in your hand, mine all non-alcoholic as I haven't drank in 19yrs, it might still be worth it. All the soft drinks, lattes and such can really add up. I purchased the refreshment package for myself and got it for $18 a day, so I know I will definitely be getting my moneys worth.

Since I generally have always planned the family vacation, this one included, sans the boys this time, I just want it to perfect. Not necessarily for myself, but for my wife and kids. They don't enjoy the obsessive part of it, but they sure do enjoy the results!

You can rest easy, I'm not. I just have OCVPD.(obsessive compulsive vacation planning disorder)

The name "formal night" seems to be a hold over from cruising days gone by. As tiny260 mentioned above, the dress for "formal night" is all over the board. Dress as you wish, but it seems that business casual is about the minimum for most people.

I'm one of those uber planners you speak of. I don't like surprises.

Based on the web site, I didn't think RCCL even employed somebody in that position!

Just curious as to why certain ships have more cruise compasses posted than others? I l know that you can only post the compasses that are sent in, but just wondering why the disparity.

Sorry. It's on the home page.

Did they say why?

True. You also forgot the RMS Lusitania and the SS Poseidon!

How much does a name really mean to most people? Has anybody here ever refused to cruise on a specific ship because they didn't like the name?

You can check out the various menus here under the menus tab. They will give you a good idea of prices and liquor varieties.