Bob_KY

Great ideas. Like fonemanbob, I use an RFID blocking (mine is a slim front) wallet. Many options and styles, just search RFID blocking wallet.

@LGeastbay. Great questions. Do we have to notify someone if we are not dining in the MDR? Do we just not show up (which doesn'tseem right)??? I just don't have a sense for the interplay of these two dining options.  We had an early MDR traditional time when we first booked our cruise and forgot about it. On the first afternoon, MDR called me to see if we would be using our table in order to sit "my time dining" Cruisers.

Same as @Waaaytooo with Michelle; 4 months after booking - "exception to policy."

This may be an indicator, albeit small. I've been on the Radiance twice: Hawaii (repositioning from Australia/NZ) and then an Alaska cruise. The one change I noticed was Rita's Catina was changed to Rita's Crab Shack. I imagine small changes will take place. Enjoy - you will love Alaska.

Agree. The view was phenominal from 7 Glaciers. About 8 people were base jump parachuting from the top. Take advantage of the back deck @ Telkeetna Lodge. On a clear day you can see Denali from there. The story is that view only happens 20% of the time. From the Iodge, we walked to the Roadhouse Bakery and to the bank of the Susitna River (there is park). @CGTLH nailed it on timing. We started (only a 12 night) in Anchorage, Telkeetna, Denali, Girdwood, and had a morning at Seward (July 4th) before we boarded the Radiance. BTW, the Mount Marathon Race is on the 4th, interesting to watch.

Our cruise tour was totally different (2014, started in Anchorage), but Seven Glaciers (Alyeska Resort) - awesome! Make reservations. Recommend Jen's Restaurant (dinner) and Snow City Cafe (breakfast) in Anchorage. I was stationed at Fort Richardson (now JBER) and those were our favorite restaurants in Anchorage.

@mworkman. I can relate to your question. On my hawaii repositioning cruise (Radiance), I used a TA. About 180days out, we decided to upgrade from a balcony to a GS once I saw the deals and availability on line. My TA went dark for a week - no out of office or back up plan for service. My knee jerk reaction was, never again. In hindsight, I could have handled very differently - but I felt trapped at that time. I can go on with the rest of the story - but if I had a problem, it wasn't that TA (nor agency) to resolve it. After the endorsement posts here about MEI, I decided to go back. Life is good, not checking daily Royal's website for sales and feel confident about my TA.

We had a great time doing the "Bike & Brew" in Juneau. A scenic bike ride to the Mendenhall Glacier. My wife & I don't bike and it was a pleasant trek. Then, free time at the Glacier. A short bus ride to the Alaska Brewing Company for a tasting. I wished they exported to the lower 48. We still had time for quick bites (crab cakes) and a "duck fart" at the Red Dog Saloon (Walking distance from pier). We enjoyed the "vaudeville style" piano player.

Ordering a 12pk of water is a milestone for us - indicating set sail is nearing or just anxious to go. ? My experience with the new web site is different. Water would not come up via cruise planner. I had to click on "account" and select "royal gifts." I could not get to the option @mworkman displayed above. Probably, too early. Notice the price difference.

Concur with all above, hate the deployment of inadequate upgrades. On the search for one positive, they fixed the connection between C&A and site log in. I am a "Jr" (on passport) and my C&A level was never correct (always "gold"). Not a big deal except for discounts. I always logged in with my wife's account to search potential cruises.

@DocLC, @tiny260, @Matt @twangster @WAAAYTOOO I am now a member of the Michelle MEI family. Thanks to all.

Go Army. ?

A phone call and no wait time. That was an indicator that it was meant to be. Cruise fever or "Set Sail carpe diem"

Done. HOTS, January 2020. This posting and the springbreak posting motivated me. @mworkman - bad influence ?. Now to surprise the wife. ??

Done - Western itinerary, January 2020. Grand Suite on HOTS.

225 days til my next cruise (Allure). Our first as Diamond. But you all are providing motivation to book HOTS.

Have not been on this ship, but recommend looking at what is above and below the staterooms you are considering. It looks like you would be below the second level (deck 12) of the fitness center & spa. Not sure of the noise.

@Lindsay. What a great question. I too have always bought the case of water AND the coffee card. Oh well. A few months back, @DocLC informed me about tips and drink packages. I always gave "base" tips because I thought it wasn't included in the package fees (still give extra tip $ for exceptional service). Again, this blog site is fantastic because of contributors.

AND MOSQUITOES.... I am jealous. Love Alaska.

Love the video, thanks for bringing it back. 242 days until Allure for us and our first cruise as Diamond...

I forgot our corkscrew on one cruise and the Cabin attendant gave us a royal Caribbean branded corkscrew. Still have it and use it.

As @Toyman55 said, every purchase on the ship is on your Seapass Card. You can track what you have purchased (your account) on the TV that is in your cabin. I recommend checking it periodically and most definitely toward the end of your cruise.

Go ahead and say, Grasshopper, when you take the cup from my hand, it is time for you to go on a cruise. Remember, a humble person, walks with his head down and measures one's worth by the quantity of loving cups.... https://youtu.be/j1wjvP-raOI I think you won already.... time to cruise.

Agree. We should gather all of our cups, take a picture and see who has the most. The old colored aluminum ones may date me.

Maybe Paint Shop Guy had too many Loving Cups.