Rose City Cruiser

I will admit I have experienced many dud TAs. I found one that works well for me and it makes a huge difference finding one who is good.  The problem IMO with the big websites and warehouse TAs seems to be there are a small cog in a very big machine and in many cases they are just there getting experience.  Not all TAs are created equal.

Ok, one more perspective, I have 5 future cruises booked and MEI has 3 and I still have 2, obviously I'm a control freak like everyone  else, but I felt like I needed MEI's expertise on a couple of the cruises;
MEI cruises,
2018 Liberty, last minute changes adding and subtracting passengers, fare increase/decrease etc..
2019 Blog group cruise, having the same plan as the rest of the group.
2020 South Pacific cruise out of Sydney, this is out of my comfort zone, thinking pre/post cruise Transportation, Hotel, excursions, then add in airfare (Its a plus 2 day flight).
So my point is, that if the planning and booking is in your comfort zone then do it, if not use MEI, they haven't let me down...

My wife is the control freak and she books our cruises directly through Club Royale.  So I guess she's my personal TA lol.  Just like travel agents, Club Royale also have access to rooms that are not available yet on the RCL site.  So it is always worth the quick call and get a quote.  

Comparing Cambodia to China is like comparing apples to oranges.  One country has been colonized by Europeans for many years where social/cultural norms has changed over time.  Another example is Hong Kong.  They have posted fines for spitting in public. 
There is a shift in the cultural norms in China with the younger generations though.  I interact with many international students from China and have asked them about the spitting. Most of them are oppose to that type of behaviour.  But try telling that to the older generation.  It's like telling your grandfather that he is wrong.  He will tell you to piss off haha.  So as the east interacts more with the west, these behaviours will eventually change. 

YOLO, just book it!

My daughter was reading a chapter for social studies and she came across the words "Freedom of the sea"  back when Wilson was president and trying to make peace treaties.  We paused for a moment and said "Ahhhh we can't wait til January" ?

I believe they will be in where the Photo Gallery space is on Deck 4.  Photo Gallery moving to Deck 3 where On-Air space is now.

I actually enjoyed St. Kitts.  Took a taxi tour for $15 pp.  3-hour drive around the entire island and took the signature photo at Timothy Hill.  Out of the three ports, I would skip Nassau.  

Where are you renting the car from?  Most rental car companies have complimentary shuttles to the port.  I usually rent from FLL and drop off at their closest location to the port.  I would recommend calling to see if they provide a shuttle or if you can change drop-off location. 

I am testing out Sixt which is off sight at FLL -- I have seen mixed reviews about them, but I want to decide for myself -- they don't have a shuttle to the port from the info I gathered so far, so the Lyft pickup would be easier than FLL (in my experience, it has been a pain). Otherwise, I usually use Hertz.

Meeting @monorailmedic is always a mistake.
In terms of what to do, my suggestion is drop off luggage and your family at the port at 10am. If you go earlier, your family will have to wait outside terminal since usually it isn't open yet.  Not the biggest deal in the world, but if it's quite hot out, not ideal.
Drop car off at rental car facility and take Lyft over to the port.
That way, you avoid having to pay for Lyft to go back to the hotel and then to the port.

If you have to pick one to stay onboard, Nassau.  

Hard to answer without knowing what your interests are.
Personally we loved St Kitts on our 2 visits - did the scenic train ride while enjoying beverages once and a kayak/snorkel excursion the other time.
Have done a range of activities in St Maarten and loved them all.
Usually stay aboard in Nassau and enjoy the quiet ship since there isn't anything in Nassau we are super-excited about.
 

I actually enjoyed St. Kitts.  Took a taxi tour for $15 pp.  3-hour drive around the entire island and took the signature photo at Timothy Hill.  Out of the three ports, I would skip Nassau.  

I actually enjoyed St. Kitts.  Took a taxi tour for $15 pp.  3-hour drive around the entire island and took the signature photo at Timothy Hill.  Out of the three ports, I would skip Nassau.  

I was in San Juan today.  Power was back on late last night.  There were instances of rolling blackouts during the day but none were longer than 5 mins.  It was business as usual.  

I was in San Juan today.  Power was back on late last night.  There were instances of rolling blackouts during the day but none were longer than 5 mins.  It was business as usual.  

I was in San Juan today.  Power was back on late last night.  There were instances of rolling blackouts during the day but none were longer than 5 mins.  It was business as usual.  

Ask the wait staff if they have Dijon mustard for the sandwich

What is up with Royal charging for food that is complimentary on other cruise lines?  O'Sheehan's with NCL.  Guy's Burger Joint with Carnival.  

Carnivals' Guy's Burger Joint > Johnny Rockets.  And it's complimentary. 

I Am Deleting The Following People in This group As They Do Not Contribute or post.
Kendra Pertilla
Reida Nichols
Irene Dennen
Rachel Brantley
Jivenia Porter
Renee Simpkins
Andrea Bogle
Danny Smith
Vicky Cumming
Marica Dickert
Elmira Chouinard
Buddy Veg
Jason Hail
Danielle Grimes
Deonna Foerster
Lorean Rothschild
Nola Dick
Lucille Delariva
Nolan Wohlers
Shoshana Kozak
Bari Strous
Douglass Houser
Leonarda Otero
James Jenkins
Kaleigh Didonna
Lyndon Lanclos
Renata Schillaci
Lisa Arrigo
Charlotte Calvin
Yelena Dunnam
Ron Lawhead
Quinn Sines
Jeanmarie Cabaniss
Keena Prado
Hank Hoover
Noemi Repp
Eliz Timbers
Melina Avallone
Virginia Mccomb
Kory Demery
Lucille Delariva
Nolan Wohlers
Shoshana Kozak
Bari Strous
Douglass Houser
Leonarda Otero
Kaleigh Didonna
Lyndon Lanclos
Renata Schillaci
Lisa Arrigo
Charlotte Calvin
Yelena Dunnam
Ron Lawhead
Quinn Sines
Jeanmarie Cabaniss
Keena Prado
Hank Hoover
Noemi Repp
Eliz Timbers
Melina Avallone
Virginia Mccomb
Kory Demery
Amberly Toole
Lanell Slaton
Murray Casperson
Leonardo Barrio
Vashti Magnes
James Matthenson
Kathryne Philips
Mahalia Smallwood
Eileen Machin
Lillie Mull
Tanika Morris
Seema Keough
Reatha Poche
Gwenn Seip
Kendra Pertilla
Reida Nichols
Irene Dennen
Rachel Brantley
Jivenia Porter
Renee Simpkins
Andrea Bogle
Vicky Cumming
Marica Dickert
Elmira Chouinard
Buddy Veg
Jason Hail
Danielle Grimes
Deonna Foerster
Lorean Rothschild
Nola Dick
Lucille Delariva
Nolan Wohlers
Shoshana Kozak
Bari Strous
Douglass Houser
Leonarda Otero
Kaleigh Didonna
Lyndon Lanclos
Renata Schillaci
Lisa Arrigo
Charlotte Calvin
Yelena Dunnam
Ron Lawhead
Quinn Sines
Jeanmarie Cabaniss
Keena Prado
Hank Hoover
Noemi Repp
Eliz Timbers
Melina Avallone
Virginia Mccomb
Kory Demery
Amberly Toole
Lanell Slaton
Murray Casperson
Elmira Chouinard
Buddy Veg
Jason Hail
Danielle Grimes
Deonna Foerster
Lorean Rothschild
Nola Dick
David Ell
Lucille Delariva
Nolan Wohlers
Shoshana Kozak
Bari Strous
Douglass Houser
Leonarda Otero
Kaleigh Didonna
Lyndon Lanclos
Renata Schillaci
Lisa Arrigo
Charlotte Calvin
Yelena Dunnam
Ron Lawhead
Quinn Sines
Jeanmarie Cabaniss
Keena Prado
Hank Hoover
Noemi Repp
Eliz Timbers
Melina Avallone
Virginia Mccomb
Kory Demery
Amberly Toole
Lanell Slaton
Murray Casperson
Leonardo Barrio
Vashti Magnes
James Matthenson
Kathryne Philips
Mahalia Smallwood
Eileen Machin
Lillie Mull
Tanika Morris
Seema Keough
Reatha Poche
Gwenn Seip
Kendra Pertilla
Reida Nichols
Irene Dennen
Rachel Brantley
Jivenia Porter
Renee Simpkins
Andrea Bogle
Vicky Cumming
Marica Dickert
Elmira Chouinard
Buddy Veg
Jason Hail
Danielle Grimes
Deonna Foerster
Lorean Rothschild
Nola Dick
Lucille Delariva
Nolan Wohlers
Shoshana Kozak
Bari Strous
Douglass Houser
Leonarda Otero
Kaleigh Didonna
Lyndon Lanclos
Renata Schillaci
Lisa Arrigo
Charlotte Calvin
Yelena Dunnam
Ron Lawhead
Quinn Sines
Jeanmarie Cabaniss
Keena Prado
Hank Hoover
Noemi Repp
Eliz Timbers
Melina Avallone
Virginia Mccomb
Kory Demery
Amberly Toole
Lanell Slaton
Murray Casperson
Leonardo Barrio
Vashti Magnes
James Matthenson
Kathryne Philips
Mahalia Smallwood
Eileen Machin
Lillie Mull
Tanika Morris
Seema Keough
Reatha Poche
Gwenn Seip
Kendra Pertilla
Reida Nichols
Irene Dennen
Rachel Brantley
Jivenia Porter
Renee Simpkins
If you went through this entire list looking for your name, I do apologize for completely wasting your time. I'm not even an admin and have no clue who these people are. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I should put down my drink and go to bed! True Admins...feel free to delete. Cheers INSIDERS!

This is just about the dumbest thing ever!  A juvenile that never grew up?

Day 5 Dinner
MDR Menu

Tonight however I will be in eating in Chops Grille.

Dinner starts of with some fresh bread, very good.

I ordered both a Wedge Salad and a Shrimp Cocktail


Both very good.
Unfortunately this is where service slowed down and I stared at this for 45 minutes:

Finally my 9 oz. Filet arrived.  It was very good and cooked perfectly.  Sides were Mac & Cheese and Grilled Jumbo Asparagus.

While the food was great, service was not very good as illustrated by my empty water and wine glass that were never filled or offered to be during my time in Chops Grille.

This is the first time I didn't tip anything extra in a specialty restaurant.  The food was very good but the service is not what I expect when I am paying for a specialty dining experience.  This marks my fourth visit to Chops over the past few months.  It seems I am either destined to have great service but poor food (Freedom) or great food but poor service (Anthem twice and now Serenade).  
I realize this is the new cruise experience - paying more above the cruise base fare for a better dinner experience but what I'm finding is the value isn't there for me if the food and/or service is sub-par.  I'm considering cancelling my 4 night dining package on Symphony but I'm going to take some time and think about that before I do.  Jamie's on Anthem was twice a great experience  with great food and great service so there is hope and my experience there is the only thing holding me back from giving up on specialty dining.
I try not to post negative reviews like this but I can't in good faith tell people to pay extra for this experience.  If my family was about to sail on Serenade I'd have a hard time recommending Chops Grille.

Hello everyone! Shoutout to @twangster and his VERY extensive live blog he’s got going on. Here’s a very brief rundown from my first time sailing with RCL: 
Days at Sea (31 MAR-01 APR)  - Two Words: Very Relaxing ?. Much deserved R&R after a long 6 months of being away from home on a deployment. My wife and I used these two days to explore the ship and all that it has to offer. First timer recommendation: BUY THE DRINK PACKAGE BEFORE YOU SAIL! I paid a hard lesson my first day when I had to drop a G+ on drinks, but I can assure you, it’s WELL worth the money! 
 
St Thomas, USVI (02 APR) - AWESOME diving excursion spent with Underwater Adventures. For anyone reading this who is open water diver certified or higher, HIGHLY recommend this port for diving. We dove on Rye Reef & Cartanza Seniora, which was about a 20 minute charter boat ride to the dive site (video to come after returning home). My wife and I were unable to head into town as we didn’t have cash at the time for a taxi. Another rookie mistake - make sure to bring cash! 
 
St. Croix, USVI (03 APR) - We pulled into St Croix and it rained ALL afternoon. Others who are sailing with us said that there was a side of the island that they went to with their excursions and didn’t get the rain, however, my wife and I were not able to attend our catamaran excursion due to severe weather. 
Fort de France, Martinique (TODAY, 04 APR)  - Allllllright, here’s where it begins to turn sour. Our morning started out fantastic with a breakfast on our balcony and sun beating down on us with 80+*F. We got off the ship and decided to head into town. We encountered very unfriendly locals in a lot of the locations that we went to (I.e - shops, the library, etc). On the elevator ride back to the room, this was a common complaint from many of the other folks sailing with us. My dive buddy I had in St Thomas got so infuriated with the unfriendliness of the locals that she swore to never book another cruise with Fort De France as part of the itinerary. After what we encountered, I can’t say as though I blame her... 
Speaking of unhappy attitudes, I do have to mention at least two instances where ive been incredibly uncomfortable with bartenders. Situation 1.) Im in the solarium while docked in St Croix, and it’s POURING down raining. The solarium top is open, while it’s pouring, and lots of people begin to start scurrying like ants because of the rain. I was really confused with the top being open while it’s pouring, and not while it’s sunny out? Well, the solarium closes, and the bartender finally arrives. I walk up to order a drink and shoot the s*** with him since I was the only person standing there. I decide to ask, “hey, why doesn’t the solarium open up when it’s sunny out?” His response? “I don’t know, why don’t you ask the Captain?” Situation 2.) same day, in the casino. As we begin to pull away from the USVI, the bar and casino open up. I can’t really tell if the bar is open yet or not (because I couldn’t tell if he had just arrived or not), so I ask if he was open? His response, “idk, you tell me?” After getting this response, a second bartender in a row, I snapped a response like, “well I didn’t know because I didn’t want to get in the way of you opening and setting up the bar, so I’ll ask again, are you open?” He served me a drink, and away I went on my merry way. I have wanted to make a complaint but I have no idea who to talk to, or if anything would come of it.
Overall, we are very happy with this cruise. We’ve had a blast so far, and are very pleased. I will make a second half of my blog for the remaining 5 nights we have at sea and will score our cruise based on others we’ve been on, between 1-5 point scale. (hopefully we won’t  have anymore issues with bartenders??)