Orange Crush

I guess one thing I'm sort of thinking...
I saw that once the announcement came out yesterday, our itinerary was swapped from Havana and Cienfuegos to Costa Maya and Cozumel. We're definitely still going. That said, since we're still ahead of final payment I wonder if we'll see cancellations and subsequent price drops that will make this a bit more affordable. Definitely still looking forward to my cruise and my first time on Empress - and to taking my mom and cousin to Nachi Cocom! ?

That site is anything but legitimate listings. People bring it up because you find like half of RC's fleet in there. Bottom line, it doesn't mean anything.

My guess is that Royal will just play a waiting game until after Nov 2020.  It’s possible that the policy on Cuba could change back to the way it was and Majesty and Empress would be back on their Cuba itins again.

They're technically supposed to charge for the floater shot, the package only officially covers single-shot drinks, but in my experience they rarely do.  Be nice to your bartenders! ?

You can come and go with sealed water bottles, but they may give you a hard time bringing an opened water bottle back.  That's the oldest trick in the book for smuggling alcohol.  They will probably insist on inspecting it and might make you throw it away.
They'll let you.  I do it all the time.  You don't even need to dine in, I've ordered from the hostess stand and brought plates back to my room.  I can't not have cheese plates stashed in the room fridge at all times. ?

I've never had an issue doing it on embarkation day.  My first stop once I get aboard is always the dining room to find my table so I don't need to be shown during the dinner rush and can just go directly to my table. I've always been able to get it changed at the hostess stand if it's not to my liking.

I am the only cruise planner in our family.  Half the time Dan has no idea where we are going or what ship we're sailing on.  He wouldn't have a clue about how to find, price or book a cruise !  He's a great cruisin' buddy but for planning....not so much....

I asked about additional entrees at 150 on the Allure last March and my waitress said I could get a second entree, but that they'd only bring out one at time.  I ended up being too full at the end to want a second entree so I didn't actually order one, but they did tell me I was allowed to.
That said, I've heard online that others have been told no, so your mileage may vary depending on the ship and your server.
Also, we pretty much always get a cheese plate to start and we didn't think 150 offered one at first.  Turns out it was on the dessert menu which they don't bring until the end.  But we asked about it early on and the waitress brought us one.

Do not buy the AT&T package. It's overpriced and offers very little.

To me, the UDP for $95 is a much better deal than Chops plus 1 for $65. 

What do you consider to be safe?  That may be a good starting point to get an understanding as if you should be getting off the ship or not.  There are bad people everywhere and you should always be aware of your surroundings, pay attention to where you are and where you are going and be conscious if your valuables.  To me Nassau is no more risky that any other city in the US or foreign port.  

Full refund if you choose not to sail or 50% refund if you keep your booking.  Sounds pretty fair to me.
I don't however think they accept requests for alternate ports.  i.e. - "no Nassau please"

I was on Adventure ( Explorer sister ship) and even after the refurb there was no outlet near the bed. Royal will provide you with an extension cord and distilled water. Fill out this form and they will be in your cabin when you get there. You can email them at:     [email protected]
Worst case scenario would be to ask your cabin steward for them when you arrive. 
Also, bring some tape to hold down the extension cord as to not trip on it (or ask cabin steward to do it..they are VERY accommodating).
Happy sailing.

I forgot a toothbrush once and had to go buy one from the convenience store aboard.  I don't remember exactly what it cost me, but it was the most basic toothbrush imaginable and cost something absurd like $10
Also, baby wipes are a good idea even if you do not have a baby.  To put it delicately, the ships don't have the greatest toilet paper, since the primary goal is to avoid clogging the pipes.  Just remember that wipes go in the trash and must NEVER be flushed, even the ones that claim to be flushable.
 

SUNSCREEN on a southern Caribbean cruise! The shops were not open when we left for our all day Catamaran excursion so I came home lobster red! I haven't done that since. 

I went and snagged the 3 device internet package for $23.99 a day $8 a day per person? Worth it! And also pulled the trigger on the CocoCay thrill waterpark pass for myself since it's $32 for the day on my Nov. Grandeur sailing and I'm willing to pay that to check it out. It helps that I know I won't be able to get it that cheap on my May Harmony sailing so this is the time to buy it. 

I think I've got my outfit picked out for my next formal night

 

I think I've got my outfit picked out for my next formal night

 

It's usually a no for me, but if I can get a Jr. Suite for less than $100/day over a regular balcony then I'll think about it.  They're usually close to double price though, but I've stumbled upon a great deal once or twice.

I think I've got my outfit picked out for my next formal night

 

I think I've got my outfit picked out for my next formal night

 

Was that a typo? Did you mean PAPER straws?
My plastic straws never get soggy. I chew on them a lot, but that's another story...

Straws? Who has time to use a straw?

Bah...I am on vacation!!

This is exactly the reason they put the new policy in place.  They watch for this pattern of consumption and will revoke the package without a refund if you are caught doing this.