DocLC

I haven't read this, and while it would be nice, I wouldn't personally expect it. Even so, you can always stop by a bar and grab a drink on your way in and/or step out for a drink during dinner.

If you have a cell phone, it's best to turn off data roaming and use that as an emergency contact number. My father-in-law didn't have much luck with the emergency call number on another line, but was able to reach us by text. Most ships have cellular coverage while at sea and texting is relatively cheap (free to $.50) and calls are in the $2-4 range per minute. Just make sure that you turn off data so that it solely works as a phone.

It's pretty bad, especially compared to some of the competition, but it makes for an acceptable late night snack. My kid doesn't complain, but it wouldn't be my first choice if other dining venues were open.

I've never made a reservation for MTD either in advanced or while onboard as it goes against my desire to have MTD which is to show up when I'm hungry and around my own schedule. I've rarely had to wait, and when I have it's been relatively short. Note, though, that we usually avoid the 6:30-7:30 window which seems to be the busiest.

I tend to keep my prescription medication in their original bottles. However, over-the-counter stuff I usually consolidate into shared containers. I've yet to have an issue even when traveling internationally. Even with secondary screenings at the Paris airport, it wasn't an issue.

You should receive a schedule of the week's activities in your cabin on the first night. If not, ask at AO for a copy. During sea days, the programming runs from 9-12, 2-5, and 7-10 with extra charger hours from 10 p.m. and later. Some nights the kids will have the opportunity to dine with the AO staff and other kids at 6 p.m. where they will take them up to the Windjammer for dinner. You usually need to sign up for this a few hours before. Occasionally, they will have activities around the ship, but it really depends on the ship. On the Oasis class, I don't recall any outdoor activities; however, on some of the smaller ships they did have some activities on the sports deck.

My guess is that the end time is the time that you get dropped off at the airport.

Your kids will receive free lanyards when you sign them up for the kids clubs. If not, just ask. They're nice as they have a break-away safety clasp. Unfortunately, they clasp doesn't last for much longer than the cruise.

Mariner of the Seas might be a good option when she returns for short cruises. The Radiance class ships are also quite nice and offer some unique itineraries. However, it would be helpful to know what you enjoyed about the Navigator. For example, my wife has fallen in love with the Royal Promenade, which you won't find on the smaller ships.

You've been added to the list!

There's nothing quite like one's first cruise. Enjoy! Just be warned, it will likely lead to more. Added. Enjoy! You've been added. Enjoy your cruise.

Added! Enjoy your cruise. It's official; you're on the list. Should be fixed now. Fixed! Enjoy. I'm looking forward to hearing about all of the enhancements. Updated!

I hope all goes well. I had surgery on my knee in the early '90s; it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Walked out of surgery not needing any additional pain pills and haven't had any issues with it since. I've even competed in about a half dozen marathons and have a goal to do a full marathon by 50, but I need to lose some excess weight first to make that a reality. My guess is that this is one of the most common surgeries, so I'm sure all will go well as you continue to recover. I do find anti-inflammatories very useful when flying or sitting for long periods of time, though. Mostly for my left knee which was never operated on as it only flares up every 3-5 years and by the time I get an appointment with the orthopedist the pain has usually gone away. Go figure!

The last time I dined with a package, I was never charged for my son on the six nights that we dined in specialty restaurants. I don't know what, but didn't ask either. I, however, only bought the package for my wife and I and expected to pay the $10 for him as in the past. Clarify with the restaurant whether they have a children's menu or not. Most times, my son was simply told to order off the regular menu if he wished, but one time we were not offered a child's menu and they wanted to charge him full price. The manager corrected this, but it was a pain to have to get him involved since the menu was not provided for my son and we specifically made the reservation for a child once onboard.

Yes, quite a few. Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Fanta Zero, Diet Rootbeer, Diet Mellow Yellow, etc. all with a variety of flavors (e.g., cherry, orange, vanilla, lime) that can be added to each of them. There are also a number of zero calorie flavored water options.

Make sure that you're comparing apples to apples when comparing prices. I have found that some TAs, especially the online agencies, don't include the taxes and fees, so always look at the final price. In addition, if they're heavily discounting the cruise through their commissions, consider what impact this might have on service. For example, I can find some good pricing through the warehouse clubs, but they charge a cancellation fee even if you cancel for final payment. Some also charge a change fee to process a fare reduction, so in the end the discount may not be all that much. If it's a good deal, go for it. Just make sure you know what you're getting in terms of service.

Is it possible that the rooms with a single chair are handicap accessible rooms? If the connecting door is similar to that on the Allure, then that shouldn't impact that presence or absence of a couch. On Freedom class ships, you do lose the couch in favor for a chair if you have a connecting cabin, though.

I enjoyed Samba Grill and it is as others have described with a buffet layout for appetizers and side dishes. Meats are brought to your table and we were also asked after the entire selection had been offered if there were any choices we'd like more of and they readily brought those to the table. Personally, I thought it was a great experience and one of the best upcharge values on the ship as long as you avoid the cheaper offerings like the chicken and sausage.

It sounds like you have your bases covered. Sounds like a great way to enjoy St. Petersburg.

I have purchased it a few times, usually when I'm booking far out. Keep in mind that the "cancel for any reason" only goes into effect after the final payment date and when you're canceling for other than a covered reason. In addition, you're paying more for the insurance and are usually taking a hit on the amount refunded. Most private policies I've seen only refund 80% under the "cancel for any reason" provisions, but 100% to 150% for covered reasons. If you have a travel agent, ask them for recommendations. Otherwise, you could explore a site like tripinsurance.com to explore competing policies.

That all depends on what was in the fifth!

Dasani Sparkling Water is the closest you're going to find along with perhaps Minute Maid Sparkling drinks. The Dasani option is available without flavor, whereas the Minute Maid varieties are all flavored.

I'd reply with a "haha," but I don't want to over-spend my reactions!

I agree with Matt. This is a great plan and should work well and should be relatively easy to do.

Updated. Hopefully Joseph, the Executive Sous Chef who oversees the Windjammer will be onboard. If so, you're in for a treat and should consider trying dinner there one night. Enjoy! Happy anniversary! I hope you enjoy your cruise. Listed! The list has been updated with your sailing! Enjoy. I'd love to do a transatlantic. My wife, however, isn't found of the idea. Enjoy your Oasis class sailings. You've been added to the list. No one is on the list yet, but there's still some time. Enjoy your sailing. Great ship! Great itinerary! Enjoy. I'm contemplating a Japan cruise this summer, but on a different line, since Royal isn't offering any during the time that I can sail.