DocLC

I actually like Royal's straight percentage off as I have more freedom to choose the restaraunts I want to dine in each night.
 
NCL offers a great product, especially for suites, although I felt that their main dining lagged behind the other lines in terms of quality and selection. Having a 24 hour cafe, though, was great.

Somehow I managed to get on Royal Caribbean's Shipboard Careers mailing list and this was one of the articles in the email - I thought it was kind of neat:
 
 
PREVIEW YOUR CRUISE FROM DRY LAND Royal Caribbean International becomes the first cruise line to use Google Street View Technology 
With a ship as impressive as Allure of the Seas, traditional photographs just won't do! Royal Caribbean International has become the first cruise line to partner with Google Maps Business View using Google Street View Technology. No longer limited to viewing streets and businesses on land, guests can now take a virtual walk through the interior of Allure of the Seas. Vacationers can visit the Google Maps Business View by either pointing their browser tohttp://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/royalview or via Google Search results, Google Maps, or Google .

I agree with both WhiteSoxFan and Michelle.
 
For several years, we stopped using TAs because of some less than stellar recommendations and poor service. However, when you find a good one, they're invaluable especially as they come to know your likes, dislikes, etc. For example, we were interested in a European land/bus tour. After doing it herself, our TA recommended against it knowing that it would not provide the experience we were looking for.
 
Am I sometimes frustrated having to hand control over to someone else? Of course, but in the end the time savings are worth it.

The whole decision seems to revolve around "value" and, for some, control.  How does one define value?  To some it is the lowest price, to others it is perks (and the lowest price), and to others it is simplicity and time savings.  Of course there is also the contingent that like to have everything in their control. Should you use a travel agent, only you can decide I guess. 
 
Are there bad TA's? Sure, but like anything else, don't condemn an entire industry based on the incompetence of a few.
 
My personal take is, thanks to RC's pricing policy, I am not going to get a better price either way.  Can I spend hours searching around and possibly get a little OBC, a free excursion or another perk?  Yes, but my time is more valuable than that.  I also think that from a societal aspect it pays to help support a local business.
 
As I stated previously, my TA has come through for me in the past and saves me time every time there is a price drop or I make some other kind of change.  To me that is enough to give her my business.

Want to weigh in a bit, but since I'm an agent won't go crazy!

Our Office does not have fees, never have never will- but many agencies do charge them, brick and mortar, cause they have to pay the light bills I guess....
I always give OBC or gift cards if someone transfers their booking to me, the catch is transfers have to be within 30 days of deposit (RCI rules)
I do look for better prices with RCI directly, and do adjust if the come out, if you qualify for them
We as agents spend countless hours on the phone not just about prices, but if you have a bad situation being your advocate. Very valuable
Some online sites are good - some not- just be diligent

As an agent, I want to be your agent for years to come and for many kinds of trips.  Maybe you love RCI and sail alot - but then want to go to 
somewhere new,  and don't want to research it- That is where a good agent is valuable. Hopefully, they can tell you tips, or do the research for you,
or just again make suggestions - that is the goal at least.  I've met some bad agents over the years too, just like bad websites.
The internet is a research engine, its not an agent and it has not hurt my business at all!
I love my job....

My criteria for a good TA are as follows
Knowledgeable about Royal Caribbean and the ships. Doesn't need to know more than me, but should be familiar with the lingo, ship classes and popular itineraries Willing to call Royal Caribbean with any and all inquiries I have about new possible discounts I find After booking, actively checks a few times per week (at least) for price changes in what I booked to see if I can save more money Willing to fight with Royal Caribbean if I find another TA/web site offering better booking incentives. 

Thanks everyone!  I've finally recovered from the long 16 hour drive home and wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time!!  Royal Caribbean far exceeded any expectations I had!!  The service was amazing!  We had the best waiter and assistant waiter I've ever had on any cruise!  The kids loved adventure ocean and the teen clubs.  All three kids said they preferred this RC cruise over our Disney cruises.
 
Our first Royal Caribbean cruise was definitely not our last! 

Successful posting from a fantastic taverna in Santorini, we are happy to say we are noro free and doing great. We had a few nights of rough seas and a bunch of rain but the sun has finally peaked and temps are great!

I wouldn't be too concerned. I'm sure the ship was thoroughly disinfected prior to boarding as it's in RCI's interest to do so.
 
I go onto every cruise with the assumption that there is a norovirus risk. As such, practice regular, thorough hand washing. Limit exposure to shared surfaces (e.g., stair rails and elevator buttons) and wash your hands both before and after serving yourself at the buffet just in case the serving utensils have been contaminated by another passenger. I even as one fellow passenger using food handler's gloves when using the utensils at the buffet, presumably to be extra cautious.
 
In 20 cruises and my son's (7) 11 cruises, we've never had a problem.

Today's the day! Headed to port canaveral now! Just wanted to say thanks to Matt for all of the information on the podcasts and website and to everyone who answered questions for me here on the message board. Its good to feel prepared!!

I wasn't suggesting that they were equivalent nor did I suggest anything of the sort. I was simply stating my experience during another international health crisis. Obviously, if you're this concerned, I'd recommend calling the cruise line directly, sending a letter to the president of RCI, and not cruising until you get a satisfactory answer.
 
For what it's worth, I heard that a hospital worker in Texas that may have been exposed to Ebola did board a Carnival ship. When it was discovered, he was quarantined to his room. I also heard today that passengers will be denied boarding if from regions where there is an outbreak if it's been lest than 21 days since their departure.

Do North shore LIJ suits come in Formal, Smart Casual, & Resort Casual? Cover protocol at muster drill.

Hearing that the $25 corkage fee to open a bottle of wine you brought onboard has now been removed.
 
If true, that would be great.  Granted, the $25 fee was rarely enforced. I brought many bottles onboard in last 2 years or so and only got hit with the fee perhaps twice.

yep glad she/he worked hard for you ! trust me what seem logical to me day in and day out
like a simple price reduction - is the most complicated part of my day at time :D

Glad it worked out.  And there is why I love using TAs....let them do the work!

My TA did warn me about the cancellation and the consequences; sorry if I implied otherwise.  She did go to bat to simply adjust the rate.  However, it was some type of weekend or residential rate that put the balconies below the price of the oceanviews and interiors.  It was worth the hassle given the $300+ that we saved, but just annoying in the end.  Fortunately, we were able to get back into the same cabin, although there was a slight risk of losing that as well.  It would have just been more convenient had the rate been changed as I wouldn't have to repurchase everything and reenter all of our information.
 
Royal lost in the end as I reconsidered a couple of excursions in the process and opted not to rebook those with Royal and instead doing something independently.

Thanks, Matt. Just learned last night that a coworker will be onboard the Quantum during the group cruise. I pointed her to the site.

A week on Monday we will be back on the Independence and booking Chops for both formal nights and even better is that my wifes Mom & Dad are coming on this cruise with us so we get to show them how great Chops is.

These have been reviewed as some of the top 5 apps.  I have not tried them out yet, Anyone else have?
Stole this from another site.  ;)

1.  Ship Mate App - is often hailed as the number one app for cruisers and for good reason. The app has all you will
need to plan an amazing time onboard and off. Organize your cruise itinerary, daily excursions, deck maps and you can
even reach out to fellow cruisers through their roll call function.   Available for free on iTunes and Android. 
 
2.  Deck Director -app is for those cruises with absolutely no sense of direction.  Containing detailed maps of
decks plans from all ships in a variety of fleets. You will never be late for group dinners again.  iTunes $4.99.
 
3.  Cruise Guard Control - app is useful for keeping control of spending while sailing. Let's you create
expense categories, double check bills for accuracy and cost compare with past cruises.  iTunes $0.99.
 
4.  Cruise Camera - let's you virtually connect to daily cruise life through various webcams installed on
nearly 100 ships on a variety of cruise lines. Additionally the app gives you access to more than 150 port cams
around the world. iTunes $1.99.
 
5.  Sea Sickness -let's cruisers overcome the dreaded sea sickness while onboard. The health app let's ill cruisers
use the touch motion sensor to display a virtual shore line or horizon, which is thought to cure sea sickness.  There are
different shore line themes and users can switch from day view to night view.  iTunes  $.099.

glad you have a good agent DonLC

I'd argue that it's not a reason to use that travel agent. When you find a good one, s/he is worth her/his weight in gold. When I ended up in the hospital 12 hours before my flight to Disneyworld and our cruise, having only one person to call instead of the airlines, Disney, hotel, and the cruise line was a blessing.

I'm doing 8-night on Quantum for the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise and thought that was a good schedule!

I found this photo while looking through the Mamma Mia musical directors twitter page. Apparently last week there was a Royal PR event in Miami where the Mamma Mia cast did a short presentation.
 
This photo shows some of the proposed onboard stores. It shows Hublot, Cartier, Kiehl's, and Michael Kors.

For the child, speak to your waiter when you check in at the restaurant.  They can make the adjustment.
 
As for times, the online booking system and the real reservation times don't always sync up.  You should make a reservation so you have something (and can pay it off now) and then once onboard look at rebooking for a better time.  I've never had issues with this approach.

I'd argue that it's not a reason to use that travel agent. When you find a good one, s/he is worth her/his weight in gold. When I ended up in the hospital 12 hours before my flight to Disneyworld and our cruise, having only one person to call instead of the airlines, Disney, hotel, and the cruise line was a blessing.