I came for one question and apparently stuck around for 999 more.

[USCG Teacher]

So, I realized I was somehow at 999 posts, and that surprised me enough to make me stop and think for a minute.

I stumbled onto this site years ago, and just started reading. I didn't have much of anything to add and, honestly, didn't think anyone needed or would want to hear from me. I was just trying to figure things out for my own future trip. Which ship? Which cabin? Which mistake to avoid if at all possible. Little by little, I eventually started posting. Maybe even answering a question here or there.  Somewhere along the way it became a habit.

The experience, insight, successes and failures shared by the people here has been beyond helpful, and not in an abstract way. Very directly. Because of the tips I picked up on these boards, my family has certainly had better trips. Less stress, and definitely fewer, "what were we thinking?" moments. More time actually enjoying ourselves and each other. That matters in this world, maybe now more than ever.

I was going to try and call out specific members by name to thank them, but that felt like a trap I was setting for myself. There are far, far too many people who have helped me and countless others who have wandered their way into ths fantastic community. There is a 100% chance I would leave out some deserving soul,  and I really don't want this thank you to accidentally turn into an apology.

What I value just as much as the information, and I don't think I'm alone on this, is the tone. People here help for no other reason than because they want to. New questions are treated kindly, new members even more so. Different opinions usually stay respectful, even when we were all navigating the world changing around us in ways too fast to have been believed. This place feels like a community rather than a comment section, and that is something I do not take for granted..

So, this is just a simple thank you. Longer than I may have intended when I started drafting it, but simple all the same. Thank you all for sharing what you know. What you learned through experience, the good, the bad and even the ugly. Thank you for making the time. Most of all, thank you for making this a place worth coming back to again and again.

I am glad I stuck around long enough to make this my 1,000th post.

[smokeybandit]

[wordell1]

I did the same.  I'm a relentless planner and wanted to know everything there is to know about cruising.  I actually started on the other site (CC).  I got lots of good info, but always hated the tone of the conversations and it was obvious it wasn't moderated well.

I found this site, and have never looked back. Even though I am now Diamond Plus, I still learn new things all the time on this board. I try to share what I have learned when I can.

[RCIfan1912]

On 1/17/2026 at 1:59 PM, wordell1 said:

I did the same.  I'm a relentless planner and wanted to know everything there is to know about cruising.  I actually started on the other site (CC).  I got lots of good info, but always hated the tone of the conversations and it was obvious it wasn't moderated well.

I found this site, and have never looked back. Even though I am now Diamond Plus, I still learn new things all the time on this board. I try to share what I have learned when I can.

Yes CC was always condescending and I only sail Royal Caribbean so this was a much better fit. Much better crowd here, and Royal specific. 

[BR34]

Same sentiment here. Joined around 11 months ago after booking the cruise I just finished on Thursday (Explorer) and due to all of the helpful insights along with Matt's videos and live chats, this last cruise was the smoothest and most enjoyable so far. I'm a long way from 1000 posts, but really enjoy the community and check the boards daily (normally multiple times) even if I don't have as much to contribute yet. 

[ScottD]

Same! I came for a few answers and never left.. I eventually joined CC but never used it nearly as much as this (now I do because I started cruising other lines) but most of my RC content goes and comes from this site

[GatorCruiser]

Yeah this is a good site. I joined in 2019 prior to my first RCcruise. Good folks on here, aside from a few noles. 

[FOB]

I appreciate all the collective experience on here and the way most (other than the “1 and done”) posts are supported

i do try to make folks remember there are other places to cruise other than the Caribbean and that just cos the rules say one thing in the US that doesn’t mean we all play by the same rules

[Matt]

[Ditchdoc]

The most clear, well written, compassionate and heart warming post ever.

Thank you .....

[RCIfan1912]

9 hours ago, Matt said:

That remains one of best sitcoms in history to this day. Makes me feel like a kid when I watch it.

[whitsmom]

I feel the same way!  I am Diamond and I am still learning new things on here.  I am a big planner and a lot of the time I just don't know the answer to something and there are several on here that can answer and are so helpful.  

[smokeybandit]

19 hours ago, RCIfan1912 said:

That remains one of best sitcoms in history to this day. Makes me feel like a kid when I watch it.

Pretty revolutionary for its time, too. A show with 4 old ladies as the stars? Also pretty progressive, too, with some of the subject matter it covered.

[CruiseRoyalDad]

You've inspired me. I've been here for over a decade with a good few years dormant during covid. I'm going to hit 1K before my next cruise. My apologies in advance. 

[dustfsu]

On 1/17/2026 at 9:39 PM, GatorCruiser said:

Yeah this is a good site. I joined in 2019 prior to my first RCcruise. Good folks on here, aside from a few noles. 

Whoa, now!!!!

[dustfsu]

I like to read people’s view on cruising and possibly helping when I can. I use to go on cruise critic, but sometimes the people over there want to make people feel little and not help. We are on here for help, ideas, input, reviews, etc.