John Reid

As is often the case, you are way off on your arm-chair analysis. These aren't repairs; they are drydock-type rebuilds sand refits. Nothing was broken to repair. RCI (and other lines) keep passengers from making proper decisions by avoiding disclosure. It was always known by experienced cruisers not to go on a cruise just before dry-dock and just after drydock. But this is a new low. Closing the Solarium to retile is a drydock issue, not an in-cruise task. These passengers are not getting what they paid for and it is not a necessary repair. I'd contact my credit card company and withhold payment just to make RCI jump through hoops to get it. A little song by the great Steve Goodman you might like: That's 'cause it ain't hard To get along with somebody else's troubles, And they don't make you lose any sleep at night. Just as long as fate is there bustin' somebody else's bubbles, Everything's gonna be all right.

Maybe diner is the Australian spelling; you know, like spelt.

As another poster has mentioned, sometimes the danger has arrived by boat/s.

Offer that defense to the beach resorts in Mexico where tourists are being killed.

C'est dommage!

If the package is bought onboard. To my knowledge, the benefit cannot be used for an in-advance, cruise planner booking. If I am mistaken, I will be very happy to learn how to use the benefit for a pre-booking.

Well, I mostly cruise solo, and I think it is inadequate. The basic gratuity is 1/2 to 1/4 of what it would be with normal occupancy. I'm sure the stewards would rather have two or three in a room.

Please tell us those better things. I feel so out of touch.

I have seen the personalized-by-ship Spirit jerseys available in the gift shop on every RCI cruise I've taken. Enchantment, Grandeur, Explorer, Adventure, Freedom, Oasis, Anthem, Harmony, and Allure. My wife has four; I have one from Anthem. Enchantment is a lot to spell on the back! My experience is that they have always had crew necks. I have seen the knock-offs occasionally, but the Spirits were in the shop also. I forget if it's a perk of Diamond (it is for D+), but there is a 20% discount for purchases over a certain amount. The Spirit jerseys were definitely over that amount. They are the real deal and wear like iron.

I don't have much sympathy for self-inflicted wounds.

Also, what I thought immediately. Let's face it, Diamond Plus members (me included) are a dime a dozen. I would guess it's a generous and humble gesture.

I've made four point transfers. The amount just shows up in your account. If you go to your Plan My Cruise button on your cruise listing, it shows up there.

Did the total include the mandatory 18% gratuity?

Hi kids, When one purchases an unlimited dining plan, does boarding day count as a sea day with lunch available in a specialty restaurant? Thanks.

I don't do ship hot tubs often. If a hot tub were using bromine, I would have a widespread, maniacally itching rash within 20 minutes. Hasn't happened to me on any ship - Royal or otherwise.

I sail solo often. When I use My Time Dining, I ask for a table for two. I have always been able to get one. They are placed quite close together, but it makes conversation/chatting optional for each table. Service is also very quick when seated alone.

You're quite welcome. They pull the water from the ocean. Once a tiny fish got through the filters. There is a touch of chlorine in the mix, but it is not noticeable. The hot tubs are still fresh water - well, I don't know if "fresh" can ever really be used for a ship hot tub!

Salt water indoors and outdoors on Grandeur. Great on the skin.

I like the ease of going to Great Bay, which you can see from the ship. Sometimes I walk from the ship (about 2/3 of a mile); other times I take the water taxi. My last trip, pre-covid, it was $7.00 round trip. I turn right from the ferry and there are numerous rental vendors, usually associated with a bar right behind offering restrooms. Look for one that looks good to you - decent chairs and umbrellas. The norm was $25.00 for two chairs, an umbrella, five beers or four sodas (or a combination). Some offer two drinks instead; I never found them worth it. If there are not many ships in port, negotiate if you want four chairs and two umbrellas. A "maybe" after getting a price and a "I'm going to keep looking" is sometimes good for $5.00. The east side of the boardwalk has several interesting vendors; if walking. one walks right through them. I like the beach; I like the convenience, and I like the price. And I like that I'll be there in January!

Thanks. At least I can stop looking now.

In the past, I have always been able to find the listing of D and D+ loyalty gift choices on the website. I am completely unable to locate them now. Anyone have any insights on where they can be found? Thanks.

I'm not an economist, but I played one on TV. And last night I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express!

I draw the line at $21,250 for 5-night cruises.

Don't be.

I like turtles!