baldilocks

A lunch at a specialty restaurant is a good idea (i.e. Chops). The cost is lower and there is less congestion so tables could be arranged to accommodate the group. For this to work, I would suggest that you call Royal to get a reservation ahead of time...and the cake. When you board, make a beeline to the restaurant to confirm everything. It is best to pick a sea day so it will not conflict with folks going on excursions.

Absolutely not. Same category. We were told that moving the location would constitute cancelling one reservation and getting a brand new reservation at the current price.

We had an interesting event many years ago with Royal. We made a reservation and selected our stateroom. My wife decided a few weeks later that she would like to have a different stateroom. Both the old and new staterooms were the same class, just different location. The revised cost was $400 more. I called Royal and asked why. The agent said that when you moved your stateroom, that reservation was cancelled and a new reservation was made at the current price. So beware of changing staterooms as it might cost you more or less depending on the current price.

Park in one of the parking garages. It is not worth driving around and wasting time to find a public spot. DO NOT park in a residential parking spot. The FINE is very high and they only take cash. I did what most residents recommended and had no trouble.

Fury Sports is great company. We have parasailed with them twice.

We were in St. Maarten on a ship sponsored excursion. Everything was fine until we were leaving. The bus had to stop only a quarter mile off the beach as there was a very serious traffic accident ahead of us. We sat for about 45 minutes. After that, the traffic was awful. Thank goodness it was a ship sponsored tour as we just barely made back on time.

I do not know about everyone else, but I can remember back in the USMC the old 'C' rats. I'm not going to complain about the food on the ship unless it is just awful.

We were on the Mariner last year with many 'young adults'. The four-letter language from this group was awful...even at dinner. I told one couple in the hot tub to stop it. They just looked puzzled as to why anyone would object to their vulgar language.

As I originally started this topic, I have been checking prices on our October and December cruises No luck so far in any price reductions. The December cruise has gone way up since I booked it over a year ago. I think that these cruises will be our last as I am having health issues with old ticker. My wife does not want me stranded in a hospital in Belize, Jamaica, etc.

I was looking at what we paid for TWO 8-night cruises. One going to Bermuda and the other doing the eastern Caribbean. Both cruises have the standard balcony. The total we paid was just over $3800 and includes all taxes, port charges, insurance and gratuities. We booked the cruises as soon as they were available....a little over a year out from the departure date. Now that $$$ amount gets you about one cruise.

I would advise to fly in at least one day early as who knows what transportation failure can befall you. Believe me, you don't to experience what we did one time. Same day flight to Baltimore with RCI transfer. FFA computer went down. One flight cancelled then second flight cancelled. Third flight was going to get us there by the skin of our teeth. Luckily, Royal had one bus staying as late as they could to get passengers to the ship. We made it with 30 minutes to spare and a whole bunch of shot nerves. We now always go to the port at least one day early. There is lodging close by and many have a transport van to take you to the ship.

The Voyager and Freedom class ships are our favorites.

My wife loves Coco Cay. I prefer the way it used to be with a lot less people. I don't have a gripe about what RCI did with the island as I know it adds to their bottom line. I just try to find a loneliest place on the beach as possible. My wife likes the big pool. We did a half day there when it opened just to see what it was all about....long lines! We are in our late 70's so crashing about is not in our best interests.

We like the Voyager and Freedom class ships the best. Not too big and no too small. A lot to do on these ships.

We went to Bar Harbor a couple of years ago. We won't miss it going off the schedule.

We did do that once on the Granduer about 10 years ago. We got a 9 day repositioning cruise out of Baltimore for $400 pp. We got an inside cabin next to the laundry chute. It didn't bother us as we found kind of amusing when the laundry went down. Fortunately, it operated only in the daytime hours. We still like to pick our own cabin now....without the laundry chute.

Fron the menu postings that I have seen, there is always something that I like. The starters seem to be very good. As far as cost, book as early as you can. You can save hundreds over waiting until the cruise is six months out.

We did a Royal ship excursion which amounted to lot of walking. We had some time before we got on the bus back to the ship. We sat down on a park bench where many vendors were walking around. An older lady came up to me and asked if I wanted a massage. I said no, but just rolled my pants leg and began putting cream on my leg. She took off my shoes and socks to do my feet. By then I was hooked. She pulled my shirt up in the back to do that area. I have to admit I was ready to pack her up in a suitcase and take her with us. That was one of the best leg and back massages I've had in years. She asked for $40. I said $10. She said $30. I said $20. She took the $20. I asked our guide if that was a fair price. She it was fair all around. I spent the rest of the day feeling much better than when I sat down on that park bench.

Just saying....some of the food quality problems may be from where the food supply is obtained. Some areas have drought and some have monsoons and some have war. There may be supply train issues. This may affect the food quality that the ship obtains.

We have been on the Radiance, Jewel, Granduer and Allure during rough sea moments. You are right that the bigger ships don't 'rock & roll' as much. We were on the Jewel many years back when we got hit with 90 mph winds and seas that went over the 5th deck. Royal closed all the bars, put 'crime scene tape' over all the exits to the decks outside and told everyone to go to their cabins. We got a pretty good 'ride' out of it for about 4 hours.

I really don't think you will be disappointed. It is a good tour...including the lake for sloths, monkeys, lizards, etc.

Royal calls it 'Secret Beach', but it is Lindquist Beach. It is a territorial park with limited access (number of people). The beach is a post card picture. They have beach lounges which sit under the palms. There is one seller of refreshments. You go to him, not the other way around. No one pesters you on the beach....just calm waters and a beautiful view.

Moderation, my dear friend. Moderation

Try Chops for lunch. Not busy at that time and the cost is less. They should be able to put tables together for you....just ask ahead of time. Don't just make a reservation and then show up. The staff at Chops might not know exactly what you want. Go talk to them in person before the event.

We purchase Chops lunch on a sea day. Same menu and we save a few $$$.