polymedia

I longer find that booking on board is worth the time and effort. The benefits have been reduced to the point where I'm no longer interested.

Serenade for me. I might book it myself.

I didn't bother to exchange currency while there. Everyone took dollars or credit cards.

I'm happy never to go back to Falmouth again. Love Costa Maya so that would be my choice.

I have to say that I'm liking the WJ more and more for dinner. Better choices, the food is better, and it's way faster. The only reason to go to the MDR for me is if I like the people I'm sitting with. If not, it's no contest.

I always leave my cabin steward $5 per day if the service was good. A flat $20 if not.

As a D+, I'll tip $2 cash per drink if not in one of the lounges (this really helps the service along if you go back). Usually $20 to the concierge at the end if he/she did anything to deserve it, and $20 for the servers.

Favorites:

Freedom

Jewel

Voyager

Least Favorite:

Majesty

Anthem

I've insured all my cruises over the last few years with a Nationwide policy from Insureymytrip.com. Only need it once for emergency eye surgery in Belize, but the company paid out promptly and was a pleasure to deal with. Don't care about the cancelation part too much (yes, I carry it), but the Medivac costs can run into 6 figures if something happens when out of the country. The insurance is way worth and pretty reasonable, at least to me.

I got off a 5 day on NOS in February and had a great time. No issues, no problems, no complaints.

This has become totally worthless to me. Both the deal and OBC isn't as much as what I can get from my travel agent, and my TA knows more than onboard cruise counselors as well. The last time I tried to book with them was a totally frustrating experience.

I almost always cruise solo and usually prefer to go traditional. MTD will have you sitting by yourself, which might be what you want. I wait to see what kind of table mates I have (usually it's been a good match), but if I don't like the company, I'll go to the Windjammer instead.

Actually, I've been really liking the Windjammer for dinner lately. The food's been much better than in the dining room, and the meal takes about 1/2 has long. If you want to eat by yourself I see no downside.

I just got off a couple of weeks ago. Absolutely no problems. Looks good, everything works and no major signs of wear and tear. You'll have a great time so don't worry yourself.

I was told by a CD at a meet & greet that both the execs in Miami and every CD watches this forums closely, for what it's worth. Getting a response is another matter.

I was on the same cruise and 100% agree. I (and my friends) enjoyed it. My only negative was the location of Chef's Table, which was in the MDR and noisy.

Just off Navigator and spent time in the concierge lounge. It’s on deck 9 forward while diamond lounge is on deck 12 aft. Enjoyed it.

I was just booking a couple of cruises for 2019 with my travel agent and she informed me that if I decided to change the booking to something else, there would be a $100 charge to do so (this is a new policy just instituted in the last couple of months).

I don't anticipate changing anything, but you never know what will happen, especially a year or more out.

I can let a lot about RCL roll off my back, but I'm not happy with this policy.

I went twice in May and loved it. The weather was very pleasant, and one day even went to 80 degrees.

I've done it 4 times and loved it every time. Never got it at 50% off though. How did you do that?

My 2 were presented at the C&A top tier party, One just recently on Explorer. Got a picture with the captain and hot man too.

I had the salmon dinner there and it was great, especially the sauce. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with both the meal, and the fact that it was free.

I'm on Explorer now and about to head up there. It's on Deck 14 on the starboard side of the ship as you walk into the VC lounge.

Done it 4 times at full price. Loved it and felt it was worth every penny.

I would reach out as soon as you can. I'm a vegetarian, and they've always accommodated me nicely. The dinner is always great. A little too much to eat, at least for me, though.

There's a company called CIBT that will help you get the appropriate electronic visas. I'm doing Explorer out of Sydney in a couple of months and they did it for me. It was recommended by my TA.

https://cibtvisas.com/

I was on the same cruise in early August. No problem with customs. In fact, in 4 or 5 times out of Tampa, very few problems with disembarkation. Of course, I try to get off the ship as soon as possible in the morning.