dacsmom

If you are indecisive about two dishes most of the waiters will offer to bring both. I often have two appetizers and an entree. You can also have two or more lobsters on formal night, they will bring them until you say stop.[/q

 

Is this not on the verge of just being greedy. Two or more lobters?

 

How is that greedy? I have seen people consume many more than that. If the waiter offers and you can eat it, why not. They are just the tails and not that big either, I had no problem eating two and did not feel bad about it at all since it was offered.

Welcome to CC. They will bring out multiple sides if you want and they will also serve them family style so you can share. The portions are larger than in the MDR. Enjoy your cruise. I usually order two appetizers, one entree and one dessert and take part of it back to the stateroom.

I cruise frequently solo and they do allow me to get the 2 for 1 at different times. I do not know if it is policy or not but I never had any trouble after I explained that I was a solo cruiser. I just always made sure I went back to the same person each time to avoid an issue and they remembered me. Solo cruisers are becoming more common and they really do try to accommodate us.

It is all about what you like. I prefer the filet and it is fabulous but I may try the porterhouse next because I have heard it is also tasty.

I agree with the Flowrider for the teens, it is not too crowded. The FOS is a beautiful ship, enjoy your cruise.

If you are indecisive about two dishes most of the waiters will offer to bring both. I often have two appetizers and an entree. You can also have two or more lobsters on formal night, they will bring them until you say stop.

Love the chilled fruit soups especially the strawberry soup. My all time favorite food was the vidalia onion tart but that seems to have disappeared with the new menu. It was not offered in Feb.

Excellent choice of both ship and stateroom location. I was mid-ship on deck 8 the FOS in February and it was perfect. You can do as much or as little as you want and I agree with many of the others, there are some great reviews with some pretty good tips. How about booking a specialty restaurant for your anniversary? Both Chops and Portofinos are very good although I give the edge to chops because I am a steak person. To weigh in on the seasickness, I take ginger tablets and wristbands along and have never had any problem. I do not like the drowsy feelings of some of the other products. The western route seems a bit calmer and the ship is large so you may not have any problems at all. Have a wonderful cruise and remember we all had the very same questions before our first cruise and do not feel any question is silly, most people on CC are glad to share their experiences.

I sailed on a ship with the JoCo cruisers in February on the Freedom. Did not know it when I booked and I was apprehensive when I found out. They turned out to be the nicest group of people were happy to explain their group to anyone who asked. They have a section of the dining room reserved and their events are coordinated so other cruisers rarely know they are there. They do not "take over the ship" at all. They did reserve all the cabanas on CoCo Cay but that was the only negative view I had of the experience. While I will usually try to avoid cruises with large groups, they had a little over 700 members on the FOS, I was pleasantly surprised and would sail with them on a ship anytime. They are really concerned with their impact on other cruisers.

Another vote for the sea bands, they are wonderful and have none of the drowsy side effects of the pills. I get them OTC at any drug strore

I did a similar cruise on the Monarch, it is a great deal for a quick get away. I do agree that some people cram 7 days of drinking into a 3 or 4 day cruise.

What an awesome surprise, you are so thoughtful. Thanks for the review, I have heard the comedy shows are difficult to get into. I find it amazing that the employees back off if a passenger, who is in the wrong, makes a fuss. They do not want to make people mad even if they are clearly in the wrong.

Congratulations on booking the best vacation you will ever have. CC forums have some great ideas and ways to save money and most people are more than happy to share their knowledge. As most people have said you can spend as much or as little as you want. A good idea is to check your onboard spending account on the TV each day because it can get away from you. The meals in the dining room are generally excellent and some people never book a specialty restaurant (upcharge). There are many threads that have links to the menus and compasses to help plan. Part of the fun is planning for the cruise. I usually have a binder that has all the important details and reservations. Check out some of the "live" reviews from the Allure, there are three this week that I know of. It will give you an idea of what to expect and the posters have been great about answering specific questions.

Thank you for posting the Compass. I cannot wait to hear more, I am booked solo in October and love the preview.

Along with the menu posted outside the dining rooms there are so many threads here with the menus. I use them to decide which nights I will skip the MDR book the specialty restaurants.

I agree, there is something so special about the sunrise. I am an early riser anyway and it just so beautiful to see.

Thanks for the wonderful review. I am solo on the Allure in October and I was another one of the "Think these ships are too big" group too but there have been so many good reviews that I just have to try it for myself. It is so nice to see solo reviews, I meet such wonderful people. There are still people who do not understand why I like to cruise by myself, but I love it.

Pear Melon Martini and Miami Vice are my two favorites. Although I am going to have to try the Italian Tea, it sounds delicious.

I am also a Carnival convert. Both lines have good and bad points but I am building up points with RC now. I was on the Freedom in February and loved it. Don't miss Freedom Ice, Quest, and Love and Marriage. Also I really enjoyed the movies at night by the pool, very relaxing. We ate at Chops one night and it was wonderful. We also had breakfast one day at Johnny Rocket's (breakfast is free). We did My Time Dining and made reservations for the week and had a table for two with the same waitstaff each night. If you go to the dining room on right when you board they are really accommodating. We did the Mystery Dinner on the first night and had a ball. You start out in one of the lounges with champagne and appetizers and then move down to Portofino's. Wine was included during dinner and the food was perfect. The show was cheesy but a lot of fun, I can't wait to so it again. If you guess correctly you have a change to win a nice gift basket. Book early because it sells out and they only offer it on the first night. I like to board early and got the first shuttle from the hotel at 10:30. We were one of the first on board within 30 minutes. There are many opinions on what to eat but I always start any RC cruise with Honey Stung Chicken and a drink of the day in the Windjammer, it is a tradition. I have found that the staff on RC is outstanding. FYI, don't wait in line at guest services during the day, they are open 24 hours and if I needed anything I went right before bedtime and never waited in a line.

Nicksmom...

 

I printed the picture of the dining table you sent (I am so grateful to you for that!)...I placed the picture under their dinner plate as a place mat for my twins... They were trying to figure out what it was... My daughter guessed first and they both had so much fun with it! My children have only been to DW and are jumping with excitement for our upcoming trip. I think my son is a bit intimidated by the water...

 

I really appreciate your taking the time to get that picture... very VERY sweet of you!

 

I have shared all your fabulous pictures and told them what you are experiencing on your sailing and we are all excited for our upcoming trip. The kids were curious if it was strange for your DD to climb the rock wall, being on a ship...with all the water around.... my son with the water ..haha

 

Thank you for sharing your vacation with us!

Fulfilling a small request that did not take a lot of time out of your day made these childrens day so special. The poster did not say why she wanted the picture but you took it anyway. It just goes to show a little kindness goes a long way. That was very sweet of you.

Welcome to RC James, I am also a Carnival convert and there are pluses and minuses to both lines. They both do well. I have nothing against Carnival but I am building up my points with RC right now. I sail for the ships, not the ports because I have seen most of them. The biggest difference is CoCo Cay, RC's private island. It is such a relaxing beach day and have pretty good snorkeling, not world class, but I enjoy it. Even when I boarded my first RC ship they handled embarkation well, after your first cruise even gold members get priority boarding. I am anxious to hear what you think of the Oasis because I am on the Allure in October. I am a big fan of the Freedom class ships but I just couldn't resist trying one of the bigger ones. I like to board early too and have never waited long to get on the ship. I have read posts from others who generally think they do a good job getting that many people on board in a short amount of time.

Thanks do much for reassuring me about the noise, or lack of, from Dazzles. I didn't think there would be much noise, but I like to get opinions from those who have been there. It looks like a fun place and I can't wait to experience it for myself.

Specialty coffee added to the premium package. I am in heaven.

I don't understand this rule about pre-paid gratuities either for MTD. They will get there tips on a daily basis while on the ship anyway. I think this is just a way for RCI to get the money ahead of time.

If they did not require pre-paid gratuities for MTD which server would you pay your gratuities to since they may change every day? This was the only fair way to do it.

I did it on the FOS in Feb and it was a lot of fun. We made the cheeseburger and fries. It is something I would have never done at home and I thought it was worth it. In the grand scheme of things $22 is a fair price for the experience. Be sure to sign up early, the classes fill up fast.