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Luggage and smuggling containers have both improved pretty significantly over the last few years.

Don't think so, as I'm able to book specialty restaurants on the app on a cruise leaving in 30 days. However, you do have to wait to book shows once you're onboard, but I haven't heard that you can do it only after completing the safety briefing.

No Dow for sure! I have occasionally seen Molson, Labatts and Moosehead in the Pub style bars on RCL.

Uh, not really. In 2016 the Liberty of the Seas underwent renovations adding additional cabins above the bridge, added new restaurants and the Splashaway Bay on the pool deck.

Off topic, but my all time favorite performer in the Schooner Bar is David Curtis. A great musician, very entertaining and whenever he plays the Schooner bar, the room is always packed. He used to be on RCCL fairly often, but I haven't heard if he's come back after the re-start. And, he definitely does requests.

A favorite beer? I can narrow it down to a few, if and when they are available on RCL: Grolsch, Pilsner Urquell, Stella Artois, Becks, Newcastle and Heineken.

I once encountered a ghost at a bar on a cruise ship. I asked it what is was doing there, it said it came for the boos. It did seem to be in good spirits.

Got off of LOTS recently and yes there are some areas that shows signs of wear and tear. None of it was enough of a distraction to be of concern to me. Some chairs are old, some areas of carpet are worn and the large screen TV in the pool area isn't (hasn't been) working. Some people have a need for the newest 'whatever' and won't be satisfied with anything less. In my experience over several cruises on the 'old gal' the excellent crew and staff have more than made up for any minor deficiencies in her appearance. YMMV

Just temperatures. Can't tell you about the difference in taste though.

When I drink a couple of Fosters, IPA lot.

The Royal Up program is managed and operated by an outside agency called Plusgrade and they determine who gets an invitation to bid and when they become available. To the buying public, there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason why the program is operated the way it is. The program is designed to fill unsold cabins at a higher price while simultaneously opening up cabins that they can sell at a lower price. So, they make money selling upgrades without losing money on the cabin initial sales.

The information you seek lies here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/booked/cruise-room-upgrade

At the risk of sounding cynical, why wouldn't they? They have instantaneous bookings for the new addition to their Silversea fleet and it's makes for excellent PR.

Well, anonymity, whether perceived or real, may or may not be a factor in your observation. Disclaimer: YMMV.

Ain't that the truth! I much pretty much prefer hanging out in any bar onboard as opposed to 'my status is better than your status' vibe in the Diamond Lounge. Disclaimer: YMMV.

Yes, on the Liberty of the Seas the Cafe Promenade is open 24 hours.

No, but RCCL will require the purchase of a "refreshment" package along with the UBP. You'll have to call to make arrangements, as it can't be done online in the Cruise Planner.

This was meant as a follow up Biker19's post above. While at the same time narrowing down the options available for beverage packages, such as the elimination of the 'Select Drink Package' that catered to beer and wine drinkers.

Well, I've seen many ads for food over the years that didn't pass muster in person. Caveat emptor really is a thing.

These days it can get to be confusing, but on out last cruise the piano 'man' in the Schooner Bar was a woman.

We've cruised MSC twice. The ships are slick/modern euro designs. The pax makeup was very International and the PA announcements got cumbersome as they are made in several languages. We found the quality of the food (included) to be lacking. The entertainment is geared to European tastes. The dining rooms are nothing like RCCL as they have low ceilings and they are very crowded. The photo service was a joke. The customer service desk bordered on surly. We recently had an opportunity to cruise on MSC for free. We didn't go. Twice was enough for us. YMMV.

A deposit is a fixed amount paid to secure the booking. After the deposit has been paid, any additional funds applied to the booking before final payment is due will be applied towards the final payment total. As far as cancellation or transfers are concerned, it depends on the terms and conditions that were in place at the time of booking.

Royal Caribbean will continue to charge these inflated prices for the DBP as long as people keep buying them. It's really a win-win situation for RCCL. Either pay through the nose before the cruise, or pay even more later when you're onboard.

Not necessarily the best price, but on US based sailings you can get onboard credit for booking onboard. FYI: Before visiting the 'Next Cruise' office, you can always check the current pricing by using RCCL's computer terminals for free when visiting their website while onboard.

Not necessarily. RCCL will allow one person to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package and one person to buy the Refreshment Package. But, they have to call RCCL to make it happen.