SilkySal

Normally, formal nights are on the 1st and last sea day (but never on the night before returning to port); there will still only be 2 for an 8-nighter. IMO, a "spacious" OV is not worth any upcharge; however, a JS bid, even at $150pp, would be worth a shot if you'd rather have a tub vs the tube shower, as well as the upgraded toiletries for the shower. On the other hand, the "hump" balconies have great views of both ends of the ship!! Enjoy your cruise! Cheers!

We carry all of our credentials with us when we cruise (stamped retired) for proof of service. DH is also still an active first responder and I dispatch for our retirement community.

I don't know that either; however, DH and I are both retired law enforcement, fire department and 1st responders, and they have honored our discounts on select cruises.

Just call an RCI agent ask, unless you went through a TA, then call them.

Wow! Stunning pics! Thanks for sharing! Carry on and have a great day!

If you have the Dx or Refreshment package, I would think that is included but I am not 100% positive. Maybe someone else knows.

Me too! However, I do know some 70+ folks who seem to have a lot of trouble using their phones. When I get stumped with my phone, I just hand it over to DH (former IT guy)!😉

Huh, that's news to me. Maybe that's why we got the printed compass on our last cruise.🤔

Bon Voyage! We'll make a similar trip on Radiance in 2024!!

The Odyssey of the Seas also had a designated "private viewing" section for rent; however, the Mariner did not. So, I'm thinking it may just be available on the bigger/newer ships but not certain. Maybe some others will know more.

Nope, this states one bottle per adult of drinking age: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/onboard-alcohol-guest-policy

Also, you are not supposed to share the packages. In my opinion, the Refreshment (all drinks excluding alcohol) is the best deal. Remember, some ships do not have the soda machines and the others seem to be "broken" sometimes. Cheers!

Yes, we did rent that "private sports fans" place at Playmakers for the NFL playoffs, and had a blast! The bar got so crowded, so we were ecstatic to have our own private viewing area with a huge TV screen! There were 10 of us and we all had Dx beverage packages, so, instead of the pitchers of beer, they swapped it out for more appetizers!! OMG! Lots of food and no one went away hungry! Since no one had that space rented out for the following game, they even let us all stay in there for that one at no extra charge! This was on the Wonder of the Seas! Fabulous crew and friendly Playmakers' staff! If this is for you, be sure to rent it as soon as you board the ship! Happy cruising and cheers!

Just off Serenade. Most of the shows were either at 8:00, 9:00 or 10:00pm. We only attended one due to the fact that the theater stage, as well as the cinema movie theater, were in close proximity to the casino and the cigarette smoke smell was too bad for my hubby, who has lung issues. That casino needs a lot better ventilation system! We spent most of our time farther away at Schooner's and the Safari lounge, where they held daytime activities. All staff on the Serenade were wonderful! Cheers!

We enjoyed the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl in Playmakers! We also saw soccer and NHL on some of the TV's, so you should be fine! Enjoy! The wings and tower of onion rings are a great price and delicious! Cheers!

Sorry, double post.

We took the ship's excursion and flew over the 5 glaciers to Taku lodge! Yes, it is pretty pricey but, in my opinion, well worth it!!!!! The view of the glaciers from up there is jaw dropping and something you'll never forget! The sea plane arrived at Taku Lodge and we enjoyed a wonderful lunch including freshly grilled salmon, which is caught fresh right there at the Lodge! I really don't care for salmon but, I swear, this salmon was the absolute best that we've ever had (maybe it was the ambiance of the Lodge)! If it's in your budget, you won't regret this excursion!! Enjoy! Cheers! https://alaskashoretours.com/excursions/juneau/taku-glacier-lodge-feast-5-glacier-seaplane-discovery/?gclid=CjwKCAjw0N6hBhAUEiwAXab-TfSkkbH9dff94CSgxHtO4lMR7s3cWeTeOLQZOVjRy4ic5BuQJUTWXhoCktAQAvD_BwE

Here is the option to pre-pay parking: https://www.porttb.com/royalcaribbeanparking Oh, and, yes, Serenade has areas designated for teens to gather in the evening.

We are just back from Serenade of the Seas, which also does not have soda machines. On boarding day, the bars are jammed with those wanting their "deserved packages drinks", so we observed that those only wanting sodas, especially young ones, found it extremely hard to be recognized by the bartenders; this was also true on most sea days when the pool deck was very crowded. We usually buy the refreshment package, which allows for all drinks excluding alcohol so we can enjoy the frozen mocktails on hot days and fresh squeezed OJ for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You might consider taking the allowed 12 bottles of water and add some sort of flavored powder to them if desired, or carry on 12 cans of your choice of soda. Tap water (jug) may be at some bars. You can get a cup of water and/or lemonade from the WJ at meal times, as well. Good luck and happy cruising! Cheers!

OBC and $100pp deposit.

Wonder how many of us will look under there for that $5 and admit doing it!🙄

And the guessing game saga continues.🤔

We just came off of Serenade and I was pleasantly surprised that the pool bar had stocked plenty of Clamato for our morning Caesars!! Woot! Woot! We'll board the Mariner in October, so now wondering if I should bring some, as well.🤔 Maybe if you ask, they will start stocking it better; doesn't hurt to ask. Thanks!

After reading a few comments, I'll put my ideas (good or bad) out here for comments. Maybe they should somehow (don't know how) attach one of those "will be back at" clock signs to the chairs. When you leave your chair, move the clock hands to the time that you will return (no more than 30 minutes or less maybe) from the time you left the chair.🤔 Or, somehow limit the total time that you're allowed to occupy the chair; kind of like a parking meter.😂 We just got off of Serenade from a B2B over spring break and I thought they should start a game of "how many kids can get into a hot tub at once?" I thought there was a maximum number of bodies allowed into the people soup pots!🤢 Oh, and the main pool had to be emptied 3x (that I am aware of) over this 2 week period; once for poo and once for vomit; not sure about the other(s). I wore my swim wear to the pool but chose not to enter; however, hubs and I did occupy the same table and 2 chairs for the entire 2 weeks to enjoy drinks, eats and people watch!😁 Pool entertainment was actually better than the mediocre shows, which hubs couldn't enjoy because of the stinky smoke smell finding its way into the theater (and the cinema) from the casino. Pew!🤧 Cheers all!

If I were a bookie (I'm not), I think a great bet would be that the losers pay for all of the winners to cruise on Utopia's first cruise out of PC! If it doesn't home port in PC, then nobody wins. Haha! Told ya I was no bookie and have no clue how to bet on this but I just may participate in the venture!😉 Oh, wait a minute! Is this illegal?😲