OCSC Mike

That's my answer to pretty much any cruise-related topic.

That's our main deciding location factor when not being treated to a GS up top, but we have to split the difference between those lower decks and the Solarium, WJ, etc. so it's more like trying to keep the walk to 5 decks so. We wound up on decks 9-10 mostly on Wonder. At least it's forced exercise (which doesn't put a dent into my eating but it can't hurt).

Fair enough, I wasn't even looking at anything in January. My impression was just that they quickly took in a lot of bookings, making me think they could have priced them higher. Obviously the market is completely different now like you said with the 9 months comment. It was already trending that way when I shifted gears in March and began booking ahead with TA's. Obviously I'm happy I happened to at least catch on early enough to get what I'll call acceptable rates given my narrow preferences as far as port and sail dates (which landed me on Wonder). Factoring those in, my rates really aren't all that bad, especially the March cruises. I'm also very happy that I'm not really interested in Icon, lol. They can keep her in South Florida forever (and put Icon 2 in Galveston) as far as I'm concerned.

Because they screwed up and didn't overprice Icon enough when it was released. Unsurprisingly, they weren't going to make that mistake again.

Standard inconsistency I guess. I wasn't given a single paper receipt anywhere on Wonder.

A list, yes, the actual "coupons", no.

They are automatically loaded onto your sea pass card. Paper coupons haven't existed for a VERY long time.

Which also means any drink! Very nice to be able to get something frozen by the pool/Solarium, a specialty drink from Playmakers or Mason Jar, etc. I wasn't complaining at the time but it was hard to get creative using the old happy hour lounge menu.

I always follow my order with "Diamond drink, please" just to hopefully avoid any mistakes even though it should be automatic.

I'm not big on any shows, just not my thing, but that was my favorite ice show yet.

It's going to be a personal preference thing. I would figure out what I would do in San Juan and what I would do in St. Thomas and whichever was more appealing, choose that itinerary.

On an internet forum? 😱

I don't remember ever being given a limit on anything at a quick-serve included venue. You can special order a whole pizza at Sorrento's, you can ask for a stack of cookies or multiple pastries at Cafe Promenade, never tried to order a ton of Park Cafe sandwiches at once but you can obviously order at least 2. What the heck is so special about the pre-made wraps?

Oh wow. On Wonder the case is open (like the grab n go section of a supermarket or gas station). You take them yourself... and can obviously take as much as you want. Very bizarre policy on Oasis given you can ask for a ton of anything else as you mentioned.

Just enjoy your cruise, but I appreciate it. I'm not picky. My Kummelwecks on Wonder were good. Yes, the meat can be a bit chewy but it tasted good. I'm a fan of the paninis there as well; don't see many others mention them. Unless they're under-pressed (my wife and I always ask to for them "extra crispy" with mixed results), hard to screw up what's essentially a grilled cheese (the Cuban is my favorite). I only grabbed that jerk whatever wrap b/c it was prepackaged and I wanted something to toss in the cooler. It was fine... wasn't expecting a ton from a pre-packaged wrap I put in my cooler for half a day. I don't mind being on my phone a bit while we cruise but it's often while we're not actively spending time together (like she may be reading a book next to me in the Solarium so we wouldn't exactly be chatting or while she's on the track for her early morning walk and I'm having my early morning cappuccino). I'm just not a picture taker so, like you said, it would take effort... and I don't want to be efforting during a cruise, lol. I'll likely give it a shot and stop if I find it's becoming annoying.

Love the included food review, thanks for sharing. Most food reviews seem to focus on MDR and specialty and I eat way more at the other venues. If I do a semi-live report on Wonder in March it will likely include similar reviews... I'm just not big on pics on general so not sure if forcing myself to take them will seem like a chore or not. We'll see...

One of the best things I’ve had on a ship. Same experience for us on Wonder in June.

I don't have an explanation. I don't take selfies. I use the website through my phone browser and just crop pictures I already have... usually from past cruises.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and food is very subjective but it's no challenge for me. I've never had a problem finding plenty of decent included food, especially on Oasis class. WJ, Solarium Bistro, Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, Sorrento's... all fine with me. MDR is probably my least favorite venue (has been long before Covid and menu changes) but even the food there is usually edible by my standards.

I've heard a lot of people say this. I always upload a picture of me and one of my wife and we've never had to re-take one. Not a big deal either way of course; I just tend to do anything possible pre-cruise that I can.

That’s your personal opinion. If it’s worth it to someone else & they enjoy whichever package then it’s not a waste to them. Everyone values things differently & chooses to spend their money accordingly.

As long as you’re using the app.

I’m close. I think I used some bogo beer perks a long time ago at Emerald but that’s it. I’m way too frugal pay for anything non-alcoholic (I even drank the awful included coffee before turning Diamond). I’m the same way in restaurants on land; I just drink water. So I’m perfectly content on the ship just drinking flavored water & ice tea mostly. Being Diamond covers the coffee (I ❤️ the DL machine) & alcohol now (not a huge drinker & my wife rarely uses all 4 of her vouchers). I’d much sooner spend some money on food (which I do of course). Everyone has their own values & preferences.

We're the same way. Only asked concierge for CK reservations and a couple other requests I can't do myself.

Just to follow-up, they were great about answering questions and providing info via e-mail. If we decide to do a snorkel excursion on St. Thomas it will be with them. The only part I don't love is going from 2-6pm instead of in the morning but that's not their fault obviously. We're either doing that one or one in St. Martin the day after that we did in 2017 and had an amazing time (Captain Bob who owns https://www.soualigadestinations.com/). I highly recommend Captain Bob to anyone going to St. Martin... but my wife really wants to swim with turtles and while there's a good chance to see them on St. Martin, it seems almost guaranteed on St. Thomas. Thanks again for sharing seastheday, @Tiggipaws.