cruiserking

We just debarked Icon yesterday and the food and service on board was fabulous. Breakfast and lunch in the Main Dining room was always prompt and delicious and dinners at the Coastal Kitchen were superb. We also dined at numerous venues on board; Marketplace, Windjammer, Surfside Eatery and loved everything. The only meal that was less than perfect was our dinner at Hooked. The oyster appetizer was delicious but, the Captain's Platter main course was on the greasy side. All in all though a terrific experience enjoying the culinary cornucopia aboard this amazing ship. Jonathan

Usually around 45 days in advance so pretty soon. Jonathan

Coastal Kitchen is not on Voyager.

Cunard - 14 Royal Caribbean - 11 Princess - 4 Celebrity - 3 Holland America Line - 3 Royal Viking Line - 1 Mississippi Queen - 1 Italian Line - 1 French Line - 1 Jonathan

133 till Anthem of the Seas.

If you're sailing on Quantum or Oasis Class ships you will have access to the Coastal Kitchen private dining room for dinner. This is a terrific perk, delicious meals and excellent service. Jonathan

7 days aboard a ship always beats out 5 days unless the ports are really spectacular. On day 5, of a one week cruise, you'll be relishing two more days in La La Land instead of packing and affixing those wretched debark stickers to your luggage. Happy Cruising. Jonathan

They used to used to make smoothies at the Sunshine Bar in the Solarium but, not any longer. You can usually find smoothies during breakfast at the Windjammer. Jonathan

Technical issues. Fairly common occurrence at Royal Caribbean's website. Hang tight, they'll have it fixed soon. Jonathan

Ugh, that sucks. Ship issues huh? Hopefully you can sleep on board overnight. Jonathan

I checked several affordable hotels for the dates you listed above. The prices are based on the hotel websites. If you book through a third party site you can probably get some good prices but, you never know exactly where the room is, like facing a brick wall or next to a loud air conditioner outside. Manhattan is where you want to be, that's where all the action is, the famous sites and historic landmarks. Best Western - East 49th street between 3rd avenue and Lexington. Nice hotel prices in your range between $250 and $350. Great location steps from Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Theater District and many nice restaurants and diners. Hilton Garden Inn - East 52nd near 3rd Avenue. King bed room approximately $353 with Hilton Honors discount. Great neighborhood, close to many attractions. Omni Berkshire Place - East 52nd between Madison and 5th Avenue. Excellent area, very nice hotel, close to great shopping, Central Park just seven blocks away. Rockefeller Center, MoMa, theater district. King bedroom starting at $324 per night $350 for deluxe king. The Jewel Club Quarters east 51rst between 5th and 6th avenue. Located in Rockefeller Center. Very close to theater district, shopping, Central Park, MoMa, Saks 5th Avenue. King rooms starting at $328 for advanced purchase. If you use a discount hotel site there are many great options like the Benjamin on 51rst just off Lexington - the Michangelo - 51rst street just off 7th avenue. The Kimberly - East 50th street between 3rd and Lexington among many others. Jonathan

I would suggest booking a return flight for noon or later. Sure, you might make an earlier departure but, it's not uncommon to experience delays debarking, collecting your luggage. Save yourself the stress and schedule for a time you can easily make. Jonathan

That's a great shame, such a lovely port. Hope the QM2 is okay. Enjoy the rest of your voyage. Jonathan

That would be my vote as Essiesmom pointed out. You could debark in La Spezia and have a full day to get to the MSC's departure port. Jonathan

Hope you're having a wonderful cruise on the QM2 after that rough embarkation. Jonathan

Mom's Kitchen & Bar gets great reviews on Yelp and Tripadvisor. They are located on 49th and 9th Avenue about a fifteen-minute walk from the cruise pier. Brunch is served here and would be a great choice to grab a fast meal and have time to make it back to the ship by 1:30 pm which likely will be your all aboard time. https://www.eatatmomsnyc.com/location/moms-kitchen-bar-midtown/ Jonathan

You're allowed to bring 12 standard 17oz non-alcoholic cans, bottles or cartons on board. You shouldn't have a problem. Why not just get a mocktail on board, they cost much less without alcohol and it will save you carrying extra stuff. Jonathan

We sail Anthem every February. Coco Cay is delightful, warm in the sun but, nowhere as scalding as August. The ocean is chilly but, plenty of people still swim and frolic in there. Jonathan

The refundable deposit is booked through the cruise line by your travel agent. The benefit to having a travel agent is if your fare goes down there's a good chance your agent will be able to get the better price for you. When you book with the cruise line they aren't always so helpful reducing your price. Jonathan

Cash is king. The other thing that is really helpful to your waitstaff is to post a sterling review when your receive the "How was your cruise?" email from Royal Caribbean. With each positive review these waiters receive they earn various perks and promotions. Jonathan