Halloween on Radiance of the Seas: Costumes, Thriller, and a Centrum Gone Wild!

Halloween aboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas was quite the production!

If you thought a smaller cruise ship meant a smaller Halloween celebration, think again. The Centrum, the ship's central gathering area, was an absolute madhouse.

Radiance of the Seas may have fewer passengers than some of Royal Caribbean's larger ships, but it certainly doesn't skimp on Halloween entertainment.

And yesterday, I got to experience it firsthand.

The Costumes Were Already Out!

Earlier in the day, while I was blogging and enjoying the activities around the Windjammer, I started seeing some incredible costumes.

Most of the early sightings were the kiddos, and there were some fantastic creations. You could tell people had put some thought and effort into getting dressed up for Halloween.

After spending some time watching the costumes and taking everything in, I headed back to my stateroom for a bit before getting ready for dinner.

Little did I know what was waiting outside the Main Dining Room.

The Insane Asylum Outside the Dining Room

At about 6:45 PM, I headed down to dinner.

Just outside the Main Dining Room was what could only be described as an insane asylum.

People everywhere, showing off their costumes, checking out everyone else's outfits, and generally having a great time.

The costumes were impressive. People were creative, funny, and clearly enjoying themselves.

During dinner, Halloween participants continued coming and going. I'd see someone walk by in a particularly ridiculous costume and find myself laughing.

I have to give these people credit.

Unlike me, they weren't self-conscious about wearing something completely funky. And by funky, I mean funny!

They were out there having a good time, and I was enjoying watching every minute of it.

9 PM: The Centrum Takes Over

Around 9 PM, the Halloween festivities officially began.

Now came the challenge: finding somewhere to actually see what was happening.

The Centrum was packed.

I initially considered the fourth floor, but there was absolutely no way I was going to get a decent view from there. It was wall-to-wall people.

I decided to try the fifth floor.

I took the elevator up, and while there was a little more room, I couldn't find a suitable spot near a banister where I could comfortably watch the festivities.

So, back to the elevator.

This time, I headed to the sixth floor.

Success!

I finally found a spot where I could watch the costume parade without fighting through the crowd.

As someone with a prosthetic leg, finding a comfortable place to stand and watch isn't always as simple as it might be for everyone else. I was happy to find a spot where I could settle in and enjoy the show.

The Costume Parade

The costume parade was underway, and I got to see even more creations that I hadn't spotted earlier in the evening.

Some costumes were genuinely creative, and the participants' enthusiasm was contagious.

After the parade, they awarded prizes to some of the participants.

Then came the evening's musical highlight.

Michael Jackson's Thriller!

Next up was the much-anticipated "Flash Mob" performance to Michael Jackson's Thriller.

Now, technically, it wasn't much of a flash mob.

Why?

Because we were all expecting it!

A flash mob is generally supposed to be unexpected, with people suddenly breaking into a choreographed performance. When everyone is standing around waiting for it to happen, the surprise element is somewhat diminished.

But I'm not going to take anything away from the performers.

They did a fantastic job!

The choreography, the energy, and the overall presentation made it a lot of fun to watch. And let's face it, Thriller is practically mandatory listening during Halloween.

The Balloon Drop!

After the performance came the balloon drop.

I don't remember whether Freedom of the Seas had a balloon drop when I sailed on her. If it did, I don't remember it being quite like this.

One thing that makes Radiance of the Seas different is the size and layout of the Centrum.

Freedom of the Seas has a much larger main lobby area, with considerably more room. Radiance has a more compact central gathering space.

That makes a difference.

With everyone packed into the Centrum, there were fewer places for the balloons to fall and spread out. It was a much more concentrated experience.

Between the costumes, music, cheering, and dropping balloons, it was a fitting way to wrap up Halloween night.

Halloween 2027? I'm Already Thinking About It!

All in all, it was a really fun Halloween experience.

Radiance of the Seas may be one of Royal Caribbean's smaller ships, but the crew and passengers certainly made Halloween feel like a major production.

I enjoyed watching the costumes, seeing the creativity, laughing at the outfits, and experiencing the parade, Thriller performance, and balloon drop.

And now, naturally, I'm already thinking about Halloween 2027.

Perhaps I'll bring Airica along so she can experience the insanity firsthand.

I wonder what costume we could come up with?

One thing is certain: if this year's Halloween celebration is any indication, next year could be even more entertaining.

Happy Halloween from aboard the Radiance of the Seas!

The Bacon Intervention: When the Bathroom Mirror Tells You to Slow Down

Today, I had to make a difficult decision.

I had to calm down with the bacon.

If you've been following my cruise adventures aboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas, you already know that bacon and I have developed a pretty serious relationship. Breakfast has become less about ordering a meal and more about determining just how much bacon can reasonably fit on a plate.

But apparently, there is a limit.

The Bathroom Mirror Doesn't Lie

After my shower, I got up to brush my teeth.

Now, some people brush their teeth before showering. Others do it afterward. I'm firmly in the after-shower camp. We can debate the merits of both approaches another time.

So there I was, standing in the tiny cruise ship bathroom, using my Oral-B spinning toothbrush, when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

And what did I see?

Someone who looked at least six months pregnant. Maybe seven.

I stopped for a moment and thought:

"Niel, we gotta slow down."

Apparently, all those bacon breakfasts were starting to show up in places I wasn't expecting.

The Difficult Breakfast Decision

I made a difficult decision.

No Mount Everest-sized plate of bacon today.

Instead, I opted for a fruit plate and a strawberry parfait.

To drink, I had cranberry juice, decaf coffee, and a few sips of water.

Look at me, making responsible decisions!

Was it easy? Absolutely not.

Was there bacon somewhere on the ship calling my name? I'm sure of it.

But sometimes you have to recognize when it's time to change, even if that change means temporarily distancing yourself from one of life's greatest breakfast pleasures.

January 2027 Is Coming!

Another cruise is coming up in January 2027, and I have to think about the bigger picture.

I can't spend every cruise treating the breakfast buffet like an all-you-can-eat bacon championship.

There's still plenty of cruising ahead, and I'd like to enjoy it without having to negotiate with my bathroom mirror every morning.

So, for now, I'm going to exercise a little restraint.

The bacon and I aren't breaking up. We're just taking a little time apart.

Until the next breakfast buffet, bacon. Until the next breakfast buffet.

Halloween, Cruising, and the Great Time-Change Confusion of 2026

It's Halloween! October 31, 2026. 🎃

I've been on a few Halloween cruises before, but something is about to happen that I haven't experienced on any of them.

I'm on a cruise with multiple time changes, AND we're crossing the end of Daylight Saving Time!

Let's see if I can explain this without confusing myself.

• Leaving Florida: We started in Eastern Time.

• Cozumel, Mexico: We moved into Central Time, so the clocks went BACK one hour.

• Leaving Cozumel: We're now traveling east, back toward Florida and Eastern Time, so the clocks need to move AHEAD one hour.

• November 1, 2026: At 2:00 AM, the United States ends Daylight Saving Time and returns to Standard Time. That means the clocks go BACK one hour.

So, let me get this straight.

We went back an hour when we entered Central Time.

We're going forward an hour as we return to Eastern Time.

And then we're going BACK another hour because Daylight Saving Time ends.

I've taken Halloween cruises before, but apparently this year the real Halloween trick is being played on my internal clock.

Anyone else having difficulty following along?

Because my brain now hurts. 😂

Happy Halloween, and don't forget to set those clocks back!

Day 138: I Sent the Email. Now, Will Anyone at Nextdoor Respond?

Day 138. Another day, another attempt to get a response from Nextdoor.

This time, I took a different approach. I put my thoughts, questions, and frustrations into one email and sent it to 12 people at Nextdoor.

Yes, 12.

The recipients included people in Communications, Investor Relations, leadership, and other areas of the company. Some have received emails from me before. Others are being brought into the conversation because, after 138 days, I still don't have the answers I'm looking for.

I'm not expecting 12 individual responses. I'm hoping that at least one person will take ownership and help move this conversation forward.

Fifteen years of Nextdoor, and questions that remain

Nextdoor recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, rang the closing bell at Nasdaq, and announced additional advertising opportunities and revenue initiatives.

Those are milestones worth recognizing. Building a neighborhood platform that reaches millions of people is no small accomplishment.

But anniversaries and announcements don't eliminate the questions that come with running a public company and a platform built around community trust.

This past week, I watched NXDR decline rather than experience the pre-earnings bump I've observed during previous reporting periods. Investor confidence appears to have weakened over the week.

I'm not suggesting my blog caused the decline. I'm also not claiming to know exactly why the stock moved. But I am raising questions about the company's execution, transparency, and relationship with its users, investors, and community.

A company can celebrate 15 years and still have work to do.

The request that started this

My original inquiry was relatively straightforward: I wanted clarification about Nextdoor's Terms and Conditions of Use.

That question eventually led me to examine the company's policies, moderation practices, business model, research transparency, and leadership accountability.

One of my specific requests has been for the detailed data behind two Nextdoor Insights studies. Public communications indicated that additional research information was available by contacting Jacob Chavis.

I've requested those studies, followed up, and offered to have a conversation.

I still haven't received the reports.

Communications/Press responded, but they directed me to a public blog post about one of the studies. That wasn't what I requested. I was looking for the underlying research, not another link to a public summary.

More recently, Nextdoor published a survey announcement that included a PDF report. I appreciated seeing additional material, but I still have questions about the methodology and the two studies I originally requested.

If you can't share the detailed reports, tell me. If access is restricted, explain why. If someone else is responsible, point me in the right direction.

A clear answer would go a long way.

Communication has become part of the case study

Over these 138 days, I've encountered several outcomes that make productive discussion difficult:

• Nextdoor's LinkedIn posts have had comments disabled, limiting opportunities for public discussion.

• CEO Nirav Tolia has blocked me on X twice.

• Jacob Chavis has not provided the requested research.

• My follow-up efforts have not resulted in a resolution.

I recognize that a company has the right to manage its social media channels. A CEO isn't obligated to personally respond to every individual. And employees have responsibilities that extend beyond answering my emails.

But those choices don't resolve the underlying questions.

The larger issue is how Nextdoor handles substantive feedback. When someone raises questions about moderation, community trust, user-generated content, small-business value, or the company's research, what happens next?

Is there a process for getting those questions to the right people? Does anyone take ownership? Does the feedback make its way into conversations about product decisions, policies, and strategy?

That's what I'd like to understand.

This could have had a completely different outcome

Imagine if someone from Nextdoor Support had simply answered my original question about the Terms and Conditions.

Perhaps it would have been a short exchange: an explanation and a resolved inquiry.

Instead, it became a 138-day case study involving unanswered requests, public commentary, and questions about how the company responds to feedback.

I didn't set out to spend this much time documenting Nextdoor. The lack of resolution helped create the story.

I've spent considerable time examining the platform, identifying deficiencies, and providing feedback. I've discussed moderation, community trust, user-generated content, small-business value, investor expectations, and the responsibilities that come with operating a neighborhood platform.

I want Nextdoor to succeed. I still believe the platform has tremendous potential.

But potential and execution are different.

Twelve recipients. One opportunity to respond.

The email I sent isn't a demand for a public apology, a ceremonial acknowledgment, or a social media exchange.

I'm asking for four things:

1. A direct response to my original Terms and Conditions inquiry.

2. An update on the two detailed Nextdoor Insights studies I've requested.

3. Clarification of the company's process for handling substantive user and research inquiries.

4. An opportunity to discuss the broader feedback I've been documenting.

I'm willing to have a phone call, video meeting, or even a virtual coffee with someone who has the authority and willingness to discuss these issues.

If Nextdoor believes I've misunderstood something, I'm willing to listen. If there are explanations for decisions the company has made, I'd like to hear them.

I'm not asking every recipient to respond individually. I'm asking someone to take responsibility for moving the conversation forward.

Day 138. The door is still open on my end.

After 15 years in business, Nextdoor should welcome constructive feedback, answer reasonable questions, and show that communication and accountability are part of its culture.

The company has celebrated its history. It is pursuing new revenue opportunities. It is preparing to report earnings.

Those are all reasons to look forward.

But the relationship with users, the quality of moderation, the value delivered to small businesses, and investor confidence matter just as much.

I sent the email. I included the people I believe should be aware of the situation. Now I'll wait to see whether anyone decides to engage.

I'm not looking for a fight. I'm looking for a conversation.

Day 138. The door is still open on my end. Is anyone on Nextdoor willing to walk through it?

Cozumel, Bacon, Tequila, and a Little Shopping Adventure: Day 4 on Radiance of the Seas

Today was a port day in Cozumel, Mexico, and it turned into quite the adventure. There was bacon, a little walking, some bargaining, a tequila shopping mission, a secret purchase for Airica, and a return to the ship that involved surrendering a rather impressive amount of alcohol.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Breakfast: Did I Mention Bacon?

I was up early today. Couldn't sleep, so I was out of bed around 6:15 AM.

For breakfast, I asked for the usual.

Bacon. And more bacon.

For a moment, I thought the bacon would win. I may have underestimated just how much I love bacon. Sorry, piggies!

Along with my bacon mountain, I had pancakes, decaf coffee, cranberry juice, and a strawberry granola parfait.

Did I mention I got a lot of bacon?

With breakfast out of the way, it was time to get off the ship and explore Cozumel.

Getting Off the Ship: Not Exactly an Easy Exit

I headed down to Deck 2 to disembark.

The gangway presented a bit of a challenge. The angles were fairly steep, and there wasn't much to hold onto as I made my way up or down.

As an above-the-knee amputee, these little things matter. What might be a routine walk for another passenger can require a little more planning and concentration for me.

I also felt like I was holding up the people behind me who were eager to get off the ship and enjoy their port day.

Eventually, I made it down, presented my SeaPass card to register that I had left the ship, and started the very long walk through the customary maze of the tourist port shopping area.

You know the one.

T-shirts, shot glasses, souvenirs, jewelry, and enough tourist merchandise to outfit an entire island.

I had a mission, though.

Mission #1: Authentic Mexican Tequila

I wanted to bring back some tequila for the folks taking care of Mom.

I wasn't looking for a huge quantity, just something authentic. My requirements were pretty straightforward:

• 100% agave tequila.

• No sugar added.

• Approximately 375 ml bottles.

I walked into one of the shops and explained to the owner/manager how many bottles I wanted.

He started at $30 and eventually came down to $25.

I passed.

I'd done some research beforehand and had a pretty good idea where I wanted to go. I wasn't interested in paying tourist-port prices just because I happened to be standing in a tourist-port shopping area.

So, onward!

The Long Walk to Mercado Soriana

Before I could make it out of the shopping maze unscathed, I had to navigate the rest of the port.

There were pedicabs available, but I declined. I figured I could use the exercise to work off some of that breakfast bacon.

After approximately 45 minutes of walking, I decided enough was enough and asked for a taxi.

The first vehicle offered was a 10-passenger van. Not a particularly large one, but one of those smaller Central/South American-style vans.

I passed.

It was just me, and I didn't want to take up an entire vehicle when another passenger might need it.

The next taxi was a small sedan with a manual transmission. Perfect. We were off!

Destination: Mercado Soriana.

When I arrived, I had a little trouble finding the entrance. I used some of the Spanish I'd picked up while working in Gourmet Delis and eventually found my way inside.

I had to check my backpack before entering. Apparently, they take theft prevention seriously.

Once inside, I got down to business.

I found what I was looking for and purchased enough tequila to supply a pretty substantial party. The kind of party where everyone attending might be nursing a headache the following morning.

The funny part?

I don't even drink.

But that's not the point. This was a shopping mission for other people, and I was determined to finish it.

Mission #2: A Little Something for Airica

With the tequila mission accomplished, I had another stop to make.

I needed to visit the other Cozumel cruise port..

I negotiated the fare with the taxi driver, reached an agreement, and off we went.

This time, the destination was a Pandora store.

Since Radiance of the Seas wasn't docked there, I had to check in as a guest. I presented my SeaPass card, was allowed through, and started what felt like another 30-minute walk to the store.

Eventually, I made it.

I went inside, bought Airica, and headed back out.

She knows I stopped at Pandora, but she doesn't know exactly what I bought.

I'll leave a little mystery for now.

The Return Trip: As Close to the Ship as Possible

After finishing up at Pandora, I made my way back to the taxi stand.

There were a few speed bumps along the way, but nothing particularly unusual.

The driver asked where I wanted to be dropped off.

My response?

"As close to the ship as possible."

I was dropped off near the crew entrance/exit, which was super convenient because it was right by the pedicabs.

I asked one of the pedicab operators how much the ride would cost.

"Tips only."

Awesome!

I probably should have taken one of these on the way out instead of walking for 45 minutes while working off breakfast.

Lesson learned.

Customs, Security, and a Lot of Tequila

I made my way back to the passenger entrance, checked in with my SeaPass card, and placed my bags on the X-ray machine.

Because of my prosthetic, I went through a slightly different screening process.

Meanwhile, my backpack, which was now considerably heavier thanks to all that tequila, went through the machine.

The security crew asked whether I had alcohol.

I said yes.

They confiscated it.

Now, before anyone gets concerned, I'm familiar with this from previous cruises. Royal Caribbean doesn't allow passengers to bring purchased alcohol directly back to their staterooms. They hold it and arrange delivery toward the end of the cruise.

So, I checked it in for delivery tomorrow.

One of the crew members looked at the collection and commented:

"That's a lot of tequila."

My response?

"Yeah, I know, and I don't even drink."

They laughed.

I thought it was a pretty appropriate ending to the shopping adventure.

Back to the Stateroom

I finally made it to the elevator, headed upstairs, and returned to my stateroom.

First order of business: check in with Airica and let her know I wasn't sitting in a Mexican prison somewhere.

Then it was time for a shower.

After all that walking, negotiating, shopping, and navigating, I felt really good.

I'd accomplished both shopping missions, managed the challenges of getting around Cozumel with my prosthetic, and made it back to the ship with everything I intended to purchase.

Not a bad port day!

What's Next? Halloween at Sea!

Tonight is Halloween aboard the Radiance of the Seas.

I'm back on the ship, cleaned up, and ready to see what Royal Caribbean has planned for Spooky Day.

Plenty has been happening on this cruise, and apparently the adventures aren't slowing down.

Stay tuned!