Captain Funtime

On my January Boy's Cruise (Victory) I opted to spend the $$ for a bottle of scotch for the cabin in addition to Cheers. It may seem $$$ but when you add it to tryhe big picture not so much. I did finish the 1L bottle. I liked it well enough that I will do it again. Only use Carnival for Boy's Cruises. Works well for them but not for couples things. I also paid the $20 for lobster every night in the MDR without complaint. Maine tails not spiny. No steakhouse on Victory. :D

I think I gave the Bellman $10. They don't charge you to hang at the Tiki Bar or pool. Wear casual clothes and take your suit in your carry on. Dinner at the Boatyard is very good. Early dinner and then to FLL. Only a few minute ride from 17th street.

What we have done several times is take a taxi (Uber) with your luggage to the Hilton Marina on 17th Street. The Bellman will watch your luggage. You can hang at the pool (great Tiki Bar) catch the water taxi for a cruise on the water way. It has a stop right there. Great place for lunch is Boatyard just west of the Hilton Marina. Taxi (Uber to the airport. We will be doing the same after our Divina cruise in October. Did it in January and then again in April. Beats hanging all day at the airport :D:D

Good review and pictures. Sailed Allure in April. My choice as I was curious about the Rising Tide Bar. I found the ship huge but very manageable. I have cruised Carnival several (14 or 15) times. Was on Victory in January. I found the Carnival experience to be less than in the past. Royal is OK but we prefer Celebrity by far. A little more $$ but well worth it. Booked on Silhouette in January 2017. Trying MSC Divina in 111 days.

Tipping is a personal thing. On the Allure in April I left a tip on the table in the MDR when we ate breakfast. I gave the bartender a dollar on almost every drink (had the package) and even tipped others. We always give the steward extra at the beginning to ensure we get ice and plenty of towels and then again at the end. :D

We have sailed both lines this year. Many things similar but I give the nod to RCCL. Sailing MSC next (1st time) and then going back to Celebrity (our favorite):D

It will cost the same, whether you pay BEFORE you get service or at the end of the cruise, when your shipboard account is settled. Back in the day, you used to tip your cabin attendant, waiter, ass't waiter and head waiter IN CASH, IN PERSON!

 

Today's cruisers don't even have to extend a "thank you" to those who have served them....it's all done automatically.

Oh YES, How I remember. I far prefer the "old" system. That way I knew the people who provided me service got the $$$. I always carry plenty of ones to thank the omelet cook, breakfast waiter and..... :D

Looking at MSC's itineraries,,,it appears that 3 weeks are blacked out from September 17th through October 7th. I would have to think that's when MSC Divina will be in dry dock getting freshened up,,,:)

PERFECT !! We are booked on the October 8th sailing. Our first MSC voyage - then on to Seaside 3/2018.

Darn !! We have a late flight and I didn't want to have to drag the luggage around. Booked on Seaside 3/17/2018. :D:D

Sailing on the Divina in October. Do they offer Airport Luggage Valet ?:)

The cruise lines are still collecting the grats from each passenger and have recently increased the daily $$ so where is the money going ? :D

I was on Victory in late January. I have sailed on Victory previously. I very much enjoyed the cruise. My cabin was on the pool deck last cabin before the automatic doors to the pool and food. No problem with noise at all. I had the adult beverage package and found the bar service to be exceptional. Ate in the MDR each evening and paid the extra $20 for lobster most nights. The lobster was prepared correctly. Carnival no longer serves "free" lobster on 5 night cruises. Worry not about Victory. Enjoy your voyage and welcome to the US. :D:D

They did on Victory in January. As you said, the vinyl folders like the Amex ones. :D

I'd rather be cruising without my luggage than not cruising at all :D:D:D

On Victory in January I frequented the same bars on a regular basis and usually left a dollar in the check folder with each drink. I have never added a tip on the slip. I just don't trust the unknown. Cruise number 40 coming in October :D:D

On Allure in April the first time I tried it I was not impressed, Beef was tough (sliced too thick) Tried a couple more times and got a very good one. I liked the salads in Park Café. Even with a line it moves fast. :D

On Allure in April we purchased online w/ the 20% discount and paid $48 +/- per day INCLUDING the grat. :D

Already booked. March 2018 :D:D:D

Another question would be.... when the beverage package is a perk does RCCL contribute to the pool or is the pool just smaller because the PAX did not pay the 18% on the package ?

Just off Allure. I have a small plug in (device) that has two outlets and two USB ports. Used it with no problem. Makes things easier with the USB ports.

:D:D

Just off Allure. Had the drink package and (almost) always put a buck or two in the receipt folder. The bartenders took very good care of me. At dinner I tipped the drink server. Never had an empty drink. If we had breakfast or lunch in the MDR I always left a tip. We far prefer the "old" system of envelopes. I even tip the omelette person in the buffet. I found the service on Allure to be good +.

On my January Victory Cruise I wore boat shoes no socks each night. I don't understand the fuss. It seems Elegant Night is wearing off on most lines. Just off of Allure of the Seas and it was no different. I wore (pressed) dress shorts and a polo shirt in the MDR each night with no strange looks. On "formal" nights saw very few tuxedos or suits. Hey it's a vacation. Not out to offend anyone. Booked on Celebrity (my favorite) and they don't have formal nights anymore. :D

I could not agree more. We have been cruising since the "old days" when you received envelopes to give directly to those who impacted our cruise. I do not trust any cruise line to "fairly" distribute my money. We have NEVER tipped less than today's guidelines. I think the current system "smells." JMHO

If it is a gratuity, it is optional and at the discretion of the guest whether it is removed or not, no reason needed.

Bought the Premium package yesterday online for $647.58 for two for our 3.03 7 night cruise. $46.25/ day including grats, :D:D

Thanks for the posts. I guess I will find out in two weeks and I will report back. :D