gerif

I remember once in Bermuda the ship was pulling away from the dock. I was sitting on my balcony and heard shouting. Two young girls were running toward the ship. The captain actually backed up to get them. I’m guessing they were teenagers and had hysterical parents on board and the captain thought better of leaving them to their own resources on the island.

Not sure why you would do that - you would not be getting four additional vouchers that day.

I always asked for wheelchair assistance for my late husband. Sometimes it meant getting onboard a bit later if there were a lot of people needing assistance but it was helpful.

I’d see the loyalty ambassador on the first leg who can verify your status and advise the LA on the second leg to be prepared to expect you.

That’s correct. On our first RC cruise it was free and lines to get in went on forever. Then they started charging but C&A members got a coupon for a free visit (don’t believe beverages were included). All levels got the coupon as I think we were only gold or at best platinum at the time. Not big fans so usually gave the coupons away.

See response #2.

Right, but not for a meal.

I don’t recall that ever being a perk.

The tumbler has a chip built into its base which is what activates the machine - otherwise anyone could use it with any cup. It’s not like the tumbler is going to get filthy, just rinse it out with hot water and a few drops of the liquid goop in the shower.

Absolutely. Would these people expect to go to an all you can eat buffet, pay for two and expect to feed four adults for the same price (even if they don’t eat much and they ask politely)? So rude.

Only if they are your OWN kids.

While it is not “required” that you cancel reservations you don’t intend to use, it is certainly the courteous thing to do so that someone else can be given that table.

It matters to OP because one parent would lose suite benefits if booked in another cabin.

I’ve always tipped on the pretax price at land based restaurants (and always at least 20%). One small issue in adding to the 18% charged in specialty restaurants is that I’ve already paid a daily gratuity in general.

Yes, it does make a difference. If you are not in a suite you will be charged.

Balcony dividers on Explorer cannot be opened.

You can’t order room service from the MDR unless you are in a full suite. You can probably go in person to ask for takeout but it would probably be easier to go to the WJ and fill a plate to take out.

It has been suggested that you bring your own fitted sheets as they only use folded up regular sheets.

Anything fizzy has a price.

The amount of time you will get in the nursery will depend heavily upon how many hours others might want to book. I think they allow you to book 10 hours to start, after which you would need to check availability. Some have reported that they were able to book all they wanted.

Never had luggage damaged on a cruise ship. Cannot say the same for airlines.

Nope. And you can’t get one. Try Downey Wrinkle Release or just hang in the bathroom and run a hot shower. I’ve also spritzed with some water and hit with the blow dryer. I do all these things at home since I don’t have an iron. If something requires ironing, I simply don’t own it. You can send items out for ironing.

Drinking water is provided free all day in many venues. In addition to meals, you can get a glass of ice water free from any bar. Bear in mind that the water provided by the ship is produced by the same method as most bottled water.

Been many years for me as well but they were told how much they were allowed to spend and anything over they would have to reimburse. Really kept them in check.

Once upon a time it was free (and for a while thereafter C&A members got a free coupon). Problem was that it was nearly impossible to get in much of the time. Even at 3:00 on a port day there would be an hour wait for a table. Teens tended to congregate there all day. Charging drastically cut down on the crowds and, of course, once they realized people were willing to pay, the rest is history.