gerif

that’s assuming you will not be eating any meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks) at any other venue since the automatic gratuities cover all of those places. I’d rather not be cheap than run the risk of stiffing these hard working people.

You can but in CK on Oasis class beer and wine are included.

Only suggestion I can make is to order several shots, pour them into a disposable coffee cup and take them to your cabin. Then you can have a drink there whenever you want. I know you can order individual drinks from room service but would probably be more expensive.

You do get to order room service from the MDR (when it is open) at no additional charge. An OS does have a table where you can sit and eat.

Corkage fee has absolutely nothing to do with who actually opens the bottle - it is a charge made for bringing a bottle of wine to a venue where it is normally sold, just like in a restaurant. Having said that, I have yet to read a report of anyone actually having incurred the charge in the dining room.

Just got around to reading this post. First of all, the OP was very wrong in that they were not overcharged (charged exactly what they agreed to pay when booking the cruise) and did not pay too early (paid what they agreed to pay and when at the time of booking). What else I found confusing is that while OP claims to have been cruising for 39 years, nowhere is it ever mentioned how many cruises were taken during that time and how many were taken on RCI. In any event, as the saying goes, once the ring is on your finger, quit looking!

Might get port fees returned. Have you read your cruise contract?

Just what I was thinking. Your wife would not be able to accompany you to the suite lounge, etc.

You cannot bring a case, only 12 cans/bottles per cabin. Absolutely nothing wrong with drinking the ship’s water. And it’s free. Believe it or not people were drinking it for many years before anyone even thought about bottled water.

You also need to make sure that the bed is NOT near the door - otherwise there is no way the scooter can get into the room.

Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think you can bring an electric tea pot either.

I don’t have an iron. If a fabric requires ironing I simply don’t buy it, and certainly wouldn’t travel with it. If an item has a few creases, I find the easiest thing is to spray with some water and then hit with a hairdryer. Perfect.

It’s not possible.

Best idea. Not much other than the little cereal boxes you can take off the ship. You’ll need prepackaged snacks.

I’ve had the flu, Covid and, of course, your basic cold. With the flu I was sick as a dog but my case of Covid (verified with a test) totally mimicked a regular cold. No fever, aches, cough or anything. Just a runny nose and slight sore throat. The only reason I bothered to test was because I had a vet appointment and they asked if you had flown recently and had any sort of symptoms, both of which I had.

I think it would be easier to deal with in a specialty restaurant since food is made to order rather than mass produced like in the MDR.

I often wonder what people did when cruising prior to the time when people used bottled water. Nothing wrong with the free water available everywhere. At home I use a water filter attached to my kitchen faucet because our water has a strong chlorine taste when boiled for tea or coffee but don’t purchase bottled water. In response to the OP, again it’s a case of what the market will bear. If people are willing to pay, they will keep raising the price.

Much prefer being near the elevator. No noise at all.

I enjoy Indian food but what is served on the ships is really a cheap variety and I don’t think I’d be inclined to pay extra for it. For what it’s worth, I detest Mexican. DIL is Indian but doesn’t cook it at home. She will not permit her mother to cook it in her house, she must bring it over already cooked.

Pressing is half the cost of (individual) laundering. There will be a price list in your cabin.

The head waiter is not there to amuse you or be your new bff. S/he is there to assure that service runs smoothly and that there are no problems. Occasionally, they need to change waitstaff if there is a problem (had that happen once). If everything is running smoothly they are doing their job.

My local supermarket has Maine lobster tails (6 oz i believe) on special this week for $5,99. Sure, you need to cook them yourself but I learned how in high school cooking class so doesn’t really require much cooking talent. I’m sure buying them in bulk like Royal does makes them much cheaper. Their upcharge is ridiculous. I think a $5 upcharge without the extra gratuity (you wouldn’t need to pay that if they were bringing you an extra plate of meatloaf) is much more reasonable.

It’s not available on all ships. In any event, it’s a very small bottle that comes with some mixers.

You can always order a salad. I often ask for a plate of steamed veggies - never a problem.

What is virgin vodka?