Sigyn

it's remarkable!

I cannot afford to spend $20K on a suite and have any travel money left over for the year. So if it was the only vacation I took all year, sure. But that wouldn't be any fun at all. And it would still be painfully expensive because it's not just the cost of the cabin but also airfare and excursions. From the way I read it on CC, some people do this 2-3x a year or more. I guess it's why I didn't see my original post as bragging. I'm saying that I CAN'T afford to do this.

I swear! It wasn't even a humblebrag. I was just thinking about spending $5K earlier today to move to a sky suite on a cruise we're doing this summer, and I was like, but no, we need new carpet that we're saving for, and we want to update our garage. I was literally like, WHO does this????? hahahaha. me too!

I'm about to leave for the Caribbean. I asked it what to do. Here's the response: What is the best thing to do in the Caribbean on a cruise ship? The Caribbean offers a wide variety of activities and experiences for cruise ship passengers, and the "best" thing to do largely depends on your interests and preferences. Here are some popular activities and experiences to consider when cruising the Caribbean: Beaches: The Caribbean is known for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Relaxing on the beach, swimming, and sunbathing are among the most popular activities for cruise passengers. Water sports: The Caribbean's warm waters are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports. Many ports offer excursions or rental equipment for these activities. Historical sites: The Caribbean has a rich history, and many ports offer the opportunity to explore historical landmarks, such as forts, plantations, and colonial-era towns. Local culture: Experience the Caribbean's vibrant culture through music, dance, and local cuisine. Visit markets, attend cultural performances, or take a cooking class to immerse yourself in the local culture. Nature and wildlife: The Caribbean is home to unique ecosystems and wildlife. Take a rainforest hike, visit a botanical garden, or go on a bird-watching tour to explore the region's natural beauty. Adventure activities: For thrill-seekers, the Caribbean offers zip-lining, ATV tours, horseback riding, and other adventure activities. Shopping: Many Caribbean ports are known for duty-free shopping, offering great deals on jewelry, watches, clothing, and other items. To find the best activity for you, consider your interests, the specific ports on your itinerary, and the time you have available at each destination. You can research and book shore excursions through your cruise line or use independent operators for more personalized or unique experiences. Remember to read reviews and compare options to make the most of your Caribbean cruise vacation.

Apparently Chat GPT knows all. Cruise lines typically offer priority boarding and check-in for suite guests as a perk for booking a higher-category stateroom. However, policies regarding non-suite guests accompanying suite passengers through the priority boarding line can vary by cruise line and sometimes by the ship itself. In some cases, if you are traveling with a group or family and one of your party is staying in a suite, the cruise line may allow non-suite guests to go through the suite line with the suite guest as a courtesy. This can be particularly true if the group is traveling under the same booking or reservation number. However, other cruise lines might have stricter policies and may not allow non-suite guests to use the suite line, even if they are part of your travel group. In such cases, non-suite guests would need to use the general boarding line. To avoid any confusion or delays, it's best to contact your specific cruise line before your trip to inquire about their policy for non-suite guests accompanying suite passengers during boarding. Be prepared to provide your booking or reservation details to get accurate information.

Done. Whether or not you should purchase "The Key" on Royal Caribbean depends on your personal preferences, budget, and planned activities during your cruise. "The Key" is an exclusive program offered by Royal Caribbean that provides guests with various perks and benefits, such as: Priority check-in and boarding Private hours at select onboard activities (e.g., rock climbing, FlowRider, ice-skating, etc.) Priority disembarkation at tender ports Priority seating at shows and events Complimentary Voom Surf & Stream Wi-Fi for one device Special embarkation day lunch at a specialty restaurant Priority disembarkation on the final day of the cruise If you value these perks and think they will enhance your cruise experience, then "The Key" might be worth considering. However, keep in mind that there is an additional cost for this program, which varies based on the length of your cruise and ship. Before purchasing "The Key," consider the following: How important are the listed benefits to you? Do you have a flexible budget for your cruise vacation? Are you planning to participate in many onboard activities or attend shows that may have limited seating or long wait times? Do you require internet access during your cruise? If you find that the benefits of "The Key" align with your preferences and you're willing to spend extra for the convenience, then it may be a good investment. However, if you feel that you can manage without these additional perks or if you're on a tight budget, then you might want to skip "The Key" and allocate your money towards other experiences or amenities during your cruise. Formal night on a cruise ship is an opportunity for guests to dress up and enjoy a more elegant dining experience. The dress code varies slightly by cruise line, but here are some general guidelines for what to wear on formal night: For men: Suit and tie: A dark suit with a dress shirt and tie is a classic choice for formal night. You can also wear a sports coat or blazer with dress pants if you prefer a slightly less formal look. Tuxedo: If you want to go all out, a tuxedo is a great option. Some cruise lines even offer tuxedo rentals onboard for your convenience. Dress shoes: Complete your outfit with a pair of polished dress shoes. For women: Cocktail dress: A knee-length or slightly longer cocktail dress is an appropriate choice for formal night. Choose a dress that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident. Evening gown: If you prefer a more glamorous look, a floor-length evening gown is an elegant option. Dressy separates: For a more casual yet still sophisticated look, consider dressy separates like a blouse with a skirt or dress pants. Dress shoes: Complete your outfit with a pair of dressy shoes, such as heels or dressy flats. Accessories can also help elevate your outfit and make it feel more special. Consider adding jewelry, a clutch, or a wrap for women, and cufflinks, a pocket square, or a boutonniere for men. Remember to check your specific cruise line's dress code guidelines, as some may have slightly different requirements for formal night attire. It's important to feel comfortable and confident in your outfit while adhering to the dress code to fully enjoy your formal night dining experience. Tipping on a cruise ship is a way to show appreciation for the hardworking staff who help make your vacation enjoyable. The amount and distribution of tips can vary by cruise line, but here's a general guideline for tipping on most cruise ships: Stateroom attendant: This person is responsible for keeping your room clean and comfortable throughout your stay. A common tip is around $3.50 to $5.00 per guest, per day. Dining room waiter: Your main waiter in the dining room provides you with personalized meal service each evening. The suggested tip is around $3.50 to $5.00 per guest, per day. Assistant waiter: This staff member assists the main waiter and provides additional service during meals. A tip of around $2.00 to $3.00 per guest, per day is customary. Headwaiter or maitre d': If you receive special services from the headwaiter or maitre d', such as arranging a special meal or accommodating dietary restrictions, you may want to tip them separately. This is discretionary, and an appropriate amount could be $10 to $20 for the entire cruise, depending on the level of service provided. Buffet and casual dining staff: Tipping is generally not expected at buffet and casual dining venues onboard, as the service is usually self-serve. However, if a staff member goes above and beyond, you may choose to give them a small tip. Bar and lounge staff: Most cruise lines automatically add a 15-18% gratuity to bar and lounge bills. Check your receipt to ensure this is the case, and if not, you can tip a similar percentage based on your total bill. Spa and salon services: For spa and salon treatments, a 15-20% tip based on the cost of the service is customary, unless a gratuity is already included in the price. Room service: A small tip of around $2 to $5 per delivery is appreciated for room service, unless the cruise line has a no-tipping policy for this service. Some cruise lines have an automatic daily gratuity charge, which covers tips for stateroom and dining staff. Check your cruise line's policy to see if this is the case, and adjust your tipping accordingly. You can always give additional tips to individual staff members who provided exceptional service. Finally, tipping customs may vary by country and region, so it's a good idea to research local practices before your cruise to ensure you're following appropriate etiquette.

Here you go: There are no specific guidelines on an acceptable percentage of urine in a cruise ship hot tub or any hot tub for that matter. Ideally, there should be no urine in a hot tub at all. Hot tubs and pools are meant to be sanitary and safe for users, and the presence of urine can introduce contaminants and negatively impact water quality. To maintain a clean and healthy hot tub environment, the water should be treated regularly with appropriate sanitizing chemicals, such as chlorine or bromine, and the filtration system should be in proper working order. Regular testing of the water's chemical balance is crucial, and users should always shower before entering the hot tub to minimize the introduction of contaminants. As a hot tub user, it's essential to follow proper etiquette and avoid urinating in the water to ensure a healthy and enjoyable experience for everyone.

I guess there's that. We each put away 10% of our incomes into our 401K, in addition to other savings we accumulate. I save $1,500 a month just for travel. And add to that pile as needed. Sigh. $18K a year for vacations feels very extravagant. I need to just feel fortunate that I can do that.

I keep trying to figure this out. Who is it paying $15,000 and $20,000 for suites on cruise ships and going multiple times a year? Are they putting it on credit or are they paying cash? Since this is an anonymous board, I can say that my spouse and I are very successful without sounding like I am bragging. No one knows me here. 🙂 We each make well over six figures and our income easily places us in the top 3-4% of all households in our state. I am a vice president at my company, and my husband is quite successful as well. And it's not just our annual income. We have over $2 million already saved for retirement and we're still many years away from that time in our lives.Yet, I can't fathom spending $20,000 on a suite. It's not that we're against spending. We love fancy things. We live in a lovely home, we drive luxury cars and we have taken our three kids to Europe and we go regularly to Napa and drop $600 a night for a 4-5 night stay, and do $300 dinners. But again, $20,000 on a suite? That is another realm of spending. Who is it spending this much on a suite? If my husband and I can't afford to do it, who can? There's not that many people who make more than us, to be frank. I just don't get it.

I found it funny. Some people are asking it what to make for dinner.

I didn't even think of that, and I tend to get migraines on occasion. I can see buying a drink package if you know you drink 10+ drinks a day but for someone like me who wants 1-2 drinks throughout a vacation day normally and 3-4 if they are trying hard to make a package worth it, and maybe one more if it's a beach day and up for sampling different frozen concoctions, then it's just not a viable option. My husband can easily drink 7-8 drinks in a day and feel 100% fine the next day, so he is someone who can use a drink package. But since both people have to buy it in a cabin, it's still not worth it for us. I tend to get hangovers, so I'm just not that person.

I totally understand! I did a cruise in 2013 and spent the entire cruise slightly buzzed!!!! I cannot see myself doing that again. My husband and I did that one on the cheap, tho. We took rum runners hidden in our luggage filled with Malibu Black and filled our bubba cups in our room every morning, afternoon and evening. Multiple times. Good times. 🤣

I agree, they're insanely expensive. It works out to about $550 a person for a 7-day cruise when you buy at the lowest sale price I've seen for the Harmony of the Seas cruise I embark upon in two days. I used to buy the drink packages, but now I'm just buying the drinks as I go because I simply do not drink $550 during a one-week cruise. But if I were to buy a package, I would feel the need to try to drink that much to warrant the expense. Not a healthy choice for my liver!!! Edited to say the exception is NCL, where the fares come with a basic drink package and upgrading was about $330 a person and included Wi-Fi and some other benefits like a couple extra specialty meals. That was worth it to me because it included my favorite, Vueve Cliquot champagne. My husband and I had a bottle of that with dinner every night on our recent holiday cruise. And lots of still and sparkling waters and Starbucks coffee. But most cruise lines don't include Starbucks and the high-end champagnes.

Here is what Chat GPT told me to do when I asked for advice on picking a specialty restaurant on my upcoming cruise: Choosing a specialty restaurant on a cruise ship can be a fun and exciting experience, as there are typically a variety of dining options available. Here are some tips on how to choose a specialty restaurant on a cruise ship: Research the dining options ahead of time: Most cruise lines offer information about their specialty restaurants on their website or through their onboard app. Take a look at the menus and prices to see which restaurants appeal to you. Consider the cuisine: If you have a specific type of cuisine that you love, such as Italian or steakhouse, you may want to choose a specialty restaurant that offers that type of cuisine. Check the reviews: Look for reviews of the specialty restaurants on travel websites or social media. This can give you an idea of the quality of the food and service, as well as any tips or recommendations from other cruisers. Make a reservation: Once you have decided on a specialty restaurant, make a reservation as soon as possible. Popular restaurants can book up quickly, especially during peak dining times. Consider special events: Some specialty restaurants offer special events, such as wine tastings or chef's tables. If you are interested in one of these events, be sure to check the schedule and make a reservation in advance. By following these tips, you can choose a specialty restaurant on a cruise ship that suits your tastes and preferences, and enjoy a memorable dining experience during your cruise vacation.

I asked Chat GPT what's the first thing I should do when I board the ship. Here's what it told me: The first thing you should do on a Caribbean cruise at embarkation is to check in and board the ship. When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will need to go through a check-in process to receive your key card, which serves as your room key and also allows you to make purchases on the ship. You will also need to present your passport or other identification documents, and your boarding pass. Once you have completed the check-in process and received your key card, you can proceed to board the ship. Before you do so, you will need to pass through a security screening that will involve passing your carry-on luggage through an x-ray machine, and you may also need to pass through a metal detector. Once you have boarded the ship, you can start to explore and familiarize yourself with the layout and amenities of the ship. You can also attend the mandatory safety drill that takes place before the ship sets sail. After the safety drill, you can start to enjoy your Caribbean cruise by relaxing on the deck, exploring the ship's restaurants and bars, and attending any onboard activities or events that interest you.

None of the conversation here has made me more inclined to sit in a hot tub on the cruise I embark upon in two days. It's been ten years since I sat in a cruise ship hot tub, so I might as well continue the trend.

That is amazing. I had no idea.

I forget that people pee in pools and hot tubs. I simply CANNOT even in the ocean, where I've tried. I've never attempted it in a pool or hot tub.

That's so gross!!!!! Big NO from me on that one. I DO THIS, TOO!!!! I always banish bedspreads to the corner of hotel rooms. Exactly this. I would love to be able to do this. It looks very expensive tho!

I don't have anything booked in E class. This will be our first Celebrity sailing and I wanted to see how we liked it before I booked anything else. And yes, $5K is a lot. I didn't get the "have it all" addition to our cruise fare since I'm not a big drinker and I could buy Wi-Fi separately (and did). Okay, thanks for the advice. I am taking what everyone here is saying to heart and keeping my SV cabin. 🙂 Sounds good to me - keeping my SV. And my $5K! Gotcha! Makes a lot of sense.

It is $5,000 more if I upgrade to the Sky Suite. $8,400 instead of the $3,400 we've paid for the SV. That includes all that you mention - Luminae, the Retreat Lounge, sun deck, butler, wi-fi, tips and drinks, etc. But still a chunk of money. Trying to decide if it's worth it over our Sunset Veranda and paying for our drinks as we go. My husband would benefit from the free drinks but I never have more than 1-2 a day.

That's not bad. Did you like the cabin overall? What is included in a sky suite?

I'm considering moving from an SV to a sky suite on the Millennium for our July Alaskan cruise, but it seems that life boats might be an obstruction of the view in some of the Sky Suite cabins. Only deck 6 has availability. I'm having trouble finding information. Before I pay for this upgrade, can anyone help me out and let me know what to expect? The cabins that are open are 6117, 6121 and 6099. Thanks so much.

This food is terrible, and the portions are so small!

Maybe this is why everyone drinks when they're in them - it's when you forget about the butt juice in the hot tub with everyone!!! 😂