bassmk

Most of the rules were common sense/good practice things anyway. I never minded wearing a mask...I tend to want to disappear in public anyway, so I didn't mind the bonus effect of a bit of anonymity. And if a doctor doesn't "foam in/foam out" at the door, you should definitely say something at the reception desk. That's a big thing for clinical settings. It ties into reimbursements and other reporting things, and that doctor should get a gentle reminder from their colleagues! (Also never feel shy about asking for that...no doctor worth a damn would argue!)

The rules for each individual port probably plays a big role as well. You should look that up because they all vary.

VERY good point. I'm hoping the testing requirements change, too. Eventually they will, and for now? Ehhh...even the risk of getting covid is one I'm willing to take so I can go on vacation. That's how cooped up I feel. 🤣 And I was a hard-core rule follower for the first 20-24 months of the pandemic! But I guess everyone has their breaking point.

Yes! I love crepes Suzette! I can’t say I’ve had it on a cruise, though. I like Carnival’s melting cake, I like tiramisu anywhere, the cheesecake from the coffee shops on all the lines I’ve sailed have been fantastic, and crème brûlée never disappoints. Ice creams are usually dependable. I find that most cakes on ships are dry and not sweet enough for my taste. (When I say sweet tooth, I mean it! LOL) I’m picky about pies anyway, and I’m not a huge fan of those fancy chocolate desserts that are like, molded chocolate. I consider myself to be a dessert connoisseur, and I love baking. And I do acknowledge that I am in the minority on how sweet something can be before I consider it to be cloying.

Excellent! Thanks, guys. I appreciate the feedback! I think I'll just pick them up at the pier. My post office in my town is lame on a good day, and I'd hate to have them in charge of getting me something this important to my vacation. I wasn't sure if there was a benefit to already having it when you get to the port, but it sounds like there isn't really.

I don't cruise on Royal Caribbean, but here are my tipping habits: 1. Cabin Steward gets a little cash every day. I usually leave a $20 bill on the bed with a smiley face note or a thank you or something so they know it's for them and not just an errant bill lying around. Debarkation day I leave $100 bill and a thank you note. (That's assuming the service was good, which it always has been, without fail.) 2. I always leave a little extra, $1-$2 when signing a bar bill, even though it's included. 3. Dining room staff get $50 each on the last day I eat in the MDR. In the specialty restaurants I will leave a gratuity equal to what I would in a restaurant on land, anywhere from 20-35%. I know that seems excessive, but I'm in a financial place to do it so I like to. They work very hard and they deserve it. I also like to pre-pay gratuities when booking so it doesn't show up on my onboard account.

I don't like most desserts on board. I have a huge sweet tooth, and I just don't get enough sweetness from most of the desserts, especially on the buffet. There are exceptions, but for the most part...meh.

That looks both incredibly delicious AND sickening. 🤣

I'm just wondering about people's experiences with both options. Is embarkation easier if you already have your medallion? Should I just leave it to pick it up at check-in?

THIS THIS THIS. It was so damn loud. Our mid-day naps were severely hampered.

I'm going to need someone to report back with what that "Doughnut Sandwich" is, please and thank you. 🤣