Yes you can. Just ask at the front or ring and pre-book one. Often it will be a 4 top that they have removed 2 places from. You can also stipulate (at a 4 top) how you want to sit - across the table, or beside each other. Enjoy your cruise.
I am sure that one of the Round the World bloggers will be happy to answer this for you. It is 5am in Cape town right now so it will be a couple of hours before they start posting.
No need to book. Just show up (same hours as for the MDR) and tell them your cabin number. Sometimes have to show your key card on the first morning. Enjoy.
On Noordam Nov Dec last year. Silent auctions and live auctions took up a large chunk of the bar and seating area. Saw passengers reserving seats for the auction with "reserved" signs.
Supervised RAT tests can be requested at many of the pharmacies in Auckland. There is a 15min wait and then you receive an official report to show at boarding.
Not sure if you got an answer to the laundry price question. If you log on to your HAL account and go to "packages" for this cruise you will see that the laundry price is $196 for the full cruise. They also have the Thermal Suite prices there.
Log into your HAL account for your cruise. Click on 'Cruise Activities', then on 'Packages'. Scroll to 'Unlimited Laundry'. This however is the same price that you will pay if you sign up after you board.
Hmm. Messenger is not available. I will 'follow' this post. If you need help with your parents in March post another message on this thread and I will see it. (We will be flying to Sydney in April to board this cruise as well).
Requirements may well change by the time they board. In November when we boarded Noordam only a self administered test was required. Check for a direct message from me. I will send you my email address so that you can contact me closer to the time if they still need help. Colleen