not-enough-cruising

The post you quoted was referencing Celebrity

No one on the ship depends on tips. They are guaranteed a living wage regardless of gratuity

There is a completely different entrance for those that are already checked in and have left the ship; this us a unique set up for San Juan and other embarkation points with evening departures. There is no need to "navigate the terminal twice"

That is the way I still handle it, I liked the "good 'ol days"

We, like you, have always boarded and then left the ship on San Juan embarkations due to the 2030 departure time. I can't imagine any reason why, at this time, that would have changed. Covid protocols are, for all intents and purposes, non existent. People in San Juan for a port stop leave and return to the ship, so why would passengers on the embarking ships be any different?

In today’s technological age, everything about the Royal website is very below standards.

Yes discretionary; even the cruise line says as much. I never once mentioned not tipping, only that the amounts listed were discretionary (even optional)

But worth it to have the right stuff on hand in our cabin

All discretionary with the exception of the bar drinks and pool drinks

If the onboard price were constant then all "sales" would add up; but they don't. Long story short; its almost NEVER a good deal to buy the package onboard.

Boarding day almost always includes a BOGO half off deal; but the list price is likely to be in the $90 plus range. Not much of a deal

Black Friday sales, the last several years open on Monday or Friday. Whether or not your itinerary is included is a coin flip

100% capacity is based on double occupancy. Pre pandemic Royal cruises regularly at a published capacity of around 110%

You are correct, not available all sailings.

I agree

Not only full capacity but 100% plus

I wish I had @twangster's eye, talent and most importantly, budget!

With precious rare exception, this doesn’t happen anymore.

I get the exact same value for free - which in reality is a greater value.

It’s a process, I understand where you are coming from. Stay strong

What a finish

It is VERY CLEARLY spelled out on the Royal Caribbean website. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/will-i-have-to-take-a-test-before-i-cruise#united-states

I never tip porters at embarkation, and have never lost a bag.

Yep, I had the $18 DBP booked for 5 different cruises, only was able to take advantage of it once (Oasis Feb 2020)

I would skip the car rental, that’s just adding another hour to your transit between getting car and dropping off. Arrange for a car service or Uber; and you can be at the airport and checked in by 900-915. We used this company in July, they provided a Sprinter type van for our party of 8. https://www.orlandotransfer.net/rates/port-canaveral.html