First RCC .. what to know & not ?

[peanut1277]

this is our first RCC and best advice ? regarding tipping, set dinner time or buffet? excursions? any other advice  

[mom says]

Since this is cruise line specific, better to ask on their forum:   https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/51-royal-caribbean-international/

[Flatbush Flyer]

For your destinations and travel abroad (in general) :

The best advice is to do some significant research including perusing the works of trusted travel authors/publications (e.g., Lonely Planet; Rick Steves, et al.). There are also some wonderful articles in mags like Conde Naste and the travel sections of The NY Times, SF Chronicle, etc). Many foreign consulates have concise/accurate info for travelers as well. Of course, you can also search here on CC (in the "Ports" sections). But realize that there's plenty of misinformation spread throughout the good stuff.

 

For the "ins and outs" of cruising:

Chat/correspond with a well respected TA who (beyond doing your booking) is a top seller for your chosen cruise line and cruises often on their ships. They have the answers and any contacts you may need.

Again, you can search here on CC in the cruise lines/cruise ship forums as well as on your cruise's "roll call." But, there too, understand that some of the info is dead wrong.

And, as was the case for many of us, know that "experience is the best teacher." So, be observant and attentive to the idiosyncrasies once onboard.

 

I will give you one very important suggestion:

When shopping for value in cruise costs, NEVER rely solely on a comparison of published cabin costs. You must also consider the expense associated with related required costs and optional selections you may choose.

Once you add things like airfare, internet, beverages, alcohol, excursions, specialty restaurants and gratuities, remember that the seemingly "expensive" cabin on a premium cruise line may include many/all of what will be extra costs on a mass market ship (AND the quality of your experience will be significantly better in many respects).

Bottom line: Do the complete math!

 

[bonsai3s]

3 hours ago, peanut1277 said:

this is our first RCC and best advice ? regarding tipping, set dinner time or buffet? excursions? any other advice  

 

Ok, I'll give this a shot....but it would help if you told us what ship and itinerary.

 

Regarding tipping...you can pre-pay gratuities or have it charged everyday...$14.50pppd, or $17.50pppd if you're in a suite.  If you purchase the drink package, there's an 18% added for tips.  All other tips are up to you.

You can choose early dining or late dining...there's also My Time Dining where you can show up at anytime....deciding where to eat is personal and up to you.  Eating in the MDR (main dining room) is nice...we enjoy being served and the feel of being in a restaurant.  We don't mind the buffet when we are in rush, or in our shorts, or if there's a special dish being served that evening.  We find the excursions from the ship as expensive...so we do mostly DIY (lots of research).

Advice: Complete your cruise planner.  Print your SetSail Pass and luggage tags.  Show up early on embarkation and enjoy your cruise.  Smile and have fun.  Happy sailing! 😎

[cb at sea]

RCI charges your account daily for the tips that cover your cabin attendant, waiters, ass't waiters and head waiter.  Any drink you purchase (whether it's a la carte or a package) will have the "tip" added to the cost of drink or package.  No further tipping is required or expected.  You're done!