marci22

Swimming in the open ocean can be described as strenuous. I think the tour is reasonably described.

To get the 'earliest' time, you have to do your checkin right after midnight. I would look for recent reports based on the port you are going to, but I almost always get to the Bayonne port around 10:30a and there is a short wait time inside before boarding.

Generally, if you are up very early and can carry your own luggage off, departure will be fastest. Otherwise, times will vary. If you have an early flight you could get in one of the earlier departure groups, but in any case, departure is pretty efficient and you shouldn't be waiting 'hours' unless there is some kind of issue at the port, which happens infrequently but does happen.

Does the Loyalty discount always apply to specialty dining or is it a periodic sale?

I have done this tour. It's free but tips are appreciated. https://www.gotobermuda.com/event/discover-hamilton-walking-tour/3137 https://www.cityofhamilton.bm/explore_the_city/town_crier_tours.php

Oh I see what you mean. Who knows how they split the gratuity. It doesn't necessarily go to the bartender serving you. They probably have a budget to distribute tips and the comp per drink is just one part of it.

He said that different ships give different per drink compensation. Oasis was one of the higher ones at about $1/drink. He wasn't totally clear on how he makes all of his money. No one knows what the actual tip allocation is. You can pay the autograts and be done with it, or you can remove grats and tip as you like. I see no problem with either method, nor does Royal.

Yeah he got asked that a couple times but just restated the formula. Someone asked a general tips question that he didn't answer at all. He did say that any extra amount guarantees better service. Generally sounded like the 'extra tips' were appreciated but the bulk of his efforts were getting out as many drinks as possible for the per drink compensation. He said that soda and water does not generate this drink comp. See the part about why they like to serve shots.

Last Pin Circle I saw, the people at each end of the 'table scape' were probably farther away from each other than if they just all sat in the pre-arranged seats.

@molly361 Wearing the pin means, 'go ahead and ask me something'. They ALWAYS talk. If you want to be incognito then leave it in the box.

I think you should wear it; it's a conversation starter.

There was a Pinnacle circle on our last Liberty cruise in the D lounge. The concierge was helping them move chairs. I don't think they should be allowed to do it, but I get why staff's hands are tied. Pulling up a chair is very different than re-arranging the room.

Look for a TA with group space. TAs posting here are not allowed to advertise but you can use your best googling abilities.

Last couple times I checked in you had to do it right after midnight to get the earliest time. I did it at 3am and I didn't get the earliest time.

I know what you mean. They used to list guaranty rooms when the cruise was almost sold out. Now they are doing it much earlier. You have to choose a guaranty or pay a lot more. You could try using a TA that has group space: that way you can pick your own cabin at a better price, and it's refundable until final payment.