It was only those small chocolate chips they use to add to chocolate chip cookies. Regular/semisweet were available in the morning & regular and white were in the evening. I presented a coffee cup from the coffee area.
I didn't see others asking for them not that the crew cares.
Yes, that works also but in the time it takes to listed to the video on your TV the lines for dining are growing longer. They know if the Medallion has left the cabin before the end of the video.
Checking in can be done at any time.
I'm not sure what a Navigator is but for our next cruise I tried to make reservations for the 5 PM slot, entire cruise, and it indicated that only other times were available. I went to making reservations for each day & yes, it was available.
Not that I believe it makes much difference at that time but I'll play their game.
We went to Gigi's on the the first day in Dec, which was OK but then I found out that at the buffet they were carving roasted turkey ! 🦃 😃
If you're early to board there's never any problem finding seats at the buffet. It only gets crowded later on.