chadbt

Amazing cabin! We had it for New England/Canada last year. Long walk to the Centrum - but we considered that a benefit.

Here's what I wrote in my Serenade review: "This corner aft cabin has an extraordinary balcony! The hallway to the cabin from the Centrum is LONG. Longer than I thought it would be, but it ensured no hallway noise, and wasn't an issue for us. Might be for mobility challenged individuals."

Deleted - deck plans I linked to don't have the cabins referenced in this thread. Oops.

Chocolate Ganache. DW and I still talk about it. On Serenade most nights we left the MDR and headed to WJ for soft serve. And cookies.

I don't mind sharing at other times but not breakfast. I don't speak to my husband at breakfast, never mind strangers ;p

I get the look that says "zip it" multiple times every morning. Thanks for the big laugh.

Thanks for all the replies - I'm feeling better, mainly. Sad for the lack of JR breakfast - appreciate the heads up.

I suppose I'll be assertive and friendly as that seems to have worked for others, and/or hope for a lack of an issue as others have reported.

Hooray for your first cruise, and congratulations on your anniversary!

The up-selling/huxterism/special deals world can be annoying, but in my experience avoided easily enough.

Stick to your budget (you obviously know how to do that), smile and say "no thanks," and have a wonderful time.

On the Serenade of the Seas last October, one of my only disappointments was breakfast service.

On NCL in 2006 I was able to wander to the dining room, easily get a table for one or two (sometimes one of my dd's was up early enough to join me), and enjoy a bright, easygoing start to the morning.

Not so easily done on Serenade. Asking for a non-shared table, evidently, was frowned upon. To say I got anything better than "okay" service any of the mornings would be charitable. Such a small portion of the dining room was open that I was never able to sit by a window.

We'll be on Adventure of the Seas next year (after her dry dock), so I'm wondering if breakfast seems like a low priority affair for RCI, or if my SOS experience was more of an individual ship impression?

I've heard Johnny Rockets has a good breakfast - we'll certainly try that one morning, but I'm looking for a traditional sit-down breakfast, complete with "good morning" to start and "enjoy your day" as we part ways.

It's important enough to me that I wouldn't mind making an investment the first morning and/or rewarding the servers each day.

Thanks!

We're booked for June '18 on Adventure of the Seas, and I'm conflicted.

People report the cabins need updating as some of that process was evidently dropped in the abbreviated dry dock, but adding the rest of the originally planned staterooms will make things a bit more crowded. It looks like 38 new cabins on deck 12.

Here's a link to deck plans I found: https://www.icruise.com/deckplans/royal-caribbean-cruises-adventure-of-the-seas-deckplans-deck-12.html

There's an option for deck plans after the category change in May, '18. Not sure if they're accurate, but they're interesting to look at.

I would shoot for an in-network ATM in Portland, our first port.

I'm also planning to take some cash out at an ATM in St. John - have done this in the past (all over Canada) and have found the fees/exchange rate to be pretty fair.

DW and I will be on the same cruise. So excited!

Answering the OP's question: NOPE.

Thank you!

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I would never have known there are yarn stores in almost every port. :)

Bumping this up because, like the op, I'd also like to see them.

Is today's (9/18) departure the first New England/Canada cruise after the TA?

How do you know who may or may not have "lesser means?" Do you have a magic ball that gives you the ability to see the net worth statement of each cruiser?

 

The term " a lot" is subjective.

I'm just trying to have a little fun with this thread - witness the Michael Jackson eating popcorn picture as reply #1.

I enjoy being a little on the generous side when I can, and I definitely endeavor to treat the service personnel with respect and kindness.

I mapped out my more specific tipping ideas in another thread.

How much do I tip? I'm not saying for fear of embarrassing people of lesser means, but suffice it to say it's A LOT. :rolleyes:

One bad experience 11 years ago?

Also, evidently visiting the section of the forum for the cruise line you'll never again patronize? :confused:

What a range of replies! :)

I'm typically an over-tipper at hospitality businesses - but can't be quite as generous as some have indicated they are, or will be, in this thread. Then again, some seem to have indicated they don't tip any extra - both are perfectly okay.

My plan is to give a little "hello" gift (incredible toffee that's made in my town) to the room stewards at the beginning of the cruise, a couple of dollars per drink to the few bartenders and baristas I may meet, a few dollars per (non complicated) room service delivery, and then a little extra cash for the room stewards at the end - perhaps as much as $50 each.

Hadn't considered tipping at Chops, but now that I think about it I'll probably leave $10. My wife and I won't be a complicated or fussy table.

Should I keep a C note in my pocket in case I run into the Captain?

Doh!

Love it! Thank you so much. Will watch for updates. :)

Thanks for the post! 220 days out from our SOS adventure, and I'm grateful for your perspective. :)

Brilliant. Thank you!

Thank you! I can't help looking for all the SOS stuff I can find.

Ever handy: Traveler's checks and phone books. :)

DW and I are going on SOS in October, so we're watching this thread.

Great questions! Looking forward to many more answers, including:

How are the fitness facilities? That's important to us. :)

I'm keeping my eye out for specials of all types.

"This message is hidden because MikeyM is on your ignore list."

The ignore list is the best!