My experience as a solo cruiser on glory with FTTF. I went to MatreD on embarkation day, but he couldn't switch me to 2 top until second night for early seating. Next solo on Valor I did YTD, no problems getting 2 top. Just be aware that both cruises for sea day brunch, despite not touching the "share a table" I had to ask at check-in if I was getting a solo table. I think there's a glitch concerning sea day brunch on the app.
I'm only gold level, but this last April (solo cruise), no mention of my birthday by any crew member all day. That's fine by me since I'm an introvert.
You can prepurchase 4 packs of beer, limited to 2 purchases, to your cabin through Fun Shop. They don't count towards your 15, just don't brag about it coming from your cabin, crew doesn't care if they don't know where drink came from. (Technically, you're only supposed to consume pre-orders in cabin)
Starboard side, there's a white sign hanging from hallway ceiling and sign on door, easy to miss if not paying attention. $3.50 for both washer and dryer. $2 for detergent from machine, I bring tide pods and dryer sheets from home.