gerif

Just wanted to confirm - since they are not your children Will their parents be traveling as well? If not you would also need a notarized letter from the parent(s) not traveling granting permission to take the children out of the country.

I totally agree. I was a wanderer as a small child and actually had a leather harness and leash (don’t have any actual memories but I’ve seen photos). I’m 76 now and don’t believe it left any psychological damage. Now there are cute backpacks that kids actually like.

I’ve never heard of such a thing. I do remember on one cruise there was a little boy who was about 3. Every time the cabin door opened he was off and running. As soon as he was caught the little stuffed animal backpack and leash came out. It was the only way they could keep him in check.

$$$$$

Then there’s no problem.

While you may use your free drinks for your cabin mates (or anyone else), you may not bring them into the Diamond Lounge.

How close is their cabin? If next to yours or directly across the hall there should be no problem.

With a party that large I’d switch to fixed dining. Not that many large tables and if the group occupying your intended table is slow you could have a long wait even with reservations.

Besides being able to use the pool, they must be fully potty trained in order to use the kid’s club.

Exactly. And, of course, the poor waiter is going to tell you that it’s not a problem. They rely on tips you know.

Always bring protein bars for excursions. Never had a problem.

In economics it’s called what the market will bear. In other words, if people are willing to pay for it there is no reason not to keep charging more. Personally, I’ve been happily drinking the ship’s water since 1990 and have had no problems with it. Oh - and you can no longer carry on a whole case. Only 12 bottles/cans per cabin

I will bring a bottle of wine but am perfectly fine with the ship’s water and don’t drink soda so that’s all I’ll bring.

If you have traditional dining, you cannot go to MTD on occasion. If you are late in port either do the WJ or specialty.

It has always been my understanding that the Diamond member must be in the free photo (although one could use the drink vouchers for anyone). I wouldn’t embarrass myself by demanding that the rules don’t apply to me but that’s up to you. In any event, no one cares who paid for anything. That reasoning will get you nowhere.

If you are purchasing individually you get cans. With the package it’s pretty much from a gun.

You can call and get a refreshment package for your mom.

The bartender will gladly give you glasses of ice water at no charge.

that’s assuming you will not be eating any meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks) at any other venue since the automatic gratuities cover all of those places. I’d rather not be cheap than run the risk of stiffing these hard working people.

You can but in CK on Oasis class beer and wine are included.

Only suggestion I can make is to order several shots, pour them into a disposable coffee cup and take them to your cabin. Then you can have a drink there whenever you want. I know you can order individual drinks from room service but would probably be more expensive.

You do get to order room service from the MDR (when it is open) at no additional charge. An OS does have a table where you can sit and eat.

Corkage fee has absolutely nothing to do with who actually opens the bottle - it is a charge made for bringing a bottle of wine to a venue where it is normally sold, just like in a restaurant. Having said that, I have yet to read a report of anyone actually having incurred the charge in the dining room.

Just got around to reading this post. First of all, the OP was very wrong in that they were not overcharged (charged exactly what they agreed to pay when booking the cruise) and did not pay too early (paid what they agreed to pay and when at the time of booking). What else I found confusing is that while OP claims to have been cruising for 39 years, nowhere is it ever mentioned how many cruises were taken during that time and how many were taken on RCI. In any event, as the saying goes, once the ring is on your finger, quit looking!

Might get port fees returned. Have you read your cruise contract?