PATRLR

Ouch! 🙂

Acoustic guitars are not necessarily loud instruments. I think it's very plausible that it could be played in one's stateroom without disturbing neighbors. I could also imagine it being played on an uncrowded deck at night or an unoccupied lounge or other room. Even later at night on the waterfront there are usually very few people out. I can also imagine it being played in inappropriate locations or inappropriate times or inappropriate volumes as others have suggested. That doesn't mean it can't be played appropriately.

I'm sure there was a time when it seemed weird to me but I'm at the point where I don't carry cash, I don't even carry a wallet. So there have been many times I've used a CC for something as small as a dollar or so. Doesn't feel weird to me. (OK, I'm lying a bit, I have one $20 bill folded in the case of my phone for emergencies. But it's a hassle to get it and I can't remember the last time I had to use it)

Why would you want to bring that imposter maple syrup from Canada into the US? I can connect you with some folks that will send you the best maple syrup on the planet, made in Vermont (says the guy with Vermont roots 😉 ). But then I see from your profile you are from NY. I think the only people more adamant that they have the best maple syrup is New Yorkers in the Adirondack area. Are you sure you will be allowed to bring that Canadian swill into NY? 🙂 (Before our friends to the north get their shorts in a bunch, I'm kidding. It's all in fun)

FWIW, my wife and I both like rare to medium rare beef and we had no problem getting that from the gauchos by asking. That being said, we're not fans of Moderno, the land based chains (e.g. Fogo de Chão and Texas de Brazil) are much better. We won't be back, but it wasn't because the meat was over cooked, it just wasn't good quality.

Yes, lots of servers say that. Next time you are using a Specialty Dining Plan meal, try ordering an extra app/soup/salad. You more than likely will not get charged, despite what the server may or may not say. (My understanding is, if you are using a Platinum meal, there is a limit. I don't know for certain abut that because I am not one of those special people 😉 )

Its unlimited, but servers will often verbalize that you only get one of each. Reports are, even after being told one of each, multiple items were not charged.

Obviously the OP cares.

You should not count on being able to walk-in (or show up without reservation) to the Specialty Restaurants at prime dining times. Early evening, late evening, maybe, but not prime time. Popular venues such as Cagney's will have less availability than others. As was stated, about 30% of the reservations are available before the cruise, the rest are released day of. Most of those, especially prime time reservations, get booked up the first day of the cruise. As for which days, we tend to choose the sea days so we don't feel rushed getting back from a port and we like to unwind on deck after spending all day in a port. Others have said things like they prefer port days because they don't want to ruin the "do nothing" aspect of a sea day. I think everyone is different when it comes to which days to do Specialty Dining.

Well, they do have a "special" item on the menu, it's an item from one of the Specialty Retaurants, and there is an upcharge. What I don't know is how frequently that changes.

I've seen quite a few folks recommending the Intercontinental in Miami. So, I figured I'd ask some of you who experienced this hotel a couple questions. First, my wife and I arrive Thursday evening for a Sunday cruise departure (NCL Encore). So two full days to enjoy Miami. We want a hotel with a decent pool to hang out at (resort like would be nice with a nearby bar to get drinks), easy walk to shopping restaurants and just general walking around for exercise. I believe the IC meets our needs. I think the Marriott would, but, it's under renovations through year end. The JW Marriott Marquis also would be OK, but it's sold out on our dates. The Holiday Inn pool looks lacking, otherwise it might meet the bill. YVE is nearby, but no pool. Any others I should consider? Now for the IC questions: I would like a room with a view of the port, I want to see our ship in the morning. Do I book a Bay View or Ocean View? Bay view is relatively cheap right now, so, I assume that's probably not what I want. Is the club decent here, particularly their breakfast? Its about $60 more per night for the Ocean View Club, that $60 would probably be close to what I pay for a typical hotel breakfast for two On a related note, are there decent breakfast spots within walking distance so I can avoid the club level and/or buying the typical overpriced and underwhelming hotel breakfasts? Thanks in advance!