pinkdiamond13

It all depends. On our most recent cruise we had an excellent dining staff. In fact, they were better than any I had ever experienced on a cruise prior. Our family, 8 of us in total, all chipped in to leave the Head Waiter, Assistant Waiter, and Maitre D an additional tip. We also all made sure to fill out a comment card for each of them. According to many crew members I have spoken to, the comment cards are actually used when they are up for promotions and it really helps. Overall, I would say that I do not leave an additional gratuity unless it is for someone not included in the automatic gratuity such as in the spa or casino.

We used Embassy Suites in the past and it was amazing. We only used their parking services ( around $30-$40 dollars for the week) and took a taxi to port. It was nice considering they have 24 hr security in the parking lot and it's a steal compared to parking at the port. The hotel was beautiful as well, if we needed a room for the night I would have no problem staying there.

You can absolutely ask for an extra blanket and or comforter. You are on vacation you should enjoy yourself and be comfortable. If you are picky about a certain type of blanket then, by all means, bring your own. If you just want extra of the blankets they have provided in the room there should be no problem.

Anything you decide to tip above the mandatory tip is very generous and appreciated! I typically don't tip extra unless the service is above and beyond. Also, look into who is included in your mandatory tip. Not everyone on the ship is included in that for example spa service and casino beverage runners do not receive anything so you should definitely tip them accordingly.

You can go back on the ship to eat but I personally recommend finding some nice local spot for lunch so you can try some cuisine different from what you are used to. It adds to the fun of the vacation. The food has always been very reasonability priced and should not break your budget. If you budget really is that tight I would consider booking a cruise that is far enough in advance to give you ample time to save up. The last thing you want to worry about while you are on vacation is money.

How much is parking at Charleston for the week?

You definitely need to do you research about parking. Parking at the port is very expensive in my opinion. I looked up some alternative parking garages and the reviews freaked me out as people were saying some aren't that secure and have been found guilty of "part swapping" and things like that so be careful. Saving 50 bucks on parking isn't worth it if you come back to a car that has been broken into. Well, we ended up finding parking in an upscale hotel, it was far cheaper and there were no problems (obviously problems such as break ins can happen anywhere).

We want to be able to meet up with people in our age group, what is the best way to do that?

Just don't be afraid to introduce yourself. More than likely the other people in your age group are looking for the same thing!

Would it be best to choose late, early, or anytime dining?

It is up to you, everyone is different. However, if you do choose late dining be careful because once the restaurant is closed you can't get in. If you choose the last dining time and for some reason are late you might not get in and then you will have to eat whatever 24hr dining the ship has available.

What is there to do on the ship after 8pm?

Shows, casino, dancing... there is always something do do after 8pm!

Any random things that we need to bring?

You never know. Our last cruise the room had a slight musky odor so we put dryer sheets all over the room and it helped so much! With that being said I wouldn't suggest bring dryer sheets we just randomly had them and it came in handy.

What is your experience with rum runners?

Never used them but I have brought drinks..snacks..etc in my bag and nothing happened. I wasn't even trying to sneak anything on.

The rooms look a bit... out dated, are they at least clean?

Clean yes, but on the NCL sun the room smelt a little weird haha

We have excursions booked that will consume half days... but what do we do at the ports for the remaining time?

Enjoy the city, once you get off the ship there will be no shortage of people with tips on things to do!

I've only been on one RCCL cruise and that was years ago so I am not sure if they have changed since then. As stated, NCL is freestyle which is nice because you can wear whatever you want ( with the exception of usually one dining room that is considered more formal). Even more so than the dress code being lenient/non existent, you do not have a dining time. I remember having to sign up for a dinner time with RC and you can eat whenever you want with NCL as long as it isn't full ( I have never seen one of the dining rooms full to capacity) and they have screens set up that will show you how full certain timeslots are getting. Another thing is that the good restaurants are all paid so I would definitely be prepared to pay for some speciality restaurants at least a few nights because the main dining hall and the buffet get old fast and the room service menu is more limited than RCCL. The entertainment is also better on NCL. Definately give it a try! I think you will enjoy :)

We parked at embassy suites and then took a cab to the port. The best idea ever!

I love the finer dining options.... especially the Teppanyaki, Lobster, a good steak stuff like that, not too much into the desserts. Definitely don't worry too much about my intake on a cruise, although I do usually use the stairs, not in heels or anything :)