You'll get basic wi-fi for two devices i.e. each person in a double-occupied cabin can have their own account and access it using one device at a time. I've found it's perfectly adequate for e-mail and web surfing (checking the news). If you have no plans to stream movies, download lots of books or conduct video chat sessions I would not bother upgrading.
Why are you mixing in the daily gratuities with the cost of wi-fi? Is it just a segue into a 'nickle and diming' discussion? By the way, as noted earlier, you can connect as many devices to your account as you like... just one at a time though!
Testing is not required. You will need (UK citizen) an ESTA to enter the US. You will be asked to complete an attestation that you are fully vaccinated. Bring your vaccination record in the unlikely event you are asked to show it.
Just as a point of interest... Air Transat offers some bookings (ie. YUL-CDG) more than 365 days in advance... of course, that won't help much for an Alaska cruise!!
So, what you're saying is that for $7.50 per day I'm able to spend three hours on the internet doing something compared to being able to access it for only about 20 minutes most other places?
Given your experience, why would you see an improved check-in as something positive? I would have thought you'd be more likely to praise a quick, easy and timely disembarkation.
I believe the WHTI permits US citizens to enter the United States using documents other than a passport; it does not necessarily permit passengers to enter Canada although I believe that courtesy is extended to passengers arriving at a Canadian port on a cruise ship.
I read the recounting of your adventure. Maybe I'm luckier than I imagined... we have one track here in Ottawa.... east to Montreal, west to Toronto. Fortunately, no need to make quick decisions as the trains hardly ever run.