OCSC Mike

I sent my one friend a picture of the Fish N Ships menu from Indy in July. I was proud that I knew what the hell a "chip butty" was.

"Bing Bong!" means Marc Walker is your cruise director.

Almost as complicated as learning the different versions of "English" spoken over there. Been "taking lessons" from overseas friends for years and still have to ask what the hell they mean every so often.

Don't sweat it. He's just giving you crap because England and Wales made it while Scotland didn't. But yes, as you surmised, the UK includes multiple countries who compete separately in international football (soccer).

This. Same thing here in Orlando. Ignore the forecast unless there's a hurricane coming. There's a roughly 50-80% chance of rain pretty much every afternoon for months in Florida. It will likely rain somewhere for some amount of time at some level of intensity... but there's no way to forecast what will happen exactly when or where. My wife works 5 miles from our house and often texts me that it's pouring there while it's sunny here.

I've seen both in the past. There has also been a dedicated World Cup channel in our cabin before that showed live matches and then replays 24/7. One year, probably 2014, they set up a TV somewhere (bar/lounge, my memory is awful) that wouldn't normally have one for a little watch party during a US group stage match. Just sharing past experience... my full answer for this year's WC would be that I would fully expect matches to be shown somewhere but I wouldn't begin to guess where b/c these things definitely change over time.

I sail almost exclusively in the Summer and have seen several WC's onboard over the years. I'd be shocked if this changed.

Matt is generally correct, of course, but as mentioned in this thread, waiting is worth it for certain cruises (i.e. the 4-night Indy's from SEP-NOV 2022). If you're flexible and able to go on last minute cruises, just keep an eye on prices and especially the GGG sale.

Have you tried taking water pills? A while back my legs swelled up so badly by the end of the cruise I had no idea what was going on til I googled it. Now I take OTC water pills (Diurex) during every cruise and they take care of 90% of the swelling. Food & drink is one of the main reasons I enjoy cruising so I refuse to limit myself. I actually diet before cruises to make up for the weight I know I will gain, lol.

I knew it was Oasis class specific; that seems like a logical enough reason. I still feel like it should be mentioned somewhere.

My wife loves chocolate croissants. At some point during our 7 nights on Indy in July, I think she mentioned it to the server who puts out the DL breakfast pastries b/c we hadn't seen any all trip in any of the locations we would normally find them. I went up to get coffee from the machine on one of the last mornings and there was a covered plate sitting on the concierge's desk. The server finally came across some chocolate croissants, remembered, and set aside about 5 of them for my wife. Small gesture but definitely above & beyond to me given that we had barely spoken to him. It's not like he was our stateroom attendant and we had gotten to know him over the course of a week.

Weekend prices for upcoming Indy cruises are nuts compared to the M-F 4-nighters. Interior GTY for 4-nights can be had for under $500 per couple, taxes & fees included, during the GGG sales (we're doing one next month). I'd have booked more than one if our schedules allowed. We wanted to do a B2B like we did in July but couldn't justify adding 3 nights at those prices even though we loved going to Cococay twice in the same week.

Breakfast... sometime in the 7-8am hour. Dinner... this varies, just not right at 6pm when it opens. The later it gets the emptier it has been for us over the years. You'll often see some of the ship's officers having dinner later on in the WJ when it is quiet.

Also true. Speaking for casinos in general, one common "trick" back in the day when comps/rewards were given without super specific calculations in a computer was to bet larger than normal when you sat down and the pit boss would typically record your first bet. A $25 bettor might bet $50 or $75, for example, in the hopes of being tracked at that level, then go back to his actual $25.

Not saying their calculations are set properly, and my casino days are behind me, but it should have to do with house edge and amount wagered per hour. Playing $25 hands at BJ for hours sounds like a lot, but even with crappy rules, the house edge isn't very large compared to say slots and at a crowded table, you're only getting to play X hands per hour. With slots, you are constantly churning your money through the machine even if it's a relatively small amount per spin.

If you plan on cruising more than once in a blue moon, perhaps Oasis now and Wonder in the future when the prices may not be as inflated?

Historically you should have been given free specialty coffee from the Promenade in lieu of the DL machine.

I'll be the dissenting opinion as a WJ enthusiast... I don't find it unbearably crowded either early for breakfast or at all for dinner (I just try not to go as soon as it opens). Lunch is usually pretty crowded. Everyone has their tolerances and preferences though and I fully realize many people don't even like buffets to begin with so not trying to talk any\one into going to the WJ. From a selfish perspective, I'd prefer they not, lol. I also realize my wife and I wake up extremely early and going to breakfast when we do also doesn't suit many others.

Never said you wouldn't.

A rate showing on the flyer does not mean there are any cabins left at that rate.

The Promenade is on Deck 5.

For some reason the 11-11 free drinks aren't really listed anywhere but they exist. The suite lounge never actually closes, it's just not staffed 24/7. It should be open shortly after boarding begins. Someone just has to let you in as you won't have your sea pass yet to unlock the door. As an aside, you should receive an e-mail from the suite concierges 5-6 days before your cruise. They will help you with reservations to CK, comedy show, and any other specific requests or questions you may have. Much easier to take care of that stuff in advance, IMO.

This is exactly what I do... will be checking in tonight at midnight in fact.

Many ships are sailing at nearly full capacity. If it ain’t broke…

That was just a covid thing. No need to hope, WJ will have dinner. Enjoy!