mellibee

could I get a virgin pina colada with the refreshment package? if so I'm gonna be so mad lol that I buy countlless ones without the package...is this considered a "mocktail" 

At the photo ops where they have a backdrop and the area is set aside for ship photographers they typically do not allow you to walk up and use your own camera.  If you can find a nice place to take pictures where they haven't setup the professional cameras, then you can take pictures.
I often see people trying to use staircases and such but there is nothing to stop other guests from accidentally photo-bombing your pictures as they walk down the stairs.  
Generally speaking most guests are very accommodating when they see someone trying to take a family picture on the stairs but our fellow guests come from a cross section of our society and sometimes a guest couldn't care less that you are trying to capture a family moment on a public staircase.    

Thank you so much ???? The struggle a real lol 

I know many people have said the ship’s blow dryer is fine but if you care enough about your routine to have a particular diffuser I’d bring your own dryer if you can possibly squeeze it in. The dryer in our stateroom was... ahhh... rinky dink? That’s the most polite way I can describe it. And don’t get me started on the unspeakable pump of 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner mounted on the wall! Egads! 

Dropping luggage with porters then meeting with them first and checking in at a later time would be a safer and possibly less stressful idea.   If I got on the ship,   i wouldn't want to get back off LOL.     Certainly don't want to deal with doing boarding 2X.    not to mention Murphy's Law once you got back off to meet family.

got it ...it was more to see husbands family honestly and catch a bite with them..lol I don't care to do anything but get a tan 

This just wouldn’t be a great idea IMHO. Especially since your just getting something to eat. 
1. Logistics of explaining why your getting off a cruise ship you just got on to go get something to eat must be a red flag w/ customs.
2. There’s nothing in downtown Fort Lauderdale (food wise) worth going through the hassle and expense of getting off the ship for.
3. Lots of room for error. Lose track of time, problems getting a ride share, customs issue exc exc. The payoff is just not there. I would stay on the ship and enjoy your vacation waving bye bye to Fort Lauderdale as you sail out the inlet. 

I'm not a local, pinging @tonyfsu21 , but there is not really very much to do around the port of FLL, you would have to take a taxi to someplace up on 17th street for dinning.
Unless you plan is to go to a Walgreens or Publix (Also on 17th street) to do some last minute shopping you  are money ahead to get on the ship and enjoy the food that you have already paid for (And possibly drinks) and start vacation early at one of the pools, IMO.

You would have to go back through the same security line as everyone coming back on. If you're wanting to get rid of your luggage before you spend your day in Fort Lauderdale you'd be better off leaving your luggage with the porters but not finishing the check-in process and then just checking in when you're ready to stay on the ship. 

I've never tried it a Florida port but in theory it might work.  Consecutive cruisers can leave the ship for a while and return.
If it does work, you would need to be back on board a good amount of time before sail away, like 90 minutes.  You must be present for the muster drill and the passenger manifest is sealed and delivered to the government.  
You will still have to go through the terminal security lines and the check in area at most terminals.  If your timing is bad the security lines can be long at peak check in times.

Wish I could put @twangster in my pocket ?? while I’m on the cruise ... u are just that great! ??

I was but either way I'm great now since I bought the package...So grateful for you all!

I was but either way I'm great now since I bought the package...So grateful for you all!

I was but either way I'm great now since I bought the package...So grateful for you all!

If I will get C&A points I am willing to try!

Correct however I think the person asking the question was interested in mocktail pricing without a drink package.

the virgin drinks or mocktails are included in the "Refreshment Package" of the drink packages...

Yes you tip in cash. Keep in mind that the package already includes gratuity, so the cash gratuity you are talking about is for an additional tip on top of the 18% that's already included with your package purchase.

Cash tips are always well received.  I bring singles with me when I cruise but you can also stop by guest services and ask them to break down a $20 to smaller bills for tipping.
Keep in mind the package includes gratuity.  Additional tipping is not required.

Wish I could put @twangster in my pocket ?? while I’m on the cruise ... u are just that great! ??

Wish I could put @twangster in my pocket ?? while I’m on the cruise ... u are just that great! ??

Some ships will place a departure questionnaire in your cabin a few days into the cruise.  It's worded like you need to request self-assist.  That isn't the case.   You can just do self-assist without any action on your part, just walk off the ship with all your luggage at the designated time.
When luggage tags are delivered there will be a departure letter placed in your cabin.  
Here is an Adventure departure letter from 2018:
Adventure Deprture Letter.pdf
Note that self assist is directed to go to the Lyric Theater on deck 4 between 6:16am and 7:30am.
Simply bring all your luggage with you and head down.  Ignore the numbered luggage tags left with the departure letter, do not place your luggage in the hall the night before.
If you desire to be at the front of the self assist line you will need to go down before the posted start time for self assist.  (not required for a 10:30am flight unless you arrive late into port)

@12thman We're going on the Allure too, in May.  Since this is our first cruise and we have our second cruise booked for next year, I figure I'll try without the package this time and see how much our drink bill will come out to at the end of the cruise. During the day we'll have our thermos to fill up on lemonade, ice tea, water, etc. and we'll buy a drink at dinner. Since we're not big drinkers, our bill should be less than the package. We'll see.

I agree with the pricing you can "get you moneys worth" but we all know we can get 40 bottles of water at Costco or Sams for 2.99 making them approx 7 cents a bottle.  It becomes a question of "If you didnt have the package would you be OK just grabbing water from the cold water dispensers around the ship and dumping it into your own bottle"