wstephensi

Interested in info as well.  I have amassed no small sum in OBC that is use it or loss it.  Might as well treat myself to a new watch.
I'll be on Allure in several weeks.

It was JUST accepted. We sail in two days. Junior Suite from OV balcony GTY!!!!

Amazon does! 

But do they have Swatches or Casio calculator watches?

Interested in info as well.  I have amassed no small sum in OBC that is use it or loss it.  Might as well treat myself to a new watch.
I'll be on Allure in several weeks.

I tip if I use their service.  My personal rule is $10-$20 for each assistance with booking entertainment, dining, shore excursions, etc,

No one really knows all the details or the decision criteria.  The same company handles several different cruise lines as well as some airlines. 
It's all about maximizing new revenue.  NEW revenue.  If they upgrade a JS to GS that opens a JS that they can charge a balcony to upgrade into which open up a balcony that an ocean view can upgrade into which opens up an ocean view that an interior can upgrade into.  But only if the right number of people will fit into those cabins and the associated muster stations and lifeboats for those cabins.  Upgrading two guests into a cabin that can sleep four might not make sense.  Upgrading four guests into a muster station with only two empty spots can't be done - everyone needs a spot in the right lifeboat by law.  
The line of succession upgrades can generate more new revenue for one scenario more than a different scenario.  How much you paid initially or your loyalty status has no bearing.  It's all about new revenue.  

Agreed. That's how I was able to do it before. However, that ability is no longer available.

The only thing I can think of is that, because we are so close in, they've started assigning cabins (as evidenced by the other bids I put in that are now expired) and this one no longer has the button to modify or cancel.

We were just on Oasis and the Suite Concierge emailed before the cruise and he made reservations for CK for us and i didn't realize until we were on board that they also reserved all the shows for us.  I just happen to look at the App and there were the reservations. He also emailed all suite guests everyday with a little blurb on what was happening that day.  On Oasis there are 2 Suite Concierge, we tipped $50 each.

Got nearly $700 in OBC. 
Can you use OBC to purchase a future cruise?

I guess I'm an outlier.  I always tip them regardless of what they do for me. I'm not saying you have to be extravagant but they manage the lounges and are there to help you. I may be wrong but I figure that they rely on tips for a part of their income. 

I tip if I use their service.  My personal rule is $10-$20 for each assistance with booking entertainment, dining, shore excursions, etc,

What is this "other cruise lines" you speak of?

 

If you don't mind deck 17 - you get muster station G2 meaning you can take the steps to 16 then take the Ultimate Abyss to Deck 6 to the Aqua Theater G2 muster station.  Makes it all worth while.

That would be a bit much for me. I usually cruise solo. Sometimes I’ll get a two bedroom suite only because the price dropped significantly and I’ll tell myself it’s because my luggage likes to have it’s own room.🤣

I thought that is what they are for.
 

Two words,  Adventure Ocean.
My children were about 6 and 4 on their first cruise.   They loved Adventure Ocean.

I thought that is what they are for.
 

I agree with @Jill.  I've done both one way and round trip.  There's just no comparison.  Do the one way and spend a few extra days in Alaska.  Some things you should not miss while there:
Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward
Alaska railroad.
If you have time, do a cruise tour that includes Denali

I gotta vote for the southbound/northbound route. Yes, smaller older ships but if you think this will be your one and only trip to Alaska, go big or go home and that includes doing a land tour to Denali. 
 
The only reason I’d consider the RT on a quantum class is that the teens would probably enjoy the ship more than a vision class. However, this is a port intensive trip and in my opinion the ship is more so the means to get me to each port. 
 
The smaller ships can also get into places the bigger ones can’t. 
 
Plus…….you can take the glass top train from anchorage to Seward and that’s a must do! 

I received an email last week that the 24 Oct Allure sailing lost both the Labadee and Jamaica ports of call.  Replaced with Cozumel and Costa Maya.

I received an email last week that the 24 Oct Allure sailing lost both the Labadee and Jamaica ports of call.  Replaced with Cozumel and Costa Maya.

Don't tell me you sunk a Cabana in June and this is a new rule?

Me too! See you on board, hopefully!!

I'll stay in just about any cabin.  
Even the worst cabin on a ship is better than being stuck on land!