Hello!
First of all please let me say that you need to relax! The first day and last day are nothing to fear and it is not half as bad as what it may seem like on this board. The worst part is the waiting in line depending on where you are boarding. Since you have The Key, any of the light stress that you may feel will dissipate! This experience is completely relaxing and please do not let the pre planning get you worked up!
1. I have brought them but have yet to use them, but they are handy for hanging up bathing suits on the wall and such, leaving notes for your stateroom attendant and a bunch of other things. The use of the hooks is only limited by your imagination!
2. I honestly can not answer that one as I have not gone to one trivia event yet!
3. Another one that I can not answer as I have not used it, and honestly don't know enough about it to answer.
4. There are PLENTY of quiet places that you will be able to find, they do a great job of having events all over the ship and in different places so it does not feel crowded depending on the time. Of course times during dinner, and sales on the promenade obviously will be busier than normal times. If you pay attention to what is going on and where you will have no problem avoiding the crowds, especially if you stay away from the promenade during those busy times. I have found that the solarium at night is not packed at all! I can assure you that you will be surprised at how few people are there during the evening. I have been there in the evenings on every sailing and there are few people around at that time. If you would like to make him happy and are self conscious those are the times to go, this year we were on Anthem and went to the hot tub several times and both times were in the evening around 8 or 9 and we had no issues being crowded whatsoever. There was a max of maybe 15-20 people in the Solarium at the most. There are tons of areas on each ship that you will be able to find that are quiet, but it all depends on when you desire to go. I have found that the quietest times are usually early mornings or in the evenings in the open air areas. I am a early riser and get up around 6-7 every day, so I get up and work out, eat a light breakfast and wait for the wife to get up which is usually between 10. I explore the ship and read and find the quiet areas, such as the library, or any other quiet area, in the evening they are all over the place because either people are eating, or watching a show so the upper decks are not busy at all unless there is something special going on.
5. Yes, we do it frequently, if there is a port that we do not desire to go to, then we will stay onboard and enjoy the quiet of the ship! Great thinking and you will enjoy your time! I actually have come to enjoy those days because the boat goes from capacity down to less than half in a matter of a few hours!
I apologize but I did not catch what ship you were on but I can assure you that what I told you about quiet places is true no matter what ship! I have gone from the smallest (Majesty) to the one of the largest (Oasis) and it still was the same. There will always be nice quiet spots! Enjoy your cruise and please destress, this is a vacation and there is no need for it! Sit back and relax! ?
