ConstantCruiser

The VP Ocean View Panorama (no balcony) are full suites so they will have the same suite benefits that a grand suite and above receive.  A "full suite" is any suite above a Junior Suite.
The Royal Suite Class concept (Sea/Sky/Star) only applies to Quantum and Oasis class ships.   Mariner is part of the Voyager class so it does not have these Royal Suite Classes (Sea/Sky/Star).  As such there is no Coastal Kitchen on Mariner and perks like complimentary Voom internet are not included for full suites on any class other than Quantum and Oasis class. 
Mariner does have a Suite Lounge with a Suite Concierge available as a resource to guests in full suites.   For Mariner the last three photos above can be ignored and any reference to a suite restaurant (Coastal Kitchen) can be ignored. 
When the VP suites were first introduced they were not considered full suites so they were treated like Junior Suites.  A few years ago the VP suites were upgraded to full suite benefits so they now provide the same suite perks compared to Grand Suite and above.

Muster station capacity is finite.  Cabins are grouped into muster zones.  The result is that certain cabins in a muster zone can accommodate different numbers while some are fixed at a capacity of 2. 
Royal has been at this game a long time and they know what works, what tends to sell and what doesn't.  It might not make sense to us but that's because we don't see things from their perspective.  
There is a lot more that goes into ship capacity design compared to a hotel where they can put 8 people into a space and not care.  

ISP for wildlife and a more authentic Alaska experience.
Sitka for a larger town (as Alaska goes) experience.
ISP sits in an area known for marine wildlife and bears.  The port area is operated by a native cooperative and currently only allows one ship at a time.  There is plenty to do but most of it involves outdoor activities and wildlife tours but there is a pretty cool zip line.  What's lacking are the t-shirt and chinese trinket shops peddling more of the same souvenirs found at other Alaska ports (the native co-op bans those stores).  If you were planning on doing only one whale watching excursion during the whole cruise this is one of the best ports for it.
Sitka has a significant Russia influence as it was once a significant area for Russia commerce back when the land was owned by Russia.  As Alaska goes it's a fairly large city-borough so there are more restaurants and a "downtown".  It's a beautiful area rich in history but more of an urban setting (for Alaska).  If shopping is a higher priority Sitka offers more than ISP.
Here are some trip reports:
ISP
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/12630-ovation-goes-north-way-north-to-alaska-11-nights-may-13-2019/&do=findComment&comment=124366
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=83835
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/5211-alaska-recap-celebrity-millennium-june-2017/&do=findComment&comment=51846
Sitka
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/12630-ovation-goes-north-way-north-to-alaska-11-nights-may-13-2019/&do=findComment&comment=125207
Personally I love ISP but I booked a Quantum cruise that includes Sitka primarily because I've only been there once and Quantum is cheaper for the win.

I have a hard remembering the last time I ate in the MDR for dinner.  As a solo cruiser I find the whole full service sit down dinner experience over the top for my needs but that is mostly because I cruise often, as much as 22 or more times per year. 
I'm not slamming the MDR and for someone who only cruisers a couple times a year I can understand the appeal of the MDR.  However time and again when I am doing B2B or B3B cruises it's not unusual to see other frequent cruisers like me eating dinner in the WJ.
I prefer the WJ because it is more efficient (in and out quickly) without long periods between courses staring at nothing like I have to do in the MDR.  Solo dining is very different over cruising with someone.
Having said all that I have eaten many WJ dinners on a variety of ships.  
Generally speaking 50% to 60% or so is the same each night such as breads or dinner rolls, salads, desserts and other dinner essentials.  Typically there will be different proteins offered each night.  
I like this approach because I can eat healthier.  I can make a salad and add whatever protein entree is the highlight that night. 
There are theme nights, usually.  British theme nights usually has fish and chips, Mexican night has mexican food, American night is usually hamburgers and hot dogs but these are also available just about anytime and so on.  
Most ships do a different theme every night but there are "classics" available if that theme isn't your thing.
When I'm home I don't make multi course gourmet meals every night.  When I cruise alone I don't always need the full service experience.  The exception would be ships with a Coastal Kitchen because that dinner service proceeds at a tempo to suit each guest.  When solo in CK it generally proceeds much faster without long awkward (for a solo) pauses between courses.  

I have a hard remembering the last time I ate in the MDR for dinner.  As a solo cruiser I find the whole full service sit down dinner experience over the top for my needs but that is mostly because I cruise often, as much as 22 or more times per year. 
I'm not slamming the MDR and for someone who only cruisers a couple times a year I can understand the appeal of the MDR.  However time and again when I am doing B2B or B3B cruises it's not unusual to see other frequent cruisers like me eating dinner in the WJ.
I prefer the WJ because it is more efficient (in and out quickly) without long periods between courses staring at nothing like I have to do in the MDR.  Solo dining is very different over cruising with someone.
Having said all that I have eaten many WJ dinners on a variety of ships.  
Generally speaking 50% to 60% or so is the same each night such as breads or dinner rolls, salads, desserts and other dinner essentials.  Typically there will be different proteins offered each night.  
I like this approach because I can eat healthier.  I can make a salad and add whatever protein entree is the highlight that night. 
There are theme nights, usually.  British theme nights usually has fish and chips, Mexican night has mexican food, American night is usually hamburgers and hot dogs but these are also available just about anytime and so on.  
Most ships do a different theme every night but there are "classics" available if that theme isn't your thing.
When I'm home I don't make multi course gourmet meals every night.  When I cruise alone I don't always need the full service experience.  The exception would be ships with a Coastal Kitchen because that dinner service proceeds at a tempo to suit each guest.  When solo in CK it generally proceeds much faster without long awkward (for a solo) pauses between courses.  

I have a hard remembering the last time I ate in the MDR for dinner.  As a solo cruiser I find the whole full service sit down dinner experience over the top for my needs but that is mostly because I cruise often, as much as 22 or more times per year. 
I'm not slamming the MDR and for someone who only cruisers a couple times a year I can understand the appeal of the MDR.  However time and again when I am doing B2B or B3B cruises it's not unusual to see other frequent cruisers like me eating dinner in the WJ.
I prefer the WJ because it is more efficient (in and out quickly) without long periods between courses staring at nothing like I have to do in the MDR.  Solo dining is very different over cruising with someone.
Having said all that I have eaten many WJ dinners on a variety of ships.  
Generally speaking 50% to 60% or so is the same each night such as breads or dinner rolls, salads, desserts and other dinner essentials.  Typically there will be different proteins offered each night.  
I like this approach because I can eat healthier.  I can make a salad and add whatever protein entree is the highlight that night. 
There are theme nights, usually.  British theme nights usually has fish and chips, Mexican night has mexican food, American night is usually hamburgers and hot dogs but these are also available just about anytime and so on.  
Most ships do a different theme every night but there are "classics" available if that theme isn't your thing.
When I'm home I don't make multi course gourmet meals every night.  When I cruise alone I don't always need the full service experience.  The exception would be ships with a Coastal Kitchen because that dinner service proceeds at a tempo to suit each guest.  When solo in CK it generally proceeds much faster without long awkward (for a solo) pauses between courses.  

CDC logic at its finest.  
As a vaccinated person I couldn't give a hoot if others are not, so long as what is happening on Odyssey with her crew isn't the response when the unvaccinated become infected - complete shipwide lockdown, everyone to their cabins.  I get why they did that on Odyssey, they need time after getting vaccinated for maximum protection to become effective.  If that will be the response on a revenue cruise I'm not interested.
Back here in the real world (on land) I go out and enjoy life.  When I'm sitting at a restaurant or at a bar it doesn't even cross my mind if the people near me are vaccinated or not.  I couldn't care.  On a ship I would have been the same way, except... now I am forced to wear a mask indoors on a ship just to accommodate the unvaccinated.  Now they've ruined my vacation.  
My only "fear" of unvaccinated on a ship with me would be them ruining my cruise.  If I have to wear mask or if they get infected and the cruise stops then it's a problem.  
The protocols are designed to make cruising unattractive to the unvaccinated.  The protocols required because of the unvaccinated are killing the cruise experience.  
Time to cruise from somewhere other than Florida. 
Thanks Gov.

Restricting Pinnacle from the SL was expected to ensure suite guests can enjoy the SL while allowing social distancing from other suite guests not in their party.
How much they reduce capacity in the SL will dictate how normal the SL experience is for suite guests.  I believe their intention is to minimize the disruption for suite guests but if 95% of all suite guests show up at exactly the same time maybe someone doesn't get access.  I think that will be rare if not never but only time will tell.  
IMO most suite guests probably won't be impacted.  On Vision class with some smallish Concierge Clubs it may be more of a thing because these clubs aren't that big to begin with.  On newer ships I anticipate minimal impact to suite guests.

Very nearly but didn't - because of the protocols that worked.  The failed quick test was followed up by a more reliable PCR test.  Those are the protocols.  

I've seen a couple instances where people ignore the red seat covers with "RESERVED" in large letters at a show.  Then the Genie comes along and tells they have to move.  At this point they freak out and claim all sorts of things.  Some slink away quietly knowing they got busted, some have a full Karen moment even in the pre-Karen days.
Naturally they rant about Star Class but it's their own stupidity on display.  
Lots of people do the same with the reserved rows for Sky Class.  They see empty prime seating and decide to go for it only to be blocked by a crew member.  Then the whining begins.  I feel bad for the crew who have to police it, they've heard the same old rant every show, every cruise.  
When I had the Key one time there were two us at the Flowrider during the hour reserved for Key members.  We just went again and again after each other.  Other non-Key guests were giving us the stink eye.  Too. Friggin. Bad.  
Don't like it?  Buy it.  
Their ship, their rules.  Don't ever feel bad using the perks you paid for.  

When I sail on a ship with a CK it does become my go to dinner venue for most nights.  Some nights the CK menu doesn't excite me but that's personal right?  Another person may declare that same menu their favorite.  
The filet is must try if you are a steak person.  Usually as good and most of the time better than Chops.
In general I find CK in between the MDR and specialty dining.  Some nights the menu and food is on par with specialty dining and some nights the menu and food is closer to the MDR but again that's personal.  Service and ambiance is always better than the MDR.
I do enjoy the CK breakfast even though the menu is the same everyday.  I have my favorites I cycle through.  
Lunch is more hit & miss in the CK but again that's personal.  I've grown to enjoy some of the flatbreads offered at lunch more than I did a few years ago.  
CK menus will be available in the app before sailing so look them over and use that to guide what nights you feel like being in the CK vs. other options.  Sometimes daily menus change at the last minute so don't take what you see in the app as written in stone.

Very nearly but didn't - because of the protocols that worked.  The failed quick test was followed up by a more reliable PCR test.  Those are the protocols.  

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/07/05/face-masks-not-listed-royal-caribbeans-august-health-protocols

Okay.  Hmmm.  I recall seeing an August link but not one that specifically stated "All August Florida".

The vaccine recommendations remain as does the testing and insurance requirements for unvaccinated.
I don't see any onboard protocols.  No masks, no dedicated venues.

Is it just me or did Royal quietly add a new link for August?
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/getting-ready-to-cruise?dPort=florida-august
 
GETTING READY TO CRUISE FROM FLORIDA
For All August 2021 Departures
The protocols communicated here apply only to guests departing in August from Florida homeports. We will continue to update these protocols as public health situations evolve. Guidance for all other departure ports is still in development with federal, state and local authorities. Booked guests will be provided full details specific to their port of departure prior to sailing.
 
 

I had heard a rumor but have found a document to support the claims.
CFAR or Cancel For Any Reason has increased from 75% to 90% in the form of FCC.
Coverage increases in many areas as well.
https://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/RCTPP/15045834_Royal_Caribbean_Travel_Protection_Program_Trade_Flyer.pdf

 
If you previously purchased Royal travel insurance it appears you will be automatically bumped up to this new plan:
Q. If I booked the Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program for my clients prior to this announcement, will they receive the enhanced product?
A. Yes, all bookings made that have also purchased Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program will receive the enhanced product regardless of when the plan was purchased.
 
*Travel insurance benefits are administered by Aon Affinity and underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, with administrative offices in Jersey City, NJ. NAIC # 11150 under Policy Form series LTP 2013 and applicable amendatory endorsements. This is a brief overview of the coverages. Subject to terms, conditions and exclusions.This is a general overview of insurance benefits available. Coverages may vary in certain states and not all benefits are available in all jurisdictions. Please refer to your certificate of benefits or policy of insurance for detailed terms, conditions and exclusions that apply. For disclaimers: www.RoyalCaribbean.com.Consumer notices.
**Notice to Minnesota, Missouri and New York residents only: Trip Cancellation benefits are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company. In addition, Cancel for Any Reason credits can be purchased separate from the Travel Insurance Benefits. Contact 1-888-722-2195 for details. 

Mine did.  Menu in this trip report:
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=83842
 

Very nearly but didn't - because of the protocols that worked.  The failed quick test was followed up by a more reliable PCR test.  Those are the protocols.  

Royal has made this much more complicated than it needs to be.  What ship are you sailing?
 
While one can argue that Izumi Hibachi is a type of Teppanyaki restaurant but on Royal Caribbean the two are different at least in the venue name and menus used.  Royal uses "Teppanyaki Dinner" on the Izumi Hibachi menu so it further blurs the names.
 
Izumi Hibachi = Oasis Class, Freedom, Independence and Mariner. 
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/media-assets/pmc/content/dam/menus/en/teppdinner/TEPPDINNER.pdf
The base price in the cruise planner for an upcoming Harmony cruise is $38.99.  The base price in the cruise planner for an upcoming Indy cruise is $45.99.  The venue name used in the cruise planner for both ships is Izumi Hibachi.
For the "Izumi Hibachi" venue the menu was pretty easy to figure out.  The choice was "Classic" or "Premier Combo" for $4 more.  If you wanted some sushi with your Hibachi the right side of the menu showed the add on options for sushi.  The sushi cost is charged in addition to the base cruise planner price. 
 
Teppanyaki = Quantum Ultra (Odyssey and Spectrum)
https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/royal/media/royal/shared_assets/pdf/menu/Teppanyaki_Dinner_Menu.pdf
The base price in the cruise planner for an upcoming Odyssey cruise is $45.99.  The venue name used in the cruise planner is Teppanyaki.
For the "Teppanyaki" venue there are many more options and variable pricing.  However since the Izumi sushi venue is far away on another deck there is no sushi add on option at Teppanyaki. 
How it should work is the $45.99 cruise planner price of Teppanyaki is your allowance to spend.  
If I order Miso soup and vegetable rice (both complimentary), Origami $40 plus the Matsuri mochi sampler $6 I have reached $46 which is effectively my base cruise planner price.
If I order Chilled silken tofu $8, WAGYU A4 Superior top quality Wagyu beef $90 and Matsuri mochi sampler $6 for a total of $104 I owe an additional $58 above the cruise planner base price.
 
Maybe someone who has sailed Spectrum can let us know how their Teppanyaki experience went.
 
Footnote - Technically Harmony is supposed to be converting to the Teppanyaki name away from Izumi Hibachi name but we'll need to see her back in service to know if that's complete as there are mixed references for Harmony.  My March 2022 cruise on Harmony still has the venue as Izumi Hibachi.

Generally on the so called formal night.  I can't recall if it's 5 nights or 6 nights to qualify for lobster night.  
It also isn't offered in all regions.  

Crown & Anchor Society® Members
Last updated June 28, 2021
We’re thrilled to welcome our valued Crown & Anchor® Society members back onboard! As we prepare to make new vacation memories at last, we want to share some great enhancements and a few updates to the Crown & Anchor Society program and benefits.
Enhanced Benefits
We’re excited to now offer our Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members additional beverage vouchers for drinks up to $13. Each day of the cruise, Diamond members receive four vouchers, Diamond Plus members receive five vouchers, and Pinnacle Club members receive six vouchers. These can be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour or in our private destinations. Consider it happy hour all day long!

With the new staggered arrivals appointment process, all guests need to pre-select a terminal arrival time. For our Pinnacle Club members, we created Flexible Arrival— a new benefit that gives you the freedom to check in up to one hour before or after your scheduled check-in time while the terminal is open.
Reimagined Events & Access
We’ve totally reimagined our behind-the-scenes entertainment tour. Members can now enjoy a MasterClass-type experience and get an insider’s view into the world of entertainment straight from the experts that bring the entire experience to life night after night. You won’t want to miss these workshops! Speaking of shows, we’ve enhanced our entertainment experience by giving our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members priority access to seating in venues up to 45 minutes prior to showtime. This gives you ample time to select your preferred seating prior to opening the doors to all other guests.
Lounge Access As We Resume Sailing
Because of new health and physical distancing protocols, we have temporarily suspended access to Suite and Concierge lounges. These venues will operate with capacity limits and will only be available to guests staying in Suites. The Diamond Lounge will also operate with reduced capacity.

Our health protocols will continue to change as public health conditions evolve. While we envision these temporary changes to be short-lived, they are dependent on health conditions and guidance from local authorities.

On Oasis and Quantum Class ships, Pinnacle Club members will still be able to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen. However, to manage venue capacity, reservations are required and can only be made with the Maître d’ once onboard. Pinnacle Club members sailing on Oasis and Quantum Class ships will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any Specialty Restaurant of their choice.
  Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Why are Crown & Anchor Society benefits changing?
A : The pause in operations gave us the time to relook at the program and find ways to improve. We added exciting enhancements and also made some temporary adjustments that align with new health protocols.
 
Q : How will the Crown & Anchor Society benefits change?
A :  Most of your Crown & Anchor Society benefits remain the same. Some, such as the top tier event, private departure lounge, daily breakfast, and behind-the-scenes galley tours have been temporarily suspended. However, we intend to bring them back as soon as we receive the green light to do so.

We also added a handful of new benefits such as Flexible Arrival for Pinnacle Club members, and additional daily beverage vouchers for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members. We even reimagined the behind-the-scenes entertainment tour for an enhanced experience.

To ensure compliance with health protocols and capacity limitations in some venues, access to the Suite and Concierge Lounges is temporarily limited to members staying in Suites. While the Diamond Lounge will also operate at a reduced capacity, we’re happy to welcome our members on a first come, first served basis.

On Oasis and Quantum Class* ships, our Pinnacle Club members are welcome to make reservations at Coastal Kitchen once onboard. On these ships, these members will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any specialty restaurant. Voucher will be added to your SeaPass card.

*Excludes Spectrum of the Seas®
 
Q : How will the onboard events change?
A : Based on new protocols, we had to adjust some events while still ensuring your full enjoyment:
Meal with an Officer —This experience, for our Diamond Plus (340 points and above) and Pinnacle Club members, has evolved to a Champagne Toast with an Officer. This event will still take place in the Main Dining Room, but with new physical distancing protocols in place.
Entertainment Tour — This tour has been reimagined, allowing our valued Diamond and above members to learn more about the amazing Royal Caribbean productions and entertainment team.
Behind-the-Scenes Galley Tour — This benefit for our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members has been temporarily suspended to ensure the health of our guests and crew.
Priority Seating for Theaters and Shows — This benefit has evolved to priority access. Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can enter the show venues up to 45 minutes before showtime to select their preferred seating.
Daily Breakfast in Main Dining Room — This benefit for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members has been temporarily suspended.
Departure Lounge with Continental Breakfast— This benefit has been suspended for all Crown & Anchor members as a result of the new departure process.
 
Q : Will I still have Priority Check-In at embarkation?
A : When we return to service, the embarkation process will be different. To manage the flow of guests and follow new health and safety protocols, guests will request a set arrival time in advance.

For our valued Pinnacle Club members, we are introducing Flexible Arrival. While the terminal is open, Pinnacle Club members have the flexibility to check in up to one hour before or after their scheduled check-in time.
 
Q : How will the daily happy hour be impacted?
A : The Happy Hour in the Diamond Lounge will take place daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Diamond and above members will now enjoy additional daily beverage vouchers to be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour, or in our private destinations. Whether it’s sparkling water, sparking wine, or the drink of the day, you choose when and where to enjoy these beverages.
The number of daily beverage coupons will increase as follows:
Diamond — 4 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Diamond Plus — 5 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Pinnacle Club — 6 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members will be able to redeem their complimentary beverage vouchers (for drinks valued up to $13) at any venue except Starbucks and Bionic Bar, at any time throughout the day.
 
Q : Will I have access to the Diamond Lounge?
A : Yes — Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can access the Diamond Lounge throughout the day. The Diamond Lounge capacity will be reduced to allow for physical distancing and sanitation. The lounge is open for regular hours, with Happy Hour daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Guests will be admitted on a first come, first served basis.
 
Q : Will I have access to the Suite and Concierge lounges?
A : To manage venue capacity, access to the Concierge Club and Suite Lounge will be limited to members staying in Suites (Grand Suites and above).
 
Q :  Will Pinnacle Club members still have access to the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen on Oasis and Quantum class ships?
A : On Oasis and Quantum Class* ships, Pinnacle Club members will still be able to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen. However, to manage venue capacity, reservations are required and can only be made with the Maître d’ once onboard.

Pinnacle Club members on these ships will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any Specialty Restaurant of their choice. This voucher will be pre-loaded on their SeaPass card.

*Excludes Spectrum of the Seas®
 
Q : Will there be any changes to onboard amenities?
A : Yes — due to new health protocols, deliveries to staterooms are limited to embarkation day only. For our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members, food and beverage amenities will be waiting in your stateroom when you arrive. The Chef’s Choice amenity is temporarily suspended until further notice.
 
Q : Will I still receive my onboard recognition?
A : Yes, although some recognition events will change based on onboard protocols. Our Platinum, Emerald, and Diamond members will still receive pins in their stateroom. Diamond Plus members will receive both a pin and luggage tag.

To celebrate our new Pinnacle Club members, our Loyalty Ambassador onboard will invite the new member and their immediate family to a special intimate recognition which will be filmed and broadcasted on Royal Caribbean TV.

Members reaching 1,050 points and above will receive a Pinnacle Club milestone recognition letter in their staterooms. Our Loyalty Ambassador will reach out to arrange the delivery of a bottle of Domaine Chandon sparkling wine.
 
 

Not really sure.  I think it is an interactive process.  They ask question and based on your answers they craft a tour.  
Give them a call and let us know how it goes.

Mine did.  Menu in this trip report:
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=83842
 

I've seen a couple instances where people ignore the red seat covers with "RESERVED" in large letters at a show.  Then the Genie comes along and tells they have to move.  At this point they freak out and claim all sorts of things.  Some slink away quietly knowing they got busted, some have a full Karen moment even in the pre-Karen days.
Naturally they rant about Star Class but it's their own stupidity on display.  
Lots of people do the same with the reserved rows for Sky Class.  They see empty prime seating and decide to go for it only to be blocked by a crew member.  Then the whining begins.  I feel bad for the crew who have to police it, they've heard the same old rant every show, every cruise.  
When I had the Key one time there were two us at the Flowrider during the hour reserved for Key members.  We just went again and again after each other.  Other non-Key guests were giving us the stink eye.  Too. Friggin. Bad.  
Don't like it?  Buy it.  
Their ship, their rules.  Don't ever feel bad using the perks you paid for.