CruisingNewb

No apologies necessary. 1. Host at Chops can make all resos for all venues. 2. Yes but it is quicker and easier to make the resos in preson. 3. Prime Times? That depends on when you board. If you are one of the first 100 or so people to board, like we usually are, there is no times that you should worry about getting. You should get the times you ask for. If you board later in the day, then the Host will tell you what is available according to your preferences. 4. I don't know about large resos. I only cruise with my family of 4. 5. Yes. Lunch and Dinner reservations. BUT---your question is do you "need." You can always see if the venue can accomodate you. For instance, Izumi was usually pretty empty between 11:30 and noon-thirty most days and I saw walk-ins often. BUT----Jamie's Italian had wait lists 10 names long for most lunch and dinners. My advice is to eat at specialty restaurants early. Since you are an early diner, my advice would be amicable to your needs. I say eat specialty early because you can always eat a second dinner around 7 or 8, or even 10, but specialty dining venues are really packed later in the evening. Besides, I don't want to eat a second dinner at Chops after still digesting food from Windjammer; do it the other way around.

Best thing about dining Royal....or any cruise....within minutes, you are back in your room for a nap. And no....Nothing is like Vegas dining. Nothing. I say this with extreme prejudice because I was born and raised there and had a career as a chef there.

There has only been 2 $0.99 buffets since the mid-80s that I know of...the Boardwalk Casino (which is long gone) and Arizona Charlie's. Trust me when I say, those buffets made Carnival and Royal's buffets look EXOTIC. Powdered eggs? No thanks. LOL

Here's one: Not getting to know the staff. First, these crew members serve thousands upon thousands of new faces every week, yet many of them get to know at least your name or some food/drink preferences. Why not return the courtesy? Second, crew members are away from home 6 to 9 months out of the year. Many of them must be homesick. I know they are there to serve you and you paid for it, but no reason not to be friendly and perhaps easing their homesickness? Third, you would be surprised at what kind of wonderful return on investment you may get from being kind and courteous. I am not friendly in order to receive, but I can tell you that I have gotten much greater service for doing things like remembering a staff member's name and asking how their day is going. For instance, I have gotten around the single drink rule and been offered doubles, my 9 year old asked our room attendant about his kids and gave him some candy..a few hours later, we had extra hot chocolate packets and a premium childs' face mask in our room, an events coordinator let us ride the Northstar twice for free (only free one time), I had a latte and americano waiting for me at 5am at the coffee place on debarkation day. Fourth, where is the rule that says you can't be friends with the people who serve you?

100%

Mid June of this year. in the 14 days we were in Seattle and Alaska, we saw sunshine three times in total. LOL

It rained most of our entire trip to Seattle and Alaska. Never found the need for "rain" shoes. We walked approximately 18,000 steps per day. We did moderate hiking. Its just additional luggage that we felt unnecessary.

I agree. BUT--here is one logical reason for leaving passports on the ship (keep in mind that I am on Team Take-Your-Passport): Theft is always a possibility in a foreign country. Leaving passports on a ship, and IN THE SAFE, may alleviate any fears of passport theft. In case you fail to make the on-board time at port, the Room Steward and whomever else are trained to go directly to your room and in the safe to retrieve passports for you to leave behind. Again, I don't agree with leaving passports on board, but I am all about trying to see both sides of the argument.

Just a gentle reminder of the First and Second Rule in travel: 1. When you think you need something, you may end up not needing it; but when you don't think you may need something, you may end up needing it. 2. If you have any doubt, refer to Rule 1.

Wut. We photocopy Monopoly cash all the time. Accepted everywhere within the four corners of the Monopoly board.

By using "we," I take it more than one person. You can order drinks every 5 minutes or so. You and your partner get a cocktail. Pour it into your insulated beverage cup that you get on board. Walk to the next bar and get two more drinks. Go to your room and enjoy your beverages. That is how we did it.

I can only speculate that this may be because you can order room service on your stateroom television.

Well I am biased. 1. I am Korean LOL. 2. We live in Southern California-KBBQ everywhere. The smell is wonderful...until its not. When we make KBBQ at home, it smells amazing until about an hour later when the smell doesn't leave our house.

LOL my family said the same thing. Who doesn't like a KBBQ? But reality is, there are people who might not even give it a second look because they don't know any better. Plus, the smell would permeate all through the ship--not that I am complaining.

Order exactly like your title. "Lava Flow with Kraken Rum."