Bryan S

Looking forward to this cruise as a preview on her. Also sailing JOTS in 2024 in the Norway Jyords.

When I sailed solo in October I was seated alone butt surrounded by other two-top tables with couples. We got to know each other without the presume of having to wait for others to be seated before ordering. I was initially offered to sit with others but found this arrangement worked really well for me.

When I sailed solo in October I was seated alone butt surrounded by other two-top tables with couples. We got to know each other without the presume of having to wait for others to be seated before ordering. I was initially offered to sit with others but found this arrangement worked really well for me.

We typically will tip $50 to our cabin steward for a 7 day cruise on top of prepaid tips. We often will greet and give half on the first day as this insures excellent service. We typically tip our wait staff much lower do to inconsistent service. However, we received excellent service during our July cruise on Allure so tipped $40 to the waiter and $30 to the assistant. 
We’re not convinced prepaid tips are allocated accurately for the way we cruise so we like to share a bit extra.
My mother as always tipped extra on drinks and had the similar experience of extra attentiveness.

I wish it worked this way consistently but this hasn't been our experience. As recently as July on Allure we were sat as a couple at a 10 top and were told we had to wait for the others who never showed. only after 40 or so minutes were we allowed to order. We changed to a two-top to avoid a nightly recurrence.
Regardless, I enjoy the consistency of having the same server and assistant. I order iced tea each evening. After the second evening they stop asking.

I see many people ignoring dinning suggestions with the exception of them nights. I've never seen anyone turned away. My partner dresses too far down for my taste but like @Pooch, I'm not luging formal attire anymore since so few are dressing up.

My experience is that Chops often is not available as it's being used for the continuous cruise guests.

I was wondering this myself. I'm going solo in October on Mariner so I'm trying dinning I normally wouldn't.

We typically will tip $50 to our cabin steward for a 7 day cruise on top of prepaid tips. We often will greet and give half on the first day as this insures excellent service. We typically tip our wait staff much lower do to inconsistent service. However, we received excellent service during our July cruise on Allure so tipped $40 to the waiter and $30 to the assistant. 
We’re not convinced prepaid tips are allocated accurately for the way we cruise so we like to share a bit extra.
My mother as always tipped extra on drinks and had the similar experience of extra attentiveness.

Split it. If you need more envelopes you can get them from Guest services at any time on the last night. And be sure to write their name (both the way it is on the placcard on the table AND however they introduce themselves [we've had waiters that use preferred names that aren't what's on the table]) just to make 100% sure it gets to the right person.

I always take a picture of the placard so I can get the spelling correct. It also is helpful when it comes time to fill out the survey.

Stick to Enchantment for Greek Isles. I prefer small ships for most of Europe because you spend most of your time off exploring. Less people to compete with to get off the ship especially in Santorini with tenders. Save Odyssey for a less busy itinerary where you can enjoy the ship amenities and have more sea days. The smaller ships tend to have less kids as well and a more intimate experience. The crew really gets to know you on the small ones.