DunkelBierJay

If both are in the same cabin then both have to purchase the DP, so, why would you need to use his card to order something?
You could go to the bar with both cards and ask for two drinks, that would be Ok...

Of course. If it wasn't clear, I was pointing out that it's literally stealing, not endorsing or recommending it.

Why are you asking this when the answer is clearly in the "fine-print" you are referring to?  Getting marked as a thief and possibly banned from the ship is not a great way to have a good time on a vacation -- why risk it?  You would be better off budgeting and bringing the money needed for a few drinks or buying the drink package yourself.  Yes, you may be able to break the rules once or twice, but once you get caught, neither you or your partner will be happy with the consequences.

However it costs us all in the end.

During this exhibition I also dislike the folks that insist on waving their napkins in the air flinging whatever morsels of food from dinner are on them to all the neighboring tables.  
Please don't.

Agreed, it's an old cruise tradition that can go away IMO.

we only had 1 on the second last night on our recent odeyssey cruise. I agree with you, any more than 1 is a little excessive. 

I’ve raised this to a few people and opinions are mixed - just on a 7 nighter Anthem cruise and we’ve already had two nights in the MDR where the staff do their appreciation parade and announcements. It stops the evening dead. Service grinds to a halt, and it’s usually before dessert has been served, so it takes a few minutes to wind things back up again. I am aware by some reactions during the event that people really love it, but do we really need two or (I fear again tonight) a third? I appreciate the staff and display it through additional gratuities, but I think I’d rather see this tradition come to an end. 

Picture credit: Loyal to Royal group on Facebook

Do your own research before purchasing insurance but this is a good guide
Best Travel Insurance Companies Of January 2024 – Forbes Advisor

I sometimes use this to see if a port is going to be crowded
https://cruisedig.com/ports
 

I sometimes use this to see if a port is going to be crowded
https://cruisedig.com/ports
 

Items 1 and 2 are answered in replies to your post. I want to stress how important it will be to get off the ship as soon as you can to make that flight time...that is cutting it WAY too close. I would do self-assist and get to the debarkation point on board as early as 5:30 or 6:00 am whether the ship is alongside or not. The other thing I would consider is to change the flight to a later time if possible. The Key is pretty much worthless for what you are trying to do.

If I were to guess what the issue is...and it's just a guess is the availability of RFID chips for this kind of purpose. It may just be a supply thing and RCI has bigger fish to fry right now.

On Oasis class, I have only stayed in CP balconies and like them. Given a port intensive itinerary, I would seriously consider staying with the inside for a lot of the reasons posted previously. I am usually up before sunrise walking around the open decks so I can catch sunrises and a coffee, so I get my Vit D. If I was inclined to order room service for breakfast, I would stay with the CP balcony, but since your alternative is a CP View...I would stay where I was and use the extra money for a couple of really nice lunches in port or specialty dining.

On Oasis class, I have only stayed in CP balconies and like them. Given a port intensive itinerary, I would seriously consider staying with the inside for a lot of the reasons posted previously. I am usually up before sunrise walking around the open decks so I can catch sunrises and a coffee, so I get my Vit D. If I was inclined to order room service for breakfast, I would stay with the CP balcony, but since your alternative is a CP View...I would stay where I was and use the extra money for a couple of really nice lunches in port or specialty dining.

Las Caletas in Puerto Vallarta depending on when your trip is.  The beach took some damage from recent hurricanes so it's shut for the moment.

Puerto Vallarta has the better beach and more “touristy” with the resorts. However Mazatlan is a much better destination and experience. More authentic 

I agree with @need2cruz that the Downtown Emabassy Suites is a really great option.  Just to expand a bit, if you are looking for budget properties, then the Westshore Business District will offer the most options.  Many of the hotels in that area offer free airport shuttles.  Two examples include: Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Airport Avion Park Westshore and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Tampa Westshore/Airport.  If you your flight arrives late, then Tampa Airport has a Marriott (Tampa Airport Marriott) that is right in the terminal, and while not cheap, it is very convenient for a late arrival.  If your flight arrives earlier the day before your cruise, then I highly recommend staying in downtown Tampa.  The Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, and the Tampa Marriott Water Street are all great choices.  From these hotels you can walk to the ship or use the free streetcar to get to the cruise terminal: http://www.tecolinestreetcar.org/home.html. If time allows, staying downtown gives you easy access to the riverwalk https://thetampariverwalk.com or you could take a waterfront tour on the water taxi https://piratewatertaxi.com.  If nightlife is your thing, then you could stay in Ybor City.  Two nice choices that offer easy access to the streetcar are Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown and Hotel Haya.  These hotels also offer easy access to all of the restaurants/bars/clubs of Ybor City https://www.ybor.org
As for transportation from the airport, if you stay in downtown or Ybor, just take an Uber/Lyft/taxi from the airport to your downtown/Ybor hotel.  After your cruise, Uber/Lyft/taxi is your best way to get to the airport.  Tampa is a great cruise port, and I am sure that you will have fun no matter where you choose to stay.

Hotels near the port can be pricey, but I think the best value by far is the Embassy Suites. It is right on the trolly line, so if you don't mind schlepping luggage up a couple steps, it's a fantastic way to get to any of the cruise terminals. I arrived during a Lightening game at the nearby arena before, and sometimes they make some streets one-way when that happens It can be confusing for the cab or uber/lyft driver getting to the door, but it's only a minor issue. Lots of great restaurants nearby. Highly recommend. I echo @need2cruz.

I like the Embassy Suites.  We were a party of 6 and could book just one room.  We  stayed at the airport Embassy our last cruise because the one next to the cruise port was full.  We ended up saving about $100, and took 2 Ubers 2 the port in the morning.The uber from the airport Embassy Suites was $12 each.  That Embassy offers a free shuttle from the airport.  If you stay at the Embassy at the cruise port, you can walk to the port.  It is just a couple of blocks away.  There is a free Tampa trolly service, too.  I've never used that.  The walk from that Embassy is quite enjoyable.  I love that Tampa is a port you can actually walk to.

Brilliance and Radiance are nearly identical. The big difference is the itinerary. Radiance does one way sailings between Seward and Vancouver. Brilliance does round trip Vancouver.
I really prefer the one way sailings as you see more of Alaska.

He said he's amused by little things...
Only 39 to go for a fancy paperweight!

We crossed the triple digit mark. 
 
it’s the little things that amuse us I guess  

While I was 100% content just a moment ago, now I feel like my life is less until I too get Express Boarding.