NikiM

I know exactly how you feel.  After many years of wrestling with the whole tipping minefield, I have decided to treat it just like any other of life's mysteries - The only control I have is over what I do....I cannot control what happens beyond that.
We tip-as-we-go ALWAYS.  That is the only thing that really works for us.  You NEVER know if you will see the person again who has served you so tip while you can and forget about it.  I canNOT control what happens to the money once I leave it on the table or, in some cases, give it directly to a server.  That is beyond my control.  I do what I should do - I tip - what happens after that is none of my business.  I trust that they have an equitable process worked out where those who need to get tipped, will.  If they do not, frankly, it's not my problem.

The problem with stating absolutes is that someone, somewhere, some time, will have had an experience where it was enforced.
Chef's Table used to be more stringent than it is now for example.  Chef's Table is supposed to be formal.  

Formal has always been defined as tailcoats and evening gowns. On most cruise ships "formal" wear is really semi-formal.
"Dressing my best" depends on location, cruise line, time of year.  I always "dress up,"  because I have a great cruise line photo collection.
When I cruise in colder climates, I wear darker, heavier clothes. (Navy sequins)
In warmer areas, lighter colors and fabrics take the priority (Pink lace).
On Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, etc. I bring out my loveliest clothes--very elegant, eye-catching long gowns, husband in tuxedo or very nice suit.
On Carnival, RC, NCL,  I am a bit more casual and trendy in my dress. Husband might just do a sports jacket--I may even wear a short dress.
Sadly, costly cruise lines like Viking do not promote too much dressing up. Horrors-- I have seen elderly men come to breakfast in their pajamas.
We never pay any attention to what others wear at dinner- we are enjoying our own experience too much!

After falling down Matt’s video blog rabbit hole, I recently joined the blog. He does a wonderful job by the way. 62 days until Wonder of the Seas. After a decade of attempts and several previous postponements, my wife and I finally booked a cruise. Life happens. We purchased the drink package, and I was scouring the internet and all the blogs to get a better idea of the “ultra-premium” liquor options at bars like Mason Jar, in case I see something I would want to pay over’s on for the package.  I have only been able to find the limited and standard offerings and menus but not the ultra-premium offerings, possibly because those can vary more frequently. I’m specifically looking for current ultra-premium whisky prices at Mason Jar, Schooner, Cask and Clipper, or any others that people would recommend. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get the most current bar and premium/ultra-premium liquor options, both under and over the $15 limit for the drink package for Wonder of the Seas? I’ll take all the help I can get at this point. Thanks!

"CRUISE BIG, OR GO HOME" – OA 3/10/2024-3/17/2024

There once was time, many blogs ago, where I said, “Dreams…that is how many things begin; that is how this adventure began.  But with every dream that comes true, there is always a journey.”
Anyone remember that blog? It was the one where many claimed I corrupted them (I’m looking at you @GregD lol); it was also truly a dream come true for us. Since that 2019 sailing, we have been blessed beyond measure, and we never take any sailing for granted.
But in the midst of all this, there was also a greater dream, a greater wish, that started way before 2019, or even 2016 (when Royal started their Royal Suite Class program) for that matter. This was a dream that began over 14 years ago, in December 2009, when Hubby and I sailed on Oasis of the Seas for her maiden voyage, and I realized that there was a cabin, way up on Deck 17 (this was my pre-suite snob days), corner starboard side, that I wanted to be in one day…#cruisegoals
The journey to get to this sailing, in this cabin was a long one. I know I have said it before, but we were not always suite snobs. We have done our share of interiors, ocean views, balconies, etc. Even when I turned into a suite snob, this particular cabin was always out of reach for us. Either financially, or the pandemic took it away, or it wasn’t available, or @Rags1 would not adopt me. What I am trying to say, is that it is not lost on me the road it took us to get here, and how grateful I am that we now have this opportunity, and how this likely will be the only opportunity for this cabin. We are committed to treasuring every moment of this.
I have tracked the price of this room over many years. For the times of the year that we can sail (March, July, August, December), March is always the best price for this room.
This sailing is also beyond bittersweet. It is more than being able to check off a cruise bucket list item for us and the journey it took us to get here. It’s our final March Break sailing with our oldest. We have been sailing with the girls over March Break for years and there will never be another March Break sailing with all 4 of us together. This is it. That is the main reason why we had to take the leap and do this now. I knew back in December 2009 when I first heard that such a room existed, that I wanted to do it, but not without both kids. With D17 graduating this June, and the uncertainty of her university and life schedule (she will not have a March break that is for certain), it really is now, or likely never.
Like a wise @Baked Alaska recently said, “Time is like a thief.” Life is too short; it’s about seizing the moments we have, it’s about not having regrets, and we never want to look back and say, “We wish we would have done it.”
With that in mind, Hubby and I decided that YOLO, it’s going to be now, to “Cruise Big”, really big, and then go home.

Room tour! 

Main entry 


 
Downstairs bedroom and Bathroom 


 
Main living area 














 
Upper level






 
Balcony ❤️

Remember those are 350ml bottles, not the typical 750ml