Remember it's YOUR vacation, just because the ship is at port doesn't me you HAVE TO get off the boat. Do what works for you, if your 'my time' dining doesn't work, then change it. If service is bad, SAY SOMETHING to a manager. And if someone is great, recognise them. :)
get the Thermal Suite package on the first day! it averages out to about $14/day per person which is absolutely worth it. Also, we really enjoyed the Evening Stretch class provided in the gym which was free & as challenging or as relaxing as you choose to participate.
Get the drink card. They have lots of packages. Easy to use and well worth the money. We got the basic card, soft drinks etc since my hubby and I are not huge drinkers but we were able to get all our lattes, sodas, virgin drinks etc and we just paid a little additional for a glass of wine.
While the Ultimate Beverage package is expensive at $55/day/pp, if you like to drink, including fresh-squeezed OJ, champagne, and lattes, it is a good deal compared to the high per drink prices.
Make sure you go to the diningroom in the evening. Food and service are excellent and you get to share your day on board or at port with those at your table. Great conversation and relaxing slow down time for social exchanges. You learn about those at your table and become friends by weeks end.
When picking your stateroom, make sure there are no public areas above it . Deck 10 is where most of the suites are but unfortunately Deck 11 is where the pool, Windjammer, Park Cafe, the Solarium and the Spa are located. If you are a light sleeper, you'll be able to hear all the movements at night
The Solarium was a quiet serene place to hang out and read. They also have a nice deli that offers something different from Windjammer.
Ordering pre-dinner room service cheese plate and artichoke dip is always complimentary.
Level 12 aft was a quiet sunning spot on sea days.
Be sure to tell guest services if you're traveling for a special ocassion while on board. They did lots of nice things for my mother who was celebrating her birthday, including a complementary call to the US, decorated her cabin door and cabin, had special desserts delivered during dinner + more.
Reserve your My Time Dining online in advance - expect the first night to be very crowded. We reserved 8 PM and ended up going about 7:40 each night without waits after the first night. Visit the Park Cafe in the solarium area for the most amazing roast beef sandwiches!!
A tip, if you are going to enjoy any of the entertainment in the Centrum (middle of the ship with bar), get there early. Seating is very limited. They had some arial shows (which were good) and dancing every night.
Make sure that the kids know that drinks are already tipped and taxed so that they do not put a tip on top of what is charged. Our young teenagers hung out at the same bar regularly but was never told that he was double tipping on sodas.
Make sure that you know the laws of the cities in regard to right of way for bicycles. Amsterdam gives bikers the right of way. It is very dangerous. The ship should inform passengers of this.
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