Hi
I am going on my first cruise on the brillance of the sea on 13th December.
I would be grateful if people would share any advice they have to make our cruise as enjoyable as possible as it is our honeymoon.
also does anyone know if it is possible to apply for a room upgrade when you check in as i heard about soeone getting a good deal by doing it that way.
Also is it possible to purchase alcholic beverage cards as you can do with the soft drinks.
how does the tipping work out do you pay a set amount per day at the end of the cruise or do you tip as you go along.
any tips on essential items we should be bringing
Thanks

well 1st congrats,

working there, I could tell you that you are going to have fun. As for the room upgrade.. .. . ask.. . if they have the room available go ahead and upgrade but sometimes it may not be possible. They would gladly give you the room if available.

2nd, achohol.. .. . I do remember once that they did have an achohol special but I do not think that was for everyone.. .. . I think that was for a group special.. ..and the special was for the unlimited basic drinks.. ..house wine, house beer and soft drinks.. ..as before.. ..ask.. ..it would not hurt you. However, what I know for sure that they have is a Coke special which is unlimited soft drinks because you would have to pay for that outside that package.

3rd the tips.. ..very important.. . I was on a tipping position so that means if you did not give a tip I would just be getting my basic salary of $50/month. The basic tips which they would suggest are equal to $9.75/day ($3.50 to Waiter & Cabin attendant each, $2.00 for Assistant Waiter & $0.75 Head Waiter) This can be prepaid and you definitely can give more if you like the one who served you. However, even though it is not compulary to give tips to the other people who may help you.. .. . their salary is just $500 /month . .. ..so if you give something to them . .. .. . they would greatfully apprciate it and may love you even more. But if you do find that the service is not good you could do 2 things.

1st, you do not give them a tip but please do not go eat in the dining room every night and then stiff them.

2nd.. ..you could tell them that by writing in the comments. This in itself is a very important thing to them. when you fill out the boxes you make or brake the future of the improtant basic people I mentioned above. They work on points and anything below excellent means deduction in points. Do keep in mind that for the diningroom staff, when you fill in the boxes the deduction is on everyone in the diningroom. So if your headwaiter was bad and the Assitant was excellent and you filled in the box "BAD SERVICE" in the diningroom.. .. .. . the affect is worse on the Assistant and the Waiter than that for the Headwaiter. So you should complain to the dining room Manager or the F&B manager if you do not see any result.

All I do have to say is enjoy and have fun. You deserve the best and if something happen check and see if it is an accident or if it is deliberate. Do not judge immediatelly. I have been there so I know.
Hope this helps
KAY

5/20
Suzy,
Thanks for your reply. I'll try to answer them.
1. Room upgrade - As I understand it upgrade are only available when there are staterooms that have have NOT been sold. In most cases, they are sold out. Don't ask when you check in. Instead go to the main desk and ask.
2, Alcohol by the bottle or case are available at the ship's store. They may have specials. Look for them.
3. Cards can be played as there is a game room, library and computer place.
4. Tipping is voluntary, however suggested amounts will be given. It is recommended that everyone tip for good service.
5. Download the shore tours NOW. Plan the ones you'll take. You can book them now. Certainly book tours as soon as you board the ship. Check the costs. This will be my 8th cruise. I usually go on shore tours at every port. Chose the seating assignment. Early is my choice. Early dining will be 6PM or 630, Late is around 7::30. Most prefer early. If you want early, INSIST on it. as early sitting runs anf you cold end up in late seating.It happened to me several times. Now I insist early. Wear comfortably, comfortable shoes as most tours require some to a lot of walking. Euros are the basic currency - A euro is $1.30 currently. It changes from time to time.Be sure to carry plenty. Your credit card will be honored at most places.
Take enough film. It is expensive on board. The ship's photographers are snapping pictures all the time (expensive). . Learn to say NO. There are plenty of onboard activities. Enjoy them, especially on sea days Explore the ship, you'll find it interesting - galley, the bridge, Captain's welcome. I'm a Rotarian and at some point in the cruise there will be a brief meeting formembers of civic clubs. A makeup of attendance will be issued.
I hope this has been helpful to you.
HAVE A GREAT CRUISE. ENJOY,
Bill Smon