1025cruise

For the money it costs to go to the beach on a cruise, I can just sit by the pool on the empty ship.

I've done the Caribbean side. Unless you want to travel to ruins or go to a beach, there isn't much to do in Costa Maya. And I think I'm "Cozumel"'d out.

Assuming there is space available in MTD, yes. I would try to do this ahead of time.

Unfortunately, this will not be allowed.

I don't believe the bartenders are tipped based on the drink you buy with your package. To make the math easy, let's say 100 people buy the package and there are 10 bartenders/servers. So, if the daily gratuity for the package is $11.68 per day, that $1168 dollars in the pool. Divided by 10, that's $116.80 per bar person each day. So that's $817.60 per bar person for a 7 day cruise. It would be an accounting nightmare if they had to break up the tips from the package based on the cost of each individual drink.

My understanding is that the gratuities for the packages are split amongst the bar staff. You won't be charged extra. However, if you find a bar tender you like, feel free to give them a George Washington handshake or 2.

While that might be a logical thing, I also have never had a problem with the included food offerings. I can't see myself paying $8.50 for a pizza when I can get good enough pizza on Lido.

There's probably only one person that does it. Book two appts back to back.

I booked last night. I didn't book a package. I don't drink like a fish, so I didn't feel the drink package was worth it. I might pay for WiFi. I can easily skip the casual restaurants (and if I'm so inclined, just pay). I'm already ahead of the package pricing going for just what I need.

I took the aft.

Well, I booked last night. Looking forward to the cruise.

I forgot about the mini bar and the lounge. This makes it more feasible.

Same times as anywhere else. Out of cabin by 8 or so, off the ship by 10 at the latest.

Paging @Ferry Watcher to the thread.

Still debating. I decided I'm definitely getting a Penthouse Suite, but I'm having a hard time justifying the cost to myself between a regular Penthouse and an aft. But, I also priced out with the Plus package, which I'm trying to decide if I really need. We might have 1 alcoholic drink a day, maybe 2. I'm personally happy drinking water/iced tea. I don't need "fancy coffee". I can get the soda package for my wife. I don't think the 2 casual dining options are a necessity for us. While I could do without WiFi, my wife will want it. I believe I can book just the standard for now, and mull about adding the package later? While the convenience is nice, I can probably skip it. That savings would let me pull the trigger on the bigger balcony.