the penguins

Not sure what you mean by "stack" but when you first sign in on the ship you have the option to use your minutes or have a discount on an unlimited package.

It depends a bit on your drinking and internet habits. We don't drink any alcohol but drinks lots of lattes and teas. We also get water, sodas, and tonics in unopened bottles/cans during the happy hour. We don't need unlimited wifi. Therefore the free lattes/teas etc plus 240 minutes wifi is a huge saving and the extra bags of laundry is a bonus on long trips.

also in the Passport Bar, the bar in the casino, and Al Bacio 11 in the buffet, in fact any bar that has an espresso machine.

they do. When you first login you get the choice: take the minutes or use it as a discount. Better still if you are a couple, use one lot of 240 mins first then decide if the second 240 will last the rest of the cruise or be better spent on a discount on a full package for the last few days. We have never used our 240 x 2 free minutes.

it's because X in it's wisdom has decided that the Room Steward in these classes gets a higher gratuity - see breakdown of the tips below:

Sorry no, I think the Moderator can move it. I would simply start again in the right place and let this one will simply fade away. Incidentally as honorary Texans (OK we are English but our Grandson lives in Texas) we wish you a wonderful trip.

you have posted this on the main board. I would suggest you will do better to post on the ships specific Roll Call page. Glad you have realized that this is just a "panoramic" cruise to the Peninsular but nonetheless the views of the ice burgs will hopefully be spectacular. We have been twice, once on X and once on an expedition ship with numerous landings on the peninsular, 3 in the Falklands and 1 on South Georgia, - both very different experiences. Have a great cruise.

Pre covid Silhouette was always buffet from the UK. Our last 4 cruises on Slhouette were preplated but to our specification basically buffet without us having to do the work. Reflection from Barcelona in October was buffet. Out of the US always preplated as the venue can't meet the US requirements that the flooring in a buffet service area must be tiled (not carpeted).

two other useful benefits: Internet 90 minutes premium each (not 24 hour blocks as on Royal). Create messages off line, log on and send read replies offline and the minutes go a long way. Use one account at a time then when the first 90 has gone decide if the other 90 will see you through if not use it as a discount on a basic package for the rest of the cruise. Laundry: 1 bag per person -'wash and fold . However write on the slip "Please return on hangers, thankyou" and it usually comes back as good as pressed. Don't forget the please and thank you as they don't have to do it but it has never failed for us.

We never use the App just to the website and log in.

this is our favourite way to start the day. Ailing from US ports the meals are pre plated, from most others served buffet style. The plated versions are only suggestions you can have the plates made to order. For example I have 2 plates one with 4 plain croissants and another with mixed fruits. Add 2 fruit smoothies and a Latte and I am good for the morning

Thanks. This thread covers only auto grats and I understand that, provided you don't remove these, any tips over and above are not pooled. If you do remove auto grats it's a whole different ball game. What this thread was not designed to cover is tips in say the Martini Bar where I understand the tips are pooled which would make sense as the staff work as a team compared to say the servers in Al Bacio who work independently. If you have a moment perhaps Guest Relations would clarify what happens if auto grats are removed. If the Guest Relations Director is Julie please say hello from the Crazy Brits Geoff and Anita. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Hi, We arranged it in 2 parts: Tour of the Forest: direct with the Park Ranger, Kristoff Francois, turned out he was the boss. Contact details: email: kfrancois@bnt.bs Tel: 1 242 437 3862 The cost was $10 per person for the guided tour of around an hour - payable in cash on the day. Transport: in a mini van (we were a group of 6). We booked with Sharand Bastian who was absolutely great. We had tried numerous firms who all refused saying they had never heard of the Forest. On the day it turned out Sharand had never heard of it either, he refused to accept it existed but agreed to try and take us based on the address we had. In the end he phoned Francois as were driving and Francois gave him turn by turn directions to get us there. Sharand was so delighted with the forest he said he would be offering tours there. Pick up at the port was 10.00 back around 12.30. The cost included a rum punch or soft drink each. If you contact either of them they may remember the crazy Brits with their American companions particularly if you remind Sharand of the problems he had finding the place. Good luck.

This far out any current menu is likely to change. We never check in advance as we like the anticipation of what each night will bring. If you have food allergies speak to the Maitre D and they will bring you the next nights menu during dessert.

boarding: when check in opens you will be able to book a boarding time, book quickly for the best times. Arrive at the time you have chosen with all your documents in hand - we find it quicker with paper copies than with "virtual ones - and boarding will be quick (much quicker than pre pandemic). Typical time less than 30 minutes from arrival to being onboard in you cabin - you now collect your room cards in your cabin so even if your room isn't completely ready you can drop off your carry on bags.

No problems in Nassau. Arrange a private tour to the Primeval Forest (shows how the island was before tourism took over). About 30 minutes drive from the port initially on the highway to the airport then off put into the wilderness. Great guides at the reserve to show you around, easily walkable and very informative. There were 3 or 4 ships in port when we visited and the Forest attracted just 20 people including our group of 6.

Bet you still have clean towels, sheets, napkins, etc.

what!!!!! X has soft serve every day in the buffet. Alternates between vanilla and chocolate plus mixed every day. Soft serve also at the Mast Bar walk past the hot dog/burger service counter and the sauces dispenser and you reach the Soft Serve and the cone dispenser.

there is one at the Mast Grill on Reflection. Much more choice in the buffet - luse the left hand side entrance

a perfect explanation.

the cabin steward is the $5.89 figure. Who the $4.09 "Suite Services" covers/includes I have no idea. Hopefully someone who books suites can enlighten us - otherwise I am afraid you will have to ask onboard and then post the result.

the simple answer, as I hoped I had made clear, was if you reduce the auto tips the reduction is spread pro rata across all crew in the scheme. You can't for example just reduce the room stewards element. If you cancel totally it's impossible to individually tip everyone covered by the scheme for example laundry staff of cloakroom cleaners.

Perhaps some one will be able to assist as it's certainly a great idea

new passengers often post asking what/who their daily tips cover and receive conflicting advice. My aim was simply to clarify exactly how the system work.. How each individual then chooses to use that information is indeed a matter of personal choice.