Cruise News & Clues 5.10.26

We're charting the web to uncover what’s making waves—ships, tips, and unexpected blips!

NEWS & FAQS

5/11/20263 min read

Welcome aboard our latest wave of cruise news and clues! We’ve scoured the seas of social media, cruise groups, and online articles to bring you the best of what’s making waves. With so many tips, tricks, and Q&As floating around out there, we’re here to help you navigate the chatter and find the real treasures. Let’s dive in.

Cruise News

News & FAQs

MSC Q&A

  • Does MSC provide beach towels for port usage?

    • Yes

NCL Q&A

  • Does NCL have Coke products or Pepsi products ?

    • Coke

  • Since having the same waiters every night is not available on Norwegian, do you tip after each dinner or possibly after each meal in the MDR? Do you leave an additional tip at specialty restaurants?

    • You can ask to be seated in a certain server's section in the main dining rooms, but it's not guaranteed. I do tip when eating in the main dining room and all the other complimentary dining rooms. I also tip at specialty restaurants, when I order a drink, and I leave a couple of dollars on the table at the buffet. This is what I do personally. Many disagree and don't tip more than their prepaid.

    • We give tips to individuals in the buffet. They are generally surprised, to be honest.

      • E.g. Person who makes the poached eggs every morning

      • Hand sanitiser person at the entrance

      • Wait staff who are attentive, etc.

    • NCL prides themselves on anytime dining. Tipping aboard any ship is up to the individual

    • No, just the prepaid one.

    • I never tip in the MDR. If you get the same server and want to tip, go ahead, it is not required though.

Princess Q&A

  • I’ve been trying to find the list of the shows, theme nights, and nightly activities. Where can I find this information on the app?

    • Shows and activities will be added to the app gradually, usually starting several weeks before the cruise. Some might not show up until you are on the ship. Open the app and click on "Journey", then "Ship Schedule", then "Show Entire Schedule".

  • If you don’t have a plus plan, is there a charge to eat in the MDR?

    • We had no meal plan. Ate at one of the dining rooms nightly.. never paid! Even had lobster tail!

    • There is no additional charge for anyone to eat in the main dining rooms; it's included whether you have a Basic fare, a Plus fare, or a Premier fare.

Royal Q&A

  • Are the in-room fridges cool enough for medication? What size are the medical fridges that can be requested?

    • The fridge is more of a cooler. You can cool it more by keeping the ice bucket in it and propping the cabinet door open that it's inside. The medical fridge is roughly the size of a small car center console.

    • My husband has brought his refrigerated meds on board. We take them in a small bag cooler with an ice pack and put them in the mini fridge, and they've been fine.

    • The medical fridge we requested was an exact fit for a six-pack of sodas, plus 3 on top.

  • Can you reuse WOW bands on future cruises?

    • Yes, depending upon what ship you're on. Some of the older smaller ships do not have the technology.

Virgin Q&A

  • How well does the 'Shake for Champagne' feature work? Do you need to stay where you were when you ordered it? If you move after you've 'shaken', does this turn into an impromptu game of Hide & Seek?

    • You have to stay put. When you do the “shake” it will tell you to stay put.

Please remember, the above Q&A are what cruisers have posted on social media forums. Facts, opinions, charges, policies, etc., may change. Please refer to your specific cruise line or your travel agent to receive the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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