Cruise News & FAQs 2.17.26

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

NEWS & FAQS

2/17/20263 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

Clues & FAQs

Carnival Q&A

  • Does anyone know why we can’t use our drink package on the first day going out of Norfolk?

    • It's due to state laws and regulations. This same rule also applies to sailings from New York and Texas.

      You can buy drinks on the first day, which will be charged to your Sign and Sail pass. You will not be charged for that day in the Cheers package.

Disney Q&A

  • The Mickey churro waffle…is it on every Disney ship? Is it available every day? Can we order it via room service? I need to know because they sound delicious!

    • Only one day per sailing, at the breakfast buffet.

MSC Q&A

  • What are the perks of an overnight stay at Ocean Cay?

    • There was a beach party, bonfires, and the lighthouse show!

    • Being able to go on and off at your leisure. It feels like you’re at your own private island on your yacht.

  • Does anyone know how much the Formula One simulator costs, so I know what size Fun Pass to purchase?

    • $12 for ~5 minutes

NCL Q&A

  • Can you upgrade once on the ship to Free at Sea Plus? I have an onboard credit and would like apply.

    • According to NCL’s terms, the Free at Sea/Free at Sea Plus selection must be made before sailing and cannot be changed/added once you’re already onboard the ship.

Royal Q&A

  • If we book the unlimited dining package and eat lunch and dinner in these restaurants on each sea day, do the portion of our prepaid tips go to the waiters in these restaurants specifically?

    • If you have the unlimited dining package, you were automatically charged a gratuity at the time of purchase. You can add extra gratuity if you choose, but that's optional.

  • Do you recommend the dining packages?

    • No, I feel you’ve already paid for the main dining room and all the other free places on board. Food in the main dining room is very good on Royal Caribbean ships. The buffet is also very good.

    • No to the package. I will go maybe once to one of the speciality places on board, though.

    • No, there is enough to eat on the ship. Some ships have special ones that are included.

    • Depends on the ship and how many specialty restaurants.

    • Do lunch instead of dinner, it's much cheaper.

    • We enjoy the Specialty Restaurants.

    • We did go to the Chop House one night. It was a nice break from the main dining room, the food was beyond amazing. When they come around at breakfast in the Windjammer, see what deal they can offer you. We went with a buy-one dinner, get-one-free!!! Well worth it, crab cake, filet Mignon, salad, and sides. Then dessert was chocolate lava cake or a full-size slice of apple pie with ice cream.

    • The Wonderland restaurant was worth going to; I would do that again.

    • We watched for a good price and got the “Chops Grille + Your Choice” for $78 per-person, it was well worth it. Our other choice was 150 Park. Chops and 150 were both amazing.

Viking Q&A

  • How do the bartenders and servers at meals know that we have the Silver Spirts package?

    • They'll initially ask for your room number. On the river cruises, due to the low passenger count, they'll remember by day 2.

  • Where is the best place to get an espresso double in the morning?

    • The Living Room bar and Explorer Lounge.

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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