WiFi, Drinks, Tips & More
Wifi
Internet at sea has come a long, long way. While it's not as stable or fast as many home connections, it's now good enough to be reliable for email, social media, and viewing websites. Gone are the days of long outages, interminable downloads and per-the-minute charges. Streaming can be challenging, depending on shared usage, and because it's a satellite connection, online multi-player games are usually not an option.
Available onboard Serenade of the Seas is Voom Internet. You can find details on packages here.
Keep in mind that this voyage will be ports where you can use your cellphones, should your plan support it. Many US plans include Mexico.
Drinks
Drink packages are available onboard or you can purchase alá carte. Choose from just soft drinks, speciality coffees, classic wines, beers and cocktails, or premium drinks. Water, coffee, tea and morning juices are available free of charge for all guests. Higher level Crown & Anchor members are also invited to complimentary cocktails each evening. Our advice: unless there is a special on drink packages, alá carte is probably the most affordable way to go for a voyage of this length.
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For more information on drink packages is available here.
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Gratuities
A charge of $14.50 per person per day is added to your cruise fare to cover gratuities for your waitstaff and cabin attendants. There is an 18% gratuity added to all drink purchases. If someone has provided outstanding service, you are welcome to tip more. It's traditional to tip a couple of dollars cash to room service staff.
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Dress Code
The tradition of "dressing for dinner" on cruises has mellowed a bit over the years, and Royal Caribbean has a more casual approach than some other lines. No need for a tuxedo, gown or even a tie. Our group's assumption is that since this is your vacation, you should dress how you want. The ship's guidelines are reasonable, but a bit more than what some people want. For example, t-shirts are not officially allowed in the dining rooms. (The buffet is always casual.) We have never seen a dress code enforced, and we will never enforce one. There are three formal nights planned for this cruise.
For Royal Caribbean's guide to dress codes, consult their site.