1.The credit card backs the Fun Pass. The fun pass is used for all non-included purchased on board,i.e gift shops, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, etc. The Fun Pass charges will be charged to your credit card after your cruise. If you wish, you can pay off your Fun Pass at the purser's desk with cash. We always just wait and pay the card. The casino is the only place (besides the purser) on board that accepts cash.
2.The gratuities are $10/pp per day and well worth it. We always tip extra the service is so good. Yes you do pay this even if you do not use the Fun Pass. The tips are distributed as follows:
$ 3.50 Per Day Stateroom Services
$ 5.50 Per Day Dining Room Services
$ 1.00 Per Day Alternative Services: distributed to other kitchen and hotel service staff
3.Luggage works sort of like on a plane. When you arrive at the port, porters will take your luggage so that you won't have to lug it through the embarkation process. I tip these guys well. Make sure and bring a carry on bag with any essentials (medication, camera, change of clothes, etc.) that you will need. Your luggage will arrive at your room sometime later that evening.
4.I have not been on the Victory but I have been on four other Fun Ships and loved all of them. Read the reviews on this site. They are informative and give many valuable hints. Just remember, some people you can never please; your cruise is what you make of it. Just have a good time and go with the flow. You're on vacation.
