KWong

So for comparison's sake, I just did a Canadian passport renewal for my younger daughter, and UK renewals for my wife and older daughter. For the Canadian passport, I walked into a Service Canada location on July 20. They said that the new passport should be delivered to us by Aug 25. I'll update when I get it. For the UK passports, I did the application online + sent the digital photo. As there is no rush for these passports, I sent via registered mail on July 22. They are currently in transit to the UK.

Same here. If it's available I'll get it. If it's not it's no big deal.

I seem to have forgotten an important one - lanyards.

One year we bought the magnetic dry marker boards (we were in four rooms) and beach toys for the kids when we got to Fort Lauderdale. At home, at Dollarama, I buy the silicone travel bottles as they seem to leak much less vs the solid plastic ones. And travel packs of wipes - the disinfectant type like Clorox and ones to clean your hands like Wet Naps.

Any of the places in that 17th street cluster will be good for you. If you forget something the shops are open early enough for you to grab stuff before you board.

I expect that there will be a couple of standard certificates/QR codes/napkins/whatever developed that can be used universally.

I've not seen a flavoured creamer on the ships. You might be able to carry a bottle onboard, although I'm not sure if/how the non-alcoholic drink rule applies to nondairy creamer.

I will agree that the free coffee... exists. I can drink it (which is more than I can say about DCL's "coffee"), but I will probably bring Starbucks Via packets next trip. As for Starbucks normal drip coffee... I do agree it's overpriced (especially when compared to Timmies and McDs) but blonde or medium roasts aren't too bad. But I'm usually there only for espresso over ice, or if my wife wants a latte.

You should come to Toronto (after... you know) and check out Fishman Lobster Clubhouse. The lobster is expensive, but they're huge. I'm gonna link to a google search for pics here.

I'm surprised that the 19-20yo crowd hadn't thought of that in order to get into Windsor. Yeah I get the feeling that the feds are working with their US counterparts to get a common set of standards for exit/entry. AZ not being approved in the US could be a sticking point, seeing as a lot of Canadians (myself included) have gotten at least one shot of that.

Let's hope so. Wish the cruise lines would do the tests, and just charge us. Some of the AI resorts I've looked at include tests in their cost, which is nice. If you need to stay in Houston, go to 100% Taquito at Southwest Freeway and Buffalo Speedway. Ummm, I've got nothing outside of that. I've got the AZ/Moderna combo, so I'm hoping that won't be an impediment to a) getting into the US and b) cruising.

Matt had my favourite thing in his 10 things - breakfast at Johnny Rockets. I also like having al fresco breakfast at Wipeout Cafe.

I hope the Coast Guard doesn't shut down this gang activity...

This is my go to. I usually book through a website called valuetrips which provides a good discounted rate. I do believe there is a charge to go to the port so it may be cheaper to take an uber. They have had hot breakfast buffet in the past but I don't know how that will work in September. Wifi should be included as well. I like this area in general because there are several hotels to choose from, lots of food options, a couple of wine shops, the aforementioned Publix, plus a Dollar Tree, Ross and TJ Maxx in case you forgot something (or the airline forgot it on your behalf).

And my December cruise is one step closer to being a Thing That Happens.

Looks similar to Viator. I might give it a go if we're allowed to book our own excursions.

There's always people that treat the drink package like a sprint instead of a marathon on Day 1. You generally don't see them again until late into Day 2. I've never bought the package on the ship but I've certainly done my share of "sprints", so I somewhat sympathize with those "amateurs"...

I got my first AZ shot 10 days ago so I'll be good to go soon. But I don't cruise (fingers crossed) until December so I can be patient about it.

I can already hear folks on the DIS boards complain about more nickel and diming...

Of the two mainland tours, I've done Tulum (2014-ish). Chichen Itza (which is the more spectacular of the two ruins) I did years ago (2003-ish), albeit when we were vacationing in Cancun, and when you could still climb the temple. Tulum was pretty nice. Like @JRT we got a partially guided tour and more than enough time to explore the ruins and have some fun at the beach. We did have to spend 30-45 minutes at the midpoint souvenir shop though - I don't like it, but I get it. Meanwhile, my brother and his wife did Chichen Itza off the boat a few years ago. They got back to the ship late (probably 45 min) but since he booked through Royal, the ship waited for them. I would say that if you do either of these two tours, you should book via the cruise line. Even though the Tulum tour will get you back to Playa del Carmen in plenty of time, the ferry adds an extra point of risk, so this is the one time where I'd say that it's worth paying the cruise premium for an excursion.

Reminds me of when I had a warehouse job where I spent 2 days straight sorting screws. It's as exciting as it sounds.

"Baby, baby the love that we had was so strongDon't leave me hangin' here foreverOh baby, baby this is not rightLet's stop this tonight"

I have a Christmas cruise on Allure scheduled and would love for that to happen.

I did notice that there was less cigarette smell on Harmony's non-smoking side. Allure had more smell than Harmony, but it was manageable. On Indy, the smoke got pulled to the non-smoking side whenever the doors to Playmakers opened. Overall, none of the smells were strong, but it was noticeable.