Allen2

5 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

They are the ship's time, which can change depending on where you are sailing to and the Captain's preference.  Sometimes they will change the ship time to reflect local time and sometimes they won't. Usually they are really good about telling you to make sure you change your clocks or to NOT change them and ignore the local time when off the ship.

An added issue with these unknown time changes: if you are purchasing tours not sold by the ship, the time difference could possibly cause late return to the ship.  The other side of the coin could be that you might miss the start of the tour.

Credit cards are good almost everywhere; American dollars in many places.  Part of your answer depends on "how much" time you are spending in Vancouver.  Having a few Canadian dollars and coins ($1 and $2 coins) costs very little in exchange fees and can be reassuring.  Most taxi drivers will take credit cards - but do not want to!

9 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

No real difference between premium accommodations and loyalty status than any other travel industry.

 

Airlines are no different. Same for hotel

Yes - just the same as flying (and paying for) first class on airlines - or even most trains!

If you do this - board the LAST car on the train.  Totally better view from the open vestibule.  Other cars have limited view in the vestibule between cars.  This is quite the trip, even though it no longer "officially" crosses the Canadian border.

Several answers: sometimes the Shore Excursion department is able to book additional slots (tours) with their local operators.   Yes, sometimes cancellations are available.  If still looking on line, re-check often.  If on ship, ask to be placed on waiting list.  Also, look for similar "private" or non-ship tour operators.  

Twangster is correct. One hundred percent capacity is almost a given during this time of high demand- a cruiser's worry should also be costs/availability of desirable cabins.  We booked four 2023 overseas B2B cruises very early - price increases now add up to over $5,000.00 for the four cruises.  For folks worried about later issues effecting the cruise, health, or other issues: the savings in the above example covered the cost of insurance several times over.

Totally agree: Pompeii  

Too many "ifs" for a busy airport.  Also consider how many ships will be in port upon your return.

Depending on cruise length, we have various-sized bags. ALL these bags have fit under the bed on all cruises (may have to "collapse" expandable luggage).

Celebrity has been good to us, although we are loyal to Royal.  A "crossing" on Celebrity is wonderful.  We have had two very poor experiences on NCL, as have our adult children.  IMO,  I personally would rate NCL below Carnival, if that tells a story.

At many ports, there are nearby off-site lots, and most allow pre-booking and require pre-payment.  Service usually is to/from the port(s) by shuttle van, often with a trailer for luggage if it is a large lot.  These lots are usually less expensive than parking at the port.  Some hotels allow parking (for a fee), on-site, for hotel customers, often utilizing the hotel's shuttle van.  All Florida East Coast ports have some or all of these services, as does Tampa.

IMO, too many possible variables for a 10:10 flight: late arrival of ship, shortage of customs/immigration officials, shortages of transportation due to busy port, weather, TSA/security backups at airport, and even traffic or other issues.  We have seen all of the above - risk/reward ratio not good here.

We recently had the "opportunity" to on cruise the "C" cruise line.  Our sailing had implemented only one room cleaning per day - do not know if this is a test or fleet-wide. Our stateroom attendant stated that they each have more rooms to clean. We missed enjoying more clean towels when we returned from a shore excursion and had the second shower of the day.  Incidentally, the suggested tipping has not been lowered. This is not a trend that we appreciated.

Not necessarily a bad thing, but often the groups in the lounges (#2, Puerto Rico) perform in Spanish.

Good idea...we already swim with the pigs in some ports, go 'swimming' with horses elsewhere, plus dolphins and stingrays.  Why not 'swim with the monkeys"?

Tampa has had some serious delays with immigration/customs clearances, plus all the luggage issues mentioned by Matt.  Better safe than sorry, IMO.

Thanks, Matt, for today's update on the new Cruise Planner Sale!  Checked four upcoming cruises, and two had savings totaling over $100.  Nice surprise for very little effort.

This is okay

Often cancellations become available when on the cruise. Try for a 'stand-by' list on the ship. Very occasionally Royal will try to add another "segment".

Guess our hurricane experience was worse than most - ship tried to avoid storm but did not.  Ship rock and rolled; most merchandise in stores was on floor and many things broken.  Top decks closed.  Everything on shelves and counters in stateroom on floor.  One person in our party actually got thrown out of bed at night.  Meals affected because cooks could not work.  Ports closed.  Too many other choices without hurricanes to choose for us to ever repeat!

Have gone to Krka National Park with a private guide.  Can be done in your time frame, but be aware there may be some wait time involved at the front end.  If you decide, well worth the trip!

We laminated original Covid vaccine cards and never have had an issue.

23 hours ago, Jolly Ogre said:

Meh... no additional savings for me on either of my upcoming cruises for what I have already booked.

Same here for four upcoming cruises.  Some prices (labeled "sale") are actually up.

One other thought: if you have on board credit from your travel agent, RCL stock ownership, an RCL promotion, or other source: it is not always wise to prepay gratuities, as OBC can be used toward grats.  

Opinion: we have had issues with connecting rooms - including on a lengthy crossing.  We avoid at all costs.