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Saved on two 2025 cruises. 2024 cruise also has cheaper excursions but after final payment I am hesitant to cancel and rebook. Too many problems have been reported.

No Mayan ruins? That is the whole point to Costa Maya, but I like archeology. Beaches are found everywhere, but snorkeling spots not so much. I like that idea. In the end, just consider what you are seeking from a cruise vacation. There is no right or wrong answer.

I would give some thought to the time of year. We thought October would be less crowded, but in 2022 the warm weather made Italy and France overwhelmed with tourists, making port visits disappointing. I see the appeal of Rome, but you need to decide what you want from your cruise vacation. Iconic landmarks aren't the same as out of the way villages. I do believe in a trip of at least two weeks to justify the cost of air. We found that a junior suite was plenty spacious, really more than we needed.

Given above comments, I'd recommend checking your invoice to see what you've been charged. If there's an error, contact Royal. Also, this is an example of why many of us use travel agents.

We sailed in an accessible ocean view room once (it had been released for anyone to book), and it was over 200 sq feet. So the sheer size of the room on some ships may also be a pricing factor. It was more expensive than a normal OV at the time. The price for 3 was 4000 for a Christmas cruise vs perhaps 2700 the previous cruise circa 2013.

I think the challenge is the erosion in service, not the seating. My airport doesn't have SWA yet.

We did Thanksgiving and Christmas cruises from Baltimore two years in a row because my son enjoyed the youth group. He met friends that enriched the experience. Now there was nothing fancy about the vision class ships, and Nassau wasn't the greatest, but the family vacation was worth it. As seniors, however, we are tired of going to the same Caribbean ports. Some ports are able to vary itinerary if you shift your calendar a week or two. That is almost "same time next year".

Climbers exit at the top. I don't remember all the staircases, but I should think you could get to the falls. The excursion ticket should give access. But standby forcomments from recent visitors.

The reason for having local currency in any country is for emergencies. Not disagreeing with other posts, but I feel naked in foreign countries if I only have US dollars. Foreign currency or coinage leftover from a trip can be nice souvenirs. I do believe Jason Bourne had more than dollars....My last Starbucks in Mexico didn't have change for a US 20 and wanted exact change.

I did the climb with my son 10 years ago and loved it. However, it is a bit of a tourist trap, it is risky, vendors are aggressive, and Matt has it on his list of places Not to Go (see his video). You can view the falls without climbing. But honestly, what else gives you bragging rights? Matt suggests visiting a less crowded venue.

I found that some shops gave a better rate for dollars and some for pesos, but you need to do the math. I wouldn't take more than 100 in pesos. I still have some from last trip I will use on next. Also there is a difference between fixed price gift shops and those which negotiate. I use dollars for the latter.(When you negotiate, you set your own exchange rate by knowing your target price for an item.)

We took a tour not listed which was a visit to a black sand beach followed by drop off in Fira for cable car return. The beach was nice with chairs and umbrellas, a restaurant across the street, etc. The bus ride to and from was also interesting, and narrated by the guide. PS. You can walk down the steps but not recommended.

Found Viator excursions for Sitka and Ketchikan but not refundable, so I haven't booked. (Allianz wanted 215 trip insurance for $460 Sitka excursion, party of 4.)Thus, we wait for Royal because they are refundable up to a point. Juneau seems to have lots of options.

Yes, we received our email from Royal this morning. Waiting to see excursions that may be offered. There wasn't much in cruise planner to begin with, so I am not sure when will have real options. While my wife is chagrined we are missing Haines, we're glad Royal is giving us advanced notice.

This is a fan site, bot Royal. When I do choose their partner (Aon), I look up the policy, emergency numbers, and claims process. I call before taking drastic action or filing a claim. I am sorry to hear about your friend.

While I understand your point, the total price for four seems reasonable when you consider all factors.

When I book a Royal excursion I select times. That's a start. The description should mention travel time or free time until meeting for return. You can query Internet for travel time to Florence from your port if description doesn't mention it. The length of the tour is another guide. A 6 hour tour that starts at 9 will be back at 3 pm, etc.

I'd take some Euros just in case, but our pastry shop in Barcelona took CC, as an example.

The night before I might alert your waiter...

As stated, it depends. The ship must be cleared first, but you can get an idea by looking at arrival time on invoice and adding extra time. To disembark early, sign up for self-assist if you don't have special status. If you are going to a hotel, you'll consider check-in time.

We always have trip insurance and use Air2Sea. Twice we arrived same day as cruise, Southampton and Barcelona. Both times we had delays but boarded successfully. My advice is to see if you can go a day early on your own and let the others take their chances. If you want to sightsee, go two days early.

We had a problem in 2015 when we filed a lost luggage claim and had to submit a form with our CC number. Next month erroneous charge on our RCL card. (BofA). I called B of A and explained we couldn't have been in Puerto Rico to shop at Walmart. The charges were fixed and our card number changed. I only use the card for online purchases or thru TA. No problems in 9 years.

Agree, that is overkill. I'm guessing you gave feedback on the survey...

Good points. Thanks for review.

We used goport for parking, and it was fine. We made the first shuttle to PC. On disembarkation, we carried off suitcase to get earliest shuttle. So if you are flying, think about disembarkation.