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Look up the ports on your itinerary before you book a tour. Some are walkable or have available ground transportation that is cheaper than Royal. If you book thru Royal, as we often do, watch cruise planner prices You can cancel and rebook if price drops. Think about what you enjoy. I hate sticking with a guide who stops to talk all the time instead of being more selective. I am independent when I am comfortable with a port.

To avoid a ferry ride to mainland, try San Gervasio excursion, which has Mayan ruins but not pyramids. Other excursions like Tulum or Amazing Secret River do require a sometimes bumpy ride.

If you want to cut the price by 40 or 50 percent, try lunch. (We do.) Another option is to eat in the Main Dining Room but order a premium entree from Chops--lobster, steak, or surf and turf.

NAT GEO had a cruise video some years ago featuring that technology, so it isn't brand new. But it may have been enhanced in more recent ships. Not an engineer...

I don't think of Windjammer as luxury dining, but as an upgrade from hotel breakfast. I am an old diner guy who likes to watch the hustle and bustle of the kitchen while someone tops off my coffee. I get that for breakfast in Windjammer. The thrill of being on a cruise again is part of the atmosphere, as are the stunning views. If you want upscale buffets, try a line like Oceania, but Royal's Windjammer gives me the cruise experience I seek at breakfast or lunch. I am not disputing food reviews, just providing context.

Yes.

My last coffee card had the ship name, supporting "no" answer. However, if the ship name is blank, some folks use it. The description in cruise planner should mention a single cruise.

See deck plans for deck 5. You can play games in many common spaces.

Good choice. And you save a few dollars per person when you reserve in advance online.

We also experienced cold weather Dec 2022 but it was nice in Mexico. So perhaps three nice days out of five.

We were there in January on another line. On the island you could book snorkel or bus tours. We did the drive around the island for 50 US per person charged to credit card. On the whole, French Polynesia has minimal infrastructure with Papeete and Raiatea having the most resources. They also had excursions on shore. Black Pearl's are sold everywhere, if that is of interest.

Tell your MDR waiter. The cake we ordered in cruise planner wasn't delivered on the correct day. In my opinion the room decorations are overpriced and you could bring your own. I might also think about reserving a specialty meal; lunch is less expensive than dinner. If a port day, a celebration on land is possible.

The shopping desk does the charm bracelet which is associated with various port jewelry stores. I don't remember how many charms are given on the ship. An adult could give the bracelet to a child. No purchase is necessary.

You can put $ into a savings account and retain flexibility, right?

Some folks buy the Key when on sale, which includes internet and VIP perks. It is priced per day for entire cruise. Others like us get regular tender tickets and manage just fine. There is child care on the ship if you don't want to take a child on excursion. That is a parenting decision.

No, you were right. I meant Haines-Skagway ferry which you nicely addressed on the other post. Had Sitka on my brain as it's another port call.

We are departing from Vancouver round trip next May. We were told by agent June is better as more places will be open.

Is there a flag icon at top of browser? I see that on some pages, ticket machines, and atms. US or UK flag is English Sorry if you've already checked that.

On another ship, one of our formal nights was on a port day. Have you checked a cruise compass for a similar itinerary?

Yes, you can get extra blank seapass cards to the rooms at Guest Services without changing the reservation. You'll want the stateroom attendant to fiddle with the beds as needed.

About 45 min later based on hotel shuttle. Around noon instead of 11 to 1130 slot we booked.

For what it's worth, Royal once sent us an email to arrive one hour later. Have fun, but be considerate.

It is always important to be considerate of others when cruising, so you wouldn't want to hog someone else's slot. But there could be a gap after the first wave where you could board easily without infringing on others. We have gone 30 to 45 min early and waited as needed.. Maybe shoot for 1130? I really think going too early would exacerbate the congestion for all at the port. I don't want to be the selfish person other cruisers complain about, but you will make your own choice.

Likely your insurance. Most lots have a liability waiver. Few people buy rental car insurance as it is expensive. Not sure if travel insurance covers it. Sometimes named storms are excluded. Good question. I am not sure final answer.

We have been in Italy and Mexico during hot summer weather and no cancellations. Water and sunscreen were essential. When Royal excursions were cancelled for any reason, we were refunded. When itinerary changed port arrival, excursion times were adjusted and new tickets left in stateroom.