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There is the odd excursion where you are allowed to stay longer at a beach or downtown area but must return to ship on your own. In such cases the excursion guide will explain. We've usually stayed with the group, but once in Curacao, we opted to walk back to the ship.

November 2022, Vision, Barcelona. Will see what they do this fall on next Royal cruise.

Yes, as others have said. We are taking that cruise in September. Many little things can go wrong, as simple as a lost suitcase. Or our car could have an issue driving to Baltimore.

Amazing Secret River was amazing but there are different paths to vary experience. We had to climb through a narrow opening. We did river rather than cenote but did arrive at a large chamber that other tours use. Remember there is a ferry ride to mainland that some find discomforting.

Typically, a folded paper statement is clipped by your door, and seasoned cruisers check their account on TV set periodically plus night before departure. On CAS site there on instructions about accessing your folio. It is available for awhile. Check your "previous cruises" page or check credit card transactions through your card. Always resolve disputes before leaving ship, but you will be flagged if you owe $ at disembarkation. You will be told to go to guest services. If you aren't flagged then the only issue is whether you were overcharged. Hence, the tele check or statement.

Not sure if this is related issue, but yesterday CP declined my card. I then deleted it and re-added it. Then purchase went through.

My wife has complained about mattresses in balcony rooms, so better room isn't a guarantee. For me the problem is thick pillows,which strain my neck. In the end it is hit or miss on bedding.

For common itineraries we use Royal as evacuation not an issue, but for others Allianz. We don't use annual policy because of cap. In the end we pay more but have more coverage. Spent over 1k for French Polynesia but we were literally in the middle of nowhere. Wife got food poisoning, and though she recovered, what if she hadn't? I figure insurance is 10 to 12% of fare.

The late Dr. Demming would point out that management is responsible for the work system, the worker isn't. So I use the survey to give feedback to management. I don't fault workers who remind me repeatedly to do the survey. I do list the names of workers who I believe were exceptional.

Just look at final price and see if it is reasonable. How it is calculated isn't important.

Did this in Jan coming from Tahiti. Had to hustle but did it in less than 2 hours. Had to reenter security which took some time. It all depends on walking time between terminals. Our domestic flight was also in International terminal. We initially had longer layover but Delta changed our flight.

On our last cruise we did self assist at 7:30. There was a line but thru immigration about 810.

Most ports prohibit taking food off the ship unless it is packaged due to risks of pests. Ditto for bringing stuff on the ship. I have seen reports of cookies and crackers in baggies being ok. My advice is to purchase food onshore and consume it there. Read a cruise compass for Bermuda and see if there is a warning for port days.

Agreed, and I wasn't suggesting that, just using phone for back-up. I misplace stuff, so I tend to use my phone more to capture images. I used an example I thought cruisers and land travelers would recognize. Safe travels everyone.

Another reason for a passport, but I would go with your plan if US cruise returning to same port. I would also take something with your picture, even if expired. When you get new license, take a picture, like the covid cards we used to need. More info to talk your way through. But really, get a passport for future travel.

I have found that your bank's atm fee added to foreign atm fee can be as much as pre-ordering currency. So what you do will vary with quantities and type of bank account.

It isn't mandatory to eat in MDR night 1--you won't lose your res. So eat somewhere else if you want to enjoy the sail away.

I understand, but the invisible crew got nothing. I just can't see that as an approach I would use.

For us, the itinerary is everything, since we are traveling. I agree with OP that smaller ships make the sea more accessible. Medium-sized ships have a Promenade and quiet spots, too. I can also see the appeal of larger ships for family reunions.

Check your cruise insurance for coverage of missed port or itinerary changes.

In my experience, your points OBC will be applied to room charges, including gratuities that weren't prepaid. In addition to cashing out at casino, some cruisers go to guest services to cash out. Now promotional OBC is use it or lose it. It is non-refundable.

Rock climbing wall or pool? My son did activities like napkin folding contest, arcade, or Ocean Adventure dance. I would check a Cruise Compass to see what is typical.. Also board games are something to consider. And of course, children can be encouraged to read.

MDR staff work in other venues, such as Windjammer. I wouldn't change default gratuities.

We enjoyed Pompei,but in late June, it was hot, so drink lots of water.

You are lucky to find a replacement-- feel good about that. At ABCs our snorkeling was cancelled at last minute and others were sold out. You can also consider other vendors.