WAYNO

We've done this or a similar excursion. The public ferry and the RC ferry were one and the same. Ferry passage was part of our excursion, but the locals were on the same ferry. Our excursion included a bus ride to the ferry. Once the excursion was over, and we got off the ferry, we again boarded a bus to return to the ship.

There are no guarantees. The Skipper may be close enough to a shore to see some distant forests and mountains, but even so, local overcast or Marine Layer may prevent the view regardless of the their proximity. The shores on the West Coast are often obscured, even in summer.

Day 2 is a sea day. The view of the ship from NorthStar is incredible. Add the surrounding ocean, and the view should leave you speechless. If you want or need more, then add a spin on the NorthStar while it's tied up in port.

Yes, very much. Hopefully, just getting extra boats from Los Angeles will cause the steamroller rolling to get other West Coast Ports involved. I would love to cruise to South American or Central American ports. But then, until Los Angeles takes the cruise industry seriously, folks may just remain uninterested. I've cruised many times from Los Angeles. The cruising infrastructure is pathetic, compared to many other ports that work hard to attract cruisers and really want us there.

And this is my chance to again say, I love lobster night. I know folks say they are awful, but again, not being a foodie, I absolutely love them! And ironically, the only 2 times I ever had lobster while in Maine, they were bland and tasteless. Obviously we don't all share the same values.

Again. I spoke only of corkage fees in venues that sell their own wine. There is no uncorking fee in the privacy of your cabin, and for that reason, yes a corkscrew could be handy. Interesting too, I receive many comp wines in my room. And the ship has included a corkscrew.

I don't think any of this is about a cork screw. It's about bringing your own beverage into an establishment that sells its own beverages, then expecting them to serve your beverage purchased elsewhere. Not much different than bringing in your own hotdog to Jamie's and expecting them to serve it for free.

Grease is one show I have never seen aboard any ship. I hope I'm someday able to see it before it's gone. On the other hand, I seldom think the shipboard renditions of most shows do the original shows any justice. Maybe I should just remember Grease as it was meant to be.

I am not a foodie. And I am glad I am not. I can eat and appreciate most everything. With that said, I will say I really did not like the wings at Perfect Day. Nor have I been pleased with the hot dogs at the Dog House. Although I tolerate Sorentos Pizza at midnight, these toaster pizzas are really pathetic. These are tavern appetizers. They can be better at some times than others. And the service, or lack of it can make a mediocre dish seem even worse.

It would be difficult for me also. The doctors and clinics I attended as a child certainly no longer exist. I'm sure my medical records showing either the disease or the vaccination are long gone too. I was re-vaccinated while in the service. Those records are also very difficult to obtain. I fear that if this vaccination becomes a requirement, a new vaccination may be the only proof we could provide.

I don't often compare one ship to another. In many cases it's apples to oranges for multiple reasons. We have been on Quantum multiple times recently and it's as tremendous as ever. One thing my Wife mentioned just now, is it doesn't breathe. "What does that mean?", I asked her. She said we always come home sick. I hadn't thought of it, but a relatively closed up ship in less than summer weather, that does make some sense. The ship itself however is beautiful, and as best I remember, everything is perfect.

I have never found a Royal-sponsored shuttle from the airport to the ship. I always book a local shuttle. Although I've never used this particular one, this shuttle looks like it would work well. Be advised, Seattle tourism taxes are exorbitant, so no shuttle will seem reasonable in price. https://shuttleexpress.com/seattle-cruise-transfers/ Reversing the process, however, at the end of the cruise I always book a shuttle directly from Royal to get back to the airport. Always efficient and always the cheapest. For me.

One of my favorite cruises ever, was with Royal, Seattle/Astoria/San Francisco/Victoria/Seattle. San Francisco could be dropped from this itinerary and we could have a very nice long-weekend cruise to Astoria and Victoria.

Some of us live up here and are not spoiled by year-round nice weather. I guess only a Northwesterner would understand watching a storm from the warmth of a cruise ship.

Off and on, these 4-day (or less) cruises have been offered from Seattle. This caused me to investigate, as I thought these cruises were still available. I am surprised I found none of these short cruises from Royal. Living relatively close, cruising from Seattle is convenient. A 3 or 4-day cruise could be quite popular for the locals.