JeffH

His live and pre-recorded video updates on weather were timely and done well. Miss them this week, with Ma Nature threatening to mess up our cruise out of Miami this weekend.

Thanks for the advice! Shooting for June of next year. Have a great trip this November!

Thinking about flying to Rome from Austin, TX, for a cruise next June. Is Google Flights the best way to find good fares, or do you recommend something else? And is timing involved for purchasing airline tickets? Thanks!

Did Royal do away with its basic internet plan, replaced by Voom and stream?

I went with combo whale watching and Mendenhall glacier excursion through Juneau Tours. I liked that they'll work with you if the ship arrives late and they'll refund your money if the ship has to skip Juneau for some reason. Couldn't get that assurance from Viator.

Looking at doing a whale watching/Mendenhall Glacier excursion through a third-party company next August in Juneau. Ship's scheduled to dock at 1 p.m. Just concerned about potential timing problems and what ifs. Should I assume a 2:30 excursion will work? There is no refund if I'm late or prevented from showing up. Maybe I should look at Royal's higher priced excursion instead and just consider the cost difference as excursion insurance?

Planning first Alaska trip a year from Sept. Leaving from Seattle on Ovation and finishing cruise in Vancouver. Or is it better to start and finish the cruise in Seattle? Unsure about getting back to Texas from B.C. Appreciate any thoughts/tips.

Does anyone know if Voom allows you to use What’sApp video chat without incurring charges? I’m thinking no data charges, since I’m using ship’s internet and my iPhone is on airplane mode with cellular and roaming turned off. Just want to make sure of no unpleasant billing surprises from T-Mobile when I get home.

Saw videos posted elsewhere showing sprinkler system on Wonder went haywire today, causing major waterfall on 4-5-6, including Promenade. Looked like the staff jumped into quick action with towels. Hope everyone and everything is okay -- and that the malfunction/damage doesn't impact the March 11 sailing.

Do you know what the standard tip is for a tour guide at either company? I was quoted $80 for two on a private tour, which seems almost too good to be true.

Bingo! Did the trick. Thanks for the info!

Is it possible to pay for excursions online with onboard credit months out from sailing? I went to book an excursion, but my onboard credits don’t show, just credit card info. I was told by RCL customer service the credits don’t show until two weeks prior to the cruise.