Noskill

Just got back from Santorini on the Explorer. Tenders started around 1:30. We had tender ticket 7 which was the first non excursion boat (yours should be earlier with the Key). Our number was called around 2:30. Since we were the only cruise ship getting in at that time, the cable car up was empty. We hopped the local bus to Oia and were in line to take pictures with the blue domes by 3:40 and actually took the pictures 4:00. The ships that arrived in the morning had already been through Oia so we were just competing with tours from Explorer (who arrived to the domes after us ). One thing to note on your plan, the boats from the old port to Oia are an option but you will still have to climb up a hill to get into Oia (port is at sea level and Oia is about half the distance up the crater compared to Fira but still a hike).

I put mine in a backpack. I've found it easier and safer to just lug it on my back. It also gives me the ability to carry a few other things hands free as well (jacket, snacks, etc.).

It was smooth until Tahiti when we sailed last year. Missed a couple of ports due to high winds and the last night before docking in Brisbane we got caught in the tail end of a cyclone. 90+ mph gusts of winds had the boat rocking a little :). Would do the entire cruise again in a heartbeat though.

It depends on where you are sailing. I know they provide kettles in all rooms while cruising in Australia and wouldn't be surprised if they did when sailing from England. If it's a cruise out of the US, then as mentioned above, you'll only find a coffee maker in the suites.

They still use the main cruise port but no longer are able to dock by the World Trade Center (the dock closest to Las Ramblas). On Explorer of the Seas in May of this year, we docked at Terminal B. There were plenty of Taxi's available and even a cruise port bus that would drop you off by the World Trade Center for 3 Euros. I wouldn't recommend trying to walk it as it's quite a hike over a pretty sizable bridge.

This ^^^. No need to add the credit card to choose your arrival time in the app. Just jump to that part of the check in, choose your time and come back to fix the credit card issue later. Hope you get a resolution soon!

There are no next steps and no one for you to contact that can resolve the problem you have created for yourself. I realize this is not what you want to hear but it is the truth.

I would echo the others and recommend the CLS that face the ocean. They are also closer to the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen

You weren't hallucinating, your picture typically pops up on the terminal at the bar when ordering (very similar to how it does when you're leaving and returning to the ship).

Casino in the morning on a sea day to avoid the smoke and crowds and the Schooner Bar most evenings listening to the piano performer.

I love this idea. It's not hard to achieve for most and would allow for a reset on those with status who are not using it.

Just of Harmony last week and the comedy club is in the Attic which is right across from the Crown Lounge and smoke free casino. It's a bigger space than the original Oasis class clubs but does have some really bad seat for those that come late or are in the standby line.