SPS

In addition to what's already been mentioned, the Solarium Bistro might also be a good option. 

Sorry, everyone, but each time this subject comes up, I have to post this! 😄

Sorry, everyone, but each time this subject comes up, I have to post this! 😄

Sorry, everyone, but each time this subject comes up, I have to post this! 😄

North Star is available for free on Port Days. You can simply book a time slot in the app. We did this in Skagway and got some beautiful views!
iFly also has free slots available. As mentioned, the free experience is shorter, but still fun!

 

In addition to the ones pointed out by Gus, these two in the SE 17th Street area also have Airport and Cruise Terminal transportation:
Four Points Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port
Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
I had booked Hyatt but got a better rate (and Marriott Rewards points) for staying at the Four Points, but I suggest requesting a room on east side of the building away from Highway 1. 
What's nice about that area of 17th street is that there are many restaurants and a Publix in walking distance. Also, a Total Wine & More is next to the Publix if you choose to bring wine onboard.

Or put my glasses on.  LOL

Ya gotta zoom in a bit, @DoomSlayer!!!

Thanks again for bringing this to my attention. I've been eyeing the prices for my flights and just saved some $$$ today with a reprice!

Thanks again for bringing this to my attention. I've been eyeing the prices for my flights and just saved some $$$ today with a reprice!

For Seattle (from the eastern time zone) I used Air2Sea last year. I liked it for the following reasons.
1. I was able to get flight times that worked for us by Air2Sea offering flights on separate airlines without the additional charges that the individual airlines would incur for booking one-way.
2. Thankfully, I did not need this, but they guarantee to get you to your cruise if flight issues arise by getting you on another flight/flights.
3. Booking far enough in advance, I was able to add the cost of flights to my cruise reservation and pay it off over time instead of all at once.
4. While the standard cost for economy flights is more than an economy flight booked directly, the airfare is refundable. (Also, the Air2Sea refundable rates are considerably less than the airlines refundable rates.)

Also, if you want a specific table size (2ppl, 4ppl, etc.), you can call and have it added to your reservation.

My mistake, I misread that the secondary briefing was on Day 2. I still stand by the idea of Sea Pass flagging and giving guests the Don Rickles treatment! 😆

My mistake, I misread that the secondary briefing was on Day 2. I still stand by the idea of Sea Pass flagging and giving guests the Don Rickles treatment! 😆

First, I'm surprised that this is an option, with all the "Please report to your muster station to complete your safety briefing" announcements I've heard REPEATEDLY on Day 1 since E-Muster began. It's no longer a requirement that it MUST be completed before setting sail?
Second, shouldn't this be done sooner that 7:00 pm on Day 2? I would say 7:00 AM and your Sea Pass is flagged for purchases, activities, etc. until you complete it.
Third, I do like the idea that @AlmondFarmer had, though. A little bit of Don Rickles-style insult comedy will certainly de-incentivize it happening again! "Where were you for the safety briefing, ya hockey puck?"
EDIT: My mistake, I misread that the secondary briefing was on Day 2. I still stand by the idea of Sea Pass flagging and giving guests the Don Rickles treatment! 😆

Just depends on where the ship is, might be worth it on a sea day.  Many times in you will be in areas of Alaska that is still plenty to see even though you are not in port.

That was taken during a "sea day".

@Bmac, do you have any updates on this topic for me? I've only got 297 days left to find out the answer! 😆

Last week I booked a cruise on Harmony out of Galveston for January 2024.
Then, a couple days ago I recalled reading that while in port, the drink menu and liquor brands are limited while in Texas waters dues to rules in place by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Knowing that some of my preferred liquor brands may not be available until 12 nautical miles out, does anyone know what bourbon/whiskey, vodka, and tequila is served while in port?
I saw a "Texas Drink Menu" of beer/wine/cocktails on the cruzely website, but the liquor brands are not specified.
 

We now call well ahead to arrange the table pre-cruise as @SPS suggested (we also link other MDR reservations and provide number of total guests if we're traveling with other parties). This way the table number is accurate on your SeaPass card AND you are less likely to wind up potentially with a less desirable table location in the MDR (since you won't be stuck with whatever tables are still available and unassigned upon boarding).

Also, if you want a specific table size (2ppl, 4ppl, etc.), you can call and have it added to your reservation.

Radiance
 

 

Disclaimer:  I haven’t looked at any updates on this story since it was initially released, so I may be missing something.  
 
My wife and I have only been married 26 years, but if she died on a cruise, I’d definitely bail at the first possible port and get us both home.  I can’t imagine staying on the ship.  
 
This is one of the times our travel insurance policy would come into good usage. 

We were at the airport after our cruise in February and the Chris Jericho cruise must have ended the same day, because our flight was FULL of wrestling fans and they were all talking about how great the cruise was. Seemed like they had a blast! 

In addition to the ones pointed out by Gus, these two in the SE 17th Street area also have Airport and Cruise Terminal transportation:
Four Points Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port
Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
I had booked Hyatt but got a better rate (and Marriott Rewards points) for staying at the Four Points, but I suggest requesting a room on east side of the building away from Highway 1. 
What's nice about that area of 17th street is that there are many restaurants and a Publix in walking distance. Also, a Total Wine & More is next to the Publix if you choose to bring wine onboard.

I think the company that is chartering the ship and sells the cabins set the rates. They, in essence, have to "buy" the ship and pay the entertainers their going appearance rates, so they have to bump up the prices to make up those costs. These extra costs are justified by the added value of having exclusive access to some pretty big name entertainment (Concerts, Q&A sessions, Autograph signings, etc.)
Wrestler/Singer Chris Jericho has talked at great length about all the details of organizing his own cruise since 2018 on his podcast. (Chris Jericho's Rock 'N' Wrestling Rager at Sea)