Essiesmom

Most cruise lines do not offer programs for children under 3, though it’s under 2 on Carnival. They do have times when you can accompany your child and use the kids facilities. Ask on the Royal Caribbean board about the Royal Babies and Tots programs. There is a board here for Family Cruising, under Special Interest Cruising. Folks there might have some advice. EM

Also try cruisetimetables.com. EM

Calling at Colon instead of doing a partial transit is new to Carnival. And on the partial transits they never offered excursions. But all cruise lines offer the same excursion from the same vendors so maybe someone else will be along with some info. EM

There is some confusion here…the MDR is open seating for breakfast and lunch, and you can ask for a two top. Your dinner assignment depends on the ‘experience’ you booked. If you booked Bella, you will have fixed, assigned dining. If Fantastica, you can request early or late, but might not get it. But Aurea has any time dining, open seating. It may be in a separate part of the MDR, or a separate dining room. If you are unhappy with your dining assignment, there will be a time and place after boarding to speak with MDR staff about a change. EM

MSC Seascape from Miami in the Yacht Club. EM

But they are also common stops on cruises that do not visit the canal. And people tend to not visit this board unless they have a question about the canal. I think the stops in Nicaragua are often cancelled…. EM

We have a member boarding today, doing a live thread. Perhaps you could ask on her thread, to find out for you. Look for the ‘Live & Solo from the Magnifica’ thread. EM

Disney Dream and Fantasy are 130 k, Wish and Treasure 144k. EM

Thank you for reporting back. EM

@chengkp75to the white courtesy phone.

Ships that sail in the northern hemisphere and spend some time in Australia all have US 110 and EU 220-240 outlets. Those that sail Australia will have an outlet for their type plug. The newer the ship, the more outlets. Ever ships and recent refurbs will also have some usb ports.. UK based ships will have US 110 and UK 240 outlets as well as EU outlets. You are overthinking any concerns. Your appliances will work. If you could tell us what you are primarily concerned about, we can be of more help. EM

You might also ask on the Gulf Coast Departures board. EM

The four Vista ships of HAL are the same size as Disney Magic/Wonder. Koningsdam is larger, but not that much …100,000 as compared to 83,000. EM

Those that hate it do so because it is a European line that has not totally bought into the US mass market way of doing things. Meals are different, often smaller portions. Not a lot of satellite fast food options…it’s either MDR, buffet, or specialty restaurant. YC has its own restaurant. Caveat: I have sailed MSC six times with a seventh booked soon, all from the US, none in YC. I would love to sail her in Europe but I’m rapidly becoming a very old lady and dread the flights. The experience in Europe will not be watered down. The majority of the guests will not have English as their first language. The ship probably will board and debark guests at several of your ports. I could go on, but would just be repeating second or third hand what I have read here. EM

It’s been so long since I read the book that I downloaded the kindle edition from Amazon for $.98. I keep checking the app to see if I have a cabin assigned. I was doing foolish things last night… I find I can do a 5 night on Valiant Lady, get off and get on Magnifica for 3 nights. The inconvenience of flights is the problem. It’s fun to play…. EM