mom says

About the only local residents I come in contact with on port stops are the people who want my money. (Merchants/vendors/guides).

I'm very glad you have decided to follow the correct advice that was provided. Enjoy your (locally sourced) picnic!

I would suggest that your apparently overwhelming anxiety is more reason for cancelling your plans than any real danger. Who knows what will be happening by February. If the current Israeli/Gaza war extends to Australia, we'll be in WWIII, and flights/cruises will be cancelled anyway. It's far more likely that, living where you do, you might have cancelled or delayed flights due to snow storms. But I'm sure you are already experienced enough to have booked them several days before embarkation day. Citing 9/11 as a reason not to fly- sorry but that is not worthy of consideration. How many times, in the years before or since, has such a thing happened? I'm afraid you are catastrophizing. In which case, perhaps for your own peace of mind, you should stay home. By the way- what is your spouse''s opinion about all this?

You don't say what country you live in, but I'm going to assume UK. I'd suggest, since this is your first cruise, that you find a local travel agent with experience with cruises. They are best able to guide you through the selection process of cruise line, ship, and itinerary that best meets your preferences and budget. But all else being equal, if you want all the bells and whistles for your kids, look at the Oasis class Royal Caribbean ships. But also realize that most European cruises have very port intensive itineraries, so you won't be spending that many day time hours actually on the ship (unless you don't go ashore).

None of those would be my choice. Of the 3, MSC, but ONLY in a Yacht Club suite.

Neither of those are small enough for some of the air lines. Check the airlines you are going to be using.

Adding water to an Americano would result in a VERY weak cup of coffee. An Americano is already 50% water/50% espresso. DH finds Americano a little too weak for his taste. Instead he asks for a long black,(some call it a long pull) which gives a slightly stronger flavor, but isn't as strong as espresso.

Just a WAG, but I'll bet it has something to do with Game of Thrones film locations. OP, add me to the list voting for Celebrity. Especially for the overnight in Livorno. And the smaller ship.

It popped up when he was on the site, saying referral coupon detected and preferred rates applied. It probably recognized that we had previously had similardiscounts.

We will be parking at the valet lot for our 3 weeks beginning mid January. When DH first looked at rates back in the summer, it was going to cost around $500. When he went back yesterday to look, there was a coupon offer that reduced the price to $262. So he booked it before they changed the offer. We've seen similar coupon offers in the past.

Erm, they said they don't watch much tv while on the ship. I haven't seen anyone say they never watch TV period. And i doubt that the presumtuous and judgemental opinion given by the previous poster has anything to do with the price of tea in China. Pretty sure the lack of variety is a budgetary constraint. We've seen better and worse on different lines. Maybe X wants to push more people to premium wifi. Princess may show a lot of Love Boat reruns, but at least they've got a good supply of movies. But I think more people today are interested in streaming on their own devices when it comes to news and video entertainment. On our last cruise, I spent much more time on my tablet with my local news app, YouTube and Netflix than I did with the cabin TV.

Well, when they get past listening and discussing amongst themselves, and actually DO something to correct the deficiencies that have lead to all the complaints and/or desertion to other lines, THEN I'll be impressed.

Nm

Given your Italian heritage and expressed interest in possibly meeting relatives, Rome seems like the obvious choice. But it also makes sense to have everyone arrive in Rome a few days in advance of embarkation. First, to get over the inevitable jet lag. Second, to allow for people arriving at different times. And third, to allow some leeway in arranging the meeting with your Italian relatives. And having a couple of days to actually explore the wonders of Rome wouldn't go amiss either. Transportation from Rome to the cruise port in Civitavecchia isn't difficult. With a group, you may find it more economical and/or convenient to use a transfer service. The Ports of Call forum can offer suggestions, but Rome Cabs ( they aren't taxis) is often recommended.

They are all sparkling wines. Champagne is sparkling wine made in a specific area of France, and it's designation is protected by law. Prosecco is sparkling wine made in specific areas of Italy, and its designation is also protected by law. Other sparkling wines are just sparkling wines.

Looks like Canada has issued an Avoid All Travel for most areas of Israel, and Avoid all Nonessential Travel for the country as a whole. This would be an exclusion for most travel Insurance policies.

You have only said that you are in Europe, but not where in Europe, so giving any brand suggestions is likely futile. I would suggest going to the nearest pharmacy and ask for their suggestions. Be sure to mention the contraindications for dimenhydrinate as well as the other medications being taken. Cinnarzine or Meclizine may be available OTC.. There are nonpharmaceutical remedies that some cruisers use, such as relief bands, ginger (in many forms from capsules to candy or ginger ale), and even green apples. As a last resort, Guest Relations on the ship will have sea sick tablets. Most of the American lines have Meclizine. Not sure what the British or European lines use.

Why would Dubai be a concern in the current situation in Israel with Hamas? It's about as far away from Israel as you can get and still be in the Middle East. And the only problem at the airport was limited to special security measures for Israeli aircraft. AFAIK, that matter was settled a year ago.

The place to ask these questions is on the HAL forum or the Ports of Call forum

Have a look at the Google images of the cruise port. There is no place to wander around. It's one cruise terminal after another. Yes you can drop off your luggage early, but you would need to leave the port area to find a place to stroll. Instead, after check out at 11, why not just have a late gbreakfast or relax in the lobby of the hotel until it's time to leave for the ship?

Central Park is on RCCL Oasis class ships, not Celebrity.

A slight amendment to the previous post. Early ship excursions do have priority tender boarding. After that DIYers tender on a first come basis, depending on the ticket they were given. You will receive information ahead of time as to the procedure for getting the tender tickets. Arrange your time so you are back at the tender dock well before the last tender is due to leave.

Welcome to Cruise Critic There is a large forum devoted to Ports of Call. Linked is the one for the Caribbean. You can explore the suggestions on each of the island subforums. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/456-caribbean/ Regarding your departure day, depending on your flight time you may be able to take a ship to airport transfer that includes an excursion in the old Town (if it is offered.)

Which ever one is going to where and when I want to go. But seriously how you define best is likely different from me or anyone else. And some of my best cruising experiences have had very little to do with the cruiseline I sailed with.

I wouldn't be so quick to blame the occupants of that cabin, unless you saw them do it. It could have been done by anyone who passed your cabin thinking they were being funny.