Penfold77

Solar panels on cruise ships could indeed help power some of the onboard systems like lights and cabin A/C, reducing the overall fuel consumption. However, there are a few challenges to consider. The main issue is the size and efficiency of the panels needed to generate significant power. Cruise ships consume a lot of energy, and the surface area available for solar panels might not be enough to make a huge impact. Additionally, the increased wind drag from the panels could offset some of the fuel savings, but this could potentially be mitigated with smart design and placement of the panels. I installed solar panels on my house last year, and the experience has been very positive. The main reasons I went solar were to reduce my energy bills and decrease my carbon footprint. The upfront cost was significant, but the long-term savings and environmental benefits made it worth it. For your idea to work on a cruise ship, you would need a similar cost-benefit analysis to ensure it's practical. If the technology continues to improve and panel efficiency increases, it could become a more viable option for large-scale applications like cruise ships. You can find more information on the latest advancements in solar technology and their applications here.

I loved the Meraviglia's layout, easy to navigate, and the central promenade is awesome for grabbing a coffee or catching a show.

My best tip is to avoid the super touristy spots during peak hours. Try to explore the less crowded areas or visit popular sites early in the morning or later in the evening.

MSC usually offers excursion packages for debarkation days, but it’s best to confirm directly with them as they can vary. Booking an early flight is a good backup plan. As for the YC lounge, they typically let you hang out until about 30 minutes before your disembarkation time

Oh dear, dealing with UK travel insurance can be a real challenge. I've personally faced hurdles with a chronic back issue, and finding comprehensive coverage was quite the task. The complexities and varying premiums can feel frustrating and overwhelming. I had the best experience with https://myhealthpal.co.uk/ They helped streamline the process and find affordable coverage tailored to my needs. Don't lose hope! Reach out to specialists who can advocate for you and explore all options.

Sometimes logging out and back in can fix it, but if that doesn't work, try restarting your phone or reinstalling the app.

We’ve cruised with our teens, one 6ft and the other around 5ft, so I get your concern. On Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships (like Symphony and Harmony), we had a similar setup with a pullman and sofa bed. The pullman was fine for our shorter kid, but it might be tight for anyone taller. On Carnival's Mardi Gras, the sofa bed was a better fit for our taller son. I’d recommend checking the deck plans or calling the cruise line for exact details on room layouts. We found that sometimes the sofa bed worked out better than the pullman for our tall teens.

I've done a few cruises from those ports with my family, so I totally get where you're coming from. We cruised with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, and both have good options for what you need. Royal Caribbean's Family Suite has a separate bedroom with a door, which worked well for us when we wanted some privacy. When we cruised with Norwegian, we stayed in a Haven Suite, which also had a separate room. Both lines were really accommodating when we explained our specific needs. I'd recommend calling the cruise lines directly to ask about room layouts and confirm they can meet your requirements.