frankhi

Different people need different levels of assistance.

This is just one of the reasons I book online. I can take my time and actually read the T&C and review the cancelation policy and inclusions. Using a TA just adds another level of possible screw ups and misunderstandings. Basically, talking on the phone leaves too many opportunities for things to go wrong.

Where do you set up your laptop? I had a DP on my first Explora cruise, but have an OT on the next ones. It's unusual for a cabin not to have a "desk" type space. I do have a lap desk that I can/will bring, but any suggestions?

I've used Transfeero 8 times in European airports/cities/cruise ports with very good results https://www.transfeero.com/en/

I bot the annual Allianz Executive Plan and charge my cruises on Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card. Between the 2, I feel pretty well protected. I have 6 future cruises booked.

The website shows first available cruise date is Sept 16th

3 meters

Off subject, but BTW...I just booked a United Polaris seat one way lis-iad for 124K CSR pts transferred to my united account. The flight would have been $2667

The things you have figured out about Unique Escapes and Early Bookings are right on the website.

I really enjoy cruising/days at sea, and brief visits to ports aren't that worthwhile or interesting for me. I have been to Hawaii 14 times (usually 3 weeks/3 islands) and can't imagine spending only 8 hours on one of the islands. The hi are the 1st letters in my last name. (I really never get bored anyhow, so I can't say how a TA would be for people that do)

Everything is pretty much listed in the link you provided

Yeah, I definitely get that. A couple going D2D biz class, for example, might be $30K. The same cruise for me, as a solo P2P (booking my air, transfers, hotel etc separately) is only putting $10K "at risk" for cruise cancelation.

Thanks, but I just bot the exec plan...I'm not really worried about the cancellation insurance, it's the other coverages I like.

I have and (always)used my Sapphire reserve card....thanks.... It's just the annual price quote is so cheap I'll probably just add.($280/yr for premier and $510/yr for executive). I have 4 cruises and a trip to Europe in the next 12 months and similar for year after.

I seems like I'm must be missing something. A full year Allianz travel coverage, even their executive plan, costs less than their coverage for 1 cruise.

Thanks, yes, I'm on the TA, and was on the Nova TA last November.

I went on Explora once and now have booked 4 more

That's another thing that has never happened to me. I have been making reservations since Jan 2023.

I book direct with EJ. I've been on one and booked and paid deposits for 4 more all online. I don't know what the problem is that you and others are having, just know that it is not universal.

To me low occupancy is a plus, and I think their prices are the same as just a room at a resort hotel and often less.

Has anyone been in 8091 (Nova) recently? I had it in November, and had to change cabins because of the creaking. I have 9093 on the Ray booked in December.

I stayed in 6090 in January and didn't have any of the above problems. You can see the people in the Astern pool, so, of course, they can see you. 7116 has a much deeper balcony so that shouldn't be a problem. The aft facing DP's have a "wall" separating the living room from the bedroom and the port/starboard ones do not and so appear more spacious, but lack the somewhat defined areas.

Those computers, always making mistakes. I'll be glad when this whole online fad ends.

Just check a few of the big online agencies. They show all available cabins in real time.

I use whatever card is from whatever I'm doing. On my last SS cruise, I used United CC on United flight, IHG at the IHG hotel, and American on AA flight. Wish I had an SS card for the cruise. I use a Chase Sapphire Reserve otherwise. People seem to be saying here if the had a SS card the would feel they had to use it as their regular card, just put the SS card away until you book your next SS cruise (or cancel it). Oh I just realized most of you use a TA and maybe book D2D so can't do what I was suggesting.