SbbquilterUT

For many travelers it is more comfortable to have guidance with this process and that is fine. Admit to using an expensive service for traveling in Russia on our own as you had to visit an embassy for that visa. The newer availability of visas online is great but many travelers do not explore their options for that (or even local transport, etc). I love to plan travel, explore ways to see the most while we are traveling, use public transportation, even visit local grocery stores, but that is what we are confident in doing.

I add - lock up your valuables in your safe.

We are trying as well, I love a smaller ship and different itineraries. Unfortunately they have removed their Cruise Only option and I do not want to pay for beverages and WiFi (did not want it when Celebrity first brought it out either). Will see what we think after cruises next summer.

If you are able - find cabin and place valuables (passport, money, jewelry) in your safe. If you are allowed get rid of your hand luggage. We do our muster drill while thinking of it. We will check out the buffet area but may not eat as we try to have a nice brunch before we board. Then up to the top of the ship to enjoy the view and walk around. Big thing - relax and enjoy the ship. If you need to reserve meals, take care of that too.

Love staying on for a B2B - we will tell our cabin steward that they do not need to do a morning clean since they are so busy - leave clean towels and we are good.

Served to Elite and Above in one of the restaurants. Menu includes espresso coffee drinks as well as Bloody Mary and mimosa. Pre plated fruit, meat and cheese as well as some pastries. Is usually quiet and a lovely start to the day. Location and hours will be on your CC document in your cabin.

While on the Apex last year it was used at water level for tendering to port. Easiest tender entry/exit ever. Very windy when sailing but worth a visit when in port.

Or carry a refillable water bottle - the RO water used on the ship is very nice.

We were able to eat at Jamie's on Anthem. Headed there once we boarded to set up our speciality dining package and then stayed for lunch.

I stop and buy a bouquet of flowers prior to boarding - enjoy them the whole cruise. Best flowers are at Pike's Market in Seattle. Also decent flowers at the Whole Foods in downtown Miami. In Amsterdam and Budapest found them in the grocery store or street market. Don't buy wine but do find flowers.

We were able to change one to a non-alcoholic package on one cruise. We drink at most one pre-dinner drink so there is no need for us to buy any package. I know folks will tell me about water (I bring my refillable bottle) and coffee which I will still buy one each morning but the math still makes it better to buy per drink for us.

I would love to cruise the Med in the fall but would definitely do land travel by train while I was there. We really enjoy the time to walk and soak up the places we visit on land, everything except the need to pack and unpack more.

Which port? In Amsterdam we were off the ship before 9am but in LA we had to wait for the ship to zero out a few straggling passengers before they checked us out.

We sailed in the deck 11 Aqua cabins on Constellation and liked the size of the room, lovely bathroom and location for access to outside deck and Oceanview. The Persian Gardens on the ship is small and dark but we used it daily. And we do enjoy the smaller dining venue of Blu. Once they went to mandated AI (we do not want the drinks or WiFi) we have not sailed in Aqua.

Always subjective - we sailed 14 days on Solstice in January 2023 and enjoyed our food in Blu. We do not want large portions, rather taste all the courses without being overly full. I particularly like the smaller venue of Blu and wait staff that was not rushing around like the MDR in August. My only complaint was the large windows that are totally fogged out but that requires a major overhaul to replace.

Good catch - I did not want a full meal so did not check that out. I just enjoyed laying on a raft in the water and walking in the sand.

We have had a couple of very nice days at CoCo Cay - go all the way out to South Beach. It was quiet with rest rooms and cafe close by and plenty of loungers and umbrellas. Small floating bar just off shore. Did not have to spend a dime that day.

Sailed Solstice two weeks ago - had a lovely Alaska experience. Enjoyed Raw on 5 twice for celebrations. Ate in MDR the rest - food ranged from fine to very nice. Just like eating at the buffet there are things I do not choose but usually I had 2 or 3 starters and added the entree a couple nights. DH ate entrees each night and enjoyed them. I enjoy good food but do not expect fine dining in the MDR, just well cooked food in the smaller portions as they are serving. The lamb shank was very nice and much too big for me so DH helped out. The night there was prime rib it was also delicious. Mashed potatoes are not my thing so I asked for extra vegetables.

The tram on the island will take you out to South Beach which we enjoyed as it was a bit quieter and had rest rooms and food very close.

Part of that issue is that they are not likely staffed with immigration in order to document your return to the country.

From my current knowledge - your excursions and dining can be cancelled for refund within any time limits. The money will be refunded to your credit card. There are fewer photographers than in the past but there were opportunities for photos at least on chic evenings and a couple other, and these were available to review and purchase on board. How far out is your cruise? Things will change as you get nearer.

Rain coat layer plus pants that won't stay wet (jeans are awful very wet). Have a great time.

We opt to use an outside travel insurance company because the coverage is much more expansive - includes issues with travel and luggage that the cruise line does not. There is a good site to compare options - Insure My Trip.

First consideration - you will only know of those tested positive not the thousands more who went home fine. Second - you are traveling at the beginning of cold/flu season so those coughs may be the same virus you have been exposed to everywhere. You need to decide your personal risk acceptability.

Only real consideration for me is if you are near the front and the ship is dropping anchor at a tender port - that can be very loud. Otherwise a very peaceful area.