LB_NJ

I would never book this far in advance. Just too many unknowns. You may decide you don't like cruising anymore, you may not be able to get medical coverage for pre-existing conditions, the cruise line service may go significantly downhill, the cruise company could go bankrupt, the itinerary could radically change, you find that there is a family commitment come up for the date of travel, etc. Also, the non-refundable deposits seem to be $500 plus so a lot of money to lose if you decide not to go.

I also would like to hear how things are? I am scheduled for Brittania class this June for Alaska. Last time I was on Cunard it was the QM2 several years ago and had a great voyage. FYI, I have traveled on Royal and Celebrity post pandemic and quality definitely went down on Royal (didn't cruise Celebrity pre-pandemic). So I would expect some drop on Cunard pre vs post.

I would be happy to get it back in OBC.

The process tends to be cruise line and ship specific. You might want to post a question in the Princess forum. Just as an FYI, it usually takes longer to load and unload the tender than the trip actually takes. Also, as a guess, if you aren’t on a ship excursion and you don’t have any priority as a passenger think maybe an hour. Again people who have tendered on Majestic should have a better idea of the process and time.

I have tendered using both the port's boats and the ships boats. It is usually better with the port's boats but not great in either case.

Any word from anyone on the Norwegian Bliss on how it went?

I just noticed that for a new booking on a cruise I have booked taxes and fees have gone down. It is about $150 for the both of us. Not sure if it is because they cancelled one of our port stops (Juneau). Am I entitled to a refund on some of the fees? What do I have to do? It is worth at least a call I would think.

If we can't do Skagway I have no idea where they will substitute.

They never really said.

Has there been any hints that they might extend this to those who booked through Travel Agents?

I hope it works out. We are supposed to be at the RRA dock in June. They already cancelled our stop in Juneau and I don't want another sea day.

Rockslide mitigation leads to unique seasonal job - The Skagway News. Skagway is hiring a rockslide watcher.

Great cruise. Did this while we were on a land trip in Alaska. Sit anywhere. I got up and went outside when there was something to see. FYI, this is in a temperate rainforest so could be wet ride.

Absolutely correct.

I haven't taken a selfie in my last 3 cruises. Not sure if it even adds 10 seconds at the port.

We are booked on Enchantment and booked lunch at Chops. With all the changes going on can you order 2 appetizers (eg, WILD MUSHROOM SOUP and the Wedge) and 3 sides with your entree? Only 1 desert. There is nothing on the sample menu that has any limits.

I would not feel comfortable with that flight. However, if everything goes well you should make it. Usually when an airline makes that big a change to a flight schedule, they will allow you to make a no cost change to another flight. You might want to see if there are other slightly later flights.

Formal nights are not that formal. To give you an example a man in a button down shirt and kakis are fine on a formal night as opposed to jeans and a t-shirt other nights.

If they are doing all this in the MDR what is going on with the buffet?

I am a little confused. With the new policy, can I order a side from a different meal. For example, can you substitute rice (assuming it is on the menu for the night) for potatoes?

Last time I was on St. Marteen I used a ship tour because of timing; ship was in port for only a short period. I think St. Marteen is one of the safer islands (some are not that safe). IF the ship will be in port long enough (you want to be back at port with an ample cushion of time), I would be OK with just getting a taxi.

I guess I did not realize they were on commission. Besides in the shops on-board, are others on the ship on commission?

These just showed up in my cruise planner along with sample menus. Coriander Riviera Frontier La Piazza Nordlys Bamboo It said they would be available to book 14 days before the cruise. I have 2 complimentary dinners as part of my reservation so I believe I can't book until I am onboard. On this board people have overwhelmingly recommended Coriander. From the list any thoughts as to what would be a second and third choice. It is only a 10 night cruise so I doubt there will be repeats.

Two other cruise lines that I have traveled on do this (Celebrity and Royal) and allow upgrade bidding even if you used a travel agent (except a US big box store that does travel, begins with a C, doesn't participate).

I am not thinking about cost. It is the significant hassle of dealing with all the luggage at a foreign port and fitting it into taxis, etc. If possible I want to be able to survive with 1 large suitcase, 2 carry on bags, and 2 backpacks.