LB_NJ

Not sure if the drinks package varies by sailing or day of the week😄 like it does on Royal. If it does then you may not know the drink package rate until AFTER you book so it may be hard to do the math.

It has been a few years however I have sailed Cunard in Britanica and also sailed Oceania. Oceania has way better food. If food is that important you might want to think carefully about your options.

FYI, brochures and FAQs are usually shortened versions of what is in the contract. The passage contract always controls. I.e., if the FAQs or brochure say one thing and the contract says another the contract prevails.

Based on your requirements Cunard may not be the best fit. Oceania or one of the other even more upscale cruise lines may make more sense.

Never got the upgrade. Also, finally got emails saying did not get the bid.

I don't think it is a problem if you are very careful. Carefully check the specific airlines rules and bring the largest carryon and personal items they allow (even for the children). Additionally, I have never seen the airline stop anyone with a carryon, personal item and a water bottle over the shoulder and a reading book (no need to pack the water bottle and reading book). Most ships also provide laundry service. On long (eg, greater then 2 weeks) land trips I figure on at least one laundry. Also, think about what you can easily buy at the destination in Europe so you don't have to pack that item, just buy it there. In the alternative, check one item of luggage for the whole family with the assumption that it will get lost (pack only items you might want to have but can get away without and don't cost much to replace) in the worst case scenario you won't have the optional items and might have to file a claim with the airline.

However, there are some time limits. Excursion has to be cancelled no less then x hours before the shore excursion and they cut off cruise planner y days before departure. Some special shore (few and far between) excursions have more strict requirements.

I think all the mainline cruise lines do the shopping thing. X is no exception. Hopefully the person you are traveling with (if you are traveling with someone) can ignore all the shopping promotions. They are always doing some type of giveaway (some trinket). They are easy to ignore except right next to the onboard shops.

Trying to figure out what time to book for MyTime dinner.

I generally prefer Oceania however Cunard does Glacier Bay and Oceania does not. Both cruises do Hubbard Glacier. The rest of the itinerary is similar. Both cruises start in Vancouver. Cunard returns there, Oceania returns to Seattle. We would probably do an inside cabin on either cruise. Any thoughts?

Would you point to a source for the US cruise lines offering transfers? It is about a 3 hour drive not including the time at the border crossing and customs. Not completely unrelated, I am thinking about the 12 day 2023 cruise and was wondering it the do the inside passage? Can't seem to find out for sure.

Is this something new? I got an email saying that they have not yet accepted my Royal-Up bid however it may be accepted once I board.

I have had it with the huge ships (especially the Royal line). Have done Princess, Cunard, Royal, and Oceania. Really liked Oceania Insignia. So thinking it might be worth spending a little more and going on Windstar this winter in the Caribbean. Is there anything I should know before booking the cruise? Such as whether to book direct or use a travel agent (I don't have what I would consider a "good" travel agent so I would have to find one first)? Anything else I should know, like is it really better to get all-inclusive rather than pay as you go, we are NOT big drinkers (we would be hard pressed to finish 2 bottles of wine we would bring onboard for a 7 day cruise)? Thank you in advance for any help.

It looks like heavy winds on June 6 so I am thinking the cruise ship may have to leave earlier than scheduled. Are they likely to leave in the middle of the night or the previous afternoon?

It is not in the cruise planner however the app shows there is a Chef's Table option for nights 1 and 2. Any idea if this might be real or if the app just has a problem? Also, the menu looks interesting, is the food usually good?

Celebrity screwed things up and I expect that our cruise itinerary will change and that we (Celebrity Summit) will be tendered when 2 other 3000 PAX ships are docked. How bad will the port be congested (eg, buses, ferries, etc.)? Should gave just booked an Oceania cruise and docked in Hamilton and St. George's.

My travel agent does not participate in bidding for upgrades. Does Celebrity offer pay for upgrades once you board the ship? Any advice how to go about on-board upgrades?