RobInMN

We were booked on her original 2020 post-amplification TA that was obviously cancelled. I think we are going to book this also. Originally, we had booked a Central Park View (not balcony) for $1900 total for 2 people for the 2 week TA. Let's see what the new price multiplier will be 🤣.

This! This was the conclusion I think we all came to on a much longer thread a couple years ago about paying for popcorn. And it's one thing for adults, but can people just imagine how much of a mess there would be from kids if popcorn was free? Almost every kid would just have to have their own box (because how many kids can happily share without fighting), and eat only a portion, and how many of those boxes will end up on floor being kicked around. Ever looked at a theater floor after a movie? Especially a kids movie? And those people paid how much?

Ah! Good point. Completely missed that as I have not sailed on her. I forgot they changed the structure and silhouette, not just simply re-purpose it. So I assume Utopia will also be like that.

It didn't start with Icon, the Viking Crown doesn't exist on the Quantum class either. I also miss it.

Follow this thread:

I think it's not the money itself, it's the mess avoidance. Can you imagine how much popcorn would end up on the floor (and chairs) if it was free? Think families with multiple kids, each one having their own (to avoid fighting)

Oasis for the ship Radiance for the ports/itineraries

How's lifetime ban? From Carnival recently: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2023/11/16/cbd-gummies-carnival-cruise-lifetime-ban/71611590007/

There is one use-case where it might make sense to book it the more expensive way, and that would be if you have multiple people that have and want to switch frequently between multiple devices. If you get 1 person, 4 devices, you have to actively sign off of one device before connecting with a 5th, otherwise it will "randomly" boot one. If it's not the one you wanted booted, that person will need to sign on again (if they are playing a game, that might be bad). By doing 4 people with 1 device each, each person can switch to their hearts content without fear of impacting anyone else. Is it worth the extra cost? I certainly don't think so, but maybe it is to someone.

IMO, having the internet is the only thing worth paying the extra amount they are asking for. It's ridiculous that they exclude that on Sky Juniors. It's one of those perks that has next to zero cost for them to provide.

Since you read CC daily, can I assume you have read people's reviews? My wife and I are fans of AmaWaterways (we've done 3, 4th booked for Spring '25). We have not done any of the other lines you mention, so can't compare. We've done a Grand Circle with my parents. They love it, we hated the ship. There are almost always multiple excursion options at each port. I think there are typically town walks, but if there is a significant cathedral, they will probably pop in. You can always wander on your own. Food is usually a bit more upscale than we like, but it's good and not super fancy (we don't go hungry). We are not big drinkers either, and that is not "all inclusive". There's a happy hour and wine with dinner. The rooms are bigger and nicer than GC, and you are paying more for that. So that might not appeal to you if room size is not important. Crew has always been super nice and attentive (but so was the GC crew). Some Ama cruises are designated as wine cruises, so avoid those if that is of no interest. On the 3 Ama cruises, there was evening entertainment with an onboard piano player (and DJ). Once they brought on a glass blower, and I think there was local entertainment once. As for the sips themselves, AmaMagna (on the Danube only), was amazing! The other ship we were on was AmaDante, which is an older ship, but it was still nice. Much nicer than the GC ship.

Wanted to compliment you on your shirts!

Yes! That's the one! We also did B2B, but the other side, Iceland & Ireland after.

Yes. Get one 2-Device plan.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MrBeast

Another vote for Bue Puffin! Fabulous tour, and great tour guides. We Were above the Arctic Circle from June 23th to the 27th 2022. Midnight Sun (actually this was 1:00 AM since it was Daylight Savings) Nordkapp (North Cape) Jewel in port. The dock was about 1/3 the length of Jewel, seriously. Bonus pic:

We did this once in 2021 (Beach Club shore cabana was only $600!!!) The day before, Shore Excursions called our room and asked us for a count and names. I think when we checked in and got to our cabana, our attendant asked how many wrist bands we needed, so I would imagine that worst case, someone could walk the extra ones out to meet other members of the party? It's all you need to re-enter.

I also changed my charging station (different model) to one that's 5 USB-C and 2 USB-A. My portable battery is also USB-C, and so I've converted most of my cables to USB-C to USB-C instead of USB-A to USB-C. But since planes, hotels, ships, etc. almost all are still USB-A, I carry some of these when I travel. Obviously charging is not as fast, but at least I can use a USB-A port if necessary:

Watch this thread. Radiance and Serenade will go back to the Caribbean. I assume Anthem & Quantum will go to Australia or something. While the canal has a new set of locks, ships are still limited by the Bridge of the Americas and/or other factors that disqualify the Quantum class ships from going through. Some disussion:

This thread will help on the overall process

If it helps, we booked the 08-APR-24 Panama Canal Cruise the day it was released, which was 09-NOV-22. So if that holds, I would expect the Spring '26 to be released Early November '24. Apparently the Fall '25 PC's are still out. Radiance goes from the Caribbean to the Alaska itineraries and then her last listed cruises are September, at which time I would expect an East bound TA back

No, Rover is not going to be free roaming, and she won't belong to the Captain. RC Blog posted a story on the 18th about Rover's handler, Alison Hubble, title "Rover's Chief of Staff". Apparently there won't be any sort of official schedule (it's up to Rover). No mention of a second handler that would rotate with Alison. The article said that they spent time on Freedom prior to going to Icon.

If you have an Android phone (specifically Samsung Galaxy), you can WiFi hotspot your WiFi connection.

This. Just because the room can technically sleep 4, doesn't mean there is space. Space is determined by muster zone. Before you get too concerned with who's sleeping where, you should confirm that there is actually space for them. And if there is, book it (even if you end up removing them later), as it could disappear at any time.

Did you click the "Reserve" button, and then select 1 Guest? At that point a "Select number of devices" should appear below the Guests section with options 1 through 4.