Why in the world did you put up with this?? being squeezed like that with strangers??? No way, we would have been talking to the Dining room officer immediately.
Corfu and Argostoli have beaches within a short taxi ride from the port. Athens is a totally different story, the ship docks in Piraeus which is at least an hour away from Athens. Can't help with that port because we don't bother getting off.
Not true, Radio Taxi Ravenna operates 24/7 365 days
There are several taxi companies in Ravenna, and more have started since more cruises have started sailing from Ravenna Port
we were on Explorer at the beginning of June and will be on again in August. There was nothing that was necessary to book except dining. Skating shows, slides, etc no booking needed although there may be lines for the slides they move fairly quickly.
Heathrow is a nightmare for handicapped passengers! In spite of booking a wheelchair ahead of time I was told several times "sorry, not enough chairs available right now, please follow me" I can walk a short distance but not the distance they were asking for. I finally put my foot down and said NO, I booked a wheelchair so go find me a chair!
Cruise documents become available 30-45 days before most cruises. Occasionally documents become available a little closer to some cruises but we have only had this happen once in 16 cruises.
16 year olds are allowed in the solarium. as for the others, why didn't you speak up? we had this problem on Explorer back in May. Stopped by Guest services and the problem was fixed.
There is a direct train from Bologna airport to Bologna central station. The commuter trains mentioned by Milhouse can be found on the Trenitalia website.
First, there is no such thing as a Diamond Plus lounge. There is a Diamond Lounge that is for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle members. Your friend or Goddaughter would not be allowed in unless they are at least Diamond level in the Crown & Anchor program.
Just off Explorer last Sunday (4 June) Chair hogs were everywhere, including in the Promenade where one woman was blocking 10 chairs at two tables until a crew member finally told her to stop.
Can't comment about the Middle East and Africa, in Europe the vast majority of hotels do not do this. Many will require a copy of your passport but in our experience none have ever held it for the duration of our stay.