Q1 - No! A passport does not replace needing a visa. Both would be needed if a visa is required.
Q.2 Correct
Q3 - No, the passport is not required when you book but will be required as a part of your online check in process prior to the cruise (if required for the cruise).
Your passport will certainly open up some wonderful new opportunities for travel! Enjoy!
If you have refundable OBC you can cash it out and tip them directly. But otherwise I'm not sure how it could be done.
I hope someone else can offer a better suggestion!
I have read that on one of the roll calls I've been going thru for excursion ideas for our 2025 trip. Sorry I can't remember which country it was but it seemed to be a requirement. I hope someone with a better memory or first hand knowledge will come along with a more definitive answer for you but I do know I have read that on CC before.
We only cruise every couple years or so. We have not seen all of the shows or gotten tired of the same old menus. I'm sure that's bound to happen though for those who cruise multiple times a year over many years.
We have multiple land trips scheduled between now and our next cruise. I can guarantee I won't remember what was on the menus of our last cruise!
If you only booked two weeks ago, it is not too late to transfer your booking to your TA.
Have you tried logging in on the HAL website to check if you do have the crew appreciation? If you try to prepay them under your booking it will not allow the purchase.
I'd have to disagree. Even here, in a rural, touristy area, we're paying more than that in very mid -range restaurants. I would rate the PG above these places and worth the surcharge.
Wow, that is a lot for a 7 day cruise! It must be a pretty full ship. That's more than we paid to go from a veranda cabin to a Neptune for 14 days in May on the NS but there were only 2 of us.