Meander Ingwa

Sounder train only runs limited northbound service during afternoon rush hour . A great option if the timing works out

I found the food, overall, to be very tame. As someone who leans happily toward the asian spice palate; Sichuan, Malay, Indian, I agree that I would bring a bottle or two of my favorite sambal or chili crisp. Depending on where you embark, you can likely find in a store in the major city Some Indian dishes did show up in the WC and they were very good, but overall the menu is pretty tame, tasty but not in keeping with my usual diet leaning

yes the Link light rail to Lynnwood station then the number117 bus (every half hour) which sets you down about 1 block from the hotel. Back to the ferry the same way, though you will have to taxi / call car from one of the downtown rail stations to the pier Bus from the link station is about 35 minutes. Mukilteo is a very small community. I like the Rome2Rio app for transportation finding. A must for every traveler, particularly when things go sideways. I used it extensively in Scotland last month

I did a private, small van tour on Tromso first day. We had rest stop at a local service station ( 7/11 type). Small group would always be my choice since they are so nimble. Our guide said all the local guides are in touch with each other to make sure not to over impact any one area. We had a nice spot on a frozen lake which made for excellent photography. If you are a photographer, make sure you have back up battery. We also lost a full port day in Narvik and very altered port times due to stormy seas. We did see lights from the ship in Tromso and I saw in Alta with effort The NL themselves were not at the overwhelming level that some of us experienced earlier this year from our homes. But they were there For safety buffer I suggest booking your private night tour for your first port day. This gives you freedom to stay out very late. Most of the private tour companies understand the challenges of port time and of the issue of weather. They offer generous refund policy. I did London / Bergen circuit so cannot offer that info. As a dedicated UK traveler, though, get to Gatwick by rail is easy if you are mobile you should have no issue. Gatwick is served by trains from Victoria. I would caution, however that it might be wise to build in a buffer day for the end. A 2023 sailing was 2 days late arriving in Tilbury due to weather

The distance from ship to the tram stop (Byparken) for the airport is 0.9 miles level walk and takes about 25 minutes unless you are inclined tho stop and look at things. Fare was about 2.75 us$

I self transported to the airport in January. Walked from ship to the tram stop. The ticket loads directly to your contactless credit card. Tram stops right in the airport which is small and easy / quick to navigate. You should make a 130 flight easily and the 1030 if you are off at 6ish. People were leaving the ship as early as 330am for very early flights. I enjoy trains and trams so this journey was a delight. There was no issue with seating or luggage space.

it is a little way from the airport . My usual go to for hotel reviews is Google maps and it rates a 4/5. Not sure I would call that a bad collection of reviews. That said it is another Doubletree hotel. Attended meetings there, but not stay. Probably a better deal than the airport one. be sure to verify how to get the shuttle. Doubletrees I have stayed at the shuttle runs a scheduled loop most of the day.

My experience getting to Tilbury in January was positive. If you are comfortable traveling on the underground it is fairly simple, but you will have to do some walking. I stayed in London a week prior to my cruise. Fenchurch was a simple walk to from my hotel with google map nav. Tap in at the gate, street level, tap out at Grays. Ramp down to taxi line. Taxi took cash only, i didn't bother seeking one that took plastic 15pound. No waiting or delay. Train was uncrowded. Elizabeth Line from LHR to Liverpool St. Then walk to Fenchurch if you are able. Elizabeth Line to Canary Wharf (Abbey Wood branch) then walk to the to DLR for a few stops south to cutty sark is also simple if you are comfortable with public transportation. Certainly a nicer experience than sitting in traffic

Make sure in your search you dont have a "use points" feature turned on. I was able to go to the Alaska web site, inserted a random day, ticked one way and found all the options it is easy to get a local hotel at airport and use their shuttle . You may or may not have to double check bags with that long a layover

Seattle has one of the highest COL in the country. you will need to expand your budget or look for something at the airport, like the La Quinta, for 150 -175/night. If you are on a loyalty program, this might be the time to use your points

SeaTac wine and liquor is just north of S 188 adjacent to La Quinta and across the street from DoubleTree and Hilton Garden Inn

You can also buy SIM on line and simply install the day you arrive. I do this as I am usually so brain numb when I get to Heathrow. I like 3 because they don't push a ton of spam IM at you . Agree with others you can use your contactless. I am sentimental about my Oyster which I have used for many years, though

the 8S bus takes about an hour from Kirkwall and the bus stop is at the visitors center at Skara Brae. You can find out more info from here https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/B/Bus-Services.htm You might reconsider the option of the walking tour in favor of the ancient sites tours, if available. I am planning a trip to Kirkwall in September and plan on using the bus. I am not tied to a ships schedule , however. Bus service is not frequent and involves a potential transfer, as you can see from the timetable. The route is pretty scenic ,though

I personally would not use Thames clippers since you then have to schlep to a station to continue your journey. Many if not most of the north bank stations have steep ramps ( remember the river is tidal) and are very crowded. None of them connect easily to the Piccadilly or Elizabeth line which is what you need for Heathrow To use public transportation, the DLR to Elizabeth Line, as previous mention using West India Key, is my go to. If you are not comfortable using public transportation then the private car transfer as mentioned

Uber / Lyft or taxi are the basics. Private car company is your only other option If you are not familiar with using an app ride service, like Lyft, then simply get a taxi. They are all pretty much the same I am a local and took a Lyft to SEA from Everett ( north of Seattle) last month , It was fast , simple, and just like having a friend drive me.