waltd

No

We have back to backs on the Diamond next year. Leaving from Singapore and eventually returning from Tokyo. Booked airline seats through EZAir. Each one way. It was easy.

Funny thing is some have tried.

OP, do you have any issues using the stairs? The only drawback to Botticelli is if you have to use the elevators. It can be a long wait between elevators. Also depending on the weather it can be a bit bouncy back there at times. Otherwise all good.

We were on the Sapphire for 31 days in December and thought the majority of the food to be outstanding.

I still hope they post late ship arrival times. I'm not fond of waiting in the terminal for the ship to be cleared. I think that was one of the pluses .

Yes this is exactly what I had to do. Took about 10 minutes but now back in the original seats.

What an ordeal getting this done. First I asked my travel agent about any changes to my booking and of course we had bad connection but I did hear her say I might try going through EZAir to get it done. Big Mistake. Called, followed the prompt and did not get EZAir. of course not. Explained what I wanted to do. Spent about 20 minutes waiting then the phone call got dropped. Had to call back. Got another customer service person. After about 30 minutes she came back and said she could not find the price I was looking at on line. No one ever connected me to EZAir rep. Hung up and went on line and booked the flight I wanted. Now just waiting for it to , I assume, up date so I can go back in and get the original seats I had. I will NEVER complain about the customer service that use to be here in Santa Clarita. It is done and saved $744. dollars.

If I go ahead and change my airfare will it in any way change my booking? Price of seats went down almost $400. per person. Plenty of Premium seats available. Don't want to touch it if I can secrew up my cruise reservations.

Older ship pricing has been historically lower. Everyone wants newer ships and they can charge more. . Its the incentive to get the older ships filled. It's fine with me as we like the older ships.

If the ship isn't going to sail why would they have people go to the pier? Easier to keep them at the hotel where they are some what comfortable and if need be find them airfare and send them home.

I would say expect the unexpected. New ship, new crew so things are not always as smooth as you might expect. Go with the flow and just enjoy the cruise. you might even come back with some great stories.

Yes every hotel stay we have booked after the cruise has included ship to hotel and hotel to airport.

We also stayed at the Grand. Great location.

We used Blacklane Car Service and were very happy with them. They were waiting for us at the terminal with a sign.

For us, only for the right price.

It's only in the newer cabins that were added toward the back of the ship. The rest of the mini's do not have it as you said.

We have found that if we wait too long to prebook excursions and they sell out they usually do not open up again after we get on board. I think its a safe bet to book your train trip independently as everyone is on the same train. Only down side to booking independently is if they don't get you back to the ship before they leave port you are on your own The ship will not wait. With that said we have done both and have been ok.

As you are aware there are a lot of great posters here and a lot of good information. Im sure you also know you have to come aboard with a thick skin. Don't take things personally and do enjoy Cruise Critic. Bon Voyage

Sorry but not worth the stress.

I don't think the Diamond Princess has a concierge lounge. Do they? Thought just the newer ships

Sailed S. America over Xmas and New Years and both holiday evenings were pretty dressy .

Only hope everyone wears white and gold. You and your dress will stand out like a shining star. The envy of everyone at dinner. 😊 You better take it with you.

Considerling that Carnaval is about $27 billion in debt. Im happy the cruiseline is still in business.

Take your blanket and pillows and if you can pull your mattress down to guest services and sleep there for a few nights. I think it might light a fire. And yes we did read on CC that someone did that very thing.