Essiesmom

Busy day, two westbound, one eastbound. First at Gatun we have ARM Cuauhtemoc (Mexican Navy training ship) and Oceania Vista

We are a board about the Panama Canal. We don’t have any inside info about what Carnival is or is not doing. EM

If you click on the username or avatar for the OP it will show you where he is currently posting. EM

Not a chance. Notice that those cruises start and end every one of the 7 days. Your cruise might be Sunday to Sunday, but the cabin next door might be Monday to Monday. They will have a group of cabins set aside for each boarding. They are not going to sell you a cabin for 1-1/2 sailings. You could book B2B weeks and get off after three days of the second week. But unless the cruises have different itineraries you would be repeating the last three days. EM

They have a kids pool, slides, ropes course…kids program. Special section for kids in the buffet. On the short cruises I found the guests much the same as Carnival, but dressed a little better. On the longer cruises there are more non-North Americans and they dress a bit better, even on non gala nights. EM

I also am a very mature single who has six MSC cruises without YC. I am not against choosing Bella, but given a choice, I go Fantastica. I don’t care what kind of cabin I have. Balconies are nice to have, but as I seldom use them, they are not worth it. I’m not a ‘stay in my cabin’ person so a lot of space isn’t important. I study the ship cabin categories and their numbers. I have booked inside and OV gty cabins and been upgraded to a balcony every time. I am currently booked in an OV cabin, only because it has a couch, and the insides do not. I have some arthritis in my back and hips and sometimes curling up on the couch is more comfortable than the bed. EM

Your cabin will be assigned before you get to the terminal. The people checking you in have no input as to cabin assignment. They work for the port, not the cruise line. EM

For a little variety, look at MSC. Unfortunately they don’t have 5 day cruises but 3,4,7. And any combination. Sailing from both Miami and Port Canaveral. Prices might surprise you. EM

Slightly different but still matching on Seaside in MDR

It would help to know what kind of travel you have already done as a family, and where. But if you are from the UK, your home cruise line would P&O-UK. They cater to families on Britannia, Ventura, Iona, Arvia. (Arcadia and Aurora are adults only). I would avoid Princess, Celebrity as their ships would not have the attractions your kids want. Also Oceania, Regent, Silversea and the other premium and luxury lines. I see Disney will have a ship in play by June, but I think your kids may be over Disney by now, and their prices will give you a stroke. Also have a look at NCL, particularly their larger, newer ships, and MSC. Cunard is too traditional and will not have what your kids want. I suggest you go to cruisetimetables.com and choose ‘cruise from’ and select desirable ports. I only checked Southampton, but if you are willing to fly you might consider Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome). You can also look at Athens, but not in July as the eastern Med. Can be beastlynhot in July. EM

Where are the old time HAL waiters with the yard long pepper mill? EM

Good evening, Hawkeye. Could you clean the lens, please? I’m sure there’s an app for that…. EM

Viking Mars at Pedro Miguel and Miraflores

10/19 Viking Mars at Gatun

Tell your cabin steward you are B2B and not to rush to make up your room that day. Ask at guest relations if you can get your new cards early so you can help your parents off. Then you can reboard with your transit pass, bypassing checkin but still having to go through security. EM

I would not do anything now. Too many ‘if’s’. Rules about cancellation fees are relatively recent, and may change again before you have to make a decision. EM

I do t agree about what is not possible. It’s going to be different for each situation. Just depends on what’s available. I haven’t received any offers for my December cruise, I think because it is 10 days, also sold as a 3 and a 7. So no cabins available for the ten. EM

I think someone has to bring it to the attention of a mod, who reports to someone else…I don’t think the mods pay much attention to this board. Maybe we are t rowdy enough…. EM

It’s for doing a ‘live from’ as comparatively few do them. EM

Rinse, repeat…

Sorry, I am late in posting the Gatun Locks pictures

I don’t think I would do Alaska in April…a bit cold, and you might not get in for glacier viewing due to ice. EM

I think it will be okay, as long as you are not playing for cash. If you wa t prizes, maybe cheap, silly things from a dollar store. Particularly if you are a family or group that includes minor children who would not be allowed to play the bingo offered onboard. EM

There are some ports that require you have a picture ID as well as your cruise card to enter the port area. If you do not want to take your passport ashore, make sure you have an additional form of ID available. EM

Nieuw Amsterdam again following Radiance through Gatun.