cw2go

I can see your point of view. I mostly eat in MDR or Specialty but on occasion depending on my port day I have opted for the buffet and honestly many times I have said "Why don't we do this more" its so calm and the views are great. In Alaska as example I really enjoyed showing up casual and having dinner while watching the views sail by. Another spin I see is that I have reserved the Rooftop Garden Grill, not because I expect an amazing meal but because I enjoy eating alfresco. For me.... Sometimes seeing the world while dining is more appealing than any indoor dining options, by land or sea. Patty

I do the same, use OBC where I feel it best suits me, tour on our own and book private tours. Amalfi coast is gorgeous! Patty

You will love your trip, after all of the posting between us, I wish we were on the same sailing so I could see and hear from you first hand about how much you love it. I've done the Amalfi Coast with RIL, again amazing. Ravello was where I realized I was in Italy for the first time. It was my "Wow This Is Real" moment. Had a special lunch up in the hills, all arranged by them. https://www.latagliata.com/ Patty

Where are you from? USA? I'd rent a car. The roads are super easy! Kona is full of higher end hotels and dining. Hilo is more locals. VNP is pretty centered. The beaches are nice on Kona side, I did a dolphins swim/snorkel trip. MIND BLOWN! Swam with about 200 dolphins near Cape Cook So for you ports, I'd suggest VNP out Hilo and beach activity out of Kona side. Patty

List your ports and budget, I'll try to offer some suggestions. Alaska excursions are very expensive but there are some cheaper options. Patty

Also if you're into a more lively vibe, Down the Hatch in Lahaina is fun. The Food is good and they have music nightly. It's an open air dining area with a koi pond and bar. Super casual. Look them up, great fish tacos.

Dinner at Mama's Fish House in Maui. Its' a true Hawaiian experience. Or Fleetwood's super sunset views! Or maybe look for a Luau? If doing the Road To Hana, you'll get back late. On Big Island, the volcano is beautiful at night, the lava is cool to see. Parking can be limited so plan to arrive early. Patty

Gotcha!!! 😊

Not Exactly? As a former Jersey girl, I guess I shouldn't assume you'd want a beach escape in winter. I was only trying to explain our AI chatter was related to a beach escape during winter not actually traveling for a cultural experience.

Respectfully, I have the NYE cruise booked on the Silhouette and its 4 nights. I paid $944 for interior with military discount for myself and DH This same cruise with AI perks in that class stateroom is unrealistic. I do believe Cel should have stepped up quicker and offered a much better compromise in this situation but I also see it was clearly an error. The underlined portion of the quoted posts reveals the fellow CC'ers knew so too.

Totally understand! As the other poster mentioned, Secrets are in many places now. I have also vacationed with Beaches in The Turks, kids were younger and loved it, for me the experience was just okay but Grace Bay is gorgeous! Patty

I like both, as a previous poster mentioned getting out of the midwest for a Winter Escape is often mostly about the sunshine and a palm tree. I am sure you can relate being from NJ? Now when vacation planning for Europe or Alaska, clearly AI is not an option! 😁 Patty

OOOPS! You are correct I mean vaporetti, it held a bunch of us. I did a private water taxi post cruise to our hotel. BTW your input here is so valuable, appreciated! Patty

I spent 3 days in Venice post cruise, magical! Was able to visit Burano & Murano using the easy water taxi. Patty

You'll be soooo glad you chose RIL! I've used them multiple times, fabulous tours. You may wanna consider them for Naples as well, if you're planning on Pompeii or Sorrento/Positano, they will get you to the sites much quicker and it's so nice to have your own driver who will do anything in their power to make your day special. Patty

I've vacationed with Secrets and LeBlanc in Cancun and Cabo, very similar to Celebrity with the exception of alcohol options, not what I consider premium. The vibe is relaxed and the service is very nice with some entertainment thrown in the mix. The pools are amazing and you'll never need to fight for a lounger. I like to do both AI and Cruise, keeps vacations varied. I also enjoy that these are adults only. Patty

Not yet! We have plans to do a land based trip to Denali independently. We can't get enough of Alaska. Funny enough, my husband and sons picked Alaska as a family vacation almost 20 years ago, I went along reluctantly and now I am the one who keeps planning the return trips! My DH likes to tease me about this often but he's grateful that he gets to go back and that his DW wasn't grumpy the entire trip. 😉

Have done this sailing multiple times ~ AMAZING!

Younger crowds and nightlife may not happen in Alaska. I am sure you'll have a great time but keep an open mind about the ship vibe regardless of cruise line. Alaska sailings are about scenery and adventure. Patty

If you haven't already booked you may be out of luck. Sells out often.

Yes! Highly recommended! We are doing another ocean raft tour in ISP this year because it was so much fun. Patty

Yahoo! You need to pick for YOU! Wishing you a fabulous experience. I'm sure you'll fall madly in love with Europe! Patty

FCC's typically take 45 business days. But they are not process back to a CC.... they are Future Cruise Certificates usually come via email with a certification number in order to apply to a future cruise. Patty

I've experienced several ports/excursion operators that'll direct you to the cruise line for booking. They often provide a list of Cruise lines with links for easy booking access. Patty

Try to plan all your tours early in the morning and then enjoy the ships pool in the afternoons. It will be hot, take a sunhat and carry water. For years I've traveled around school schedules with my boys and we've always been able to manage the heat. Private tours are a huge bonus cuz if you need a break, you have the control, our guides have know where to tuck us in for a lil bite to eat and drink just to cool off and recover. Standing in the open blazing sun at excavation sites can be a scorcher. Patty