I never like the risks with a guarantee so I would take 7002 or 7004 and mark No Upgrade. The only disadvantage is the distance from the Neptune Lounge. But that's no big deal.
From mid February to late March the Rotterdam sails the 9 day Southern Caribbean and 12 day Panama Canal itineraries. HAL has an annoying habit of only listing an itinerary on the first sailing (usually in January) and then you have to click on additional dates. It would be so much easier if they listed each date individually.
One customer service rep said it would be added before January 31 and another one said it would be added on January 31. Don't know why they have to wait.
I couldn't find any sailings for the Nieuw Amsterdam from February 19 to March 12. Some of that must be drydock. It seems unlikely they would have that many charters.
Theoretically you should be able to get a price adjustment if the VE category goes down since that is the category you paid for. In reality, you might not get too far with the regular customer service reps who sometimes have trouble figuring it out. Then you have to demand to speak to a price specialist who will adjust the price with no problem.
If you make final payment early and then book flights on flight ease, does that mean you will not be able to make any changes as soon as you book the flights?
Somehow I am skeptical about what the agent told you. Did you receive a confirmation telling you when the deposit is due? Usually a hold is until the deposit is due. So either your hold is until Jan 2 or your deposit is due tomorrow. I would definitely go with a refundable deposit.
I understand what you are saying. Maybe HAL should find a way to hire an existing band. And, maybe they could hire two piano players for Billboard who know each other. I've seen very good singers who are great together and I've also seen very mediocre singers who are not very good together.
If you look at the Caribbean schedule for next fall and spring, you will see that all the itineraries have less ports and less hours. The 10 day southern caribbean on the Rotterdam with 6 ports has been changed to 9 days with 4 ports. The 12 day Rotterdam panama canal in the fall doesn't have as many ports as you would expect for a cruise of that length.
I think it was supposed to be 246 (instead of 2046) over capacity of 2600. It is my understanding that capacity is the lower berths filled and over capacity would consist of third and fourth persons in a cabin.
I think I would reinstate the Hawaii trip. Can you get fixed dining applied to that reservation? You really should have worked out dinner in the dining room on your last cruise. I'm sure it would have added to your enjoyment of that cruise. You don't need a reservation for open dining. Just show up.