leaveitallbehind

Agree completely. Just because there are comments that don't support a given posters point of view, or question their position, or offer a different perspective that contradicts their position, doesn't mean they are defending the point of their contention. It may just be an objective viewpoint that is contrary to theirs. But it then becomes too easy to just label those who don't agree as cheerleaders or defending (the cruise lines) instead of acknowledging that differing opinions can exists. Upset at not being supported in their view, they just continue to press their point. Happens every day.

That is all you would ever need on a US based closed loop itinerary Enjoy your cruise.

So move on from Celebrity and please continue to sail with Princess since they are wonderful - until they're not.

I guess I meant one is not normally required for that age and didn't think that this was for international travel.

I posted this on your original question on the Ask A Cruise Question board but want to be sure you saw it. Just so you are aware, more than 80% of all genuine Blue Mountain coffee is exported from Jamaica to Japan. (They are also used in the formulation of Tia Maria coffee liqueur). So less than 20% of the annual production of the genuine bean remains in Jamaica. Finding the actual product that isn't a blend containing other beans from various sources may be difficult, and will be expensive. If genuine, there will be certificate of authenticity verifying that the product you are purchasing has been registered for sale with the JACRA (Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority) as the actual Blue Mountain coffee bean. As long as 30% of the beans sourced for the blend are Blue Mountain beans, the name "Blue Mountain" can be used, but the wording of "blend" will also be included. As I understand it, the majority of all "Blue Mountain Coffee" sold is a blend - but is still very good.

Just curious, by what method would you be assured that the specialty roaster is providing a valid product as well? It still is an on line entity.

What cruise line are you referring to? With RCCL and Celebrity, as example, there is no differentiation at check in. Typically check in is done electronically in advance and pier check in is just a confirmation, but either way we have never experienced separate lines for documentation types with check in. It all is checked by the same people via the same lines. Besides your 5 yr old is too young for a passport anyway. But if your cruise line requires separate lines I would have to believe that your 5 year old would stay with you.

Most definitely. Especially with the port shops within walking distance of the ships. But they will say it is the real thing, since as long as the blend requirements are met the name can be used. But the genuine full bean product is very hard to find (anywhere) due to the large exported Japan volume and Italian liqueur use. Not much left annually for us cruiser souvenir buyers to get ahold of - LOL.

RCCL will have a similar package to that of Celebrity with their Refreshment Package. It includes soda, bottled water, coffees and teas, juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, and (where applicable) Johnny Rockets milkshakes.

Specific to MSC, as I understand it beer and soft drinks are included in the Yacht Club mini bars. But not spirits. However, the OP does not indicate if he is booked in YC relative to this question.

Just so you are aware, more than 80% of all genuine Blue Mountain coffee is exported from Jamaica to Japan. (They are also used in the formulation of Tia Maria coffee liqueur). Finding the actual product that isn't a blend containing other beans from various sources may be difficult, and will be expensive. If genuine, there will be certificate of authenticity verifying that the product you are purchasing has been registered for sale with the JACRA (Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority) as the actual Blue Mountain coffee bean. As long as 30% of the beans sourced for the blend are Blue Mountain beans, the name "Blue Mountain" can be used, but the wording of "blend" will also be included. As I understand it, the majority of all "Blue Mountain Coffee" sold is a blend - but is still very good. Just a word to the wise.

The two tours you describe have also been offered separately in the past by other cruise lines at little or no cost as well. The All Access tour being described includes both of those areas as well as the engine control room, laundry, storage, recycling, and other facilities (and on Oasis class ships, typically the Aqua theater and ice rink), as well as certain crew areas and the bridge. It also lasts about 2 hours and the comprehensive nature of the tour is what results in the charge to do so. Not the same comparison.

The OP implies by asking if it is sufficient for entry that they have a US passport, so none of this would be required as a US passport is all that is needed - as previously mentioned - to board any US based closed loop itinerary. I assume from this as well that they are US citizens. And as also pointed out by @njhorseman the port of entry is the Bahamas, not Bermuda. It would be nice, however, if the OP would respond to acknowledge these answers and confirm this information.

A US passport by itself is always enough to board any US based closed loop cruise. A drivers license along with a passport is not necessary. Typically, a valid picture ID and a birth certificate will suffice in lieu of a passport. Your travel agent or the cruise line directly would be able to confirm as well.

As others have suggested this is a difficult question to answer without understanding the context of your booking, of which you have provided none. And even then, there is no single right answer as it is up to you and your party. Often 3rd occupants are children or other family members, which would likely dictate a different answer than if the 3rd occupant is just a friend booking with two others. In other words you need to resolve this on your own based on the booking circumstances, but I agree with having this decided completely regarding all shared expenses prior to committing any payment on the booking.

As this is your first cruise experience and you have a rather unique mix of passengers and requirements, I would suggest talking with a travel agent who specializes in cruises. They would be in the best position to look at cruise line choices, stateroom options, itineraries, and your budget, and help you decided what would best suit your preferences. YouTube and CC is helpful, but IMO it would be best to talk in person with someone whose business it is to assist with this sort of planning - it can be a bit overwhelming otherwise.

We have no preference and is almost always itinerary based - and basically only applies to 7-night cruises. Longer itineraries typically either commence or end on a weekday, so weekend days may not apply.

As @CruiserBruce indicates the biggest issue may be the distance in the port between the two ships, but and early departure from the Celebrity ship (assuming no arrival delays) should allow enough time to make a boarding time with HA. I would just confirm pier locations in advance and research transportation if necessary between the two.

If you are asking relative to cruise travel, I believe Australia has been out of covid lockdown since late '21 and I am not aware of any current travel restrictions. However, to my understanding covid variants are still prevalent globally - similar in cycle to the ongoing flu variants that surface each year. So I am not sure that anywhere is "over" covid. But as with the flu there are updated vaccinations available. Perhaps google the subject to confirm.

Aside from the obvious I don't see any context with your comments. But if it has to do with solo cruisers surcharge, Celebrity is one of the cruise lines that also on their Apex class ships offer dedicated solo infinity balcony staterooms that typically are at 30% - 40% or more less than the typical double occupancy rate for solo cruisers and offer IMO a realistic alternative for solo cruisers. To the OP, I would book the cruise as double occupancy with your wife intending to go, and I would maintain that booking until I knew for sure that she was in fact not going. You then have the option of discussing your situation with the cruise line and accepting whatever they offer as a solution or simply showing up solo. In the latter option they likely will not do anything to adjust your fare as it already is at a double occupancy rate and they may in fact refund your wife's port fees and taxes.

Tipping additional in advance is not necessary and as others have indicated can be interpreted incorrectly. I think you would need to ask yourself why would you do so, what do expect as the outcome of doing so? The staff is well trained and will likely perform to an exemplary standard. If you feel at the end of the cruise that additional gratuities are warranted based on higher than expected service levels, then by all means do so. But that is after the service has been rendered - not before. I agree with the others to not do so in advance as whether you intend it or not to be, it can be perceived as an action in poor taste.

Got it. Thanks.

In my experience, the TSA precheck approval was for five years, with the reapplication fee occurring then, not annually.

It's a well worn discussion. All TA's have access to the same base fares and typically when a lower fare is offered over published fares it is the result of a group booking (or block booking by that given TA) that results in slightly lower fares. Often those groups will include an OBC or other perk not offered with the standard fares. But more often then not, any additional OBC or other perk is coming from the TA's commission. And as @CruiserBruce mentioned the TA is under no obligation to offer anything not offered by the cruise lines to entice you into booking with them - especially if it is coming out of their own pocket. Only you can decide if what is being offered is of value to you.

It typically is a shorter, dedicated line which moves more quickly and doesn't require the same level of security check (no shoes off, wanding, etc.). IMO it is well worth it, but again that is a personal choice.