Turtles06

That discussion is more appropriate for your Roll Call, and also the relevant Ports of Call forums.

It’s a very enjoyable place!

There are reviews of it in Trip Advisor, here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g1193053-d12467642-Aerial_Tram_Tour_in_Gamboa-Gamboa_Colon_Province.html

It’s an error.

Have you asked in the RCI forum?

I think the only time we reached the Verrazzano in anything close to 30 minutes was our delayed sailaway last January at 3AM, when there was almost no traffic on the river, and the ship was going all out. A little factual tidbit about the name of the bridge — it was misspelled with only one Z in 1960, but that error was corrected in 2018. The bridge is named after European explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano. (photo by turtles06)

Great choice. You will really enjoy it!

Also check out private tour operators. We had a wonderful whale watching tour some years ago with Whale Watch Cabo. Saw many whales, and followed a mama humpback as she taught her baby how to breach. Just an amazing thing to see. It was in early February iirc. Hopefully “early December” won’t be too early. https://www.whalewatchcabo.com (photos by turtles06)

What’s the rush for dinner? The sail away from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal is one of the most beautiful in the world. And it certainly doesn’t end at the Statue of Liberty, nor is the Statue the only highlight. You’ve got the majestic buildings of Manhattan (and especially lower Manhattan), and the sail under the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge (usually a good 45 minutes after the ship has left the dock). Everyone’s interests vary, but speaking only for myself, I wouldn’t make a dinner reservation that early, and I’ve sailed out of Manhattan many times.

I agree with you that there are some terrific California sparkling wines produced by the traditional French method that can go toe to toe with champagne. Roederer Estate L’Ermitage is one. Doubt anyone will find it on a cruise ship though. And especially for the price point, Domain Chandon is a good choice. I have seen that on ships.

We did the St. Kitts scenic railway through Celebrity early in the restart. It was terrific and fun. A great way to see beautiful parts of the island and learn some history. Live narration, local dancers, and included “adult“ beverages.

That’s correct, it’s a hospital to hospital transfer. And you must be stable enough for the transfer.

Ships that are waiting have not reserved a time for a transit. According to the CNN article below, they are mostly bulk carriers and gas tankers. Container ships have been prioritized. https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/26/economy/panama-canal-supply-chain/index.html

I’ve had both knees replaced, and what you wrote here is too simplistic a view of the post-surgical schedule. Yes, they will get the person up on their feet very quickly, for some very limited walking. But months of physical therapy will be required for the person to regain the full use of their knee. In order to get that necessary PT, the person can’t be off traveling or on a cruise ship. It’s not a question of the person not being able to “get around” easily, it’s that there is an entire post-surgical rehab schedule that must be followed.

“What about the Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic north of North America? Because of climate change, ice coverage there is now getting so low during the summer that ships can sometimes pass through relatively safely. However, Rodrigue baulks at the idea of the container shipping industry adopting this route to any great extent. "You have services and you run them all the time, year-round," he says. "With the Arctic routes, the Northwest Passage in particular, it's only open for a couple of months, if you're lucky." Environmental concerns abound here too, and the attractiveness of the route may also depend on whether the Canadian government chooses to charge a fee for transit through its waters.” https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230825-the-rival-to-the-panama-canal-that-was-never-built

There are places (some gas stations come to mind) where the cash price is cheaper. But the fare for a taxi in NY is what’s on the meter, and it’s the same whether you pay cash or by credit card.

If you enjoy snorkeling, see if there’s a snorkel excursion to the Indians.

It’s not just HAL. There are other cruise lines that swipe your sea pass card when you show up at the MDR or other dining venues (except the buffet and similar places),

I think you may be overreacting there …

The Jade and her Jewel-class sisters don’t have a waterfront. But they have the Great Outdoors, which is a wonderful place for hanging out, getting food and drink, and watching the world go by. The promenade deck, as noted above, is another good spot. It’s a traditional promenade deck, and you feel very connected to the water there. I love the Jewel-class ships.

Something else to consider is that we don’t yet know what the status of Fuerte Amador will be early next year. Hopefully, the cruise terminal will have been finished by then and passengers will no longer have to take a shuttle bus to a more central location in order to get a taxi or other transportation.

Google is your friend. Many estimates out there; depends on speed, etc. Plus, you don’t just “go around Cape Horn.” There can be weather and sea challenges. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Panama-Canal https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-average-amount-of-time-saved-when-a-vessel-utilizes-the-Panama-Canal-instead-of-sailing-around-Cape-Horn https://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA03/holmgren/ppie/pc.html

Absolutely! Leave room for them!

Congratulations!! I’m so happy for you! And for the kids you’ll be working with — they will be so lucky to have you!

They don’t know. The cancellations have nothing to do with current conditions. Cruise ships pay a huge fee not only for a reservation to transit the Canal, but also for a daytime transit. The Canal is happy to have that business. The commercial ships that are waiting now to transit the Canal don’t have reservations.