CruiserBruce

3 step process documented here many times. You watch a video on your TV...you can't watch anything else on your TV until you watch the safety video. You then go to your Muster Station without your life vest and scan your room key in to document attendance. Then you listen to the Captain and Cruise Director announcements.

You have to have the soft drink package with the special cup to use the Freestyle machine.

There is a big thread on cabanas just down the board. Access control is done by the cabana attendants, and they are very good about knowing who is allowed. Off hours use is without any services, and may be affected by cleaning. Very rarely an event is held there that is not related to the cabana operation. Electrical plugs are very limited. You can't see the big screen. It is on the forward wall of the pool area, sort of below your feet in the cabanas. They have tons of towels there. Otherwise I don't know anything about the hot tub use or operation.

Totally get that. But how life situations are handled cause options to be severely limited sometimes.

Depends on what you define as "best". There is rarely a single cruise line that is "best" for everyone. Depending on the cruise line and the things you are purchasing, yes, it can be discounted or included in the fare if bought before you board. Or, in the case of shore excursions, they may sell out before you board.

1. You can only upgrade onboard, BEFORE you buy your first drink on the plan. 2. I suppose you could do that. Just be clear you are buying the drinks. 3. Any alcoholic drink under $11 is covered by the beverage package, except what is in the mini bar in your room, or on Half Moon Cay.

The OP has already painted themselves into a corner by insisting they can only fly in the day of their cruise.

What we have experienced is all anecdotal. With your experience, you probably should know that anything is possible.

There will be "30th of you"? What does this mean?

Agree. Take the LGB flight. Don't overthink this.

The route of the cruise doesn't matter. The aft facing cabanas have a bit more air flow , which can be important in the warmer, more humid climates. All the cabanas are in the Retreat...not sure what your concerns are about where the entrance is.

Doesn't matter. The scenery is big picture, and not limited to one side. Plus, you aren't locked in your cabin...you need to be out and about, seeing the sights. Very frequently discussed here...top question asked, probably.

For each of us, usually 3 pairs apiece, including the pair being worn traveling to the cruise.

Nice collar shirt will be just fine.

Last time we got off a ship in AMS there were only 2 Immigration people checking 2000+ people. Loooonnnggg slow line. Wouldn't be trying to catch a 10am flight, with added security going to the US.

Yes, you can make that flight.

Yes.

And suite guests.

Agree...many. Just takes a little looking around, and may depend on the events of the day.

Conditions can affect tendering for any ship or cruise line. We have tendered both on KDam and her sister N. Statendam this year. It went fine...no problems.

San Diego is one of the easiest ports to arrange on your own. The airport is about 2 miles from the pier. There are 8 or 10 hotels literally within walking distance of the ship. The taxi ride from airport to the furthest hotel from the port and airport was $14, before tip, last February. You would probably save hundreds of dollars arranging this on your own.

Will there be long lines to get off the ship? Will the elevators be crowded? Count on it. If there isn't, that is newsworthy.

Taxi is very easy, and maybe $12, before tip.

Maybe. There are 3 docking locations. If you look on Google Maps, they are clearly marked as " Cruise Ship Terminal" and "B Street Terminal ". We have seen ships at all 3 locations in different mixes. So it is possible to have one ship on each side of the " Cruise Ship Terminal " ( they only dock on one side of the "B Street Terminal "). If there are two ships at the Cruise Ship Terminal, you will do your check in processing in the same Terminal building, particularly if they are the same cruise line, which have seen happen as recently as last March. All told, the distance between the 3 possible docking locations is about 2 blocks.

A little...depends...sometimes things move exceptionally well...you don't really notice, sometimes it's a little more clunky.