CruiserBruce

This is discussed daily on the Florida Departures board, here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/386-florida-departures/ If you are fully mobile, can carry off your bags in the first or second group, and grab the first cab you see, you can make it. But any hitches, and its going to be a tough day.

Yes.

As always, @chengkp75, very well put. People don't seem to get the effect of panic, including those panic behaviors actually causing others injury or death. Panic is life threatening!! It seems more important to not have to stand with "sweaty, smelly" people. I wonder how they think a lifeboat loaded to actual emergency use (not tender use) is going to be.

You won't have much problem with e mails and texts. On sea days the demand will be high on the bandwidth will be high.

There have been rumors about changes coming, but nothing confirmed.

Other than New York City, I have never seen so many taxis anywhere, as I have seen at Port Everglades at ship disembarking. Literally many hundreds of them.

They aren't all that tight about the two drink rule, particularly non-alcoholic drinks.

Was on NS for 18 days in July/August. Great ship and crew.

Have you asked on the RCI board? I would think its Piazzale Roma.

I wouldn't try it. Just down the board:

The rule is you can't mention travel agents or agencies by name or discuss them. Other things, like tour operators can be recommended only if you have actually used them. As suggested, if you look on the Ports boards, you will see many tour operators mentioned.

The tour company option is mentioned here quite frequently...see the HUGE thread filled with recommendations for the wonderful Rome in Limo. They are a wonderful operation. If it possibly can be done, they will do it, and it will be fantastic. Or you could easily train to many places, like Florence, about 90 minutes away and spend two nights.

Can. From any bar. You get it with a glass and ice.

It is safe, and in the Brickell area, the walk to a place commonly recommended here, the Hampton Brickell is pretty easy, even with a checked bag. Otherwise Uber or taxi is quite easy.

There is no one "best" Cruise line for everyone. "Best" is a very subjective and vague term, and means different things to different people. Have you cruised with a Cruise line you like? If so, start with what they offer. In the Med Cruise market, Spain is Western Med, Greece and Ephesis ( Turkey) are east Med. So that might require 2 cruises, or one longer one.

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.