mom says

Len, knowing your penchant for stories from back in your younger days, I assumed it was some time in the 20th century. Please tell me what basic insurance is? I never knew there was a one size fits all travel insurance policy.

Are you using a TA? They can sell you cancellation and interruption insurance if that's all you need. I think all the major Canadian banks sell various combinations of travel insurance. We now have an annual policy, but IIRC in the past we had ours through RBC via our TA. Try asking on the Canadian forum.

Geezer Couple, I doubt that Len was referring to anything that happened in this century. Really, when was the last time you saw free travel insurance for cruises? And even then, what could constitute "basic insurance"? It's meaningless.

And this is one of the reasons I only buy luggage that I have first measured for myself. I hate to say I told you so, but.... post#4.

Lol. Just because you may have paid more than what someone else on board claimed to have paid does not mean you were ripped off. As previously stated, the second person in a suite pays same price, regardless of age. Gratuities and the premium beverage package are an included part of the fare. Also, the cruise lines use dynamic pricing; just like the airlines do. Meaning that fares can change dramatically (up or down) over time, even day to day.

OK, this is a true story. Many years ago DH was on the bridge as their large supply ship was readying to sail on an extended deployment. A last minute engine room problem suddenly occurred, which would result in a delayed sailing. The Captain got on the phone to TPTB and loudly proclaimed "Hey boss, my canoe- she no go". The entire bridge burst out laughing. So it's not a matter of a lack of sense of humour.

Geezer Couple and others have made some valid points. It does seem that you either want a hand holder or a source of free information. But why would a TA do that for someone that they have no business relationship with? We have a superb TA who is local and in a brick and morter office. He provides us with all manner of information, but we have had a business relationship with him for nearly 20 years. I'm not sure that he would be as willing to spend time answering questions from someone who is not a client.

Have a look at the Ports of Call forum for each of those islands to get an idea of the top tourist activities. Or check the tourism websites for each.

Not sure what constituted "going ballistic", but I can see where someone would correct you. Using that term to refer to a ship demonstrated your lack of knowledge. Ships officers and crew might construe the remark as ignorance, and dismiss it. Or, in context, might consider it disrespectful to the capabilities of both the ship and its crew.

Where did you get the application forms, since the Embassy seems to be unreachable?

Old news. Perhaps would have been a good idea to skim over the threads for the last couple of days first.

Seriously, if you want beach ports, stick with the Caribbean or Pacific cruises. Enchanted places only exist in fairy tales, but beautiful places can be found almost everywhere. You need to do your own research. Perhaps decide on a region to start. Eastern Med. Western Med. Great Britain circle. Scandinavia. BalticS. In addition to the Med cruise guidebook that Essiesmom mentioned Rick also has one for Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Maybe check them out of the library and see what ports float your boat. So to speak.

Here is the Amtrak luggage policy. Seems pretty generous to me. https://www.amtrak.com/carry-on-baggage#:~:text=Each passenger may bring two,outside of all your bags. As for your purchases, and since you are looking long term, bear in mind the more restrictive carry on allowances for any European airlines. A 21" would likely be the maximum (including wheels). For checked luggage, usually a 28" is the maximum for most airlines. Hard or soft side is your choice. But if going for hard side, opt for a clamshell that opens flat with roughly half on each side - makes it easier to store under the cabin bed. I prefer soft side with exterior zipped pockets. And when you buy your suitcases, use a tape measure to check the sizes. Advertised sizes often aren't accurate. Now you need to decide between 2 wheeled and 4 wheeled. 4 wheeled come with their own drawbacks, especially on uneven surfaces.

As suggested, Google the port calendar. Or check cruisetimetables.com

We've had 4 weeks of cruising and didn't have covid. But we did take personal responsibility for our health, with frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer, and always masking indoors in crowds. Did you use masks at any time? I would certainly hope the ships are scrupulous in enforcing their quarantine requirements. And of course you would be charged for any medications or tests. Not sure why you felt the need to cower in the corner. I doubt the room attendants were that fear inducing. Your travel health insurance should cover your medical bills. Not sure about reimbursement for your $1300/day stateroom. After all, you were in that stateroom the whole time, so certainly had full use of it.

E class ships do not have fixed dining times, only Select.

As njhorseman has pointed out there are literally hundreds of cruises sailing to the Bahamas/Caribbean in December. Without knowing exactly what you want and your budget, no one here can properly advise you. Find a cruise specialist TA and have a detailed discussion with them. Just be aware that cruises only 3 months out may not have a great deal of choice left as to cabin selection.

Because I can't get hold of the $%^#&*;× Embassy to find out the necessary steps. And it doesn't usually take 5 months to get a simple single entry tourist visa from most countries.

As long as you don't return to the US at the end of the cruise, on your way home. But your flight is probably direct from Barbados, and not connecting in the US.

Oh, and good luck contacting the Egyptian Embassy in Ottawa for clarification. We tried several times yesterday. Their published website was unavailable. Their phone number wasn't answered and the voice box was full, and so far we haven't received a reply to our email. We don't travel to Egypt until January, but really hope the Embassy isn't planning on stonewalling Canadian applicants.

It's OceaniA. And I'm aware of only 2 CC members who are rabid Oceania touts. The vast majority are not.

Having a hard time deciding if this is elitism at its worst, or populism. Neither are appropriate IMO. Should NCLs forum be split into NCL Haven and NCL steerage? How about MSC Yacht Club plus MSC for the masses. And then there's Cunard for commoners and Cunard Grills. I'm sure the mods have nothing better to do.

It's not uncommon to see a price drop after the final payment date if there are still cabins available. That is likely the case with the prices you are seeing for this fall. However repricing isn't usually allowed after final payment. Sometimes you might get a nonrefundable OBC instead. Other times not. You can book now and hope for a price drop before final payment. Or you can wait and gamble on a late price drop if the cruise hasn't sold out. Your choice.

My thoughts include, but aren't limited to feeling more confident in our decision to prioritize land travel and resort stays over cruising. And that in future our cruises will be on out of the ordinary itineraries and premium or luxury lines. I think we're done with the mass market lines, including Princess and Celebrity.

Are you asking about tours of the ship, or excursions from the ship? Isn't that embarkation day?