mom says

The family dynamics of a group are no one's business but theirs. And no one has the right to criticize someone because their relationships, and what works for them are different from your own. Let's just stick with the questions asked by the OP.

There are things in life we may not want to do, but need to do for our own sake, and that of family/loved ones. Would you prefer to carry a folding seat or end up in the emergency room in a foreign country? The cane/folding seat is one option. This collapsible seat is another: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B87QBM7R/ref=twister_B0BKPQKP2P?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

What a refreshing change of pace. Like many here, it starts with breakfast on the balcony and a mimosa. Then hopefully a lecture. A leisurely lunch in the MDR followed by some quiet reading time back on the balcony or in a quiet, out of the way outside deck. An afternoon cocktail - perhaps a mudslide- and a trivia game. Dinner in Murano, starting with champagne, continuing with a glass if wine and ending with port after dessert. Them the evening show. Wrap up the evening with a stroll on the decks and a little stargazing.

Sounds like you need to speak directly with your doctor, not the receptionist, and explain the situation.

Because we so desperately need another complain and moan thread on this forum.

Depends on the drug and your insurance plan. Are you asking about prescription refills or prescription renewals? How long is the cruise?. Some insurance plans will allow for one early "vacation" refill. Others don't. Some drugs are controlled and extra refills are prohibited by law. Some people (with eligible drugs) just pay cash for what they need.

Perhaps find a cruise specialist TA who can walk you through your options as to cruise line, itinerary, and cabin/suite options. Every ship can be booked with separate cabins. Most ships will have some adjoining cabins. A few ships will have 2 bedroom suites. It might be easier to figure out where you want to cruise first. You have to start narrowing down your choices somewhere.

When tendered, pay particular attention to the time for the last tender return. I always try to be back on board before then. There kpcan be long lines waiting for the tenders, depending on how many are in service that day. And please, please do not call it a boat. You cruise on a SHIP, but tender on a boat.

Erm, you're wailing about a cruise that is still 14 months in the future. It's a bit early to get your drawers in twist, isn't it? Who knows what the situation will be then. If X thought there was any danger, they wouldn't be exposing their ship, crew and pax. But you do you.

Irrelevant. The point is, a real Thai massage is the antithesis of relaxing. Not the same thing as a tourist massage in Thailand. Just like a massage isn't always a Swedish massage just because you had it in Stockholm.

If you got a relaxing massage in Thailand, it wasn't a proper Thai massage. Likely a tourist massage.

Um, if OP is from Canada, the US site will be of little help Normally if a visa is required to visit a cruise port, you would be denied boarding if you didn't have it. Just staying on board is not an option. As soon as the ship enters territorial waters, you are in that country. There is a recent thread on the Asia ports of call forum about Vietnam visas that may be useful https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2942001-visa-in-vietnam/

Yes, you need to inform the ship that you will be over nighting in port. As for your deviations from the usual excursion protocols, you would need to ask at the excursion desk. Have you determined what you will do with your overnight luggage while on these excursions? Is there a reason why you couldn't take a taxi from the port dock to your hotel at the end of the first excursion? And reverse this the next day? IIRC, Phuket is usually a tender port. Is that the case on your cruise? Given the usual logistics in Phuket, I would think that the only alternate meeting point they might agree to would be the tender dock, before loading onto the local transport.

People differ on their tolerance for air conditioning. DH doesn't mind it at all. I usually find it chilly, so always pack a pashmina or light weight cardigan.

Welcome to Cruise Critic. There is a Florida Departures sub forum where you can get that kind of advice. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/386-florida-departures/

What Sanger said. Given that the Spa is a contracted service, and the cruiseline gets a cut of every sale, I doubt that either one would be in favor of such a move.

Celebrity? Not strange at all.

If you dont want the emails, then go online and opt out.

Or next time, check these things out before you make the bookings.

Do I want to visit Lahaina to witness first hand the obliteration of a town and the heartbreak of the people who have to try to rebuild their lives? No. Just like I didn't want to visit San Francisco after the earthquake in '89, or Puerto Rico right after Hurricane Maria. But I have visited Pompeii. Twice. For the archeology.

The OP was not asking about tipping in North America, Australia, or Europe. They asked about Asia. And in some Asian countries tipping is not only not expected, it is considered rude, and an affront to that person. When travelling, it's wise to be aware of local customs and leave your personal habits at home. Of course the person would be unlikely to refuse a tip. That would also be considered just as rude. But their opinion of you would remain the same.

We are more free range, I guess. The only ship we've sailed on more than once is Equinox. However Celebrity it's the line that we've sailed on most.

Don't try to tip Customs. They'll think you are trying to bribe them. Tipping is not customary in most SE Asian countries. However if you wish to tip for an outstanding service, use the local currency

The hotels, especially those within chains, use algorithms for pricing. Hotels near ports will usually have higher prices on the nights before the busier embarkation days. This shouldn't be a surprise.

Yeah, if you want a warm NYE getaway, the Med isn't that. It won't be MI cold, but it can be quite cool.