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I used to cruise Disney a fair amount. Dining times are set, but seating is more flexible than some folks realize. On some cruises, with our family of 4, we were seated with another family of 3-4, with kids about the same age as ours. My husband and son are very social, and they enjoyed the interactions. My daughter and myself (both introverts) didn't chat a lot, and that was fine. Other times, we requested a four-top, which was granted. When just daughter and I cruised, we requested a table for 2, and that was granted. When I sailed solo, I requested to dine alone, and that was granted. While dining seating requests (made prior to sailing) are not guaranteed, I never had one denied. I loved the service and the ships with Disney. Not the itineraries nor the cost. Thus our move to NCL.

Thinking it's unlikely I will find those in North Carolina (haven't seen snow in 5 years), I checked Amazon - yes! DONE! Thanks so much!! (And that frame! Goes so well with the artwork!!)

This lines up with my experience. We got them for our May '24 Alaska cruise out of Seattle. I have not gotten them for other cruises. (non-Haven or suite)

Might I be so forward as to borrow your balcony bubble bonanza? We're taking my elderly mom on a 3-generation, bucket list cruise in Alaska on the Encore in about a month. She may not venture out of our suite very much. I'm thinking blowing some bubbles may bring her joy. Is there a particular type of bubbles you like, or just something from the kiddie party section at the dollar store? Thank you so much for sharing your joy and your relationship with your dad. And that you can still find the joy, even when circumstances seem to want to beat it out of life. You have a gift - thanks for sharing it!

Beautiful photos, thank you for sharing!!

We found trails at each port using the AllTrails app. If you're not familiar with it, I recommend it. Lots of helpful details.

We were interested in a Northern Europe, primarily British Isles cruise. Disappointed to see they're on the Sky. We'll be looking elsewhere. Staterooms look way too small for us for a 10+ day cruise. And at $8-9K, a shoe box won't do. . .

Thanks! There are lots of options for grab bars on Amazon!

Thanks, Mel! Scrolled down to up, didn't initially see your helpful post. I have a small stool that folds almost flat, maybe I'll bring that in case she needs it to get in and out of bed.

Really appreciate your helpful suggestions, Daisy! I hear you about the big bed. . .we'll wait to hear what Mom says. She is 5'10", so maybe she can get on the bed herself? She's fairly mobile at this point, only using a cane, so while she'll have to move slowly in constrained spaces, I think she'll be okay. Love the suggestions for requesting a shower chair and bringing a mat - they're on the list now! What are "snap on support grips"? She might need help in the toilet room. . .

Thanks, Bird! I did devour your recent live report, it was great! Appreciate the recommendations for a mattress topper and getting creative with storage. I did see a video of the stateroom, and am definitely concerned about storage in the 2nd BR - good to have those concerns confirmed, so we're not surprised. I'm a snorer, my daughter is used to it, so we're probably best sleeping in the 2nd BR with the door shut. 😴

My octogenarian mother, her personal assistant, myself and my late-20's daughter are all cruising Haven for the first time this October. This is a likely last vacation for my mom, due to health issues. Headed to Alaska on the Encore. I have sailed NCL several times in the past, actually did the identical itinerary in May with my husband. For this trip, we 4 ladies are in a 2-bedroom on deck 17, with the extended balcony. Mom will be in the master, daughter and I in the 2nd bedroom, assistant/friend on the living room sofa. Looking for any suggestions on requests we might make to make the space friendly? For example, from a posted video, I know I can request 3 chairs and a lounger on the balcony. Are there other requests, around beds or storage or something I'm not thinking about yet, that would make the space work well for us? One specific question I have - I do not drink caffeine. I'm very used to traveling with my own decaf teas. Can I get hot water from the nespresso machine? Or do I need to request it be delivered each morning?

Thanks so much for all the helpful information! I'll call them tomorrow. 🙂

Good advice! Do you have a person or company you might recommend?

Helpful information, thank you.