TrapperZimmy

Ranking the cabins on SeaDream is like trying to rank the locations for the Splash. Some may be better than others, but is there really a bad one? Don't think so. Hey, you're on SeaDream and not at home. That's enough for me.

We also had our flight to SJU changed several times. Original was a fairly reasonable non-stop. Then it was routed through MIA, which is really unacceptable. We changed to a non-stop that arrives at 5:00 am. Then AA changed it to arrive around midnight. At least we will get to sleep in the room that we will be paying for. And to respond to Zimmy, yes, I will wear shorts to dinner. Anytime a Chicagoan can wear shorts in January, you go for it.

Your decision to take the 2023 cruise depends upon how risk averse you are. I don't want to be the one to tell you that you should have nothing to worry about, and then you will come to Chicago to find me because a punk rock group booked the next cabin. As a practice, we always want a non-Commodore cabin, and book early so we have that option. Part of the reason is because the wall is more solid than the removable wall. But it also affords a little more storage space in the small drawers and shelf on the wall. (My memory may be imperfect, but I remember the removable wall being nothing more than a wall with a mirror.) We had one half of a Commodore cabin on one sailing, and yes we could hear muffled noises from next door, but it wasn't that big a deal. You have to remember that most SD regulars will tell you it doesn't matter what the cabin is like because we only use it for sleeping and getting dressed for dinner. By the time the party people return from the TOY bar or the piano bar, they are ready to turn in. Also, SD passengers are typically more courteous than you would find in the general population. We are well-traveled and know what it is like to be next door to a party, and we don't want to be "those people." I have rarely seen or heard a party going on in a cabin. Can it happen? Sure, but I'd say the odds are highly against it. If you want to really play it safe, book both rooms and enjoy the second bathroom. Our experience is limited to that one sailing out of 20 or so. I'd be interested in hearing from those with more experience.

The business model for the insurance industry does not contemplate having to pay claims.

Let me add to DW's comments. You are right, the cabin that you have is the best if you suffer seasickness. They always suggest low and midship, and that is exactly where you are. We often take cabin 302, which is right next to the lobby, which can be busier than the dining room, and have never experienced a noise issue. That location on deck 4, however, is a bit close to the piano bar, which sometimes can be noisy, but still tolerable. We have had only one less than wonderful morning on deck 2. We were tied up, which is always on the starboard side. When we woke, it was low tide and all we saw out the porthole was the wall of the pier. So now we always do port side, regardless of deck.

Policies typically cover cancellation for a pre-existing condition only if bought within a few days of the initial booking. I believe this includes the situation where you have to cancel because a non-traveling parent is gravely ill due to a pre-existing condition.

Having never done a crossing, I would except someone with more experience to respond, but I've been told there is extra time built into the schedule to allow the captain to divert to calmer seas. Frankly, at this point I am less concerned about seasickness than I am about a feeling of confinement. I have had trouble with back-to-back sea days.