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There was so much left we finally asked him to stop. I prefer the taste of the ship RO water to the cans so we just used our refillable bottles.

Juneau - we rented a car and drove out to Mendenhall Glacier and hiked , went to watch for the eagles then finished with a beer flight at Alaska Brewing Company - much less expensive than taxi or tour. In Skagway we usually hike a bit, maybe end up at Jewell Gardens and then wander in town. The movie at the National Park exhibit is worth watching - awesome what the miners encountered. Alternately we have rented a car and driven the Yukon Highway (along the route of the White Pass Train) entered Canada (need passport) and ended up at Emerald Lake - again a bargain as compared to buying 6 seats on the White Pass train. A raincoat with lightweight layers (wool is a great choice) underneath is our normal dress along with water resistant hiking pants and waterproof walking shoes. The excursion that was worth it for us was Helicopter and Hike on the Glacier in Juneau. Can't wait to return again this August for our anniversary.

For us we enjoy Celebrity - very few kids on board except holiday times (if you can sail in Late April/May there would be fewer kids. No need to dress up. Budget wise we watch for sales and are happy in an interior or Oceanview or balcony as a treat. We also rarely drink so do not need a drinks package nor internet. If you want to stay up an dance Royal Caribbean but I find it pretty over run with kids particularly on the beautiful Oasis class ships so we select cruises on the older ships.

Your auto gratuity covers many non-customer facing jobs as well as dining venues and room stewards - if you remove that it impacts lots of the crew.

Our 12 day cruise out of Amsterdam was a typical Celebrity experience as far as passengers. The following week 7 day cruise was full of families and was heading towards feeling more like RCCL with the noise and kids running around the ship. Loved the trips but they did feel different.

Sailed her twice in January - for us a sweatshirt was plenty as it was sunny but windy much of the sail until you hit Cabo. We were in tees and pants on Catalina and in San Diego and that was comfortable for us. Mexican ports were shirts and tees. The biggest issue on sea days was the wind which typically is a constant on the Pacific. Inside the ship and the Solarium were very comfortable. Glad you are planning for this as we heard folks complaining about the temperature and not having planned for it.......

I would agree that the food quality and availability has diminished since before the "pause" but it does not keep us from cruising. For me, most restaurant portions are too large so that part does not bother me. Recently on solstice we were lucky to be eating in Blu and I have no issues with those meals - small portions but could order additional if you want. And the ice cream/sorbet are just as good as always.

Our experience was that all the dining rooms are walk up when you want to eat. We found if we went at about 6:45 the folks heading to the early show had left and we could easily get seated.

We are sailing her to Southampton in May - will post a review after that. Love the sailing days of a TA - such sweet transport for European trip.

I carry an insulated coffee mug and had no trouble pouring my speciality coffee in it at the breakfast, waiter would offer to make another if I wanted it.

It is amazing how busy the smoke free casinos are in Las Vegas - seems that even the smokers have accepted the change and are "investing" their money in the casinos.

We had the best time for turn around in Amsterdam. We were docked by the Movenpick Hotel and were able to walk off as early as we wanted (did not have to wait for anyone). Spent the morning enjoying Amsterdam - yarn store, book shop, coffee and a shared apple pancake, finally on the way back to the ship we came across a small farmers market and bought a lovely bouquet of fresh flowers for the cabin. With your transit card when you get back to port you by pass the lines to get back on board.

We went down to the South Beach area - we enjoyed that it was quieter, plenty of chairs and umbrellas (2 ships that day).

Had no issue using it on the Symphony.

Thanks for such a good review. We also sailed the Jan 21 and Jan 28 cruises, had a great time. I did not notice the unhappy people unless they were loud and then avoided them. I did find head scratching the lady complaining loudly at Customer Service that the weather was cold and she didn't bring a sweater (this is January and the temperature was exactly as predicted on the magic Weather Channel). We were lucky to be in Aqua and I thoroughly enjoyed eating in Blu - menu was fine for me and we found plenty of tasty food. Oceanview was as expected - food from fine to quite nice but I also choose carefully and avoid things that look like they have been out a long time. And I will happily report that the ice cream is a lovely as always. Did not purchase drink or internet package so cannot comment on those. The ship was at 33% occupancy the first week and tendering at Catalina and Cabo went very quickly. Even the next week with double the passengers it was easy. We had driven a rental car to the Long Beach airport and the Uber to the pier was $32. Very easy embarkation - at noon we walked straight on. Crew was busy and it did feel like not enough in several positions - bar staff and support in the Oceanview, but friendly and helpful. Would love to sail her again before she leaves the West coast for Alaska.

Another thought - last year there was a salinity issue in the canal you sail out on and times were adjusted, we departed earlier than originally stated and were notified by email a couple days in advance. I never miss a chance for a bit of play in Amsterdam so I would travel in early.

We do not buy a beverage package as it would not make sense financially for our one predinner drink a night and cup of coffee in the morning (also don't need much internet). As for water - we bring refillable bottles and drink the free water which tastes fine to me.

The clergy who performs services are volunteers who are cruising, not employed by the cruise line.

It did for us when our kids were that age.

We just booked the National Express Bus from Southampton to LHR for a reasonable rate. The times may not suit you but it is a direct trip.

We found the filet offered on the Clean menu portion in Blu was delicious and offered twice a week on Solstice last month. Additionally there was a steak on the other portion of the menu 2 times. I realize the menus are not identical but we found plenty to eat.

I like to bring my own products - bar shampoo and conditioner, lovely bar of body soap as well as face soap. Easy to pack and as we usually fly with carry on only, helps with liquids issue.

I would not spend that much for the balcony but that is a very personal decision.

Until Jan 1 I could purchase the package for coffee, tea, soda and water for $13.99/day which was usually a win for me. When they changed to the new NA package that includes things I don't drink (Red Bull, vitamin water and smoothies) and raised the price I will buy my drinks as I want them on the next cruise.

Travel carry on so have happily used the laundry service for unders, pajamas, handkerchiefs and sport clothes. Have not experienced any issues with damaged clothes, perhaps just lucky.