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We sailed her for 3 weeks in August and had a great time. We ate in all the restaurants then settled on Normandy and Cosmopolitan usually, but you can ask for the menu for any of the restaurants as they share a kitchen and you can eat off any no matter the dining room are in.

We did Iceland/Ireland and Norway Fjords on the Celebrity Apex, sailing from Amsterdam last August. Wonderful cruise with beautiful scenery but not like any Caribbean or warm Med cruise. We did use the hot tubs during sail away from Akureyri, Iceland as well as while in Ireland and Amsterdam but there were not many people in the pool. This was a physically busy trip and we found the evenings nice for relaxing and enjoying the ship (loved the theater format).

We needed to reach out to Celebrity to make sure our refund was processed. After that it was pretty quick.

Generally the best time to sail is the most expensive - August is heavy travel month in Europe and nicest weather in Norway and Iceland. Currently there is discussion of stopping cruise/ boat travel into the deep fjords due to pollution concerns so that would certainly alter any Norway trips. It was beautiful. Our cruises sailed from Amsterdam, a favorite port for us.

We enjoyed deck 9 AQ on Alaska cruise because we could sit outside even if it was raining and the overhang kept us dry. Because it was cool we did not have any noise from pool deck above. Really love those deck 11 AQ that are aft - not much overhang but larger balcony, easy exit to outside track area of 11 and then quick access to the Sunset bar below. We did not have any issues with noise from movies or basketball court.

Cruise only works well for us - we are lightweight drinkers and do not require much internet time.

Sailed Apex this summer - loved our larger interior cabin and slept like babies. Did not like the Martini bar area - music was usually too loud and limited seating in there. Loved Cafe Biacio for relaxing but only if there was no music. Really enjoyed the Roof Garden area but what they played on the movie screen was interesting - same loop of road racing of home made racers (very funny but not for 19 days). Another negative in my mind is no access to any view from the front of the ship since that is all Retreat access. Four dining venues was nice except there was always a wait even when we had reservations. Wonderful trip but we will return to S or M class ships. Having said that we joined friends on RCCL Symphony and never again would I go on a large ship.

We have cleared customs on TA's in a couple ways - Barcelona to Miami, we stopped at San Juan so Immigration officers came on board and we had to clear before going ashore (took about 2 hours). Also landed at Tampa with no US stop - immigration took about an hour wait even though we walked off with our luggage quite early.

We love river cruising and do not miss the big shows in the evening as we are ready to wind down and enjoy relaxing with the new people we had met. Really love being out and active (hopefully learning as well) early and are ready to turn in early some nights. One caution - August is prime holiday season in Europe so as well as the possibility of hot weather, the crowds make travel less fun for us in that time period.

Not with Viking but we went to Sky Lagoon late one afternoon on our own and really enjoyed it.

Good question - this summer our 12 night cruise on Apex was as expected with 2400 guests and only a couple children. The next was 7 night Norway out of Amsterdam and it was full of families which did change the feel a bit with roaming groups of teens and a much less quiet MDR. After one cruise over a holiday we pretty much stay away from that time. At one point the couple weeks right after Thanksgiving were a great price point so we would travel then.

These are rules of common courtesy that apply everywhere - sure makes things more enjoyable for everyone.

Same here - always have the refillable water bottle with us which works great on the cruise as well.

We visited in April and really enjoyed the small museum. They limit entry so we planned on mid-afternoon and were able to get right in. Expect to wait in line for the picture at the Southernmost Point. And the butterfly house was so much more beautiful than we expected (it is also very small but we found a bench and just watched in wonder).

On Apex we used them on the walls for damp coats and hats without any trouble.

The other consideration we have learned is that the rules for travelers arriving by plane for land stay may be different than cruise ship passengers who are transiting for the day.

It was not used during our Apex cruises in Aug but the itinerary was cool weather so perhaps understandable. We had first night reservations still on our calendar and were notified once onboard. Meal was refunded and we were offered a complimentary meal to use during the cruise - worked out very well.

Be careful - Cellular at Sea has a very high price tag (? $6/min) and is not related to your phone plan.

Yes to hair appliance, NO to clothes iron or steamer.

Long time carry on only packer - last cruise was 19 days including winter clothes for Iceland and Ireland. First rule is fewer shoes and you have that down. Next, black Rip Skirt used for dinner, daytime wear and pool cover up plus one other knit dress. One swim suit (2 in the Caribbean) and one knit dress for daytime wear and in port. Sports fabric shorts and tee shirts for daytime if needed plus they rinse out in the shower, dry overnight and can be worn again. Make up limited to a small palette with blush, highlighter and shadows. I use bar shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and Crystal deodorant - none are liquids so that reduces the 311 bag. All this works for me but not everyone wants to wear the same outfit more than once.

Not sure of Rome but in Amsterdam we were free to leave the ship as soon as we wanted, as they are not required to zero out the ship. Had a great day wandering and picking up fresh flowers for our cabin.

We spent 19 nights in a Deluxe Interior on deck 11 on the lovely Apex in August. Very nice size room and bathroom. Did not need another bed so cannot address that part of your question.

On the Apex, guests paying for treatments did not even have access to spa area. I did address this with the spa that at their price point, touting a luxury spa experience, I have always had spa access included at nice spas.

When I was tested for illness on the Constellation in January, the results included Flu A, Flu B and RSV as well as Covid 19. That allows the cruise medical staff to handle appropriately.

We do travel with only 22" roller board bags and do keep them with us. What you need to consider is if it will fit in an airport sized security scanner. We board, drop our bags in our room, put valuables in the safe and get out and explore.