Torfamm

I think that’s true for sure in North America ports but the poster who asked the original question didn’t say where they are embarking. I wouldn’t take the chance and assume that Asia, Australia, or New Zealand ports won’t check boarding times.

You click on Personal Information and Documents then scroll down to the "Suggested" section on the next screen and click on Arrivals

We have had a cruise where boarding times were checked. It was over a year ago though. I wouldn't want to count on not needing a time unless it's a port that I use frequently and am absolutely certain about. IMO It's well worth making the effort to select a boarding time.

If time and money allowed, I would do a northbound 7 day, a rail tour, then a southbound 7 day. Having a second chance at ports or scenic cruising in case of bad weather would be ideal. Realistically a land tour followed by a southbound cruise that includes Glacier Bay is what I think is the best option to get a good overview of Alaska. I did a Princess Lodges rail tour that was completely separate from my cruise and loved it. There was no bus travel nor were there lots of organized group excursions or planned meals. We could pick the excursions we wanted at each lodge or book something on our own. To me it was the best of all worlds - hotels, train tickets and transfers arranged, leave luggage outside your door each departure morning and find it in your room at the next destination but spend each day as you wish. I much preferred traveling every leg by train rather than doing half by bus on a cruise tour. https://www.princesslodges.com/alaska-rail-tours/learn/ I chose this unescorted 6 night tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage and would highly recommend it. https://www.princesslodges.com/alaska-tours/itinerary-3ts/?from_search_query=dG91clR5cGU9ZXhwbG9yZXImc2VhcmNoT25seT0w#3TS

If an accepted bid would make it worthwhile to move to a different class of cabin even if it may not be in your preferred location or near the others in your party, it could be a pro. Each person is different as is each offer. For example, a lot of people who have an inside cabin would be very happy to pay $50 to move to a balcony no matter where it is.

Yes, the groups open for selection. It was 60 days ahead of sailing on my most recent cruise. An email assigning those who haven’t selected boarding times to times would be sent a day or two before sailing

Not sure, but it seems logical that passengers are only able to be insured for their costs.

I think that charging for insurance is normal. The total on the booking confirmation shows what is due after all of that. The casino department makes the additional payment

While I haven’t had the problem you’ve had in our six cruises since the restart, I have asked restaurant managers to accommodate requests regarding reservations and gotten exactly what I asked for 4 out of 6 times. At least on the ships we’ve been on, it seemed that they do still have the ability to manage the seating in the dining rooms. Try to think positively and not let this make you miserably frustrated. It may all work out exactly as you want.

I also notice that more people seem to eat early if they have young children. Early times seem busier during school holidays.

I was responding to the poster who felt there should be the same code for men and women when discussing whether hats can be worn indoors. I certainly hope that no woman has been asked to remove their veil on a ship although sadly it has happened in too many other places.

Yes, edited for clarity The modesty part was missing. It’s easy to forget how recent these changes really are. It’s hard to imagine that a woman being seen without a hat was “scandalous” just sixty years ago

Not sure what generation you are from but wearing hats indoors was the norm for women into the 60’s and absolutely required in churches, synagogues etc. Not so long ago really. I agree those formalities are pretty long gone for most of us and certainly wouldn’t include baseball caps, winter beanies etc. Today the reasoning for some women who keep a hat on is about their hair looks not that it’s inappropriate to remove it although there are women who chose to cover their hair for religious reasons. Here’s an interesting article about women and hats https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/when-going-out-without-a-hat-was-grounds-for-scandal.amp

I think Crown Grill is the better choice although neither really excites me. For me, the food at Sabatini’s is nothing special since they took the veal chop off the menu.

No need to “raise Cain” with the Director of Restaurant Operations or the Food & Beverage Manager. If you aren’t able to edit the booking to a private table by then, just ask the hostess or Headwaiter for a private table. There may be a bit of a wait the first night, but they will likely be able to accommodate you without a fuss. So sorry you’ve had such bad luck.

We had “tropical” as a theme on a 10 night cruise recently. That’s the only one I’ve ever seen except the white and gold party. On that itinerary, it was separate from formal nights not held on a formal night as it usually is.

A look at the Ports of Call board will help you find popular choices. If you want a hotel that has a shuttle, you will need to stay near the airport. If you’re interested in being near the Acropolis and restaurants, a couple that come up often in the Plaka area are AD Athens and Athens Gate https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/463-greece-ports/

I assume he hasn’t read his booking confirmation or travel summary.

I think it’s possible that the system may track usage of the MDR’s

Good choice! I suspect that they will find it even more annoying if they go and get turned away at the port 😉

At $15 a glass, wine drinkers easily get value out of the Plus package. A cappuccino in the morning, a couple of bottles of water during the day, and two glasses of wine at dinner are right around the break even point for a day.

It is easier, as well as cheaper, to park off site when you are going to be embarking and disembarking from different terminals. I use Park by the Ports and book with https://onestopparking.com for the best prices

I would have them look at their booking confirmation and travel summary under passport requirements. They will find the statement below. If they think getting turned away at the port is less trouble than expediting passport renewal, that's their choice. PA S S P O R T R E Q U I R E M E N T S A passport book is required and must be valid for six months after the completion of travel. Please ensure the name on your passport matches your name as it appears on your booking. Additionally, make certain that your passport contains blank pages for entry and exit endorsements and any visas that may be required. If necessary, allow sufficient time to renew your passport and/or obtain additional pages. A passport card will not be accepted. There may be occasions where we retain your passport at check-in. This is to ensure that you are not inconvenienced by immigration clearance during your cruise and where face-to-face inspection is not required.

The smokers may gamble but there may very well be more people who won't enter the casino due to smoke than there are smokers.

I wonder if any of the fixes like deleting and re-installing the app would help?