navybankerteacher

But if looking at the Chateau Frontenac is the big thing, wouldn’t staying somewhere nearby be more to the point? I agree, it is an awesome building, but largely when seen from outside.

Yes - some air fares are very low - but I do not think any in that price range are “direct” and certainly not non stop. Most seem to have lay-overs , some in places as close as Madrid, but others in places like Iceland or the Azores — a bit risky if cutting time close as OP wants to .

I was not suggesting it as a way to “ …see some of Europe…”, rather as a comfortable and economic way to come home from a trip to Europe (while allowing an opportunity to see those extra 4-5 ports). Of course, if someone does not like sea days it would not be advisable.l

We stayed at the Hotel Ste. Anne on rue Ste. Anne - in the heart of the old walled city. Reasonably priced, and while not as glamorous as the famed Chateau Frontenac it was far less expensive and actually at least as convenient to the rest of the city.

Of course - ideally it is the way to come home from a land trip in Europe. But you should not ignore the Med ports likely included . We have had TA sailings from Rome which stopped at Livorno, Monte Carlo, Sardinia, Corsica, Malaga, Barcelona, Cadiz, Porto, and Lisbon (among others) which may complement an earlier eastern Med cruise.— not to mention the Canaries, Azores, Madeira en route. The fact remains: it is a leisurely way to come back from Europe - often at a cost well below that of a flight.

Good itinerary - and returning to Barcelona probably make air fare more reasonable. I prefer smaller ships, but that deal seems to work with your time/expense frames. Do keep in mind the trans-Atlantic repositioning for the future when you have more time - a great way to combine some land visit with a cruise that gets you most of the way home.

I just checked a few - inside cabin per person prices noted are very low - Celebrity Reflection - 10/19 -11/2 Barcelona - Fla. $1,249 per. Carnival Freedom - 10/23- 11/1 Barcelona - Port Canaveral $569. per. Norwegian Breakaway 11/2 - 11/26 Rome - New York $599 per Each has several Med port calls and one or two Atlantic islands. Of course outside or balcony cabins would be more - but still possibly within your budget. Check them out —- there are very many as the lines are bring their ships back from the Med for the winter Caribbean season and fares are very low.

You might look into transAtlantic repositionings from the Med in October/November. Often the line has inexpensive eastbound flights, the cruise fare is generally lower on a per day basis, you have the opportunity to spend a few days in/near port of embarkation, and you could enjoy several Med and/ or Atlantic island ports on your cruise. We have done this ten times.

If you can be off the ship before 8:00 and have Pre-Chek you should be OK . If there were another flight an hour later, I’d go for it - but waiting until 5:00 would be “expensive” insurance.

Mid April is likely to be well clear of Spring-breakers, and Celebrity does not attract as many of that demographic as NCL and Royal Caribbean.

If you have TSA Pre-Chek you probably can make it, but anything before noon is a bit chancy. Remember: for an 11:15 flight you have to be at the gate by 10:45 or risk losing your seat, And does “7 am” mean actual debarkation, or just the time the ship is due back?

In mid-September, I would think about a downtown Manhattan hotel - several near the ferry which would bring you right next door to BCT - while offering a number of great places to eat/see. Brooklyn near the cruise terminal is pretty much a waste land. No free airport transfers, but yellow cab and Uber are convenient.

You might want to buy something at the airport just after yo deplane - you will go past those (overpriced) airport shops as you head for baggage pick up.

Oceania also has Concierge category bookings.

I think it was 18 days, a Royal Caribbean from Rome to Galveston (unless you count a seven month US Navy Mediterranean deployment - Norfolk to Norfolk).

I hope that pillow is inflatable.

How much real difference is there between having someone take care of your personal needs (while taking care of the personal needs of a couple of folks in nearby cabins) and having someone take care of your personal needs?

I tend to think longer term, so my initial suggestion would be that you refer to it as a “marriage proposal” rather than as an “engagement proposal”. in any event - congratulations on “finding the one”.

The only recurring argument we have is which of us was the first to call “I GO FIRST”.

Just what “taxi stand”, and what “street” are you referring to?

By early afternoon of your first day you will be in the Gulf Stream, likely enjoying 70 plus weather. A lot of the posts here strike me as likely being the opinions of folks without experience.

The bottom line is: your valuables are safer in the safe than lying about in your room. Also, unless you need to have it with you, your passport is probably better kept in the safe than carried with you or put down anywhere. Nothing is perfect. - some things/places are less imperfect than others.

Indigo Inn, in historic center a ten minute walk from cruise terminal, is a great place, near good restaurants, probably mid $200’s

I have heard people at dinner on ships discussing the same approach - apparently feeling that a “personal touch” would be appreciated more than mere cash.

And, in December, you are out of the hurricane season and not at risk of hitting a Spring equinox storm — probably one of the calmer Atlantic months.