Sea Our world

I can understand the capacity limit could prevent me from adding another passenger. Good point.

There are significant savings on future cruises when booking early. But I'm still waiting to find out if someone can join in the distant future. I would still take the trip as a single cruiser even though I would have to pay for double occupancy. Or post a forum ad for a roommate. In that case, I'll just wait on pre-paying gratuities until the actual cruise. Booking a room for one passenger only is about a hundred dollars less than booking a room for two due to taxes and fees on the second person.

If I only book a room for one passenger, then am I able to later add a second person to my cabin? I can understand paying the hundred dollars in taxes and fees. But will the cruise line then jack-up the cabin price to the current prices because I'm making changes?

How do most single cruisers book their online reservations before finding a cabin roommate?

I'm making an online reservation for my first short cruise. Carnival gives the option to prepay the gratuities (about $50) or not. If I prepay, does that mean I don't leave any tips during my entire cruise? That might feel weird when others sitting at my table (who didn't prepay gratuities) are leaving cash tips on the dining room table but it appears like I'm being cheap because they don't know I prepaid. For that reason is it best to tip in person rather than prepay?

I'm going to be booking my first cruises (3-4 day cruises, maybe a longer one later), so I have no sailing experience. Question: Do you feel it is worth it to pay more for exterior rooms with ocean views? Not a balcony, but just a window - even a small circular one?

Planning a cruise from the Los Angeles area to Baja Mexico in December. I will spend a lot of time on deck watching the ocean views. Is it windy & cold during that time of year sailing on the ocean in Baja Mexico? Should I pack a heavy coat, scarf and gloves for outdoor ocean watching?