whee-sailing

Your lack of optimism is warranted. I get the same error message as you on the app on my phone and also get an error when trying to reserve on the web version of the app. My cruise is in 11 days. I've been contacting them every couple of weeks for the last two months and they tell me exactly what they told you every time and when I ask if they can look at the status of the previously open ticket (now tickets) they say they can't. It's never been resolved and at this point there are no reservations left for the time I want anyway. Extremely frustrating experience and has left a real negative impression for me of Princess before I've even set foot on the ship.

I guess this leads to the question then...is it best to sit on the scenic side for the first half or the last half!?

That's fantastic. HAL should update their web site then because that's not what it says.

That's only correct for a single occupancy room. I imagine the odds of getting one of those on standby are pretty slim though. For a regular room you'll still pay double. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/ca/cruise-deals/standby-program

D Dock is near the mall. About a 20-25 minute walk along the marina from where your tender will drop you off.

It's battery powered and charged via a USB cable so my understanding from reading the Restricted Items FAQ is that it should be allowed, but I'm curious if anyone has successfully brought one onboard.

I booked it as one cruise, but I it's technically a B2B. The only excursion Princess is offering for B2Bers is the 26 Glacier one. The ship will be in College Fjord the day before so I'm not really interested in that excursion. I was hoping to avoid renting a car, but it's sounding like it's my only option. Thanks!

Princess only offers the Portage Glacier excursion if you're getting off the ship in Whittier. I'm getting back on the ship. I went to the Gray Line web site for the Portage Glacier cruise and they only offer a self-drive option and a round-trip transportation for Anchorage option. I've contacted them to see if they offer anything from Whittier but haven't heard back yet. Has anyone been able to book a Portage Glacier Cruise with return transportation for Whittier? Will there be vendors offering this at the port? Thanks!

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=starboard&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=33 Take a look at these search results if you want to dig further (your own post will be the first few results but after that there are others!).

I was just on Princess last month. There was an unhosted solo and singles event every day; however, I didn't go to it so I can't tell you how popular it was.

I've been using the CBP and it's great. I didn't realize ArriveCAN was still a thing. Like you though I've applied for NEXUS. Such a long wait!

I've used it in Vancouver and Montreal and it's also available in Calgary and Edmonton. It's getting quite popular unfortunately and I'm finding it not as quick as it was when no one knew about it (of course!).

A large ship like the Bliss will use the local Cabo tenders as well (or maybe even only). I was in Cabo for about six weeks last year and saw the Cabo tenders in use regularly. I suggest you check how many other ships are in port with you arriving around the same time because that will have an impact on your wait time as well (whether all the tenders will be servicing the Bliss that morning or if you'll have to share them). And yes, the tenders dock very close to Cabo Adventures (if that's who you're using). You can search for Cruise Tender Boat Pier on Google maps.

Any specific recommendations? Thanks!

I don't know what you consider "pretty pricy", but there are options downtown like the Holiday Inn or the Hyatt that do day passes for ~ $150.

I was there on Emerald Princess at the end of January. We docked at the terminal but the new buildings and gangway weren't used. We got off the ship as usual and then had to take a shuttle through the active construction to the entrance to the terminal. We weren't allowed to walk. Can't help you on the mall question.

It's not close to the terminal. About 2-3 km away. Search for "Aruba sign (with star)" on Google maps and you can see exactly where it is.

The fact that I answered someone's question on how to get to an excursion snorkeling spot on their own doesn't mean that I was suggesting they don't spend money locally. There is a big middle ground between the luxury experiences you prefer and what you derogatorily call terds.

It's easy and inexpensive to take a taxi to Brownes Beach and snorkel with the turtles and around the shipwreck on your own.

For your pets I would suggest something like Trusted Housesitters (rather than boarding them). Pets are almost always happiest at home and you get the added benefit of someone looking after the home. Especially for such a long trip. (Full disclosure...I am a sitter on Trusted Housesitters and sitting with a cat right now so perhaps am a little biased.)

I snorkeled in Bonaire in February. I was wearing a bathing suit and a rash guard (top) and was fine. I'm not happy in cold water so would remember if it was unpleasant!

Most of the kids will be in school in the morning anyway so hopefully the afternoon will work out. Have a great cruise!

@DukeASUGirl I've been in Cabo for a number of weeks now and have learned that there is a Casa Hogar here, too! Could work out for you and your scouts for a visit: https://www.casahogarcabo.com/

I'm in Cabo right now and picked up the 0.05 for 51 pesos (US$3) at the Farmacias Similares just up from the marina (on Morelos just before 20 de Noviembre). No idea about Latisse.

Any idea what the approximate cost will be from the port to the airport for a taxi? Is it a fixed rate or meter? Thanks!