ceeceeDee

At this point, the requirement for pre-cruise testing has been lifted. Should this change (unlikely, but who knows?) a RAT test within 24 hours of embarkation is sufficient. You can purchase one at any chemist so it shouldn't be a big deal for you to obtain a kit.

Yes, there is still a formal night. However, not everyone goes to the trouble. We always do, though don't go to the extent of a tux and ballgown. Hubby wears jacket and tie and I opt for cocktail dress, which seems to be the most popular option I've noticed.

I think you can, as long as it's empty.

We have some young friends (late 20s) with whom we cruise semi regularly who are keen to try Disney. I suspect we will be pitchforked into it at some stage.😀 Who knows? We will probably enjoy it. We did when they dragged us to Disneyland Florida back in 2019.🤗

Agree with crystalspin. We never cruise for less than 7 nights (and half the time that is not long enough for us!).

I totally get your displeasure, Mic. It's the ship I love, not the current operator 🙂 I would just like the opportunity to see old Dawnie again.

Not Princess, but we booked a 2024 Christmas cruise about three months ago. Then last month there was a price drop. We cancelled and immediately re-booked (same room) for a saving of just under $1,100. Lost $200 of the original $400 OBC, but totally worth it. So, I would say book now and then watch the prices.

If she came to Brisbane, I would be at the front of the crowd to greet her!!!😄 And, Geoff, you're right! I saw some of that 'special carpet' in photos of Ambience's interior!

Thanks Geoff. Very interesting article. I knew some of the history of MS Satoshi and that of course Ambassador bought her (phew!) and she's now sailing as Ambience, but I wasn't aware of all the crypto nitty gritty. Incidentally, I think she looks very classy in the purple and white livery of Ambassador.

Awwww. Good old Dawnie. Love the old girl!🤗

Exactly, Aus T

Frankly, the duty free prices on board aren't that much of a bargain. Or they weren't when we did the 'famous Willis Island sail by' a few months back.

We were on Encounter around the end of May. The three courses I had at Luke's cost $58. And, yes, worth every cent.

Yes, better to wait in that case. You'd lose more than you'd gain, so to speak. Keep your chin up - as well as your leg. Hope you won't have any hassles with insurance. Please keep us all posted on how you're doing.

Oh, Mic, that absolutely sucks!!! You were only about 12 days out from your cruise too.☹️ Wheel chair not an option? Hope you can reschedule without dramas. Get well soonest. CeeCee

Yep, MM. Also the Goldie and Sunshine Coast is the Sunnie.

Funnily enough, Geoff, we watched the Kingsman movies a couple of days ago! Getting back to the sewerage ....................... I love Terry Pratchett's description/spelling - Dire Rear!!!! Very apt.

We sailed the Caribbean out of Miami on Symphony (6,500 pax from memory) in 2019. We're of 'mature' age (middle aged and pre-retirement) and our two travelling companions were mid 20's. We all enjoyed it. Yes, there were heaps of kids and the pools were full but the adults only area was fairly quiet and there was always a secluded spot somewhere on the ship if you were prepared to look for it. The entertainment was certainly spectacular. We didn't experience delays in embarking and disembarking. However, having sailed on the floating theme park/resort once that's it for us. Much prefer the smaller ships. Having said that, we certainly don't regret experiencing the mega ship.

Why not go the full hazmat suit? And a can of air freshner.

Thanks, Mic! Hope you are recovering from your injury. Cheers CeeCee

I don't as a rule look at new prices for a cruise I've booked, but after reading several posts on this forum, I decided that this time I would. Definitely paid off this time around with a saving of $1,000! Thanks Cruise Critic posters for the advice!

Absolutely. We loved Little Havana

Thank you Sinbad and John for ALL the trouble/research you have done to assist me. I honestly didn't expect you guys to go to these lengths. Absolute legend! Cheers CeeCee

Quite possibly, John. I'm really appreciating the feedback from you and Sinbad. Hopefully someone will have photos of the actual Owner's Suite.

I've always been a bit skeptical, however ............... We booked and paid the small initial deposit on a 10 day cruise for Christmas 2024 around 3 months ago. I've always found the best deals are for super early bookings. I've been monitoring the price of our cruise and two days ago noticed that the price of our room category with the same benefits had dropped by just over $1,000!!! I immediately rang the cruise line and cancelled our original booking and immediately re-booked on the same phone call. Got exactly the same cabin with all the same benefits (except the onboard credit was reduced to $200, originally $400). Only stipulation was that we were required to pay the deposit in full rather than finalising it in April next year. Happy to do so.