Topo Gigio and Me

There are many unfamiliar ports on the Tokyo and South Korea itineraries, if that floats your boat.

I neglected to mention that on our ship's tour, they took care of both the taxi ride up to Anacapri, and the chairlift up to the top. Then today, I was on my treadmill with an iFit trainer and we walked on a trail up to the top! So I suppose that is doable in real life too.

I would not take a private tour to Capri (from a ship) for reasons you already identified. I've been there twice, once on a private tour (not from a ship) and the ferries were fine. The other time was from an Oceania sister ship, so probably the same tour venders. It was a madhouse at the end, taking a small funicular to Capri harbor ... ... and I remember that one gentleman from the ship was frantic because he got separated from his wife. (It all ended okay though - he found someone he liked better.) I believe that everyone made it back to the ship on time. Maybe skip the Blue Grotto, unless it's a bucket list item for you as it takes a lot of time. This is from the non ship tour. Definitely go up to the top of the island - Anacapri - maybe have lunch there. On the ship tour, we had lunch at Hotel Quisiana, which is at the bottom and just okay. I remember seeing some quaint restaurants in Anacapri, though. Explore around up at the top and make sure you see the Faraglioni Rocks!

Note that there is still a long gap in Symphony's schedule from October 31 through November 23. I don't know when they filled in the long gap on Serenity, but it is now only a short gap from May 10 through May 17, and there are three newer itineraries in the Med, May 17 (7 nights), May 24 (6 nights), and May 30 (7 nights). Or maybe they are not new at all, but they were certainly originally in a long gap.

I've seen arguments about whether or not these archaic laws apply, which I guess, is the topic here, but has anyone ever taken the side that these laws are hunky dory and we should keep them?

Besides soft goods, are these pretty much the same cabins from 15 or so years ago?

Ijmuiden is a nothing burger, but it is only half an hour or so to Amsterdam. But also consider Haarlem, which is half the distance, and charming in its own right. 😀

Excel Limo! We've used them twice within a year, and several more times previously. https://excellimousine.ca/ After you pick up you luggage, follow signs to the limo pickup area - don't remember the exact wording, but it's fairly apparent. Let the cruise terminal employee there know that you are there - Excel will have added you to their list. Then take a seat on a bench in that area and listen for your name to be called once your driver arrives.

Happy Birthday, Barter123!