Essiesmom

The life jackets by the pool are only for use on the ship. If you anticipate visiting any beaches in port, you will need to bring your own. EM

Get a copy of Rick Steve’ Scandinavia and Northern European cruise Ports. He will tell you what there is to see/do in the ports, how much you can do in the time you have, and how to do it yourself. It’s been many years since we did the Baltic, but in Warnemunde we took a ship tour to Rostock, a walking tour with interesting churches, etc. The first time to Oslo we did a ship tour which took us to the Viking Ship museum and other sights. The second time we walked from the ship to a harbor ferry and made our own way to the Viking Ship museum and an outdoor history museum. Haven’t been to your other ports. EM

Have you checked the S class cabin sticky? EM

Using the Find your roll call tool:

It depends on where your cruise sails from, and how long it is. If it is at least 7 days, you might have up to 40%, maybe more, guests from Europe. My observation is they dress up more for evenings, even non-gala nights. Especially the women. EM

There are posters that admit that they are travel agents, but they do not link to their agencies. Travel agency ads are a source of revenue for CC. EM

But it is easily accessed by using the old fashioned way of going to roll calls, choosing MSC, then Bellissima, then date. And I easily found it through the Find your MDC roll call tool at the top of the MSC page. EM

On the Seaside class, there are no extra cost shows. Don’t know about billiards…don’t remember seeing that last time I was on her. EM

According to cruisedeckplans, cabins on NCL Pearl are considerably smaller than on HAL. EM

Should one of your ports be Skagway, you would not be able to take an excursion that crosses into Canada/Yukon. EM

Five sea days between Bermuda and Funchal. Depends not only on clear skies but the amount of lighting on the ship at night. If the forecast is for clear night…or two, maybe ask at guest services if an officer might lead a star gazing session. EM

There is nothing on 11 but cabins. The spa is right there on 12. EM

It applies to all cruise lines. It’s in the terms and conditions, fitness to travel. A number of years ago, I think on HAL, a man who needed near total personal care sailed without his usual caregiver/wife, expecting the cabin steward to assist. He was debarked at the first port. EM

Celebrity will not allow any employee to give personal care to a guest. Suggest you contact home health agencies in your area to see if they have a one interested, or can recommend a source. EM

I think if a fee were charged it would be for a talk that was more a workshop where there was hands on participation. Maybe a famous chef cooking class…. EM

If you browse the cruise line forums here on a regular basis, you will find accounts on every one of someone who either came down with it on the ship, or tested positive when they got home. EM

Maybe a visit from an officer, one with lots of stripes, to talk with them and explain the work, etc. Maybe include a tour of the bridge…EM

I was on the Summit in June and had to give up on the MDR because as a solo an hour wait for a table in select was a no go. I booked too late for fixed seating. I found the OVC to be great for breakfast and lunch, but it was on,y about 2/3 open for dinner, and none of the entrees on the MRD menu were available on the buffet. The Asian, Latin, and Indian stations were always open and dessert selection was large. I never had a problem finding something to eat, but I wasn’t impressed. EM

Bed is by the balcony. On Carnival bed position does not alternate. EM

Go to cruisetimetables.com and choose a ship, or a destination, or a departure port. You can find all kinds of cruise combinations. For instance, choose a ship, and time. Many times it will show a seven day cruise, and then a combination of two seven day cruises, etc. This is done on HAL, Princess, celebrity, MSC…and probably other lines I don’t follow. EM

Okay, the Bliss will be using the new locks. So I would be looking for an excursion that either takes you thru the old locks, or at least to the visitors center at the Miraflores locks. EM

Have a look at the current Live From by @GenerationX.She has a daughter in the kids club. EM

All are walkable. In St. Thomas it is easier if your ship docks at Havensight instead of Crown Bay. In San Juan port calls dock right downtown. There is a free Ho-Ho that comes by the piers. St. Maarten has a shopping area right by the pier, but it is not too bad a walk to the main town area, or you can take the water taxi. Have not been to Puerto Plata, so it depends on whether you are going there or next door to Amber Cove. EM

From mid-February thru March the ship is doing 7 day cruises Puntarenas to Colon and back. So I guess it depends on how early you want to get up, or which direction you want to go. EM

After a little research, he may be on the Seashore TA repo from Europe, in which case it would be legal, if MSC gives the OK. EM