leaveitallbehind

In general, sea conditions outside of specific forecasted weather events are impossible to predict with any certainty. Specific areas may have specific conditions that prevail there, which seems like what you are asking. This link may provide some insight, however it is in real time. Not sure if there is historical seasonal data available through it, but maybe it will help. https://www.met.ie/forecasts/marine-inland-lakes/sea-area-forecast

As you indicate this really is up to you. If you feel the need for a booster prior to your cruise and you are uncertain about the newest version's availability, then go with the one that is available now. If that booster is not your preference, then wait. And if it becomes available in time, then take it. Otherwise you have the other option now. Not complicated. But either way the risk is minimal IMO. Have been on 5 cruises since the restart without any issues.

We avoid them completely, especially in the restaurants. IMO they are overpriced and too staged. Smartphone works quite well and gets the pictures we want at no cost.

Good point, which in many cases may result in the same, or close to, the original double occupancy pricing. BUT would be minus the second port fees and taxes as that would be unearned. So that amount would likely be refunded.

If you mean that your friend does not show up at boarding, then no, they won't likely deny you boarding. You should be able to board as a solo. But they will not likely refund any money paid for the second passenger who did not show. You do not mention a specific cruise line and policies could vary between them.

Your time in port is yours. You can come and go rom the ship as you please with the only caveat that RCCL wants you on board 30 minutes prior to departure from ports of call. If you are late they will not wait for you. Just on a side note, as you become a more experienced cruiser you may likely be more comfortable with tours and excursions on your own and with independent operators v through the ship. There are lots of discussions about this on these boards and to each his own as to an opinion. But, while the "safest" in terms assuring a ship awaiting your return, the cruise lines charge a significant premium for their tours which IMO tend to be rather impersonal. There are many independent options that will provide similar or better experiences. We, too, filled our days on our first cruise or so with ship tours, but in the 30 years since have done so almost exclusively independently. Agan, just my opinion. Enjoy your first cruise - it will with almost certainty not be your last and will be followed by many others!

Any itinerary that includes the Christmas and NYE holidays will be crowded in general and by families with children. The prices will also be the highest then. The week or two prior and the following few weeks are a good bet. Also, as mentioned, cruise lines operating in the winter out of the Baltimore to NY ports will be limited and will primarily be headed to the Bahamas / FL on 7-night itineraries and the Eastern / Western Caribbean if longer. Certain long (10 nights +) will get into the Southern Caribbean. But you can expect the first and last full days to be colder weather, which would limit the hotter weather days to those in between.

Even though you have your question answered, others may want to continue this discussion for points of their own. It - as with all threads on these boards - will find its own life cycle. You can just choose to not participate. By the way, although not likely what you intended, all capitals suggest yelling. Enjoy your cruise and hope your timing in port works out for your plans.

In our experience "port arrival time" has been when the ship is moored at the pier or at position at the tender point. Depending on port of call, the time for a ship to clear for disembarkation is typically 30 minutes or so, but that can certainly vary. We have never experienced a disembarkation delay as long as 2 hours in a tendered port. However, it may take that long to tender all of the passengers in queue. We try to avoid tender ports as a result. Most of the "clearing" activity is paperwork that is typically electronically conveyed and confirmed. Much of the activity on the pier will relate to tour operators or shuttle vehicles and the like, ship photographers and musicians, or in some cases provisions being ready to be boarded. In some ports, the tenders are provided by local operators but they can also be ship based craft. We have experienced both - ex.: port based in Grand Cayman, ship based in Maui. And to add, "port departure time" is the time the ship actually casts off their lines - or hauls anchor if set at a tender point - to commence departure. Most cruise lines have an "all on board" of at least 30 minutes prior to this or one risks being left behind. Seen that happen many times - but that is discussion for another thread.