leaveitallbehind

As pointed our previously, the problem with last minute bookings is obviously limited inventory. And pricing doesn't always drop just to move that inventory. This is even more of an issue with dedicated solo staterooms as those lines that offer this category don't necessarily have them on every ship, and those ships that do have them have a limited number to begin with. And as a great alternative to standard double occupancy staterooms at a solo rate, they are now increasingly more popular and tend to sell out very quickly, which means the odds of a last minute booking for one is typically nil. Most often last minute bookings for solo travelers are in standard double occupancy staterooms as a result.

Royal Caribbean, as one, has their own sponsored Visa card that has cruise benefits accrued via points based on spending. A number of years ago when it was first introduced I had one which I used for business expenses and over a couple of years time accrued enough points for a free cruise for my wife and I. I no longer have that card and, as I understand it, things have changed over the years considerably and the benefits earned require higher point totals than years ago, and I don't think the levels I attained would provide a free cruise today. There are other cards that have earned points that can translate to different participating cruise lines. I think you would just have to google that topic to see which cards might apply.

Per the RCI website: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/driving-directions-port-galveston-texas I believe all RCI ships will sail from there.

Each cruise line probably has a different process but friends of ours tested positively recently and were quarantined in their staterooms for a few days. It isn't like it once was and so much has been done on the ships and remains in place to reduce the risks on board. Not for anything, but to your thread title, we have been on 5 cruises since the restart and have not had any issues nor have contracted any illness on board.

If the travel agent is associated with a company the specializes in cruises, or if he is independent but advertises so, then they will likely be good to use. As long as they have gone through the individual line's training and are members of CLIA, then you should not have much concern. And there is nothing wrong in asking them this. To assure that they best match you with the right cruise line, you just need to detail your ages, travel likes and dislikes, expectations for your cruising experience (tour / sightseeing preferences, educational or lecture interests, individual activities or interests, etc.), and anything else that will help reveal your personalities. Most cruise lines target specific demographics (families, younger couples, adults, older travelers, etc.) and their cruise atmosphere and on board activities will reflect that. Royal, as you mention, while catering to all, is primarily family oriented with a lot of on board activities targeted to that demographic. Celebrity, by comparison, is more adult oriented with less family attractions on board. You should be very candid with the travel agent regarding your preferences to hep assure a good fit. It would be helpful to have some ideas as to itineraries you prefer. Look at different island destinations ahead of time to get some ideas of ones that may be appealing over others. But mostly, just engage in a good Q & A session with them to cover as much information about yourselves and your travel goals as possible.

I think either is a good choice. We are partial to Celebrity as well, but Princess is one of the few lines that is currently permitted to go to Glacier Bay, as 1025cruise and CruiserBruce indicate. If that is a "must see", then Princess would be the choice of the two.

It varies by cruise line but typically most of the mass market lines are 90 days prior to sailing on 7-night itineraries for final payment. (Other lengths and certain Holiday sailings may differ). You would need to check with the individual cruise line(s) you are considering to confirm their terms for the itineraries you are considering. I only suggest this based on the questions you are asking but I again would recommend using a travel agent to assist in your planning. They would be able to answer all of your questions and provide advice with your searches. There is no charge to you for their services as they are paid by the cruise lines from your booking. No difference in published fare to you either and some offer perks for booking with them. They also have access to certain fares not generally published by the cruise lines that may be favorable, such as group rates, etc.

With most cruise lines the price you book at is locked in when booked against price increases, but is eligible for a reduction up until final payment should the price decrease. So if the price changes favorably, you can take advantage of that. Note that post final payment price decreases are typically not adjusted. Typically the earlier you book the better the price is, but it will almost certainly fluctuate up and down based on demand and available inventory as bookings progress. My suggestion would be if you are certain of the ship and itinerary and you would be eligible for price reductions should the price decrease, and the current pricing is within your budget, then I would book it and then continue to monitor your itinerary's pricing to see if it decreases prior to final payment. Just be sure you understand any terms and conditions regarding your booking, in particular with regards to refundable versus non-refundable deposits.

There is no way to prevent them from coming to the table - that's their job. But as they approach you just simply and politely say "no thank you - we are not interested". We've never had an issue with them in that manner. If you eat frequently in the MDR and sit at the same table, typically after the second approach, they will stop coming altogether. Or will just look over at you to make sure you still don't want their service. At least that has been our experience when we would eat at the MDR.

To answer this part of your question, unfortunately the short answer is no. You have to look at each cruise line and individual itineraries to see any stateroom availability. To my knowledge there is no website or search tool that coordinates all cruise lines and itineraries by stateroom availability as this is very fluid and changes constantly. In addition, cruise lines typically do not release available inventory data publicly for that kind of search. That data is held privately for a number of business reasons. Your best bet to find what you want is to determine a preferred cruising time and itinerary and go from there. Picking a cruise line may be a bit more difficult as they cater to different demographics and offer different cruising styles to appeal to a broad base of customers. I would suggest contacting a travel agent and working with them of sorting this - and all of your stateroom questions - with them. That is what they are in the business to do and they have a strong partnership with the cruise lines to accomplish this.

The average Bermuda October daytime temperature is in the high 70's to 80 degrees F. Water temps are also still in the high 70's. The NY weather departing and returning on the first and last days obviously will be cooler common to that time of year. But it should get warmer towards Bermuda as being off the coast of S. Carolina it is affected by the Gulf Stream. I would plan on summer clothes in Bermuda and somewhat warmer clothes for the first and last day on board. Not sure why you are concerned about white pants. Wear what you like and feel comfortable with - there are no "codes". Just my opinion.

Guess their "Suites Only" program isn't quite so. Good to know for those who cruise Princess.

I understood that. Just wondering why that occurred. But good for you!

As I understand the question of this thread, the OP is asking about a certain perk associated with suite guests only. As such, why would non suite guests be entitled to it? Asking politely would seem, IMO, to be of little value as you would be asking for something you are otherwise (by the cruise fare paid) not entitled to. Dinners with the Captain are one thing. A perk associated with a certain level of booking is another altogether.

My understanding is it available only to suite guests and then by invitation only. I don't believe non suite guests will be invited. I am not sure how the invitation process works but it may be by highest suites first on down until capacity is reached.

Celebrity Edge class ships have dedicated single veranda staterooms with attractively proportioned rates as well.

You are absolutely correct. My personal issue is that I don't like the frequent intrusion by them while I am dining or just enjoying my day as I would rarely buy any of the pictures they take. So I would prefer to not be bothered with having a picture taken in the first place. To me letting them take my picture is something I just don't want to be bothered with. Just my opinion and personal preference. Early in our cruising days we were involved in more pictures - and ultimate purchases of same - than I can count. But after 30+ years of cruising I we just cant be bothered anymore. My smartphone is just fine for all the pictures I want at this point.

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.