leaveitallbehind

All part of the experience - LOL.

If not prepaid prior to the cruise, gratuities are automatically charged daily to your on board SeaPass account. Unless you opt out of automatic gratuities with guest services, you do not pay in cash nor wait in any kind of line to do so. You can always pay individuals that you feel deserve more than the recommended auto charged amount in cash on your own, but that is strictly optional. BTW all on board purchases (except with the casino) are cashless and transacted by way of your SeaPass card.

Understood. But the original question was regarding the current situation and a passenger on board Harmony presently indicated that there apparently is some damage to the pier ship cushions and they were unable to dock on this cruise.

I think there is just curiosity about the fact the the OP has asked this same question on at least 6 different boards. Perhaps they are just covering their bases to try and find and answer.

Size and age are not the primary drivers for us. Cruise line target demographics, on board cruising style and atmosphere, along with itineraries are the more important considerations. For us, at least with the mass market cruise lines, that typically lands currently on Celebrity, in particular with the adult, not family, focus and the more pure cruising atmosphere on board as a result. From a ship standpoint, more of a sedate, less crowded cruising design versus overcrowded floating amusement parks.

Asked only as with four docking positions its odd none were available, but maybe the Captain only had limited options. Again just curious and it is what it is. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Posted on RCCL, Celebrity, Carnival, HAL, Princess, as well as the Jamaica board.

Thanks for clarifying. Just curious, as there are four pier docking positions, was the damage just to your intended pier or more extensive to affect other options as well - and were there other ships in port then?

Other than the two mentioned by @Essiesmom, the US dollar is actually the preferred currency on most Caribbean islands. But change from a purchase may be offered in local currency, so it is best to confirm your preference in US dollars with your purchases.

Yes. Through the on line planner.

I wasn't aware of their closings - been there four times and I guess have always been in season for them - LOL. Have gotten to know the owners son their who runs the place. His parents live in CA as I understand. Very good resort run very well for their guests IMO. Have never been thirsty or hungry there!

Spending the day here is: https://costamayabeachresort.com/

Broken? In what way? Not heard of that. They are made of reinforced concrete and steel pile construction. There are actually two connected piers that can handle four ships in two different docking directions at once. IMO any damage preventing a docking would have to be to the main connecting pier from the mainland, and as mentioned, I can find nothing indicating that. The currents and winds there can be strong and can pose a challenge to docking, depending on wind direction and docking pier. To me that would seem to be the more likely reason for a missed port of call there. We have never missed a port of call there but have been on ships that have had to deal with strong wind conditions when docking and departing.

I'm far more fearful of setting foot in any of the major US cities at present than I am of visiting Cozumel. And I think the concerns in Haiti and potential effect with Labadee have been rather well substantiated since RCCL has suspended that port of call at present. JMO

Just to be clear on this person's form of dementia, as there are various forms exhibiting various symptoms: ....he was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a group of diseases caused by progressive nerve cell loss that affects a person’s behavior and not memory. Further: Frontotemporal disorders (FTD), sometimes called frontotemporal dementia, are the result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Many possible symptoms can result, including unusual behaviors, emotional problems, trouble communicating, difficulty with work, or difficulty with walking. But most importantly I just hope he can be found and that his family can find some comfort.

I believe it is free in port and for a fee at sea (with reservations needed) All the others you mention also require reservations.

Thanks for the update and correction, and that wouldn't surprise me. As I said my info goes back a few years.

The last information I have, which is several years dated, is the only fee-based kids programs are the late night party zone, which is $7 per hour per child from 10PM - 1 AM, and the royal babies and tots drop off nursery, which is $6 per hour per child during the day and $8 at night. If this is incorrect and someone has updated information perhaps they can provide it.

In 1991 I was in Puerto Rico on one of, at the time, frequent business trips there and was fortunate enough to have my wife with me on that particular trip. We were in Old San Juan for dinner and afterwards strolled by the OSJ piers where RCCL Sovereign of the Seas was docked. We were completely blown away with (at the time) her size, design, and elegance that we looked at each other and both said at the same time, one day we will be on her ourselves. A year later in late August of 1992 I surprised her with what was then our tenth anniversary with a 7-day eastern Caribbean cruise. This was to be our first of 50+ over then next 32 years. As impressed as we have been with numerous newly launched RCCL and Celebrity ships over the years since, Sovereign, as the ship that launched our cruising world, by far remains the most impressive to us.

Interesting shot in the background of the NCL ship at their private island, Great Stirrup Cay, just across from CocoCay.

Yes, everything is per person, but based on double occupancy as both of you would need to buy it. I believe champagnes are only included in the premium package. Here is a pdf describing the two packages: Celebrity drink packages.pdf Something to consider would be to determine the cost of how often you would order a drink made from a premium package selected alcohol with an upcharge over the classic package versus the upgrade cost for both of you over the length of the cruise. If the upcharge is as you indicate at $24 per day, over a 7-day cruise that would be $168 versus how much by comparison would you pay on a per drink upcharge over that same period?

No. Both of you have to upgrade if one does. It is to prevent the opportunity of sharing the premium package.

It should. Ours was reinstated same time with the new purchase. If you used OBC to purchase the original package that is what is credited when canceling to purchase the new one. You also can call and have a rep do it for you, which we have done before, and the transactions are simultaneous. (The OBC was reinstated so as to facilitate the new purchase).

The process is very easy and as @PTC DAWG suggests OBC is reinstated quickly. Buy now, watch for a better price and if so, cancel and rebook - no penalty. You can do this up to 3 says prior to sailing.

LOL...but they are doing a brand refresh, so ...