Shmoo here

What type of guaranty reservation do you have? Is it category specific (like 9B GTY) or a restricted (like VGT or OGT)?

That's my dilemma, also. I drink caffeine-free Coke (NOT diet, regular coke). We always brought a 12 pack on of that for me to drink. I hate (yes, I'm saying "hate") that HAL has changed that policy. Yes, you cannot bring sodas onboard now. Although I've seen reports that people have be able to do so in a port stop, but not on embarkation.

You could start here: https://www.cruisetimetables.com/#depports Scroll down to the Panama section and figure out what port you want to start your cruise in. Click on the city, and it will show you dates that cruises start in that city. You'll need to figure out how to fly there on your own.

For first time DCL cruisers, yes. Online check-in is now staggered by CC level. It starts at 40 days out for Pearl, 38 for Platinum, 35 for Gold, 33 for Silver and 30 for new cruisers.

Hawaii/Tahiti on HAL Mediterranean & Westbound Transatlantic on DCL Hawaii, Princess & DCL Panama Canal, HAL & DCL Sea of Cortez, Princess

Well, that's (sort of) an easier option. But, while we've done Disney the most, I don't know that it's particularly our "favorite". We book cruises, regardless of cruise line, based on itinerary first.

Thank you! It's the first time we've been able to book a cruise with included packages and I'm still figuring things out.

OK, brain challenged me doesn't understand. With the Elite package drinks up to $15 are covered. Does that $15 dollars include gratuity? So that the drink really has to be, like, $13 plus a couple of dollars for gratuity = $15?

I've tried to look this up, but I can't find the answer. We have HIA on our cruise, Elite beverage package. Are gratuities included in that? Or do we tip when we order a drink?

I believe that poster was referring to the "bar" in your room. That's not included.

We got a whole new card with our last booster. It only has the booster listed on it, however, so we now have 2 cards.

Sadly, not everyone is on facebook. That won't work for us.

Define "best".

It's my understanding DCL no longer offers onboard airline check in. At the end of the cruise, you can leave your bags outside your door for them to take off the ship, but you must claim them in the terminal and take them to whatever transportation you've arranged to the airport, where you check your bags in yourself.

We have the paper copies with our passports, but we also have photos of them on our travel laptop and in our phones.

We had 6 days on a LA roundtrip to Tahiti. I can't recall for sure, but I'm reasonably sure we had 6 days on our westbound TA.

I use https://www.cruisetimetables.com/ You can also google each port individually to see their schedules (that's the most accuate).

Be aware this is prohibited in some countries (Japan, for instance).

Oh, I don't doubt that others do it, but when we attempted it we were asked not to.

Well, being a Virgo, my husband thinks I bring too much (and I probably do). But I really want to be prepared as we tend to take longer trips. I'm aware that availability can be sketchy and prices onboard are ridiculous. Ibuprofen Acetaminophen anti acids/gas tablets diarrhea meds sinus/cold meds first aid cream bandaids motion sickness aids (Meclizine, and hubby get the patch) eye drops vaseline Prescription stuff remains in original bottles and all generic stuff I've previously purchased small bottles of those things that I use so I don't have big bottles filling up space in suitcases.

Not very many: Disney Holland America Princess Carnival Vantage

We were asked not to do this as it makes the legs of the chair more vulnerable to being run into by those who aren't watching where they're going.

I don't know about NCL, but it's possible. I know when COVID hit, the OTC stuff was removed from other cruise line's shops. They didn't want people self medicating if they were sick, they wanted them to go the health center. Sunscreen - possibly they removed on non-reef friendly products, I don't know.

I've never found connecting rooms to be noisier than any other next door room. It mostly depends on who's in those rooms, not so much the configuration of the room. You may be able to hear your neighbors, or maybe not.... The connecting door is actually 2 doors (each door can lock on "their side" of the connecting doorway). The 2 doors are basically just as thick as the wall the door is in, possibly less so.

You don't "have" to eat in the MDR you're assigned to each evening. There are other options on the pool deck - quick serve locations (pizza, burgers, salads). There's always the Lighter Fare options on the MDR menus. And, FYI, you can always order off the kid's menu if that appeals to you. I'm know to just request "one baked potato" for dinner on occasion.