CruiserBruce

If the ship fits the old locks, most, but not 100% of the time, will use the old locks. If the ship is too big, it MUST use the new locks.

Iceland air doesn't fly non-stop between those cities. They always have a stop in Iceland. Locking to non-stops only can severely limit your choices, although less when flying East Coast to Europe.

Make this your home page on Cruise Critic: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/ Ports boards are here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/2-ports-of-call/

Discussed here many, many times. A full transit is always more desirable. You are missing, unless you take an excursion that completes the Canal on a ferry, about 3/4s of the distance of the Canal. There can be logistical issues for some people in terms of one way flights to start of cruise, or home from ending. But, IMHO, not really that big an issue. But if all you can do is a partial, go for it.

2 hours is fine for us on Maui, but that is partly because the whales are much more visible and active there, and partly because we go on small boat operators who don't have restrooms on board.

There are many options discussed here almost daily. Just takes looking around the board. Shuttles...QLS, Jiffy Jeffy, Go Shuttle. Approach them as a possible private transfer just for your group, not a shared shuttle. Also frequently mentioned would be Larry's Limo.

Each of those ports is covered in great details down the board, so some reading would be very beneficial. We don't know what excursions are specifically offered by NCL in those ports. We don't know what your budget is, or any limitations you may have.

None will have a shuttle from LAX...too far away. There are several threads here on hotels in the Long Beach area.

Holland America. All cabin levels.

But cabana rentals are listed in the excursion area.

Agree.

One of the complexities of sailing out of Tampa. Happens sometimes.

You already have an active thread from Thursday, just downthe board? Why start another?

Private vendors can also be found on the Ports boards. They might add more, but no way to be sure. Sometimes there are various physical limitations to more excursions. Get on a waitlist if they have one.

Premium package has always offered at a discount in advance. Maybe not on Grand Voyages? Not aware they have ever offered pre sailing discounts for the other levels.

Don't book through Rail Europe. They will be more expensive. Book directly at the website for the train company 4 months prior to the trip for the best rates.

City or port?

I would book it myself, if for no other reason that if I cancel, it will probably be easier to get those miles back direct into my account. Don't know how you would do that through EZair.

You can wear shorts around the ship during the day.

Take a look at the Italy board, here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/464-italy-ports/ Discussed there frequently. Train is a common recommendation.

If there are any available, yes. Single day use can only be arranged on board.

To be clear, there is only ONE Hilton at the airport. The Hilton Garden Inn is not at the airport.

Probably the most frequently asked question on this board. It doesn't matter.

Yes. By Mother Nature or the ship, depending on where the ship is. The question is, if the ship is heating the water, will it be warm enough...an individual decision.

I have never heard a hotel refuse to hold bags for incoming or departing guests.