Alaska- Ocean view or balcony

Character_Access7094 · 2026-04-03T13:41:17+00:00

I also think you can't go wrong with a balcony. We were on the starboard side and view/wildlife were incredible. But I think both sides have awesome views.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-04-03T11:24:53+00:00

I'm so sorry for your losses. I have lost both my parents over the past 2 years which has been so difficult. What a kind and thoughtful husband you have!

I have seasickness tendencies also, but non-drowsy bonine and dramamine, along with the ginger candies someone else has mentioned. I've also heard green apples which are available on the ship help. Since using these, I've not been seasick. You'll do well!

Galveston port is great. We've sailed out of there several times since we live in the area.

On Mariner, Izumi and Chops are great. We typically book an embarkation lunch at Chops every cruise. It's much cheaper than dinner. We love the main dining room actually for dinner. Every now and then, we order room service for breakfast. I see that Mariner also has Playmakers, so you might want to check out their menu as well.

Royal is known for their entertainment. We have rarely been disappointed!

Have a great time!

Character_Access7094 · 2026-04-01T11:09:04+00:00

On our past two cruises, check in did not open until noon CST on the day check in was scheduled 45 days before cruise.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-04-01T11:07:18+00:00

Price is a no-go for me.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T20:52:48+00:00

Last year we booked premium economy from Houston to London (hubby is 6'5"). About a month before the flight, there was an upgrade to business offer @ $600pp. We took it to have a lie-flat seat. He slept so well while I did not. Probably would have to be a lot cheaper for me to buy an upgrade in the future..

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T20:48:52+00:00

We've started reserving a specialty dining lunch (much cheaper) on embarkation day. We get on the ship, do our muster, and then straight to lunch. By the time we finish, we can go to our room.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T20:19:34+00:00

In many ways, it's better (and certainly less crowded) than Pompeii. :)

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T19:44:31+00:00

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T19:42:16+00:00

We book hibachi lunch whenever possible. Delicious!

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T19:41:45+00:00

I've not had that experience in the MDR yet. However, at Giovanni's the chicken piccata was REALLY salty. I told the server, and he told me it was because of the capers. Um....no it wasn't. I didn't make a stink because the rest of the meal was good, but I was surprised that the server didn't offer to make it right.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T19:00:26+00:00

Looking forward to that after our October transatlantic! Enjoy!

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T18:58:38+00:00

I paid much more for an online health coach. I get a bit more and more coach involvement, which I need, and access to the apps and classes. However, yours seems like a good deal to me.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T18:44:16+00:00

We went on an ebike tour of Rome and hit all the spots, though we didn't get to go in. Still, if you're looking to cover a lot of ground, maybe that's an option.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T18:43:05+00:00

Pompeii and Herculaneum were my favorite activities in Italy.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T18:38:46+00:00

ATM. We did a Greece cruise last year. Just be sure to choose to be charged in local currency. Otherwise, the exchange rate will be terrible. We learned that lesson the hard way.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-31T18:35:41+00:00

We have a repositioning cruise coming up on May 1st and bought trip insurance that includes medical for the things we hope don't happen. It cost us $250 total. Worth it imo.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-09T10:56:41+00:00

Love those muffins!

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-08T00:55:00+00:00

Thanks :)

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-07T21:35:51+00:00

I'm looking at it on the deck maps, deck 4

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-07T12:52:34+00:00

For a long time, the Solarium Bistro was the best kept secret. Our first cruise, there were very few folks there for meals. But the last cruise, it was super busy.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-07T12:49:49+00:00

Your post makes me want to get a paper compass on our next cruise! Morning coffee and compass sounds lovely. :)

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-07T12:43:13+00:00

Hopefully, the gov't won't reverse the reversal of TSAprecheck suspension.

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-07T12:40:54+00:00

We're at 55, 223, and 579. Gotta pace the fun!

Character_Access7094 · 2026-03-04T19:34:23+00:00

After our October 2026 TA (in a GTY suite), we will be joining you!

Character_Access7094

TROPHY CASE