CruiserBruce

The dress code doesn't change. If there are still formal nights, there will still be people dressing formally. What cruise line are we talking about? What are their dress codes? In the end, dress as you please, within the dress code.

The menus you are seeing are the actual menu for that day on the ship, not a sample. The problem with trying to see the actual menu on any given day on your cruise, is the itinerary the same? If its the same as your cruise, the menu will likely be the same. In other words, if your ship is sailing the same 7 day itinerary week after week, you can expect today's menu to be the same as menu 2 or 3 or 4 weeks from today. Otherwise, generally, you can't see what nights are prime rib, for example.

I "fourth" the idea of just having the ship take care of your laundry. Look on the RCI board, here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/51-royal-caribbean-international/ for any deals or packages.

Whichever airport they can get the most advantageous (to them) air fares. What they have done in the past is not predictive of what they will do in the future. Its all about what air fares they can get at the time.

Thread just down the board says the World Cruise 2026 hasn't come out yet. It's always first. Europe 2026 probably won't be out until late summer or well into Fall.

Its seems to be up to the bartenders and waiters. Has been going on for over a year...

Since March 1, you can only do it via the app.

Over a year from now? Far too early to book. Some hotels open bookings 365 days out, but many open under 365 days.

As frequently discussed here, weather in Alaska can vary frequently, even several times in a day. Its all about layers, with the outer layer needs to be wind and waterproof. It would seem very difficult not to have a checked bag.

The pizza absolutely doesn't compare. On Zaandam, you can choose from whatever they have prepared. On the Pinnacle class ships, your pizza is custom ordered and built just for you, fresh. Worlds apart.

The 26 Glacier tour is excellent and highly recommended. But with your mind already leaning heavily negative, I doubt you will enjoy it.

You don't need to speak French, although it would be helpful, particularlywhen it comes to menus. Signage is pretty good. Lots of people speak English. You could rent a car in Bayeux so you could do custom designed days. I didn't get the sense that many tour providers there will build custom tours. The distances aren't huge, but you will want to lump some things in close proximity into one day.

You want to stay at Aulani? That answers your hotel question right there.

@gdlamberth, are you planning on renting a car, or use tour companies? I think a rental car would work best for you, and your sites to visit list is awesome....however there are many options for tours to help you complete your list. We did a very similar trip ( our third visit) to Bayeux and the D Day area just last summer.

You indicated you needed to know how soon you needed to book the hotel. If you don't need to put down a deposit, nothing should restrict you from booking now. People ask this a lot...you can monitor prices and rebook if cheaper, then cancel the more expensive booking.