Essiesmom

Those that hate it do so because it is a European line that has not totally bought into the US mass market way of doing things. Meals are different, often smaller portions. Not a lot of satellite fast food options…it’s either MDR, buffet, or specialty restaurant. YC has its own restaurant. Caveat: I have sailed MSC six times with a seventh booked soon, all from the US, none in YC. I would love to sail her in Europe but I’m rapidly becoming a very old lady and dread the flights. The experience in Europe will not be watered down. The majority of the guests will not have English as their first language. The ship probably will board and debark guests at several of your ports. I could go on, but would just be repeating second or third hand what I have read here. EM

It’s been so long since I read the book that I downloaded the kindle edition from Amazon for $.98. I keep checking the app to see if I have a cabin assigned. I was doing foolish things last night… I find I can do a 5 night on Valiant Lady, get off and get on Magnifica for 3 nights. The inconvenience of flights is the problem. It’s fun to play…. EM

I think there will be plenty of space. I was in a 9th deck Aurea cabin on Seaside and noticed there was enough space for my upright suitcase between the night stand and the closet. Bed was in queen configuration, there was at least three feet between the night stand and the end of the couch on the other side. EM

I bet they used a gel cling…. EM

I’m thinking that the OP is of an ethnic/cultural background where rice is a staple of their diet. They plan to stay and tour in Alaska, I imagine independently, not on a group tour. And may plan to prepare some of their own meals. Sometimes after a trip, you just want some comfort food…or hope to save money. EM

Where is that endless thread that was resurrected last year? EM

Will/would they stop there to let you off? EM

In the future, if you aim your phone/flashlight toward the mirror it doubles the light. EM

Vista is quite a bit larger than Disney Magic. Vista 130,000 Disney Magic 83,000. EM

If it is in a sealed package, okay. You could bring the rice cooker and while they will confiscate it on boarding, you would get it back at the end of the cruise and use it for your land portion. Unless you like a specific kind of rice, you could also buy that in Anchorage. EM

Edited to say this applies if you are US citizens. EM

If it a closed loop cruise from a US port you can use an official birth certificate and government issued photo ID. The toddler does not need the ID. Passports are preferred but not required. I would just enter the child as a 1-17. If the website balks when you try to enter the info for the child, you might need to call. EM

Only two ships, and the HAL ship is small. EM

Welcome to Cruise Critic. There is beach, Margaritaville with a lovely free form pool. Shopping area. You can check it out here on th Ports of Call board for Caribbean islands. EM

Possibly not. Sometimes you think you are linked but you are not, and vice versa. Last cruise I went to activate at the kiosk and it told me I was already linked. EM