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I have suggested that to the concierges on the Grand/GEM Class ships. I don't see why they could not take one of the venues (or a couple of inside cabins) and create a lounge. They could have even taken the cigar lounge and used it as a Concierge's Lounge instead of a useless..pathetic arcade.

1. I was stopped in Canada. They had me take my machine OUT OF THE BAG. 2. Only CPAP machine is supposed to be in the bag. But I have included an extension cord. 3. I wonder what they do with the extra distilled water. Even for a 25 day cruise, I could not use it all. Felt sooooo wasteful. 4. If there is no room in the overhead for your CPAP, the flight attendants will find somewhere to store it. They know they can't have you check it (they don't want that responsibility). 5. I have taken overhead carry on, under the seat personal (big) item, and CPAP. I have been questioned at the gate, but then they step back when I say CPAP.

Don't forget nuts. Good source of protein and easy to eat. You can take off a bottle of water or a refillable container. No coffee off the ship.

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At least you are not on a Royal Class ship that is held hostage to Low Tide. May this voyage be worry free. Bon Voyage.

Also check with your excursion vendor to see if they will have an alternative menu for you. I am sure they will accommodate something vegan.

Side question (if you don't mind). I've heard mixed answers regarding tipping crew with US dollars while cruising in foreign waters. One YouTuber says that many of the crew come from countries that appreciate the US dollar. Is that permissible?

I would prefer the Coral but don't know if she is doing any transits. Yes, buffet is in the front/bow.

Thank you for your post, but you have to "play" by the rules. Can't take "I like this..." from a different cruise line. Princess WILL only include what they already have (aka sheldon cooper). @Ombud The only two ships in the fleet that are Panamax built are Coral and Island. They are narrow enough to go through the Historic Locks. "unTechnically", they have only one inside cabin per deck (instead of the back to back on the larger ships).

Just how much did you pay the Captain to turn the ship for your viewing pleasure?

Fingers and toes crossed that you will be as fortunate as your son with an even more intense display. Too bad you are "heading" north (bow) and your cabin is "heading" south (stern/aft). You may need to get your big boy long johns out for this event. My words do not do justice. I am soooooo excited for you.

See...I told you so. You could have seen pigeons and lights without leaving home. Spectacular.

At some point (age is one of them), just getting on a cruise is the fun. Don't need to get off at any port. I'm reaching that point that getting on in San Pedro is more appealing than flying to a foreign county to do a cruise. OP has lots of options. If they want to do Alaska, ships sail from San Francisco AND Los Angeles. I don't know if Holland or Celebrity do anything out of San Diego. OP has restrictions. One requires a scooter. Not sure how portable his/her is. Need to get in on a plane and then into a vehicle. Those are huge challenges. I won't park my car outside (I have a closed garage). I can't imagine leaving my car in a parking structure for many days. This is no different than taking a cruise from New York, or Florida, or....

@trintrav What a lovely review. I did a Diamond cruise last spring. Perfect timing for the Cherry Blossoms. So far, you have voiced the same sentiments that I had when I was on the cruise. I had been to Japan before so skipped all of the excursions and did most on my own. It is too bad that Diamond "parks" so far away from the city. Please do me a favor. My friend is the Assistant Maitre d' on the Diamond. Yalcin can be found up in the buffet/Lido Deck. I just chatted with him and his contract ends probably when you get off the ship. Stop by and tell him Renee said hello. He's tall, bald, and will be wearing a dress shirt. Hard to miss. Good guy to meet and get to know. Thank you.

I am sorry that you had to cancel your cruise from San Francisco. There will be one from Los Angeles/Alaska/Los Angeles. But I don't understand how you can fault Princess for the lack of infrastructure by the City of San Francisco. I would not expect any agent to be knowledgeable regarding a foreign city. I could not help you with your other thread and referred you to a local. (I think that was you). Good luck in finding a port that will be more user friendly.