SbbquilterUT

All we ever saw was the dark as it is a camera facing into the dark. I agree what you are seeing is normal.

We have never booked in the Retreat as it was not a value to us instead we book a more luxurious cruise line for less than a suite and enjoy it very much.

We have always seen plenty of chairs, but they are not all poolside where I have witnessed the most saved chairs.

I understand your concern. There are specific hours for your family. Other cruisers may not be happy if your kids are occupying loungers when there are no others available to an adult - just a thought.

There is so much information on the ports on UTube, travel groups and the internet I would not pay that kind of money for a guide. You can gets lots of information in the Alaska section of Ports here on CC.

We personally often cruise in interiors as it allows us to sail longer cruises. Your deck 2 Oceanview may have noise from anchors if they are used but other than that would be fine. To me that is a lot more money for a window - we spend little time in our cabin except to sleep so I would save my money. Have a great time.

I could fit my iPad in the safe.

There were dance classes during sea days run by the dancers - just a bit of fun to try.

We have had better food on Celebrity than Royal Caribbean in the past 2 years. Very subjective but just my opinion.

Can recommend Those Dam Boat Guys - I love the lights at night and a bit cooler.

Another option up to Amsterdam is the train - nearby and easy to navigate.

Consider how much balcony time there may be on a springtime crossing - May have a bit of cool weather so the IV is fine.

That time slot is for purpose of purchasing only - you will have access to it for the entire day that you purchase.

Did you do a complete mock booking (book all the way up until you would pay, then do not pay). That is how I can determine the true cost and what is included.

Good to know - headed out for 38 days very soon and my packing should stay the same.

We always travel carry on and use the ship laundry - I send underclothes (hand wash those I care for that way at home), pajamas, casual shirts, casual shorts with instructions warm wash. So far nothing has been ruined. We also wear fabrics which can be washed in cabin and dried on hangers (use metal hooks so they can be hung from the ceiling to dry). Dress clothes sent for dry cleaning if needed though they really get that dirty. This has worked on trips as long as 30 days including cold and warm weather destinations. Good luck.

We have used cab to the port - set fee and available..

I vote for Spamalot!

They have to clear the ship for passenger count. And until it is zero the B2B cruisers cannot leave and then return to the ship.

We sailed the Solstice twice this January and had a great time - she is an older ship but suited us fine. We appreciate the relative lack of children on Celebrity meaning deck space is not full of amusement park items and it is a bit quieter. January is a lovely time of year in the Caribbean.

From our experience we check in for each but choose a late time for the second to free up the early space for someone else. You actually do not have to check in for the second as they will know on board, but if you don't you may be asked to got to Customer service and give them your credit card info as that does not travel with the reservation.

I would also consider the length and expense of the air travel to Europe, particularly if your kids are quite young. We lived an 8 hour time zone change away from our family and flying with little ones and the days it took to truly acclimate to the time difference was longer than we young adults. My kids enjoyed Alaska as young teens but choose warm vacations when we can only be away a week.

Our DS has traveled with his insulin for many years - we use a cool pack in an insulated lunch bag along with a couple chocolate milk (his choice for raising low blood sugar). Since insulin can be stored at room temperature for the duration of the trip he has not had any problems.

We book as soon as they are released and we see the itinerary we want - for us the price has always increased over time so we are happy to book our cabin.

Rotterdam is a short train ride from Amsterdam, I would stay there and train down in the morning to board.