LB_NJ

I did a land trip to Alaska a year ago. Had previously planned a land & cruise but then COVID. Suggestions: Fly into Anchorage (non-stop if you can), we rented a car the other option is to try and use the train (if you rent a car book as early as you can due to limited availability). I think you could easily do 2 weeks for the land portion but that is up to you. There are various other web sites that can give you an idea where to stay and what to do. When your finished with the land portion you can return your car to Anchorage airport (the one-way fee for picking up a car at Anchorage and dropping at Seward is prohibitive). There are regularly scheduled trains and I think buses that go from Anchorage to Seward. The train ride is very nice however there may be some luggage restrictions that might be problematic depending on how much you want to transport. You might also enquire if Windstar has a transfer service from Anchorage.

It is also a common soda bottle size.

I would prefer no salt to too much salt. I have had way too many cruise meals ruined by too much salt.

Fewer cruises on a nicer cruise line. Celebrity at a minimum or step up to Oceania or above.

I have had it with the huge ships (especially the Royal line). Have done Princess, Cunard, Royal, and Oceania. Really liked Oceania Insignia. So thinking it might be worth spending a little more and going on Windstar this winter in the Caribbean. Is there anything I should know before booking the cruise? Such as whether to book direct or use a travel agent (I don't have what I would consider a "good" travel agent so I would have to find one first)? Anything else I should know, like is it really better to get all-inclusive rather than pay as you go, we are NOT big drinkers (we would be hard pressed to finish 2 bottles of wine we would bring onboard for a 7 day cruise)? Thank you in advance for any help.

Squaremouth and insuremytrip

I did EMED once and it worked. May have to try again since it looks like CVS is not doing them unless you also use the minuteclinic.

$18, however that was before inflation hit hard. Usually the best prices have been on black Friday. You can always book now and recheck periodically.

Generally, the regular coffee on the Royal and Celebrity ships is pretty bad and I usually take a couple of sips and stop, and I will drink almost anything.

Passport you HAVE to do now. Vaccination possibly later.

If you plan on parking at the port arriving too early can cause problems as you will be hit with the traffic of the departing cars.

Also liked the Branzino. Generally liked the restaurant if you get a decent discount and have on-board credit you need to use.

So far post COVID I have not been happy with Royal. I have an upcoming cruise in a few weeks. If the food is not any better that will be my last Royal cruise, for at least a decade.

The fresh squeezed orange juice at breakfast.

I live in NJ and don't mind the Manhattan port (Oceania also docks in Manhattan), I wish the parking rate was a bit lower. Brooklyn however is a real pain.

FYI, it has to be an actual Starbucks. If it is CAFE PROMENADE and they use Starbucks product the card is still good. Also, even if the card is only good for single expresso shot beverages it can still save money if you drink Cappuccinos or Lattes. Also, the card is shareable. Depending on what else you drink, it might make sense to buy the refreshment package

Absolutely great beach even if it is touristy. If, when you face the water, you head to your left you may find less crowed areas if you walk a little. There is a small side area that is great for younger children. You might want to take water shoes if you decide to visit other parts of the island.

Just leave some extra time if they move you to a lot further away.

I think it is 17oz cans/bottles.

We usually do the refreshment package since we don't do that much alcohol. Between the sodas, bottled water, fresh squeezed orange juice in the morning (if they still do that), and the espresso drinks we usually justify the refreshment package. As was previously said prices vary widely. In the past it has been possible to book and then rebook when/if prices drop. Excursions are usually posted closer to the sailing. If you have mytime dining (instead of traditional) I recommend booking the seating times in advance. There can be long lines at dinner. One thing you did not mention was travel health insurance. You should really look into that.

I maybe go to guest services one or two times on a longer trip. For me that is not that much of a benefit

On a cruise a few years ago the arrival time into St. George was noon, with a canon blast. Departure time from Hamilton was 2pm.

No real difference other than decor.

Just trying to figure out any advantages besides a bigger room and a concierge which we probably wouldn't use. for us a big advantage would be access to better dining however I don't think there is a coastal kitchen on the ship.

I wonder if the AI has a lot more people using wifi and that is clogging the system. Never went above around 40 N. Was a cruise to Bermuda.