Dancer Bob

The problem is hard-sided bags. My soft-sided carryon, even though it's the maximum size when stuffed, fits into very narrow spaces because, as CDNPolar points out, it can be reshaped to fit what's available. Same with coat and personal item (backpack)- they stull into the space over the hard-sided bags. But I still use gate check when it's offered.

I recall Air France and I think BA using carryon tags a few years ago, but not recently.

My flight from Toronto to Paris last week had a few empty middle seats, so some people did win. Coming back yesterday, completely full. Domestic flights in France completely full.

Just did two connections in CDG. Took less than 1/2 hr to walk between 2E Hall L and 2F. First time there was no one in front of me at the automated Passport gate, except the gate rejected me, so I had to go to a person. Total time maybe 3 minutes. Coming back, the gates weren't in service but very short line, maybe 5 minutes. But other instances have been over an hour. No way to predict, a few minutes change in your arrival time could mean a big difference.

As it happens, I'm on an Air France flight tonight that has a lot of empty seats, they are offering to block the adjacent seat- for $150. This is only the second time in several years my flights haven't been full. (And the flight I'm connecting to is full.) Generally, I agree with CDNPolar. The AF A350 have a pair of (extra charge) seats at the rear, the B787 don't.

I suspect their advertising that there is overhead space for everyone is only if they enforce carryon limits.

Researching and planning. Now, I know exactly where I'm going, if AUH were to be cheaper (it isn't) but when I originally checked, I didn't. If the OP already has flights booked and RS cancels, they already have some parameters and known costs taken care of, for a quick decision.

Prices for AUH have been comparable to DXB, and the transfer is a lot more complicated than just getting on the RTA Metro for a few stops (and I already have a NOI card).

Although the OP wants premium economy, that might change things.

There is no way to predict. My next trip to Dubai in March, I checked as soon as the flights opened, it was the same price as last year, I booked. As of yesterday, which is about when I normally book, it was $75 more expensive.

Personally, I prefer AF to DL, although I travel back in the cheap seats.

Medipac, and I presume all others want an emergency contact. Will they expect this contact to make decisions for you- DNR, removal of life support, probably a bunch of other things I haven't thought of? If this person isn't willing to make these decisions, can they use this as a excuse to deny coverage?

I've always assumed the cruise lines want an emergency contact so they have someone to chase if you managed to skip out without paying your bill. But will they also expect this person to make decisions, especially medical decisions- DNR, removal of life support, etc- for you? If so, needs some serious thought who I name. Would this be country-specific?

Price will depend on "availability and demand". And "expect to" doesn't actually promise less than 199%

The OP's fare is for 2 people? The business class fare quoted seems to be for one?

Waiting until March is definitely risky. Does RS not want you to book because they may cancel the excursion?

Can't remember- does Canada require an eTA for US citizens now? ETIAS has been delayed until 2025. Going through YYZ, you would also have to juggle the return flight.

16.55 is awkward, a long time to be sitting but not really long enough to do anything. Since it's a US port, there will be a push to get you off the ship quickly. Usually there is a ship's transfer which includes a city tour, for late flights such as yours, and may be a cost-effective solution.

The Brindiamo package has been withdrawn. I was able to get a non-alcohol package with my next booking in 2024, but it seems difficult to obtain as a separate package.

The people who found the Sky Princess to be disappointing will not likely be lurking on the Princess board. I found Sky Princess to be a very ordinary experience, not good value, and agree with Hlitner.

Especially, I found the muster drill to be a complete shambles. In spite of having plenty of time to figure out what to do, every person lined up ahead of me at the muster station was at the wrong station- many did not even know their cabin number!

Just check the muster time, which you might not be able to until after you're on the ship.

Thinking more in terms of overhead bins and if larger bins makes the cabin feel more cramped.

Those direct flights are on an E195, correct? Does anyone know if Porter's are configured for long haul?

If their behaviour is so OUTRAGEOUS why would you want to travel with them?

Much of that is inaccurate. English is the working language of the hotel staff, all staff are required to speak enough English for their job functions. All safety annoucements are in English, if it's not, it doesn't concern you.

What drinks are included depends on the fare/package you pick. Fountain water is free, it's service you pay for. Most posters here agree the cheapest fares are not really good value. I've always found Costa's single supplements to be very competitive.

There are many direct flights from Europe to the Caribbean, especially the French islands, which are overseas departments of France.

I also had a phone problem on Princess, although I'm not going to spend my cruise looking at a computer, so I didn't try very hard.

I will admit it's easier to get to Europe than to Costa's Caribbean ports, so I haven't done a Caribbean cruise since they left the US market. I'm assuming you have a passport and are not looking for closed-loop cruises.

Make sure you're comparing apples to apples on the fares. Costa offers a number of fare levels with different inclusions.

In general, I agree with mapleleafs. But looking at 10.30 PM arrival, desire for convenience, and accepting you don't have much time for sightseeing, I suspect the Aerobus might not be your best option. I would rate  "24 hr reception" as more important than "close to Las Ramblas".

Not exactly.I can't prove any of this, but my guess is that because NA phones are so horrendously insecure, having the Costa app might give NSA an entry point to European data, and storing data in the US is the same as giving it to the NSA (not to mention all the commercial "monetisers"). I firmly believe the US is crying so piteously about Huawei because the US has been doing exactly that for years.

The easy workaround is to go back to paper-based menus and accounts for North Americans.

I've done the opposite direction, 21 days Dubai-Rome several times. Yes, ages skew very strongly to 60+. But that's chronologial age, not attitude. It may not be as dire as you expect.

Typically, airfare negates any savings on last-minute cruises.