We just did the Panama Canal San Pedro-Tampa with RCI. We avoided ship excursions and booked with members of our roll call. One in particular was just amazing in Puntarenus Costa Rica with Thumbs Up Tours.
We've found the beds in the suites can vary by ship. After the first night if needed I ask our steward for a mattress topper. I also prefer the foam form pillow one of my first requests on day one. DH gets the feather pillow.
I would taxi rather than use the hotel shuttle...On your timeframe and less expensive. Most hotels taxi's will be lined up on cruise day...they know the schedules.
Not really...but unfortunately it's not in the category of suites we usually book. But we'll certainly make do. Taking the extended family with us when they can cruise is what's it all about for us at this point in our life. You just never know.
"Ridiculous" Hmmm. Some beautiful scenery can be viewed and has been on many of my flights. I guess you've never flown over the Grand Canyon, Alaska Glaciers. Iceland and some parts of Europe & Asia etc etc.
Of course Cosol came through for you. They have several tour bus and drivers so will fill their bus accordingly from each ship and their arrival times. Enjoy what I know will be a great day !!!
We cruised the Mexican Riviera this past January...saw one from a distance. Also just did the Panama Canal San Pedro to Tampa last month...saw no whales.
We sailed on Jewel end of July for their Arctic Circle itinerary. We're D+ and were in an OS so we could use either lounge however they did use the Viking Crown lounge (D+ & Pinnacles) since there were so many upper level cruisers. Suite guests with no status could only use the SL. We certainly preferred the VC .... just amazing views nightly !!!
We just got a few local currencies from our bank. Did it online very easy to do. Option to ship it to me or pick it up at our local bank. Also you might try AAA if you're a member.
I had no problems doing them online to apply them to my final balance due about 3 weeks before it was due just to make sure they went through with no problems.
Agree it doesn't matter at all. Choose the cabin location best suited to you while you're onboard. We usually opt for mid-ship with cabins above/below regardless of which side that happens to be.