CruiserBruce

Yes. It has been reported by several people on many threads the "just pay the difference" policy is in effect.

The most recent post on that thread was two hours AFTER the OP posted their thread. One might note the name of that thread.

As this has absolutely nothing to do with Alaska, I would be asking it on the RCI board, here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/51-royal-caribbean-international/

Where does your cruise stop? Florence or Naples? If so, you could do one or both of those trips with those port stops. It would be less time just driving, and more time for the sights. Otherwise, the distances aren't huge. I definitely think you could do them. It might leave you with more of a memory of driving, rather than Italy, tho.

See this "Sticky" at the top of the board, where this question should have been posted:

Perfectly reflective of what is going on all around the US. Surprise.

If you made them on the website, they will appear on the app eventually. On our last cruise in July, they showed up well in advance. Recent reports, much discussed here, is they don't appear on the app until a few days before sailing.

2 on a 5 day cruise? Highly unlikely. Might not even be 1.

Correct.

Taxis are easy because they will be lined up and move out quickly. You may need to wait for Uber/Lyft to arrive. There isn't really a need for an operation like GoPort because the drive to the airport is 15 minutes. But, if you look around you will find some vans towing trailers at Port Everglades. Of course they are a rip off, because you have to wait for them to fill, and they will charge you $20 or 25 per person, where the taxi will be less than $20 for the taxi and however people you can get in it.

Private vendors will get you back in time, as long as you plan within your port time window. Their business depends upon it. What time do you depart Cabo?

I would start by doing a couple things. First, reading around this board, and the boards that cover your other ports. Second, I would be looking at the excursions offered by the ship to get an idea of popular sites in those ports.

Conrad St James. Between Buckingham Palace and Westminster. Tube station across the street. Might be a bit more expensive...is a 5 star hotel in a great location.

There are many threads here on hotels. Try Hampton Brickell. Great location and hotel, recommended often.

You realize most of the crew is not from the Netherlands?

And it may not generate points for your frequent flyer account, if you have one.

Holland America typically has at least one ship there during your summer.

Again, the Celebrity board: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/16-celebrity-cruises/

Did you ask on the Celebrity board, here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/16-celebrity-cruises/ Or look on the St Thomas port schedule, here: https://www.*****/cruise/ship-schedule/

Day of the week? Traffic can be a serious factor.

Well, as we have cruised 3 times this year with the SBP, I think I have an idea on how it works. I know the water from the tap is just fine, and the water cans can be refilled form the tap. So if I was worried about 15 drinks, I would be refilling a water can a couple of times, rather than getting 6 cans of water per day. Plus, if you need water (like I do, as a kidney stone deterrent, and after workouts), its available at all meals and dining locations, free.

You will transit, but still show a passport to a machine, which will print a pass into the "in transit" area. Your luggage will be checked to Venice...you won't see it in Toronto.

I don't recall any discounts in the specialty restaurants in a very long time. I doubt there is anything on the horizon. Given the benefits of the HIA package, the extra charge restaurants are already busier than pre-Covid.

This could depend on your airline status, class of service on the plane, even the credit card you paid for the tickets with.

Agree with this idea. There are dozens of threads over there with hotel recommendations. Seattle is not cheap in the down town area, but staying at the airport misses all the nice things about downtown Seattle, which are many. There are also many transport ideas.