Thanks, all, for your comments.

I'm particularly curious how tips & alcohol work on the ship. I'd
love some solid perspective on this.

Parking in Seattle remains an open issue. With the timing of the
embarkation and departure, we won't be staying at a Seattle hotel,
but rather driving in from elsewhere. Actually, I do plan to get
a Seattle hotel for my parents, who are flying in, and perhaps I
can work out some subtle substitute parking arrangement with them.

The travel agent told me not to worry about booking shore excursions
until spring. If something has a chance to fill up, I usually book
it well in advance (this cruise, for instance). So is that OK?

I definitely wonder about the typical timing to settle all the
various details.

Thanks!