[MelZ]

Was Internet access available and reasonable on the ship or did you wait until port days? We did both, internet on ship is slow and expensive, on port days it's free or 30 min. free with a purchase. Caution off ship internet is not secured.
How about cell service? For a week or two I don't worry about communication with the family but for four months it has to be a consideration. We didn't use our phone but many on ship did use skype.
What type cabin do you recommend? Over the years we have had everything and were comfortable in all. I would think that you may spend a a bit more time in the cabin on such a long cruise but maybe not. We didn't spend much time in the cabin so we got the least expensive we could live with.
How did the line handle tips? Weekly, monthly? Tips are billed to you shipboard account and sre charged to you card at the end of the cruise. We gave extra to staff who were helpful ie. Sundries not used, snacks, and we gace excess clothing to the staff. You can buy unlimited laundry and pressing from the ship you you actually need less clothes that you think.
How about pricing? Are you able to get the usual 30 to 40 percent discount off brochure prices? We didn't pay book rates, shop wisely.
We're the menus tailored to the local cuisine? menus were a mix of local cuisine and cruise ship cuisine.
Did you do the ship shore excursions or go on your own? we used ship excursions, private excursions and went off on our own
What did you think of the port lectures? most were excellent small percentage didn't interest us. This is a personal preference.
And finally how long did you plan for your trip? about 15 months

hope this helps