goofysmom99

Yes. On the flight from MCO to the hub (either IAD/EWR), I sit by the window, own the middle, and someone else sits on the aisle. I don't upgrade that first leg to coach plus. But on the long-haul, the 767 out of IAD/EWR, I upgrade my two seats to a set of the "2s" in coach plus. Going from Orlando to Barcelona this November, United has a choice of 767-400 (2-4-2) from EWR or 767-300 (2-4-2) from IAD. I actually had booked United business (thru IAD) with FBC when it first came out for $500 less than it has been ever since. But the end of April, when I was checking FBC options (do it every weekend), AA business popped up on FBC through MIA for $1600 less than my UA fare! I dialed FBC on-the-spot. Whew, the good deal was only there 24 hrs before fare went back up to well over $5K. I still can't believe my good fortune - I think first/business for less than $2K to anywhere in Europe qualifies as the holy grail (so I've quit checking).

David, when my DH and I traveled to Europe, except for a very few times we flew in first class, we'd choose an airline/aircraft that had 3-3-3 coach seating configuration. Then one of us would book the middle "extra seat" to have a passport assigned against it. Worked wonderfully and would also give us an extra checked bag which I liked, DH didn't (he used the term sherpa a lot). FBC can only book one seat per cruise reservation passenger, so no extra seats possible through them. If I can't afford business class these days, I'll still book coach directly with an airline, being sure the overseas leg is on an aircraft with 2-4-2 configuration. Then I upgrade my two seats to coach-plus on just the long-haul, overseas leg. It's actually pretty comfortable and usually waaay cheaper than premium economy.

$22-17= $5+1= $6 (still gotta do the math). 😉

I think I remember reading you were able to reprice a cruise or two with the zenith discount? If so, did they adjust/remove the military discount you already had? On the Eclipse cruise I upgraded, instead of keeping the same onboard booking number, they issued a new number altogether and new booking codes.

Military discount and onboard booking OBC are still available in current form to all but zenith and/or solos. It's X staying under the radar while chiseling away at formerly standard discounts/OBCs. Chip, chip, chip.

After booking four cruises elsewhere because I'd lost patience with X's management moves, they finally instituted a cruise-only option for zeniths, so I upgraded an Eclipse cruise (A2 to S1) for next year which I was going to let go. The new invoice came through from my TA and instead of the usual suite $200 OBC for a repo cruise, it's only $125. She asked about it: "I questioned the onboard credit for booking onboard and he said 'this is for a single rate'." I'm still trying to determine how to compute a single rate for OBC. Oh, and they didn't honor the military discount with the zenith discount. Don't know if that's because I'm solo, zenith, or it was just simply arbitrary. I'm very cranky about this on principal. Haven't decided if I'll switch back to A2 or cancel. Grumble, grumble, grumble. BTW, my Eclipse (2010 build) S1 Z-discounted price w/gratuities is $380 more than an identical cruise I've booked on Silversea (2024 build). I'd like to do both, but for sure, not in the S1 now.

My TA is unavailable and I don't know for how long. Meanwhile, there's a cruise I'd like to book. Other lines allow a booking to be transferred to an agent within X number of days. Does Silversea? I'd wait except I need an accessible cabin and there's only one left. TIA

Great photo! (You're on Summit.)

David, I'm curious, were both sauces ordered or did this come sitting in gravy with bearnaise? Thanks.

That pretty much follows X's fleet-wide menu quality cuts last year, and their reinstatement this year (and other cuts/returns as well). I noticed a big difference between cruises this past November and last month.

Jim, all the S-class ships (except RF) have only 70 suites total. Apex has 184 suites and Beyond, a whopping 204! The numbers alone disenchanted me with E-class. No way to receive personal service among hordes. BTW, I also prefer Michael's Club to the Retreat. Excellent news about the vacherin! That and the zenith discount just might win me back to X. 😉

David, did you get another eclipse photo today?

Nah. I prefer the bunny fur-covered handcuffs. Just sayin....

Concierge cabin on Summit earlier this month. Had stateroom attendant push the bed all the way to the chair. Plenty of room to park and turn around. Also exposed the plug so used a Euro adapter. Worked well. Will NOT work in standard veranda; in standard cabin, bed is already up against the chair.

From X's FAQs: If your assistive device is 23 inches or less, it will fit through a standard stateroom door. If your assistive device is 32 inches or less, it will fit through an accessible stateroom door.