Peggy Tuten

I'm thinking of doing this as I've read that it's beneficial to the bartender who sells me this, but how does this get added to my card? Do I have to get a new card?

I prefer rock, albeit quieter, much better than the boring, repetitive pop music played on the Edge. Probably more suited to a 20s age group rather than the mostly seniors on a transatlantic crossing.

I was on the recent Edge TA and would avoid booking an Edge Class ship in the future. We did like the infinite veranda - put the window all the way down and much like a balcony. And, since it wasn't hot (didn't need AC), we could put the window down a bit at night to listen to the sea. I missed the promenade for walking that most older ships have, although the walking track on the Edge was nicer than expected. I liked the way it double looped around through 2 decks, giving you a hill. Hated the rooftop "movie" theatre. Not enough seating and couldn't use when raining. Would prefer an actual theatre or something indoors for movies. Too many speciality dining restaurants taking up too much space. And as others have noted - does the few # of people buying top end designer watches, other jewelry and handbags justify the space involved? And, no place to view from the front of the ship unless you wanted to go to gym.

Thanks for the reminder about ports after Rome. Last EU port is the Azores. But it looks like I may be able to find an office in Majorca. I just don’t plan on doing much shopping after Rome and don’t want to lug my purchases around in case a Customs Officer wants to see them as they have the right to do. They usually don’t sometimes I have had to show them.

Thanks for the info - I do know how it works at airports- have done it many times - just haven’t been able to find out if there is an office at the port. Probably not worth the hassle as I’m not likely to spend much more than the minimum required.

Given the current great exchange rate, I hope to do a bit of shopping in Rome prior to a transatlantic cruise. I’ve gotten the VAT refund before at airports, but this is my first TA. Does anyone know if there is a VAT refund office at the port?

We shall see if it ends up being a good deal or not. The base cost for a concierge cabin on my cruise is up $ 278 pp from yesterday. I look at every sale as I've paid in full and looking for a Best Price Guarantee refund in the form of onboard credit.

I'm at 30 days and still waiting for my FCC - my TA did nothing to help expedite or try to reserve a future cruise for us. However, I did call Celebrity a few days ago to reserve for a Fall cruise as the category I wanted is close to selling out - and was able to reserve it by just paying the taxes which is much less than the deposit. When the FCC is issued, I'll use that to pay the balance. Will still have a few hundred extra in FCC left and don't know how to use - suggestions would be welcome.

I was on a theme cruise last month on the Summit. My cabin mate arrived too late (traveled from different cities) to have MDR lunch on the first day. Had to ask for the afternoon hors d'oevres and several times they didn't arrive - not terribly appetizing anyway. No special check in line. Concierge rarely available at Guest Services. Since we had a drink package, never did drink the sparkling wine so left it for our steward. No invite to helipad for sail away. In my opinion, not work the extra cost, especially on a theme cruise. And, if yours is a music cruise, like mine, you'll spend very little time in the cabin anyway. I've booked an inside for next years themed cruise. But, its a beautiful ship and we had a fabulous time - hope you do too.

I was on a Summit charter last month. I kept a mask clipped to my cabin key holder. I prefer to use the stairs when possible but when I used an elevator, I put on the mask. Also in any area that got crowded, like walking through the dining room or buffet areas.