Nachosdelux

current observations have no relevance to the weather in a few weeks.

Drinks (up to the premium limit of approx $15) are included everywhere on the ship - bars/restaurants/specialty restaurants/Luminae. If you order a drink over $15, you pay the difference, plus a 20% gratuity on the difference. So if you buy a $16 drink, you will pay $1.20 If you buy a $20 drink, you pay $6. Retreat Lounge and Luminae are exclusive to those staying in suites. (generally) Enjoy.

I just (last week) took a taxi from Galataport Istanbul Cruise Terminal to the Istanbul Airport (IST) and it was a fixed rate of 50 Euros (about $50 US) , which I though was reasonable given the distance.

I just (last week) took a taxi from Galataport Istanbul Cruise Terminal to the Istanbul Airport (IST) and it was a fixed rate of 50 Euros (about $50 US) , which I though was reasonable given the distance.

thanks.

Just got off the Explorer, Oct 4-19 Trieste to Istanbul. We had a wonderful time, great service, beautiful ship, very good food, perfect weather, I forgot to fill out the end of cruise survey, and apparently you can only do it before you leave the ship? If this is the case, is there a way to provide (very brief) feedback to the company? (There are 3 crew members that I would like to recognize for their outstanding service.) Thanks in advance.

you have nothing to worry about. if they ask you about medication, answer truthfully.

sometimes the special fares (military/first responder/etc) are not all-inclusive.

The bolded statement is not true. Airlines will only hold a flight as a last resort, and I would not count on it. I would absolutely not risk a 45 minute connection to an international flight. And i have flown more than 2 million miles. Call American and see if they will put you on an earlier flight to Miami.

you really need to ask this question? Of course it has gone down. Anyone that cruised 10, 20 or 30 years ago will tell you that.

sounds to me like the OP gave an objective opinion, which included legitimate problems. also sounds to me like you are a Carnival apologist. If you don't care about sub-par experience, that is your business, but most of us want to get what we paid for, which is a decent experience.

To answer the question, it is not normal (nor acceptable) to have to go to the bar to get drink service.

I believe that one's true personality comes out when you have had too much to drink. I have always been a happy (slightly horny) drunk. (my wife can attest) Unfortunately, there are many who become angry/loud/violent when drunk. Those are the ones who cause the problems.

This is the best advice. Unfortunately you will likely not get anywhere (except frustrated) without the services of an attorney.

there is no way I would plan to arrive the day of departure. Plan on ARRIVING in Rome at least 1 (but preferably 2) days early. If you can't do that, schedule a long layover (4+ hours) in your connecting city.

as previously mentioned, buying air tickets through the cruise line can be more of a hindrance than a value, especially when there are changes or problems. Fingers get pointed and nothing gets done. Personally, I will only book my own tickets (directly with the airline), or use a trusted travel agent.

In fairness, HAL can't predict all the circumstances that could arise if you miss your ship. If you cannot handle a 2-3 hour plane ride (in coach), a bus or taxi ride, or a brief walk, then I would either make sure you don't miss the ship (i.e get there plenty early), or cancel your cruise.

there is a bus (2 different companies) that leaves Marco Polo airport about every 3-4 hours, and costs about $20. tickets can be purchased onboard. travel time about 2 hours. Reservations are not required. https://shop.flixbus.com/search?departureCity=b2a6981d-00be-40c6-9141-57e4977b409f&arrivalCity=40de9f2f-8646-11e6-9066-549f350fcb0c&route=Venice+Marco+Polo+Airport-Trieste&rideDate=06.09.2022&adult=1&_locale=en_US&features[feature.darken_page]=1&features[feature.enable_distribusion]=1&features[feature.train_cities_only]=0&features[feature.add_return_date]=0&features[feature.add_return_date_only]=0&atb_pdid=d7d99c19-0593-49fc-8595-94c55949a882&_sp=ee5d74a5-45d8-4ee8-b61f-c4db5761505d&_spnuid=undefined

I did not know that blu-ray players were still in existence.

read his letter carefully. He mentions his rank and that he is a retired US Navy officer.

It is absolutely prohibited. You will be warned. Then you will be kicked off the ship. I know this for a fact (not me LOL)

Maybe it is a generational thing, but I find this presumptuous. First, who refers to their (retired) military rank on a cruise ship, unless asked? Do you introduce yourself to the barber or car mechanic by your rank? (FYI I retired as a US Military officer of comparable rank as the Honorable Commander, and I would never consider doing this) Also, this comes across as demanding and over the top. Just introduce yourself and perhaps offer 2 of your most important "wants". Safe travels.

thanks for the excellent review

The short answer is: It depends You have to ask Celebrity and they will give you the definitive answer.

define "best". fastest/easiest is taxi/uber. cheapest is the train.(light rail) - but it is public transportation.