paulh84

Would you consider Explora as an actual luxury line or more of a small premium line like Oceania or Azamara? I was considering Explora for an upcoming cruise but went with RC Yachts instead. It seemed like the consensus was Explora falls quite a bit short of a true lux line like Silversea or Seabourn.

Too many people with a “medical issue” sharing packages?

I know they rarely paid or they were comped an inside/OV and had decent luck paying cash for an upgrade. The program has apparently changed since I have taken a cruise with them. 25,000 Points Complimentary Future Cruise Offer - Sky Suite 15,000 Points Complimentary Future Cruise Offer - AquaClass 9,000 Points Complimentary Future Cruise Offer - Concierge Class 6,500 Points Complimentary Future Cruise Offer - Veranda Stateroom (additional itineraries) 4,000 Points Complimentary Future Cruise Offer - Veranda Stateroom 3,000 Points Complimentary Future Cruise Offer - Oceanview Stateroom 2,000 Points Complimentary Future Cruise Offer - Interior Stateroom (additional itineraries) 1,500 Points Complimentary Future Cruise Offer - Interior Stateroom 1,200 Points $300 Off Next Cruise 800 Points $250 Off Next Cruise 600 Points $200 Off Next Cruise 400 Points $100 Off Next Cruise On a slot machine $1 played is 5 points. This video explains it and the recent changes. There are some older ones but they are not up to date with the program changes. https://youtu.be/6VVU6wTbBqg?si=Yx2-lg67hZKOV5xY

People do give away a huge amount of money in the casino, but as already mentioned, there are many who are tactical in their play. Our friends are not big gamblers but will generally spend $4000-$5000 in the casino knowing that they will get comped cruise(s) out of it. they may win some but ultimately they would spend that same amount on another future cruise anyway. As someone myself who isn’t a casino person, there is a really good YouTube video a lady did that explains what to do and what to play in very simple terms.

I typically do. There is no reason to spend vacation time sitting at a desk with a rep to do what I can easily do on my own. There were some posts about losing the OBC if you changed sail dates on a refundable rate. That’s the only reason I buy them since when transferring to a group rate you have to pay the remainder of the deposit anyway. Not for me. If a balcony is what I want I’m not risking being in an inside over $372 no matter what the cruise length is.

Potentially any itinerary. If you look on sites that have multiple prices shown for the same cabin (as in sometimes they will show like a dozen rates) some will say group. They don’t necessarily call out that the price is a much much better deal or what it includes.

Some group rates come with classic beverage package, basic WiFi and are refundable at a price that is almost always less than the cruise only rate you would get booking direct with Celebrity. Our next cruise had about $3,200 price difference and one for 2026 had a $2,000 price difference. And the prices don’t go up and down so there is no need to monitor prices after you book.

Exactly. It doesn't say they will rebook you on any airline to get you there. If I have a delay I'm 99% sure I could rebook my self through the airline app or at the gate more efficiently than calling FBC and having them have the conversation for me.

Is this in writing somewhere? Everything on the website refers back to FBC "working with the airline to........" which is ultimately exactly what you do yourself when there is a delay. If you are trying to get to some obscure port a few days into a cruise, that may not be much help. After two FBC booking attempts I have doubts they are adept at accomplishing anything outside from taking a reservation via phone.

No need to print. You can use the app or your Apple wallet.

I never look at the wine lists. Just ask what they recommend, or ask if they have any suggestions by the glass that are not on the menu. The Chateau Souverain cab they try to slip in is terrible. And despite the chokehold Decoy apparently has on Celebrity guests, I don’t want it every night either.

The whole crux of the MoveUp system is to maximize revenue so it would be incorrect to definitively say what you initially paid flatly has no bearing on your likelihood of winning a bid. It would make no sense to base it solely on new revenue which is exemplified by lower cabins not being able to bid on upper suites.

No way. The airlines that make money from co-branded cards sell miles to banks but they have passenger volume that is exponentially higher than what Celebrity or RCG carries. The Celebrity card is terrible, even at the proposed bonus. Captain’s Club status has very little value. Despite being Elite, I don’t think we’ve ever actually benefited from one of the perks. The point value is also extremely low. It’s not like an airline where you have potential a free (minus fees) loyalty upgrade from economy to business that saved you $10k on a single flight. That has value. A free scoop gelato or $8 savings on your WiFi package does not.

Sort cruise during March? It’s definitely possible. We skip anything shorter than 7 nights, the months of March, April and President’s Day week. We have been pretty successful in avoiding Spring Breakers, big family groups and the like.

It's no mistake. It says it clear as can be. Celebrity does not offer customer 'tech support'. iPhone 8 and older will not support the iOS 17 and beyond so you will inevitably start losing functionality as your phone ages.