daisy-mae

"Before there were US Fund CCs we did as another poster said when traveling to the USA... Buy US Currency when rates were favorable."

We actually do both -- we have a US$CC and a US$ account where we deposit US funds periodically, whenever our dollar is strong. The account that I have with BMO allows me to transfer funds directly to the CC account online, so there is no need to visit the local bank branch.

We got into the habit of depositing US cash to our onboard account rather than use our card because of some confusion with another cruise line (not Celebrity) that was automatically assuming that Canadian passengers held Canadian fund CCs, and would bill CDN accounts accordingly (regardless of what box was ticked). This required close monitoring in order to avoid double conversion (to CDN by the cruise line, then back to US by the CC company).

In order to avoid the dilemma, we purchase US currency when the rate is favorable and deposit same against our account when we board.

Hi Ken,

Would you mind telling me where the bed is located in cabin 6258?

Thanks.

I just tried to redeem the OBC credit for a September cruise that we have already booked and paid for in full. The answer was a firm "no", with the explanation that because we had booked through a TA, the reservation could not be changed.

When questioned about the purpose of the email, the rep said that it is something that is sent out in bulk, presumably in the hope of enticing recipients to book. Personally, it would take more than a $50 credit for us to jump at the chance of spending thousands on a spur-of-the-moment vacation (but that's just me...)

And what about all of the photos that are printed and then must be disposed of if the subjects decline to purchase them?

That is the one on board wasteful practice that has always had me shaking my head.

I would let the dogs sleep.

Most of the trip cancellation insurance plans that I am aware of are not normally priced on a sliding scale -- we pay one fixed amount based on the duration of the trip with a maximum amount set for accident coverage. I can't imagine that $300 would make much of a difference in terms of the insurance cost, and if you do need to avail yourself of the benefits, I would simply provide the insurer with your final invoice and point out that you overpaid.

And we will be waiting to 'see' :D what you think!

 

Just what will this be; "creative cocktails and elevated bar snacks"

I thought that was what the Molecular Mixology was.

Could it be that the elevated bar snacks are to be consumed while on high bar stools?

To the poster who mentioned bites on solstice, would you mind telling us your cabin number as we sail Solstice in two weeks and I am very nervous about bed bugs in all hotels... Thank you.

If it was a Caribbean cruise, is it not likely that the bites were from flying insects as opposed to bedbugs?

Interesting thought. The sad thing is that it appears we are in fact paying for whatever perk we get. For example, looking at the November 8, 2014 sailing for Reflection: Inside=$599, Oceanview=$1049, balcony=$1059

 

Normally the starting points for inside versus oceanview is around $100 difference. However, because the 123 Go perks start at the oceanview level, the price point is jacked proportionate to the value of the potential perk. You will also note that desirable balcony cabins are much higher than the starting point, and proportionately higher than we had seen them without the perks being offered.

 

Our upcoming cruise will only be the second with Celebrity -- we are not "regulars". However, I agree that the 123 Go perks are not necessarily free. When booking our cruise we had a choice between a partially obstructed balcony cabin at a very attractive rate -- with no perks -- or a more expensive cabin with perks included. It was really a case of "six of one", "half dozen of the other". We chose the less expensive cabin with the knowledge that we could use the savings to choose when, where, and how much we wish to consume.

One better. Tried to register for CC party and received notice, "Only purchased booking can register CruiseCritic Party"

 

That is after doing all the onboard registrations and having all deposits and flights confirmed. DUH. Plenty of time but frustrating.

Same thing happened to me. We don't sail until September, so I'm hoping the glitch will be resolved by then.

Theft is not the only consideration; a damaged passport can also become invalid.

I once attended a talk about travel safety given by a Canadian government official. She had a number of examples of the type of help that was given by embassy and consulate staff to Canadians abroad, including having to replace a passport that had melted because the owner had hidden it (inside a plastic bag) on top of a ceiling light in her hotel room. :(

I carry a couple of plastic clothespins with hooks on one end (available at dollar stores) to hang on the shower rod or the back of the chair on the balcony. And I always pack a few extra skirt hangers which I can also slip over the shower rod to hold lightweight items like t-shirts and unmentionables.

I have no idea but why would you not use a CC ? - you get 30 days to pay it off, and if you have a X CC you get double points that can be redeemed for OBC, or if you use another CC you get rewards or cash back etc.

We often pay cash to avoid paying the CC company (or the cruise line) an extra fee for currency conversion.

I guess I don't understand why this is so complicated. Celebrity needs to set a policy, post it by the pool and in the Celebrity Daily, and then tell the pool butlers to follow it. The simplest method would be to have the attendants mark the time on a ticket and attach it to the lounger --- when the attendant walks by and the current time is more than 1/2 hour later than the posted time, just remove the belongings. Some passengers may still complain but they couldn't say the policy wasn't clearly posted. And personally, I don't think it should matter where the passengers have gone for that 1/2 hour or more.

Just wondering what would prevent someone from simply removing or obliterating the ticket?

Either you are really looking for an answer to your question or you are simply attempting to demonstrate your knowledge.

Would it not be preferable to address your question to professionals who can hopefully respond in a manner that will match your intellect?

from their site:

Thanks Cruisenut. I had actually read that on the Amazon site before posting my response. (next to Cruise Critic, Google is also our friend).

;)

Just got a Amazon.ca Visa card , it indicates no fees, but we probably use our TD visa US funds card on board

Thanks for the info Airbalancer; I was unaware that Amazon.ca had a rewards Visa card.

You learn something every day on these forums :)

Although you have to register a credit card, you don't have to use it to settle your account.

We usually carry enough US currency to cover our on-board expenses, and make a cash deposit to our account shortly after boarding. We also carry a US dollar credit card. I stop by the purser's office a day or two into the cruise to ask for a printout of my account to date (apparently that can be done from the TV in one's cabin as well), just to make sure that our expenses are being charged in US dollars.

It can be a very long cruise if you don't like the people at your table. One time we were to sit with two other couples who did not speak our language. what were they thinking? At the end of the day I am tried(8:30 seating) and want to relax,not have to get geared up for conversation. You are more lucky to find someone you like at the larger table.

What were they thinking? With respect, is the Maître D' expected to know what language(s) each guest speaks? That's a pretty tall order...

Another caution - most cruise lines won't accept the pre-paid cards either. Do check with the cruise line directly if you are considering this option.

 

In the past when I have experienced a similar issue with a hold & charge both reducing my available balance I was able to get the merchant to send a fax to my bank advising the holds are no longer required and the bank released the holds within 24 hours. Hope this info helps.

 

Cheers

Ando

Just wondering how likely it would be for Celebrity (or any other cruise line) to agree to send a fax to a bank while the cruise is underway, considering the additional charges involved?

I am also from Canada and I would never dream of using a debit card for on board expenses on any cruise line or hotel. Every cruise line puts holds on debit cards, and before I replied to this post I actually checked the frequently ask questions on Celebrity's website and it does mention that they do this.

 

The holds will eventually drop off depending on your bank timeline as mentioned in the post above.

As a Canadian, I am also concerned about the currency exchange aspect of placing and releasing holds. Since the buy/sell rates are different, would the amount that is eventually released be the same as the initial amount? In other words, does the bank convert the first amount from US to CDN dollars, then back again?

This may be a dumb question, but how can one reserve the type of table?

I know that we can request an early or late seating, and possibly link to another account if we wish to be seated with friends or family (which doesn't always work..). Could someone please explain how to make a request for a table for two, and even better, a table location?

Thanks

I'm curious to know if your in-laws feel the same way. If not, then making a big deal about it may only make matters worse....

We do this because for this reason and also we are Cdn and have had our credit card billing converted to $CAD by X and RCI contrary to our indication on the setsail pass when checking in.

 

Although we travel with a US$ credit card -- and indicate clearly that we do not want the balance to be converted -- I always try to close out my on board account with US cash just in case.

 

Some folks may not realize that in the case of a credit card refund, if the amount has been converted from US$ to CDN$, the card holder does not necessarily recover the full amount (because the buy/sell rates are different for currency conversion).

They do! http://www.celebritycruises.com/onboard/tabLanding.do?pagename=onboard_beverage_packages&tab=onboard_beverage_packages_premium_classic_tab%2Fonboard%2FasrPanel.do%3Fpagename%3Donboard_beverage_packages_premium_classic%26ComponentTypeId%3D30%26categoryId%3D%26currencyCode%3DUSD

 

Pay just one price to enjoy a wide variety of beverage choices such as premium coffees starting at $16 per day.

We too have a couple of punches left from a Princess coffee card.

Just wondering if both stateroom guests have to buy in?