abbydancer2003

I'll get mine while on the Constellation, earning even more points.

The last post was in September. You can google Luminae menus, though. They're very good about working with food issues.

On our Apex cruise, we didn't really miss the dedicated butler too much. We got our morning coffee, "plated", Head Butler got our device connected to the TV, and that was all we asked for. On the other hand, I didn't feel there was anything special about calling the room steward a "Retreat Host". All he did was standard stuff very well, laundry and made sure we had water in the room. He never filled the ice bucket, but I didn't ask him to. We have cruises booked with X, mostly under the old tips included promotion. We booked one for 2025, one for 2026, and got 4 "book later". Those will probably end up being refunded. We prepaid the tips on what we have, and the price ended up being not a lot more than what we've been booking before they removed them. By the time we get to the 2026, we should be zenith. At which point we'll move to Aqua or elsewhere. We're already branching out and trying new lines.

I booked one of the lower ended suites, because I wanted access to everything. I think, pricing it out, It was a little more expensive per day than the next week in a Sky Suite on the Apex. No butler, limited perks, but 2 room stewards, and I really wanted to try RC.

Thanks - hopefully he's not going home in the next month. (His FB page implies that he's not at the end of a contract). He's a good friend.

Great review - we're on the Beyond in February. Quick question - do you know if Daniel in Eden is from Romania? If so, he might be our awesome Retreat Lounge Bar tender from the Summit in 2021.

If they're suggestiong the Royal Caribbean model, dinner if space.

FWIW, on a cruise last year, we went to Tuscan on the first night with a discount. They did tell me that because we had a discounted rate, we didn't get our Elite Plus discount.

They'll show right around January 14. Usually not before.

Very interesting thread. I've got no set plans for Alaska at this time, but I've done it 7 or 8 times (we live in California so not too bad - closer than the Caribbean). I also did the land portion of the cruise tour in 2021, when they opened their lodges because they thought there wouldn't be an Alaska season. (There wasn't for the interior, just RT Seattle that year). And like many of you I'm a hyper-planner. DH says that if I think something is worth planning, it's worth over planning. He doesn't want to hear anything until a month before because he's sure I'll change it. So this is fun. Some notes for you all. First, Taku Lodge is an amazing experience. It's great for Glacier viewing. If it appeals, there's absolutely no reason to pay the ships price. The office is right next to the pier, and the folks on your excursion will be a mix of how people bought it. In other words, exactly the same. They're great people. We were supposed to go in 2020, and they honored that price through 2 rescheduled (2022 was the charm). And by the way, if you see an excursion that's easy to get to on your own, and it's the same price on the ship, book direct. These are usually local operators, and if you book direct they get all the money, whereas through the ship, I'm pretty sure they take a cut. In Ketchikan, I think you can buy lumberjack show tickets when you get there. And something no one has mentioned - there's a Duck tour. It leaves right from the pier. I've never done it, but it's on my list. There's also a salmon ladder that's interesting at the right time of year (when they're running). Feel free to ask questions.

I am very sorry this happened. But just to clarify - Celebrity does not hire the contractors. The check in staff work for the port. The next day they will maybe be in a Norwegian uniform and name tag. Celebrity does need to work with the port people to make sure this doesn't happen again. I'd also send a copy to the port everglades port authority.

Thank you. We board in just under 2 weeks for the same itinerary.

Fun fact - people think reds don't need to be refrigerated because they're supposed to be served at room temperature. They are, but that's room temperature in Europe in the winter prior to central heating. So today, slightly chilled.

I was able to log in, but when I went to look at my upcoming cruises in the Tier and Points area (I wanted to see where I'd end up with everything booked currently) it said I have 0 upcoming cruises. Too bad, since I board the Constellation in 13 days, and have a total of 14 in the next three years.

I've done it twice, once on Princess and once on Celebrity (Eclipse). First time it was rough, second time "Drake Lake".

That's what we're doing, more or less. In January 2025, we're doing 7 days on the Sun Princess, then a night in a hotel, then 7 on the Ascent.

Agree, and if I want a 7 day cruise, I'll do Princess out of Los Angeles - a one hour flight.

I know I am for us, and yet I had to use Glen's last name to bid.

I figured it out. It's in my husbands last name. They're different. I went ahead and bid. We're in an Aqua sky suite, and I don't love the location. I called to downgrade, but I'd pay more and lose considerable perks.

Yes, I did that, It keeps coming back with the booking is ineligible. There's no reason for that, since I can do it for my February cruise just fine.

Yes, I know that, but what does that have to do with not being able to bid?

If this is solstice, I didn't get it. And I want to try. And the agency is eligible.

that's what I thought when I read it.

I have the same fear. I've that 3 times. First two were a city/winery tour with lunch in Montevideo. Same tour, years apart. Payment for all at the winery. First time, couple called on day of tour to say they were sick. No offer to pay. Fortunately, the winery only charged for the tour, and the 12 of absorbed it. It was only about 5-10 dollars a person. Second time, same tour 3 people dropped out, but they said they were coming by to pay for it. I only took the money for their city tour, since the winery wouldn't charge for their lunch. Then last week, I'd arranged a private tour with a guide I know in Sint Maarten, and the other couple sent a message that husband was sick and they weren't coming. An hour later the wife says she is, so the price ended up being a little less than what it would have been for just us. (Turns out husband was hung over). But I think it's something all of us who coordinate tours worry about.

Glad you got some laughs, and sorry it was such a hassle.