LuAnn

I'm leaving in mid May from San Pedro and I live in San Diego. I'm considering the train but also wondered if anyone could suggest a car service for a 1 way ride. Thanks!!

Mixing items from the 2 venues is a great idea!!

Thanks!! I'm sure I will!! I was on her very first T/A when FDR was onboard for the run from MIA up to NYC before the crossing. It was so exciting to see the new "style" of ship at that point. We've been on Marina and Riviera a number of times since then. I think we're both on the Panama Canal transit on Vista in October?...Super excited for that cruise as well.

Good to hear about your cruise!! I've been reading so much here about Marina being in terrible shape and really needing dry dock sooner rather than later! Can you comment on the shape the ship is in right now? Thank you in advance for your comments/thoughts!

I would say yes..just be sure to get off the ship as early as possible.

Thank you for the info. I'm so glad I've been to many of these ports in the past but I was hoping to go back!! Sounds like some of the ports will not be available.

I know they hired the top Hotel Director on Azamara who had been with AZ for 15 years or so. I don't think she is going to be an HD on board but in upper management. Heike is a gem!!

I've done T/As and T/Ps on both lines many times. I agree that you'll enjoy Oceania. And also that it might be best for your first O cruise to be on one of the "larger" ships..not that they are that large! Celebrity suite prices have gone through the roof. I love to play Trivia, Mah Jongg and go to the various lectures during the day. Or just read my book up in Horizons with the fabulous views. I can be as busy or laid back as I choose. Please let us know what you decide!

I so agree re Celebrity suite prices!! They have gone through the roof and I think you can find far better value on AZ or Oceania.

I've been on both lines and would agree that AZ would be my choice. I wouldn't sail on Celebrity without booking Aqua Class..because you then dine in Blu for breakfast and dinner. Blu is more like a specialty restaurant in size and there are different entrees etc than in the main dining room. You do have to pay extra for the specialty restaurants on Celebrity and you would have to pay extra to upgrade the beverage package. I really love the size of the AZ ships and the interaction with the staff and officers. I enjoy playing Trivia and Mah Jongg so that keeps me busy on sea days..but I'd do that on either line. I do enjoy the production shows and miss those on AZ but the singers and dancers on AZ do a good job. And it's a much more intimate setting. Let us know what you decide!! 🙂

It looks like based on the list they are all cruises in '23 and no '24,,,is that correct?

Do you know when in '24 the refit is scheduled? Thanks!!

Thanks...I'll "keep an eye out"!!! 🙂

Wondering how to find you at the Sail Away on Thursday? 🙂

Like all of them..and glad to hear so many others have enjoyed the music...I certainly have in the past!!

Wow...it all sounds a bit "bleak"!!??

Jacqui...Thanks for the info about the Westgate! I used to take my Mom there for Mother's Day Brunch and it was fabulous. I'm always looking for fun HH in SD and I didn't know the Westgate had one..let alone one that looks and sounds great!! Not sure if it's true now but years ago many of the stars of the SD Opera used to stay there as it's right across from the theatre. It will be great to meet you on the next cruise and my sympathy for your loss as well. We certainly have something in common.

So many great ideas!! I think a lot of you..like me..enjoy the planning pre cruise. I too keep my suitcase filled with the items I normally take on a cruise..eg my plastic bag filled with all the "medical stuff" like band-aids, Tylenol etc. Same with my CC things, ...name tags, NOLA beads etc. I've really missed doing all this type of planning during Covid. It's nice to be "back at it"!! "

My assigned check in time for 12/22 in SD for the K-Dam is 1:50 pm!! I have never, ever boarded that late!!??? 😞 😞 Grabbing lunch anywhere will be interesting at that hour...I guess Lido will work?

So glad you are getting on before me and I can read all about it before I join you on 12/22!! First time on this class of ship so interested in what will be different! I'm already looking forward to the Dutch Cafe!! See you on 12/22 sailaway!!!

I have a folder for each cruise. I put things in there as I book them...eg hotel, flights, shore excursions etc. Also any ideas I find for places to see or visit..restaurants etc. My DH kept track of the finances but since I lost him earlier this year that won't be happening..I not a numbers person!! I know many do keep spread sheets etc...just not something I know how to do!! I have a stand on my desk where I keep all my folders. I like to book super far in advance..I think I get the best price (usually!!) and i use miles for biz class so I need that 330 day window. Everything I have is on paper. I think a "to do" list would be helpful. TBH I've being doing this for some time so don't really use any lists anymore. Good Luck!!

Did I miss something? I thought HAL no longer required testing? Is this just for certain cruises/areas? Thanks for any help!!

Thanks for that tip!!! Next time!!! 😉

I tried to switch from the Classic Alcoholic Pkg to the Premium NA Pkg prior to the Sillie T/A in October and I was told if was not "doable". Didn't really understand why that would be the case?

I had the virgin mojito on the Sillie T/A in October and really enjoyed it!! Someone posted a list of mocktails they had tried on Celebrity and posted their top 10 favorites. I took the list along and tried most of them. The bartenders and waiters got a kick out of my list. I liked pretty much all of them. But the non alcoholic Pina Colada was my favorite!