1 minute ago, Chippytoes said:

Yep! I used it to upgrade to the Premium. I determined it's cheaper to upgrade than pay the difference drink to drink!

Great, thanks. I’m a bit of a gin snob and I like a decent martini with good gin so it is worth the cost to upgrade for me.

Here’s another question re upgrading the drinks package. Either via the pre-cruise planner or onboard; can your OBC be used to pay for it as you can with everything else?

1 hour ago, KurtMo said:

Faith in mankind's ability to make sense of nonsense is (at least partially) restored:  Upon a call to customer service, a very nice and efficient rep named Lisa found us a Murano reservation on a different evening, and then proceeded to refund the original reservation.  She then advised me that she added OBC to the reservation to cover the cost of the Murano dinner, so it is "free".  A good gesture which recognizes the hassle factor for the guest and at least shows that they understood the whole exercise was Celebrity's issue.

 

I wanted to be fair and recognize X for the ultimate response to the situation they created!

I’m glad this was resolved to your satisfaction. However, as I read this I can’t help but feel there would have been another option available to Lisa. She’s refunded your original reservation, rebooked and given OBC to cover the cost, thereby making the reservation free. Great. It surely would have been simpler and easier to offer to cover the cost difference and keep your original reservation, at $69pp?

Anyway, glad it’s been sorted and you will still be enjoying your cruise no matter what.

A new permutation of this offer has just been released via email in the UK, details below.

20 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

the way ncl does it is normal and what people are used to in the US.

 

ie: in a regular restaurant, the pricing doesnt include the tip.

it's the price listed on the menu and you add the tip at the end of the bill.

 

Of course for those of you in the US or Canada, in a land restaurant you have your menu price plus sales tax plus tip (and I was taught by an American friend to only tip on the pre-tax bill), whereas here in the UK our restaurant bills have no added tax, the price we see is the price we pay, plus any optional tip which in some establishments is already calculated and added on as a service charge, usually 12.5% - 15% (I don’t want to turn this into another of *those* tipping threads 😉). 
 

Where possible I like to pay a cash tip to my server, even if I’m settling my bill with a credit card, so I know it’s going to them and if they have a policy to tip out then they’re still getting a good portion. 

1 hour ago, kochleffel said:

 

Thank you again. I read them all and it helped. I was pleased to see the variety of sea-day activities, especially so because my next cruise is on Holland America and I've read a lot of complaints about the paucity and monotony of onboard activities there even on cruises with lots of sea days.

My partner and I have sailed HAL twice, and we always found stuff to do on sea days. Also, their entertainment outside of the main theatre is pretty good and varied. We had a great time. 
 

With regards Japan in May it will be quite warm to hot, a good time to go since the summer months are scorching. Japan can be rainy anytime, you just have to be prepared. Just about every convenience store sells cheap umbrellas for those who get caught out!

It’s a beautiful country, one I love to visit (I’m something of a Japanophile), I’m sure you’d love it.

I know this is the westbound itinerary but have you read this live blog from September? @chicagopaul posts all the daily’s showing onboard activities etc.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2693660-chicagopaul-live-15-night-bering-sea-japan-transpacific-cruise-live-blog/

7 hours ago, chicagopaul said:

Good Evening Everyone! 
 

Well, tonight is our last night. I have plenty to review and some questions to answer. But as I’m back now in our cabin I’d just like to take this time to reflect on a few thoughts and tomorrow while I’m sitting at the airport or on the plane I’ll cover all the other details. 
 

VTcruising (Marylin): It really felt like an honor to order her golden margarita. Which by the way the bartender knew straight away so no issues there. Even though Edward wasn’t feeling well he still had a sip for her. Personally the taste wasn’t my thing but as I continued to drink it I liked it more. I was chatting with everyone around me and before I knew it the drink was gone. I shared her story with those around me and the bartender I Gede who looked confused when I changed from my normal greyhound drink this morning. So even though I never met her, I’d like to think that she was there enjoying the laughter and smiles while breathing in the fresh sea air. When Edward and I walked away from the bar to head to lunch I felt light hearted, satisfied and not the usual bought of depression I feel on the last day of the cruise. I’d like to think VT had something to do with that. Or maybe her drink of choice was just really that good. Haha. But it really was a pleasure to order that drink and I did so with a if smile. She went way too young and even though I’m in my 30s I realize that could be me any day. So I think from now on, this will be our new tradition on every cruise. One golden margarita in her honor. Why not?! 
 

Friends: Each cruise we find ourselves meeting wonderful people. And regardless of small things like the quality of the food or cabin attendant quality, it’s the people around us that we find to be the most important. Each cruise we go on we meet people we enjoy talking to. Each cruise we meet some that help our days pass by quickly. On some cruises we meet people that are great drinking companions and others we meet people that we feel could be both. Ok this cruise I must say we’ve met so many people my head is in a whirlwind. So many people from CC have come up and said hello (even though we didn’t attend any CC events) I felt like a celebrity....pun intended there. I’ve done my best to keep track of names but I feel like either I’ve met too many people or met too many martinis; probably a combination of the two. 
 

What I do know is that by the end of the cruise we would sit down at a bar or at dinner and it was so easy to find someone we knew passing by. Sitting down at lunch or dinner we found the same thing. It was lovely. We didn’t become best friends with many this cruise but we enjoyed the company of so many and as always learned a lot from all of you. MrandMrsBee we saw you this evening by the elevator but I was too busy thinking about what I packed or didn’t pack that it didn’t kick in it was you until the elevator doors closed! 
 

There were then some that we spent more time with. Evie and Jeff, thank you so much for your lovely conversations at lunch and dinner. We enjoyed it more than you know. Bradley and Nate it was a pleasure meeting you at world class bar and seeing you in the mornings as well. We look forward to keeping in touch. 
 

Our last couple evenings were spent with Keven and Cedrick, a couple our age from Canada. Even though we only met in the last couple days of the cruise it was such a fun time to hang out with them, drink with them and share life stories, even the embarrassing ones. Thank you for making our last night, one that is usually so sad or me, one that had me smiling all night long. 
 

Each cruise is filled with wonderful experiences and also some let downs. Tomorrow I’ll review everything as well as comments from other guests as this cruise I did my best to ask people around me about their thoughts so I could report back. But at the end of the day one thing is clear, there is no place I ever have felt more comfortable than on a ship. And it’s not because of the warm weather, or the drink package, or the cool destinations. Sure, all those help I won’t lie! But the people. My goodness, it’s an incredible how any cruise, with the proper perspective, can make you fall back in love with humanity. 
 

So as I get ready for bed I’d like to thank you all for following along on another journey. I think about how lucky I am to have enjoyed this trip with someone I love so much. The next day will bring the review of today as well as my full thoughts and others thoughts on the cruise plus the answers to some questions you’ve asked. 

Paul you made me have feelings, I don’t know if I can forgive you for that 😜🤣

Your humanity, wonder and warmth as you connect with people shines through in your blogs, and makes it feel like we really are sharing the journey with you and Edward. So thank you for that.

Ok, that’s enough feelings for one day! Safe journey home guys.

John

8 minutes ago, fragilek said:

you cab 

 

Hope this may help you for your next trip. The way to get cover for an additional relative  is use a specialist medical insurer and do a group cover to include anyone that may cause the cancellation (even if they are not travelling).  It cost a fortune but is the only way to insure that if you have to cancel because a relative is ill with a condition that they had when you took out the insurance .  We have done this in the past.

 

Thanks I thought it wasn’t possible since I use various specialist companies / brokers for medical conditions. Looks like I’ll have to do more research.

3 hours ago, fragilek said:

I am in the UK so may be different in US but we have specialized medical insurance companies that will cover for preexisting conditions and risks.  They are very expensive (I know as I use one as in remission from Leukemia last year and I also have Lupus and Transverse Myelitis that also have to be covered in case I need medical care abroad). However, these policies also can have very high excess for cancellation due to a preexisting condition, mine is about $600pp for canceling and the policy costs $450 for 2 weeks for my husband and I.  But it may be worth trying to find out if similar exists in US. 

Good luck with getting insurance and with caring for your mum

Here in uk, very often travel insurance will not cover pre-existing medical conditions for non-travelling relatives or friends or close business associates. I have pretty reasonable cover for my pre-existing conditions but with every policy I’ve looked at in recent years the exclusion for non-travelling relatives has been either hidden in small print, or pointed out up front.

I don’t know if things are different in the US, but to the OP I wish you the best of luck and hope you find a way to take your cruise and take care of your mum.

I too know those worries with my own mother’s failing health. Last year whilst we were in Alaska she was taken into hospital, one of several admissions last year. Luckily there are other family members to step in when I’m not around, and they didn’t contact me until I arrived back in port ready to fly home, since they knew there was nothing I could do and no point worrying me unnecessarily. Thankfully, by the time I arrived back home she was also home. It’s a worry that you have to figure out how you want to handle. My mum would always tell me to go, to carry on with plans made, but it is still a worry.

I hope things work out for you.

9 hours ago, chicagopaul said:

As stressful as travel can sometimes being, we're always trying to hurry to our destination, I really try my best to make the travel component (uBer to the airport, checking in, going through security, the flight, etc.) as much a part of the vacation as anything else. Taking you through it always helps! So thank you for following along!

I'm with you on that. As soon as I finish work then I'm on vacation, I start to unwind quite quickly, and the excitement of the prep (although I start packing about 2 weeks before, bits and pieces here and there), the journey to the airport if we're flying, a nice hotel since we always have to travel to the hotel the day before we fly. All of it is part of the vacation and builds the excitement. Since we would have to fly to most places from London, we've been known to build in a stopover to see a play or musical before we fly to really start things off.

I hope you have a fabulous time guys.

Hi Paul & Edward,

Looking forward to this blog with great anticipation. I read (retrospectively) your last blog on the Millennium Transpacific and found it extremely informative and fun.

Your openness about costs etc is refreshing and your attention to detail, but also your genuine appreciation for where you are and for other people.

I’m grabbing some chocolate and a good *ahem* gin martini to settle down in my PJs (I’m bougie like that) and live vicariously through you for a few days, not at all jealous because my hubby only wanted to take one vacation this year, and we had it in May!! (a wonderful cruise through the Norwegian Fjords with HAL).

I’m looking forward to my first Celebrity cruise on the post-revolution Silhouette next May and this blog will help me dream of sea days and martinis...

As many ha e said, for tours in SPB there are a few private tour operators that come highly recommended. I’m also on this cruise and likely to take a small group tour with one of the companies.

The remaining ports can actually be done DIY if you’re the type of traveller who likes independence. My partner and I do, and we especially dislike large bus tours! The other ports all seem quite straightforward to access and see the main attractions independently.

Whatever you choose, here’s the link to the roll call for this cruise in case you want to join in.

https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/rollcalls/celebrity-silhouette-may-16-2020/

This is an odd scenario I think with lots of confusing options and price differences. I'm new to X - I've yet to sail on my itinerary (14 nights Baltic in May on Silhouette).  When I booked the promotion was 3 included perks - $150pp OBC, prepaid gratuities and classic beverage package. (Actually our original booking was just $100pp OBC, but the deal changed very soon after we booked, and the price dropped so we upgraded to an AQ2 for a small amount), our fare for this package £2899pp. I'm happy with that. I have no previous X experience to compare it to, but I'm happy.

With the new pricing the basic no perk fare is £2349pp for an AQ2 (there's just one cabin left). With 2 perks - say $150 OBC and gratuities the price comes in at £2699pp.  That's a difference of £350pp but the perks value adds up to only £287pp.

When I price for 2 perks and use OBC and classic drinks package, I get £2839pp, a difference of £490 over the no perk fare, but the perks value (based on the extra fees charged) is £256pp.

If I add in prepaid gratuities to this offer, which then matches what I've already got then the fare is £3010pp.  Based on that, with what I have already booked, I'm coming out just ahead, not much, but enough to satisfy me.

The all 4 perks is of no use to me - I don't value the internet access as it's always overpriced anyway, and I'm sailing in Europe so my mobile phone has inclusive data that I can use most of the time - apart from sea days and when we're moving to another port. Not a problem for me.

Also, my husband doesn't drink alcohol so a premium beverage package is of no use to him - although given the chance I can sink my fair share of martinis!  I'm likely to upgrade to the premium package from the classic, but he doesn't need it.  Also, when doing the 4 perks the price jumps to £3259pp.

YMMV, but right now, the deal I have is fine with me.  If I was looking to book now I would not be very happy with the options. All that, and deposits are still non-refundable (although we only have to pay £150pp deposit).

177 days for me - too long! But every day it gets closer...

@captdave what you’re asking wouldn’t work here, the two are entirely different platforms with Facebook relying on building connections and with posts visible to everyone unless you change settings for visibility to only those you’re connected to, i.e. friends, friends of friends or public. Blocking someone on Facebook prevents them accessing your timeline posts and contacting you. In essence, you choose who can and can’t see your posts.

The platform here on CC is different because it serves a different purpose. Facebook is not a forum like CC is. Here the posts are always public, and to reply you must become a member, but not required to view the many threads covering so many topics. If you don’t want to see someone’s posts you can ignore them, and any posts they make on threads will not be visible to you (unless someone quotes them). The ignore feature prevents you from otherwise seeing someone’s posts, but you cannot block, and thereby prevent, someone from posting. You can not prevent them from seeing or replying to your posts.

I hope I’ve explained that clearly. 👍

I just typed celebrity equinox cabin 1405 into Google and got a link through to a website with photos. I’m not entirely sure I’m allowed to post the link but the website is not a travel agent so here it is and if not allowed I’m sure someone will let me know.

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/stateroom-details.php?ship=Celebrity-Equinox&cabin=1405

Happy cruising.

I have no idea if X is cruising Glacier Bay. What I can say wholeheartedly after sailing with HAL last year, that it is one of the most breathtaking experiences I’ve ever had. And I’ve had a few. I hope you get to visit some day.

I don’t think I’m completely averse to children in specialty or regular restaurants. I mean, I could just about eat a whole one if it was not too big, but 2 or 3 would give me indigestion!! 😂 

On a serious note kids under a certain age don’t cope well in these environments and that’s not their fault. But there comes an age where, with good parenting (and I’m not a parent) kids have to learn appropriate social skills and behaviour.

My parents taught me and my siblings how to behave in public, but at a time when the threat of a good clip around the ear would be the consequence to bad behaviour.

It worked and we could be relied upon to be seen and eat in public!  YMMV.

I’m doing my first cruise with X next year, (Silhouette, Northern Europe), and my 50th birthday is during the trip. I wasn’t asked about celebrations by the PCC when I booked, but when taking details, including date of birth, she realised it was going to be my birthday, and offered comped dinner for 2 in any specialty restaurant of my choice.

I didn’t ask for it and didn’t expect it but it was a nice gesture. The comped dinner doesn’t show on my reservation for me, but I’m told it does show to staff and I have an email confirming it, and just need to book when on board. I’m thinking it’s gonna be Murano. I’m not expecting anything else, so if there is anything else then great, equally so if not.

Assuming your flight lands on time, and depending how far your luggage has to go from aircraft to the belt in the arrivals hall, and depending how busy it is at the border control, you could be up to an hour landing to being through border ready for onward travel. It could be longer depending on number of pax. The e-gates are generally quick but the technology isn’t perfect and can sometimes be slower! I always allow extra time, including taking account of delayed flight arrival.

Once you’re through it’s then a case of getting to Southampton, approx 90 minutes in good traffic. It can be very busy on the motorway around the airport and a short stretch is on the M25 motorway, the London Orbital. Or, as we Brits call it, the car park!

If you can, try to book your transfer in advance

If all goes well, you could be rocking up to the cruise terminal by 12pm.

Not to rain on your parade, but given you’re arriving the day you sail, any serious delay could result in missing your cruise departure. 

You could try deleting your cookies, make sure you’ve logged out of your celebrity account altogether so that none of your reservations are visible, then reopen your browser and go to the webpage, refreshing it to force your device to fetch a new page rather than one that is cached on your device, and then login again. If that doesn’t help you might then need to contact Celebrity and ask for help.

On 9/2/2019 at 8:44 PM, bengaltiger1 said:

 

We loved Blu.  We chose cabins with cabins above and below to minimise the chance of noise. Good luck and nice to know that they will accommodate cabin changes in the UK as long as you are paying a little bit more.  

So I’ve finally heard back from my X cruise consultant and the upgrade has gone through for just £100pp over our original rate and the increase in OBC has been given.

There were a few cabins available and I considered aft cabins with cabins above and below, opted for a forward cabin after doing some research, and have chosen a cabin below the spa, not below the pool. It puts me close to the spa entrance and I don’t mind the extra legwork to get aft and down to the restaurant!

I’m very happy.

16 minutes ago, bengaltiger1 said:

Bretty keep us updated please. 

@bengaltiger1 I noted when I checked over the weekend that an Aqua A2 is now only £100pp more than the rate I booked a Concierge C2. Admittedly I had got a coveted hump balcony on deck 9 so wasn’t sure 8 wanted to give it up, and the Aqua cabin had previously been outside my budget and not worth the high premium for the small difference.  Having not sailed with X before I don’t know the product yet, but my husband will certainly appreciate a smaller more intimate dining room experience as he’s generally antisocial and not good with large crowds of people. 😆  So I sent a second email.

My cruise consultant has replied to say she can’t reprice my booking on the same grade of stateroom, and would need to speak to a supervisor to see if he can do that. However, the upgrade is easy to do for the extra £100pp and I’ll get the new deal so I’ve opted for that. I’ve not been able to reach her by phone so sent an email with my preferred cabins and am waiting for her to confirm the changes. I’ll let you know when I hear back.

The idea of Blu is appealing but only moderately so, more so for my hubby, but on the other hand I would value and get some use of the PG and spa facilities and he won’t, so it’s a win-win I think.

Everything I’ve read says no shorts in the MDR any night. Slacks, nice jeans, collared short or long sleeved shirt. Plenty of threads on dress code to check.

Enjoy your cruise.