Hawaiiatheart

Elite plus, have a cruise booked on Celebrity for April.  Then looking elsewhere!

We were also on the Eclipse on the Vancouver to Hawaii sailing in an aqua class cabin and we agree that it was disappointing.  Although we have frequented Hawaii for 40 years and visited for a few weeks earlier this year, we were disappointed to learn that we would miss or first port day in Hilo.  Our cabin experienced several maintenance issues - a safe that wouldn't lock, no hot water in the shower for two days and a television that would not turn off.  The navigation on the tv wouldn't work, the stores advertised items that were not in stock (I was looking for more warm clothes since it was so cold on the ship).  And I agree with the earlier poster about the men in Blu, we dined in the specialty restaurants several evenings because the menu as not appealing as it was previously.  The menu offered lamb and wild game more frequently than on past cruises.   

Of course, Celebrity was not responsible for the weather, nor for the fact that Kauai was not a port stop, since it was never on the itinerary.  However, it seems that this sailing was rushed without all the proper preparations. 

We are aware of the Guggenheim museum,  and it is a possibility, but several of our group are interested in seeing San Sebastian.

I appreciate the information on the Azores and will look for a private tour for us.  

Our upcoming transatlantic cruise on the Celebrity Edge includes stops in the Azores and Bilboa.  We would appreciate any suggestions for a party of 7 adults to make the most of these ports.  We have booked private tours for our other stops, but we are at a loss for these locations.  We are interested in seeing San Sebastian, but have just 9 hours in Balboa and are not sure, if this would give us enough time.  Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

We are planning a stay in Portugal following a transatlantic cruise and would like some recommendations for private guides. If you have had a good experience, would you please share it? Thank you!

We will be arriving at Southampton, following a transatlantic cruise on the Celebrity Edge, and need recommendations for transportation to London's Heathrow for 7 passengers. Any personal recommendations? Your help is greatly appreciated.

We will be doing a Christmas market cruise with a few days in Budapest prior to our cruise, then doing a post stay in Prague. It seems that Euros are widely accepted in Hungary, as well as on our cruise stops, is this also the case with Prague? It would be much easier to use one currency than two or three. Also, will the ATMs dispense the local currency or Euros? I imagine the market vendors will require cash, so are there banks or ATM machines accessible in those areas? Thank you so much for any help you can give us!

As a first time river cruiser, I would appreciate some advice on tipping. We have pre-paid gratuities, but we always give additional tips to cabin stewards, waiters, etc. when on an ocean cruise. Should we do the same on our river cruise?

Also,we will be using Emily for a couple of days of private tours in Budapest (thanks to the cruisecritic recommendations), and wondered about gratuities for her.