boom_boom

We got the Move Up email and decided to bid on moving from an aft balcony to a FV, submitted a week for a cruse on Eclipse that starts on 3 Feb. No response yet, think it is unlikley we will be successful.

On Monday my Wife attempted to buy  discounted internet package for an upcoming X cruise. The purchase "appeared" to go through, but as yet she has neither an confirming email or a charge against her debit card. My thinking is the the infamous Celebrity IT system just ate it and she should try again. Don't want to pay twice, but would like to get the discount offered. Ideas?

We booked the train via Viator. Price was reasonable for first class and a good schedule considering how long we are in port that day. The train sounded really good and we love train travel as opposed to buses or vans. Just personal preferences.

I agree! When we sailed on the Millie with a premium package is was discouraging to see that I could buy a whole bottle of the premium wine in my local supermarket for the price of 1 glass onboard. And, it is also hard to find the wine you like at every bar. They have a "list' but that isn't a real list, Just what they MIGHT have on hand.

But, I guess that's what happens when you can't or don't want to afford a cruiseline like Seaborn, etc.

Better to cruise with not very good wine than not cruise at all.

Depends  on the ship and bar tender....on the Millie it was Cellar Masters followed by the Casino Bar.

We have an "S" class cruise coming up in Feb., but even on earlier "M" class and the old Century we never found it a problem of running into the same people at bars, etc. or getting into the show. Personally prefer the Azamara and Oceania-size ships. That why cruise ships come in all sizes, so there's a "fit" for everyone.

We were on the Millie for a TransPacific in early October 2017. It was nice much of the trip, but we did have to skirt a typhoon as we neared Japan. The outer decks for closed for several days, but the conditions weren't that bad so far as pitch and roll go. Once we got to Japan we had great weather.

Interested in those cruisers who really get in to their research before booking a new cruise. What procedures/steps do you use? What sites to do use for various chores? What questions are you trying to answer and what determines your choices? Really interested in the process/steps used. Thanks

 

 

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First decide where to go. We usually base that on where we've been, what we liked about the area, the port, etc. Then what kinds of cultural or scenic opportunities are there.

Once we've done that then we look at dates and cruise lines. We have no interest whatsoever in some of the biggies, Carnival, RCCL, etc. We look at dates, ships and then prices.

I use Cruise Critic, cruise.com, Trip Adviser and the kike for initial research, Once booked, I really like the Roll Call on Cruise Critic to help find specific tours, etc.:)

Andek, I'll piggyback on your "hijacking" since I have the same question. Also, how far in advance can you buy train tickets? Last month they were only selling through December:(

Hope this isn't a duplicate post, but the computer said the connection was lost prior to uploading.....

We go lucky last year. About 3 months out, they offered a 50% discount on the premium package on the Milli's Trans-Pacific. Never seen that steep a discount before.:D

As NCHPcruiser pointed out St. Petersburg is very different. Russian visa issues make a tour, either ship's excursion or private company the best bets.

We were able to walk easily in Copenhagen, Tallinn, and Warnemunde. No need for shuttles there. We used a taxi in Stockholm to get into the heart of town, but heard later that some people walked. Burges, you will need transport there. On our cruise (HAL) there was no shuttle bus offered.

Has anyone has ever been able to book a family verandah for a couple or if they only allow a minimum of 4 guests. If they don’t have a family needing this type of cabin would they release it for general bookings?

 

 

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On a trans-Pacific aboard the Millie last year we were able to book a FV for 2 people about 9 months in advance. That's my only FV experience and we loved it!

I've been cruising on Princess for many years but coming back to Celebrity for a quick Bermuda vacation. Are those two bottles per cabin subject to corkage fees?

As I recall from being on the Millie last year, the 2 bottles per cabin are for drinking in cabin only. If you take them to the dining room there is a corkage fee.

In my experience HAL is much the same. Although last time I sailed with them there were only 2 classes, the Neptune Suites and above and then everyone else.

But the art auctions, the closing of areas for groups were much the same. Inconvenient if you're looking for a nice quiet spot on a sea day.

They gotta make the money so the average passenger just has to take what's left.

Still, I have never been on a cruise where I would have rather NOT cruised and just stay at home because of these kinds of issues.

We have a reservation for a 9/14 Pacific Coastal on the solstice. It’s not a typical itinerary, Seattle to Vancouver with stops in Astoria, San Francisco and Victoria. What is everyone’s thoughts on this itinerary? I’m having second thoughts and final payment is Friday!

 

 

Taken a version of that cruise 3 times in the past 10 years, but we didn't stop in SF.

 

Wife and I have always enjoyed the short cruise, Astoria is a nice port and you can walk into town if you desire. I'd do it again if the timing is right:)

When on the Millie I had the Montaudon, but found I liked the Chandon much more the the French bubbles. Just like any other wine of beverage, it's all a matter of personal tastes:)

There were loungers on the Millie in FV cabins last October.

IMHO the food in the MDR is edible....not very good, but edible....not much flavor, but edible.....no seasoning, but edible!

Thanks for the informaton. Both sound very interesting. The Curio Collection is much less expensive. Looking forward to the experience at either.

Anyone have experience with either of the Hilton brands in Buenos Aires? There is a Hilton and a Curio Collection by Hilton. They don't appear too far apart on the map, but one in much cheaper,

Looking at late Jan. 2019, pre-cruise for a couple of nights.

Yes, cruises continue to be a relatively good value for room board, transportation and entertainment all rolled into a single package.

BUT, like many of the OPs I've only seen cutbacks in 20 years of cruises. Sure, they tout the special dining venues, but they come at a cost - not an upgrade to me.

We will continue to cruise, but I can't think of a single feature that has been "upgraded" without an additional cost to go with it.

We have 1 more X cruise booked; and if my cost-benefit analysis come out the same as last time with the beverage package, special dining, I think it will be the last and we'll move to a more all-inclusive cruise line.

TiogaCruiser - Are you near Tioga Pass? Used to live in Mammoth, just a few miles away from the road leading to the pass. One of my all tine fav drives is Lee Vining to Tuolumne Meadows.:D

As to the Falls, do you need a guide if you are going to visit both Arg. & Brazil?

We did the Trans-Pacific last fall and X offered a half price sale a couple of times after final payment and before departure. At half price it was well worth it for us. So watch your Roll Call posts, that's how I discovered the sale.

Maybe my experience with just cruises on X is different or maybe I just don't notice my surroundings enough, by on the Millie last year and the old Century many years ago I don't ever recall being approached by a bar tender or waiter or onboard store employee asking is if wanted to buy.

I am annoyed a bit by all the junk in my mailbox on the ship, but i can toss without having to say no to anyone.

My pet peeve is all the space the art sales take up. Never gone to an art auction onboard and never will. But I resent the loss of lounge space when I'm looking for nice reading or relaxing spot. Can be really hard to find on a sea day when the art takes up all the space.

As to OP, just say NO!:):)

Wonderful photos! I can tell i need to get at least 1 new lens before my 2019 cruise, Thanks for posting all this:)