phoenix_dream

There are pros and cons to both so it just depends what you want. I personally prefer more days in port as I am prone to seasickness, so I like San Juan for that reason. I also prefer M class ships (although like S class alot too!). Have been to San Juan so many times it is not really a tourist attraction for us anymore, but if you have not there are some nice things to see. The airfare is usually higher, as are the hotels. I would definitely ALWAYS fly in at least a day early, especially going that far and especially in winter or early Spring due to weather concerns. Keep in mind that there are fewer flights to SJU so if your flight gets cancelled or delayed options are fewer - another reason to add a day or two pre-cruise. The flight time of course is also longer which is a negative. In reading over what I wrote I guess you wouldn't understand why I would pick SJU over MIA, but again, I think the main reason is the time in ports. Even if we have been to the islands many times before, it is very relaxing to just spend some time on the beach or shopping and then chill out on the ship. I do agree that sea days have their attraction as well, in my case as long as the seas are calm. If they are not those sea days can seem never-ending:)

I think worse case scenario would most likely be very far aft or forward. Windows should not be an issue as portholes are for crew cabins only on this ship. All outside are the same size as well so there should be no difference in that regard.

We are on vacation to have a good time. I enjoy buying my wife a pretty piece because she likes it and it is a remembrance of our good time. Once we have bought it, it would be a downer to analyze the purchase. We mostly just want to have fun!

 

I agree 100%. We have bought a few moderately priced pieces while on cruises, primarily because I absolutely love the color, and my DH wants me to have a beautiful remembrance of our cruises. I would not go to the Caribbean hoping for a bargain as I don't think they are to be found anymore (with the possible exception that you may be saving quite a bit on taxes). If you are looking for a remembrance, shop around (including non-cruiseline recommended stores) and get the piece that calls your name if the price seems comparable to others. Then just enjoy. Why get it appraised and risk frustration? (unless it is very pricey, then I guess for insurance reasons you must). Are you really buying it as an investment, or are you buying it because it is beautiful, you love it, and wearing it brings back all the good memories of your voyage? For me it's definitely the latter.

Just need to be very careful if buying black coral. Much of it is illegal to buy and sell, and cannot be brought into the US. A number of stores in St. Thomas and other islands have paid hefty fines for trading in illegal black coral. There are apparently some pieces that are designated legal for sale and purchase, but with all I have read about it I am not comfortable buying it outside the US. Not meaning to say those mentioned on this thread or those particular stores were not on the up and up, just that many stores are not following the law and you would not want to get stopped in Customs with a gem you thought was legal but was really not. Buyer beware.

Does anyone know of any nice hotels that have day passes on St. Croix? And if so, have you tried out any of them?

I've never been on 2, but loved being on 3. A couple of times have had a room close to mid-ship. Great location - quiet, much less motion that far down in the ship, and the elevators are usually empty when you are heading up:).

If you search Sweet Sixteen you will find a list of these cabins. They are desired primarily because of larger balconies and prime location. The former is not always really noticeable on floor plans, so it helps to have the list.

As fairly modest drinkers (of primarily beer and wine), and Elite passengers, the drink packages just don't make sense for us. We bring our own soda onboard, and carry refillable water bottles to handle our day time needs. We can usually replenish our supply of soda in ports, for much less than the cost on X. You can also almost always buy the same bottled water for half the price on shore if that is your thing (at least in the Caribbean or Alaska - have not cruised elsewhere). And in many ports, an afternoon drink or two at the local bar is often far cheaper than onboard.

We carry-on the two bottles of wine allowable, which takes care of the drink in the late afternoon or while dressing for dinner. As a part of our status, we also get a coupon for a reduced price on wine in the MDR (can't remember the exact deal, but it helps). We have also had luck converting our barely drinkable free bottle of champagne in our cabin to a reasonably priced bottle of wine in the MDR (although I hear the ability to do this varies by cruise). Then of course we are lucky in that we attend the Elite event for about an hour the nights it is offered. As late diners, we stretch the rules just a bit and always order a full drink right at the end. We have never had an issue walking out with it after the timeframe ends (and sometimes people do it during the event - it all depends on how strict the Captains Club host/hostess is on that particular ship). Because of our status, we can also go to the breakfast event in the mornings and get smoothies or specialty coffees (although I confess I have not been impressed with either in the couple times I tried - maybe I just hit them on a bad day).

My point is not to rub it in :). My only point is that for Elite passengers who are somewhat light drinkers and are willing to put in just a bit of effort (ie, the carrying onboard of soda or bottled water), the packages may not make financial sense. But of course there are other perks as mentioned (refill of melting frozen drinks, chance to try drinks you might not otherwise want to risk spending money on, etc.). Just food for thought for Elite travelers before you may decide to go for it. Our approach, while not for everyone, saves us literally hundreds of dollars versus buying a package.

We have traveled with elderly and disabled relatives on Celebrity and RCI, and in their experience the handicaped cabins they were in were literally close to double the size of a regular stateroom. That would explain why some people try to book them (not agreeing with doing it - just saying why they would). The only negative was the bathroom water on the floor problem, due to the need to allow wheelchairs. In some cases, they were asked to submit completed disability forms; in others they were not.

 

I would never book these cabins unnecessarily and do not think much of people who do. That said, I wonder how anyone knows the cabins are being filled with 'able-bodied' passengers?? Just because you see someone walk out of there with no apparent issues doesn't necessarily mean they are not sharing the cabin with someone who is disabled. Or perhaps they have an issue like MS which sometimes flares up and requires cane or wheelchair, and sometimes goes into remission for awhile so the person appears 'able-bodied'. Do you sit outside their cabin day and night and watch or what?? I can't imagine any employee would share this information with you- certainly not give you a blow by blow of each handicapped cabin. You also don't know if they booked these cabins late when they may have been opened up by the cruiseline. As to pricing, as long as final payment has not yet been made, you can call Celebrity and get a price reduction if the price goes down.

 

I do not mean to sound anti-disabled, as I definitely, definitely am not. As I said, I have regularly cruised with disabled relatives and do understand the challenges. I just think one must not jump to conclusions too quickly. I remember once when my husband had extensive knee surgery and legitimately had a handicapped sticker for our car for a period of time. He had his cast off but could not walk long distances. He was virtually accosted by a self-righteous do-gooder when he parked (legitimately) in a handicapped space as he appeared to be 'able-bodied' when in fact he was not. In his case, he would not have needed a handicapped room, but I am making the point that one should be careful when assuming you know all the facts when you may not.

 

And to those who knowingly book a handicapped room (prior to last minute when they are open to all) shame on you for taking space needed by someone who could not cruise otherwise.

Great video but I also can almost get seasick just watching!

 

One other thing that affects the seasickness risk is where the ship is in relation to the waves. If you are hitting the waves head-on, it is very different from having the waves come at you from the side. Similarly, moving in the same direction of the waves is different as well. On my worst cruise ever (wave-wise) we had 25-30 ft waves and we were rocking front to back and side to side at the same time. Ugh! On that cruise more than 50% of both passengers and crew were green.

I see no issue with listing the group meetings elsewhere, as long as there is a notation in the daily bulletin about where the listings are so people know where to find them.

 

I am a big supporter of the troups and veterans (have a son who is a Marine) and I am a member of OSOTIL (Operation Support our Troops Illinois). I am also old enough to have had friends and relatives who fought in Vietnam including some who did not return. All that said, I do not think it is necessarily the ship's responsibility to sponsor veterans parties. The ships are not US ships - they are all registered in foreign countries, and while on some cruises the majority of passengers are from the US that is not always the case and there are always a certain contingent of passengers from other countries. Perhaps they honored veterans of all countries? I am not familiar with what was happening. I think they should certainly allow the parties and should post them wherever they post other gatherings, but I am honestly not sure why anyone would expect the cruiseline to be 'patriotic'?

The description applies to the RCI Diamond EVENT, held on RCI ships which do not have a Diamond LOUNGE.

The RCI Diamond LOUNGE [currently only on Freedom & Oasis class ships (but announced to be extended to a few other ships)] has drink offerings similar [not identical] to Celebrity's Elite Lounge offerings.

 

While I'm on my soap box [this is directed at all who misuse the following abbreviations and not primarily at fla jack]:

RCL is the stock symbol for Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited [RCCL] the parent company of Royal Caribbean International [RCI], Celebrity and other cruise lines. [Yes, RCCL used to stand for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, but has not stood for this since the 1997 purchase of Celebrity Cruises.] These abbreviations are continuously misused by many on Cruise Critic, and constantly cause confusion. Not helped by RCI contining to use RCCL in their URL.

Thom

I confess I am one of the guilty parties you are correcting. I was not sure what acronym to use, but from here on out it's RCI. That said, I will get on my own soapbox. Exactly what confusion is this constantly causing? If someone writes RCL or RCCL instead of RCI I am pretty sure that most people know what they mean. Just wondering... :)

Not true on Freedom class ships on RCCL. They have different wines, beers, martinis and mixed drinks - vodka & tonic etc. They just don't have everything. My husband only drinks Black Russians so I know they don't have Kahlua. We asked if it was available and were told no. No one offered to get it for us which I thought was odd because there is a big bar right outside the Diamond Lounge room. Will we be able to get Kahlua in Michaels'?

Another reason (besides the smoking policy) why I plan to always choose X going forward instead of RCCL. Think it is unfair that their perks vary by ship like this (on something not specifically due to design differences)

Certainly not true on ever S class cruise. It was in the Michael's club in September 2009 and the event was not very well attended.

I stand corrected.:)

They don't hold it in Michaels Club on S class. They use the lounge at the front of the ship (name escapes me at the moment)

Apparently the timing of the Elite lounge isn't 'useless' for Late Diners, but may be useless for an individual's taste. We've dined late and find the current times just fine, as said by others. Maybe a more accurate statement would be: "The time doesn't meet my personal schedule and they should move it for me".

 

Den

I am one of the late diners who does not like the time. On a port intensive cruise like my upcoming Southern Carribbean, we are generally in port until 6:00. In order to meet the timing of the Elite event, one would need to board the ship quite a bit earlier and then find time to shower and change clothes. I think if the dress code were more relaxed it would be a bit easier to deal with, although extending the time an hour or starting an hour later would be nice. On land, one generally does not see happy hours start as early as 4:00.

 

In reading the boards, I have seen a number of comments from individuals who feel the time is too early. Everyone is welcome to their own opinion, but from what I have read I think there are alot of people who share my view (and obviously those that do not). For that reason I feel depicting this as someone's 'personal schedule' or suggesting it is a 'move it for me' situation is perhaps a bit harsh. I would like to see a poll of preferred times for the event to see what they would come up with.

 

All that said, I am thankful that Celebrity does this for their Elite passengers and would certainly rather have it early than not at all.

Alot of good discussions. IMHO it all boils down to one question - can you afford the extra cost for one or two dinners in the specialty restaurants? If the answer is yes, go for it and you will really enjoy the food and even more special service. If adding that extra cost is a stretch for you, stick with the MDR and you will still have a wonderful cruise.

Bonine is meclizine, which is also the very same ingredient in Dramamine II. The original Dramamine, IMHO, works better but makes you very sleepy. You can often find generic brands of both medicines at your drug store or Walmart-type store - buy whatever is cheapest.

 

I am very prone to seasickness, so I bring both, but generally only use the meclizine as that does the trick unless the seas are very high (over 20').

 

As others mention, bring ginger pills. They work wonders as well, but I personally use them as a supplement to the medicines unless the seas are pretty calm in which case I use them alone.

 

Good advice to take BEFORE the trip begins, and then see how the seas are. Also, if you happen to be talking to your doctor you can discuss meclizine dosage. In most cases people can be safe taking double the standard dosage, which is what the prescription dosage is. This would be in cases where the seas were pretty bad, not in normal situations. But as I am not a doctor I am not saying to do so without your doctor's advice.:)

As some others have stated, I don't think this problem is specific to Bermuda. We travel with three elderly relatives (not wheelchair bound) and we have alot of trouble with them on excursions no matter where we go. Most of the resident locals are very helpful and courteous, but accessibility is a big problem. Most of the excursion buses/trams, etc. are very difficult for them to board, and most do not have any type of step stool. I love Celebrity, but I have found very, very few excursions where the Celebrity folks helped in any way securing front, handicapped seats for these ladies. Often they have to struggle getting up into a bus, and then have to struggle through narrow aisles with their canes and sometimes walkers, getting to seats in the back of the bus. I have also encountered on several occasions rude remarks when I have attempted to ask Celebrity folks to help us. I love almost everything about Celebrity (have sailed enough to be an Elite member) but this is one area where they fail miserably in my opinion.