Zippeedee

These are all good ideas. I find it helpful to join the cruise critic roll call (if there is one) for each cruise. Chatting with people online, joining the meet and greet and other activities helps to break the ice before you even board the ship. My last cruise had a lively group who got together almost every day to play Left, Right, Center. I met so many nice people. 

I haven't cruised on Celebrity yet. Friends invited me to join them next April.

The Celebrity web site states the cancellation policy may be different for solo cruisers.

Does anyone know what the policy is now? I'd rather not spend an hour

on hold to find out before I even decide to go.

Thanks!

2 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

And all of the Escape cruises from October through the end of the year have disappeared, as well...including our November 1st TA. What the hell is going on??????  Spoke with NCL this morning and they swear they see nothing canceled on their end.

They will never tell you before announcements are sent. We knew our Getaway TA had been shortened by two days long before the phone reps were told to acknowledge it.

Ink 48 is walking distance to the pier and very nice. I’ve also stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on 48th near Times Square. A short cab ride to the pier.

If you used a travel agent they may have received the email and not forwarded it. Some travel insurance will pay you for port changes. I’ve had changes on two of my last three cruises and was paid the amount listed in the policy by my insurance.

There is nothing good or “Haven-like” about one person on that sleep sofa, never mind two. I’d take a real bed in a balcony any day.

I saw a video news report  that parents boarding the Getaway yesterday were told the kids clubs were closed for the week. I’m guessing there are a number of staff that are sick.

6 hours ago, jamadeliz said:

We are from Boston too.  I think I would have driven lol.  

We always fly, but that was before the airlines fell apart. 

The spa is not run by NCL.  You need to request the credit by calling when you receive notice of the upgrade. Don’t wait until you are onboard.

13 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

I live 20 minutes from ATL, and I fly a day early into MIA these days...too many cancellations.  Govern yourself accordingly.  

We did a family cruise in 2006. The people flying from Boston to NYC were fogged in all morning and just barely made it to the ship, which was delayed in leaving NYC. You just never know about the weather and flight delays.

At least before the shutdown, the Getaway buffet had scones, cream and small snacks every day at 3pm.

1 minute ago, julig22 said:

I requested they put the transfer back on so they are expecting me and it's already paid for.  Guess I kinda lost it when they said something like I could take the shuttle if they had room!

But they apparently have to override their system to do it so it sometimes takes a little patience - and per my pcc, it has to be done through the transfer people, he can't do it.

They didn’t tell me any of that! My cruise isn’t until later in 2023 so I have time to figure it out. I have had horrible luck with transfers from Southampton so I know how to get a car service if it comes to that!

I asked them to keep the transfer for a one day early deviation. They told me to just go to the airport on the day of the cruise. Easy enough.

Do you watch Aussie Coin Pusher on YouTube? The ship machines are much harder to win in than the one he plays!

16 minutes ago, debenson0723 said:

Lots and lots of transfer (and other info) here on the British ports board.  Are NCL transfers even available if you don't come in day of cruise? We are coming in 1 to 2 days early so are doing the National Express bus.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/148-british-isleswestern-europe/

I am booked to arrive a day early for my Prima cruise late next year. They booked me for a transfer and said to just go back to the airport to get the bus. I’ll book a hotel once I know which airport. Assuming Gatwick but who knows?

You can walk into Portland. We just walked around the shops and got lobster rolls. There is an art museum close by too. Halifax is walkable, lots of historical sites. In St John’s we took a city bus to the reversing falls but you have to check the times for the tides to see it.

The Seine cruise was wonderful and we got a nice overview of the city on a short tour before the lunch cruise. It isn’t a week in Paris with in depth visits to all the museums but it is a worthwhile day trip.

Royal Caribbean dumped  my group casino cruise coming up in October for a full ship charter. The group got a great deal with Carnival but it meant we got nothing from Royal for expense and inconvenience.

9 hours ago, swmichigan cruiser said:

$8,100 for  a balcony.  Now over $16,000. Glad we booked another line for two cruises right after this including a TA back to the states.

My balcony cabin solo was about $7400 after using a 10% off coupon from a previous cancelled cruise. I booked day one. I’m still waiting to see if a TA is added after this one. I guess I should check other lines.

I canceled my June cruise in January, before final payment. My refund was back on my credit card within a week.

If you later find a price drop and the promo has ended you will lose the extra points. Usually worth it but not always.

3 hours ago, lepidoptera said:

For most restaurants booking for 2 works-it doesn’t work at Teppanyaki and any restaurants where they charge per diner. Every specialty that charges a la carte you can book for 2 and there won’t be any issues. There aren’t any tables for 1 anyhow. 

If you are using the dining plan just book those with charges first. If not, you can call to book and they will only charge you for one.

On 5/9/2022 at 6:27 PM, Cruisesfun65 said:

 

That's a thing??

On another cruise line, transatlantic cruise, the large Chinese group parked the older people in their wheelchairs at every buffet window table. They would come and go, play cards and hold every table.

Getaway was last in dry dock in 2019 (the one they dropped the last two days and two port stops a week before we sailed) so 2023 is a bit early. It seems no schedule is safe at this point. I’m booked on the last Prima cruise in September 2023 and I don’t  think I can stand one more cancellation!

This solo traveler very much appreciates the freedom to eat alone in specialty restaurants or anywhere other than the MDR. I’ve met many friendly people but never want to be assigned tables or dinner times.