anniedave

Excursions

So I had a working from home day today and once Dave had woken up from his night shift sleep we went through our excursion choices & he actually had an input and we amended a couple. They now read ( all Celeb excursions)

Puerto Plata - monkey Island ( originally it was river tubing but it got cancelled )

Charlotte Amalie - (our port that got changed from the original San Juan )- originally was looking at Magens Bay beach break- but all the reviews I read said it was busy & noisy - so instead we have gone for St John Half day  champagne cat sail beach & snorkel.

St Croix is Buck Island snorkeling & beach break.

St John's is a 4x4 off road safari.

Basseterre - we swapped to the scenic railway & in our final port St Maarten we decided we really weren't bothered by the bus tour I had booked ....nothing else took our fancy and actually by the 6th port in 6 days we may prefer just to have a rest aboard !!... so didn't rebook anything. 

I also needed to do the boring bits ... got our ESTAs and our paper proof of vaccines.( Celeb app doesn't accept the UK electronic covid pass!)  Booked covid tests at the airport( sat morning means we can use same test result to get into US & board ship - less testing- less money 🙂)

Also got a good deal to upgrade our outgoing flights to Worldclass traveller plus (premium economy ) with BA. I Planned to check in online 24 hrs pre flight & choose our seats for free - however checking 2 weeks before I discovered there were hardly any of the 2 , 2-3-2 seats left - didn't want to risk it so paid to choose our seats. One of the main reasons I upgraded was to just have our 2 seats together to hopefully reduce the risk of catching covid sat next to strangers for 10hrs. Pre covid we usually fly once or twice a year and have never flown anything other than economy so it will be good to find out if its a different experience for the extra money!!

So we are now a week out, omicron seems to be losing momentum so hopefully we will get our holiday. Last weekend I got our  new suitcases out ( the old ones  had become very battered and were the type you tried to grab quickly from the carousel  & pretend they werent yours!) did the ironing - anyone else hate ironing & try to avoid unless necessary???? ....and start to pack !!! .....its starting to feel real.

Under usual circumstances I would have every detail of our Vegas stay planned ... as it is ...last week I began a little planning for our post cruise time in  Vegas . We ( well I ) booked a couple of shows - the Blue Man Group & Cirque de Soleil - 'Love'  the beatles show - tbh I just wanted to see Cirque de Soleil - until I started looking I didn't realise there were several shows - so the choice of which one was based on  best value for money/ tickets . I have begun looking at  restaurant selections  - husband quite allergic to fish - which can narrow down our choices - although I have found an amazing burger/ milkshake bar - in our hotel that does cake shakes .... combining a milkshake with cake....can't wait to try.  !

Whilst I was rebooking things i also kept getting notifications that excursions were being cancelled.  I know this is no one's fault...I know we may end up at different ports ....I know prob more ports will change ...thats fine. But we ( well I ) want to get off at ports if we can so I have booked Celeb excursions for all ports ... if there are options to explore alone we may cancel some excursions & do this instead in some places ...but at least we have options. The most recent change was a port change - didn't have a prob with that but the fact that it took Celeb 2 weeks to show excursions for the new port was a bit annoying!! ....especially to a planner like myself !!

So I have also  updated our premium drinks to drinks & more as we enjoyed having cold drinks & snacks in the cabin last time, and enjoyed the wine tasting ( must remember this time....sip not gulp🤪)  - not to mention by the time we have used the casino credit the cost is negligible.  ( I believe they have now withdrawn drinks & more - but if we had already booked it we will get it🤷‍♀️.... I will let you know) I have also booked   first night discount in the Tuscan grill( didn't do any speciality dining last time around so wanted to give it a try) I also phoned Celeb & upgraded the WiFi so we could facetime family and upload pics whilst aboard the ship.

We decided  to use the opportunity and make it easier on ourselves ,   and stay in the US post cruise - main reason... less covid testing needed!!

About 15 years ago  we had enjoyed a week in Vegas in a budget hotel - Dave often spoke about going back- our favourite hotel when looking round them all had been the Venetian and I said that if I ever went back I wanted to stay there  ...now we had the chance! Although the Vegas flight options didn't really fit with disembarking times either ..... it would mean a touch & go airport dash or wasting a day at the airport.....

However I did want a day in Miami as all we had really seen last time was the airport & Hard Rock  I want to visit South beach. So I decided to start again with the post cruise plan!

At the same time our pre cruise plans were changing, I also discovered...by chance.... that our pre flight hotel in the UK was closed as it was currently being used for housing asylum seekers. So I had some more organising to do...again I say me ....I just keep Dave updated with what's going on....not sure if he listens!!

I cancelled our Bahamas hotel, cancelled the night at Miami Beach at the end of the holiday  , cancelled the booked transfer from the ship to airport & cancelled our UK Heathrow Hotel. As well as cancelling I also did some rebooking...I  booked 1 night post cruise in Miami - (so after disembarking we could spend a day/eve in Miami and see some sights  and go to South Beach. )I booked flights to Vegas , I booked 6 nights at the Venetian ( a luxury king suite at a much cheaper price than I expected)  , I booked a hotel in Miami for the evening before we flew back to UK. I also found &  booked a new airport hotel close to Heathrow.


We had a new plan !!!.....well it mean I had a new plan...Dave would be told he had a new plan!!

Day 1 night in hotel at Thistle Hotel Heathrow ( package includes parking for the duration of the holiday & dinner)
Day 2 Go to Heathrow- covid tests booked, check in, airport lounge booked ( Aspire), fly to Miami, stay with my cousin & family who live near Port Everglades.
Day 3 Day out with family ( believe we are doing Island Queen  tour - Millionaires Row) & last minute shopping
Day 4 -13 Eastern Carribean Cruise ( ever evolving itinerary, hopefully some Port stops!!!) - Millenium - Aqua Class - Aft veranda
Day 14 Disembark cab to hotel - drop off luggage  - day sightseeing in Miami
1 night Best Western Plus near Miami airport
Day 15 fly to Vegas with American Airlines cab to the Venetian
Day 15 - 21 'Las Vegas Baby '
Day 21 Fly back to Miami - 1 night in Best Western Plus
Day 22 Fly home
Day 23 arrive home

So last time round I immersed myself in planning - read guide books , booked excursions , researched what to pack....etc etc . This time as covid went on & the no sail order continued I became less optimistic about going and tried to stop thinking about it... my guide books I had optimistically ordered when I knew I was going again...began to gather dust !!


The uncertainty dampened my enthusiasm & I felt it was waste of time to research & plan excursions or plan the post cruise part of the holiday. We focused on clapping for the NHS & doorstep visits with the grandkids. I changed jobs twice but with vague hope let my new employer know of my plans for 2022.


Then....in the summer , when cruises began again I became more optimistic.  I began looking at excursions, booked flights to the US & booked flights & hotel ( although made sure the hotel was pay on arrival) for the post cruise week in the Bahamas. .....a small Island called Stocking Island...looked idyllic....and after the enjoyment of swimming with stingrays in 2020...this time we were going to swim  with pigs....I could get excited...it was on !!! I reminded Dave we had a holiday booked and dreamed about sunshine.

Then the dreaded  omicron arrived & it changed the game again.... We considered cancelling,  but decided to accept it for what it was & to  go with the flow.
One of my biggest concerns was the minefield of testing ....when .. where...which type . The post cruise section of the holiday was the most stressing... Miami to Bahamas ....Bahamas back to Miami....Miami to UK - so much testing....so much money!!


Then I received an email to say that the flights to Bahamas had changed ...the new earlier times didn't work with disembarking and there were no easy alternatives. I got in touch with the airline and although I wasn't able to get a refund ( flight times changed by less than 4 hours) I could look at other options for alternative flights.

We had such a great time and got the cruise bug ( no luckily not that one!!) we decided we would give ourselves 2 years to save for and plan ( well me plan)another one. We came back from hols early Feb 2020 .... and booked the next one for Feb 2022..Originally we began with choosing the date, itinerary & ship and found a good deal with a TA. Less than a month later we discovered Celeb were offering a much better deal with a/i - premium drinks , WiFi, tips & OBC. We contacted our TA and even cancelling & losing the deposit and rebooking we still saved ourselves several hundred £££ 🙂


...then covid arrived !!! We said ' it's fine....its 2 years away. ..it will be a long forgotten memory by then ' 🤦‍♀️🤣. Little did we know!!!

Those of you who read my last review know I booked the whole holiday through the TA & then proceeded to do my own research into flights and hotels and ended up totally changing the trip and telling the TA which flights , post cruise hotel, transfers etc I wanted and even contacted the hotel directly myself to get a much better deal than the TA could get us. So this time round we just booked the cruise through the TA and I have done the rest myself ...including contacting Celeb direct for the add ons . That way I can get the trip to be exactly how I want it ( it's how Dave wants it too....he just doesn't know it yet !!)

Our plan was another 3 week holiday - similar to the previous one , fly to US & spend a couple of days visiting family who live near Fort Lauderdale  , a 10 night Carribean cruise ( different part of the Caibbean this time ) on the Millenium , then maybe a few more days with family and a few days somewhere else in Florida. However we then discovered that inadvertently our post cruise week clashed with my  cousin being away for her sons wedding .. it didn't matter- we decided to use the opportunity to go to the Bahamas for a week post cruise . The plan became:
1 night in hotel UK
2 nights with family in Pembroke Pines
10 night cruise
Straight off ship & fly to Bahamas
7 nights in the  Bahamas
Fly back to Miami - 1 day/ night in Miami so we could see some sights of Miami
Fly home

The ups and downs ...and ups again of cruise booking  - my pre cruise report!!!
So in a weeks  time 🤞we are hopefully embarking on a 3 week holiday including a 10 night Carribean Cruise on the Celeb Millenium - there are so many plot twists to this I though I would start early with the planning story!  So for those of you who like to hear about the planning this part is for you

We are Dave & Anne from Essex in the UK. I'm in my 50s , Dave was 60 in Sept & this is a kind of belated celebration trip. Between us we have 4 grown up kids ...lots of grandkids and  we have a 20yr old daughter together - ( she has no wish to or interest in cruising) . I'm the planner...Dave is the go with flow ...occasionally take an interest ....eventually realise we are going on a holiday .....person !!

In Jan 2020 we had our very first cruise on Celeb reflection to the carribean as part of a holiday for my 50th birthday.
- the trip also included a post cruise week in Mexico.  We had spent 2 years saving , planning every detail of it. I say we....I planned..my husband Dave took a very vague interest that we were going on a holiday !!!  It was amazing ....beyond expectations... ( if you want to read about it I wrote a detailed review whilst in lockdown - ('Review of a newbie')

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Another thing that can help.  I recently bought a 4 headed cable - 2 iPhone, 2 micro usb and 1Type C for Galaxy ect

 

I often charge both phones at same time. 
 

 

Great thankyou - we will have 2 phones, 2 kindles & need a USB for the camera so this  is a great idea!💡 

1 hour ago, JamieLogical said:

Which room category are you staying in?

Aqua

Thanks that's really helpful

Hi , 

We are sailing on the Millenium in a couple of weeks- we are from the UK - when we travelled on the reflection there were 2 power outlets one US one European- can someone confirm what the millenium has please? And am i right in thinking the millenium has USB outlets by the bed ? I have done a search buy couldnt find the answer and want yo make sure we have the correct adaptors .  Thanks 

 Alcohol wise- at sea days - Late morning I have 1 or 2 Bucks fizz/Mimosa ( depending if from US or UK) & husband will have a beer - in the afternoon a cocktail -  husband the same or bombay sapphire G & T. At dinner I have a couple of glasses of wine & husband more G & T. After dinner we will have 1 or 2 cocktails/ Martini's .  

Add to that 2 or 3 speciality coffees a day , couple of soft drinks & some premium water & I think we get our monies worth. At home I probably have a couple of glasses a wine twice a week - husband maybe a beer or G & T. We def drink alot more on holiday than if we were at home ...but that's what holidays are for 🤣

Also interested in this idea...following 

As everyone said you can be as dressed up or casual as you want. We don't get chance to dress up much at home so for evening chic nights ( think usually 2 on an 11 night cruise) he wears a suit ( but without a tie) & I wear a long dress/cocktail dress - sparkly sandals. For the other nights he wears chinos & open necked shirt ...I wear summer dresses. Last cruise there was also a white party. 

We did our first cruise -11 nights- 2 years ago and absolutely loved it. We are back for our 2nd one next month. Hope you have a great time whatever you choose 

We had drinks & more 2 years ago & have it again for our cruise next month. We enjoy the convenience of having the fridge daily restocked with cold drinks & snacks & took the wine & some of the vodka with us for our post cruise trip that wasn't all inclusive . 

When we had it it was new & no one knew about it but I had printed off & taken with me the drinks & more info & although they charged us the first couple of days for mini bar items It was removed from the bill 🙂

There is a whole thread on this . When where etc for UK - called options for covid test pre cruise. Lots of advice from people recently travelled. 

Based on their advice we have booked a test at Heathrow morning we fly/ 2 days pre cruise - the one test will cover getting into US/ getting on cruise. Hope this helps 

On 1/19/2022 at 9:17 AM, chemmo said:

You have already had lots of advice re transport but remember check in at many hotels isn’t until 4pm. You may get lucky and manage to book in immediately from getting off the ship, however, if you have to wait until 4pm it is a long time, even if they are willing to store your luggage.

 

Suggest you liaise with the hotel you choose to arrange an early book in. Worth an extra few $$ for the comfort of dumping your luggage and then being free to enjoy a nice swim, meal, shop….If you haven’t booked a hotel yet search for one that offers early check in options or ‘day rooms’.

Thanks Chemmo - yes already chosen & booked hotel that allows us to drop bags. Really want to explore Miami for the day as it will be our only chance - so unless we come up with an excursion/ private tour we fancy straight from ship - the  plan is go straight from port to hotel - drop bags - get cab to Miami beach - spend day exploring - back to hotel for dinner / early night- early flight to Vegas following Day. 🙂

When our  cruise ends in Fort Lauderdale we are staying overnight in a hotel near miami airport. We had booked a Celeb  excursion on the last day that ends at Miami Airport but its now been cancelled & the others available are things we have already done/don't wish to do. So any advice on best option to get to hotel near Miami airport ?

From the UK ...so can I download the uber / lyft app? Is it better to grab a cab or prebook a pivate transfer? 

Or has anyone experienced booking private transport from the port that encorporates a tour of the attractions in Miami ? 

Flying to elsewhere in US so wont need covid test on disembarking ( unless rules change!).

I have done a search for answers & looked on the port boards but can't really find an answer...so am asking all you lovely people 😊 

5 hours ago, HBDave said:

 

I'm scheduled for the Millennium in February. I received notification that San Juan had been replaced with St Thomas. I assumed San Juan was closed and that St Thomas was open. I guess St Thomas is open as long as you take a Celebrity Excursion. As Bob Dylan would sing "The Times They Are A-Changin".

Yes same couple of days ago - however on website excursions are still showing for San Juan not St Thomas...so can't book anything !! 🙄

1 hour ago, chemmo said:

Available in Tuscan Grill…Prior to drinks package days they used to give it to you complementary after you finished your meal. Enjoyed one last cruise…Delivered straight, your husband will need to ask for it to be mixed.

Ah thank you...we have dinner there the first night so he might need to ask nicely if it could be made available to him at his favourite bar ( sunset bar) during the cruise!!! 

Hi just reading a question about the drinks package reminded me to ask has anyone come across limoncello on-board?  It is an Italian - lemon flavoured liquer and mixed with gin & tonic has become my husbands new favourite drink at home  ! Just wondered if anyone knew if they stocked this or something similar . I couldn't see it on the list of spirits in any of the packages . Thanks 

When we did our first cruise 2 years ago  I suppose for us upgrading was about being on holiday and  just being able to order what we wanted when we wanted it - trying the different Martinis & cocktails at the different bars - and different wines with dinner that we wouldn't normally have, without worrying about costs. I am sure  you have a great time whatever you decide to get. Cheers 🍹

So sorry for your loss. I am also from the UK - if you travelled regularly maybe you have holiday insurance included with your bank account or home insurance that would cover this ? It's worth checking.  If it was booked a credit card  they may be able to help ? My deepest condolences . 

12 minutes ago, swjumbo said:

From the UK here too. Just go for it!
The restrictions are becoming less and less. I spend a lot of time in the US and the CDC have reduced the restrictions as they realise this is something which we have to live with.

Theres lots of testing advice online (YouTube seems best for me) and having spent many years in the Caribbean the best place to see a few islands is actually from a ship! Lol

We’ve booked again for April and will look at the ever changing rules and regs a week before we leave.

PS Vegas is eye wateringly expensive now but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it nevertheless. The slot machines don’t seem to pay out as much as they used to.

Thanks , yes got great advice on here about testing so unless rules change again we have that all booked & sorted! 

Last did Vegas about 15 years ago ( when $2 to £1) so will be interesting to see the changes !!