SkystheLimit

Houston we have a problem--no Club sandwich on that menu!

it is sad. We've fortunately been able to cruise for many years. Seems every time we reach the top loyalty level of a cruise line they change the game. That's how we ended up at Celebrity several years ago. We really don't ask for much but a decent buffet in the evening is a must. So, guess we will wait and see if this new change sticks.

Interesting approach. Not sure it will work. Last cruise we were on this past summer they could barely handle the crowds in the MDR.We opted for the Oceanview Cafe on more than one occasion because of the waits in the dining rooms. There were several stations closed with static displays of dried pasta, canned goods, etc. The Oceanview is a lot of prime real estate to not utilize at night.

Several of you love low occupancy ships and then complain about the quality and service. You are not going to get the full experience if the ship is not at 100% occupancy. There will be every attempt at cost savings for all categories if the revenue from paying passengers is not there. It is trade off.

Clearly, this wasn't a well known factor enough in advance for multiple cruise lines to completely fail the process. Seems the government types don't really care about the many people in the tourism industry. That industry in NZ has lost enormous revenue in the last 3 years. Not sure what the driving factor is behind this late to the program initiative is but it definitely has politics written all over it.

We did not have to leave the ship on a TA arriving in San Juan last year. Customs and border control always dictate the protocol. I'm not sure that the cruise line really knows what will happen until just before arrival. Hence, they may not have procedures in place to deal with wheelchairs, etc.

Looking forward to your posts! Made final payment today for our Splendour cruise in April and May. Our last cruise on Regent was a transatlantic on the Explorer. It was marvelous and the entertainment was outstanding. Safe travels and hope you have a wonderful time!

Would love to know your insurance choice. We are sailing on the Splendor in April/May.

It is for a 75 plus policy. However, I was surprised and found it disturbing because I'm not sure the diagnosis could be that exact in many circumstances.

It is for the age 75 plus category and medical forms are required.

We have had MedJet for years. However, this past year we did find a bit of a surprise upon renewal. My husband was diagnosed with AFIB. He was treated successfully with procedures and is using a CPAP machine. On our last renewal, MedJet said they would not transport him if he had a stroke related to the AFIB. So, it is worth noting that a preexisting condition upon renewal can have an impact.

That would be nice but summertime is the only season to see the blue island! Hydrangeas everywhere!

Agree! I would love to see it then. Too bad there are only a couple of cruises that time of year and they are on the huge ships for UK school break.

premium

We were on the Equinox earlier in the summer. Internet was abysmal. Television selections very poor also. Enjoyed the cruise other than that.

Those tea pastries look delicious. We enjoyed our teatime there as a excursion from the Mariner a couple of years ago. The room is crowded but they are very efficient and it was enjoyable.

it was a surprise to us. We did not pay for the cruise in full at booking(9 months before the departure date). Something got lost in translation. To this day we don't know if that $1,000 is applicable for another cruise. No answer from our former TA nor Scenic. We've moved on with a lesson learned.

Most excursions booked thru the cruise line are vetted for these issues.

These were both situations before final deposit with our cancelling. in 30 years of cruising, I can't remember administrative fees from the cruise lines with canceling long before final payment. Certain TA's charge their own fees. I don't have a problem with $150 cancelled 4 months out. However, $1,000 long before final payment is a bit steep. Not placing blame because I do know how to read but it must have been in the tiny tiny print. TA never pointed out this nonrefundable deposit. So, live and learn. We are US based so I know that can make a difference.

This may be the new normal for cruise lines. $75 per person administrative fee on Azamara if you cancel before final payment. Deposit is transferable to another cruise with no penalty. Scenic cruises was the stiffest so far. $1,000 non refundable deposit.

We are very disappointed those lovely gathering hours are no longer part of Celebrity offerings. Recently on the Equinox we went to the Sky Lounge at 5:00ish every day and it was absolutely depressing. Very few people, no music, one bartender, no snacks, and most of all no camaraderie with fellow experienced travelers. The views from the Sky Lounge are absolutely amazing and a great place to spend time. Hopefully, they will remain intact on the M & S Class ships and all passengers can still have a forward facing view from the ship.

Website not very friendly. It kept sending me to Instagram for specific cruises. Huge Heiki fan just as I am of Russ Grieve. Would do my best to cruise with them again on any cruise line. Of course, if I could have the ideal crew it would be all the best I've met on Azamara through the years.

Our TA has called twice this week on our behalf because of a booking issue. 45 minute hold and then an hour hold. Fortunately, he said he is good a multi tasking.

Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful thoughts and photos. Safe travels home. It has been fun!

Our Total Wine store is experiencing shortages of some wines that have been readily available until this past month. It's that pandemic supply thing again.