elena7seas

If you feel like venturing downtown (easily done) Miku Waterfront has been named the number one Japanese restaurant in Vancouver and the food is amazing. Look up the food reviews as this is not your average Japanese restaurant. It is a little bit more expensive, but so worth it in terms of quality, and the view is perfect. Your stronger American dollar will help to keep the prices within range. A reservation is strongly suggested as the restaurant is very popular.

This thread has made me feel so much better about taking our grandkids with us. We are going in September on the Infinity when school is back in session. (We booked the cruise way before we knew the little ones would be staying with us.). Does anyone have any idea if these cruises still have a decent amount of kids during the school year.

 

 

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Hi NanaChar:

My granddaughter and I were on the Infinity in the second week of September 2015 for the Pacific Coastal. There were 21 children registered in the Fun Factory on that cruise, and my granddaughter (8 at the time) had a wonderful time. 15 of the children were aged 5 and below, which was to be expected, but the Fun Factory staff do an exceptional job of integrating the age groups. There was one child older than my granddaughter, and four kids ages 6 and 7. Even with the low number of children, the Fun Factory offered a full programme, and did not cut any corners.

The Fun Factory youth workers on Celebrity all have four-year professional degrees in child-centred fields, and the quality of their training and their genuine interest in children shows.

Thank you so much for your wonderful and very well written review.

My DH and six other friends were on the same cruise with you, and I can agree with everything you said. It was a terrific cruise, and Solstice was an awesome ship. I am so glad you had such a great experience on your first cruise. Funny that I don't remember the first evening being so difficult, but I always travel with Bonine (Meclizine), sea bands, and ginger (I have a lot of difficulty with motion sickness), so I was well protected against the sea swells. I do remember the itinerary showing as going up the BC inside passage, and all of us were quite surprised to be turning out to sea.

I agree entirely with everything you said about the children's experience on Celebrity. I have a granddaughter who has just turned 9, and she will be going on her 5th cruise with me in two weeks. The Fun Factory personnel on Celebrity are amazing on every ship that we have been on. My DGD has been to Alaska twice, once on Celebrity, and once on Princess, and while Princess was good, Celebrity was just so much better. Princess was more like "babysitting with crafts" and Celebrity always offers a first-class programme, with great interaction between the children and the child-centred professionals. It is everything I would want it to be, and as a result, my grand-daughter loves to cruise more than any other holiday experience. (She has been to Disneyland and enjoys cruising more). Her first cruise was on the Celebrity Solstice in the Eastern Med when she was four-and-a-half and ever since she has had a wonderful outlook on travelling the world, seeing faraway places, and meeting others from around the world.

Again, thank you for sharing your experiences and I hope you and your husband have an equally wonderful time on your upcoming cruise.

Yup...duplicate post. Sorry, folks!!

Hi Everyone:

So much for me to catch up with!!

First, Lois, thanks so much for posting your great review. Wish I had a river cruise booked now, but I have so much yet to organize for our down-under cruises.

Suzanne, you must be so busy getting ready to move to your new home. We love Whidbey Island and the surrounding area, including the beautiful Olympic peninsula. We always make at least one trip there every year. I think you and Rick have made a great choice. And I'm really excited for both of you with the upcoming birth of your first grandbaby. What fun ahead of you!! And now with Skype, you will be able to keep in touch. My sister-in-law Skypes with her twin granddaughters in Australia every day, and that makes all the difference. The babes are now five and a half months old, and can recognize and respond to my sister-and brother-in-law over Skype.

Katie...oh my goodness, that sounds like a nasty injury on your chin. I hope everything is healing nicely. So glad that your little "trip" didn't interfere with joining the others for lunch. So nice that you are able to get together.

Suzanne, I think that we should get together for lunch!!

Ann, I hope Lou is getting stronger and better every day. Best wishes sent your way.

Linda, I always enjoy seeing your posts on the Celebrity boards...a voice of reason, always. I hope that new Chief Marketing Officer has some common sense, and can market the brand positively to new clients without making the current clients feel undervalued and unappreciated. And I don't care if "disruptive" is a new catchword in marketing, it has such a negative connotation to me, I think they need to find a new positive catch phrase. And they need to stop saying they are marketing to "more affluent" cruisers. It just makes the rest of us feel like chopped liver. I may not be booking suites on Celebrity ships (since the advent of the new pricing strategy), but they still need to fill the non-suite cabins, and there is no reason to offend people who have cruised regularly with Celebrity for years.

Hi Rick, thanks for providing the link to Lois' review, and for continuing to post on the Celebrity boards. Were you on either of our 2014 Century Caribbean back-to-back cruises? I have half a memory of a frequent Celebrity cruiser who had to leave the ship early because of some type of accident or medical issue. Was that you?

Hope I haven't missed replying to anyone. :) Hugs to you all.

Hi Lois:

I LOVED your review! Thanks so much for taking the time to post. I am so happy that the river cruise was a great experience for you. We are going to book a river cruise for 2017 or 2018, hopefully from Prague to Budapest, and we will give AMA a first look, based on your great reviews and others.

I know that everyone says that river cruises are very different from ocean cruises, but what would you say are the top 3 things you enjoyed about your river cruise, compared to your Celebrity ocean cruises. Conversely, what did you miss most about the Celebrity experience?

I love that you felt so well taken care of on AMA. That is what we always loved about the Celebrity experience.

Hi Kathy:

The more I read about Mardi Gras, the more I think that having a "pied a terre" for the Monday night makes sense for us. I can book one other room at the same "Friends and Family" rate if anyone else is interested.

According to the hotel, several of the parades will pass right by the Le Meridien. I haven't checked out the parade routes for 2017 yet, but from what I read, they tend to repeat the same routes. I think two of the major parades are on the Monday evening, so we may be able to see them. Harry Connick's parade (Krewe of Orpheus) goes right by the hotel on Tchapitoulas, and the Proteus parade ends about 3 blocks away.

I'd also like to go out somewhere great for dinner. We loved Brennan's the last time we were there...it was better than Commander's Palace, and Brennan's have just done a great, extensive reno (see photos on OpenTable.com). We also might like to try Mr. B's Bistro again. It might be nice to try a fine N'awlins dinner while the city swirls around us. Any one up for it? It's too early to book on line, but they might take a booking for Feb. 27th if I call in. Anyone else interested in a nice dinner out that night...any other suggestions?

Hi Everyone....

After reading your posts this morning, I caught up on the Mardi Gras Roll Call to see what was going on over there. That roll call gives me palpitations. I am not going to book anything on the Roll Call, but Suzanne, we would be interested in booking the Plantations tour. Otherwise, we just plan to walk around and enjoy the experience. I'm not too worried about the onboard ship culture. It's bound to be a bit crazy, but the Equinox gives you lots of places to get away.

In addition to having a good price on this cruise and good benefits, I am really looking forward to seeing all of you that are booked on this cruise. I admit to having the same concerns as Katie and Jeff, but decided that I could avoid most of my worries by booking a hotel in New Orleans for Lundi Gras (Feb 27th), so I have booked Le Meridien on Poydras at a travel agent rate, which is about half the going rate for the Mardi Gras dates. The location is good, as it is close to the latter half of the Parades Route, close to tram routes and only a few blocks from the French Quarter. For those of you that know NOLA, it is next to Harrah's. This will guarantee us access to a clean bathroom, sanctuary from the madness, and if we are having a really good time, we will stay overnight in the hotel and go back to the ship the next day. I feel better about this already. :) The hotel didn't require a deposit and is cancellable up until Feb 24th, 2017. I will continue to research any other options that will improve the experience for us. We are always up for fun and interesting, but not fans of craziness and any ick factor.

Hi Lois:

Popped in to wish you a marvelous cruise. I am sure you will love every minute of it!! I will be thinking of you every day. :) I wish you perfect weather for this trip.

Ann best wishes to you and Lou, and hoping that he gets stronger every day. We will keep you both in our thoughts and prayers.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week.

Many Thanks all for your help.

 

We have full day tours booked for the 2nd and 3rd day in Ashdod/Haifa with Guided Tours Israel but we don't arrive until lunch at Ashdod on day 1 so we want to visit Bethlehem and the ships tour seems the easiest option. As the write up is so sparse I wondered what we would see but I think I<script id="gpt-impl-0.8477562416107087" src="http://partner.googleadservices.com/gpt/pubads_impl_83.js"></script> understand how it will pan out and have booked the tour.

We had a spectacular 3-day tour with Guided Tours Israel out of Ashdod and Haifa in October 2014, which included Bethlehem. We went to Masada and the Dead Sea on day one, Jerusalem and Bethlehem on Day two, and Nazareth and Galilee on Day 3. It was the trip of a lifetime. If GTI can provide you with a tour that includes Bethlehem, I think that is an option that you wouldn't regret.

Our guide was Itay Rotem, who has a BA in the history and geography of Israel, and was well versed in all of the religious perspectives that have shaped Israel. He was one of the most amazing guides that we have ever had.

Date: October 12, 2014

Itinerary: Full day tour to Dead Sea + Masada

Pick-up Location: Ashdod Port

Ship: Celebrity Silhouette

Docking time: 08:00am

Tour start time: 08:30am

Duration of tour: 9-10 hours

Drop-off: Ashdod Port

Total number of participants in your party: 7 persons

Date: October 13, 2014

Itinerary: Full day tour to Jerusalem + Bethlehem

Pick-up Location: Ashdod Port

Ship: Celebrity Silhouette

Tour start time: 08:00am

Duration of tour: 9-10 hours

Drop-off: Ashdod Port

Total number of participants: 7 persons

Date: October 14, 2014

Itinerary: Full day Galilee tour

Pick-up Location: Haifa Port

Ship: Celebrity Silhouette

Docking time: 07:00am

Tour start time: 07:30am

Duration of tour: 6-7 hours

Drop-off: Haifa Port

Total number of participants: 7 persons

We also had a mandated stop at the handcrafted souvenir store in Bethlehem, but I enjoyed it and picked up some very nice mementos at good prices. Bethlehem relies on tourism for much of its economic activity and I was pleased to support it. We stopped at the security checkpoint and changed to a Palestinian guide on the way in, and retrieved our guide Itay on our way out. We were well-treated by everyone, and felt secure at all times.

I have friends who will be disembarking the Equinox in Barcelona, and were wondering what would be the best time to give to their taxi company for pick-up at the cruise terminal. They are staying in Barcelona for a few days after the cruise, so they don't have to be the first people off the ship.

The ship is scheduled to dock in Barcelona by 6:00 AM. What time is the ship usually cleared in Barcelona? What would be the best time to arrange for the taxi, if they want to avoid the biggest crush of people departing the area.

I know you can't predict what will happen on any specific occasion, but I just wonder what the experience of others has been when a cruise terminates in Barcelona.

Thanks everyone!

Lois, if my life provides any indication, if you DON'T bring a pair of shorts, you will get VERY HOT weather. (The old Murphy's Law principle is always in play in my life. :):):))

I don't like travelling in very hot weather. The mid-to-high sixties with no rain is perfect for me. The last time I travelled on the western coast of Europe, we arrived on April 17th and the weather was sunny, from 66 to 72 the whole time. It was perfect travelling weather for me.

Suzanne....goat rodeo....HAHAHAHAHA...that about sums it up. :p:):)

Hey Katie, I am plainly green with envy...wish Gerry and I were sailing too. The weather is fabulous here in Vancouver this week, but my insomnia needs the cruise cure. Key West is one of the ports I've never been to but would very much like to visit.

Lois....maybe you should take just one pair of shorts....what if a hot day sneaks up on you? :):):)

I am really looking forward to hearing how you enjoy the River cruise. We are looking for itineraries now for 2017 or 2018. :)

Arno, I am really enjoying seeing you back on the Celebrity boards.

That's fine, but I wanted them to show me why, written somewhere. They cannot do that. It's clear from other posters ITT that such language is usually included in their booking papers but in my in-laws case was not. If this was not the policy for this booking, why would anyone just say "okay, I'll consent to whatever you say just because that's what the documents should say."

Yes they can. What your in-laws need to ask their Travel Agent for is the GUEST Copy of their BOOKING CONFIRMATION. This is available for every booking, and comes directly from Celebrity, at the request of the Travel Agent.

I have a cruise that I booked on March 1st, 2015, during a $25 per person deposit promotion. The total deposit for the two of us is shown on the Booking Confirmation as $50.00 USD.

Under the statement of the BOOKING CHARGES is a line in a differentiated font that states "Deposit amounts may vary by promotion".

In the bottom half of the BOOKING CONFIRMATION, in the section entitled "Cancellation Schedule", the first line states....

"74-57 Days Prior to Sailing [Cancellation Amount] 450.00 Deposit amount".

Now, whether the Travel Agent provided this booking confirmation to your in-laws at the time the deposit was made, is different story. But the Travel Agent absolutely can provide one now, if requested.

By the way, I also have a booking that is part of a Group Booking, and the same advisory regarding the Cancellation Amount shows on my Booking Confirmation for that reservation as well.

Katie...that is the best possible news to receive before leaving on your cruises. Have a wonderful relaxing trip and give our best regards to Jeff.

Suzanne, my daughters are cooking dinner tonight...Sarah is making ham...no Ukrainian food because Sarah says it's too much work. :) I always made Ukrainian Easter brunch, up until this year, now my girls have taken over, and I am happy no matter what they make.

Sadly, the Easter Bunny missed our house this morning, as there are no kids here.

Our Katie will find a May cruise on the Explorer of the Seas in her Easter Basket from Nana and Grandfather today. :)

Have a lovely day, everyone.

Bon Voyage, to Katie and Jeff!

Anne, I am thinking of you and Lou and praying for the best.

To all who celebrate, have a blessed Easter and enjoy your time with family and friends.

Thanks Carolyn....I used to have a pretty good immune system and avoided most of those bugs. Last year and this year, I caught it at the end of the season. I don't know if it is because the bugs are stronger or it's because I'm getting older. Gerry says it's the latter. ;)

Lois, I never actually pack until the day before. I have all cosmetics, and pharmacy things packed in packing cubes a long time ahead, but I put the clothes in packing cubes as late as possible. I have this silly thing about not having the clothes packed up any longer than possible.

Has Katie left on her cruise already?

Hi Lois:

Thinking about you and wondering if you are all packed for you cruise!

Hi Suzanne:

Although I would love to sail a suite, I will never pay that kind of money for an 11-night cruise. I am so happy to have been able to take advantage of that 1A cabin that came up on the MG Roll Call.

Did other people here know that you can change both names on a reservation and keep all the benefits from the original booking? I sure didn't and up until I received my new booking confirmation, I was sure it was impossible. I haven't asked the travel agent involved about the details, but I think the original booking must have been part of a super-group.

Hi Kathy....

It sounds as if you had exactly what I had. Symptoms all the same, except I don't have asthma complications (Gerry does, and he had this virus first). It kicked my feet out from under me for the first three days (March 15 was day 1), and is still in my chest, but not really affecting my day-to-day. A lot of people around here are suffering from it. I wish you a quick and total recovery and you will so enjoy just being able to kick back on your cruises.

Linda, if we didn't have a two month holiday, with 39 days cruising, in October-December, I would have been on one of those cheap transatlantics this spring.

Taking my first River cruise in 2 weeks.....sailing out of Amsterdam with

an itinerary of the Netherlands and Belgium....I have no plans to cancel

my trip and I want to drink that beer, eat those waffles and the

chocolate that has been mentioned:)

Ghent and Antwerp are a couple of the stops too........

 

My heart goes out to the victims and their families............

My thoughts and prayers today are also are with the victims and their families and friends.

If I were booked on your river cruise with you, I would still be going as well.

Yes, Lois, that was just horrendous news this morning. There are just no words to express my sadness.

Hi Linda:

Thanks for your kind words. The worst outcome of my being out of commission is the backlog of emails. Just ridiculous.

So will you be living in Florida permanently? It will be nice to be able to take advantage of all those last minute cruise specials. Although I have several cruises booked, from now on, it will only be last minute cruise for us, unless they do something about the pricing structure.

Hi Suzanne:

I have been on the Splendour of the Seas twice and the Oasis of the Seas once, so that is my total experience with RC. I'm looking forward to seeing what the Explore has to offer. The Butchard Gardens are beautiful. I had a lovely visit there last year with Linda.

Speaking of whom....Hi Linda, how is your spring going?

Also hello to Katie and Kathy who are getting ready to sail away. :)