Fijalclarkski

I am considering a Mediterranean cruise that has an overnight stop in La Spezia. I am wondering if passengers can get on and off the ship all night, or if security shuts down the gangway at any point overnight (and if so, when it closes and reopens). I have been dying to visit Cinque Terre and want to get as much time in the towns as possible, including sunrises, sunsets, drinks, and meals. Thanks!

We were in 11294 (Sunset Veranda) during the February 5 Beyond sailing. We experienced the same loud cracking/creaking sounds that others have experienced. The sounds came from all corners of the cabin, not just from the exterior, interestingly. I noticed that the ship was shuddering quite a bit while underway - the same feeling when the ship is docking. So, my theory is that there is a propulsion issue that is the underlying cause of the sound - sending waves of energy through the ship that shouldn't be there. We called down to Guest Services one night to ask what can be done, and they offered to give us another cabin to sleep in but couldn't guarantee that the same issues wouldn't be present. We declined. The next day, we saw engineering staff inspecting and making adjustments to cabins (tightening things, essentially). The noises were quieter after that but not fully gone. Later that day, someone from Guest Services called to apologize for the issue and offered us some future cruise credit for our troubles. The fact that they acted on the complaints and offered us compensation improved our feelings on the matter. Needless to say, we slept very well on our last night.

Bottom line, in my opinion, it is an issue, Celebrity knows about it, and they know how to give good customer service. 🙂

3 minutes ago, markeb said:

Unanswerable. It probably would be to us, because we love Lumiinae, and liked Michaels before the revolution as much as we love the new Retreat Lounge (Equinox). A lot of the choice if personal preference. If finance was the only driving factor, I don't know that suites would sell anyway!

 

Are you looking at all in final prices? On our upcoming cruise from Alaska, the OBC offer was so much higher (and the fare included premium drinks and Wi-Fi) that what looked like a huge price difference ended up being much closer. Obviously some of that depends on whether you can use the OBC and if you want premium drinks and Wi-Fi

Yes, I considered the difference in on-board credit and the cost to upgrade to premium drinks and fast wifi and it’s still +$3k different.

I understand there isn’t a clear, definitive yes/no answer because so much depends on personal preferences. I guess I’m asking for folks’ personal preferences given the information I’ve shared. 

I just don’t want my first Suite “splurge” to be a moderate disappointment.
 

Very helpful responses so far!

My husband and I are tempted to splurge for a suite on a future Celebrity Eclipse sailing. I know that Eclipse hasn't yet been revolutionized, and one of the things it doesn't include is the Retreat Sun Deck. The price difference between Aqua Class and a Sky Suite is about $166 per person per day ($3,320 total for the entire 10-day cruise). Is it "worth it?" I know Suite class has premium drinks, faster wifi, more on-board credit, access to Luminae, and other benefits, but I wonder if the lack of a Retreat Sun Deck makes the Suite extras not worth the cost. I'm curious to hear from those who may have Suite experience on revolutionized and nonrevolutionized Solstice Class ships. Thanks!

Thank you!

I just called Celebrity to upgrade from the Classic to the Premium Drink package. He quoted me ~$148 per person for a 7-day cruise (approximately $21 a day), including gratuity and a 10% discount for being a Select member. Is this similar to what others have paid recently? This is more than the $10 or $12/day plus gratuity than I was expecting. Thanks!

I reserved two specialty restaurants for my Beyond cruise in February 2023 just now, and noticed that Celebrity added gratuity on top of the dining charges. This is different than when we sailed on Apex this past February. Does anyone know when this change was made? I am happy to pay gratuities for the awesome service they provide, I just was used to the gratuities being included in the restaurant charges.

Thanks, everyone!

Have folks been bringing their actual paper vaccine cards on their cruises to show at embarkation and at ports, or have photos of the cards and/or State-issued website/apps been sufficient? I have been treating my paper vaccine card like it's worth $1M so I am hesitant to bring it if not needed. Thanks!

10 hours ago, Fijalclarkski said:

I joined a Facebook event for the cruise via the Celebrity Apex page. Is that what you mean?

Oh, I found the group to which I think you are referring and requested to be added.

2 hours ago, Cruisegoer said:

Sounds like we just missed each other.  Are you on the Facebook group page for this Apex sailing? 

I joined a Facebook event for the cruise via the Celebrity Apex page. Is that what you mean?

22 hours ago, Cruisegoer said:

Great, we are from eastern PA, I'm in my 40s and my friend Sam is in his 50s.  I've been on quite a few cruises and this will be Sam's 3rd.  We've been to Bermuda on the Summit, did a Bearacuda Heretic gay group in Feb 2020 just as the pandemic was unfolding sailing out of San Juan (also on the Summit) and now excited to see the Apex!  I've sailed pretty much every mainstream cruise line except Disney and always love a Celebrity cruise.

We were on Summit the first week of February 2020. We've sailed Royal Caribbean and Celebrity and love both! Can't wait to check out this incredible ship.

My husband and I will be on this cruise. Can't wait!

My husband and I will be joining three other gay couples on this cruise. Anyone else?

Are you sure they aren't referring to 14217? 14317 is Boardwalk-view but 14217 is Central Park-view. 14217 is listed as having an obstructed view because of the bridge over the middle of Central Park on Deck 15. We are booked for 14217 so I'm particularly interested in seeing exactly how obstructed this cabin is. I don't mean to hijack your thread! Just thought you might have the numbers mixed up.

The OP is a fake person, check other posts.

I'm a real person! The speedo bit was a joke to liven up the conversation. But my question is genuine. I've heard about 70s parties, etc. Do people pack for events like that?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I would leave the speedo at home but definitely pack the Alter Lateral Flash.

For those of you who want to Google that...don't. [emoji12][emoji12]

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

This January, I'll be going on my first cruise in 23(!) years with my husband, for whom it'll be his first. Allure of the Seas, Western Caribbean! We have a good idea about what to pack clothing-wise for a week in the Caribbean. We also have a good idea of what to wear in the evenings. I'm wondering if you seasoned cruisers pack any kinds of special clothing/accessories that we may not think of. Are there any special theme parties that would be more fun if we dressed the part? Should I pack my speedo (I'd surely win any contest requiring one!)? :) Thanks in advance, folks!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums