goofysmom99

Just guessing here but I suspect a cabin would have to have a passenger assigned to it, meaning one person would lose benefits. I suppose you could add the wifi, bev, even Luminae ($30/evening meal for the guest), but access to The Retreat would be out.

When you file an insurance claim, you can tell them exactly where the suitcase is. Personal experience, the insurance company jumped thru hoops getting luggage to me, unlike the airline.

A little pharmaceutical assistance taken with a glass of wine and I'll sleep if it's there or not. I've taken a 15 night TA without my suitcase and had a great time. This coming Oct, I'll continue to pack my rollaboard as though the checked bag won't make it and keep my fingers crossed that it does.

In 2019, I booked a 6-night W Carib cruise while aboard the Silhouette TA, to make it a B2B. There were some of the sloppiest, knee-walking drunks I've ever seen, on any cruise ship or even Mardi Gras. I'd survived chemo that year and my hair hadn't grown back yet (peach fuzz). I got on the forward elevator and a really bombed young man with a shaved head, and sporting some magnificent artwork, joined me. He gave my head a good hard look and slurred "I really like your haircut." It's now one of my all-time favorite cruise memories and makes me laugh while I type this.

Samsung has the Galaxy Smart Tag which works like the Apple Air Tag. And since Samsung sells the most phones in Europe, you may have a fairly decent shot with one of these, too. My "solution" for my next trip to Italy is, after a 4 hr layover, to fly to my destination city directly from a US hub. Not my fastest option but it avoids the dreaded LHR, CDG, etc. The Air Tag/Smart Tag will at least let me know if my suitcase makes it to the belly of the beast(s).

I've taken one TA minus my checked bag but I pack my carryon as though it always will happen. Lots of black and colorful scarves. Works well for land trips via trains in Europe, too. And seriously, no one actually remembers what you wore yesterday anyway.

I booked the Apex at the solo fare for 2-25-2023. Today, solo fare is no longer available for that particular cruise. Still there for the ones before and after.

I've booked 5 cruises with the solo 100% fares (first one mid-Oct) and don't expect double points for any of them. During the start-up period beginning last Aug, I took 9 cruises which averaged about 120% supplement each and I did receive double points. Still had a good-sized leftover FCC (from a canceled 5-day suite last fall) which has paid for upcoming solo-fared balcony cruises totaling 35 days. These solo fares are certainly wonderful while they're here....think I'm going to need a much longer-term pet sitter. 😉 And if DH were still here, we'd book adjoining solo cabins for the two bathrooms.

And as mentioned way back when, if the balcony cabins adjoined, there'd be shared balcony, two bathrooms (TWO!!), two TVs, and two beds. If my DH were still living, that would absolutely be preferable to both of us stepping on top of one other in a standard balcony cabin. Definite benefit.

I'm watching your sailaway on the Port Everglades webcam. I sure like the paint job on the Infinity better than the Equinox!

I just tried dummy bookings for my upcoming Italy & TA B2B and they both still have solo fares, exactly half the fare for two. My February Apex cruise is now more than double the solo fare I got back on Jun 21st. It would seem to depend on the specific sailing and demand.

It's unfortunate that we have to request both the alternative canapés and the bubbly. And sadly, if you don't know that, you miss out. I usually remember to ask for the bubbly maybe half the time. I'm gluten-free which means I receive some really weird canapés if I forget to request a cheese or fruit plate substitution. I still book concierge class most often, primarily for cabin location.

Yes, the Star Princess. It caused every cruise line to ban smoking on balconies. That's a "ban," not a suggestion. BTW, a person died in that fire.

Here's the photo that explains why there's no smoking on balconies. Period.

I travel solo and had smoking neighbors above me in an aft-facing cabin. It was difficult to determine where the smoke came from. I called guest relations first; nothing changed. Then used the QR code from the daily to make a complaint and laid it on thick that I had complained once already. THAT got results. Everyone up the chain was able to read it.

I recommend the Silhouette so you can see the sail-in to Stockholm from the Sky Lounge. It takes about 2 1/2 hrs and is breathtaking. Something you never forget.

I can save you one call, to Scootaround. The rep told me they don't serve South America. I didn't call Special Needs at Sea, the other Celebrity-approved provider.

Whew, what a relief, now there are.

Don't forget, you can hover your mouse over someone's name and the option to "ignore" pops up. That's often the simplest way to disengage.

It'd certainly be nice not to have to juggle a precruise test and an overseas flight almost simultaneously. I know I'll be tested for the 2nd leg of the B2B, though, since it goes to the US. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the first leg anyway.🤞

Chef's Table available online.

The link takes you to a site which provides proctors who watch you use your government-provided tests. Results are emailed. Same thing E-Med does. https://rapidtestandtrace.com/product/observed-test-for-travel/

I no longer book suites. 🚫🛁 😉 Access to the shoreside zenith concierge is the benefit I appreciate most (and laundry). I've recently received a succession of "yes" answers to requests I know would not have gotten off the ground at all through usual channels. My TA, also a zenith, has been equally impressed/astounded during our 3-way calls.

Flavored sparling waters (i.e., LaCroix, AHA, Bubly) are not available. I always bring along a few boxes in a zip up shopping bag if I drive to the port. Even when overseas, I try to get to a store to buy some to have at boarding. Put a luggage tag on it and it shows up in the cabin. The bag goes home either loaded with dirty clothes or in the bottom of my suitcase. Before using the bag, I used tape to hold the boxes together and make a handle; porters would put a tag on that, too. Have never seen spiked seltzers either but never asked.

Royal Suite.