goofysmom99

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.

I did go on Equinox in August. It wasn't advertised. Upon embarkation, I asked a maitre d' to please include me, if held. It was held in the private room in Murano. On Summit, it was held in the back of Tuscan. On Equinox the apricot souffle was prepared properly, gluten-free (only egg-whites to hold it together). On Summit, they included wheat in its preparation. They've never been able to prepare a souffle for me on M-class, but that's how they're all prepared in Murano. Must be the ovens on S-class vs M-class. Don't know about E-class. LuAnn, Veuve Clicquot dinners have been around at least since Edge's inaugural. They're $200+ per person. You have to ask, in person, as a rule. It did appear later on the app on one or more of my Nov/Dec Summit cruises, as I recall. Don't remember if it was clickable, though.

Final payment is in 13 days for B2B from Italy. I hadn't been terribly concerned about onboard testing since US eliminated testing requirement to return home. However, since Italian Minister of Health seems to have reinstituted quarantining this past week, I'm now experiencing serious angst. I don't fear getting sick, however I am anxious re quarantining solo somewhere in Italy. If I were to test positive, I assume X would have to inform immigration. Then would that mean I get off and quarantine, or will it be the reverse of Bananavana's Eastbound TA saga where she couldn't get off (meaning I take the TA home and quarantine onboard)? Does Italy have a no-fly list? Seriously. I don't want to have to take a train to Spain to stay mainly on a plane, or something equally absurd. I have drilled down on every roll call, forum and govt release I can find. Arghh! I want to go, but not sure what direction I should be looking for contingency planning. BTW, doubt anyone has answers yet. I'm just venting. Thirteen days isn't much time.

When I had several B2B testings, they were held in conference rooms, same place they did the crew testing.

Rather than the Daniel Boulud Chef's Table, my suggestion would be to book the Veuve Clicquot champagne dinner instead. It costs more but is a much finer dinner. It can't be prebooked but I always hot-foot it to a maitre d' or Cellar Masters very first thing upon boarding to be put onto the list. It's the one thing I book every cruise. Veuve Clicquot controls the menu, not Boulud. The pairings, the glassware, the presentation, are all many steps up from Chef's Table.

They're still having the Captain's Club gathering where they announce the top cruiser. Those are always in the daily. I would imagine all roll call participants are Captain's Club members so, for the time being, you could remind your roll call to be sure to go.

OK, I see the Captain's Club discounts for Spa and I'm familiar with massages and facials, but I'm not sure what else the term Spa encompasses. Is a pedi included? Hair? I think the last time I had a salon visit aboard a ship was 2014. This year I'll be away from home for about two months and will be needing repairs. Thanks.

I just requested quotes from both companies for a one-way rental for 24 nights from Ravenna Italy to Tampa. Within the quote there is $250 ($10/day) for insurance which seems to be a pretty sizeable chunk (35%) of the total figure. Your thoughts?