kluv2cruz

I’ve done this twice and other than the logistics of getting there and back, would happily do again. When I did it, it was a ship excursion so didn’t have to worry about transportation. I get motion sick and the ride up and down was a bit edgey for me, but I survived! Yes you ping off the walls and each other, but it’s a hoot. Like a good kids camp leader, the tour guide said, as we were getting in the water, no “F” words, ie, no saying it’s freezing! That just set the tone! No whining! I’ve done similar in Belize and there, some poor human walked through the waterway towing us tourists all tethered together. Much more lame. Kauai was fun!

5 hours ago, 81Zoomie said:

Lovely view at the Monkeypod for lunch in Waikiki 🌴🌞🌴

Stunning location. Great food.

On 4/11/2024 at 4:34 AM, Kteacher said:

We had dinner last night at the hotel’s restaurant, La Fuga, which is advertised as coastal Italian. The service was very attentive, and the food was phenomenal as were the cocktails. I asked if the bartender could make me a carajillo- if you are a fan of espresso martinis you need to give it a try-

This picture is why I decided to read your “Live”. Yummy!

8 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

Poor hubs is still coughing profusely and non-stop. Keeps himself  and me up all night long, even though he is currently sleeping in the living room. Meds and supplements aren't helping much 😞

I am just tired, though.

If he’s able to have it, I found NyQuil to be amazing at helping me stop coughing long enough to sleep. Sleep almost sitting up with LOTS of pillows. And DayQuil and neocitron, and fisherman’s friend - use a knife or pill splitter to cut into 1/4’s so they’re not so spicy for so long, but long enough to help. Lots of water or tea. Hydrate. As others have said, vit c, since, echinacea. Ugh. Get well. Use a new toothbrush or put old one in boiling water or dishwasher.

11 hours ago, abbydancer2003 said:

I just went.  The only bikes I saw were gathered together against the wall in the studio.  I took a picture of one, plus the schedule and the sign up sheets.  I hope it helps.

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! Thank you so much!!

Abby, did you get a chance to check out the bikes? I may have missed it? Thanks for doing a live from… enjoying!

6 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

New recommendations always enjoyed.

You’ve maybe figured this out on Libby, and it’s possible my library’s rules are different than yours… but, here’s how I use Libby. You can have 10 loans at a time, and can renew those, 3 weeks at a time, as many times as it’s available (ie no one else wants it). You can have 10 holds at a time. You can postpone a hold if it comes available… I often do this to time a hold to be available for a trip. I use tags to mark books I want to read (so if I read a review, or someone tells me about a book like you just did, I can tag it « to read ».) I also mark books to read, although the app sort of does that too. I also have a tag for « don’t bother not worth reading «  for something I’ve started that doesn’t catch my interest, and another for « don’t read » if I check out a review and think it won’t be to my taste or too scary for e.g.! I also enjoy magazines and subscribe to several so they auto populate in the app. Lastly, I also use Goodreads to track books to read or that I’ve read. Happy reading!

51 minutes ago, Harrisonkid said:

Best I ever got was a $6.99 - 15% for elite .. then 20% back in for tips ...sometime it just feels like 3 card monty...lol

I called and asked and they said I could either get the sale price or my elite 15%. Were you able to stack the discount and get both? Did you phone for that?

abbydancer2003 if you have time and don’t mind researching a question for me… can you scope out the bicycles and specifically the spin classes? Would love a picture of the fitness schedule, and also of the bikes (there are likely a few near treadmills, but I’m wanting to know about some that are probably in a separate area or room that are used only for spin classes.) For the bike pictures I’m curious whether the pedals have cleats, whether shoes are provided (HAL does, but pretty sure Celebrity doesn’t), and a general overall pic. Could you also find out the per class cost and whether there is an unlimited class pass or a bundle cost?
 

THANK YOU in advance!! I board in HNL in April and am planning what to bring and timing of classes etc.

Ach, had someone in the Cruiseship gym on a treadmill do a full loud FaceTime discussing the care of Grandpa with multiple family members at loud volume for about 20 minutes. I was embarrassed on behalf of poor grandpa.

5 hours ago, Sea Hag said:

Aloo Masala and Egg Bhurji

This is yummy. I even had it from room service in 2022 when in COVID isolation! Slightly different each time.

On 3/12/2024 at 10:51 PM, gardengalaz said:

the food, service and entertainment on board are absolutely fantastic, but I genuinely hate this ship.  It's poorly designed, cramped, crowded, congested ...

I completely agree. Will not sail this ship again - it is poorly designed and feels crowded. Had a very similar Crown Grill experience with a mariachi band right beside our group of 7 celebrating a birthday with a splurge specialty dining. Untenable. Couldn’t hear ourselves think nor each other nor the poor waiter. 

I think I’ve learned on here that if you have OBC you can pre-purchase with credit card pay dining and excursions and then when onboard go to guest services and shore excursions desk respectively and swap the payment method from credit card to OBC. 
 

Can one pre-book the Thermal Spa access in the same way?

On 2/25/2024 at 6:56 AM, hcat said:

I like the idea of the tags but we could not figure out what we needed to buy with our Samsung phones..maybe Best Buy can help?

Type “air tags for Samsung” into google or Amazon and it will tell you about “Tile” or “SmartTag”. And yes, I think Best Buy will help.

2 hours ago, guihong02 said:

Hello, have never cruised and am very interested in HA to the British Isles in May 2026 (as a kind of reward after a major goal reached).  

• How early is way too early to book the cruise?  And do most of you use a travel agent, especially in something with so many moving parts with  going overseas?
• Has anyone done the 15 night cruse around Scotland and Ireland?  I especially wanted Belfast and Loch Ness, but of course it's all good.
• Can you add on pre-or post trip stays, like a few days in London?

 

Thank you so much for your time!  I'm sure I'll be around many times in the two years until the cruise.

Welcome! 

• Book early is my mantra. Book a refundable deposit and watch the price. If you’re fanatical check every few days, weeks or months. There are apps for this price watching too! Yes, definitely I use a travel agent. What location are you from… guessing North America as you reference overseas. 

• I have had a similar cruise booked about 5 times including this coming summer and it just seems to not happen. A great itinerary. Consider finding a similar 2024 and 2025 itinerary and read and “follow” their cruise critic board. Also of course the 2026 one for your sailing if it’s been started. You will learn so much from the generosity of others.

• Definitely add on a few days. I find, for me, before is better to add on as it helps with jet lag and you’re still full of enthusiasm and energy! After I usually become focused on getting home so it’s less easy to enjoy my surroundings!

• Consider cruise air. Bookable about 330 days out. Refundable until close to cruise. You can still do cruise air with a few days before or after. 
  There are threads on here about getting from London to Southampton.

• Consider doing a few smaller cruises before your big celebration one! 
   
• Ask away! Folks are very generous with their time and wisdom!

1 hour ago, Oskial said:

Lots of Utube videos available for viewing.  We just watched one that has a 25 minute tour of the ship from top to bottom that was very good.  We haven't been on the Solstice and are going on her to Alaska this May.  We have been on the other three S class ships.  You can also just explore the ship and all that it has when you board her and find out stuff on your own.  It can be fun to explore and uncover things that are new and exciting.  Have a great time!

Was on it in 2015 & 2018 and on sister ship Eclipse a few times more recently. We find we beat a narrow path to the “old favourites” and I’d like to branch out and experience a few new things! Try some different foods & cocktails! Sit in a different bar! Try a different fitness class. See some different ship art!

6 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

My two World Class Bar favorites are the Zacapa Old Fashion and the Highlander.

 

https://profcruise.com/celebrity-bar-menus-2023/#world

Thanks! Intrigued!

8 hours ago, thebutlerdidit said:

My favorites are still covered - the Double Piquant and the Celebrity No. 10.

Oooohhh, noted!

14 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

Martini Bar and the World Class Bar are both outstanding.

I’ve always walked by world class bar but never have been there. We have premium drink package. I don’t know anything about this bar. What is fun to try? Is it certain times/day?

Hi there - sailing Solstice in 2024… where are your favourite places to hang, drinks to try, food to not miss, be sure to check out, etc…. We are Aqua, and interested in martinis, wine, coffee, yummy food, mild fitness, the library, quiet observation of the sea. Please pass on your favourites! Thanks.

Celebrity MoveUp Offer Tracker - Please Do Not Post Questions Here!
 

for some reason it’s not posting as a link, but these are the exact title words.

There’s a thread that’s quite helpful about this. Celebrity MoveUp Offer Tracker - Please Do Not Post Questions Here!

17 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

I racked up 18,000 steps and 8.2 miles today walking from the ship all the way down Waikiki beach.

Congrats! I’ve wanted to do this … sometime maybe! How lovely. We were just in Puerto Vallarta and we took the bus one way and walked back to the ship. About the same distance walked as you after we zigged and zagged a bit. A great way to see lots and have time to be with oneself in thought.

On 2/9/2024 at 5:12 PM, Hogladyrider said:

We tour a lot of breweries in our travels and this is up there in the top 2

Did you book online? I’ve done this pre-COVID and there was I recall a $5 charge. Did you walk there? I heard they have a slightly different location but still walkable (uphill) from the ship. Great pics. Thanks!

22 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

But now with internet bookings up to the last minute, HAL isn't motivated to put standbys on early.

This is the answer, I think! Why give it away? There’s a chance someone may want to go on the cruise, say 6 days from sailing, and pay regular retail.