BuckeyeMark

52 minutes ago, kk20 said:

The boat was very large and comfortable. It had at least 4 separate toilet stalls in the back and they also had a bar area that you could purchase beverages and snacks at too. There was a viewing area off the back and stairs that lead up to a 2nd floor viewing area that is partially covered. Pics of the boat are below. 
 

it may be a while for me to post pics from the excursion as between my phone and camera I have 260 pics and videos to go through! 🫣

 

That's super helpful. Had a friend who was concerned it was in a RIB boat and she'd be cold! How is the weather today? How was this excursion?
 

Would sure like to see pics of the boat for the hjorundfjord tour since we're on that tour in a couple of weeks. RIB boat or something with a cabin to get in and stay out of the wind?

Thanks for clarifications everyone!  Really appreciate it!

26 minutes ago, doghog said:

You cannot access the outside thru the fitness center. Unless you plan on breaking one of the ceiling to floor windows. 

Someone said "There is a small deck all the way forward on deck 14 - BUT the access is through the heated loungers in the Thermal Suite, so you must have purchased a spa pass to access it."

No? No can do even if I buy a pass?

Thanks everybody. I'll see if I can get outside through the fitness center one way or the other. Or I'll sit down in the back and enjoy the view there. Or maybe I'll bring my Mission Impossible sound track and "spiderman" it from the Magic Carpet up to the bow! (I kid, I kid - I know you can't do that).

Just now, jwlane said:

Fitness center.

Figured that ... but would like to be outside. Can that be done?

Never been on Apex before. Excited about it - the ship looks amazing. However, I'm thinking there is no forward location to see off the front of the ship. That's prolly not the best nautical terminology but I'm looking for a place where I can stand and see what's coming up. Not on the top deck SIDE watching as the world slides by ... I want to look forward and see what's coming. Is there a lounge, deck, place where that can be done, especially if you're not a suite, Aqua class or other higher up cabin class? What if you're in an interior cabin - where can you go to see out the front of the ship?

17 minutes ago, kk20 said:

I thought I saved it, but I didn’t. Sorry! 
 

basically I folded the pair of jeans in half (pantleg to pantleg) then in half again. Then did the same with the other pants and placed them on top of each other on the bed. Then I folded the shirts so they fit on top of the pants, then placed our undergarments flat on top of the pile then did the same with our socks (left the socks flat vs folding them together in pairs). Once everything was in a pile, I flattened it and rolled from the bottom pair of jeans and stuffed the roll into the laundry bag. There was still lots of room along the sides and top, if we had more items to send out.

Hopefully this is a good enough explanation 😉 

That's a very good explanation.  We'll be doing that.

Person in laundry room for Celebrity: Hey look, someone else is doing that think KK20 did with her laundry bag! How did they know?!

Thanks everyone - super helpful!

Link that TikTok on how to get more in a laundry bag please! Great photos!

Obviously you never leave the ship w/o proper ID but someone in our group of cruisers is saying they read you have to SHOW that ID to use a credit card. I hadn't read or heard this. Is this so?

This an excursion on Celebrity. Am wondering if this is a a RIB boat that is open or is it a cabin cruiser? Are there concessions (coffee!) and a restroom? Who's done this trip and can tell me about it?

6 hours ago, Arizona Wildcat said:

You are asking in the wrong location.  You likely would find your answer at the Ports Forum, your roll call or doing a Google search.  Failing that email the tourist bureau in Alesund.

It's a specific Celebrity excursion so I thought I'd ask here. But you may be right. I'll try over there.

Tremendous report and really helpful. This one will stand here on CC for some time as the "go to" resource when someone wants to investigate Celebrity and the Galapagos Islands. Well done!

Is this a RIB boat that is open or is it a cabin cruiser? Are there concessions (coffee!) and a restroom? Who's done this trip and can tell me about it?

I emailed a tour operator last week and they said it wouldn't open till June. 

"Score:  Wife 1, Husband 0

Actually, more like Wife:  104,910, Husband: 3"

You're up to 3?! Impressive!  I'm still trying to get on the board!  LOL

Tremendous posts and review and photos! I feel like I'm right there with you! Great job!

We're checking the weather all the time too but any forecast beyond 3 days is pretty iffy so you need to be ready for anything. And that means more clothes in the suitcase!

I'm going to follow this. I see people who say, "I went to Europe for an 11-month odyssey and brought everything I needed in a manila envelope." Really?!  How am I supposed to pack for cold weather, formal nights, layers in case it's warm, rainy weather, and more in a carry-on suitcase? 

2 hours ago, cruz.n.carebear said:

We are a group of 12 (11 adults and 1 4-yr old) going to Flam in August.  I just checked the day that we will be there, and on Norways Best all time slots are sold out except for an 8:25am departure.  We are on the MSC Euribia, and our arrival time is 8am.  Do you think that's possible to make?  If not, are there any other suggestions for our group?

I'll be there in May and can give you a report but my guess is no. Keep checking - slots will open up. I don't know if they add more cars or people on the cruise excursions cancel when their final payment is due and they decide not to go on the cruise but keep trying.

Thanks everyone.

Trying to assess lunch options once we get on the Apex. Will one of the MDRs be open or is it head to the Ocean View and battle the crowds there?

11 minutes ago, Island2Dweller said:

Nothing new in this, it's been a rule for years.

You are unlikely to be stopped at customs - it is a "non event" for 99% of travellers.  The customs officers work on intelligence and are generally targetting certain travellers.  That said, there are occasional random stops and if you have controlled drugs (especially opiates) without the original containers and prescription then you can be in serious trouble.

That is what I figured.  Thanks.

Evidently you should bring a copy of your prescription and meds should be in original bottles to bring them into the UK? I have traveled into London's Heathrow airport and never encountered this before.  Anyone got a word on this? Is this something folks know not to be worried about or am I misreading something here?

See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/controlled-drugs-personal-licences