vuildog

No checking of covid tests, at embarkation?

Does NCL have a luggage service?  One that takes your bags off the ship, and you don't see them again until you get home?  You pay a fee for this service.  I'm not finding anything, but know these things aren't always easily found on websites.

Thanks,

If you are wanting to do a specialty restaurant, embarkation day is the day to do it IMO. We were able to get half off of the LCG, since we were an AQ class booking. Maybe they do it for all cabins?

But I honestly wouldn't do any other specialty restaurant. Have had bad experiences, and food, in Tuscan both visits. Not really fans of the Murano menu. We don't eat seafood/sushi. And Qsine is just too much food for 2 people. Made this all about me...Sorry!

Definitely do specialty dining the first night. Have never been able to get that steep of a discount any other night. I think the most we have been able to get other nights was 30% off. But mostly just 20% off.

Have a wonderful trip!

1. Blu is anytime dining.

2. I was told you cannot eat in the main dining room.

3. Nope

4. I never did, but there were a group of ladies who did this almost every night on our cruise.

We were on the Summit late May last year to Bermuda. The water is chilly! But if you aren't a beach person, then that may not be an issue. I was just fine getting in, and i don't really love the cold water. This was only on a wave running tour. Never actually got to the beach! But you get acclimated quickly. Had a great time, and cannot wait to go back to Bermuda.

I would highly recommend a wave runner tour around the island. Had an absolute blast. Go with Somerset Bridge Watersports. Book online before getting on the ship. They will pay for your cab ride to their facility, for those who take wave runner tours. Ask to tour with Harry. He was fantastic, and it was a great time. They also rent boats. There were a lot of people doing this as well. Loved Bermuda! I could go on for days, about how much we enjoyed Bermuda.

We took a catamaran ride around the island, but not with the ship. It was an amazing day.

Just wanted to give you a heads up that on the Atlantic side of the island, the seas are quite rough. We had a few sick people on-board. Ended up dropping them off on a beach. Once you make it to the Caribbean side, it smooths out considerably. So if the motion of the ocean may get to you, this may not be the best tour. The captain did say this is normal. He warned us in advance.

Have a great time, whatever you decide!

I've used the search feature, but only info from 2011 pops up. I'm going to assume the information is still the same. But you know what they say about assuming...

Taking my niece on a cruise for her high school graduation in 2018. Cannot leave her younger sister behind! Still possible to book them in an inside cabin directly across the hall from the adult cabin. She will almost be 19 at the time. Her sister will almost be 16. So not really kids. But I want to make sure this is still possible. The RCCL website isn't helpful either.

Thank you!

Just go into your settings and take out all that "stuff" at the bottom of everyone's post. I did it years ago, can't stand all that history and quotes and stuff! So much cleaner reading.

Thank you for this! Had no idea you could take out signatures. Guess I don't look at my user profile! Makes a huge difference taking out all the signatures, Definitely a much cleaner screen.

Now if they would work on making the white, not so bright,and in your face! Also the black type needs to be darker. I have 20/20 vision without glasses, but the text sure looks light grey on my screen. It doesn't matter what device I am using. Oh well! I will survive. Much bigger fish to fry, than the CC format.

A couple making whoopee..

Probably 10 years ago. Late one night, I could not sleep. Threw on some clothes, and decided to grab some water in the buffet. Decided to just wander around the ship. This was probably 2 in the morning. Headed to the aft pool, to check out the wake. This ship has the clam shell lounge chairs, at the aft pool. I heard a noise, and was startled that I wasn't alone. Looked towards the noise, and holy crap. Going at it like little bunnies, buck naked!:eek::eek: I quickly turned around and left. But I did make a note to myself, to stay away from that particular clam shell.

One thing to consider is buying or renting a knee roller like this: http://www.carelinemedical.com/Knee-Walkers-2/Generation-2-Weil-Knee-WalkerBurgandy/?gclid=CNLCouXjstACFYIkgQodkjAOlA

 

This is not an endorsement of this company, it is just to give you an idea.

 

My surgeon prescribed it after a fracture and my insurance company covered it.

Nanny8,

This is excellent advice! I have not cruised with a broken foot, but have broken my foot twice. The first time i was in college, and the above device was a lifesaver. My campus was really spread out! Fortunately for me, I only had 2 back to back classes that I had to hightail it too. This miracle device really helped with the long distances between buildings. It's nice because it has three wheels, so it is very stable. If I needed a break, I could sit on the pad. It does do a number on your good leg! But I'm guessing by the time you cruise, your good leg will really be in tip top shape!

I would maybe cancel the ATV tour, just in case. Make this cruise all about relaxation!

I was able to figure out you were not seeking medical advice!:D Not sure why it is so hard for some to realize this isn't why you posted. Don't let the cranky people on her dissuade you from posting questions. This really is a great community, full of great advice!

Have a wonderful cruise!

We unfortunately had to cancel our Infinity cruise to Alaska on

the 06/11/17 sailing.:mad:

But the good news is AQ cabin 1140 is now available for this sailing. We felt so lucky being able to snag this cabin. So I wanted to give the Celebrity board the heads up it is available as of 30 minutes ago. The action on the Alaska board is non-existent, so this is why I'm posting this info here.

I know a family wedding is more important, but damn it was hard making the decision to cancel. On the upside, we are getting out of Dodge this winter, like normal.:D On a new to use Celebrity ship. And all of our perks for booking on-board, transferred to the new sailing. Even the on-board credit we were told wouldn't transfer. Glass half full, right!

Just my opinion but I think it intrusive to think of even filming a captain having lunch in the buffet, let alone putting it onto YouTube. Luckily it's hard to see much, although I do feel sorry for the lady in the pink tee shirt!

I'll bite.

She isn't eating. She is walking through the buffet line. You can't even see her face in the video. Hardly, intrusive! :rolleyes:

Took this excursion over Easter week. Had a bunch of on-board credit, and nothing to spend it on!! We normally avoid ship excursions.

Have to say, we had a great time on this excursion. I think everyone else along for the ride did as well. Lovely catamaran ride, and I believe it was a couple of hours on Jost Van Dyke. The lunch was ok. Burgers and dogs from Costco if I remember correctly. Could have been Sam's Club. I drink is included as well.

Head down to the opposite end of the beach to get to the Soggy Dollar Bar. But watch out for the Painkillers. I may have been overserved!:eek: Had the nicest time floating in the beautiful water, chatting with others, and drinking my beverage. I cannot remember what the cost was for this excursion, but i want to say it was close to the price of another excursion we looked at through a tour company. Believe it was the same length, and also a similar catamaran . When I get home from work, I will try and post pictures. But I would definitely book this excursion again.

Hi Betsy

 

Vancouver can be done in a couple of days but you won't see it all.

 

Gas town is filled with amazing pubs and eateries! Transit in Vancouver is amazing so getting to places like Coquitlam or Metrotown is fairly straight forward. New Westminster is great for local shops and Antiques.

 

Jenn

 

 

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Thanks, Jenn! Will add these places to the list. Will have to figure out what areas will best fit into our non-existant schedule.

Thanks, Dennis & Twisterfreak!

We are staying at the Pan Pacific, so going to Granville Island would be an easy jaunt for us. Will probably have to hit up Gastown as well. I'm sure if we don't like the shopping, there will be plenty of bars/pubs for a drink!;)

My mom doesn't love most tourist type things. But she will come along for the ride, since she won't get involved in the cruise planning. But we both love to support local shops. Anything for the home, & clothing. Yes, be both need nothing!

We cruised Europe last year. Had a ball shopping in Barcelona, before getting on the ship. 3 nights was not enough time. We managed to find all sorts of great, local shops. We are those people, that had to go buy another suitcase, for all of our treausures. I promise shopping isn't all we do!

Really looking forward to seeing the sights in Vancouver. Then sneaking in some shopping as well. Is 2 nights enough time to get a good feel for the city? The flight we are looking at gets into Vancouver at 2:30 on Friday. Will probably try and get on the ship around 11 on Sunday. I'm guessing we will definitely need to come back again.

Thanks for the help!

Betsy

I know this is a crazy question...But, are there any areas with locally owned shops? :eek:Don't want touristy, chain, or crapola shops.

I was hoping Gastown, but it looks like it fits the touristy, trinket bill I'm not looking for. Love supporting local shops. Anything from home decor, to clothing. With all the sightseeing I am making my mom do, i'm going to need to throw in some shopping as well. Or, she will be a cranky travelling partner.

Thanks in advance!!

Welcome to the Celebrity family!

Visited Bermuda, on the Summit, back in June. Can't believe we waited so long! We had an amazing trip. I'm jealous I'm not going with you.:D

My mom and I had an all day debate about an oceanview cabin, or balcony cabin. In the end, we decided to go with the oceanview. The reasons why we went oceanview:

1. We enjoy our balcony coming into port in the mornings, leaving port, and after showering & getting ready to go to dinner. Only one port visited this trip.

2. We booked this cruise spur of the moment, on the Summit, over Easter. We have never been able to cruise twice in a year. Plus, we have 2 other vacations/ destination weddings, to pay for this year. Money doesn't grow on trees for us!!

3. We spend as little time in our cabin, as possible. Shower, and sleeping is it for us. We don't nap in the afternoon, or need to enjoy quiet time on the balcony.

So after debating for the day, we decided to give an oceanview cabin a whirl. We were in cabin 2134. Fantastic location. No cabins across the hall, and just 3-4 cabins to get to the stairs/elevators. Super quiet at all times. We were able to go down 1 flight of stairs, and get right of the ship. We didn't realize what a fantastic location this was, until our 3rd debark/embark off the ship, our first day in Bermuda. Easy peasy with this location. No waiting for an elevator!! If you need an elevator, skip the first bank that you come to, and walk another 20 feet to the second, and empty, bank of elevators.

In the end, we weren't disappointed in our choice at all. The cabin was in such a fantastic location, that this made up for no balcony. Depending upon pricing, we would do an oceanview to Bermuda the next time. Unless, the cost difference is negligible. For this trip, it was a $250/person difference. This $500 paid for almost all of our airfare. So it was worth it, in the end.

We were in balcony cabin 7128, on the Summit, over Easter. This was also a great location.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a fantastic trip!

I must give off a don't try and upsell to me vibe. :D

Now the photographers, and characters, trying to get your picture while getting off the ship are obnoxious. The pirate character accosted us all the way to the transit office when getting of the ship in Bermuda one day. Like someone else, i had to ask him what part of no, did he not understand. Just thinking about it, gets me all riled up!

I understand they are just trying to do their job, but it is obnoxious.

Because there are many of us who dont see babies as blessings on cruises. Many of us who have had our holidays ruined because someone next to us thought it was a good idea to bring one. Why would a baby be on a cruise. No logical reason except convenience for parents if they are bringing their own babysitters.

 

If you see celb cruise ships as Ships R' US, I wonder how long it would be before you would look for ships that have hardly at all, so you and your babies can have peace and quiet from the others.

Then your best vacation/holiday option, would be an adults only resort!

Cruising should not be on your radar.

Congratulations on winning a no strings attached cruise! I am quite jealous!

I'm going to pipe in with my 2 cents. For reference, I am a single, female, 43 year old. I have cruised on Celebrity 5 times. I think I have cruised 16ish times. I have also cruised on Carnival, RCCL, & NCL.

Have you been to the Caribbean before? If you have, I would use this opportunity to visit islands you haven't been to before. They all have a different "spice" to them. I know that is how our initial cruising destinations started. Went to islands we had not visited before. Once you have covered them all, then you revisit spots you loved in the past.

Cabin: Personally could never sail in an inside cabin. Need to be able to see outside! But others love them, since you can sleep all day. But who wants to sleep all day on vacation?? Cruise mostly in balcony cabins, but have had a few oceanview cabins as well. Have not cruised Aqua yet, so I cannot comment. But the cabins I have seen in person, are a smidge bigger than a balcony cabin. I'm sure Aqua experts will chime in as well. Cruised a couple of times in a Concierge cabin. Don't personally think it is worth the extra money. My vote is for a nice verandah cabin, mid-ship, not underneath the pool deck.

Cruise length: I would personally choose a 7 day cruise for your first time. Think it is a perfect length of time. I personally cruise the caribbean in the winter. Must get away from the cold. Prefer cruising in February. The crazy Christmas season is over, and February always comes quickly.

Port Days vs. Sea Days: I'm personally a sea day girl fan. Love having the opportunity to do nothing, or everything. I would now choose an itinerary with more sea days, than port days. I was opposite in the beginning. You of course can choose to stay on the ship, when it is in port. Honestly, these are the best days to be on the ship. You get it all to yourself!! But as a cruise newbie, I was all about getting out and exploring places I had never been to before.

Excursions: Definitely book excursions independent of the cruise line. Explore the ports of call section on Cruise Critic for ideas. Definitely peruse Trip Advisor for suggestions. Join your roll call on Cruise Critic, and see if you can join other's on an excursion. Some islands, it's easier to just wing it! But you will get a feel for that, buy checking out the ports of call section.

Itinerary: My first instinct after reading your post, is take a southern Caribbean itinerary out of San Juan. Especially since you won't be paying for the cruise part of the trip. I'm sure you can get really reasonable air from NYC to San Juan. Definitely fly in the day before the ship leaves port. Buy trip insurance as well. I think the Summit is still the only option out of San Juan? Have cruised on her twice, since April. She is an "older" ship, but I'm really fond of her. I think she is the perfect size of ship. I would personally see if they have this itinerary available. Did this itinerary a couple of year's ago, and it was one of my favorite trips.

Leave out of San Juan

Sea Day

Barbados-Beautiful, friendly people, lots to see & do.

St. Lucia-One of my favorite islands. Many excellent options for the day. Catamaran to the Pitons would top my list as a first timer.

Antigua-Beautiful island. Would suggest an around the island catamaran ride. An all day affair, and you get to see the entire island, snorkel, relax, drink, & eat. An amazing day.

St. Maarten-In my top 3 for favorite island. I would suggest renting a Jeep for the day and touring the entire island. Find some friends to join you from your roll call. We did this on our first visit to St. Maarten, and it was the perfect day. Just make sure if you are there during the Heineken Regatta, traffic is a nightmare. This would not be a good option for fear of missing the ship!

St. Thomas So many options, so little time. I would cab it to the ferry, and head to St. John. St. John is amazing. Any of the beaches will suffice. All of them are amazing. Cannot go wrong. There are several really nice shops by the ferry terminal as well. Not the typical crapola shops you will find on most islands.

Back to San Juan

I'm not sure I would book a gay cruise, as your first option. I have some gay friends who have done one, and didn't like it one bit. They said it was a raunchy, alcohol fueled party, all week long. Not in a good way. These are not my words! This was on a Celebrity ship.

Wow! Sorry this has been so long. Didn't mean to write a novel.

But don't stress too much over the options, you will make yourself crazy! Pick a cruise, and don't think twice! Make sure to go with an open mind. I think this helps.

Report back on what you end up booking!

Happy to answer any questions!

Have a great cruise!

Betsy

We cruised in early June, with a Harley group, on the Summit. Looking at the pictures on my phone, there were 15 motorcycles on the ship. So around 30 in the group. All had double seats, except for one of the motorcycles. They stored the motorcycles in-between the embarkation, and disembarkation doors on level 2. All cordoned off, with warnings not to touch them! Had a ball watching them drive them back onto the ship, before leaving Bermuda. Wish I could post my video. No issues at all. Saw the group all around the ship, but mostly in the smoking section on 10. I would book without any hesitation.

We cruised in early June, with a Harley group, on the Summit. Looking at the pictures on my phone, there were 15 motorcycles on the ship. So around 30 in the group. All had double seats, except for one of the motorcycles. They stored the motorcycles in-between the embarkation, and disembarkation doors on level 2. All cordoned off, with warnings not to touch them! Had a ball watching them drive them back onto the ship, before leaving Bermuda. Wish I could post my video. No issues at all. Saw the group all around the ship, but mostly in the smoking section on 10. I would book without any hesitation.

I am asking this with a little tongue in cheek! But have just been reading some reviews of Alaska Cruises on Infinity - complaining of too many sea days and not enough to do :confused:

 

Well I only ask because surely the sea days are a big part of the experience looking at the scenery and looking for wildlife. I was certainly never bored last year and know I won't be this year.

 

Happy Alaskan cruising everyone :D

I'm so glad you asked this question. Just booked the Infinity to Alaska for next summer, while on the Summit. Always thought we were only summer weather cruisers. Good to get out of the cold in February, and head to the Caribbean. But I know cruising will probably be the only way I will ever see Alaska. My problem is my mother. I love her to death, but....

She is not a "scenery" person. Doesn't get excited at seeing beautiful mountains. Don't think seeing whales, bald eagles, glaciers, etc. will interest her at all. So I am really hesitant to continue on with the booking. She acts excited, even said she would do a sea plane/helicopter tour. Maybe even kayaking. But I don't want to end up going, and have her complaining the whole time. I'm just torn.

So hoping for some good insigh,t from you fine Cruise Critic folks!

F

 

Which was about right. At least I didn't get lost.

I'm having a senior moment, and cannot remember the guide's name. Same as in your picture. But he had to circle back to find some stragglers in our group. They had a child who was a little freaked out by the speed and bouncing. I suggested my mother and the kid share a wave runner back to Somerset. She hated wave running, but we still ended up second in the conga line despite her screaming at me to slow down. So don't feel too bad. But you are absolutely correct about going fast. Made for a much smoother ride!

We also hit Flanagan's! Our first day in Bermuda, it rained all day. So our Horseshoe Bay plans were nixed. I guess our $75 tab for 2 beers, 2 glasses of wine, half order of nachos, and a chicken sandwich was a steal!!

Loving your review. Thanks for sharing!

Mr. Bayer Aspirin Island.

 

Were you in the A, B, or C group??:p