chemmo

We always ask for a kettle to make tea on board and (whilst they are not generally available) our butlers have always managed to get us one. Perhaps you could take an old fashioned hot water bottle on board and fill as needed…If you request a kettle via special needs for this purpose it shouldn’t be a problem.

In my experience of writing live reviews they start in one direction then develop a life of their own….

I remember starting posts with a focus on the experience of three adults in a RS and then researching and getting photos of the new inside cabins following a query. On another occasion my journey to the ship actually became more remembered than my live cruise (posh frock cruise for those of you who can remember…).

Don’t overthink it just write from the heart about your  experiences both positive and negative and respond to the questions and queries you receive.

So pleased you are now home. Hopefully, bruises and aches and pains will ease and you can get further advice.

Thank you also for coming back on with the board and sharing your experiences. Much as we all hope we are never faced with your scenario it is always good to know what to expect. Always frustrating when someone puts on a post and we don’t know how things work out.

Sincere best wishes for any further treatment required and a speedy recovery and that your pussy cats gets used to the cast and wheels!

12 hours ago, High Roller26 said:

what are typical costs on a a Celebrity ship for Dry Cleaning and laundry?

There is often a mid week ‘fill a bag’ offer for wash and fold items (socks, undies, T-shirts…). Ask your room attendant on boarding if this is available on your cruise.

There are discounts/free bags at certain loyalty levels so if you have any loyalty (or transferred loyalty from RC) check the list.

If you are in a higher level suite laundry is complementary. I believe free laundry or a free laundry bag may be part of some casino level perks (looking at your CC name) but as a none gambler I can’t advise about this. 

The wash and fold is similar to a ‘mixed wash’ at home…do not put in delicate items. We have found the dry cleaning and pressing to be of a good standard.

23 hours ago, gordylad said:

Jim, you mentioned Iain loves mince n tatties [no wonder]......my mother wasn't much of a cook as both my parents worked long hours so my older sister introduced me to to Spaghetti Bolognese [in Glasgow in the 70's I was a teenager] so this new food was something else having been brought up eating spam, steak pie [made by the local butcher], liver [sorry but I could not face that now]...however I don't know when Iain left Scotland but ask him if he remembers Vesta Curries......a curry in a bag thing whereby you added the mixture to hot water....this came before the boil in the bag curries.........those were the days

Gosh, Vesta curry! My mum in the late 60’s bought it as an occasional Saturday night ‘treat’. The ‘meal for four’ was shared between my parents, my sister and I and I could guarantee that we were all eating toast to fill us up a couple of hours later!

6 hours ago, helen haywood said:

If I tried to hold my husband’s carryon on my lap…I’d have a whole new set of problems!  🤭  But you were absolutely right about the wheelchair…since Amazon and I are on a first name basis I don’t know why I didn’t think of that!!  I did just place an order for a folding wheelchair, which, sigh, I may need long enough that it certainly was cheaper to buy one.  Got a toilet seat topper with handles too…my new glamorous life…

 

Again, thanks for all the help.

Keep smiling…It is a traditional saying in the UK that when you need to enter a hospital for treatment you are best to “Leave your dignity at the door and collect it on the way out”. Obviously hospital staff and family will do everything they can for you to keep your independence but you are in for a few weeks of accepting help and needing aids. You, as I was, are in the enviable position that your present mobility issue can hopefully be fixed.

With reference to your recovery have you thought of booking another cruise? Following scheduled surgery that left me totally none weight bearing for twelve weeks and then a further four+ still needing crutches we booked a cruise to Norway with the blessing of my consultant and physio for week 14 (obviously cleared with insurance). By then I didn’t find the trip to the port (5 hours) too challenging. I was still using my wheelchair for longer journeys but was hopping about on crutches for shorter ones. I was sick of my own four walls and my husband was shattered from looking after me. The cruise gave us both a real boost and quality rest. Every day I was hoisted in/out of the Solarium pool by the wonderful pool staff. I had gone with a list of exercises to do out of the pool and in the pool. It was ideal! Obviously our sightseeing had some limitations but we made the most of what we could do easily. To be honest the cruise would have been worth every penny even if I hadn’t got off the ship. The combination of quality rest, being amused, entertained and being well fed and then doing my standard exercises and pool ones I am sure speeded up my recovery. Just a thought…..

So sorry for your loss…My husband died just over a year ago and Celebrity could not have been more helpful or considerate. My situation was very different from yours, however, as I wanted to change my booking.

I tend to agree with the other comments of doing nothing unless you are not the lead passenger. If your spouse was the lead passenger then I think you will need to inform them.

One thing I would add is that I have found it emotionally very hard having to tell people that my husband has died. I am not sure I would want to be doing this as I boarded a ship for my holiday. Nor explain to the room attendant or M’D all of whom may (not realising the circumstances) question where your spouse is. Strongly suggest you check in with other family members and let them do the explaining for you.
 

A final thought. I know you have family on board which will be wonderful but you have paid for someone in your cabin. Is there a close friend or maybe a sibling you may want to treat to join you? Changing a name should be a nominal fee and given the circumstances will possibly be wavered.

Whatever you decide to do I hope you have a wonderful family cruise.

1 hour ago, cruisestitch said:

I will doubt that they will use the suite lounge on beyond, but that COULD be the place they tell you to go for wheelchair assistance. I’m thinking that there will be someplace closer to the actual exit.

I think we were only told to use the suite lounge because we were in a RS. I don’t think any other wheel chair users accessed it.

3 hours ago, helen haywood said:

Fell on the ship today…medical was very good…sent me to an orthopedic doctor here on St. Thomas.  He confirmed fracture…put another cast on and said I would be able to wait for surgery until I get home in four days.  I certainly indeed to ask these questions onboard…but I’ve read on people being told one thing onboard and finding out it was different in the terminal.

 

My questions are, to anyone who has been in this situation…how far will the ship wheel you in their wheelchair?  I can’t walk.  The doctor gave me crutches but I can’t go more than a few feet.  Can they go as far as to a taxi?  And we’re parked at Park n Go…I’m going to call them to say I can’t get in their shuttle…can’t get up those three steps…so I guess I’ll have to take a taxi from the terminal to Park n Go.

 

Really looking for information from anyone who has unexpectedly wound up in a wheelchair and can share their disembarkation story.

Helen, so sorry this has happened to you.
 

Firstly have they given you a wheelchair to use on board? They do have some. They take a bit of pushing so may be difficult if your companion is not in good health. If this has not been offered to you speak to guest services. If your companion cannot push you (or you are travelling solo) then speak to guest relations and ask them if they can arrange someone to push you at key points of the day (for example down to MDR breakfast in the morning or to dinner in the evening). My experience of being temporarily wheelchair bound was that people often don’t notice you have a problem but are delighted to go above and beyond once they are alerted to your issues! Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

I have disembarked using a wheelchair once in Fort Lauderdale. You will be given instructions on board where to meet. We were told to simply go to the Retreat Lounge as we were in a suite. One thing that was suggested to us and I would recommend is to leave it later to disembark then you are less likely to be kept waiting anywhere including the taxi stand. Strongly suggest you take pain killers in the morning as you will put pressure on your back, shoulders and arms as well as your leg manoeuvring from chair to taxi to car…

Sincere best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Milk and chocolate milk also available free. Perhaps the OP may not be interested but others with children may be…

My morning coffee won’t taste the same….I have so enjoyed your trip. It is 10 years in October since we did our Hawaii stay and TP cruise finishing with time in Australia. Not only have I enjoyed reading your adventures I have been reliving our own.

Doing live reviews takes time, thought and reflection. Thank you sooooo very, very much…

7 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Did a quick video of afternoon tea in OceanView Cafe --- not real traditional and a bit sorry selection.

 

 

Not the best!

As you are aware, we in the UK take our afternoon tea seriously! It is sad that in an attempt to ‘modernise’ or perhaps to save on costs recently we have had a few disappointments in establishments that one would expect better from. The afternoon tea that came out in a cup and shrimp paste sandwiches are two that spring to mind…

We used to love the butler bringing around the afternoon tea trolley at 4pm. Not only was it lovely to pick some tasty morsels as you recovered from an excursion on port days or a siesta on sea days it really was an opportunity to ‘touch base’ with your butler. Whilst we know a decent afternoon tea is available in the Retreat lounge we rarely bother going down. We have on some cruises (in addition to requesting a kettle and a tea tray) asked for a small afternoon tea selection. Not entirely successful as butlers seem to struggle with understanding the word small!

7 hours ago, Shiba_Lover said:

This is exactly what I think a lot of people should be doing more of.  And I like how you phrase 'complain' in quotes, because often it's not complaining, but pointing out an issue and how it could be resolved to your satisfaction.  If staff is not aware of something or not given a chance to correct,  they cannot improve.  If given a chance and they correct, then yes, reward them 

So pleased you understand what I mean by ‘complain’! As you say so many issues can be easily resolved. For example, where you are seated in the MDR or ensuring your room is serviced at a time that suits you…Communication can solve so many issues…

9 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

On longer cruises the dynamics change.   We kinda get tired of eating.   What I would give for a plate of Iain’s Mince and Tatty  
 

 

Yes, the law of diminishing appetite applies…

By the end of a longer cruise all I ever want for breakfast is a black coffee and two rounds of toast compared to me pre cruise soooo looking forward to Bellinis and full English! 

Lunch ceases to exist and dinner becomes smaller in quality and simpler in ingredients…

Towards the end of cruise is often when we will ask for something not on the menu in Luminae or the speciality restaurants…I fondly remember last Equinox cruise Tuscan being kind enough to offer to make me a simple mushroom ravioli dish next visit when I was looking at the entrees and asking for recommendations of something ‘lighter’…

Some years ago we cruised on Eclipse and we were dining in Tuscan. Unfortunately we had chosen an evening when they were accommodating a group of about 12 and our table was close by. Our waiter was great, saw our discomfort during starters when the group were getting loud (not being unpleasant, just a big group) and magically moved us to another table before we had our mains…The assistant waiter was fantastic all evening running from table to table to take pressure off the waiter…

At the end of our meal the M’D came over to apologise for us needing to be moved. We had the impression that he thought we may be about to complain. Quite the contrary! We praised our waiter for dealing promptly with a difficult situation and the assistant waiter for really ‘stepping up’. We had enjoyed a lovely meal because they had responded to a problem rather than simply apologising for it.
 

The next day we made a point of letting the hotel director (who we knew well from previous cruises) know how impressed we had been with the staff in Tuscan when faced with a difficult situation. When we next visited Tuscan both our waiter, assistant waiter and the M’D thanked us for passing on the compliment. As the M’D so rightly said, too often the HD only hears of issues not the excellent service they give most of the time…They didn’t say if they had had ‘rewards’ but the M’D said he was delighted that the assistant waiter’s training was now being speeded up to him becoming a waiter. 
 

Re surveys, I do think there is a difficult balance between not blaming staff for things beyond their control but genuinely reporting the truth…I do wander if they crunch the numbers rather than reflect on comments made?

One thing we have always done is ‘complain’ immediately if we don’t like something and give the cruise line the opportunity to ‘put things right’ rather than wait until the end of the cruise and put it in a survey. If we complain about an issue and it is resolved I have no issues giving a 10 in a survey. If we complain and an issue is unresolved then the number can’t be a 10…

5 minutes ago, ScottC4746 said:

I know this sounds like an oxymoron but I don't want to know too much about the cruise, even though I have asked some questions.  I still want the wow factor when I board without knowing what I will see.

We always talk about how many ‘sleeps’ to our next holiday…comes from many years ago when our son was very young and counted the ‘get ups’ until his birthday, Santa coming and when we were going on holiday! The excitement of going on a cruise brings out the child in all of us!!!

There is a dilemma between researching a cruise and being surprised…The risk with not doing research is you may miss an activity or venue you may enjoy or find it the last day of your cruise…However, I do understand that it is nice to have that Wow!

Have a fantastic cruise!

4 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Africa sounds wonderful.   Going to have to start researching.

 

We visited Kenya some years ago (with safari) and I can remember it like yesterday. The sounds and smells are as strong in my memory as the sights…A continent so colourful it is almost blinding…Seeing a herd of elephants making their way to the watering hole being one of the most fascinating…we were lunching at the safari lodge after a very early start and in the distance we saw a movement of dust. The dust came nearer and nearer until the cloud became individuals, large to very small. Tear jerking now to even think of it as is the genuine greeting of ‘Jambo’ from the locals… 

My only comment to you is don’t leave it too long. Out of all our vacations worldwide including several long tours this was the most physically hard. Very early starts and a challenging climate.

I can imagine the photographer in you going wild…

1 hour ago, hcat said:

much as I love the great photos, and history,  bringing back  many memories...this is my fav  ofvthis group.. The smile says it all!

Totally agree….Cruising is about seeing the world, fine dining, meeting others, entertainment and much more. However, for many, the best part is the opportunity to enjoy some quality couple time…As you say, the smile says it all…

5 hours ago, abbydancer2003 said:

Glen took the broccoli out.  Lately, he's just been having appetizer and main, and me just appetizer and dessert.  There only so many 3 course meals you can eat.

My husband used to call it the law of diminishing appetite….The longer the cruise the less we seemed to eat daily. After our longest cruise on our flight home my husband and son were discussing what food they had missed/were looking forward to as they returned home…Home made veggie soup won!

Make sure you board fresh and ready to enjoy. Don’t fly in the day of your cruise, preferably enjoy a day or two in Fort Lauderdale first.

As others have said prebook dining packages etc. 

Look at excursions on line with Celebrity, privately and by joining others through your roll call. Involve your son’s in the choices made. With four of you taxis may be a good option for beach days…
 

Make sure the kids have lots of stuff downloaded on their iPads. Take a few things to enjoy together like simple packs of cards. There is an app where you can point your iPad at the stars and it will name them. My son loved doing this on deck at night with his Dad.

Sincere best wishes for a wonderful family cruise!

42 minutes ago, upwarduk said:

I’m not whining, I’m commenting.

 As an 82 year old, I need to be sensible about travelling. 

I can remember when we toured all over Europe, luggage limited and in hand…Catching buses, trains and walking were no issue. Now I just hope when we fly our gate isn’t the one at the end of the satellite!

Like yourself I need to be realistic about what I can/can not do. It is a sad but inevitable fact that sometimes changes to ports happen. Most recently Amsterdam/Rotterdam Venice/Ravinna. Whilst for most guests changes can be easily accommodated for those with mobility issues it can add a real stress to a journey.

2 hours ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

This isn’t the thread to whine about Celebrity not catering to your desires

Let Jim write about his amazing adventures 

upwarduk is a much respected poster, I have followed and respected the views expressed for many years. Not a poster to complain about anything or detract from Jim’s wonderful narrative but he is totally correct that the older you get the more sensitive you are to travel issues…The more you have to consider distance and ease between airport and port…

9 minutes ago, Karen450 said:

What are some of your favorite healthy meals on Celebrity ships? Particularly in the MDR and buffet? Seeking ideas for maximum enjoyment! I’m not looking to lose weight on the ship, I just want cruising to fit into my lifestyle. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. 

The descriptions in the MDR and Blu are quite descriptive. However, if you are dining in Luminae it is sometimes necessary to ask the waiter what a dish is like. It is quite ‘playfully’ written.

I wouldn’t say I have a particularly healthy meal choice. When I cruise I expect to enjoy some ‘treat foods’. However, my general on ship rules for not over eating are:-

Ask for sauces to be ‘on the side’ for many dishes.

Don’t pig out on the bread while waiting for your starter!

Ask for a side of broccoli and leave the starchy element of the meal.

Ask for a starter as a main meal if you know you are not really very hungry.

Ask for the salad starter to be served as a main with the always available chicken or salmon.

Don’t feel obliged to empty your plate.

Either have a small breakfast and a bigger lunch or the other way around.

Remember you can always have a simple sorbet or blob of ice cream rather than a full dessert.

In the buffet put your salad or vegetables on the plate first then you are less tempted to load with the more fattening elements.

With your attitude of being aware of calorie intake then I think you will find eating healthy on board not an issue. See nothing as ‘banned’ but everything as ‘moderated’…

3 hours ago, Justpackingmybags said:

Following this thread is going to cost me serious money isn’t it?

I want to take this cruise so much now. Time to up the savings for a couple of years - I’m not doing those long flights without some comfort!

Absolutely loving the photos Jim; I’m a sucker for a good sunset.

Writing as someone from your neighbourhood the older you get the harder it gets to fly long haul, even when upgrading flights so don’t leave it too long!

Having enjoyed two trips in the Pacific and South Pacific I can only say if I close my eyes I can see the sights, hear the noises and even smell the fresh earth smell of the islands…Worth every penny and suffering the flights!

16 hours ago, Mike981 said:

@abbydancer2003 thank you for the great pictures. You reminded me of a cruise my wife and I were on with and aft balcony. I can't remember the island, but we had an amazing sunset. If you looked to the right you could see the spectacular sunset and if you looked to the left you could see smoke coming out of a volcano in the wonderful light of the sunset. It looked like a movie scene and a moment that gets brought up every trip.

My late husband and I always said we never regretted a penny we spent on cruising because of the fabulous memories…Like yourself, there are moments we will remember forever.

19 hours ago, CruisinShips said:

NOT just from a suite standpoint, but I'm referring to the overall Retreat experience.  Butlers, dedicated restaurant, dedicated lounge, dedicated sun deck.  I get that other cruise lines offer suites and upscale amenities, but most don't offer those things I mentioned.  I know some will say MSC Yacht Club, but IMO it just doesn't match up.  Others may say NCL's Haven, but same answer. RCL's suite class on Oasis ships?  Maybe close, I guess, but a step or two below.

 

So what am I missing? 

I think you are looking at this the wrong way around…So much is about what you personally want. For example a big room is important to me but for others it may be their lowest priority…
 

If you enjoy shows then RC bigger ships win, if dining quality is important then a smaller luxury line may suit but if lots of dining choices are important then a Celebrity ship with included speciality restaurants may suit you more…

Can I suggest you make a list of what is important to you (room size, balcony size, dining preferences, included drinks…). Not only then will you be clearer of what is important to you others may be able to focus their suggestions to your priorities.