alpha58

We are just back from an ABC cruise, visiting Bonaire for the first time. Woodwind was recommended and we are so glad we booked! Prescription masks for those (me!) who needed them, swimshirts for sun protection, guides with each small group pointing out different types of fish (we saw a stingray, barracuda, and eel), help getting back on the boat, and tasty food and drink. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. And they are very eco-friendly as well. Whether you are a beginner or experienced snorkeler, they will take good care of you. 

Thanks. I'll plan on a reconnaissance trip through the casino before I decide whether to play or not. And I'll be prepared to leave if the table gets too full for my comfort level. 

We will sail on Silhouette on March 7, 2022, for an ABC cruise (plus Grand Cayman and Cartagena). Of course, it remains to be seen if we'll actually get to any or all of these ports. But there are 4 at-sea days on the cruise, which we enjoy. I particularly enjoy the casinos, but with COVID, I was wondering what, if any, distancing or extra precautions are being taken there. I love table games, hate slots, but the table games are usually so closely packed you are almost sitting on each other's laps. Any change to that? Extra spacing? Masks required at tables? 

You can also do this informally. After the first night, let your maitre'd know you will be arriving at the same time every night. She will do her best to accommodate you, and you can even tell her which section/waitstaff you prefer. You may still have to wait in a line, but once you get to the front you will be seated quickly. And make sure to have conversations with her so she will remember you. Remember her at the end of the cruise with a nice cash tip as well. 

Thanks for the answers, everyone. I think what I'll miss the most is the Oceanview Bar. We found it to be not overly crowded (unlike Sunset) and shady (unlike most of Sunset). I know we can fetch drinks ourselves and schlep them to the back of the Oceanview. Not quite the same as having a bar and waitstaff right there.

I am looking forward to trying the Lawn Grill though. 

We've had two cruises on Equinox, Western Carib in 2014 and Med (Barcelona to Athens) in 2015, and loved them both. We're booked on Silhouette for a Caribbean sailing on 3/24. Looking on the website, I'm seeing more differences than expected between the two S class ships.  

Things we particularly liked on Equinox -- Oceanview Bar, provided a shady area for drinks in the rear of the ship.  Gastropub, craft beers! Bistro on 5, a nice change. From what I can gather, none of these are available on Silhouette. At least Café Al Bacio seems to be intact. Any Silhouette fans have ideas for substitutions? 

VENDOR HAS REDEEMED ITSELF! REFUND FORTHCOMING. 

I tried to change the title of the post, but was unable, so hopefully folks will read this addendum. After filing a complaint with TripAdvisor about the answer I got from Viator, I received an email this morning from Viator stating that "as a gesture of goodwill," they will be giving me a full refund. 

I am very pleased with the outcome, and my faith in TripAdvisor/Viator has been restored. The tour did look like fun and I'm sorry we will be missing it. Hopefully, we can find something equally interesting in St. Thomas. 

My husband and I booked the Taste of Twin Cities Food Tour for our port stop in St. Croix on March 27, 2019. The tour is operated by Virgin Islands Food Tours and was booked through Viator (TripAdvisor). We paid the total amount of $178.00 and were looking forward to the tour. 

Celebrity has since changed the port from St. Croix to St. Thomas, so I inquired about a refund. The answer from Viator is that the "local tour operator does not allow us to refund or adjust any confirmed booking, including changes to the date, activity details, or travelers." There is no consideration for circumstances beyond the traveler's control. 

I realize that booking tours not operated by the cruise lines is a bit risky. I am surprised, however, that a local vendor dependent on cruise business would have such a restrictive policy resulting in posts like this, and that TripAdvisor would work with such a company. Apparently TripAdvisor doesn't care about its reputation either. This is the last tour I will ever book through TripAdvisor/Viator. 

Just a warning to other folks. May save you some $$. 

I recently joined two Share a Shore Excursion groups, in Florence and in Rome. The signup was easy and the drivers very professional and personable. While these were transfer only excursions, I am sure that a full excursion with guide would be equally successful. I would recommend Share a Shore Excursion to others, and use their services in the future if I should be fortunate enough to visit Europe again.

Thanks to everyone for their responses, some of them quite imaginative (talking to you wallie5446!). DH was just trying to avoid schlepping the bottles aboard I think, so wanted me to inquire about alternatives. I think the "by the glass" option makes the most sense. We are on Deck 10 near the central elevators, so access to a number of bars shouldn't be a problem.

Hi all,

I have done a forum search and couldn't really find the answer to my question(s). We are leaving from Barcelona on Equinox in early June. We have upgraded our beverage package to Premium. We really enjoy a glass of wine (or two) on our balcony at sailaway or other times during the cruise. I know we can bring 2 bottles on board with us, if we want. We are tentatively planning to do so, realizing that that will probably not last the entire (11 night) cruise. The question is about alternative methods for enjoying wine on the balcony.

1. Having the beverage package, I know we can get wines by the glass and carry them back to the cabin. A bit labor intensive, but certainly doable.

2. Can wines by the bottle be ordered from room service, understanding that they are not included in the beverage package, but that we should get some percentage discount with the package? If this can be done, where might I find a wine list of what is available?

3. Gifting wine by the bottle to ourselves seems limited to a selection of only 3 red (the type we enjoy) wines. Also, a bit expensive (no package discount). Are these prices comparable to what we might find on the MDR wine list?

4. Any other suggestions?

I realize this is not exactly an earth shattering dilemma as we will be enjoying our cruise. Just trying to figure out our options.

Thanks in advance,

Val

Thanks. I thought 8:00 would be ok. The self-disembarkation is an option. We only have 2 bags each, on wheels, so could probably do this if we had to.

Hi all,

We will be on the Celebrity Equinox in June, and will finish our cruise at Piraeus Port on June 13 (Saturday). The ship is scheduled to dock at 6:00 am. We want to take a half day taxi tour before going to our hotel in Athens later that day. What would be a reasonable time to have our driver meet us? is 8:00 am too early/optimistic?

This is our first Med cruise. All other cruises, with Princess and Celebrity, have been out of Fort Lauderdale. I know the disembarkation process is based on those with early flights off first, etc. I don't recall any of them taking longer than about 3 hours, usually less.

Any help from experienced cruisers is welcome!

Val

Thank you folks. I will plan to bring my own dryer. I have lots of hair! Also have a portable Bluetooth speaker for iPod, so no problem there. Magnifying mirror -- will have to acquire a smaller one. My current one is huge.

Hi,

We are sailing on Equinox on March 24, and it will be our first X cruise (2 prior Princess cruises).

I have some questions about the cabin amenities. We are in a C2 cabin.

1. Is there a magnifying mirror for putting on makeup (quite blind without glasses!)

2. Is there an iPod docking station to use as speakers?

3. Is there a good hairdryer?

Thanks in advance.