Silkroad

Jeanne, I am so very sorry. I never met Don, but I have enjoyed both his common sense and his sense of humor for all the years I’ve been on this forum. He was one of the people I trusted most on this site. You and your family have my deepest condolences. - Michelle

I wouldn’t risk it, especially now. The airlines haven’t yet fully ramped up after the pandemic slowdown, and weather issues can cause a cascade of flight delays and cancellations. Regardless of whether I book my own flights or use FBC, I travel to the port at least one day prior to embarkation for short flights (east coast), or at least two days prior to embarkation for longer flights (west coast, Europe etc.).

Yes, I did know. However, more than one person on these boards has posted that they spent an hour or more trying to report this information to Celebrity. They encountered reps who didn’t know what they were talking about, didn’t know what to do with the information, and in the end it was a complete waste of time. Until Celebrity provides a reasonable way to report testing positive within 14 days of disembarkation, I won’t bother. There are also issues with reporting to our local health authority. Unlike the NHS, our health authority is fragmented by state and or county. When it comes to public health requirements and services, moving from one state (or county) to another can be a jolt, believe me. My current state (Maryland) is pretty good, but until recently there was no way to report testing positive with OTC tests. In late January they rolled out a new portal for self reporting, but I haven’t had any experience using it (haven’t tested positive on any of my OTC tests).

Thanks for mentioning deck 7! I’ve been considering an upgrade to an available end S3 on deck 7, but hadn’t seen any reviews of the deck 7 S3s.

Royal Caribbean’s b2b testing requirements differ from Celebrity’s.

They’ve not provided food or served drinks in the theater since the “return to cruising” but I wouldn’t place any bets that the current protocols will last forever.

I remember the buffet, but didn’t see the cake. That was a fun cruise, despite missing SPB. We had beautiful weather in Southampton (we arrived a few days early), the ports were lovely and we very much enjoyed the World Cup excitement. We were still rooting for England (England vs Sweden) when we boarded our plane for America😂

We’ve sailed on a Celebrity Baltic cruise from Southampton (2018) over the 4th, but I don’t recall any big celebration. I would have been surprised if there had been. First, Americans were in the minority on that cruise. Second, we sailed during the World Cup, so there was naturally quite a bit of focus on the games. Celebrity showed the England games in the theater, which was lovely. On our Celebrity Independence Day cruise (2017) there were decorations for both the American Independence Day and Canada Day, but most celebrating was done in Boston and Halifax. I suppose there were Americans wearing flag clothing or the colors of the flag on board, but I didn’t notice them. There were themed meals in OVC, but not in the MDR.

Good to know. Thanks. I’ve not been offered any Celebrity air flights that were non refundable.

In February it took a couple days for both my DH and myself. Last September it took about a week. I assume it would be faster for those of us who live in counties or states that maintain records of vaccinations given within the county or state.

I used this address: Captains Club Webinars <captainsclubwebinars@celebrity.com> Last October I received an email response within two weeks. This spring I never received a response (even after re-sending my email and screen shot of the completed webinar) so I called Captain's Club. A month later, the missing points appeared. Next time, I'll send to both the email address I've been using and the one @davekathyposted😉

Yes, because I booked our flights through Celebrity air. My understanding is that Celebrity air books only fully refundable flights. Mine were refundable. A cruise from Rome in September sounds fabulous, but I certainly understand your concerns. Personally, I'd go, but I'm fortunate in that I finally have the flexibility and means to ride out a quarantine if necessary. That said, I always have travel insurance for my international travel, and I pack extra meds and other essentials just in case. Good luck with your decision.

Sounds like a real pain! I've had some frustrations with Celebrity air myself, so I understand your dilemma. When I used the CWC program to cancel our December 2021 cruise (after final payment) the Celebrity air flights were automatically canceled. My credit card was credited for the flights within two weeks, but I waited a while for the FCCs. Based on your dates, I'd assume your cruise/cruise air booking is indeed covered by Celebrity's current CWC policy dates, but I'd confirm that with Celebrity beforehand.

You can complete check in for both of you, but you’ll need his photo. When my DH was traveling, I completed ours via my app, and then texted him to use his app to upload his photo to complete his check in. BTW it’s a lot easier to scan your passports and vaccination cards using the app.

200 long days, unless I suddenly snap and make a last minute booking before then😂 My hope is that my DH and I will be celebrating our retirement. Silhouette is one of my favorite ships. We sailed the Adriatic and the Baltic on her. I hope you have a wonderful retirement celebration!

I’d guess that you’re right about the regional factor, but I wonder if that factor is actually the country from which one booked the cruise. I just checked my cruise from Australia to NZ. The Eden price is still $55, but when I made a trial booking an 18% gratuity was added. I live in the US.

I understand. We’re currently booked on Apex and Edge, so it will be awhile before I see Beyond.

Thanks for posting this Hcat! it looks very interesting.

I love the Haunted Forest on Edge. I especially like strolling through it late at night when few people are around. I do see that it would feel unsafe for anyone with vision issues. Haven't yet been on Apex, but that photo doesn't look appealing. I hope Beyond has something more interesting.

I’m so sorry this happened to you, but I’m relieved to see that you’re to receive a full refund to your credit card, including the move up amount. I hope you feel better very soon.

I thank you for posting your experiences, and I would very much appreciate updates. We have a similar b2b booked for next year, and I’m trying to stay abreast of evolving conditions (and requirements). I hope your husband continues to test negative, and that you feel better very soon.

I agree. In my experience both Suites and Aqua are kept filled with move up bids, which means Luminae, Blu and the the spa areas are packed. Also, restaurant staff are stretched even more thinly when Covid quarantine & isolation increases. This is not just because staff members are contact traced or test positive, but because the room service load increases. On our 4/3 cruise on Equinox (in Aqua) we noticed restaurant staff disappearing and reappearing a day or two later. Several said they’d been asked to help with room service. On day 9, after having had 33 confirmed Covid cases amongst passengers, we were required to wear masks indoors except while eating or drinking. Staff had - mostly - been wearing masks throughout the cruise. Blu had at least two staff out due to Covid by the end of the cruise. I’ve heard from a fellow cruiser, who tested positive on day 11, that someone in medical told him we had over 100 cases aboard. Based on my experience in a suite last October (Edge) and in Aqua this April, I would say two things: 1. Expect Luminae and Blu to be busy, because even when the rest of the cabins aren’t full, suites and Aqua will be. 2. Try to give the crew the benefit of the doubt when response times are slower than normal, or mistakes happen. On both my cruises, I saw crew members valiantly trying to cover gaps in addition to their regular duties. They have no control over corporate decisions.

I don’t miss them either. I obtain the most useful shopping (and dining) recommendations from friends and fellow CC members.

You’re very welcome. I hope you have a wonderful time on your cruise!

The 369 sf IVs are Accessible IVs. On the Celebrity website deck plans, you’ll see little wheelchair icons in the accessible cabins. Most are near the midship elevators. 8245 is one of them.