dani negreanu

It is enough that the results are on a pharmacy paper.

No, they're just interested to see if the tests were done in an "approved" / proctored facility. And the date. Ours had a lot of Hebrew among the lines, didn't "phase" them....

Thank you. I think that 2 days are enough, for OUR interests. I know that there are caves, trip boats, etc. Beaches? For us, in our short stop, we were happy to spend an hour in M'dina, wish we had 2-3 hours there, Valletta -- there were churches (also in M'dina), but they were not our priority this time. I suggest that Sue @sgmnwill give you some tips, since they've done a very nice excursion there. I've made a short trip report on all our ports here --

They checked all our vaccination dates (we're 2 x vaccinated and 2 x boosted).

We checked in in Civitavecchia more than 3 weeks ago. They thoroughly checked our PAPER Covid vaccinations, along with PAPER Covid antigen test carried out 2 days before sailing. First I've showed mine, and then I've showed my husband's papers.

Serious answer - No "relation" between the price and the overall experience. We very much wanted this itinerary, with Malta as the highlight. No direct flights between Malta and Israel, and DH, being a photography buff, was very keen to visit. Actually, we were booked for Sept. 2020 in the exact itinerary on a much older vessels, Royal's Explorer OTS. Then we found the same itinerary on Apex, switched, only Celebrity changed this one to a Holy Land one. As much as I like my country, 3 days here were not that appealing 😉... By this time, price was the last of our worries, we just wanted to cruise [DH is twice cancer survivor, so our priorities are, may be, different than others, along with our advanced age]. We were happy to pay the premium, the time of the year was right.... and Malta really exceeded our expectations. So glad we succeeded in seeing it [even though I've got Covid two days after the cruise 😢]. Pls. cut me some slack here... I'm sure I didn't explain myself correctly -- frozen -- yes. As admitted by the cook, the process of "de-frozeing" the fish was faulty, resulting in a fish being hot on the outside, and deep frozen inside. Also, my DH's "beef" about "fresh products" was meant about the variety of sea food easily purchased in a port like Rome, yes, frozen, which was no where to be seen all along the cruise. Re: nothing happens when swallowing a metal wire. Duly noted. Silly me. I should have "consulted" Dr. Google immediately and let our worries to rest.... [slinking away in shame].

Thank you so much for reading me so very correctly. [I've mentioned before that English is not my mother tongue, and it takes me a lot of time to phrase myself exactly...]. You really nailed it, on all the points I've highlighted above.👍

Pat, I "erred" on the side of over cautious, and still got it... Really, we were on our "toes" the whole cruise, double masked, leaving the elevator if too many people, all of them unmasked, pilled in, waited for another elevator if one arrived too full... We were on deck 12, just one deck away from the buffet and the pool, so most of the time we didn't need the elevators at all. We went only to the 3 musicals, they're giving masks at the entrance, but nobody enforced wearing them. The 2nd time I've asked if supplying the masks it's only for CYA, and they more or less admitted it... Ate alone at one table, and usually tried to leave another table "free" between us and others. Taxi in port - double masked. Bus excursions - the same... Moreover, I've used the "lemon trick" which helped us in our holiday in Dubai, and whenever we got in suspicious contacts with others -- take a cotton tip, dip it in freshly squeezed lemon, stick it up your nose like taking a Covid test, and then drink a teaspoon of it and let the juice linger in your throat... It is supposed to create an unfriendly environment for the virus to replicate. We've done the "trick" until the last 2 days of the cruise... May be I got it because we stopped, thinking in this cruise we're in the "clear". DH didn't get it, and he was less "arduous" than I. Wishing you Covid free cruises, and.... get boosted.

M'dina -- Valletta -- the main street, so many beautiful verandas Pic taken from the ship, again, so many colorful doors

Santorini -- Don't envy the guy who carries guest's luggage all those steps up.... Mykonos - Such a cute house... Mosta (Malta) - The Rotunda The port of Valletta -- An interesting door in M'dina, liked the contrast with the yellow stone....

+ 1 😢

We’ve chosen this cruise for the very interesting itinerary, with Malta being the main draw. Flew to Rome two days before the cruise [we’ve been several times], after testing negative at home. This is our “standard procedure” for cruises out of Europe. For US, etc. – at least 4 days before. Stayed at Argentina Residenza hotel, excellent location, walking distance (5-10 minutes) to every “major” site like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiori, Fontana da Trevi [460 Euro for 3 nights, including b’fast, local tax and free cancellation up to 5 days before arrival]. Used the transfer offered by the hotel from the airport, which was the same rate as the official one (50 Euro). The driver waited for us. Along with 2 other couples from our roll call, we booked a transfer to port through the hotel. 170 Euro for 3 couples, “door-to-door”. Very satisfied with the rate and the service. We’ve already sailed from Civitavecchia [Rome] and knew that the embarkation will be a breeze, and indeed – it was. Katakolon [Olympia] – our 2nd time in this port. First time we took a winery tour with a tourist train, visited the very interesting museum in Katakolon and just enjoyed a coffee in this quaint small town. This time we had no “choice” but to visit Olympia. Why no choice? Since DH had a very close encounter with melanoma, we prefer not to visit sites in plain sunshine, like Olympia, or archeological ruins. We decided to limit our visit on the Olympia site to less than an hour, and found a bus from port to Olympia and back, for a 3 hours visit. The company is called Vlachopoulous, and they offer this transfer. Their site is quite rudimentary, and we struggled to find them when we got to port. Turns out they’re not allowed INSIDE the port… The cost was minimal – 10 Euro pp return. Cash. It included the transfer to Olympia and back, and free time at Olympia site. Rhodes – Have visited in 1976…. The hours in this port were not ideal. Arrival at 2PM, a very hot hour. We wandered the small streets, and enjoyed sitting at a café and people watching. Santorini – Again, our 2nd time in this port. First time we took a speed boat to Oia with a private company. The tour included the transfer by speed boat to Oia, a bus up to Oia, free time there, and a bus back to Thira. 25 Euro pp in 2014. The problem then was that we waited and waited in the boat until they had enough passengers to make the trip worthwhile for them. It was a “situation” which I decided this time to avoid [Covid…], and splurged for a ship transfer, at 55$ pp. The ship’s tour included the same as the previous tour + vouchers for the cable car back to ship. It was the right decision. The private company would have cost 30 Euro pp, NOT including the cable car tickets, which are 6 Euro each. So, 72 Euro v. 110$ with the ship, not so bad. The ship’s tour was well organized and, luckily, everyone was on time. We wandered again in Oia, but this time also sat at a nice café with a view, and enjoyed looking at the crowds. The last time, the line to the cable car was so long, that we decided not to take any chances, and skipped visiting Thira. This time, though, our time in port was longer, and, since many of us had vouchers for the cable car, the line moved quicker. We enjoyed a gyro meal in Thira too, at a café with a view. Tourist trap, but the view was worth it. Mykonos – just wandered the small streets and this time enjoyed an excellent gyro meal from a take away kiosk. Nice place. Athens – Have visited in 1976…. as backpackers... We booked online a “skip the line” ticket for Acropolis. They ask for the hour, but only the date is important. We looked to share a taxi from port to Acropolis, but found no one. It was 25 Euro. Fixed rate agreed before “boarding”. It was a Sunday. Acropolis was very crowded, and it was very hot, as was in all the ports. I was hoping that the first half of June will not be so hot… no luck. At least the days were very long. After Acropolis we walked to Monastiraki, enjoyed, again, a nice souvlaki meal at a café, and people watching. Taxi back to port, same rate. Malta – the highlight of our cruise, and it didn’t disappoint. We paid for a 2 hours “tour” with a taxi at the cost of 55 Euro. When we exited the port, they have a sales person who takes the money and give you a receipt for the tour. There are also 3 hours tours. First we visited M’dina for one hour, and on our way back, stopped at Mosta to take a pic of the Rotunda. M’dina was amazing. The taxi left us on the Valetta main street. After wandering a bit, we enjoyed a pie in the shade at the renowned café Cordina. Visited the Upper Barrakka gardens, took the lift down and went back to the ship. Barcelona – the disembarkation was also a breeze. We travel with carry ons only, and were among the last the leave the ship. There was a long line for taxis, some of it in plain sunshine. We paid 15 Euro to our hotel, Jazz, and spent there 3 nights (usually, we prefer to fly back the same day or the day after, but, in a sign of the times, our flight was cancelled, and had to spend 2 additional nights there. I know, there are worse places to be stuck than Barcelona, but we’ve been there several times, and just wanted to see our grandkids and be at home…). Jazz’s location was excellent. A few mins from the main attractions, excellent price (518 Euro for 3 nights, a superior room, copious b’fast and free cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival). I highly recommend both hotels. The taxi to the airport was 38 Euros. I’d be more than happy to provide additional information.

@George C + 1 -- Happy birthday to Shelagh 🌷 @Coralc, Pat, I absolutely love your new "temporary" kitchen... and I've learned a new word: "backsplash", which until now I've thought is "backlash" and couldn't understand it's meaning to a kitchen... 😟 @Ozark_Kid, John, Glad you're safely home now, to your beautiful gardens and cute Millie. @molly361, Ellen, have a wonderful cruise on Mariner. ... and, if someone is still interested, I have some more pics from our cruise -- Mykonos - a typical "street" -- Acropolis -- Very crowded.... M'dina (Malta) - me entering the old city 😁

Thank you for your kind words. No, we would not book an E class again. The "premium" rates for this class of ships is high, and for Beyond -- beyond a reasonable price. Our C2's cabin's rate fluctuated between 10K and 11K [with the 3 perks -- free grats, classic beverage and free wi-fi -- and refundable deposit].... As I've mentioned in my long post above, we don't drink [hubby may enjoy a "social" glass of vine] and being "Elite" we had some free drinks anyway. The "free" wi-fi turned out to be very basic, no pictures and videos to be sent. Free grats were always a perk from our travel agent, so, basically, we paid a LOT more for nothing. On a humorous note, I'm sure that hubby and I are on a Celebrity "persona non grata" list, after insisting that the "wire incident" will be taken seriously.... 😉

Pat, I've made a note, as soon as I'm "finished" with Grisham 😉 @DaniDanielle, Marietta, Being quarantined at home, I've binged on Grisham's "The Racketeers", and now I'm about to finish "Sycamore Row". Outstanding books. Hate to see them end. OK. But after your 4th of July. BTW, I think I've mentioned that the "free" wi-fi was not working? Therefore, sadly, I couldn't ask your advice in real time. I really appreciate it though, even now. Thanks, again.

No, I'm not. I wanted it reported to the person in charge of Food, yes all the way UP. Celebrity was very lucky that nothing happened to my husband. If not reported and not dealt with, next time Celebrity might not be so lucky... We were not after compensation / free cruise / suing. And let me quote what someone wrote to me in another thread: "What happened is so unlike Celebrity, and you should make your experiences known to the CEO. How they addressed the wire is unacceptable, and I can’t believe they would still be using wire brushes to clean a grill. The problem with wires coming loose and sticking to the grill and transferring to food is well known. I haven’t used wire brushes on my grill for at least 20 years, because of that exact problem."

Thanks, but I really lack the energy to pursue the matter. Have little faith that someone will "care" and I don't see us cruising Celebrity in the foreseeable future. I've "published" my "musings" on the Celebrity board now.

“Personal” because we look at our cruises from a different perspective/point of view – we don’t participate in a lot of ship’s activities like Trivia/L&M/Quest, etc. Also, comedians/one man shows, all of them necessitating a good command of English. We go only to the big musicals, and on this cruise, DH had to leave after a few minutes, the sound being too much for his hearing aids. We don’t cruise for the beaches/hot weather, drinks and we gamble very small amounts (like 5-10$ pp per evening) just for fun. Usually bets of 1 or 2 cents 😊 On this cruise, after 3 long “dry dock” years, we found out that the minimum bet was raised to 75 cents, so our 9$ were quick to disappear. Then, why are we cruising? Mainly for the itineraries. Sometimes – for the ship. This time we found an excellent combo – interesting itinerary and a new class of ship. … and, for the food, mainly on Celebrity. Therefore, our criteria of judging if we enjoyed the cruise is much more limited – itinerary, food and ship. What we liked about Beyond? *the lower staff (servers, waiters, cleaners, sales attendants, casino staff) were all excellent, always smiling, always willing to help. *the pool – was the longest in comparison to every other ship. I’ve managed, early in the mornings, to swim some nice laps. *all night light in the bathroom. *the infinite veranda makes for a bigger room, but, if one of the cruisers is an early raiser and wants to spend time on the veranda, the light wakes up the other. What we didn’t like? Soulless. Too dark. Too much “real estate” taken by very high-end shops (Cartier, Bvlgari, Montblanc, La maison du chocolat – always empty), and not enough connection with the sea. A dark mirrored hallway, which I’ve found down right creepy, fearing I’ll find myself stepping right into one of the mirrors [deck 5 on the way to Eden]. No library, which is weird, since Beyond was designed BEFORE Covid. We like to sit and admire the wake. Eden. A very strong smell of fried fish from the restaurant below. At Raw 5 we couldn’t hear one another due to the high volume of music in the Grand Plaza. The SOUND. First time we saw many people leave after the show began, mainly because of the high volume. Yes, the issue was raised by me and others, nothing was done. Unless we travel with family/friends, we usually prefer to dine at WJ/OVC. We’re "in and out" quickly, can try different dishes, mainly the stir fry, which we highly prefer. Quite from the beginning we were disappointed in the quality, quantity and diversity of the OVC’s food. There were a lot of heavy stews, unappealing for the most of time. I found myself making one round, two rounds, trying to map the dishes I’d like to sample, and found myself “settling” for a grilled steak, chicken breast or burger…. In very contrast to all other cruises, where I’d make a round and say to myself: “ohh, shepherd’s pie, ohh, meat lasagna, ohh, seafood salad, ohh, this pad thai looks sooo good”. DH was even more disappointed, since he mainly eats fish, seafood and salads. Usually, he’s going to the salad bar, and comes back with a huge amount of leaves, tomatoes, cucumbers, hummus, etc., his usual Mediterranean staple at home. Here, he found himself asking for two slices of this, two leaves of this, a spoon of this -- a rather tedious “affair”. Meantime, a line is forming after him, close enough to defy the purpose of being served in the name of “social distancing/ Covid”. The first grilled fish he asked for was half frozen… The second – the same. He showed it to the server, who promptly left the serving and went in search of the “culprit” (the cook). Another line after DH. Someone appeared from the kitchen, and agreed, that, indeed, the fish was not properly unfrosted and grilled. Meanwhile, another “in-charge” saw the “fuss” and wanted details. DH explained the “case” and wondered why, 1 day after we left Rome, which is a fishing port, there are only deep frozen fishes on board, not to mention calamari, shrimps, mussels, etc. The standard reply, which we were going to hear repeatedly, was “difficulties in the chain of supply”. After 2 days of “buffet” diner, DH wanted escargot and we went to one of the 4 “free” restaurants. The escargots DH got were tiny and the meal was no more than OK but, as expected, took a lot of time. Back to OVC. After another 2 days of disappointing food at OVC, DH wanted a proper grilled fresh fish and we opted for “Cyprus”, which offered a grilled seabass. While DH was eating the seabass, I suddenly saw him confused, murmuring “a bone” and taking something out of his mouth… turns out it was not a bone, it was a 1.5 cm long piece of … wire !!! He gently placed it on the bread plate and we called the waiter, who immediately called… whoever. DH, of course, was distressed. What if he ingested another, smaller, piece of wire and he didn’t feel it?? Me? I was speechless and worried sick. A perforated intestine was NOT in our plans… After a few minutes of looking one at another and pushing aside the beginnings of our entrees, the head waiter appeared with an “explanation”… the piece of wire comes from the brush used to clean the grill…” Ahhhh, now we were “relieved”… We were so outraged, we just left the restaurant and went outside, to try to understand what just happened, and moreover, what IF another piece of wire was ingested? When we got back to our cabin, a bottle of white vine was waiting for us, along with some chocolate covered strawberries from the Cypress’ manager. The cheap bottle of wine really irritated DH: “I don’t want their vine, I want this going up and reported to the higher management, so that it will never happen again!!!” “It should have never happened in the first place” !!! So, first thing in the morning we went to GS with the vine in tow. Asked for “someone in charge”. The GS was reluctant, asking our room #, saying: “it is mentioned here”. I took the “helm” and said that we want to be sure it is “mentioned” up to the B&F director, and besides, we want to return their vine. Even if it’s just a “gesture”, might as well find out if we drink vine, and find something “neutral”, but that was not really the issue. We just felt that the vine was CYA. After a few minutes, the Cypress’ “in charge” came, claiming that it has been “reported”, “measures are being taken”, and, get this: “should you need medical assistance, we’ll be more than happy to provide it”. DH replied that “should I need medical assistance, I’ll be in big trouble, and Celebrity in an even BIGGER trouble”. He took the vine back, DH telling him that it was offending to receive a cheap bottle of several dollars by way of apology, instead a letter of “we will thoroughly examine what went wrong”, which surely will be more to the point. Quite reluctantly the “in charge” offered a free lunch at either Le Fine Cut or Raw 5, and we agreed to Raw 5, being seafood and fish. DH was eating bananas from the fateful evening, in the hope that his intestine will “weather” any stray wire… A day after the “wire”, I went to a “senior officers” meeting with Elite, +, etc. members. While I was sitting by myself, people watching, one of them came, randomly, to ask me “how do you like the cruise so far”? Big mistake on his part, HUGE…. I made a “so-so” movement with my hand, being masked and him also. Didn’t want to elaborate… but he was so surprised and, seemingly, interested… I told him that the food quality, diversity, quantity is sub par for a Celebrity cruise, and us being foodies, are underwhelmed. He wanted examples and details, which I supplied. Turns out he was the “procurement” officer, which enraged me more. I told him that there is no quality control whatsoever on the food, fruits in particular, and some products should never reach the buffet [overmature watermelon and kiwi coming immediately to mind]. Told him that, obviously, being veteran Celebrity cruisers, we have the “means” to compare. He said that they pride themselves in the quality of food on Celebrity, being one of the things which set them apart from other cruise lines. I just gave him THE LOOK “not happening here”. When I told him that I’ve heard the same from others, suite guests/Luminae, Le Voyage, The Fine Cut, etc., he excused himself and went in search of the F&B guy, and brought him to me. At that moment I decided to check if our plea that the “wire incident” will go to the “top” was granted and was shocked to see that he never heard of it. Immediately he profusely apologized and asked where we’re going to eat tonight, wanting to see for himself that DH is OK. Told him we had a reservation for Raw 5 [which was made before the free lunch offer]. He promised to be there. He wasn’t… but he comped us the dinner…. And we were glad he did, since, how DH said it so succinctly: “the lobster tail was from the runt of the litter” [and the oysters were far from fresh]. On the “free” lunch, we ordered only fried items and they were good. There were other food disappointments, where you see “grilled steak” advertised, but no steak on the grill. When you ask about it, they search one in their drawers, put one on the grill and tell you to come back between 7 and 10 minutes… Fries? “We’re waiting for a new batch, come back in 5 minutes?” NO!! Someone should monitor the popular items like fries, and the moment it seems that in a few more servings, they’ll be out of it, to already bring a new batch. The last “straw” was potato salad. With no fries available, I’ve tried my luck with the 2nd best… Long line, since the potato salad is with the “made to order sandwiches” and it takes time. I’m getting the last batch. Yay!! Sit down to eat, the potatoes are undercooked… I calm myself, and go back for another batch. Same “quality”. Ask a waiter to call someone “higher”. A nice and seemingly harassed lady arrives. Stoked her fork too. “Yep!!, not cooked at all”… “What’s you room number”?? That was the "standard procedure". Can’t figure it out what my room # has to do with the undercooked potatoes, overmature fruits, not properly unfrozen fish, etc. It’s not that someone called and apologized or explained. To sum it up, on previous cruises, at dinner you saw lots and lots of officers eating at the OVC. There were always stir fry stations, pasta stations, grill stations with every imaginable meat or fish being done on the spot. There were officers patrolling the buffet and keeping eye on everything. If a tray was about to be 2/3 finished, immediately a fresh one was brought, so there will be no delay and waiting. Not on Beyond. Not even one. DH, ever the cynic, predicted that in the last day, Celebrity will pull all stops and gave us a meal to remember. He was right… In the last day lunch there was a “buffet extravaganza”….

That's it. I wish I had the presence d'esprit to ask for it immediately... and save us the worry of a perforated intestine. Of course, Celebrity should have offered it too !!! I'm feeling better. 70% of my usual self. DH, somehow, managed to stay out of "it" 😟 Wishing everyone a joyful 4th of July celebration

LONG - that's my "style". I know... my kids always say to me: "Fast forward, mom". So, fast forward, pls. 😁 Some very personal musings about our Beyond cruise, “Personal” because we look at our cruises from a different perspective/point of view – we don’t participate in a lot of ship’s activities like Trivia/L&M/Quest, etc. Also, comedians/one man shows, all of them necessitating a good command of English. We go only to the big musicals, and on this cruise, DH had to leave after a few minutes, the strong sound being too much for his hearing aids. We don’t cruise for the beaches/hot weather, drinks and we gamble very small amounts (like 5-10$ pp per evening) just for fun. Usually bets of 1 or 2 cents 😊 On this cruise, after 3 long “dry dock” years, we found out that the minimum bet was raised to 75 cents, so our 9$ were quick to disappear. Then, why are we cruising? Mainly for the itineraries. Sometimes – for the ship. This time we found an excellent combo – interesting itinerary and a new class of ship. … and, for the food, mainly on Celebrity. Therefore, our criteria of judging if we enjoyed the cruise is much more limited – itinerary, food and ship. What we liked about Beyond? *the lower staff (servers, waiters, cleaners, sales attendants, casino staff) were all excellent, always smiling, always willing to help. *the pool – was the longest in comparison to every other ship. I’ve managed, early in the mornings, to swim some nice laps. *all night light in the bathroom. *the infinite veranda makes for a bigger room, but, if one of the cruisers is an early raiser and wants to spend time on the veranda, the light wakes up the other. What we didn’t like? Soulless. Too dark. Too much “real estate” taken by very high-end shops (Cartier, Bvlgari, Montblanc. Le maison du chocolat – always empty), and not enough connection with the sea. A dark mirrored corridor, which I’ve found down right creepy, fearing I’ll find myself stepping right into one of the mirrors. Unless we travel with family/friends, we usually prefer to dine at WJ/OVC. We’re "in and out" quickly, can try different dishes, mainly the stir fry, which we highly prefer. Quite from the beginning we were disappointed in the quality, quantity and diversity of the OVC’s food. There were a lot of heavy stews, unappealing for the most of time. I found myself making one round, two rounds, trying to map the dishes I’d like to sample, and found myself “settling” for a grilled steak, chicken breast or burger…. In very contrast to all other cruises, where I’d make a round and say to myself: “ohh, sheperd’s pie, ohh, meat lasagna, ohh, seafood salad, ohh, this pad thai looks sooo good”. DH was even more disappointed, since he mainly eats fish, seafood and salads. Usually, he’s going to the salad bar, and comes back with a huge amount of leaves, tomatoes, cucumbers, hummus, etc., his usual Mediterranean staple at home. Here, he found himself asking for two slices of this, two leaves of this, a spoon of this -- a rather tedious “affair”. Meantime, a line is forming after him, close enough to defy the purpose of being served in the name of “social distancing/ Covid”. The first grilled fish he asked for was half frozen… The second – the same. He showed it to the server, who promptly left the serving and went in search of the “culprit” (the cook). Another line after DH. Someone appeared from the kitchen, and agreed, that, indeed, the fish was not properly unfrosted and grilled. Meanwhile, another “in-charge” saw the “fuss” and wanted details. DH explained the “case” and wondered why, 1 day after we left Rome, which is a fishing port, there are only deep frozen fishes on board, not to mention calamari, shrimps, mussels, etc. The standard reply, which we were going to hear repeatedly, was “difficulties in the chain of supply”. After 2 days of “buffet” diner, DH wanted escargot and we went to one of the 4 “free” restaurants. The escargots DH got were tiny and the meal was no more than OK but, as expected, took a lot of time. Back to the buffet. After another 2 days of disappointing food at the buffet, DH wanted a proper grilled fresh fish and we opted for “Cyprus”, which offered a grilled seabass. While DH was eating the seabass, I suddenly saw him confused, murmuring “a bone” and taking something out of his mouth… turns out if was not a bone, it was a 1.5 cm long piece of … wire !!! He gently placed it on the bread plate and we called the waiter, who immediately called… whoever. DH, of course, was distressed. What if he ingested another, smaller, piece of wire and he didn’t feel it?? Me? I was speechless and worried sick. After a few minutes of looking one at another and pushing aside the beginnings of our entrees, the head waiter appeared with an “explanation”… the piece of wire comes from the brush used to clean the grill…” Ahhhh, now we were “relieved”… We were so outraged, we just left the restaurant and went outside, to try to understand what just happened, and moreover, what IF another piece of wire was ingested? When we got back to our cabin, a bottle of white vine was waiting for us, along with some chocolate covered strawberries from the Cypress’ manager. The cheap bottle of wine really irritated DH: “I don’t want their vine, I want this going up and reported to the higher management, so that it will never happen again!!!” “It should have never happened in the first place” !!! So, first thing in the morning we went to GS with the vine in tow. Asked for “someone in charge”. The GS was reluctant, asking our room #, saying: “it is mentioned here”. I took the “helm” and said that we want to be sure it is “mentioned” up to the B&F director, and besides, we want to return their vine. Even if it’s just a “gesture”, might as well find out if we drink vine, and find something “neutral”, but that was not really the issue. We just felt that the vine was CYA. After a few minutes, the Cypress’ “in charge” came, claiming that it has been “reported”, “measures are being taken”, and, get this: “should you need medical assistance, we’ll be more than happy to provide it”. DH replied that “should I need medical assistance, I’ll be in big trouble, and Celebrity in an even BIGGER trouble”. He took the vine back, DH telling him that it was offending to receive a cheap bottle of several dollars by way of apology, instead a letter of “we will thoroughly examine what went wrong” which surely will be more to the point. Quite reluctantly the “in charge” offered a free lunch at either Le Fine Cut or Raw 5, and we agreed to Raw 5, being seafood and fish. DH was eating bananas from the fateful evening, in the hope that his intestine will “weather” any stray wire… A day after the “wire”, I went to a “senior officers” meeting with Elite, +, etc. members. While I was sitting by myself, people watching, one of them came, randomly, to ask me “how do you like the cruise so far”? Big mistake on his part, HUGE…. I made a “so-so” movement with my hand, being masked and him also. Didn’t want to elaborate… but he was so surprised and, seemingly, interested… I told him that the food quality, diversity, quantity is sub par for a Celebrity cruise, and us being foodies, are underwhelmed. He wanted examples and details, which I supplied. Turns out he was the “procurement” officer, which enraged me more. I told him that there is no quality control whatsoever on the food, fruits in particular, and some products should never reach the buffet [overmature watermelon and kiwi coming immediately to mind]. Told him that, obviously, being veteran Celebrity cruisers, we have the “means” to compare. He said that they pride themselves in the quality of food on Celebrity, being one of the things which set them apart from other cruise lines. I just gave him THE LOOK “not happening here”. When I told him that I’ve heard the same from others, suite guests/Luminae, Le Voyage, The Fine Cut, etc., he excused himself and went in search of the F&B guy, and brought him to me. At that moment I decided to check if our plea that the “wire incident” will go to the “top” was granted and was shocked to see that he never heard of it. Immediately he profusely apologized and asked where we’re going to eat tonight, wanting to see for himself that DH is OK. Told him we had a reservation for Raw 5 [which was made before the free lunch offer]. He promised to be there. He wasn’t… but he comped us the dinner…. And we were glad he did, since, how DH said it so succinctly: “the lobster tail was from the runt of the litter” [and the oysters were far from fresh]. On the “free” lunch, we ordered only fried items and they were good. There were other food disappointments, where you see “grilled steak” advertised, but no steak on the grill. When you ask about it, they search one in their drawers, put one on the grill and tell you to come back between 7 and 10 minutes… Fries? “We’re waiting for a new batch, come back in 5 minutes?” NO!! Someone should monitor the popular items like fries, and the moment it seems that in a few more servings, they’ll be out of it, to already bring a new batch. The last “straw” was potato salad. With no fries available, I’ve tried my luck with the 2nd best… Long line, since the potato salad is with the “made to order sandwiches” and it takes time. I’m getting the last batch. Yay!! Sit down to eat, the potatoes are undercooked… I calm myself, and go back for another batch. Same “quality”. Ask a waiter to call someone “higher”. A nice and seemingly harassed lady arrives. Stoked her fork too. “Yep!!, not cooked at all”… “What’s you room number”?? That was the SP. Can’t figure it out what my room # has to do with the undercooked potatoes, overmature fruits, not properly unfrozen fish, etc. It’s not that someone called and apologized or explained. To sum it up, on previous cruises, at dinner you saw lots and lots of officers eating at the buffet. There were always stir fry stations, pasta stations, grill stations with every imaginable meat or fish being done on the spot. There were officers patrolling the buffet and keeping eye on everything. If a tray was about to be 2/3 finished, immediately a fresh one was brought, so there will be no delay and waiting. Not on Beyond. Not even one. DH, ever the cynic, predicted that in the last day, Celebrity will pull all stops and gave us a meal to remember. He was right… In the last day lunch there was a “buffet extravaganza”…. A few words about Captain Kate. I’ve told the concierge on the first day about my “romance” with “her”, and asked, if possible, for a few seconds meet. I thought that, after innocently investing so much time for her “snacks”, the least will be a souvenir pic with her. The concierge was amazed at the quality of the scam, and promised a short meeting. There were 3 meetings of Elite and up with C.K. She made a few seconds appearance, tightly surrounded by her fellow officers, to the point of reminding me the security surrounding the PM of our country… Not approachable, not visible. The one meeting the concierge promised had a few of us aligned in order to meet her. I was the last one in line. A couple before the couple in front of me decided to monopolize her, and, sadly … it was time for her to say a few words and no time for us. The concierge apologized and said to wait there, C.K.’ll “see” us later. The couple before me gave up and, when C.K. finished in a few seconds, she brushed me aside like I was an annoying fly, and… fled through a side door.

We were on Beyond, June 13 cruise. Had 86 registered. The registration was like in "normal" times, and we received an email confirmation of the "connections party". The first day of our cruise was a sea day -- ideally suited for this party. Nothing. Celebrity Beyond guest services: "we can't access the list of those registered".... Common, X, you should come with a much better reply than this...

No worries... I think that @aussielozzie18 is following Crystal on other channels, and the b'day was mentioned there. I'm taking notes of every birthday "alluded" here, as I'm sure you remember 😉 So.... @singinalot Happy Birthday, Crystal, hope you'll have a lovely celebration, and an interesting and rewarding job in the very near future

@Momof3gurlz Deb, Since usually we have a long flight with connection before any cruise, we choose to arrive 3-4 days before, to allow for "unexpected" delays. Therefore, when looking at expenses, we have chosen the Best Western Plus Condado Palm Inn in the Condado area, which is cheaper than OSJ.... We had a bus to OSJ at the corner for 0.75 cents pp, and it was nice traveling with locals. Many restaurants in the area, and very pleasant to stroll in the evening. We were there 4 nights. For one night, of course, splurge to be in OSJ 🙂

I, for one, see the green. I bet she knows she's a beauty, she has this kind of aloofness about her 😍

Last time it was awful. I think we were more than 2 hours in plain sunshine. This time was much more reasonable -- less than an hour, for 2 reasons -- less ships in port and many were on ship excursion and given vouchers for the cable car [like us]. So instead of paying/counting cash/credit card/whatever, they just scanned our vouchers....