Travler3824

Hi, just booked a Mediterranean cruise on Celebrity Constellation for April 27, 2016. Anyone else thinking of this itinerary? Rome, Naples, Valletta, Santorini, Ephesus, Rhodes, Mykonos, Athens, Chania, Venice over night.

This will be my 4th with Celebrity and 5th cruise as a solo traveler. Looking forward to the adventure as I have not yet experienced the mediterranean and would welcome any suggestions on tours, must see type of experiences, restaurants with great food, etc. I am a big photo bug as well so I'm always interested in destination where I have an opportunity to get some great photos.

Keith

Hi, I will be crushing on X Infinity with the East Bound Panama Canal voyage Sept. 18, 2015. Just checking to see if there may be others who are also on the cruise, interested in meeting for drinks and/or dinner. :):):):D

I thought the overall experience was great. :) There were a lot of people on the ship and therefore you could go the entire cruise and each day meet someone new but that was not a problem for me. I rather found it keep things interesting and lively. Overall, I thought the passengers were friendly and the cruise and RSVP staff helpful.

I generally cruise on Celebrity and found that the quality of the food on this ship was good but not great. I suppose I don't have high expectations for cruise line food unless I am in a specialty restaurant. I would agree that the coffee was weak. Since I only eat fish, I didn't have problems with what I was served or got off the buffet. There was a lot of variety in terms of vegetables and that suited me well also.

I only saw one instance of friskiness :p and that was when I toured the Enclave the first night. I decided that I would not purchase the package since I was not looking for a bath house experience. Other than that there were some roaming hands on the dance floors but I was more of an observer than a participant or victim. :rolleyes: I didn't cruise around the ship late at night and that, I understand, I when all the real action went on.

I would definitely recommend this to friends and would consider a future cruise experience with RSVP. Since it was my first with them I was a little shy and now I know better how to maneuver the parties and make the most out of them. I found the entertainment better than what I have experienced on str8 cruises and the RSVP parties were lively and upbeat.

One last note: the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet was a great event for me. Thanks for setting it up and thanks for connecting this solo traveler with a number of other great people.

But I am a cheerleader for them. They are just so much more fun than any ordinary cruise I have ever been on, and I have been on many of both types. I enjoy an ordinary cruise, but it is a completely different experience than RSVP and Atlantis.

Wow, I have been on a few ordinary cruises and enjoyed myself. Now my expectations have been raised :D I am so pumped about the RSVP experience and getting more excited by the day. In what ways is it different other than an entire ship of LGBTQ and friends? Any tips or suggestions on how a solo traveler can make the best of this first time experience?

I've been looking at the shore excursions and following the Roll Call loosely for chatter about who is taking what excursions or thinking of what excursions but its been kind of quiet on this topic. I have plans to visit the ruins in Cozumel anyone else looking at activities off the ship or is it more likely that all the fun and action will take place on board and most don't leave at the ports?

I don't know about the soda packages; we don't drink much soda and drink the ship's water (I also drink tap water at home). We bring water bottles and refill it in the buffet.

 

As for acloholic beverages, you pay per drink/per bottle.

Thanks for the prompt response. I don't drink much soda either so I think I will wing it the first day or two and see how it goes rather than pick up a package and not get much value for the cost. :D

I was reading the Princess and RSVP documents about beverage packages and hope someone can provide some clarification for me. It looks like RSVP has arranged for an Unlimited Soda and more package. It is not clear to me if that includes water. Is it best to purchase that once on board or can it be purchased ahead of time???

Also, I don't see anything about alcoholic beverages, so does that mean that we are charged on a per purchase basis? Just want to budget accordingly if that is the case. :confused:

This will be my first Princess Cruise and first with RSVP as well. I've sailed on two Atlantis Cruises (February 2013 and March 2014). I hope RSVP will be equally as fun!

From all the people who have taken the RSVP cruises before I understand that we are going to have a blast! This thread is not very active in comparison to others but I believe the fun and activity will start the moment we step onboard the ship. I am super excited about it, though I have not figured out what ports I want to visit other than Mexico. Where I would like to see the ruins. Anyone else interested in seeing them or have some thoughts on them? :)

Hey Guys,

So excited to join the group as this will be my first RSVP and first cruise with this particular cruise line. I am anxious to hear from the more experienced RSVP folks as to what I should be on the look out for.

Will their be a cruise critics meet and greet as well. If so I certainly would like to be included. So now I'm off to reading all the previous post related to this cruise and I guess waiting to find out what the themed parties will be so I can get ready for them also.

:D

Hi folks, this will be my first cruise with Princess and first with RSVP!! I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. Looking forward to the adventure and hoping to learn some tips about Princess Cruises along the way and how RSVP fits into the mix.

Of course I am anxious and excited to meet some new like minded folks as well. Hope to hear from some of you in the months to come. :D

Private Auckland West Coast Full Day Tour

09:00 to 17:00 or to adjust for our cruise ship time requirements

 

In January I did the Solstice's NZ to Australia trip and while in Auckland I did a half-day tour with a company highly recommended by local friends. Boy, were they right! Had an excellent tour.

 

I just contacted them again to see if another great tour can be arranged and they suggested the following (gorgeous areas!). This would be a small group, just Solsticers, so we could modify it as the day goes if necessary and be able to stop wherever we want for those all-important photos!

 

Here's the suggestion:

"Experience the famous Waitakere Ranges on Auckland’s West Coast on a very personal tour with multi award-winning global tourism award winner TIME Unlimited Tours. Be amazed by Auckland's famous West Coast with its subtropical rainforest, soaring cliffs, roaring surf and stunning black sand beaches. Walk along the deserted shore, with the sound of the sea in your ears, the wind in your hair and the salt spray on your face. Keep away from the masses and try this multi award-winning tour just for your group on a Private Tour! Includes transport to and from your cruise ship, as well as snacks and hot/cold drinks.

 

After pick-up from your cruise ship, drive to the West, leaving behind beautiful Auckland surprisingly quickly as you pass through Titirangi, which translates to "Fringe of Heaven" in the local Maori language. Titirangi has several nice cafes and bakeries, which the locals love to spend time in. Then enter the beautiful native rainforest that is the Waitakere Ranges, made famous by many movies that have been filmed here. Oscar-winning movie "The Piano" is a good example. As you drive through lush subtropical rainforest, learn about the local Flora and Fauna that inhabit these ranges.

 

We drive towards the West Coast and reach it in form of what is often referred to as one of the most beautiful black sand beach of them all. Here you will be guided personally to the glorious, roaring surf that constantly pounds this beautiful place. You will have enough time to experience this beach and ensure you have a good understanding of its significance. Of course your guide will always keep a watchful eye out for the Flora and Fauna that live here and will point these out to you. Many native plants were used extensively by Maori and you can learn which ones were the most useful; in fact Maori still use these plants for medicinal purposes today. We will go for a few short walks to show you some of the stunning nature in this part of Auckland before having picnic lunch, the location depending somewhat on the weather on the day. After lunch, we continue on to Muriwai Beach, famous as the location for one of only 2 mainland Gannet colonies in New Zealand, as well as beautiful cliffs and beach scenery.

 

This Private Full Day West Coast Tour through the Waitakere Ranges shows you some beautiful scenery that will explain why these black sand beaches and these ranges are so special.

 

Highlights:

 Titirangi (Maori for Fringe of Heaven), the artists’ enclave on the Manukau Harbour

 Spectacular ocean vistas along Auckland’s wild West Coast in our famous Waitakere Ranges

 Unique indigenous flora and fauna

 Soaring cliffs, roaring surf and spectacular, volcanic black sand beaches

 Visit 2 of the most stunning of all the black sand beaches on Auckland's famous West Coast, incl famous Gannet Colony

 Ancient native rainforest including our New Zealand Christmas Trees (Pohutukawa Trees) and the amazing Kauri Trees

 

Included: Picnic lunch, snacks, hot/cold drinks, transport, all equipment, all taxes and park fees included, so NO hidden costs!!"

 

Back to me......

If we can get between 5-11 people the cost is NZ $245 each but the exchange rate makes that about US$192 per person which isn't at all bad for a whole day including lunch! This is a top-class outfit with wonderful guides.

 

Any interested parties? Already got 2! Need another 3 or so!

Diane

Hi Diane,

I am definitely interested in this tour. It sounds like a great opportunity to take some good photos and experience some of the lesser know but beautiful spots. How vigorous is the walking part of the tour? Do you need any special hiking/walking shoes? I am traveling solo so I can fill one of the 3 or so additional spots available. Please keep me in mind and posted on this excursion.

Thanks,

Travler3824

My husband and I came back last week from the Pied Piper 14-night Asian cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong and had an amazing time. I understand some of the issues raised with PP brought up in this thread, but we personally have nothing but good things to say about the experience.

 

I wrote a blog post about our experience with Pied Piper here:

http://www.guyswhotravel.com/entry/booking-a-cruise-through-pied-piper-travel

 

And here's the post about the cruise itself:

http://www.guyswhotravel.com/entry/two-weeks-cruising-the-south-china-sea-on-the-celebrity-millennium

I have to agree with Toronto1970, I too just came back from the Pied Piper 14-nigh Asian cruise and can't say enough good things about Ian and Carl. I had the misfortune to get the flu while on the trip and the Pied Piper hosts went out of their way to make sure that I was well cared for by the cruise line and that any wants I had were met during the time I was in isolation and restricted to my stateroom. I found the guys to be very friendly, outgoing and more than generous with ideas for things to do etc. etc.

It's disappointing to hear that others did not get the same experience but for me it was more than adequate. Based on my experience I would use them again and would ask for Ian and Carl as hosts. Thanks guys for a fantastic experience all around.

Keith :)

yeah we're getting quite a gaggle of gays happening. My bunch are all nuts but great fun.

 

 

Just made up this little map for Sydney - sing out if you have any questions.

 

https://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msid=208802348947012870224.0004d51bef80fd4d028d3&msa=0

 

James

James, these are great suggestions for things to do in Sydney. Thanks again for taking the time to put this map together. Now I need to get a book on Sydney to decide which to do first, second etc. :):

Well if you need any tips Jack and I have been to all of these ports and as we are cabin crew we can give you lots of tips and advice - you're own private travel consultants.

Dingoboy, thanks for your offer. I am sure that I will have a few questions once I have had a chance to let it all sink in a bit. :) Right now I am focusing on another cruise I'm taking in less than 30 days. :D

A brief introduction: Keith (retired IT professional, from Virginia, USA, Single, and 54.)

Hey Keith and Dingoboy,

 

Awesome! Now, we're getting a thread. Yes, I, too, have a sunset veranda booked on deck 7. So, we may be neighbors!

 

The drink package is for oceanview staterooms or higher, so if you wanted to save some money on a window cabin, the drink package still applies here. The fact is, I know people who can spend more on drinks than on the cruise fare itself, so this is definitely a great deal. You will not see me without a drink in hand, thanks to this package! haha!

 

Congratulations on 17 years with your partner, Dingoboy. I am at 12 years with mine and still counting.

 

I have never been to the south Pacific, so I am definitely looking forward to this adventure.

 

Can't wait to meet you all!

 

Cheers!

 

--Jeff

Jeff and Dingoboy,

Yes we do have a thread going now! :) I am not sure what side of the ship m room is on. I got all confused but I am on the Sky Deck with veranda. This is my lifetime adventure also. French Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii, what a combination of places. It will certainly beat the damp spring typical of the US North East!

Keith

Hi Everyone,

 

Just booked this cruise to take advantage of the free drink package that comes along with it. I originally wanted to do a Greek Island and Turkey cruise, but they had none advertised in 2014 yet. So, I thought this was the next best thing. Anyone interested?

 

Jeff

Jeff, thanks for your posting and information regarding the drink package. I called Celebrity this morning and was able to get it added to my booking as well. :D A great saving for sure. I am looking forward to meeting you and the others on this trip.

Keith

I grantee it will be an amazing cruise. The South Pacific is sublime and Bora Bora is the most beautiful place on earth.

I went ahead and booked the cruise through Celebrity. So excited! :) Keith

Hi Keith:

 

Derek (from Pied Piper) indicated that they would be sending out recommendations for excursions soon. Re: luggage tags, you need to go to your reservation on the Celebrity website, complete your booking information (if you haven't done so already) and then order your luggage tags directly from Celebrity. Tom.

Tom, thanks for the information. I went online today and completed the necessary information and ordered my luggage tags. So excited about this cruise that I booked another for April of 14 (Transpacific.) I'm out of control!

Keith

We were getting organised to book and also grabbed this great deal.

 

Saved a packet!!!!

 

Today I've booked 4 aft sunset cabins for 7 of our party and hopefully will be booking one or two more.

 

It's my 50th so a real reason to celebrate.

 

We have done this itinerary previously and just love the south pacific. And my partner of 17 years, Jack, is from Hawaii so it was a perfect fit.

 

And when I can to choose where I wanted to be for my 50th, it just had to be Bora Bora.

 

We are all from Melbourne (excepting Jack - but he is well and truly an Aussie now).

Greetings to you and Jack, I see that you mentioned the package and I was wondering if you got it form Celebrity or another TA. I didn't see anything on their page.

Keith

I grantee it will be an amazing cruise. The South Pacific is sublime and Bora Bora is the most beautiful place on earth.

Dingoboy, thanks for the link to your facebook page however, I could not open it something about permissions. In any event I believe you are correct and that is why I am so excited about the possibilities.

Hi! Yes, I will be on that cruise. I am spending a couple of days in Singapore before boarding the ship. Pied Piper will probably have a cocktail party the first night so all of us sailing with them will have a chance to meet.

 

For what it's worth, my communication with Derek has been exceptional as well. He has always gotten back to me promptly and has modified my bookings to take advantage of better deals which I have found by monitoring the prices.

I'll get there on the first day of the cruise but am excited just the same. I'm a little anxious to get my boarding information and an idea of what Pied Piper has planned for us to do. I went ahead and booked some of the ship excursions; however, I might cancel some depending on when and what Pied Piper has for the group to do off ship. Have your received any boarding information, luggage tags etc. from them yet?

Keith

Greetings!

 

What I particularly liked about this one is the number of days at sea. Fantastic itinerary! Plus, you get an overnight stay in Honolulu, which is kind of neat. I will be headed to Sydney a few days prior to explore a bit on my own before we embark!

 

Jeff

Jeff, that is what caught my attention as well. Plus I have friends in Australia so, I'd most likely go a week or so ahead of time so I could visit with them adjust to the jet lag and get ready for the adventure. I'm getting excited already.

Keith

Hi Everyone,

 

Just booked this cruise to take advantage of the free drink package that comes along with it. I originally wanted to do a Greek Island and Turkey cruise, but they had none advertised in 2014 yet. So, I thought this was the next best thing. Anyone interested?

 

Jeff

Greetings Jeff, I was just looking at that cruise and trying to decided if I wanted to book it.

I had my first cruise with Pied Piper last year---Valparaiso to Buenos Aires. It was a wonderful cruise with some great people. I will be joining 2 of the people I met on that cruise for another one to Southeast Asia in March. In addition to Pied Piper hosting cocktail parties, recommending tours, arranging dinner tables etc. their rates are more reasonable than those you can get directly with Celebrity. I highly recommend them.

Going on my first cruise with Pied Piper this March in SE Asia, departure March 3rd. Celebrity Millennium. It you too will be on that tour it would be nice to connect before. Feel free to drop me a note.

NSWP, from your predicted drinking pattern, I would say PAYG would work out better for you. If you find you are drinking more than expected over the first few days, i.e. over $44, you can purchase the package onboard.

 

We had the premium alcohol package last year and PAYG for alcohol this year - we had the non alcohol classic package this time.

 

Loved the alcohol package but it didn't love us as we drank too much and felt unwell many mornings :( which is why we opted to PAYG this time.

We knew we would think twice before ordering another Martini. It's so tempting and they are delicious, but VERY strong.

 

It's a great deal, if you can manage the drinks without feeling unwell. We're lightweights. :rolleyes:

 

On PAYG we drank whatever we wanted: beers, carafe of housewine with lunch, the more expensive wines by the glass at dinner, e.g. Pouilly Fume and Pinot Noir, G&Ts, Martini and came out just under the classic package price for 12 days.

 

TBH we didn't make good enough use of the non alcohol package. I still used the ship's iced water on deck and we don't drink cans of soda. Couple of coffees and fresh O/J, bottle of water for the cabin (to share) and we were still under the $14, so won't bother with that again.

 

It wasn't an exercise to save money. One more drink a day would have taken us up to the Classic alcohol price. :)

Hi I was wondering if the inboard shied ice water tasted palatable ?