Lsimon

Yes, Yes and Yes to your three questions.

Please help....We are taking our first TA and first time in Europe. What kind of plug/adapter do we need for curling iron, kindle, cell phone, MP3 (all have chargers), etc. ?? Thank you.

You do not need any for the ship.

For the hotels before your port you need a American to European plug adaptor but that is just for your 220V compatible products.

Since we already have such a plug adapter we do use it on the ship to plug compatible items into the 220V euro outlet found on board, but this isn't necessary since there are also regular American type outlets available on board as well. But you will not find American type outlets at hotels in Europe.

Here is the type of adapter: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_ex_n_1?rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A281407%2Cn%3A173541%2Ck%3Ausa+to+europe+outlet+plug+adapter&bbn=173541&keywords=usa+to+europe+outlet+plug+adapter&ie=UTF8&qid=1423588144

The link includes both types and you want the kind with the round plugs on the bottom.

This is only for your appliances that are 220V compatible. It will say someplace on the item what voltage range it covers, usually fine print on the plug or by the model number on the item. If it is not 220V compatible and you MUST use it then you need a voltage converter. Unlike the adapters the voltage converters can be expensive and not all of them work well for all appliances. I've had bad luck with those so we now just do not use our 110V products in Europe. My wife has bought smaller travel version of her hair dryer which switches between 110V and 220V and you can buy hair irons that also have this feature. Almost all cell phone, camera and kindle type chargers I've seen are dual voltage but you need to double check this.

Here is an example of a Sony charger with the voltage range highlighted by a red box. Since it says "100-240V" it can be plugged into a European 220 volt outlet:

Here is a typical hairdryer label, this one shows it only is for up to 125 volts, so it cannot be used in a 220 volt Euro style outlet. If you try to do this it will probably burn out.

S class looks like this:

There are two North American style 110V outlets and one European Style 220V outlets. On the counter on the right is a plug adapter for converting the European style outlet to an American style grounded plug. These are very inexpensive ($5 to $10 or less) and are useful for our 220 V compatible items (mostly camera and phone chargers). But use these with CAUTION as they do not convert the voltage so if you use them on an appliance that is not 220V compatible it will quickly fry it!!

I've had laundry done on every cruise we've taken for years and never have had an issue. I wonder if it is a recent change in detergent or if it is something unusual that you are sensitive to.

Correct. No trouble with the sheets or towels.

 

Do they use different equipment for customer laundry? I imagine the sheets and towel washing goes 24/7.

While I've never seen the laundry operation I've got to imagine that the sheets and towels go through a different process to handle the huge volume of these.

Let's look at a martini bar bartender for example, on flair night......They pour 24 martinis at once. Martinis are $13 each.

 

$13 x 24 = $312 x 18% Gratuity = $56.16 in tips, for 10 minutes work.

 

Ouch !!! Thats a fair bit of gratuity .:eek:

First off this would truly be a great deal if these guys were doing that 6 times an hour for their entire shift, but that's not the case. I know someone who performs a task that typically takes 5 to 30 minutes and makes a profit of several hundred dollars for that task. people tell min all the time how great it must be to make several hundred dollars for 15 minutes work which ignores the hours he puts in every day on related, non-revenue producing, time required for his job. The bar tenders work extremely long shifts part of which is behind the scenes and/or at very slow times.

Second, your example also presumes people are purchasing their martinis ala carte when most have a beverage package. (The martini bars were never quite so busy before the beverage packages.) The beverage package gratuity gets split pooled among all beverage staff according to some unknown formula. It is rumored to be related to the volume of drinks served but no one knows for certain if this is the case.

How do regular veranda cabins differ from Concierge Class cabins? Are they smaller? Are the beds less comfortable? Is there less storage? Are the balconies smaller?

 

We are looking at a cruise in which all suites, Aqua Class and Concierge Class are sold out, so regular balconies are all that are left. I'm more than willing to try the regular balcony, but Hubby is not convinced. Maybe you folks can convince him.

On the S class ships (Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette and Reflection) the cabin size, layout and furnishings are identical with two exceptions: CC and AQ cabins have footrests on the veranda and AQ cabins have upgraded shower fixtures which include body sprays and a hand held shower and fog free bathroom mirrors.

On M class (Millennium, Infinity, Summit and Constellation) the Concierge Cabins are a little larger and have a bit more storage. The size difference is noticeable.

We used to always book the CC cabins on the M class ships due to the larger size but wouldn't hesitate to book a standard veranda if the CC wasn't available or the price difference was too large. On S class we've not bothered booking a CC cabin after having one on our very first S class cruise. After that we've just booked standard veranda or AQ class, but the time we booked AQ it was for the privilege of dining in Blu and not for the differences in the stateroom. On most S class trips we've booked standard veranda vs. AQ as we sailed with friends who were not in AQ or the price difference didn't justify the extra cost for Blu.

At one time the CC cabins had slightly upgraded linens and towels but the difference was minor and I'm not even sure if that is still a feature as I've read conflicting reports of that on these forums in recent years.

The only other differences in the staterooms are some minor amenities which seem to be slowly disappearing over time and I don't think are worth much $$ and some of which are totally useless. Some examples: Flowers (which might have discontinued recently), Binoculars (super cheap and toy like), sparkling wine (available on wine list for around $25), etc.

Can someone please enlighten me:

If we take an alcoholic beverage package, do you use your ship key or do you get a separate card with the package loaded onto it?

Tks - Melanie

Ship key. It will have a code printed on it or a sticker affixed.

Here is a link to a post from last spring. Selections might have changed but this should be representative of what you'll find. Note this is a sailing from the UK and prices, and package limits, were adjusted to reflect the gratuity being included in the menu price:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=44321241&postcount=9

Just to make it clear: I believe this list was from the main dining room wine list. Selection of wines by the glass in lounges will not likely be as large as this.

I've bought small amounts of FX currency on board with cash after running out of what I'd brought along with me. Can't comment about doing it via onboard account as I never tried.

Here is a link to a post from last spring. Selections might have changed but this should be representative of what you'll find. Note this is a sailing from the UK and prices, and package limits, were adjusted to reflect the gratuity being included in the menu price:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=44321241&postcount=9

What do you recommend for a decent budget travel size binoculars? We are shopping for a pair but don't have a clue what would be good enough for optic and price wise.

I highly recommend going to a sporting goods store where you can actually try out the binoculars. You'll clearly see the difference between the models and the value of the more expensive ones.

Picking out the right binoculars is a big exercise in compromise along three different areas, price strength and weight. I think compromises along the lines of price is clear, you get what you pay for and there are lots of binoculars in every price range from under $50 to over $1,000. The higher priced binoculars tend to have brighter clearer images. Some also have image stabilization features that are amazing but very expensive. You can't appreciate what higher quality binoculars do until you actually try them.

Strength: people tend to pick stronger binoculars to zoom in closer. The problem here is that the stronger the binocular the more it exaggerates how shaky your hand is so an image magnified by huge amounts will seem very shaky and harder to see clearly. Some binoculars have image stabilization features which cut down or eliminate the shakiness. These start at over $300 and Canon makes some nice ones that start in that range.

Weight: When you go to a store and check out binoculars the ones that give the most phenomenal results are often the larger models. They don't seem to hard to look through at the store as you're only using them a few seconds to a few minutes. But once you're in Alaska and try holding them for 5 or 10 minutes, let alone much of a half hour, your hands and arms get very tired. Plus the big ones are a pain to carry around all the time. The best binoculars are often the ones you'll use the most and sometimes these are the smaller compact models which are light and easy to carry. The tradeoff is that these have less features and a smaller field of view.

In my post above I have a link to even more info from my binocular buying experiences.

...One last point, if you don't receive good service, ie the waiting time or lack of service is poor, how do you change this automatic tip? If there is not enough staff that is not the servers fault but if you receive poor service is it that unfortunate server that pays the price!...

Best approach is a formal complaint via a note to the hotel manager left in an envelope at the desk citing the facts or filled out on an "Attention to detail card" which is sometimes available at customer relations desk. You can also do this on your end of cruise survey form although I've read some inconsistent things about the availability of this. That way you're pointing out a specific problem rather than penalizing all the others who do provide good service.

I do not believe you an change the automatic beverage tip. But I don't know this for a fact and you can speak to guest relations or the beverage manager about this.

All but one cruise I have done I have had prepaid grats or prepaid grats included (123go).

The other cruise, I did the envelope thing and probably paid out more than what I would have done with prepaid. Call me what you want, this is what I do.

Then I apologize if I got the wrong impression from your other posts above.

Is the increase to 18% only for package purchases or upgrade fees?

Will the auto gratuity also be increased to 18% for ala carte beverage sales on board?

What about spa services and other items that previously had a 15% service charge?

How many rooms is he/she booking? Did he/she get you a group rate? Is he/she getting the group some OBC credit? These are the things that TA's do.

I've often heard that a group can get a free cabins for booking a certain number of paid cabins. I've heard of some group organizers who keep that fact, and the free cabin, to themselves and others who pass on it and use the perk to exchange for other perks for everyone or to lower the average price. If the group got no special perks then I suspect the group organizer was doing it to cruise for free.

...I am not saying this is morally right but it happens and I have spoken to cruisers who do have all grats removed on the basis of "we paid more than many for the cruise so why should we pay additional". At the end of the day, cruise staff still receive way more money than they ever could earn at home and they sign up in droves for these jobs.

Jveervers: I'm stunned by your comment.

First you try to hold the high ground by implying you don't think removing the tips is morally right then you justify the practice. Your other posts go on to justify it more due to differences in compensation practices in different parts of the world. I don't know your actual practice and character so I really don't want to judge you but reading your posts leaves us with the impression that you might be a bit of a hypocrite who would stiff the hard working staff even though you know it is not correct to do so. If so then shame on you!

We've never swam in the Med but that is just because we're there to do other things. We've seen some very nice beaches although none that would compare with the Caribbean. Of course we haven't gone looking for beaches in the Med either as we usually stick with inland sight seeing.

When we're in the Caribbean I keep our cash, credit cards and ship cards in a waterproof case called the Dry Pak Alligator Wallet. I've tried various brands and styles and this is the only one I've ever had that didn't leak at all, even when I took it 15 or 20 feet underwater while snorkeling. It is inexpensive and highly recommended:

http://www.amazon.com/DRY-DP-44-Alligator-Waterproof-Wallet/dp/B000BJ7WHE/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1422620671&sr=1-5&keywords=dry+pak&pebp=1422620679330&peasin=B000BJ7WHE

The same company makes models for cell phones but I've never tried those.

I also either don't take my camera or take it into the water with me. For snorkeling I've taken a small camera in a special marine case designed for diving. These cases are relatively expensive starting at $150+ for just the case depending on the camera. For just swimming I have a less expensive case I use for a nicer camera but I'm not sure I would trust it for taking more than a couple feet underwater: The brand is Dicapack and the run $15 to $60 online depending on the camera.

The only stuff we leave on the beach is a bag with our towels, cover up clothing, and other beach sundry items like a book and sunscreen.

If we ever went swimming on the Med I'd do the same.

...Would people recommend obc for the casino on board? How is the casino done? Is it cash or added on to your final fee? ...

Casino is normally cash. They'll give you an advance from your on board account but charge a 5% fee for doing that.

Hi everyone!

 

First time cruiser!

 

We are going on the celebrity solstice next month and I'm curious about the payment at the end. Im going to give them my credit card details at the start and am taking Australian dollars with me. My question is if I have Australian dollars left over from my trip can I use them to help pay off any excursions or purchases iv made on the ship?

 

For example if my bill is $600 could I use $400 off the credit card and $200 I have left over from Australia dollars.

 

Im really fretting about this as I'm from the UK and don't have a credit card yet so was going to use a debit card but people on here have said they put a hold on your card? If anyone can help me figure out the best way of paying for things, people with more experience than me that'd be great. Iv only ever took money out with me when iv gone abroad and now there seems to be so many options of travellers cheques and cash cards :(

First the answer is yes. You can pay down your account with Australian dollars and put the balance on a credit card. The rate you get on your Australian dollars might not be the best so don't get extra currency just to use for paying your account. If you do that then get US$ for that purpose before you board. Or, if you are from the UK just use GBP to pay down the account - the rate might not be best but if you buy AU$ and use that you'll be paying foreign exchange rates twice. On our TA cruises from Europe to the USA we always take my left over Euros to guest relations and have them apply them to our account. Do be aware that you'll need to do this before disembarkation day and maybe before a certain time the day before. If you're waiting until the last minute then ask about the cut off time for this earlier in the cruise.

As for debit cards: They will absolutely put holds on your debit card causing portions of your bank account to be frozen. Sometimes it all releases quickly or properly offsets charges to holds, but I've read reports of times it does not and ties up money for days after the cruise. If you have lots of extra money in your bank account then there is no harm done, but if not then: I recommend you do not check in with your debit card. Instead tell them you want a cash account on board. From what I've read they may or may not ask for a deposit. They'll also ask you to pay down the account on board periodically during the cruise if the balance exceeds a threshold they'll set. I think you can then do the on-board pay downs using your debit card without incurring holds like you'd get if it was posted as a standing credit card on the account, or use your currency to pay down the account.

...Can someone break it down for me? I know everyone's different, but not too many are carrying 4 suitcases!...

We've almost always used four suitcases and often have a couple carry-ons as well. And many of our cruise friends carry on just as much.

On a Caribbean cruise we'll normally have one large suitcase each, plus a large garment bag for most of our hang up clothing with lots of other stuff jammed into the pockets, plus a large duffel bag with snorkel gear, shoes, and misc other stuff. On top of that my DW usually has a small carry-on roller with items she doesn't want in checked luggage and I carry a small backpack with books, electronics, cruise documents and a couple other things I don't want in checked luggage.

On most of our European cruises we've managed to cut out the duffel bag since we don't need beach items or snorkeling gear.

I have noticed on the X website that the fees and taxes on our cruise are detailed as being $150.61 each. We were charged $399.46 each when we booked several months ago. Does Celebrity change these costs, surely they should be the same whenever you book. The total we have paid over and above the current charges come to $497.70. Thats a lot of cocktails!

How does the total price, cruise fare + taxes and fees, compare? The total is the only figure you should really be concerned about.

I've booked most of my cruises through a TA but always research cruises, including prices, on Celebrity website before booking.

The total price of the cruise, including taxes and fees, has always been the same or a little lower through the TA. However the split between basic cruise fare and taxes and fees is always way different with the taxes and fees on the TA's invoice always being much higher.

I've always presumed it was a minor accounting difference and speculated that the amount shown under taxes and fees on the TA's invoice was probably the non-commissionable price and due to some industry practice that really didn't concern me. I've never really cared much other than the fact that it made checking for price drops slightly more involved. The bottom line is that $1,000 = $1,000 regardless of whether the $1,000 totals break down into different splits of cruise price vs. taxes and fees or not.

Tara Jane: just a note... If you would be interested in exchanging, let's say four to six million for "only" 5%, I could help.;)

How on earth would you ever use up four to six million of OBC! :confused:

I do this all the time when getting coffee or other drinks for my wife and I to enjoy in our cabin. Just take both your cards and the cards of the other package holders you're getting a beverage for and present them to the bartender and you'll be allowed to get that many beverages.

...One can not buy another person a drink with ones own card.

I know what you mean here but for the benefit of others who might be reading this I'll point out that this is not really correct. You can buy another person a drink with your own card - by charging the regular price of the drink to your account. What you cannot do is get another person a drink on your package without paying an additional charge.

I

Unfortunately West Lake Girl is correct.

Don't know how your travel schedule is, but around us in the USA there have been a multitude of shops opening up that do quick repairs to iPhones, iPads and other brands of smart phones and tablets. Most of these can do repairs like battery or screen replacements in about an hour. They have them in kiosks in most major shopping centers as well as many small storefronts.

You might keep an eye out for one of these if you'll have access to a shopping area or some time along your travels on your way to meet the ship.

Thanks so much for taking the time to share this Larry. it is helpful information.

One question: if I fill out the special needs forms, and I book a specialty dining package, do I have to also notify each restaurant prior to dining?

If so, how do I do this, especially if one is booked for the first night?

 

TIA

Jules

Just talk to the appropriate staff when you are seated, and again when you order. While I can't say for certain, I think the special needs form, in your case, will just result in a response to discuss this with the dining staff on board. The only advantage to talking with the staff a day in advance is that they'll be able to go over the menu with you so that they might be able to arrange some items to be specially prepared for you which cannot be done at the spur of the moment. But they should always be able to guide you toward some items that are gluten free, or which can be prepared that way, without advance notice.

If you find the portion sizes are small for you then order seconds. If you're worried about it ask for N extra portion when you initially order. I don't know anyone who has gone hungry from not getting enough food on a cruise.