APEX 02/26-03/05 2022 Retreat, Eastern Caribbean out of Ft Lauderdale

[graphicguy]

On 1/30/2022 at 12:20 PM, r2h2 said:

As Bill Cowher once said, "We Dey!". Go Bengals! Represent our division in the Super Bowl!

As C.J. Uzamah said...."Who-Dey....We-Dem"!  

 

Have a couple of friends who ponied up $10K for tix early last week.  Included flight and hotel.  But, looking now....you can barely find a ticket for that money now.

 

Personally, that's at least 5 cruises...maybe more.  And, I have a big screen with surround sound, cheap beer, cheap snacks and readily available bathrooms to watch the game.  I'll stick close to home.  

 

WHO-DEY!

[graphicguy]

Interestingly, Celebrity's WEB check in has me linked to 2 different SS cabins on two different reservation numbers.  My AMEX was charged twice.  I called AMEX and told them of the "faux-pax", but not to cancel either, just yet.  I don't want BOTH reservations cancelled.   TA has her day off today. Waited on the phone with Celebrity for over an hour until I finally hung up.

 

Hmmmmmmmmm...........

[graphicguy]

So, it seems someone made two reservations.  GF didn't as she doesn't even do any of the reservations She does just the planning, which I must then execute. 😉

 

Same cruise, same date, two different cabins in the same category.  One was paid for.  One was not.  TA said it could be because Celebrity is moving around some reservations, but did not know why they did what they did.

 

No matter, only one showed up on my CC.  She said the other reservation would fall off because it was not paid for.  

 

Still, will keep an eye out.

 

 

Edited February 9, 2022 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

Talk about a turn of events....was speaking to my TA this a.m. regarding the two separate booking numbers for the same cruise.  While we were talking, she was looking at whatever screen travel agents use, and said...

 

"Guess what?"

 

I hate the question. I have no clue.  But, I'll play along...

 

"I dunno....Snickers bars have been proven to cause weight loss.."

 

She chuckled, more as a nod to her kindness than my sorry attempts at humor.

 

"There's been a price drop".  

 

"Really.....how much?"

 

"$850 less."

 

"Huzzah!!!!!!"

 

"Wait, there's more...I can move you up a category and keep the same lower rate".

 

"Do it!"

 

 

[Shadow9612]

6 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Talk about a turn of events....was speaking to my TA this a.m. regarding the two separate booking numbers for the same cruise.  While we were talking, she was looking at whatever screen travel agents use, and said...

 

"Guess what?"

 

I hate the question. I have no clue.  But, I'll play along...

 

"I dunno....Snickers bars have been proven to cause weight loss.."

 

She chuckled, more as a nod to her kindness than my sorry attempts at humor.

 

"There's been a price drop".  

 

"Really.....how much?"

 

"$850 less."

 

"Huzzah!!!!!!"

 

"Wait, there's more...I can move you up a category and keep the same lower rate".

 

"Do it!"

 

 

Wait a sec, snickers bars don't cause weight loss ??? 🤔🤪🙄

 

It's posts like these that get me excited for your live reviews!  Love your story-telling / sense of humour.

 

Now, on a serious note - congratulations on the price drop and upgrade!

 

T minus 16days.....

[graphicguy]

I know this gives some of you heart palpitations, but as previously mentioned, I'm flying in the day of the cruise.  I've stipulated my parameters in doing so.  

 

We're less than 2 weeks away from embarkation (2/26).  So, I now start looking at weather forecasts for the flight to see if I need to make any adjustments to my plans.  Looking like a smooth ride so far....

 

Sat 26

45°/24°

Partly Cloudy

12%

WNW 8 mph

Sat 26 | Day

45°

 

 

12%

WNW 8 mph

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

• Humidity60%
• UV Index4 of 10
• Sunrise7:14 am
• Sunset6:27 pm

Sat 26 | Night

24°

 

 

19%

NNW 5 mph

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Low 24F. Winds light and variable.

• Humidity79%
• UV Index0 of 10
• Moonrise4:35 am

  Waning Crescent
• Moonset1:45 pm

[graphicguy]

Flights we're taking.....

 

Close Window

 

CVG ► FLL

Cincinnati, OH to Fort Lauderdale, FL

SAT, 26 FEB 2022 - SAT, 05 MAR 2022

FLIGHT CONFIRMATION #:  XXXXXX

ROUND TRIP | 

 

FLIGHTS

Flight DL 2284

SAT, 26 FEB 2022

CVG ► FLL 

11 DAYS FROM DEPARTURE

ON TIME 

MANAGE COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADES

SEAT: 

XXX

DEPART:  8:00 AM

*

ARRIVE:  10:35 AM

DELTA COMFORT+® (SN)

MEAL SERVICES : Snacks ,   Drinks ,   Snacks ,   Food for Purchase

      

PASSENGER STATUS:  CONFIRMED

In-Flight services and amenities
may vary and are subject to change.

Find Sky Club Locations:

Cincinnati/Northern Ky Intl - CVG

Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood Intl - FLL

Airport Map: CVG | FLL

Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 

Flight Time: 2hr 35m

On Time % : N/A

Miles Flown: 950

Baggage & Service Fees

Flight DL 1061

SAT, 05 MAR 2022

FLL ► CVG 

18 DAYS FROM DEPARTURE

ON TIME 

MANAGE COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADES

SEAT: 

xxx

DEPART:  11:45 AM

*

ARRIVE:  2:21 PM

DELTA COMFORT+® (SW)

MEAL SERVICES : Snacks ,   Drinks ,   Snacks ,   Food for Purchase

      

PASSENGER STATUS:  CONFIRMED

In-Flight services and amenities
may vary and are subject to change.

 

Edited February 15, 2022 by graphicguy

[parrothead33]

Hope everything stays on track for your flights.  Looking forward to following along.

 

Cheers.

[graphicguy]

So, they want to upgrade me….at between 2X to 8X my current fare.  Granted, nicer cabin, but NO THANKS!

 

Here are some upgrade options, priced per person for the entire duration of the cruise:

UPGRADE OPTIONS Each one is priced per person for the entire duration of the cruise

Iconic Suite Experience ultimate luxury in the fleet's most spacious suite, on top of the captain's bridge, in a space that exceeds 2,500 square feet. Enjoy panoramic ocean views, a breathtaking private terrace with hot tub, and a double daybed. From $10,000 USD pp Upgrade Now     Penthouse Suite Unwind after an active day, watching the sun set over the open ocean from your private whirlpool on your spacious veranda. Enjoy the superb layout with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of places to relax after your adventures ashore. From $7,000 USD pp Upgrade Now     Edge Villa Vacation with everything you could ever need in this two-story, first-of-its-kind suite. With a private terrace, comfortable lounge seats, a plunge pool and direct access to The Retreat® Sundeck, Pool and Lounge, it takes luxury to even greater heights. From $3,500 USD pp Upgrade Now     Royal Suite With separate living and sleeping areas, this suite was designed with relaxation in mind. Stretch out on the sitting room's spacious sofa, unwind on the veranda with lounge seats and a whirlpool, or soak in the master bathroom's large tub. From $2,400 USD pp Upgrade Now     Celebrity Suite Feel like an A-lister in this suite, featuring a spacious living area with floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to the world and a separate master bedroom—designed to give you a perfect night

[graphicguy]

As I'm want to do, I check Celebrity every once in a while (OK....if you insist, I check daily) to see if there are changes.

 

Did that last week and found a pretty big price drop.  That ended up looking like this....

 

My Celebrity Cruise

Celebrity ApexFeb 26 - Mar 5

Onboard credit $1,759.00

 

Mentioned before, also got a no charge upgrade from an S3 to an S2.

 

My original booked fare was pretty darned good to begin with (only about $200 more to move from the Retreat from a Veranda cabin).

 

10 days to embarkation!

 

Feeling' good in the neigborhood! 

 

[Shadow9612]

13 hours ago, graphicguy said:

So, they want to upgrade me….at between 2X to 8X my current fare.  Granted, nicer cabin, but NO THANKS!

 

Here are some upgrade options, priced per person for the entire duration of the cruise:

UPGRADE OPTIONS Each one is priced per person for the entire duration of the cruise

Iconic Suite Experience ultimate luxury in the fleet's most spacious suite, on top of the captain's bridge, in a space that exceeds 2,500 square feet. Enjoy panoramic ocean views, a breathtaking private terrace with hot tub, and a double daybed. From $10,000 USD pp Upgrade Now

You sure you don't want to surprise your GF with an iconic upgrade ?? 😉💫

[graphicguy]

10 hours ago, Shadow9612 said:

You sure you don't want to surprise your GF with an iconic upgrade ?? 😉💫

Am I sure?  I’m guessing if I showed her a pic of the ICONIC Suite and asked if she would enjoy it more than our Sky Suite, she’d say “no”!

 

Now, if we were on a 4 week Eurasian cruise, might be something to consider.  But, that one probably would clock in at way more than $10,000 per person. 😉 

[Shadow9612]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

Now, if we were on a 4 week Eurasian cruise, might be something to consider.  But, that one probably would clock in at way more than $10,000 per person. 😉 

I'm still trying to get my head around $10K per person! 😲

[peanut head]

Do upgrades cost less than if you had booked that cabin/suite when making the original reservation?

[graphicguy]

On 2/17/2022 at 12:12 PM, peanut head said:

Do upgrades cost less than if you had booked that cabin/suite when making the original reservation?

Sorry...just saw this.  I really don't know.  I've never checked in the past.

[graphicguy]

The final OBC (I think)......

 

 

My Celebrity Cruise

Celebrity Apex Feb 26 - Mar 5

Onboard credit $1,759.00

 

That includes $600 Celebrity OBC and $300 OBC from AMEX Platinum.  The rest is from a price drop.  So, going to try to go to the casino, use the OBC in a slot.  Do one pull for the minimum amount and get a ticket to take the rest in cash.  Or, at least, that's what I hear should work.

 

We shall see.

 

 

[graphicguy]

Getting close now....these just came in the mail.....

 

 

 

Edited February 22, 2022 by graphicguy

[Shadow9612]

On 2/22/2022 at 5:54 PM, graphicguy said:

Getting close now....these just came in the mail.....

 

 

 

Getting excited for you!  

 

Do you have a funny story about how your packing is going? ☺️

[graphicguy]

Packing begins in earnest today.  I know, that makes some crazy to wait until the day before SAILAWAY to pack.  But….well….it’s what I do.  And, I’m pretty good at it. 

 

Got COVID PCR test yesterday from my GP.  Should have results today.  Back up is the 15 minute Antigen Test today at CVS if for some reason the PCR results aren’t available (although, I don’t expect any issues).

 

Looking at weather here and in FLL.  Flights from CVG to FLL have been on time for the last couple of weeks.  Looks like clear sailing (and flights).

 

Should be boarding the plane about this time tomorrow.

Edited February 25, 2022 by graphicguy

[CruisinMama2003]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

Packing begins in earnest today.  I know, that makes some crazy to wait until the day before SAILAWAY to pack.  But….well….it’s what I do.  And, I’m pretty good at it. 

 

Got COVID PCR test yesterday from my GP.  Should have results today.  Back up is the 15 minute Antigen Test today at CVS if for some reason the PCR results aren’t available (although, I don’t expect any issues).

 

Looking at weather here and in FLL.  Flights from CVG to FLL have been on time for the last couple of weeks.  Looks like clear sailing (and flights).

 

Should be boarding the plane about this time tomorrow.

Im the same way with packing, i just cannot do it any earlier than the night before 😁 

 

Have a wonderful cruise, and safe travels! Cheers 🍹🏖🛳

[KKB]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

Packing begins in earnest today.  I know, that makes some crazy to wait until the day before SAILAWAY to pack.  But….well….it’s what I do.  And, I’m pretty good at it. 

 

Got COVID PCR test yesterday from my GP.  Should have results today.  Back up is the 15 minute Antigen Test today at CVS if for some reason the PCR results aren’t available (although, I don’t expect any issues).

 

Looking at weather here and in FLL.  Flights from CVG to FLL have been on time for the last couple of weeks.  Looks like clear sailing (and flights).

 

Should be boarding the plane about this time tomorrow.

I pack the day before departure, too... (tho I may sort out travel items the weekend before...I usually just shove them on the shelf after a trip. Yeah, I always need a vacation after my vacation...

 

Ordered those tests from Celebrity thinking I couldn't get into our free health dept tests...working brain (I'm on leave to help Dad move to assisted living). 

Probably still easier to go down to the health dept...

 

Long range forecast says 40s & clear right now...we shall see...

 

I will be living vicariously thru you this week. 

We fly out for the Apex in 2 weeks...

Edited February 25, 2022 by KKB

[graphicguy]

7 minutes ago, KKB said:

I pack the day before departure, too... (tho I may sort out travel items the weekend before...I usually just shove them on the shelf after a trip. Yeah, I always need a vacation after my vacation...

 

Ordered those tests from Celebrity thinking I couldn't get into our free health dept tests...working brain (I'm on leave to help Dad move to assisted living). 

Probably still easier to go down to the health dept...

 

Long range forecast says 40s & clear right now...we shall see...

 

I will be living vicariously thru you this week. 

We fly out for the Apex in 2 weeks...

Best wishes to you and your family.  Moving a parent into any sort of viable living arrangement outside of the normal routine they've enjoyed for all of their life is emotionally draining.

 

Will try to give an up-to-date accounting (with pics) for all of you.

 

Just got the Negative COVID PCR test results.  

 

All systems go.

 

Countdown has begun!

Edited February 25, 2022 by graphicguy

[countess5]

Just attended the consecutive cruisers meeting, it was announced no mask required next week in any venue. 
 

Cheers! 

[graphicguy]

7 hours ago, countess5 said:

Just attended the consecutive cruisers meeting, it was announced no mask required next week in any venue. 
 

Cheers! 

Now we're cooking.  Thanks a bunch for that info!!!!

Edited February 25, 2022 by graphicguy

[Shadow9612]

Bon Voyage - looking forward to sailing with you (well reading your posts 🙂)