Live from the Eclipse, Apr 19 - May 21, Sydney to Honolulu to Vancouver B3B in an Aqua Cabin

[az4ship]

Safe travels✈️ I will be following as I am thinking of the Honolulu segment for next year

[Barwick Cruiser]

We had Eddy Jenkins on our Eclipse to Alaska cruise in September, totally agree he’s one of the best! 
 

We had the basic wifi on that cruise and it was totally useless, could barely get our email and certainly couldn’t browse the web or even see anything on CC. We assumed that’s just the way it was to encourage passengers to upgrade. However, on Silhouette in Feb we had the basic again and it was great. So much better and were able to do everything we needed to, not trying to stream anything tho so that might’ve been an issue. Hope that the upgraded package works well for you and that it’s not a location or ship specific thing. 

[Definitas]

3 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

@Definitas I just saw your post on the April 22 Eclipse Roll Call regarding your experiences with the Starlink internet service on the 11-night South Pacific cruise you're currently on.

 

I’ve also been very frustrated with the poor performance/availability of the internet and don’t think I’ll bother doing the premium upgrade going forward as it’s even more frustrating to have paid for the upgrade and still have quite a lot of periods when it’s down. 

 

I take it based on your comments you upgraded to their Premium internet package. If I may ask, what specific performance issues have you been experiencing and how often has it been down? Are your issues mostly with sending/receiving email and/or accessing web sites like logging onto Cruise Critic, or is it more related to effectively using streaming-type services?

 

Since we'll be boarding the ship on April 19 for a 33-day B3B, it would be nice to know what type of internet service we might be expect, especially if we are using their Premium service?

 

Also, at your convenience if it's not too much to ask, would you mind sharing the results of this Ookla Speed Test so we can see what upload/download speeds you're currently experiencing? 

 

Speedtest by Ookla - The Global Broadband Speed Test

 

Of course, this is all predicated on your ability to log onto CC to even see this post. 🙂

 

Coverage is not great in some areas due to sparse satellite coverage. The best performance I have registered is 4.5Mbps but have also seen values in Kbps. I have a newspaper subscription and downloading it has been challenging to put it mildly. We are just aft of midship and Wi-Fi strength in our cabin is very unreliable so I tend to go to one of the central areas if I have a specific need for internet. Our Elite Plus minutes were painfully slow. I had previously thought they were the same as premium minutes but now know they are not. Elite minutes are basic Wi-Fi with the downloading block removed. It was impossible to download my newspaper using elite minutes even in the iCafe

[Definitas]

[Ken the cruiser]

2 minutes ago, Definitas said:

Coverage is not great in some areas due to sparse satellite coverage. The best performance I have registered is 4.5Mbps but have also seen values in Kbps. I have a newspaper subscription and downloading it has been challenging to put it mildly. We are just aft of midship and Wi-Fi strength in our cabin is very unreliable so I tend to go to one of the central areas if I have a specific need for internet. Our Elite Plus minutes were painfully slow. I had previously thought they were the same as premium minutes but now know they are not. Elite minutes are basic Wi-Fi with the downloading block removed. It was impossible to download my newspaper using elite minutes even in the iCafe

Thanks for sharing those details! Ever since cruising started back up, Celebrity's Basic Internet speeds have always been 2-3 times slower than Premium. Heck, for a long time I wasn't even able to open CC if we were only using their Basic service. I'd just get an annoying outline of the links to the various areas in the CC database, which BTW is very in-depth to say the least!

[hcat]

23 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Thanks! One thing that has really gotten us extra excited about this cruise is Eddy Jenkins is going to be the cruise director for the entire 33 days we’ll be onboard! He was our CD on our very first Celebrity transatlantic cruise back in 2017 and is one of the funniest we’ve ever had the pleasure of cruising with!
 

In fact, in his below Instagram post, he’s already planning the entertainment for our TP cruise! 😁
 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp5EQYvBgky/

 

He is an outstanding CD..top notch, knowledgeable , entertaining,  very sympatico!

Lucky You!

[Ken the cruiser]

1 hour ago, hcat said:

He is an outstanding CD..top notch, knowledgeable , entertaining,  very sympatico!

Lucky You!

Totally agree! On that same Eclipse TA, which included a Canary Island cruise, was a fantastic entertainer that also kept us totally entertained. Her name was Jayne Curry! If you ever get a chance to see her perform, definitely go! 😁
 

Edited April 14, 2023 by Ken the cruiser

[abbydancer2003]

55 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Totally agree! On that same Eclipse TA, which included a Canary Island cruise, was a fantastic entertainer that also kept us totally entertained. Her name was Jayne Curry! If you ever get a chance to see her perform, definitely go! 😁
 

She was on our Silhouette TA in October.  Agree, she's fantastic.  Right now, she and her husband are in Florida doing some sort of entertainment program for several months.

[cruisestitch]

Your activities staff probably include FLori and Dom.  They are two of the best.

 

You may not normally go to trivia and name that tune but if Dom is on board, try to get to his name that tune on the last day. It will probably be in the program as movie themes. Even if you don’t know anything about movie themes or you don’t want to play, go that day just to see him do that game. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but he is definitely worth seeing that day😀😃

[Ken the cruiser]

1 hour ago, cruisestitch said:

Your activities staff probably include FLori and Dom.  They are two of the best.

 

You may not normally go to trivia and name that tune but if Dom is on board, try to get to his name that tune on the last day. It will probably be in the program as movie themes. Even if you don’t know anything about movie themes or you don’t want to play, go that day just to see him do that game. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but he is definitely worth seeing that day😀😃

That is such more great news! We will definitely put it on the list to go! Thanks for the heads up! 😃

[Jim_Iain]

Interesting about the speeds.   I'll be anxious to hear how it is throughout the cruise. 

 

Out of curiosity I decided to run a test from my hotel room at Hyatt at DFW airport -  The internet seemed perky but was blown away by the speeds.   As we all know hotels speeds can be pretty bad also.

 

I'll see how Apex is tomorrow -

 

 

[lovecruzin]

4 hours ago, cruisestitch said:

Your activities staff probably include FLori and Dom.  They are two of the best.

 

You may not normally go to trivia and name that tune but if Dom is on board, try to get to his name that tune on the last day. It will probably be in the program as movie themes. Even if you don’t know anything about movie themes or you don’t want to play, go that day just to see him do that game. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but he is definitely worth seeing that day😀😃

Definitely one of the most entertaining trivia we have ever gone to and just as much fun the 2nd time!

[Ken the cruiser]

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Interesting about the speeds.   I'll be anxious to hear how it is throughout the cruise. 

 

Out of curiosity I decided to run a test from my hotel room at Hyatt at DFW airport -  The internet seemed perky but was blown away by the speeds.   As we all know hotels speeds can be pretty bad also.

 

I'll see how Apex is tomorrow -

 

 

And that’s not even Starlink! 😂

[Northern Aurora]

I will be closely following since we have been on board for a b2b2B2B boarding on March 10th and leaving the day Ken is boarding.

 

This morning during the morning address to the ship the address was made note in the public area but’s also broadcast into the staterooms.   Passengers were asked to mask in the casino and theater.

 

About 4:45 PM out doorbell ring and indivualy packaged K95 masks were delivered.   

[bluerinselady]

On 4/12/2023 at 4:54 AM, vickykay said:

Ken,

 

Is the ship overnight in Sydney?  If so and there is an evening performance at Symphony Hall at the Opera House ( which is actually larger than the opera venue) try and see if you can get tickets.  The acoustics were unbelievable and a once in a lifetime experience. 

If you are interested there is a performance of “ madam butterfly”. Open air on Sydney Harbour.  Just google Sydney Harbour performance of Madam Butterfly.  I am not sure if you are staying on board but it is a 20 minute walk through the Botanical gardens - easy to locate.   It is worthwhile the effort.  The backdrop is the Bridge and Opera House.have been many times - dress warmly and wear flat shoes.  Hope you make it.   Wendy 

[Ken the cruiser]

18 minutes ago, bluerinselady said:

If you are interested there is a performance of “ madam butterfly”. Open air on Sydney Harbour.  Just google Sydney Harbour performance of Madam Butterfly.  I am not sure if you are staying on board but it is a 20 minute walk through the Botanical gardens - easy to locate.   It is worthwhile the effort.  The backdrop is the Bridge and Opera House.have been many times - dress warmly and wear flat shoes.  Hope you make it.   Wendy 

Thanks! It won't be an overnight stay, but maybe some folks following the thread may be staying in Sydney the night before (or after) at a nearby hotel and may be interested.

 

Madama Butterfly on Sydney Harbour | Opera Australia

 

[Ken the cruiser]

3 hours ago, Northern Aurora said:

I will be closely following since we have been on board for a b2b2B2B boarding on March 10th and leaving the day Ken is boarding.

 

This morning during the morning address to the ship the address was made note in the public area but’s also broadcast into the staterooms.   Passengers were asked to mask in the casino and theater.

 

About 4:45 PM out doorbell ring and individually packaged K95 masks were delivered.   

Just curious, but I noticed on the Eclipse Apr 22 Transpacific Roll Call someone posted the following. "Today at 5pm the captain announced to the entire ship that there have been some people testing positive for COVID.  He would like us to be wearing masks in all indoor public spaces, except when eating or drinking."

 

We're sorry to hear that and hope everyone only has mild symptoms. But if I might ask from your understanding, are masks just "highly recommended" in all indoor public spaces and only "mandatory" in the casino and theater, or are masks mandatory in all public indoor spaces, except when eating or drinking?

 

In any event, thanks for letting us know!

[Ken the cruiser]

BTW it looks like Celebrity has updated their Healthy At Sea website guidelines again and are now using FAQ scenarios to publicize their various COVID related requirements.

 

COVID-19 Cruise Health & Safety Protocols | Celebrity Cruises

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Just a heads up if you are a US or Canadian citizen and on occasion use the Mobile Passport app. My DW just discovered an issue regarding our "old" Mobile Passport app that we had on our iPhones for years but hadn't used in a while.

 

When she went to launch it today the app said that Mobile Passport no longer worked but the app pointed to another Vendor (Airside) app rather than the actual replacement app.  If you go to the app store and look at the Mobile Passport app you will see that there is a statement in the app store that says the Mobile Passport was replaced by CBP MPC which is Customs and Border Patrol Mobile Passport Control.  See photo below. 

 

The bottom line is that as of February 2022 the "old" Mobile Passport app no longer works, and the "new" Mobile Passport Control app is its official replacement - at least that's how we interpret it.

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Just recently received this response to a query of mine on a March Eclipse RC from @Azllama  regarding the COVID situation currently onboard the Eclipse which BTW confirms both reports I read about yesterday. 

 

Hi Ken, captain yesterday morning, told us we have Covid cases on board and to wear masks in casinos and theater. In the afternoon, he announced increased Covid and everyone to wear masks while inside. I can see why, they were very relaxed about Covid testing for everyone that was doing back to back. 400 of us. We got off in Sydney. Return back to the ship. They requested we use the Covid test kits they left in our cabin, and call if they were positive. The “kit” was 3 pieces, with no instructions! I bet a lot of people just threw them in the trash. 
 

I guess as they say, it is what it is, and we can only hope this won’t be the issue once we head out on the B2B transpacific legs of our B3B. 🤞

[DaKahuna]

2 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Just a heads up if you are a US or Canadian citizen and on occasion use the Mobile Passport app. My DW just discovered an issue regarding our "old" Mobile Passport app that we had on our iPhones for years but hadn't used in a while.

 

 

I just took at look at the MPC App and it only permitted four ports of entry for Cruise ports.  Nothing on the West Coast at all.  I think it is too limited for my use so I'll pass on it for now.  Let me know how it goes for you.

 

[Ken the cruiser]

1 hour ago, DaKahuna said:

 

I just took at look at the MPC App and it only permitted four ports of entry for Cruise ports.  Nothing on the West Coast at all.  I think it is too limited for my use so I'll pass on it for now.  Let me know how it goes for you.

 

We actually only use it when flying international back to the US so we can get in the Global Entry “fast pass” lane. 😀

[Northern Aurora]

I am back to try to finish my post #64.  Last night the premium internet was unstable and wonky.

 

In any event yesterday during the 9:45 am Captain’s address to the ship folks were instructed to mask in the casino and theater.  More folks started wearing masks in elevators and so forth.
 

At 4:45 pm our doorbell rang and masks were delivered.  

 

Shortly after 5 pm Captain Zisis again addressed the ship.  The announcement was not only broadcast in public areas but also directly into the staterooms.  He informed us that the number of covid 19 cases had increased since his morning announcement.  All crew and staff are now masked.  Passengers have been instructed to wear masks in all public spaces.  The exception is if you are actively eating or drinking.  Boxes of masks are all over the ship.  The Michaels Club bartender told us that the butlers have been picking up bottles of wine since a number of passengers are ordering room service.  Definitely fewer folks in Luminae and Michael’s Club last night. 
 

We certainly had test kits with instructions delivered to our suite on the three turnaround days, but at this point in our lives I wonder how many folks really need instructions as how to use the kits.  We have been on the honor system to report positive test results, and that may need to be changed.  There also have been sufficient number of port calls to allow someone to pick up Covid on shore.

[Ken the cruiser]

18 minutes ago, Northern Aurora said:

I am back to try to finish my post #64.  Last night the premium internet was unstable and wonky.

 

In any event yesterday during the 9:45 am Captain’s address to the ship folks were instructed to mask in the casino and theater.  More folks started wearing masks in elevators and so forth.
 

At 4:45 pm our doorbell rang and masks were delivered.  

 

Shortly after 5 pm Captain Zisis again addressed the ship.  The announcement was not only broadcast in public areas but also directly into the staterooms.  He informed us that the number of covid 19 cases had increased since his morning announcement.  All crew and staff are now masked.  Passengers have been instructed to wear masks in all public spaces.  The exception is if you are actively eating or drinking.  Boxes of masks are all over the ship.  The Michaels Club bartender told us that the butlers have been picking up bottles of wine since a number of passengers are ordering room service.  Definitely fewer folks in Luminae and Michael’s Club last night. 
 

We certainly had test kits with instructions delivered to our suite on the three turnaround days, but at this point in our lives I wonder how many folks really need instructions as how to use the kits.  We have been on the honor system to report positive test results, and that may need to be changed.  There also have been sufficient number of port calls to allow someone to pick up Covid on shore.

Thanks for taking the time to finish sharing your experience, and we are so sorry this is happening to folks on your cruise. Stay safe and enjoy your last few days the best you can on your B4B cruise. 
 

For us we’re taking care of putting our affairs on auto-drive and will finish packing tomorrow before heading to the airport Monday afternoon. It will be interesting to see what the “rules” will be once we arrive at the pier Wednesday morning. But to be honest, we have cruised on a lot of B2Bs since it started back up, so wearing masks and avoiding close contact with others while on a cruise, sad to say, has become common place for us.

[juanrod]

Very excited to follow your adventure, this is the same trip I want to take to celebrate retirement in a few years.  
 

Lisa