Iamboatman

Bookings on the Odyssey are going along quite well; as are the triplets. If you look I think you will find that there is not a huge price difference between the ships as they are offering different ports (and even more so in 2010 and beyond) and some just want to be on the smaller ships. There is a very strong training program - the strongest I have ever heard of - so that service will be top notch across all the ships.

Seabourn is also mixing up the ports a bit more. There are some limitations with embarkation ports, but the ones the middle are getting a number of revisions. Ft. Lauderdale is one embarkation port that is getting a bit more business, though.

As for Norway, even before the dollar drop, it was horribly expensive as compared to most of the rest of Europe. What really blows the budget is Norway's extraordinary taxes on alcohol...so that wine with lunch makes the lunch far more expensive than it otherwise would be. US$22 for a drink sounds about normal for Norway.:eek:

Thanks everyone! I hope she's have a nice time, I hope to visit Norway one day however no captain has invited me yet! :D

I spent some lovely winter nights...'er, hum...I mean days in a little town on a little fjord in Norway with a constant grey, cold, drizzle. I was even blessed with food poisoning from my final meal there. Wanna go with me???:confused: :D

No, actually Ms. Conover is in Genoa checking out the new ship:) and Ms. Martha is in Norway checking out a captain.:eek:

Yes, Martha is away.

As your post indicates, there are a number of posts about significant vibration in that area. If you are concerned about it I would suggest looking for another suite rather than assurance that the vibration issue won't affect you. Vibration is a personal thing and on Navigator under certain conditions it is really there.

We always tip the counselors. They work so hard at making the kids, as you can attest, very very happy.

That said, Celebrity is very clear with their philosophy: "Kids are paying passengers too! You don't tip for the Activities staff, so you don't tip the Counselors." (Note: they all wear the same striped shirts.)

There is no "right" answer on tipping, but what will really make a difference is a note to Celebrity pointing out the great job they did and specifically noting any special counselor(s). Those things go very far!

 

Just a few quick questions.

 

1. Any packing tips? things to bring, or not to bring? what did you find essential?

2. How much TV time do they get in the Fun Factory?

3. Do they make trips to the pool or other areas of the ship for the 3 year old?

4. Should we chance taking her to one of the formal nights? :eek:

 

:rolleyes:

1. Bring a nightlight for the cabin and extra changes of clothes (at 3 my kids went through 3 shirts, minimum, a day!). A comfort toy, or bear.

2. No TV time. They have activities and then more activities. Some are quiet ones, so not to wear them out. They do have a movie in the evenings and sometimes later in the afternoon, but it is definitely NOT sit 'em down and leave 'em be.

3. The vast majority of the activites for 3 year olds is in the Fun Factory. They will have a scavenger hunt, a pirate parade, a talent show, etc., but they do not go in or near the pool (so don't worry!). They also will have at least 2 (and usually more) counselors for the Shipmates group.

4. Parents think taking their kids to formal night will be so charming. Trust me, my kids have been on 9 or 10 (???) cruises and they haven't and don't want any part of it. They have a Kid's Dinner program which starts at 6PM (you have to sign up by 5PM) that will make your child's night...and your night...much better. You will see an occassional pint sized tuxedo, and one or two kids that seem to like the first 30 minutes, but as we say, "It's their vacation too!"

Hope this helps...and don't worry about asking questions. That's what this is all about.:)

They used to, but have not for a while now.

I have been reading this thread and there is quite a bit of confusion. I do not mean to sound like "the" expert, but I do have a good bit of experience with the kid's program, including as recently as just last week.

No children under 3 or completely toilet trained (i.e. no pullups!) are permitted in the Fun Factory. Period. No exceptions. Celebrity is trying out a Toddler Time in another area for about an hour a day. (BTW, Royal Caribbean has a full toddler program now.)

There is a Kid's Dinner every night except the first night. It is no charge on formal nights, but $6 per child on the others. You must book by 5PM for the 6PM dinner. As other options, the pasta/pizza station is open essentially all the time. The pool grill is open until 6PM, Sushi (yes, my son loves it) is open at 6PM and then there is room service (they will deliver personal sized pizza in a box - which my kid's love). Also the Aqua Spa usually has something, but generally not kid friendly.

There is a kid's program literally all day, every day. The catch is that the 12-2pm period is at $6 per hour per child and the kid's dinner mentioned above. The 5-6PM period has no club.

The charge for 10PM-1AM is $6 per hour per child, except on formal nights when it is no charge.

In the Med there are many children and a great kids program. However, a lower percentage of the children on board use the program because less Europeans use it for their children. Also, with so many all day tours, there are occassions when the morning and/or mid-day programs maybe combined or limited, cruise dependent. In 2003 my kids constantly asked if we would be back to the ship in time for an hour in the later afternoon.

BTW, I had a very long conversation with the head of the kid's program the last night of the cruise. She was wonderful, enthusiastic, caring and proudly explained that not only have the gifts for the kids improved (now not only T-Shirts but very cool backpacks!), Celebrity is going to be unveiling a much revamped and even better program in the next few months.

Hope this helps.