SharonK

We are also on the Celebrity August 25 sailing. Come over and join the rollcall if you haven't already. Today I have been reading all about the ports.

from reading this thread it sounds like I need to call Celebrity when the time comes to reduce the balance. Good idea ChezMarylou to use the card to book the excursions thus building up more points!

I don't know either and I'm trying to find out. I probably wouldn't redeem as much if I can't use it until I'm onboard. Does anyone know the answer to this dilemma?

I have used points in the past and redeemed them a few weeks or a month before the cruise. We redeemed for OBC to be used once on the ship. But I have a different situation now. We booked a European cruise for August 2025 and only have a small amount of OBC. We've have a lot of points to redeem so we could get more OBC so that we could book some excursions before they are sold out. My question is if we trade in the points now to book excursions or upgrade drink pkg, what will happen if we had to cancel the cruise (or Celebrity cancels). I think once the points are redeemed they are not refundable. Is that correct? If so what have people done?

Thanks!

Can someone explain how the a la carte menu works? Is there an additional charge over and above what has already been paid? Is it more like small plates?

Thanks Jim.

If I had seen the other thread I wouldn't have asked!

I've heard on other boards that there have been a lot of itinerary changes on Apex and people think it might be a mechanical problem. Does anyone know anything about this?

I have booked 3 tours with RIL and found people through our rollcall to join us. We usually pay in cash but one person wants to use Zelle which RIL's website says they accept. My question is: Does anyone have experience with some folks paying cash and others Zelle? I have no experience with Zelle but will also consider using it. I will ask RIL but wanted to hear from folks who have done this.

Thanks! I guess I'll stop waiting for the reply. Cruisemom thank you so much for your explanation of the problem in Rome and the links you have shared. You are a wonderful resource to us all on this site! We will be rethinking our original plan. I may be asking you more questions!

I have emailed Italytours about an excursion in Rome but they haven't responded yet. Does anyone know what the situation in Rome is now as far as skipping the lines or buying tickets for Vatican and Colosseum? I'm also in contact with Romeinlimo who I will be using for 2 other tours in other cities. They recommend seeing the colosseum from the outside only?? Need some insight please.

good to know.

I am traveling with 3 friends. When eating in a restaurant in Rome, will the restaurant allow us to pay separately (each using our own credit card) or will have to either pay by cash or have one person pay by credit card?

Will be cruising Barcelona to Rome in October. I’ve already booked two tours with RomeInLimo - one to Pompeii, Sorrento, and Positano, the other Lucca and the Tuscan Riviera. My question is about Rome. We have considered the Civitavecchia transfer to Rome but everything in the first half of that tour we feel we can do on our own the next day (Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps, etc.). So we are considering doing a guided tour of the Coloseum in the morning (after the transfer from the port), lunch and then the guided tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, etc. . Has anyone done a tour like this with RomeInLimo? They can arrange it for us as two walking tours or with a driver. I would love some feedback from anyone who has more experience in Rome than I do. Thanks in advance!

Thank you to everyone who has advised me. I've booked Albergo Del Senato for our post cruise stay in October. Can't wait!

Thank you so much. Now I have a better idea where to look.

how is the location of Starhotel Michaelangelo? I'm looking for a post cruise hotel for October in a great location for the sights.

Thanks again Bill.We will have to try the eggplant chips. It actually sounds good to me!

Thank you Bill. Sounds like a great idea! Hotel booked!

I've looked at Hotel Jazz but they show only non-refundable room for October. I'd like to book a refundable hotel in case plans change. I've stayed at Hotel Jazz and Colon Hotel. We are only staying one night pre-cruise but we'll have one day to sight see and want to go to La Sagrada Familia. Any hotel suggestions would be welcome.

Thank you Steve!

Do most folks book directly with the hotel or through Booking.com? In the states I like to book directly with the hotel. Which is better in Barcelona? Also, any thoughts on Colon Hotel? We stayed there about 12 years ago.

I’ve never tried bitter lemon. What do you mix it with?

Good idea! Thanks