Buckcruise

16 hours ago, edgee said:

IME..In every case where I have had changes in port times, ports cancelled or full cruises cancelled I gave gotten an email directly from the cruise line. This has happened to me in recent years on Carnival Corp, NCL and RCCL owned companies including Celebrity, HAL, Regent and Oceania. May also hear from my TA, but in this age of email, first word always comes from the cruise line.

And so it should be. We booked direct with them. They called the house 3 times apparently. We only picked up the one voice mail remotely, and there was no deadline on it, just said call them back. We had no TA for this one…booked direct with a darn good deal!

So glad most of you have been sorted. We received a voice mail saying cruise cancelled while we were on a Celebrity ship. No email! the app still showed it as an upcoming cruise….was it a mistake, a scam?

on our return home after a month, we find the deposit refunded to the credit card. Still nothing in writing. Called celebrity… no lift and shift? No, because you didn’t respond and have now received a full refund of the deposit, and by the way the cruise wasn’t cancelled, it just had a date change!

unfortunately, we have a cruise booked on the Millie from Bali, arriving in Singapore on the 7th Feb, so no can do. Now we need to cancel that too. Guess we wont be getting that deposit back?

Not destined to do Hong Kong/Singapore. 3rd time cancelled now.

Our experiences Tonga.

we booked a Celebrity Excursion to the Blowholes, Flying Fox Colony and lunch. It was a total disaster. The tour company obviously was not ready and staff not trained sufficiently in time for their first cruise ship. We did not go to the flying foxes. The least said the better.

we did see some of the Island which is very different from the other ports as it is totally flat.

The country needs the tourism after Covid and the Tsunami which destroyed a large part of the island.

Despite a lack of info out there, there are taxis and tours to be picked up at the port, but be early!

Our experiences Apia.

we did not book anything here, but took the 20min walk into town.

we stopped by the cultural centre as we understood they had a tour there. We paid $10 Tala each, about $5 USD( local currency required)

while waiting for it to start we got caught in the rain, as did many other people. We gathered at the gathering place to make basket woven plates. However, many people joined in at that time who had not purchased tickets, as it was an open shelter. The $10 Tala was well worth it and I sincerely hope those that did not pay made a donation, as they certainly made it a crowded experience. We then headed off to see the cooking fire and food prep, wood carving, and traditional cultural tattoos being done. Then returned to the gathering place for performances of songs, dance, including fire dance and eating the samples of food- fish, breadfruit, taro etc. Overall a great experience!

in the afternoon we went to the Marine Reserve, a 10 min walk in the opposite direction. It was interesting, very rustic. The water was rather murky though and the current strong. The tide was not right to swim out to the Coral Reef. Apparently there was a free beach a bit further along the road too. This had a minimal cost.

I hope I am not hijacking your report, but thought it may be useful to add my experiences. All in all a good cruise, itinerary not the greatest. We found all stops very similar with similar offerings. Basically the same culture on all islands. Tonga was just different in that it is flat.

we found it most frustrating that there was so little information out there before we set sail. All islands were very new to receiving ships since Covid and in the case of Tonga, the Tsunami. Private tours and taxi availability information was very hard to find, and Cekebrity really messed things up by not allowing anyone to prebook excursions online for both Samoa and American Samoa, as they were both on the same date 20th Jan as they are on either side of the dateline. The post cruise survey even asked about our experiences in the international dateline instead of the port names. 

On 1/21/2023 at 6:46 PM, Redking said:

 

Day 8 Pago Pago, American Samoa

 

This was probably the port that I was most looking forward to and it did not disappoint.

 

The most amazing towering peaks rising from the natural harbour of Pago Pago (think Bora Bora, St Lucia and I’ve been told Honduras for points of comparison). We were the first cruise ship to arrive in port since the reopening of the border to cruise ships.

 

 

 

We received another warm Polynesian welcome from the wharf which continued throughout the day on our travels around the island.

 

 

After a quick walk into town and walk around the markets, we hailed one Aiga (local buses).

 

 

 

 

Didn’t realise until after we’d hopped on that the destinations for the bus are displayed on the front, so it pays to know where you want to head to. In our case we were on the Aiga that takes the workers to the Sunkist tuna canning factory! The driver then agreed to take us around the eastern side of the Island. We thought he was going to take us up to Rainmaker Mountain, but alas not. No matter the views were stunning.

 

 

Back in town we planned to find a taxi to take us over to the mountains to the village of Vatia. Whilst we were looking for a taxi, we were approached by a local couple (She was originally from the US and he is Samoan. Against all advice about stranger danger we took a leap of faith and spent an interesting afternoon with them starting with lunch at DDW (Don’t Drink the Water!) before we headed off to see the western side of the island, including flower pot rock.

 

 

 

It was really interesting to hear the local perspective and customs.

 

All too soon it was time to head back to ship for a stunning sail away.

 

From our experience it is very feasible to get around Tutuila island on your own. The Aigas are a great experience and only cost about US$1. I’d probably try for a taxi if you want to head further out of Pago Pago for example Vatia.

 

We’ve be hopping back and forth across the International Dateline for the past couple of days. Samoa was once on the same side as American Samoa (Eastern or American Side). For commerce reasons and connections with the Asia-Pacific region, Samoa decided to switch to the western side over ten years ago. Our arrival in Pago Pago therefore took us back 24 hours and our departure on 20 January has seen us lose a day – we’ve woken up to Sunday 22 January and lost Saturday!

 

Today is a sea day as we head for Tonga. 

 

 

We also went on an AIGA bus, but on a tour with a private company “Best Tours” .It was very interesting, we went up the hill where the cable car used to be, Rainmaker, Flowerpot Rock, a beach where swimming wasn’t allowed. This was the most organised  of all the ports.

On 1/21/2023 at 6:51 PM, Redking said:

Um that would be Starkist not Sunkist Tuna!

And didn’t it stink? !!!

On 1/18/2023 at 4:34 PM, Redking said:

Day 5 Suva, Fiji.

 

We were welcomed to Suva with a beautiful sunny day.

 

I was quite taken with all the fishing boats standing to attention in the harbour.

 

 

We left the ship at 8.30 to pick up our private tour to the Uprising Resort, a 45 minute drive to Pacific Harbour which is billed as Fiji's action capital. From here you can take tours on the Navua River or head out to Beqa Island. 

 

There was a bit of a glitch with our tour because Celebrity had booked out the resort, so we headed next door to the pearl resort where our $50 day pass included food and drink to the value of $40.

 

We managed to book an amazing back, neck and head massage on the beach front. No need for piped rainforest music when you've got the mesmerising sound of the waves lapping on the beach. 

 

Feeling totally chilled we heading off to pool for cocktails and spot of lunch before the drive back to Suva.

 

 

 

 

 

We also went here to Pearl but on the Celebrity Excursion. We were at the other pool though. Nice food and entertainment. Beautiful beach.

On 1/16/2023 at 10:37 PM, Redking said:

Lautoka 

 

We had nothing booked for this port. A chance conversation with another couple at breakfast in Luminae saw us heading into town on the shuttle, where we picked up a taxi to take us to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.

 

The Gardens are about a 30 minute drive from Lautoka. It's a beautiful orchid and tropical garden originally owned by William Burr of Perry Mason fame.

 

 

 

 

Our taxi ride was somewhat interesting,  a touch of irony intended there. I'm thinking of starting a thread on the most entertaining and nerve racking transport experiences you've had on shore. Photos to follow will hopefully give you the just.

 

 

 

Raymond Burr! We also went there ( and enjoyed it) on a tour that we picked up at the port, ending up with a short beach stop. Beach wasn’t great, no shade except umbrellas at the bar patio, but the water was like a bathtub!

On 5/7/2022 at 8:13 AM, paul6453 said:

For our Egypt touring, we have contracted with Ramses Tours. I have just booked a trip to Cairo from Alexandria port, Rokaia has been exceptionally responsive. 
The contact is Rokaia. Email address: info@ramsestours.com

Have you travelled yet? How was it?

Radiance had it every sea day morning from 7-10am. Originallyset for 9-11 but they adjusted times when requested due to heat!

On 6/23/2010 at 4:16 PM, Kokomo91165 said:

Special thanks to Mysticks1 on the Celebrity Cruises forum for this idea. I would like to begin to assemble one for Royal Caribbean.

 

To the moderators, I would appreciate if we could make this a "sticky" at the top of the page for all to see.

 

Every week or two I will post a PDF for all the ships and cabin information compiled here.

 

Please, refrain from posting cabin questions here so this can purely be an informative thread, especially for those that are first time cruisers or seasoned cruisers looking for a great cabin.

 

The template is as follows:

 

Ship -Radiance

Deck -7

Stateroom # -7094

Stateroom Category –

Starboard or Port Side -Port

 

Quiet Stateroom? (With comments on problems) –no! Right next to centrum. Very noisy when bands playing, which was every night. Sometimes til 11. Guest services solution was to close fire door, which helped, but banged every time someone went through. Cannot rest in daytime either as bands play most afternoons.

 

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? -

 

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. – Obstruction below from lifeboat cover.

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? - extra large angled.

Was wind a problem? -no

 

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? -

 

Any specific problems with this cabin? -

 

Any other comments? -very shabby

5 hours ago, floridalover5623 said:

It's identical, except if purchased on the ship, one of the crew members will receive credit. If I'm buying one I look for an old friend I've known from previous cruises so he'll get the credit. 

 

And the cost is?........

just wondering how many nights post cruise to book in Honolulu. What are the absolute must dos IYHO?

Thanks

Great! Which holiday inn express was this?

Sorry. Clarke Quay. Modern but small rooms. Decent breakfast and very efficient staff

We Will be ending our RSSC cruise in Singapore and will have one day of shore excursions. The next day we can take a morning flight or an evening flight home. We would be willing to stay and take an evening flight if there is somwewhere to store bags at the airport and getting from the airport:confused: around Singapore would be easy not a big headache. Has anyone got any experience with this topic?:confused:

We got off the ship, checked into Holiday Inn express at 9am( no extra charge) , on the day we checked out, we left our baggage in their secure area and used the families til 7pm free of charge. Then took the shuttle to airport, $9 each, less than 1/2 price of the taxi.

Welcome to my country!

 

Bottled water is ok. Just don't litter. You can definitely take a snack and have it on the park bench. People do that all the time.

 

Where will you be staying and which ship are you sailing on, if I may ask?

 

Here is a video of Boat Quay to share with you.

8Y3PPm3lQr4

However, park benches are hard to find. They certainly don't encourage loitering!

The wine you bring on board will not cost you, if you drink it in your cabin. If you bring it to the dining room, there will be a $25 corkage fee per bottle. Also, just remember that the standard drink package also includes water, soda, and seltzer. The cost a la cart can add up rather quickly.

Does it also include the al bacio coffees?

The public bus will drop you at the bus stop which is located about 200 feet from the paved access road that takes you to the beach.

 

That is not a concession hut you saw but very crude toilets. The paved lane you saw is the access road to the beach. The bus stop is to the left of the access road; there is no need to walk a path if you get off at the correct stop.

 

SBtS

Yes that makes sense. However if you want a stretch if beach to yourselves, head to the other end where we started. That's left as you look at the water!

Can I interject a question into this Warwick to Horseshoe thread? We are interested in making this walk with stops to swim. We would also like to have include Gibb's lighthouse in our day. Would you recommend seeing/climbing it before or after? And What best transportation to use? The mini-bus/shuttle at least one direction would be great. We will be doing this on a Thursday toward the end of July if that helps. It will be me plus my two teen boys (age 13 and 16). They are always hungry so we have to figure lunch into our day somewhere.

I see the lighthouse closes at 4 so you might want to do it first? It is before you get to Horseshoe from the Dockyard so I guess you would have to take a bus there, and then get a later one to go to Warwick. You would have to pay twice so might work out a bit pricey.

I'm not sure what or where the 2nd stop is that you are referring to; but for the public bus (route #7), as you board, politely ask the bus driver to drop you at the bus stop closest to the Warwick Beach access road. Easy peasy.

 

SBtS

I think we must have got off at the second stop cause we had a bit of a problem finding a path down, seemed to cross some grass first. It was pretty early in the morning, I think we got the first tourist bus, and the 4 of us were the only ones in the beach. We walked along the beach towards Horseshoe and at the far end of Warwick beach there was a paved lane way with a concession? Hut ( didn't go up) and mini busses ( maybe taxis) dropping people off. Suddenly the beach wasn't "ours anymore". Maybe this is where the first bus stop is?

Is there a $7 mini bus to Warwick from the dockyard? Or do I take a city buss? If that is the only time, I will be using the buss that day, sounds like I should buy a a token not a daypass, right? Thanks for the advise!

We took the City bus to Warwick. Hiked down a path to the beach. Meandered back with lots of stops to admire the view or swim to Horseshoe. Used someone's umbrella who had left for the day, then took the Mini bus back to the ship. It's quite the hike uphill in the heat to get back to the main road for the City bus. All in all a wonderful day. One of the best day trips off a cruise ship.

We were making our way back to where we started just two hours ago so it was only 1 p.m

 

 

We were dropped off at the tour boat pier







 

 



 

 











 





 

I smell burgers! Over there!







 

There were some seats by the pier with an umbrella for shade so we sat and considered our next move using a map of the complex.

The Suites beach-Barefoot was quite a ways away and I noticed on the map it said Grand Suites and above. Grand Suite? What's that. I figured it was an RCI cabin only and wondered if a lowly Sky Suite would be turned away?

 

We could take the tram over-a tractor engine pulling a couple of wagons with seats. But wait! What's that smell? Smells like lunch-what a great idea! Map reader Carol found 3 buffet stations and there was one just a short walk away at Dragon's Plaza!

 

With two heavy cameras around my neck and a camera bag over one shoulder I couldn't take pics in the buffet lines but got myself a burger and some toppings and some little mini steaks and a hotdog and a bit of salad and then joined a line for drinks which slowed me down a bit. My food's going to get cold I said inwardly. Carol was meantime ahead of me with her own selections as she didn't line up for beer. There was Stella so I had a cold one and paid with my room card and made my way over towards the water where I knew I would find Carol in the shade.

I have only eaten Private Island BBQ lunch once before on Princess Cays where the food was cold and nasty and ended up in a handy trash bin nearby where the flies were welcome to it. Expectations were not high.





Mmmmm.... this food is still warm! Tasty little burger here. We both did our nodding head dog in rear window of car impression and tucked in with gusto. It wasn't a prettily arranged plate of food- no tweezers were used in the salad placement- but it was just what the doctor ordered (the Ship's Doctor was sitting nearby and had the same thing). His head was nodding with each bite...

Very happy with our meal and I wish I had gone back for more goodness. But- I was in the shade, I had a cold beer and a view of sparkling blue water and some zipliners whizzing by. Life was good. I moved away to smoke down by the water and drink it (the Stella) all in.

While talking to Carol she said she thought Labadee her favorite "port" of the trip. We had just had a short but excellent boat trip, something to fill our stomachs and no one was trying to sell us anything or take us shopping for Diamonds. It was a place to relax in the sun or the shade with plenty of activities (some at a price). And-the ship is right there. There's the tram to save a lot of walking.

We could have taken the tram from end to end as Carol suggested but I was fine with just staying near the water for now.

Norris, if you had taken the tram to the far end ( where the best beach for non- suites is ) you would have met the aggressive sellers, which you can avoid if you take the cliff path( research ahead of time) instead of going through the market that they want you go to.

Thanks- the 14 day can be done when we are retired. That's the kind of port time I am thinking about so we can still be there when other ships have sailed.

 

You could take a taxi to Bamboo Beach but it's a 45 mile drive and takes about 75 minutes using google maps. Better might be a resort with beach closer to Falmouth but we didn't investigate that this time.

 

Norris

3 weeks today for me. The other late night for us is in Curaçao, but I understand they change the itinery and overnight ports frequently.

Do you do your tours as ship excursions? Don't get me wrong I understand your sarcasm and ability to be laid back about it all. Your experience in Falmouth reminds me of ships tours I have endured previously. I avoid as much as possible. We have had some great private tours, and one bad one, but not enjoyed any ship ones.

We enjoyed the Boatyard - quick $5 cab ride and we arrived early and set up in chairs on the front row; water was beautiful. Enjoyed our two free drinks - I preferred the shark bite over whatever my wife chose, and the water toys. The bucket of beer special was a good deal spread out over the day. A few vendors came by but moved on after a simple "no thanks." Music was not loud and mostly reggae, Jimmy Buffet, or country (:confused:). When we were ready to leave we listened for the announcement, cleaned up and enjoyed the free short van-taxi ride back to the port (I tipped the driver).

 

I walked past Harbor Lights and it looked similar, just without the water toys, etc.

 

Ignored the warnings (I suspect it is a liability issue) and paid $20 to go out and snorkel over the ship wreck and then with the turtles - fabulous! And the free cup of rum punch was more rum than punch. :D

Is it $20 extra for the boat trip to snorkel? I understood the $20 admission was for chairs, drink, boat and ride back?