Spif Barwunkel

Before you know it, Celebrity will have inflatable chairs and inflatable footstools on the balconies. Will inflatable characters follow? Certainly would cut down on the complaining.

As folks continue to ponder the preponderance of missing foot stools - not in all cases it seems - one wonders about the criticality of the situation as related to the overall cruising experience. Indeed, it seems that balconies are rendered useless thus creating a safer yet more uncomfortable space. Passengers are gob-smacked and apparently cruises are being canceled at alarming rates. After all, why would anyone step foot on a balcony, and keep it there. Come on out, have a seat, put your feet up. Can't say that when you are rendered footstoolless. I'm coming this close to canceling my next three X cruises, this close. What's next, no singing in the shower? I can't put my feet up, I can't sing, I'm finding it hard to do anything. Something has got to be done. It's time X execs to put their feet up and figure this out. I'm this close.

I raise you two glasses of wine and 50 pages of a John Grisham novel. Quick bathroom break and seated once again, comfortably. Must be a genetic thing.

True statement. Also, Aqua cabins are not in the worst locations on any class ship, although, like any cabin category, some locations are better than others. That is a personal choice. So, extreme exaggerations should not influence ones' decision. There are other perks in addition to Blu and the spa.

I did not ask a question. I only made a statement, as did you. In answering your answer, my retort is: yes, the captain can lock the window, no big deal, never been a problem. The chairs are quite comfortable and a more modern style. I'll go one further. The dark shade that can be lowered makes for a very dark room for late sleepers.

Totally understand where you are coming from. But in this ever-changing world in which we live in, and all the technology available to us, one has to own their decisions and why they make them. I see no reason to be miserable over a different kind of veranda.

Our cruising dollars spent reflect what makes our cruise enjoyable for us, not what will or won't add up to the exact to-the-penny cost. We enjoy Aqua, and do not partake of all the perks/benefits offered. Those that we consider to be sufficient justifies the worth our expenditure. Convenience plays a big part in our cruising enjoyment.

Noone booking a cruise on an E-class ship should not know what to expect with an IV cabin. After all the hullabaloo over the years, much of it negative, there is no excuse to book something you don't think you will like and then complain about why you didn't like it. No doubt, your pre-conceived notions had your mind already made up. The IV cabins are a nice alternative to the standard balcony rooms and are not intended to be a replacement. IV's are a different scheme and a different look and have more functionality. They work for me, roll-down window and all.

It is nice to see this thread resurrected. It is entertaining and provides a respite from more serious topics regarding the cruising life. Obviously, the basic bare-naked martini (by definition), has been dressed up over the years and its many concocted wardrobes reflect the eccentricity of those who partake of this popular elixir. Some purists will hold firm to their unpolluted clear philter, unwilling to partake of any of the dressed-up versions. Others will reluctantly succumb to the urge to try another kind of the many martinis lined up and down the martini bar. That's okay, you will not be judged and the more martinis that you consume, the less you will care if you are.

Your pictures are the same Montevideo that I remember. We also had a beautiful sunny day to enjoy this city. When returning to Buenos Aires, our flight home was not due to depart until early evening. We booked a ships' tour of the city which included a two-hour Argentinian Tango show with lunch. A wonderful show and delicious food made for a great finale to this Antarctica cruise. Nice job in presenting your travels for others to enjoy.

Puerto Madryn is another good wildlife stop if you have such a shore excursion planned. Also, should you have the opportunity to visit Montevideo, like Buenos Aires, it is an impressive city. I don't anticipate visiting South America again, so I am extremely happy to have enjoyed these two cities.

No matter what itinerary you decide on, it will be a most enjoyable cruise because you will have made the decision. Because Europe offers so much diversity, beauty, and history, you will find your most difficult decision to be, where do we start. As has been mentioned, avoid July and August. May and June, September and October are very comfortable travel times, and less crowded. There are 2025 European cruise itineraries currently listed on the Celebrity website. Take a look at what is offered and narrow down your choices to the most appealing. You say the Med is where you are drawn to, but don't completely ignore other offerings as they deserve consideration as well. No matter the number of days you decide on, spend extra days on one or both ends of the cruise enjoying the city(s) of embarkation and debarkation. When traveling any distance, it is most beneficial to do and see as much as you possibly can in order to maximize your experience. Also, be prepared to be lured back again and again to other places and other times.

An extreme off-road experience is included in the two-and one-half hour trip each way, from Port Stanley cruise port to Volunteer Point, and return. It is important to understand that if one suffers from infirmities that are easily aggravated and irritated, certain shore excursions should be given serious consideration before making arrangements. As the OP has so beautifully shown, the Falkland Islands offer adventure and enjoyment and the opportunity to interact with the wildlife, the people and the topography. Of course, Volunteer Point is not the only place where shore excursions visit. It is truly a special experience, and despite the hustle and bustle of a very busy day from start to finish, the end result is extremely gratifying.

Ms. Peaches - We have used FBC many times over the years and never had a problem. It does require a bit of extra work and awareness to get it right, but it is certainly worth the effort should cruise/flight arrangements need to be modified or changed. Whereas I might use a TA to book a cruise, I would never use a third party to book flights through FBC. In some cases, a TA may require final payment for cruise/air thirty days prior to the required due date if booked directly with the cruise line. Perhaps this is the case in your situation. Final cruise payment due in March but TA booked-air due in February. For your consideration, I book my flights as soon as my travel dates show on the airline website. I go to the website, find the flights that I want, select the seats, call FBC and make the arrangements. Final payment for cruise and air is due on the same date. Up until flight time, I am kept apprised of any changes, both from FBC and the airline. I am very particular about where I sit on an airplane, especially on long flights. I want to be in charge of making those reservations and I do not believe that a third party will necessarily have my best interests in mind. Dealing directly with FBC has always worked for me.

I don't know that there are many experiences in life where one would plan to shed tears, months in advance. We are fully prepared to do so as we pay homage to the allied soldiers who gave us the opportunity.

A perfect reboot of our February 2023 Infinity Antarctica cruise. One can't help but become immersed in the ethereal splendor of this polar region. For us, it was an exhilarating experience to cruise these frigid waters, enjoying a total antithesis of our day-to-day existence. What a privilege it was to observe and to walk among the wildlife, who go about their daily routine despite our presence. We were humbled as we became travelers in their space. Truly a wonderful adventure.

After many years of cruising, we will finally enjoy the suite life for the first time in May/June of 2024. Needless to say, this thread is quite entertaining and encouraging, serving as a prequel to the actual experience. Previous cruises, and other future cruises, have been and will be in balcony cabins. Our cabin of choice. On May 26, we will board the Anthem to begin a b2b 19-day cruise from Southhampton in a one- bedroom Grand Suite, same cabin both legs. For us, the price at booking was just too good to pass up and 351 square feet of living space seems wonderfully expansive. Hence, our initial foray into the sweet, suite life. I must admit, I can't help but feel a bit haughty and as difficult as it is to quell that sentiment, I will try my best to do so. This cruise includes a major bucket list item, the beaches at Normandy, and the full itinerary is new to us. To those of you who have gone before I look forward to, at least for one cruise, leaving common ground behind.

Whether it is where we have been, or where we hope to go, your travels are the ideal reminder of good times past, or the perfect tease for what is to come. The late Anthony Bourdain plied us with food and drink then took advantage of our slight inebriation, taking us along, with motion pictures, wherever he wanted to go. Miaminice, with the written word, is of the same ilk. Expertly compiled and presented, in script and still pictures, it is a most enjoyable vicarious adventure. One is there, even though one is not.

When ordering, I knew the numbers and mentioned that I was aware of the upcharge. Had I ordered a second glass, I'm sure the numbers in your post would have been in play. If you cruise long enough you will enjoy the occasional perk or nicety provided by a crew or staff member. You really don't have to know the reason, just appreciate the gesture and enjoy.

I had a glass of Grgich Hills Cabernet on the December 3rd '23 sailing of Ascent. A three-dollar upcharge with the premium package.

Obviously, you have not paid attention to the many discussions about move-up bids on this forum. Or you chose to ignore what many have said about their circumstances. An upgrade to a higher category cabin does not necessarily mean an upgrade to a better location. But you knew that, didn't you? Sail with your worries in tow and bring ear plugs. Those dreaded creaking sounds have no preference in ship's location.

Perfect example of how differences in priorities and preferences can affect one's choices in cruising. We are booked on Apex in Aqua for a 12-night northern Norway cruise in July 2025. All but one port will be new to us. I did not check other cruise lines for comparison purposes because we would not have switched to Princess, or any other cruise line, even if prices were significantly cheaper. We are comfortable with X and the boat and to us, if we are spending more, it is worth the quality we will get for our $$$.

Too much IT about nothin'. Unwittingly, the OP's thread has shown the inability of many to comfortably exist without gadgetry. Does your electronic device not allow you to improvise or compromise? Got to be an app for that, somewhere.

I have always enjoyed your posts, Ken. They are succinct, sensible and to-the-point. Even negative reviews and comments are done with class and respect. Until now, all on the Celebrity forum and I have noticed that you are no longer as smitten with X as you once were. Obviously, over the last several years, similar threads have appeared on the X site with the same huffin' and puffin' and blowin' the house down. We all know that these tirades are not unique to any one forum. Rather, they seem to be a seasonal thing...cruising season, across the industry. I do not believe that any cruise line is targeting any specific age group at the expense of losing another. One would think that disposable dollars are coveted by all no matter from where they come. Also, is not the age cycle continuous? What was young is old and vice-versa. It is difficult to balance the enticements of what cruising offers in order to please everyone. It boils down to the proverbial, 'throw it against the wall and see what sticks', which is especially pertinent when speaking about food. Over the years, despite the occasional letdown, disappointment, or huffin' and pufin', Celebrity remains our cruise line of choice. X marks the spot where we still prefer to spend our cruising $$$. In no way does that imply that others should not take their money elsewhere. Like you said, "getting the most quality for our $$$" is what it's all about. As I mentioned in my previous post, when the occasion arises where we can enjoy our first Princess cruise, we will certainly avail ourselves of that opportunity.

For the first time, beginning in 2025, Princess will have a ship based at Port Canaveral, about 30 minutes up the road from where we live. We have never cruised on Princess, but because they are moving into the neighborhood, we will give them a try. The Emerald Princess is not the ship taking up residence but even if it was, your Doctoral Thesis would not dissuade us from doing so. I do not question your feelings of frustration and disappointment, but I do think that they are a bit overblown. You latched on to a negative circumstance aboard ship and from then on, well, post #1 says it all. Your energetic, negative fervor served no purpose in generating trepidation toward a Princess cruise, no matter the ship.