LuAnn

So this is a new change from the new owners? Each ship is allowed to handle some things differently?

Do I find Level schedules then within the booking "engine" for Iberia? I'd transfer my miles from Chase to Iberia? Sorry for all the questions...DH always handled booking the flights and he's cruising "the heavens" now.

I've always really enjoyed all the pre cruise planning!! But actually stepping on the ship is great too. My first cruise post shut down I really felt like I was "home"!!! 🙂

Thanks for all this info!! When did you book the flight? And do I understand correctly that not only Delta but all the other airlines are not posting flights until 8 or 9 months out...no longer the 330 days? Delta would work best for me BCN to SAN..I could fly to Atlanta and then on to SD.

Is there any type of bus service to any of the train stations (Santa Ana, Anaheim) from the port at San Pedro? Thanks!

Do you know when in May this route starts? Thanks!

I've thought for quite a while that X cruisers were paying too much for the "suite experience" and would be getting more value for their $$ with O. I'm sure you'll be glad you made the switch!

I thought this would make you "a happy camper"!!! 🙂

I'm on your sailing as well. Where are you coming from in CA? Any chance it's San Diego? 🙂

I'll be on my own and really don't feel comfortable driving up on my own...but thank you!

Does the Intercontinental have a shuttle from the airport to the hotel? Thanks!!

I'm leaving in mid May from San Pedro and I live in San Diego. I'm considering the train but also wondered if anyone could suggest a car service for a 1 way ride. Thanks!!

Mixing items from the 2 venues is a great idea!!

Thanks!! I'm sure I will!! I was on her very first T/A when FDR was onboard for the run from MIA up to NYC before the crossing. It was so exciting to see the new "style" of ship at that point. We've been on Marina and Riviera a number of times since then. I think we're both on the Panama Canal transit on Vista in October?...Super excited for that cruise as well.

Good to hear about your cruise!! I've been reading so much here about Marina being in terrible shape and really needing dry dock sooner rather than later! Can you comment on the shape the ship is in right now? Thank you in advance for your comments/thoughts!

I would say yes..just be sure to get off the ship as early as possible.

Thank you for the info. I'm so glad I've been to many of these ports in the past but I was hoping to go back!! Sounds like some of the ports will not be available.

I know they hired the top Hotel Director on Azamara who had been with AZ for 15 years or so. I don't think she is going to be an HD on board but in upper management. Heike is a gem!!

I've done T/As and T/Ps on both lines many times. I agree that you'll enjoy Oceania. And also that it might be best for your first O cruise to be on one of the "larger" ships..not that they are that large! Celebrity suite prices have gone through the roof. I love to play Trivia, Mah Jongg and go to the various lectures during the day. Or just read my book up in Horizons with the fabulous views. I can be as busy or laid back as I choose. Please let us know what you decide!

I so agree re Celebrity suite prices!! They have gone through the roof and I think you can find far better value on AZ or Oceania.

I've been on both lines and would agree that AZ would be my choice. I wouldn't sail on Celebrity without booking Aqua Class..because you then dine in Blu for breakfast and dinner. Blu is more like a specialty restaurant in size and there are different entrees etc than in the main dining room. You do have to pay extra for the specialty restaurants on Celebrity and you would have to pay extra to upgrade the beverage package. I really love the size of the AZ ships and the interaction with the staff and officers. I enjoy playing Trivia and Mah Jongg so that keeps me busy on sea days..but I'd do that on either line. I do enjoy the production shows and miss those on AZ but the singers and dancers on AZ do a good job. And it's a much more intimate setting. Let us know what you decide!! 🙂

It looks like based on the list they are all cruises in '23 and no '24,,,is that correct?

Do you know when in '24 the refit is scheduled? Thanks!!

Thanks...I'll "keep an eye out"!!! 🙂

Wondering how to find you at the Sail Away on Thursday? 🙂