peanut head

Thank you for the detailed trip report and so sorry about being unwell.  Out of curiosity, why did you pick this itinerary and time of the year?  Not being familiar with the Galapagos, was there something special about the itinerary and was the weather more favorable for you doing it when you did?

Thank you (again) for taking us along with you and the Queen.  Enjoy every day...and night!

There are definitely more children on board in the summer months and a shorter cruise may have even more than usual--a quick family getaway.  If I am not mistaken, if Reflection will be stopping at Coco Cay then chances are that children will be part of the passenger manifest.  However, as you pointed out, Celebrity is not a children oriented cruise line and, therefore, children will not be in the majority.

What wonderful commentary and stunning photos.  Thank you for sharing with us.  So sorry you were not feeling A+.

On another note, I was wondering how cold/warm the water was when your wife was snorkeling?

We had done the Farmhouse Experience and would not do it again.  The drive, each way, was more than an hour (maybe 90 minutes) from the port along highways and then the return was the same route.  You did get to see the countryside and Pisa from a distance (including the Leaning Tower).  The time spent at the Farmhouse was about 90 minutes.  It was just too much time in a bus for us.😊

Once at the Farmhouse entrance, you got on a 2 horse drawn open carriage for 7 minutes to the vineyard/farmhouse/gift shop/outdoor patio.  The meal was unlimited red and white wine, an antipasto and a medley of different pastas.  The food was okay and filling.  The tables accommodated about 8 people.

You had time to walk around the vineyard after eating or browse the gift shop.  There were restrooms available.

In our opinion, we just felt that it was mediocre.  Unfortunately, the port is pretty far from main tourist attractions so a long drive is necessary wherever you choose to go.

For our cruise, we came in 4 days early.  We flew into Rome and hired a private car and guide and drove to Florence.  On the way we stopped at Orvieto for a walking tour of the town, cistern and caverns and lunch.  We spent 3 days touring Florence (on our own) with a day trip to Pisa.  We then took the same car service to Civitavecchia the morning of the cruise.  We were very happy to have had the opportunity to have a "land based" intensive time before the cruise knowing that the shore excursions could not give us the experiences we wanted in Florence/Tuscany. 

Thank you for taking us along!  Have a wonderful journey.

26 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

In the link posted 

4. I am sailing with my family and some friends. Can they redeem the benefit too?

SHOW LESS

The benefit is only available for the stateroom in which the shareholder (with a minimum of 100 shares) is sailing. Onboard credit is applied on a per stateroom basis, double occupancy. Only one shareholder credit per stateroom on any one sailing. If shares are held jointly, 100 shares are required for each onboard credit request on any one sailing.

I appreciate the answer.  Thank you.

Just out of curiosity, if both my husband and myself, are listed as shareholders, can we each apply for a credit, or is it 1 per household?

What a wonderful trip!  If it isn't too much trouble could you post one pick of a daily program (including dining times)?  TIA

Thank you for taking us along.  Have a wonderful journey.

On 3/18/2024 at 6:13 AM, Liz315 said:

The experience was wonderful on the Beyond. They only hold it once per cruise and the captain chooses the night based on weather and itinerary. Calm night at sunset cruising slowly out of a harbor. It was beautiful and delicious!  Btw, if you have other dinner reservations for that night they help you change them to a different night. Enjoy!

Could you expand  a little more on the experience?  Food?  Drinks included or do you use your beverage package?  Length of the dinner?  Any entertainment besides the beautiful views?  Can you get a table for 2?

1 hour ago, RichYak said:

Regular room service is complimentary in all Retreat cabins.

Yes, you are correct.  I was specifically referring to Craft Social's menu.🙃

On 1/29/2024 at 11:04 AM, alserrod said:

TIPS

 

 

If you live in North America, let's make it clear, in Spain tips are much more infrequent, and even non-existent, compared to what you are used to.

 

 

In Europe in general there is the impression (and desire) that money is earned honestly through wages, not tips. The worker is already assured of a salary before starting work and will carry out his or her work, with or without tips.

 

Therefore, the general rule is to tip if the service was extraordinary, if you would remember something special about that service. And the tips are always much lower than what you are used to. It is always considered that the service is included in the rate you are going to pay.

 

That means that services like a bus driver (where you are expected to take a very specific route without much option for change), just for example, are never tipped.

 

Where do you usually tip?

 

In restaurants, if you consider that the service has been special (if it has been normal service, you only pay the bill and nothing happens)

In a taxi if they have done something very special for you (for example carry a lot of luggage or give you valuable information)

In a hotel if they have provided you with something (if you have only asked for the room key, this is what was expected of them)
etc...

 

And remember that

In restaurants sometimes you prefer a 5-star review with photos and comments on Google or TripAdvisor instead of a tip

If you don't tip.... nothing just happens. The one who served you will also receive his salary. He has it included and it is very regulated

Oh, and if you tip, always in euros. Tipping in a currency other than the local currency is like going to your city and tipping someone in euros. What do you do with those bills?

Thank you!  Your information is incredibly helpful.  Everything that I was looking for was answered here in matter-of-fact prose.

Food in Craft Social would not be included in your unlimited specialty dining.  I don't think that regular room service would comp the food, either.  We ordered through our butler (upper level suite). 

No, they are not.  Craft Social is considered a "bar" not a restaurant (look at the Daily for the list of dining options).  We have looked at their menu and ordered it via room service to our suite and were not charged. 

27 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Bart is definitely a keeper... very attentive to our every need.

...and very tall😁, but seeing your height in the pictures I guess that the 2 of you see eye to eye🙃

What a wonderful review.  I will definitely have to give those chocolate tarts a try the next time I am on board.  

Just out of curiosity, was it difficult getting a seat for any/all of the shows?  

I have finally caught up!  Once again you have triumphed in a wonderful narrative and beautiful photos.  Even though I am physically in the NM, I have the opportunity to be on board with you🤣.

My DH and I are planning travel on Solstice TP in 2026--can't wait!  It's so exciting to see the preview.

On previous cruises, we were lucky to have Bart as our butler.  Please, if it isn't any problem, send him regards from Robin and Frank.  My husband will be tickled pink when I tell him that Bart is on Solstice now.  They often message each other on WhatsApp.  

Continue to enjoy...

Thank you for taking us along.  Bon voyage!

However, we had asked for some of the items to be sent to our suite and were never charged.  Speak with your butler beforehand to see if this would hold true for you, too.  😊

I was informed on my last cruise that Craft Social is not considered a "restaurant" and that is why it is not included in  the Unlimited Specialty dining package.

I played pickleball on Equinox and Constellation.  Celebrity does have paddles and pickle-balls.  Never difficult to find other players.  Courts are open all day long and they have open play and "tournaments".  Pickle-on!🤣

Hoping that you have a wonderful voyage.  Your trip report is excellent--informative and colorful thus far.  We are planning on the Solstice TP in April 2026--long way off but I am gleaning as much information as possible from you now😁.

I was looking at the 2 Marriotts in the city and was wondering if location to the port was the main reason that you picked this one?

Also, have you needed much cash (Australian or USD) since you have been there?

29 minutes ago, BobbM81 said:

I know some TAs don’t participate in the move up program. I thought it was limited to purchasing through a big box store vacation. 

That is correct.  If you use a big box store as your TA then you cannot participate in MoveUp.☹️

23 hours ago, FlyingCruiser2 said:

Not everyone who stays like that is wealthy.  We work and save up to make our cruises special.  And we read this forum. And we don’t have personal assistants. For us, we’d rather travel like that and go less often. 
 

 

That's how we travel--save up and splurge--can't take it with you...😊