Torfamm

I think it’s similar to cruising. Both are far less expensive today than in the past, but we’ve given up some things in exchange. Neither are the luxuries they used to be.

It's probably just me, but when I'm on a cruise speed of service is not my We waited 90 minutes for our food to arrive when we ate there last winter. I was far too hungry to enjoy anything about the experience. I assume it was a staffing issue since 3/4 of the tables were empty. We even ended up getting our own drinks at Bellini’s since servers were never around. I love a leisurely meal but the service shouldn’t be slow, just well- paced

I think that’s true for all types of insurance, at least in the US. Many people don’t have any idea of what coverage they actually have whether it’s auto, medical, long-term care or travel

Good point! I would only rely on it for trip delays, lost luggage etc

We have an annual policy with GeoBlue along a MedJet membership. We feel we get adequate coverage from our credit card for non-medical expenses to make it reasonable to not get additional travel insurance

Those features are definitely available on Celebrity’s newer E-class ships. You can just scroll across the icons at the bottom of the app to find them. I am not sure if all of the older ships have been updated. The key feature is very much like the digital key in a hotel app, it has to be selected and held near the lock. It’s not quite as convenient as the medallion.

I’d pick Sabatini’s. I think the location of Bistro Sur La Mer is unappealing, too loud and too many people walking around. I haven’t especially enjoyed the food there either.

Celebrity also has an app. I love being able to use it for check-in, unlocking my door, checking menus, making reservations, booking shore excursions etc. Like Princess, passengers aren’t required to take advantage of it, but for many of us, the convenience is a real positive.

1. You watch a muster video on your personal device or cabin TV and check in at your muster station once onboard the ship. 2. One bottle of wine can be brought aboard at no charge by each passenger. Additional bottles can be brought onboard but there is a corkage fee of $20 per bottle

Before boarding. Tried using them to pay for Shore Excursions as well as purchase OBC. Cancelled when I found out that the exchange rate was 1:1. Others report the same in using the cards onboard to make payments on account.

Using USD gift cards to purchase AUD shore excursions as well as OBC is converted 1:1. I tried it recently.

I'd plan to eat on a rooftop every night if it were me. We had dinner at two that were in walking distance of Plaka hotels in June. Both had beautiful views and have menus available online. I liked the food at the Athens Gate a bit more and it has a view of the Temple of Zeus as well as the Acropolis. Athens Gate Rooftop Restaurant https://www.athensgate.gr/roof-top-restaurant-bars/ Strofi https://www.strofi.gr/en/

The Retreat pool and the deck area above it are quieter outdoor spaces on Sky. No movies, bands or DJ. Indoors, the area near the Crown Grill bar is away from the areas with the louder music and activities.

You can see how many formal nights to expect and the requested dress code here https://www.princess.com/learn/faq/pre-cruise/what-to-pack-for-a-cruise/ The Journey View activity timeline in the app will show which nights are formal. Look for "Formal portraits" to be listed as an evening event. It can populate as much as a couple of months before a cruise.

Yes, you can use gift cards online to pay cruise fare or by phone for OBC or excursions. They are accepted for AUD cruises but the exchange rate is 1:1, a terrible value.

Details are here https://www.carnivalcorp.com/static-files/50351a91-4dc0-4f6b-bfec-684647e6129f

I’m not doubting there there are people who are having problems with the app and it certainly has a few areas for improvement, but in 12 cruises since the restart and 5 booked in the next year, I haven’t had any trouble using it. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. The people who aren’t having any issues probably just don’t chime in to mention that though.

I may be in the minority, but I like the app. It’s not perfect but I really enjoy having it available both before and during a cruise I definitely don’t miss the days of having to visit travel agents. I can remember how happy I was when online booking came along and I could do everything myself too.

If you decide to cancel the ship’s transfer I can recommend this transfer with tour as an option. https://www.salmonberrytours.com/tour/anchorage-to-whittier-transfer-and-tour/

We were just on the Caribbean Princess for 16 nights and had no issues.

The policy is that they will hold it for you and return it to you at the end of the cruise. There is usually an alcohol collection table right after you go through security when returning to the ship. A couple of times I've told them I have a bottle or two of wine and they have said not to worry about it.

There is no penalty for being a no show. They just release the table if you don’t show up. It’s easy to cancel your reservations in the app though

There must have been a weird glitch. Many, many people have posted that received these emails. We got them too. It’s the normal email that is usually sent out a day or two after your cruise.

I absolutely understand you, it was a festive touch that had little to do with the actual “champagne”. For me though, dropping my bags in the cabin and then enjoying a relaxing drink on deck has been a good replacement. You might find that you don’t mind the changes much at all. I think it’s worth giving it a chance.

The embarkation champagne is gone but I can’t say I really miss it. The food is not quite what is was but it seems to be improving again in my experience