LB_NJ

Personally, I prefer Oceania. Smaller ships, better food. However, Oceania tends to be more expensive.

I think we were able to get additional onboard credit even after final payment date. However, Cruise with Confidence was still around so it probably came into play.

I booked directly with Celebrity and was told the first time there were no discounts. The second time they offered me $100 per cruise (both 10 days or longer). It is a matter of pure luck whether you OR your TA will get someone knowledgeable. Your TA will just have to make a couple of calls until they get someone knowledgeable.

The Cunard website lists Al Fresco dining as an extra cost option on the QE. Anyone know what this is?

You should really post this in the Florida cruise port section. You will get better information. Having been to Florida numerous times, and I have relatives there, it is a large state and there will be places that are relatively untouched and areas with significant devastation. I strongly recommend that you post to the Florida forums in TripAdvisor to find out which parts have been left relatively unscathed. Also, we are still in the heart of Hurricane season for at least another 30 days. You need to be flexible.

Celebrity is running an excursion called "Best of Cartagena." Does anyone know anything about this excursion?

Occasionally I will order an extra appetizer and maybe once a cruise an extra entree. Is this a problem, is there an extra charge?

While I don't relish doing my own laundry sometimes it is useful if the ship has a self-service laundry like the QM2. Does the QE have a self-service laundry?

We will be in St. Marteen in late January, 11AM - 6 PM. Just want to sit on the beach, maybe swim if the water is warm enough and grab a late lunch? Relax. Should we just ferry over to Philipsburg or is it worth the hassle of a taxi ride to another beach and if it is, which one?

I have had it with the huge ships (especially the Royal line). Have done Princess, Cunard, Royal, and Oceania. Really liked Oceania Insignia. So thinking it might be worth spending a little more and going on Windstar this winter in the Caribbean. Is there anything I should know before booking the cruise? Such as whether to book direct or use a travel agent (I don't have what I would consider a "good" travel agent so I would have to find one first)? Anything else I should know, like is it really better to get all-inclusive rather than pay as you go, we are NOT big drinkers (we would be hard pressed to finish 2 bottles of wine we would bring onboard for a 7 day cruise)? Thank you in advance for any help.

It is not in the cruise planner however the app shows there is a Chef's Table option for nights 1 and 2. Any idea if this might be real or if the app just has a problem? Also, the menu looks interesting, is the food usually good?

My travel agent does not participate in bidding for upgrades. Does Celebrity offer pay for upgrades once you board the ship? Any advice how to go about on-board upgrades?