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phoenix_dream

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Everything posted by phoenix_dream

  1. I actually was comparing the cruise only versus "all included" rates for another type of cabin, Aqua. The difference on those was approximately double what the discount is for Zeniths. So in fact it is different - it's considerably less of a discount for Zeniths! (at least on the several cruises I was considering). They must think we're stupid, which is not a very smart thing to do considering Zeniths are some of the most experienced cruisers. I feel like I am being told, in not so many words, that I should be happy to be getting any discount at all. And I am. I just take offence as it being promoted as giving us a cruise only rate, when the difference is so much less than on Aqua cabins. IMHO, at least based on the few sailings I've reviewed, is that we are getting a discounted rate (which is good) but not getting a "cruise only" rate, so please stop promoting it as such.
  2. And even then, I have seen people reporting the cruise only rates on new cruises decreased by way less $$$ than the perks actually cost. I can't personally vouch for this being true, but if it is that will really cause a (justified) uproar. I was really happy to see this change. But the more I hear about it now I'm not so sure.
  3. I disagree. On basic I could not send photos, could not text, could not open comments on Facebook, could not open links sent to me via email.
  4. Finally Finally Finally!!! Suite prices are already so high and as a Zenith it was hard for me to justify paying for perks I already earned. It will definitely bring me back to considering suites, and for that matter booking Celebrity cruises.
  5. Reflection has not been revolutionized at all. They did replace the balcony furniture on upper level cabins and suites with the new white, much less comfortable furniture. Not to complain about her condition - she was in fine shape a couple weeks ago when I sailed her. I just find the older balcony furniture so much more comfortable.
  6. As far as the argument that they are removed for safety reasons, note that I was just on Ascent docked in Cozumel right next to Icon of the Seas, the newest Royal ship. Strangely enough, when I looked across from my footstool-less balcony, I saw footstools on their balconies! If they are so dangerous, why are they putting them on their newest ship??? I agree with the thought that since E class IV has no room for them, no one else can have them either. Very, very frustrating and annoying for those of us like me who spend a lot of time on their REAL balconies and love to put my feet up and relax.
  7. I use a bb store TA and I have to say the service has significantly improved. And yes we are able to get a dedicated agent, at least for the booking part. With Celebrity dropping the significant obc for suites and next to nothing for anyone, the extra obc we get from our TA makes a big difference.
  8. No different than any cruise line. I do think it's very wrong that they have that privilege.
  9. Agree. To the OP, be advised that many airlines will not let you check in until 3 hours ahead of time, and they mean exactly to the minute! In fact, last cruise I saw a sign that one airline wouldn't check you in until 2 hrs before. (Obviously no international flights on that one). They make you wait outside the check in area where there is very little seating. Just FYI. Personally I would cancel the shuttle, grab a taxi which has never been an issue for us, and stay onboard until you have to leave.
  10. Actually our first few sailings after Covid they stuck strictly to assigned times. But I agree that lately no one seems to check
  11. There was a lot on the news about it at the time
  12. Maybe those who wonder why they might want cruise passengers should read this. Think of all the ransom money. I'm sure they have considered it. A few hours driving and overwhelming a handful of security staff is a small detriment. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/6-nuns-kidnapped-bus-haiti-catholic-organization-says-rcna134837
  13. Exactly. People need to read the fine print. Most policies exclude the things you mention, especially if the area is already declared unsafe by the US government, in the case of US insurance plans. I worked 30+ years in that industry, albeit not in the travel insurance side. But I know enough to read the fine print on all my policies.
  14. That's the real point. Is it likely to affect Labadee? Probably not. But probably is just that, not a certainty. If nothing else it gives a bad perception that Royal is putting profit over safety, especially when the US government is warning all citizens to leave immediately. It doesn't say, unless its a cruise ship stop! Many posts here are always talking about the main point of these groups is taking down current leadership. Yes there is an intent to do that. But we are talking about thousands of prisoners. Does anyone with any smarts actually believe they are all worried about that only and they have no intent to commit any other crime?!? If you do I have a bridge to sell you, as the saying goes.
  15. Be advised also that wifi of any kind in Alaska can be very spotty, even in port. I've sailed Celebrity there many times and even with Starlink it's been some of our worst wifi. Remote areas so sometimes difficulty connecting.
  16. Me too because of the crowds. That said still prefer it vastly over E class.
  17. And of course criminals never travel and only are violent in certain areas. Like we never thought the gangs would move out of Chicago for their smash and grabs in suburbs 30 miles away. And yet they are! The US says it's citizens should leave Haiti immediately. They didn't say except for Labadee. Enough said
  18. Excellent recap of the situation. I live outside of Chicago so I understand violence especially these days. But we are talking about literally thousands of prisoners set free as well as those criminals who hadn't been caught yet. The US is stating US citizens should leave Haiti immediately. They didn't say, except for Labadee because it would inconvenience the cruise line. Yes it is not right next door to the current uprising. Nor is it that far away- drivable in a day or less! I am not personally affected but I just can't believe the logic that says let's take a chance with thousands of passengers and multimillion dollar cruise ships. It's just not worth the risk. Period.
  19. Interesting article. The "it could never happen to Labadee" people may want to read it. Frankly I am shocked Royal isn't temporarily suspending stops. https://www.aol.com/key-port-terminal-broken-violence-171419553.html
  20. An interesting article about them attacking a port. Granted, a different type of port, but....https://www.aol.com/key-port-terminal-broken-violence-171419553.html
  21. For those wondering why everyone onboard didn't get emails, this seems to be a common occurrence for all emails. Some get advertising emails but never get a post cruise survey or a Move up activity email. I wouldn't assume it didn't apply to you if you were on that sailing.
  22. 100% agree! I've seen people doing video calls in Luminae during dining times. So rude and inconsiderate! And I don't want to hear people justifying it by saying it's no different than talking to each other at the table. That's just not true. People tend to talk much louder on video calls than when talking to their partner across the table.
  23. This has morphed into a discussion of manners when using a scooter and when around those who do. Here's my take after 80 cruises on Celebrity, including a couple where a relative of ours needed a scooter to get around so I am not unsympathetic to the challenges. It is a fact that it is difficult to get an elevator when using a scooter (and even a walker). These days ships are 100% full and it is often hard even for walking folks to find an elevator they fit in. There are inconsiderate people who refuse to move back and allow the elevator to be full (including some who are afraid to step onto the glass portion at the rear). There are also other inconsiderate people who try to jam into the elevator when there is clearly not room. I sympathize with those on scooters who need to find space. Don't assume though that we're ignoring you - there just may literally not be room. As to manners around the ship - apologies to those who use appliances and are respectful of others around them (and I know there are many of you!) but I can honestly say I have been nearly run over, or run into many, many times by people riding scooters or using walkers. I find this most often on longer cruises with lots of older people (and less you think I am ageist - I am an older - 70+ person myself). Too many times it seems like there is an attitude of "get out of my way, I have a disability so my needs should come first". Again, no offence meant to the many who don't operate that way, but I've seen it time and again. One of the few things I dislike about longer cruises with more of us seniors onboard.
  24. As people have said, check-in is totally different now. Only priority is Suites and Zenith. That said, it also goes very quickly now. Do your check-in online before you get there and you should breeze right in. By 12:00 the ship should be clear and it is likely there will be little in the way of lines or waiting. Your wife can definitely board with you.
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