phoenix_dream

2 hours ago, EatonDoolittle said:

 

I am curious to know how Celebrity cruisers experience car rental, hotels, traveling in Florida, etc. differently than anyone else.  

Of course I know those don't apply.  I am talking about how they handle embarkation and disembarkation and what type of shuttles they may offer.  Apparently I jumped the gun as they aren't sailing out of their yet, of which I was not aware, but I am thankful for the helpful suggestions I am getting.

I keep thinking the vacation situation will start to lull as people start looking at their credit card debt which is the largest in history.  So far I am still waiting.  You will not find what you are looking for, at least on Celebrity.  All ships are jammed these days.  I share your frustration.  This may sound incredibly selfish and self-serving, but as a senior with who knows how many years left to be able to do this, it gets frustrating to see everywhere I vacation so crowded.  It makes my remaining vacation travels much less fun (although for the record I truly make the best of it that I can).  Judge me as you will for saying that. 

Anyway..........you might find a little bit fewer crowds by booking suites and hanging out in the suite areas.  The E class Retreat areas are particularly nice, although IMHO I have found the rest of the ships on that class to be even more crowded and noisy than S or M class.  I would also recommend trying to book when kids are in school.  This is not a kids versus no kids comment - what I am meaning is that when families bring kids there are more people per cabin and therefore more crowded overall.  Just a fact.  Same goes for longer cruises (although there are fewer and fewer of those, especially in the Caribbean).  They may also be fairly full but usually filled with older people who are not out and about quite as much as the younger crowd.  The only other option as I see it is luxury lines with more space per passenger ratio, but those are often considerably more expensive.

1 hour ago, leaveitallbehind said:

This is not at all a typical cruise line practice and I would ask @Oxo to provide specific documented examples of this.  Airlines do this as they have historic data on last minute passenger cancelations and can provide numerous alternative flights to get these overbooked passengers from point A to point B.  Not so with a planned vacation on a cruise ship.

It is certainly not typical, but yes there have been several news articles about passengers getting bumped due to overbooking.  A quick Google will tell you that.  I haven't read about any lately but it did happen not all that long ago to several cruise lines.  Don't recall if any were Celebrity.

16 minutes ago, Missusdubbya said:

Celebrity’s first cruise out of PC is not until December

Thank you. I wasn't sure when it started.

As to kids onboard, honestly what someone experienced last summer may not be true this year.  Celebrity has made a very concerted effort to entice younger families to cruise on their ships.  I have seen many more kids on Celebrity this year than ever before (granted, not nearly as many as one would see on Royal or Carnival for instance).  I would say that it is less likely that a lot of kids will be on a 12 night cruise.  Generally speaking, the longer the cruise the fewer the kids and that is a pretty long one.  I've never cruised HAL so have no input there

17 minutes ago, ggo85 said:

Never used Blu when sailing in a suite. I believe Aqua should get first priority since they’re paying for it. 

And theoretically they do.  Suite access is supposed to be if available.  We did have a bad experience once on Reflection, though.  As you may know they have more AQ cabins than other S class but the same size Blu.  We often had to wait 30ish minutes because of all the suite guests, including a large table next to us that kept ordering items off the MDR which caused the waiters to be gone for long periods of time.  (I know this because we were friends with the waiter and he told us the problem).  Other than that, when sailing in AQ many, many times, I've never found extra suite guests an issue.  When we're in suites and we want to eat in Blu we go later so as not to interfere with the AQ folks.

1 minute ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Port Canaveral is a very easy port to navigate.  There is lots of parking, which is great for those of us who live close enough to drive.  I'm not a fan of the Orlando area so flying in a few days ahead is not something I would do...but I'm not into theme parks and that's the Orlando draw.

 

Here's what I would recommend if you want to fly in a day or two early...UBER to Coco Beach.  Coco Beach is not far from the cruise terminal and is a great way to kick off a cruise.  The town reminds me of a mid-century throw back to what vacationing was like when I was a kid growing up in the 70's and 80's.  We stay at a place called The Inn at Coco Beach.  It is a boutique hotel with quaint grounds and nicely refurbished rooms.  There is private access to the beach, a pool, loungers and umbrellas for the beach, and they have an honor bar in the lobby with everything you would want to mix your own cocktail.  They also offer complementary wine and cheese at 5 PM and a nice breakfast in the morning.  Coco beach also boasts some great beach bars/grills, a NASA space museum, and of course the worlds largest Ron Jon surf shop...at must do experience!

 

Not sure if Celebrity offers a shuttle service but I'm sure it would be listed in the cruise planner.

thank you for the insight.  I actually used to live in Cocoa (inland from the beach) many years ago, but that was way before my cruising days.  I definitely want to do some sightseeing beforehand.  Love visiting the Space Center, and taking in some of the other attractions nearby.  I fondly remember Ron Jon's from years ago.  I will look into that hotel.  

4 minutes ago, mom says said:

Have you looked at the Florida Departures board? I'm sure there's lots of info about getting from MCO to Port Canaveral and back.

I mentioned that in the first sentence of my posting.  I definitely will.  I want to hear from some Celebrity experiences as well.

9 minutes ago, mom says said:

Then let's make this as simple as possible: their excursion= their rules. Don't like the rules= look for a different excursion company. As Jelayne mentioned, restrictions or exclusions are usually a matter of potential liability. Liability coverage would be a part of any contract between an operator and a cruiseline. But those contracts may vary from one line to another and from one operator (and their own insurers) to another.

 

Practically speaking, where would you expect them to draw the line? It may have little to do with the actual weight, but much more with the ability to manoever on, off, and around the boat safely. You may be 6' 2"" and 300 lb in fine athletic form. But what about the 5' 6" 300 pounder who can barely walk down a hallway inassisted,  let alone manage narrow, steep stairs or ladders on a rolling boat?

 

And also practically speaking, what if a 5/6' 120 lb person can barely walk down a hallway unassisted, let alone manage narrow, steep stairs or ladders on a rolling boat?  I agree it's their excursion and their rules.  But I disagree that tour operators would have different restrictions based on the cruiselines .  There is zero logic to that.  I guess we need to remember that this is the cruise line that has eliminated footstools and loungers on balconies for "safety" reasons.  They are covering their you-know-whats six ways from Sunday, while their parent company is still putting footstools and loungers on their newest ships.  There is zero logic to that either.

I will also search the departure port pages, but also looking for some specific info about sailing Celebrity out of Port Canaveral.  If anyone who has done it can report back on their experience?  Particularly if they want to fly in several days earlier and rent a car and stay in the area?  Does Celebrity offer shuttle service from the port back to Orlando?  Has anyone used it and how might it compare to private services or Uber/Lyft?  Are there rental car options available that don't charge around $400 PER DAY for a one way rental should I want to do that (yes, I typed the number correctly!).  Is it worth it to stay outside of the immediate area and Uber to the port?  I can't believe the prices of hotels I am seeing for early March (yes I know spring break is starting but shouldn't be too bad that early).  I thought Lauderdale and Miami were bad - they're nothing compared to these prices.

I strongly advise anyone considering sailing out of that port do some research prior on these things.  I already booked my cruise and now almost wish I hadn't.  I don't think that area is really geared up yet to handle the huge increase in sailings caused by the addition of more Celebrity and Royal ships (not to mention other lines).  Any input would be appreciated and fingers crossed I can figure this all out without needing to take a second mortgage out on my house.

Is it possible?  Yes.  Will you always be able to make it?  No.  Lots of questions to ask.  Are there many other ships in port and how big are they?  Do you have any priority for early disembarkation with your cruise line?  Do you have TSA precheck or Clear?  If TSA be advised that the increase in Clear passengers and the way they put them at the front of the line is really hurting TSA entry times.  Also consider capacity on the flight after yours if you miss yours.  These days most of them are 100% full, and more people will be booking the later flight so your odds of getting on the next flight out are very, very slim.  

8 hours ago, NMTraveller said:

I thought that the best part of our Alaska cruise was the land tour.

And it's even better if you book it yourself using an Alaska TA!  Years ago we saved $300pp doing our own, for a three day add on which included Denali and a stay at a Princess lodge.

14 hours ago, garyl62 said:

On our March 23, 2024 Ascent sailing Labadee was changed to Falmouth, Jamaica.  We've never been there so will look into options on land, although the port times are 7:00 - 3:00 and it's a tender port.  This is already a "stay on board" trip as we have 3 sea days, Grand Cayman and Nassau as the other ports.  

Trust me, don't get your hopes up too high!  It's Jamaica after all.   I will say we did a nice snorkel trip there years ago.  It was my first time snorkeling at the age of 60 and I was a nervous wreck - the people were very patient and nice to me.  But the port overall -nothing to write home about

7 hours ago, chemmo said:

This has not been listed as a perk before. However, I have heard of it being given on a few reviews.
 

From personal experience we have never been offered it (or requested it).
 

I can’t comment on E class ships but I think it is a wrong move on S class simply because of the size/design. In our experience on M class Persian Gardens isn’t usually mega busy, perhaps because it isn’t that nice to be in on. However, on S class it can already be over busy owing to the small number of tiled beds (and people being a bit greedy with time spent on them). Not really fair on Aqua guests and those paying for a pass to suddenly make it available for more guests…I can see complaints from many here. Perhaps better to allow RS guests and above to have one/two free visits pre booked. 

I agree.  I'm all for giving more benefits to suites considering the pricing, but this will cause problems.  My favorite part is the beds but I gave up even trying years ago with people hogging them for hours and hours, often taking long naps on them.  Then they created AQ Sky Suites so people who wanted better locations (i.e., not under the buffet with rolling carts all night!!) had to pay extra to get those and added them to the mix  - a sore point with me as I literally had to do that with a booking I made yesterday as the only remaining SS were in the worst spots under the buffet. That change made me very, very unhappy.   Now adding high level suites?  It's unsustainable and unfair.  

12 minutes ago, OceanCruise said:

On the Beyond now. Asked for the form to give extra tips to select staff and was told that these tips are now also pooled. They can no longer be provided to individuals. We were told this policy change happened several weeks ago. 

Last time we did this, over a year ago, we were told tips are still pooled the same way they are for automatic tips. So not sure this is new.

8 hours ago, Cruisegirl6 said:

Hello,

 

We are booked on sky suite 2129 and worried I will be up all night hearing rolling carts as the oceanview cafe is right above us, I am a light sleeper.  Has anybody experienced this stateroom (2125-2137) on the Equinox or any other Solstice class ship?  I like to hear if these cabins are very noisy with the oceanview cafe above or whether it was quiet.  I can downgrade to an aqua class stateroom, it is a blue chip offer.

 

If there was noise, what time did the noise start, I like to stay up late in the evenings and sleep until 9 lol.  Thank you.

I've stayed in 2133 - very close.  There were carts rolling beginning around 3 am and lasting most of the day and evening off and on regularly (sorry, don't recall when it stopped).  I would not say it was very noisy - it was a muffled sound like you might hear thunder off in the far distance.  It was not enough to really bother us and did not keep us awake at night.  It is frustrating, though, that they chose to put some of their most expensive cabins right under the buffet!  An alternative rather than downgrading might be to move to an AQ Sky Suite - they tend to be more centrally located so they noise (if any) is much less.

What it boils down to is that cruise lines keep building more and more and bigger and bigger ships and they are currently sailing full (especially, but not exclusively those like Alaska which have shorter seasons).  Almost every port you go to will be crowded wherever you sail.  In Alaska I advise booking any excursions early as the towns are small and only have so many available. I usually recommend independent tours, but those are even less available so check really early.  Don't plan on catching one in port like in the Caribbean (there are some but it is really hit or miss).   Also if you plan to rent a car (in Skagway for instance that is a great idea) book WAY early as those book up very quickly.

ps

I love sailing to Alaska, have done it many times, but I have to say my Norway cruise was absolutely amazing!!  I highly recommend it.

52 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

In my opinion, MSC Yacht Club is the industry's best mass market suite experience.  Premium wifi, premium drinks, thermal suite, private restaurant, private sundeck with pool, hot tubs, bar and buffet/grill, butler and staff at your beck and call....it's simply the best.

 

NCL and Retreat are tied in my book.  Haven is very nice with private pool deck both indoors and outside (depending on the ship)  Has a nice private restaurant open three times a day.  Menu doesn't change though.

 

 

Can I ask you a question about Yacht Club.  I'm considering trying it for a change after many X cruises and their website is a mess!  I thought Celebrity's was bad, but theirs is bad on a whole new level.  So my question - I go to the page that says Yacht Club, but then when I enter it brings up all levels of cabins.  Do I just pick a suite?  Meaning, I guess, are all suites in the Yacht Club?  Also, even when I pick a suite it asks me if I want to add on a liquor package and wifi.  You are stating those are included.  So do I just book a "cruise only" rate?  I guess I probably would be best off working with a TA.  I usually use a large not-to-be-named online agency but they don't seem to handle MSC bookings, at least they're not listed on their website.  thanks for any advice

18 hours ago, Octavias said:

I suspect it’s multi purpose.  For one thing, they are expensive to replace and as was also mentioned, we don’t spend money when we are lounging on our balconies.  

But if we have a liquor package, we are actually saving them money when we are lounging in our balconies!

18 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

That is a tough question.    We were on a much smaller ship -  Ponant (about 1/2 the size of Oceania Regatta.   We were sailing in the Great Lakes so the waters were mostly calm.   Even in rougher seas really didn't find that much more motion

 

I use to be affected by motion sickness when we first started sailing on Millennium back in 2001.  Over time, I think my body got used to it as I no longer get motion sick on ships.   I did find something that worked for me.    The night before the cruise I would take a Motion Sickness Pill (Marazine) which is almost the same chemical composition to Benadryl.   It of course made me sleep well the night before the cruise.   I would then take another 1/2 the morning of the cruise.   It would calm my inner ear down and I wouldn't require any more for the entire cruise.    Even though I no longer am affected I aways have a pack of Bonine with me --- Just in case. 

 

If you have done Alaska and California Coastal before you know that the waters can be either calm as a lake or pretty rough.    Much like any other destination.    Personally I wouldn't worry too much but be prepared.    Best location might be mid-ship both Aft/Forward and top/Bottom

 

We ended up booking a Vista Suite which is full forward right under the bridge.  I'm sure we will feel the sea more there and will hear the anchor drop - if we have tender ports.    I believe Sitka is the only tender port.  

 

My understanding is the following are different -

 

The OBC you receive with booking can only be used for their excursions.   Excursions seem expensive at about $250 pp for most.  

 

Beer and Wine are included with all meals from their wine list.   They also have a number of cocktail parties where you can get select free mixed drink

 

You can bring Liquor and Wine aboard as well as bring it back with you from ports.  There is a $25 corkage fee if consumed outside your Room.  Our suite comes with 6 bottles so I don't think this will be a problem for us. 

 

Tips are not included but you can purchase in advance or be billed daily.

 

You receive free basic internet which is good except for streaming.  For streaming you need to upgrade.  My understanding is Regatta has not been updated to Starlink and is the OLD internet.

 

Dining at most of the Specialties is free.   You can make reservations in advance -  2 tops are harder to get but usually no problem if you wish to share a table.

 

for the most part. Oceania sailings include accommodations, shore excursions (limited to Simply More $ allotment), port shuttles, activities, food and most beverages, specialty dining and entertainment. Not included in the fare are some beverage packages, gratuities, spa treatments, laundry and specialty excursions.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for all the detailed info.  I really appreciate it!!

On 5/10/2024 at 12:15 PM, Jim_Iain said:

 

Oceania Regatta - 9/14/2024  - 12 Night Alaska Cascadia

Cunard  QM2 - 10/25/2024 - East Bound Trans Atlantic

Silhouette - 11/16/2024 - 13 Night Trans Atlantic

Oceania Vista - 11/09/2025 10 Night Med

Cunard QM2 -  10/30/2025 - East Bound Trans Atlantic

Equinox - 11/21/2025   15 Night Portugal to Buenos Aires

 

I also have them updated in my Signature.  

 

I haven't figured out yet how I will post.    I will probably do a comparison Live Review -  possibly split it up so don't abuse the CC policies of staying on subject of the thread.  

Hi.  Was reading this, and noticed you were going to be on a ship I was considering - the 9/14 cruise.  My hesitations - first, I am susceptible to seasickness.  Do you find a lot more motion on a ship this much smaller?  The smallest I have ever been on is Celebrity Horizon and I am hesitant to go smaller.  I was tempted by this cruise as I love Alaska and much of the cruise will be in calm waters (coast of California could go either way).  Second, I am unclear about benefits.  As a fellow Zenith (we met last year at one of the CC gatherings🙂) I am concerned about what will not be included that I am used to.  Not sure if we could afford one of their suites.  Any advice?  They seem to have a good sale going on now, for example with champagne, wine, and more, but I have no idea what "more" encompasses and can't find anything on their website.  Any thoughts you could convey would be greatly appreciated!

4 hours ago, NMTraveller said:

Sigh…

 

Not sure why people don’t do luxury cruises vs the nickel and dime of mass market cruises.

 

The economics of the luxury cruises is better.  And is the service all around…

I can tell you why I don't - the motion.  I am very susceptible to motion sickness and I have always found the smaller ships (which comprises the vast majority, if not all of luxury lines) to have a lot more motion.  The larger ships also have more variety of things to do, although truth be told since I love to relax onboard I would love to sail a luxury line if they were larger.

I have never felt vibrations in that area.  I have, however, noticed more motion, specifically more side to side gentle rocking.  

2 hours ago, chisoxfan said:

Agree Retreat is a decent product on E Class. But a terrible value on X currently and inconsistent service/ ammenities. Am going back to MSC YC next year and will try new Princess Sphere class suites also. It will be interesting how things shake out in the large ship suite world.

It will be interesting.  Right now the ships are filled, but future bookings into next year?  Maybe not as much.  Credit card debt is at an all-time high.  But even more important - the delinquency rate on credit card payments is also going up considerably.  So can people keep continuing with the attitude of live now as tomorrow is not guaranteed?  That's fine if you can afford it.  Apparently many people actually can't but are spending wildly anyway.  Sorry folks, but if you're looking for that debt to be eliminated by the government I think you will have a very long wait.  It has to catch up to them sooner or later.  I'm hoping for sooner!  

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Personally MSNBC and FOX are booth too polarized in their respective views for me to watch.   I will usually settle on BBC or SKY.   Since I travel with a steaming stick and VPN I usually watch my home news using YouTubeTV (recorded at 6AM, 7AM, Noon, 5PM an 10PM.   Choosing the most recent. 

I agree.  Remember when news was actually news and not tainted by the opinion of the newscasters so you could form your own opinion?  Those were the days.  Thank goodness for local news!