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We celebrated our anniversary on a December 2022 cruise. It was noted in our confirmation. We expected some celebration, typically a small chocolate cake brought to the table in Blu, but nothing was done at all. We did not bring it to anyone's attention. However, I did not notice any other celebrations while dining. On previous cruises I noted birthdays and anniversaries were celebrated frequently, sometimes more than one in a given evening. On our January 2023 cruise, we celebrated DW's birthday, and it was also noted in our confirmation. I did mention it to the staff in Blu early in the cruise, and they did provide the cake and singing we had hoped for. I do not recall any other such celebrations on that cruise while dining in Blu. My advice: tell them.

I'll second that. I thought the hot dogs were fine, so maybe that negates my opinion of the burgers?

Given that one-way might not be that expensive, you might consider the slightly smaller alternate offer: "Guests with independent air arrangements may choose a $500 per person cruise fare savings instead of airfare via Flights by Celebrity. Promo name GALAPNOAIR."

I see there is a new Double Points offer for 2023 Europe Sailings listed on the Celebrity site. I have not seen this discussed yet so I thought I would post it. AN EXCITING NEW REASON TO EXPLORE EUROPE WITH US THIS YEAR For a limited time, discover up to eight European countries on one award-winning vacation and earn double Club Points on new 2023 Europe bookings (excluding transatlantic sailings).* Book between January 20, 2023 - March 1, 2023 to take advantage of this offer. https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/exclusive-offers/double-points

We recently did a snorkel excursion in GC that was NOT on a catamaran, but the trip to the snorkel sites was so short that type of boat really did not matter. This excursion was exactly what it says in the description and we did enjoy it. The second site is the wreck of the Cali. Here is some info on that excursion:

If you look at the individual ports (https://www.celebritycruises.com/ports) you can get decent descriptions and prices. I am not sure that all listed excursions would always be available.

It is newish. You can check out the website (https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/staterooms/suite-class/aqua-sky-suite) or this brochure. I suspect the website is more accurate but perhaps less detailed. My impression is that they do indeed have the suite benefits (similar to Sky Suites) and also spa benefits. CEL_04_28_FlyerAquaClassSkysuiteBY.pdf

Burning less fuel means lower environmental impact.

Thanks! We used CarpeDM Adventures. DW says ask for Paul. I believe we took the Mindo 1-Day tour. Their website is easily found and they also use WhatsApp. We were very pleased with their responsiveness since our availability was spotty.

I wish I remember the names of where we went. Mostly I recall seeing the hummingbirds at the Mindo Cloud Forest, stopping at a local coffee lodge, visiting a butterfly sanctuary or farm, touring a chocolate factory, eating at a small, authentic Ecuadoran restaurant, and seeing how the native plants changed as we drove through different ecologic zones. It was a full day tour where the driver would adjust to whatever we wanted as the tour progressed. We learned of the tour company through the Celebrity host at the beginning of the trip, set up the tour for just DW and I, then added a couple we met on the cruise. It was very well done. Are we allowed to name tour companies on here? I would need to get the name from DW if that's allowed and of interest.

We took a tour of the Cloud forest the day after returning from the Galapagos on the 11-day package. You can ask the Celebrity guide when you are in Quito if you have not arranged something in advance.

Agreed. I was told on a European cruise a few years back that the ships are like miniature floating USA's. Tipping in USD was encouraged.

I agree that staying the extra night is worthwhile. Celebrity offered nothing of interest on the extra day so we scheduled a private tour to the Cloud Forest. Although we did not know anybody on the cruise when boarding, by the end of the cruise we had made enough friends that it became a group tour so the cost was divided. We are planning on doing this again when we return in 2023. The only downside was that I found the lack of oxygen a bit of a problem during that last night.

We were staying at a hotel just at the base of the bridge and saw those bats every night. And to reinforce the topic of this thread, we were there for extra days specifically because it was so close to NYE. We're going back (different cruise line) to kick off 2024 in Sydney.

Great pictures, videos and suggestions. DW and I were on that same Solstice cruise. We were also on the water for the fireworks. Your pictures look a lot like ours. Were you on that boat in front of us? Something we'll never forget.

I think these changes are just the few small changes that happened back at the beginning of July. There are a few small onboard activities that were added (Music and Mixology, for example) and the discounts for drinks packages and upgrades were increased for most tiers. Also a tier-based addition to Move Up bids. Nothing major as I recall.

I believe this is correct. From the Terms and Conditions, Relationship Points and Status If two adult members over the age of 18 reside at the same address, they have the option to link their member accounts together by calling 1-800-760-0654. While each member still earns points based on their individual sailing activity, both will have access to the points and tier level associated with the member who has the higher Club Point balance. If the members ever stop residing at the same address, Celebrity may unlink the accounts. Members can also request their accounts be unlinked by calling 1-800-760-0654. Each member will then only have access to the points and tier earned individually. For example, if member A has 100 points and member B has 175 points, individually, member A is a Classic member, and member B is a Select member. However, if member A and member B link their accounts, member A would then have 175 “relationship” points and Select status as well. If member A takes another sailing and earns an additional 35 points, member A would then have 135 “individual” points but still only 175 “relationship” points and Select status. If member A and B stop residing at the same address and the accounts are unlinked, member A would have 135 “individual” points and revert back to Classic status. Member B would retain all 175 “individual” points and remain at Select status. Found here: https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/join-the-club

Check out this statement: As a Captain's Club member, will I have status and points with Azamara if I have only ever sailed with Celebrity? No. To have had status or points with Azamara, you must have at least one past sailing with Azamara. found here: https://www.azamara.com/loyalty/azamara-circle/transition This could change, of course.

He was wrong. The upgrade gets 15% discount for Elite, per their own information: (https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/tiers-and-benefits) 15% off Drink Package or upgrade to Premium pre-cruise

It's currently 15% (https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/tiers-and-benefits) Elite Featured Benefits Access to exclusive daily coffee house-style breakfast and Evening Cocktail Hour 30% off Wi-Fi package or Wi-Fi upgrade 15% off Drink Package or upgrade to Premium pre-cruise

Perhaps the Thénardiers are hotel directors for Celebrity? (see Les Mis, Master of the House)

I assume you possess a car but don't always have it with you? I won't rule out the possibility of that other definition, the one that parents often use, as in "what possessed you to ...". Demonic possession is probably frowned upon, with or without wine.

The alcohol policy in the FAQ weakly suggests this twice: 1. Does "with them" mean carry on? "guests are permitted to bring onboard with them up to two (2) bottles of wine" 2. Is "possessing ... in their luggage" a violation? "Guests who violate any alcohol policy, including but not limited to underage drinking; providing alcohol to minors or young adults; possessing, concealing or attempting to conceal alcoholic items in their luggage, when boarding or while onboard; engaging in alcohol drinking games; or failing to consume alcohol responsibly, will be considered for discipline under the provisions of this policy." Of course, this also suggests that failing to consume alcohol can result in discipline.

Celebrity has updated the CC benefits brochure. The only change I quickly find is the removal of that bit indicating passed canapes. CC HH is probably not coming back to how many liked it, IMHO. https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/a9b099b8#/a9b099b8/1 I certainly hope your September cruise is awesome either way.

If you think that's bad text, look at their recently updated text from the FAQ (https://www.celebritycruises.com/faqs/all-faqs#gratuity-program😞 What is Celebrity’s automatic gratuity program? Celebrity automatically adds gratuities to guests’ onboard SeaPass® account, except for guests in Excluded Bookings*, as defined below, in the following amounts: $15.50USD per person, per day for Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda staterooms $16.00USD per person, per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms $19.00USD per person, per day for guests of The Retreat. A 20% gratuity will be added to all beverages, mini bar purchases and beverage packages. Gratuities may be adjusted at the guest’s discretion onboard at Guest Relations. *Excluded Bookings include all staterooms booked either (i) at the All Included rate (formerly Always Included); or (ii) in the Retreat or AquaClass stateroom category on or after July 14, 2022. Stateroom and restaurant service gratuities, and a 20% beverage package gratuity, are included in the fare of all guests in an Excluded Booking. FOR ALL BOOKINGS: Gratuities for stateroom and restaurant services are shared by dining services staff, stateroom attendants, and other stateroom services personnel. An 18% gratuity will be added to all spa and salon purchases, and all specialty dining covers and specialty dining packages onboard. That makes it perfectly clear... after a few readings maybe. Maybe.