Lo1Mo2

Perigirlnj

Are you doing the Viking extension in London or doing your own planning? we have yet to settle on a definite way to get from Greenwich to downtown London, and our hotel. I know you posted extensive ideas for getting into London, but just wondered how you intend to travel.

Looking forward to the cruise and perhaps seeing you on board.

Sharon

I am not an expert on Celebrity ships, having only sailed on Millie and the Equinox, and of course they are two different ship. Unfortunately for us, we were on the Millie during the insane summer of 2013, but were lucky to have the engine blow up in Seward, where we got to spend four days. And then we went straight to Vancouver. Just glad we did the pre-sail tour (Denail, etc) so we saw a bit of Alaska. Yet we were very disappointed in the ship, the crew, the general attitude. Keep in mind we chose to stay on the ship and wanted to have a good time. After all, it was a free cruise/non cruise for us as we got all our money back and we got credit for what turned out to be a free cruise. So I truly think that our lack of enthusiasm for the ship was indeed the ship. Hard for us to find an elevator where, on every other ship we have used, there would be one. The buffet was laid out strangely where there was an elevator in the middle (actually toward one end) but it only led to access on one side of the dining area and if you wanted to get to the other side you had to walk all the way around. werid,as you coud see exactly on the wall which if it housed a doorway would have solved the problem. Never, never saw the crew....anywhere. Now all of them were not working on the engine. In fact no one was, as they were awaiting parts. The weather was drab and that did not help. Our cabin attendent literally disappeared; they replaced him but that gentlemen did not do much but ask about his tip. Never got the few perks which come with our room--flowers on arrival, fruit, etc. Really not a big deal but it was not as advertised. We enjoyed Seward, thank goodness. But not the boat. Sailing Hal for us has always been a lovely experience. And I have read they have the best itinery for Alaska. I really don't know but you CAN ask me about Seward. (PS LOVED the Equinox/sailing on the Silhouette in April so we are not down on Celebrity, just on the Millie).

Enjoyed reading this long thread. Wish it had a "like" button. Personally I would avoid twin dogs in little outfits and their owners. Perhaps the adults are on board as emotional support humans for the dogs? Additionally, we have an acquaintance who has a letter for her doctor explaining her medical conditions which dictate she sit in a certain place on planes when she flies. The letter is sealed and she will not allow it to be opened by the airline due to HIPA laws. Got to love it.

Other reviewers (on Trip Advisor) have touched on the basics of this trip: limited number of passengers, nice sail, great crew, lovely home-made Bajan lunch, tons of drinks of all kinds. We noted a LOT of return passengers, one family using Capt. Ron every year. Really enjoyed all of the above and would recommend it to others ($80 a person/five hours). But I would not recommend the snorkeling. We did see some turtles--maybe 2. But a boat was chumming for them and in addition there were about 50 people bumping into each other crowding over the two turtles. We left the scrum quickly. And the reef was disappointing. It was murky the day we visited which didn't help but there were almost no fish to see. The captain himself picked us up at the cruise ship (you must walk OFF the grounds and through the gate to meet) and drove us to the boat. We have visited Barbados before and we remember than just around the corner from the boat (on the same "street")there is a tobacco store and a restaurant where one can get those wonderful flying fish in sandwich, salads, etc. When cruise ships are in (there were four the day we visited) catamaran trips book early but there are plenty. Captain Ron, I think, might be one of the best kept secrets in this large group. Contact at captainron@barbadossailing.com

Recently did the "wet" tour, with three stops. One of our favorite excursions of all time. The entry to the reef snorkeling was not as hard as I read--and I am both on Medicare and tooling about on imperfect knees! Also the snorkels was great--the best we have had in a while from a cruise ship (Bonair still rates as the best). Also this was a guided snorkel, with the guide being very well informed and he would dive and point out things to us. The gorge was cold but not as much as I feared. Pretty strong current but.....turning around will simply take you to the shallow (and warmer) entry spot. The falls stop, which is a walk which yields a view of falls, has (if my memory serves me well) a lot of steps but it is not arduous beyond that. However one must scamper over the rocks to find the best soaking pools in the hot springs water. Everyone helps everyone else all day long. Our guide, Kelvin, knew a great deal of the island's botany and history and he added to the enjoyment of the tour. A+ day. Do wear water shoes, however. The cost of $50 was quite reasonable.