ZipGirl

On 2/11/2022 at 8:55 AM, tlbutler33 said:

So when I try to put our beds together online, I get this error. Celebrity better be mindful how this can be interpretted.

 

The issue to me is the gender/title is unnecessary for the cruiseline and assumes only cis-normative gender. 

18 hours ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

There will never be onboard testing prior to arriving in Bermuda.  Celebrity will change the itinerary before they test a couple thousand people.  They don’t want to find Covid on board.  I’m on the current Summit sailing and we were notified of the change a couple days before departure 

This makes more sense to me, tbh. Our cruise in July is set up with two at sea days before we arrive in Bermuda and one on the way back. I figured if they changed the itinerary to 1 day to get there and 2 to get back, the testing problem is solved.

Now that stateside cruises have started to Bermuda, could anyone share how the onboard Covid testing is going in the day or two before arrival in Bermuda.

Relevant websites for Bermuda cruises and Bermuda's requirements:

https://www.gov.bm/cruise-travel-authorisation

https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea/bermuda-travel-requirements

I think this email, although a syntactical nightmare, does address one question I have had regarding testing and Bermuda. It is clear that Bermuda requires 1) their health evaluation form and the $40 fee associated with it AND 2) a negative covid test within 4 days of arrival in Bermuda. So the $42 fee for the onboard test makes sense for those of us who are at sea for 3 days before arriving.

The follow up question now is whether Bermuda has changed its testing requirements such that "Fully Vaccinated guests** who are not Up to Date*" means those of us who are boosted no longer require the test. So now I'll explore the Bermuda health requirements for any changes. But no matter what, I now know I can get the test on board. That's what I've been waiting to learn.

36 minutes ago, zitsky said:

It looks like you can move up 21 days before cruise?

Actually, lots of cruises have allowed move up before then. I keep checking my reservation directly and get the 21 days out message. From others on the board, it sounds like the message until it's not. I suspect the longer range move up is because so many cabins remain unsold.

I can confirm it won't show up on your reservation and they didn't automatically send me the invoice after I made the final payment. I called to have the invoice sent and everything was there as promised.

everything remains as clear as mud.

Question...If we take a taxi, how do we arrange for a taxi back? 

Thanks for all of the replies! I got on hold to customer service and ask them to send me the invoice...which probably should have been sent with my final payment. But all is good and in black and white!

Hi! I always get a little nervous whether I have booked what I think I've actually booked. I booked a great deal on a July cruise to Bermuda that included 30% off fare, $300 OBC, the premium drink package, and of course, wifi and gratuities. I think this is the equivalent of the elevate package. Yet on my reservation I see only the discount on the cruise and the OBC. No indication of the premium drinks. I called a representative and they confirmed I have the Elevate package booking. But I will admit, I'd feel more comfortable seeing that stated clearly on the reservation. I've also paid in full now, but never received a final invoice. Is this standard now? I cruise celebrity every 5 years or so and have never had a problem. But mama's gotta have her Rittenhouse Rye in the premium package!

On 4/17/2022 at 5:07 PM, capecodmercury said:

 

I can definitely agree on the World Class Bar.  I still am trying to perfect an aged Rum old fashion that matches the Zacapa one they serve.  We loved heading there after the shows for a quiet drink. You could always find a seat and actually have a conversation.   

 

That being said, the Martini Bar was our favorite for a pre dinner cocktail.   Just a lot of fun and the bartenders were always fun. I am enough of an uncouth barbarian not to mind a shaken Martini and I spent many nights working through the gin list.

My wife thinks she's mastered that very drink. Zacapa 23 makes a regular appearance in our liquor cabinet...along with a bottle of Aztec Chocolate Bitters.

3 hours ago, dazey said:

To Benthayer Gonbak and ZipGirl:  Can you tell me what hotels you are staying at?  Marriott at Neward airport is more expensive than others but might want to change and use the car service you described.

It is Newark Springhill Suites at the airport...which is a marriott property.

On 5/1/2022 at 12:11 AM, Benthayer Gonbak said:

Ive used trinityreservations several times in Newark and Baltimore.  They have a new car service that worked nicely. 
 

Their offers do change between hotels though.  

I was happy to read your posting. Just booked them for Cape Liberty. Same hotel was offering the free parking, room and transportation to and from the port for $60 more than the same package from trinityreservations!  Thanks for the savings tip!

Best bar on a Celebrity cruise was the World Class bar on S class ships. That's where skilled cocktails were made and it was little trafficked. Became our go to bar. Otherwise, I don't expect great craft cocktails on a cruise ship. It's a little like expecting 5 star cuisine on a cruise ship. When many, many people must be served the quality suffers. But then again, I was happy with almost every call drink I asked for in the premium package. Looking forward to my summit cruise in July. Just wish for it had a World Class Bar. 

Jextdo....I think you have heard some good information from the kind folks here, but I'll address this from the perspective of a lesbian couple who shared your same concerns when we took our first cruise in our 30's. I think your post also reflects the particularly trying times for the trans-community in particular.

In the 90's we took our first cruise and had concerns about how we would be treated by staff and fellow cruisers alike on a mainstream cruise. We were delightfully surprised to find crew and staff were nothing but gracious and kind. Our fellow cruisers either didn't take notice or did not bring it up (to our face). In fact, we discovered many fellow gays on board either "accidentally" or via "Friends of Dorothy" gatherings for LGBTQ cruisers on board. We had such a good time, we have returned to cruising numerous times since.

But not every cruise was as pleasant as the first on Celebrity. I have found Holland America tends to have more socially/politically conservative passengers. Being obligated to sit with strangers created unpleasant situations....because we are very out and do not tolerate derogatory comments from table mates. As a result, we prefer to eat at a table for two or travel with friends. But aside from some dining snafus, 95% of all our experiences have been great! Age is just a number, and the variety and perspectives of your fellow cruisers is not age related. We've had great conversations across all ages....and we are, ourselves, approaching senior status.

And I will also point out that even LGBTQ cruises have their share of unpleasant people. The one time we took an Olivia cruise we had to change our dining assignment three times until we found the right mix. But even on an all womyn's cruise, the staff was just great.

My wife and I are sailing Viking for the first time next summer (Norway...here we come!). Everything I have read about the line just seems like it's going to be a delightful, relaxing cruise. We especially appreciate no casino and ample tables for two!

If you have not checked out the special interest boards, check them out for the Gay & Lesbian board (hmmmm Cruise critic needs to modernize that board title). I have found the members of Cruise Critic to be very generous and honest in their comments. You have started your exploration at a good place!

I am booked in a DV grade cabin and plan to purchase the Silver Spirits package. Under this circumstance, can I request alcohol for the mini bar? Sometimes sipping an adult beverage on the veranda is just the ticket and it would be nice to not have to run back and forth from a bar.

Thank you for the links!

My wife and I are about the pull the trigger on booking the Viking Sun, Bergen to London cruise in July 2019. We have previously cruised Celebrity and Holland America, much preferring Celebrity. We like to feel pampered and enjoy quiet cruises. The highest cabin category we have ever booked was aqua class on Celebrity (and it would be the way we would go in the future on Celebrity).

One of our favorite cruises has been to Alaska because we are huge fans of the scenic beauty. I really like that it ventures to Northernmost Norway/Arctic Circle. I feel like this Viking Cruise can check off a lot of boxes for us. It's my wife's first time to Europe, so stops in Scotland and docking in London seems ideal. We're thinking we'd spend a few extra days in London post-cruise.

Any feedback on what to expect on a Viking cruise and/or the itinerary?

I board the Equinox on May 15, so I'm enjoying your running commentary! I feel like it's my cruise preview. :)

My wife and I are huge fans of Kimpton Hotels, so have also booked the Epic pre- and post- cruise. Service at Kimptons is universally, good, the restaurants and bars almost always great, and the location looks great. If you do stay there, definitely sign up for Karma rewards. Doing so will guarantee free wifi access and some other treats. And each evening they have a complimentary wine hour.

My understanding is that the new menu is currently only on the Equinox.

A recent cruiser posted a few of the Blu menus at:

https://goo.gl/photos/yJuL7hKtLRbYvCc26

Hi! Sounds like a great time. And you are getting me even more excited about my sailing on the Equinox this May.

Question: what are your estimated dimensions for the storage bins over the bed? As others have suggested, I believe I will get some folding storage bins for items up there, but I'm not sure what size to purchase.

And save some food and drinks for me! ;p

Will second a request for photos of the new Blu menus!

...that is on my bucket list...

I was also thinking these would be ideal for an Alaskan cruise! Sign me up. :D