ColoradoMom!!

Thank you so much for responding! And the heat is a big concern for me. I got my Alaska cruise ( ha ha - I am not a heat/humidity fan) , and this is my husband's bucket list trip. We are going late Feb - early March in 2025 full transit historic locks. Hoping it wouldn't be too bad that time of the year, but I think that's just wishful thinking. But I am excited and really appreciate the insight!

What was the name of this tour? Any other port tips or excursion recommendations or insights? Thanks!

OP Here. Thanks for all the wonderful responses ! Wow. And among them JB - you summed it up best We are staying at the Hampton by Hilton Waterloo. We arrive about 11 am on Wed. July 31, and leave Saturday morning for Southampton for the cruise. I haven't made any other plans for our stay and was trying to nail down the LHR to hotel, and then the hotel to Southampton first. Private transfers and taxi's from LHR are pretty costly, so I'd like to take the train to cut the cost but realize I will need to transfer at some point - so the thought of taking a taxi from the closest stop to the hotel and avoiding a transfer sounded reasonable. After looking at the number of ships in port when we depart Southampton on Saturday Aug 3rd (4 including the Iona) the train is looking better. I found International Friends through all the great recommendations here on CC (as JB mentioned) but with traffic and limited time at Windsor - and it being an easy shot from Waterloo, maybe we will do it on our own. So I guess I am left with needing any other insight for LHR to hotel by train. Sounds like my assumption of the Elizabeth line may not be the best after all? Again, open to a taxi from to avoid a transfer and enjoy the drop at the door of the hotel so to speak.

We chose a Waterloo hotel based on proximity to the station for an early August 2024 pre-cruise stay. I reasoned to spend the extra $$ and do a transfer excursion with International Friends to Windsor Castle on Saturday, Aug 3rd en route to Southampton. My compromise was to save money by taking the Elizabeth line from LHR when we arrive (about 11:00 am on a Wednesday, T2) to Bond Street and either take a taxi from there or transfer to the Jubilee line to our Waterloo hotel. Do I have that right? Two adults - late 50's, just one rolling suitcase each. I am thinking the Elizabeth line for the extra room with luggage and the rumors of it being cooler in the August heat. Now the splurge (US $335 for both of us) on the way to Southampton is looking like a poor choice. We would be picked up about 7:30 am on Saturday Aug 3rd, and the description given by International Friends includes many pick up stops before we even head to the Windsor Castle and then has us arriving in Southampton by 13:30 to 14:00. So....guessing very little time at the castle and probable large crowds on a Saturday. Do we give up one of our touring days in London and take the train from Waterloo to the Castle? I did like the idea of using our transfer day to visit a site though. Then again, I chose Waterloo location to take advantage of the train to Southampton. Any advice/insight would be appreciated!

Ok - I really wasn't trying to scheme, but I get your point. So there is no reason for me to purchase the internet now then.But aren't we all trying to backdate to get the price currently as opposed to when we sail? I guess since my understanding was that everyone gets the Platinum benefit of half off as OBC after boarding, I thought it made sense.

I was able to book for my 2025 16 day Panama cruise. With no package, it is a good savings if they eventually raise the rates. However, I am concerned about getting an adjustment after we board to reflect the Platinum level discount because I haven't achieve that level when I bought it today. We sail between now and Panama, and that will be our 5th cruise gaining us Platinum this year. I know how it is supposed to work in my opinion, but honestly, I can hear some responses from Guest Services along the lines of "I'm sorry, we don't offer that package anymore and can only apply your discount to our current offering." The whole way things should go, and the way they play out on board are often very different. Anyone have experience with this? I would like a credit of 1/2 off of what I paid today, not what the internet package will cost in 2025. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks for this info. We are planning the same thing for August. I have never been to London, so all this is new to me. If you remember by chance, after your cruise, to post here your experience for someone like me, I would really appreciate it. I specifically booked hotel within walking distance of the station.I'm just worried about navigating the Waterloo station itself, and catching transportation to the port in Southampton. Thanks!

I haven't yet, but a girl can dream! I love looking at this forum that is all about cruising the British Isles. Although it is not Princess specific, it is a great source of information! https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/148-british-isleswestern-europe/

Great review! Thanks ! The soft drink bar here is great. I wonder how it works for people who don't have a package. That's sad news about the water bottle filler. It was my favorite addition when we sailed the Discovery back in March 2023. It was located just after the hand washing stations

This reply has little to do with your original question, but I wanted to comment to @lx200gps or anyone else who may come across this discussion in the future ( using the search feature) about finding affordable lodging when sailing out of Boston. We sailed out of Boston on a NE cruise Sept 21, 2023 with Celebrity. This cruise had been planned and pushed out for 2 years, so I also stalked prices at the Hampton Inn Seaport forever. Then I realized I could rent a car and drive up to....yep you guessed it...Burlington Hampton Inn for less. We went in 2 days early and enjoyed Concord and Lexington. (we've already done Boston in the past) We drove down on a Thursday am, leaving about 10:30 am and got to Yankee Lobster for lunch by 11:30. Parked for free, ate, drove to the 2 minutes to the pier, dropped our luggage at the ship, drove the car back to the airport and took an Uber back to the cruise terminal. SO easy and really enjoyed our time!

My favorite option for a bigger balcony for a great price on the Sky and Discovery is to start in the interior category, pick Deluxe Balcony Obstructed, go to choose your room, Mid ship, deck 8 and look for rooms 406-412 (either side of ship). These rooms are on the bump ( and/or dip) - bigger (angled) balcony. The obstruction is the white shade panels covering Alfredo's below. No obstruction of a lifeboat or looking straight out. A great savings, a slightly larger room ( you get the little sofa) and a little bigger balcony. Also rooms approx 420 - 437 in the regular obstructed balcony category. Double check - I really love the cruise deck plans website for pictures, and the deck drag feature. You can use the free edition. OH - and don't forget to get someone to add the NUP code (meaning no upgrades) and keep your fingers crossed they don't "upgrade" you.

We completed our tour. Love to hear what @1stItaly thought. We got what was agreed upon. Some things could have been better… but I’d like to hear what others thought as everyone has differing expectations and experiences!

We had a mistake, charged in the theater about $20. Went to guest services at night, no line, easily fixed. But glad I checked. Someone was asking about giving them your sea pass. We always do. However, your sea pass does not have the number of the floor, it only has the last three numbers, ( your room number) so they have to ask for your full room number because it’s not printed on your sea pass - at least on the summit this week.

Can I hide a "beat a dead horse" question in here - if someone would clarify a poorly worded FAQ straight off the Celebrity web site : Are gratuities included in the Celebrity Cruises Drink Package cost? No, a 20% service charge will be added to all drink page prices at checkout. Package prices may reflect an additional tax for certain ports or itineraries. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SO.... I read this two ways. I have the classic package. If I ask for a glass of wine that is $9, yes, I need to pay a gratuity which is 20% of $9.00 - basically $1.80 because per the FAQ, gratuities are not included in the package cost. OR is it no - your resulting charge is $0 since the glass of wine is fully covered under my package, and 20% of $0 charge is $0 gratuity ???? Obviously this is my first cruise with Celebrity coming up. TIA

I agree. And a shout out to @Thrak as I have used his posts to narrow down my cabin selection on the Coral for an upcoming Panama cruise in 2025. I actually have one more question Thrak - if you happen to find my contact info in my interests in my profile, I would be grateful.

Thank you @roaming_kiwi58 so much for taking the time to post such great details and all the with the links! I feel much more confident now, and we are really looking forward to seeing all Quebec City has to offer. You are a gem!

THANK you @roaming_kiwi58 This is gold. I am printing this out!! And thanks to everyone here for their great input too. We are hoping to do this on our own at the end of the month, and I have instilled nothing but fear in my husband that we can do this without a tour. Do you need exact change for the bus, or can we just give $4 CAN ?? Where did you choose to get on the bus in Quebec City? Any other thoughts/hints?? Thanks again!

Thanks fellow Coloradan - @cruisesoon Sounds wonderful. He called today on WhatsApp 🎉 and I was able to put my deposit on my credit card. Looking forward to @1stItaly report - let me know also how you paid after the tour - wondering if he can take my credit card on the spot for the remainder. I'll report my experience too, I know @mpcaruth will go after me

Thanks! We set a time for him to call on WhatsApp twice and he never did. I'll just keep trying. And thanks for offering - I would love to hear from everyone after they take their tour also.

Thought it would be good to have a thread all of its own dedicated to experiences with this tour company. I've seen many mentions of folks booking - but no reviews as of late. We have e-mailed and booked our trip (Baddeck and Bell Tour) with them, but having a hard time making the deposit. Never had such a difficult time trying to give someone money 😆. We will be there the end of Sept. Looking for feedback from those who have taken tours with them. I have read the TripAdvisor reviews - but hoping for some Cruise Critic input. Thanks!

Oh my goodness - your pictures are just amazing! Thank you for posting. I think Princess should pay you a commission for people like me who want to book a Norwegian Fjords cruise now!!! Seriously looking - would you say August has been a good pick? Looks like it !

Jadn13, I am so glad to hear this as we have this tour booked in September! I have a few questions and don't want to hijack this trip report. If you don't mind sharing, my e mail addy may be found hidden in my profile under interests 🙂. TIA

OP of the picture here - yes - just water.

Discovery Princess March 2023 - it's located after the hand washing stations in the buffet

Thanks for taking the time to reply.