Tao Diva

I enjoy spa days but find fending off sales pitches the opposite of relaxing or pleasant.

When I fill out the consultation form in the relaxation area I note that I already  have a delightful and carefully developed self-care regimen that I use at home. Then, when we review my form, I explain that I'm willing to switch it up and accept their recommendations during this treatment but please don't presume to suggest any ongoing changes or new products to take home since they are only working with me on a very temporary basis in a unique situation, very different from my usual environment. Most times, that is honored. Occasionally I have to say, "If it's okay, I prefer to simply experience the products you use rather than learn about them. It's much more relaxing that way."  I've never had anyone persist after that but I'm prepared with back up: I keep earphones in my spa-bag and can simply ask them to pass it to me so I can put them in explaining that  I'm going to try to "tune out distractions" so I can focus on the experience.

It also helps if you don't compliment the products used during treatment. That can easily be construed as an invitation to discuss the product or imply that you would be interested in buying the product. Something as simple as, "that smells nice" can lead to a discussion of the blend of "20 aromatics and therapeutics that make this product so unique". 

Once, when I had high-pressure sales from a particular spa before, I put my earphones in before we even started explaining that I had a relaxing playlist I wanted to use. 

I plan on doing the clothing optional beach on my own during a port day. I have a few questions.

1. Do taxis accept credit cards or US currency? 

2. Would I ask the driver to drop us at Club O or is there another place for public access to the naturist beach area?

3. Is there a place for the public to buy lunch or rent an umbrella?

4. Would Club O allow us to call a taxi for the return to the ship?

5. Do you have any advice or recomendations for doing the clothing optional section of Orient Beach on our own?

Thanks for your insights,

12 hours ago, Luvcrusn said:

 Good luck, happy cruising and an early happy birthday wish to both of you.

Thanks for your concise overview. It's just what I needed to know. I was a little concerned that things might be different on a more upscale cruise brand. I'm glad to know the old wisdom still applies. 

10 hours ago, WestLakeGirl said:

Query you friends and family to get recommendations about a TA.  Don’t ask here because CruiseCriticc does not allow posters to recommend

Thanks for the insight and warning. No worries, I already have a TA in mind that I used for my Disney Cruises. 

I'm excited about the new EDGE verandas SEA spa. I decided to take my youngest daughter on a cruise in Aqua Class for our birthdays in 2020. (Our birthdays are close together) We've both cruised other lines but this will be the first time with Celebrity for both of us. I have a few (very) basic booking questions.

1. Timing: I'm excited and plan to book as soon as the schedules open for our birthday month. If there is a price drop later, will Celebrity offer anything (OBC, Upgrade, etc.)?

2. If not, it looks like Celebrity allows you to cancel up to three months out without penalty. Could I cancel and rebook at the lower rate? (provided there are still staterooms available in the desired category.) 

3. Is there any advantage to booking through a travel agent over booking directly with Celebrity?

Thank you in advance for any insights.

Hi all,

I am well aware that standard wisdom dictates that I carry on my CPAP device and not trust it to the porters at the cruise terminal. But when it comes to what to carry and what to entrust to the porters, I'm sure you will agree there is a sliding scale of risk and in the end, it all depends on your own risk tolerance and level of dependence on the device in question. So, with that in mind....

How, if at all, would using a foam lined hard case to transport a CPAP machine influence your level of risk tolerance in giving your CPAP device to a porter instead of carrying it on.

It's the kind of metal case used to transport sensitive electronics. I used it previously to fly to New Orleans with ghost hunting equipment and the indentations in the foam are customizable so I can make it fit my CPAP machine snuggly.

What are your thoughts? Would that be enough to overcome any misgiving you you'd have?

I get crafty and make ears. I start with cheep fascinators from Amazon. I cut the ears from cheep mickey headbands and embellish with odds and ends from the craft store. A little hot glue, a few beads, flowers, and feathers, and voila! It's an intimate personal touch for those you love and it's a lot of fun to do.

DH and I get 3 weeks off a year and we get to pick when. Starting 2011 I will have earned 4 weeks vacation and plan on using my "extra" week to treat my adult daughters to, you guessed it, a cruise!:D

On sea days I loved loosening up in the whirlpool then using the elyptical trainer then cooling down with some tai chi (on my own - not a class) in the empty aerobics room then finishing off with a detoxifying steam bath followed by a spa shower then return to my cabin to dress for dinner. It was a lovely transition from daytime frolic to evening sophistication.

I had a little mesh "bucket" I used to bring my personal bath products with me, even my razor and toothbrush.

Inquiring minds want to know! Taking this trip in Nov and would love a preview of coming attractions.

I got a pair of cute "retro" halter swim suits that are rouched all over and though they do not have true "skirts" the rouching does come down over the thighs almost to the level of the crotch. The whole thing makes for an updated version of an "old Hollywood" look. Best of all, it doesn't sag or drip when wet. I ordered them from Spiegel and love them.

Reply to rude person of *any* genre or demographic:

"I am so glad you got that out of your system! I hope you will be able to enjoy your cruise now. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."

:D