mahdnc

Same. 3 CC points were added to our account within the past few hours.

Yes, because you're not playing just against the dealer. That's fairly common when the situation presents itself.

Yes, the registration fee has gone up for blackjack and slot tournaments. Yes, you start of with $500 in play chips Only rule modification I can think of is 2:1 payout for a natural.

Earlier this month, I was on a TA cruise aboard Constellation. When we docked at Nassau, we were berthed right next to Infinity. And so I was able to take some photos of the Royal Suite balconies on the port side of the ship from our Deck 8 balcony.

Hi. I did post a review of our GBR cruise (Celebrity Solstice) which we did in Jan 2018. We are a family of 4 certified scuba divers and we dove the GBR on 4 different days of the cruise. Planning the scuba excursions was extremely difficult as information was hard to come by which is why I wrote the review. It was a learning experience. So although the review and its information is older than you would like, you might find it useful since I wrote it for people like you in mind. I realize that you are sailing on Carnival but I am guessing that a lot of the information would still be useful.

It is also worth looking at the Australia and New Zealand forum for more information.

Well written review. Thanks. We hope to be back on board Solstice for Christmas next year.

We are not allowed to make unsolicited recommendations for excursion companies, however you have asked which allows me to reveal the three companies that we used in my "Live" tour description which I would highly recommend: 1. Napier: we used Hawke's Bay Escapes for a tour of their farm as well as doing a trap shoot. This tour was clearly the family favorite for this cruise. The farm is located in a beautiful area. The tour is unique and is run by a lovely family. 2. Wellington: we used uTours for a private tour of Wellington. Suzee and Jo specialize in conducting private tours for small groups. 3. Dunedin: we had an outstanding private wildlife tour of the Otago Peninsula by Elm Wildlife Tours.

I posted a "Live" thread during our cruise to New Zealand aboard Solstice. We called on all of the ports that you listed except for Christchurch as Solstice anchored at nearby Akaroa instead. Anyway I am sure that my "Live" thread has much of the information that you are seeking. Here is the link:

I pretty much had been everywhere on Constellation during my 15 night cruise (except for the gym, sadly) but I don't remember seeing this!! Located down low and towards the center of the ship, maybe I should have spent time there riding out the day I was seasick.

It's a pleasure to follow along with you. I learned something from your cabin photos. I think you're having a good cruise so far and you have many more days in front of you.

I see. Thank you for the explanation and obviously I feel for you with regards to the stress and extra cost. We took a Constellation TA last month from Civitavecchia. I heard that one couple (Cruise Critic members) who was on Constellation on the prior sailing came down with COVID. They had intended to take the TA as well. Anyway when Constellation arrived at Civitavecchia on Oct 22, they were taken off the ship. My understanding is that at least one of them required hospitalization.

Ok. I see what you mean. Thanks.

Interesting. Why do you call your ocean view "semi" private? Do you remember the balcony cabin number that was offered to you?

@baggal, Thanks for your detailed and informative writeup. I re-read it several times to understand your comment about not wanting to go to Italy ever again and I couldn't make the connection as to why. Can you please elaborate a little on that?

In regards to the comments that people like the Tuscan Grille location on S class vs M class because of the aft views of the wake, I understand. However I much prefer the M class location because that allows the MDR to have the aft view.

The answer is Nov 15. We took a Christmas/NYE cruise to NZ out of Sydney in 2019 before the shutdown. It was idyllic. We spent NYE see Milford Sound.

I did not see one crew member or officer without a mask during the TA. Except the performers.

Very nice photos!

So no Panamax ships?. Super Panamax only?

I see. Any idea which ships will be doing the full Panama Canal transit?

I was on the sailing before yours. Your description of the Oceanview Cafe layout for breakfast is spot on. As far as the dark ship decor goes, I'm curious if you've been on other Celebrity ships for comparison. David

I think the ship was the good

No, it means slightly reduced housekeeping and forgoing Belgian Waffles.

It's more like they got you off the ship because they are not equipped to deal with it.