renroc13

On 3/31/2022 at 9:31 PM, gotscrapz said:

I almost took a car service that has e Celine t reviews for roughly $200 USD including all fees, gas etc and 18% gratuity. .  I have never used them but could DM the info if you like. Their correspondence was professional even when I cancelled my cooking. 

Please forward the info. I could not find. Car service.

On 3/31/2022 at 2:25 AM, lovecruzin said:

Several years ago we rented a car at YVR and dropped it at BLI. 

Cars look like a two day rental now and $600. Very frustrated. Can fly nonstop o today Seattle.

On 3/6/2022 at 5:55 PM, martincath said:

Further to Dennis' answer:

1) probably not - as crossing the US land border by car or bus does not need a Covid test now (if vaxxed!) and restrictions seem to be lightening rather than tightening. You currently have to answer screening questions, confirming no symptoms, no contact with people who have Covid etc. so I'd assume that will remain in place.

2) Yep, that's definitely not a train - while a couple of weeks ago Amtrak website had started listing trains available for booking from June 3rd, they were in the usual timeslots of ~7am and ~6pm with all other departures by bus. I was checking yesterday and those trains have disappeared entirely again, with only 4 daily buses now listed - so Amtrak are obviously still pondering on when to restore the train services.

3) Of course - but the costs will be likely more variable than in the past! Back in the day you could safely assume booking far in advance would be either very expensive, or have a specific extra 'drop fee' for one-way rentals - but as time moved closer to departure date and each rental fleet had a better idea of how balanced Northbound and Southbound trips were the prices got keener and drop fees disappeared. I literally never failed to find a major rental agency offering a one-way price under $100 on any date I've plugged in - provided you weren't picky about car style. If you're a big group with only one driver, who therefore need a large SUV or Minivan, prices could get scary even in The Before Times.

 

But now, with tourism still very much in recovery mode, who the heck knows! I'd plug your dates into Costco (if you're a member) or Kayak and see what prices for rentals come up...

We are scheduled for Sept 11 returning the 22. So far a two day rental only one way…no one day rentals and prices over 600.

14 hours ago, lovecruzin said:

Several years ago we rented a car at YVR and dropped it at BLI. 

I am also looking for a rental or service that will drive us other than a bus which could take a long time at customs. So far there are no one way rentals from Vancouver to Seattle for overnight. One must rent for two days for a price of $600. Very frustrated. Flights from Vancouver are all connecting.. 

15 hours ago, LMaxwell said:

It's not our jobs to guard the door; we should share information that may help others.  For additional names try LinkedIn and follow the format of first initial/last name @ celebritycruises.com 

 

https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/celebrity-cruises/

 

mail Contacts

cfeedcci@celebritycruises.com
celebrityonetouch@celebrity.com

---

Executive Contacts

Primary Contact
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo
President and CEO
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
lLutoff-Perlo@celebritycruises.com

Can also try: Tanji Smith, Executive Office, Celebrity Cruises, 877-290-5881

 

Secondary Contact
Jason Liberty
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
jliberty@celebritycruises.com

Thank you....this is not a complaint from us but something that occurred to an employee that we feel should be looked into. Sometimes people need a voice in a system as large as this.

I have worked with people in professional settings for years and don't understand the protection of phone or email contacts. I am certain they have enough staff to manage the "crazies" out there contacting them and those issues. I dealt with homicide and suicide threats and contacted any one I needed to.

I will try these.....Karen

37 minutes ago, luv2cruisemore said:

When I had a problem with X last year, I found her Twitter account. I tweeted and got a call from an assistant within a few hours.  One of the advantages of social media.

Thank you...this is a detailed letter but I will do that just to get someones attention if I cant find a more direct access. We have sailed with Celebrity over 25 years and while I love their product I have some questions about their management people.

34 minutes ago, luv2cruisemore said:

When I had a problem with X last year, I found her Twitter account. I tweeted and got a call from an assistant within a few hours.  One of the advantages of social media.

This is something I think corporate needs to know from the top.  I had contacted the last President almost 10 years ago with an issue which could have been a long term liability for the line after no one responded for over a month.  I got an immediate answer from his office.  So I always go to the top first. In fact Celebrity took action and changed the flooring of the second Solstice Class ship.

50 minutes ago, Want2Cruise 701 said:

Just an FYI that the llutoff-perlo@celebritycruises.com does not go to her or even remotely close to her.  It is picked up in the service center in Wichita, KS.  Just thought I would share in case you came across this address.  It is perfectly fine for customer service issues though.

That is why i was asking...thank you.

Hello

We have sailed with Lisa several times and am looking to email her a note.  Does anyone have a recent or best email address that we can use to contact her?

Thank You

Karen

8 minutes ago, Host Anne said:

Hi Karen and Len ~ yep, I'm the same Anne as you met on the Solstice inaugural.  I hope you enjoy your sailing on Edge.  I do think a lot  of it has to do with expectations.  Knowing what to expect prepares people so they aren't disappointed.  This is definitely a different class of ship than the M- or S-class ships.  We much prefer the S-class ships and just booked Equinox for the fourth time.  But if E-class ship pricing ever comes down, we'd consider it again for the right itinerary.  

 

Have a GREAT time!!!!

Good to hear from you....

We think we know what to expect on The Edge and know it will be "different." I am hoping to see some of our old staff members on-board as we have heard they were pulled for the opening.  Now that Len is retired and we are back in S Florida (he was actually born in Miami) we have finally been able to book some of those BtB's and use the ships as transports to Europe on the TA's.  We were on the Barcelona to BA run in November followed by the BA to BA.  It was a fabulous trip.

So glad to see you are still posting.  We keep meeting the same people all of the time.  It is a wonderful way to live! I do however suspect we will still be on both the S and the M Class most.

Best,

Karen

On 1/22/2019 at 4:44 PM, Host Anne said:

 

The day we were in Grand Cayman, the seas were rough so they used local tenders instead of Celebrity "launches" (new tender name).  We really wanted to try the new Celebrity tender but didn't happen on this trip.

I believe but am not certain that there are contracts in certain ports where the ships must use the local tenders.  I was told that years ago but am not certain if that is the case.

Karen

I have been following these posts ever since Anne posted and thank you all for the updates. 

Anne..I think we were on the opening of the Solstice with you if you were on the Inaugural sailing.  Unless it was another Anne. Len and I have been married to the "S" Class since they launched and spend at least 4-8 weeks on them a year.  

We are also on the March 3rd sailing and booked when I saw a 45% off last year.  I would not book onboard when we saw the prices they were asking.  I feel we are well prepared by all of you with what to expect.  We spoke with Lisa on the President's sailing several years ago and know that Celebrity is trying to "rebrand" and at the same time keep us happy.  It will certainly be a challenge.

We know what to expect.  We have booked an IV but will certainly miss my mega balcony this trip (which will only be 7 days.)

Thank you all for the posts.  We will be looking for those quiet corners you have posted about.

Karen (and Len)

On 1/11/2019 at 11:53 AM, Jim_Iain said:

We spent 7 days in BA after our cruise ended in an Airbnb in Palermo.   While we had heard all the warnings of having to be careful and not wear expensive jewelry, We found BA to be one of the safest cities we have ever visited.   Possibly because we were staying outside the crowded activity on Santa Fe walking street.  We never felt unsafe walking even at night time.  I would have to say that I feel less safe in places like Barcelona and Rome. 

 

We found that you can obtain local currency very easily at most ATM's and if you have an ATM Card which rebates transaction fees it is the only way to go.   As others say almost everywhere we went from 5 star restaurants to coffee shops credit cards are welcomed.   The sole exception we found was a small Chinese grocery shop near our apartment that would accept ATM cards but not credit cards.  

 

For getting around BA the Subway is a very inexpensive way to zip around town.   You can buy a Transit Card at most Tobacco Shops and top up as needed.   The transit cards are unique to most areas I have visited in that you can use a single card for multiple people - so one card is all you need. 

 

Finally -  We mostly used Uber in lieu of cabs.   The prices are approximately 25% below cab fare and the fare is automatically charged to your credit card that you set up at home.    One warning I had been told is that you should set up Uber before arriving as some credit cards are rejected if tried to set up while in BA.

Great post...please note Uber is blocked by the port.  Our friends were not able to get Uber until they came with our guide and were transported a mile away.  Not certain if that is always the case.  Our guide used What Ap to call an Uber as their downloaded one did not work...and then they needed cash.  I believe you will be safe if you take precautions and treat this like any other high crime tourist place.  I also am always very careful in Barcelona and read of all the current scams.

Karen

We had no jewelry, a credit card and a little cash in a money belt.  It was nice to see my diamond ring when I got home.  No seriously we were very prepared.  A hint about money...we had a private guide for the day so we did not need local money. I did find the water bottle man and the magnet man willing to take dollars at a kiosk.  We did not stay in BA after or before the cruise as we were on the re-positioning from Barcelona and gone 5 weeks. We hired a car service to meet us at the port and bring us to Holiday Inn at the airport to spend the day for a day rate since our flight was so late.  The good restaurants take credit cards and the car was prepaid so we needed no cash and gave tips in dollars.  All the other countries accepted dollars. We got back Dec 23.

Karen

We will be going on the March 3rd sailing (just got off 5 weeks on the Eclipse...my favorite balcony.) We have read the reviews and I have not been surprised by what we have read.  During the Q and A with Lisa 2 years ago on The Presidents Cruise I got the answer to my question..."What is Celebrity doing to ensure it stays vibrant as many of its customers (like us) age?" We know other lines that have had problems and suspected Celebrity was going to put a product out that would not be like the things we like most.

I was able to book on a 45 percent off sale I saw 8 months ago as I refused to pay 6000 as they wanted on board when we looked for 7 days out of FLL.  We know what to expect...we are keeping an open mind...we do have an infinity balcony but are not impressed with the chairs and table out there. I love my 1A bump outs!!!

We live in Delray Beach so this is an easy run for us.

Karen

We just completed the BtB Barcelona to BA and BA to BA.  There is a lot going on in BA right now and the port was a major disaster for arrival on Dec 9th.  It was the first time a ship this size (Eclipse) docked.  Luckily they were able to resolve some issue by the time we disembarked after the second cruise.  The staff was overwhelmed (we spoke with senior staff) but as I said they were able to do better on the next sailing.

The luggage was hand carried out of the ship...we watched as the luggage went out below our stateroom 8252.  We did have to leave from the 5th floor and the ramps were extremely steep.  People getting onboard had no idea this would be the situation and were very surprised as they got on with carry on luggage. Apparently they are hoping BA will build a cruise port and The President was at the ship the morning we got off for the day. By the second sailing they were able to secure another place for passengers to disembark so the 1.5 hour wait was gone and we walked right off after arranging to be out 90 minutes early for our ride.

We booked a private transport to the Holiday Inn at the airport as we got a day rate...our flight was changed to 11:50PM.

We were told walk off was not allowed in this port and there were many shuttles waiting to transport us to the terminal.  Once we disembarked the luggage went very smoothly.  

We rented in Moorea several years ago while we stayed for 5 nights. Very easy to drive around the entire island. There is a lookout point to drive up to as well. Just check on the travel sites to see where to stop.

Karen

We used the bus in Tahiti and booked a tour to see the other side of the Island. Make certain where you are going there. It is a much bigger and busier area.

Karen

Thank you for responding.

 

I’m hoping to find out if there is an overwater bungalow hotel that we can easily get to from the ship and back. As lovely as Bora Bora is, I don’t want to get left behind!

Make certain to book taxis to and from. Or have the hotel arrange it.

K

We will be arriving in Tahiti Sunday April 29 at 9:30 pm for an 11 night Windstar Cruise that departs Thursday May 3. Any suggestions regarding how we should spend those pre-Cruise days?

 

Thanks!!

We did that a few years ago but spent a longer period of time. Get an entire Island tour with one of the tour companies with good reviews. Or take the ferry 30-40 min to Moorea and book an overwater bungalow for a few days. Heaven.

Karen

We are sailing to Tahiti next year and all I really wanted to do was spend a night in one of the overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. I knew it was going to be pricey but it is a once in a lifetime, bucket list experience. I was stunned, however, to see that it is offered as an excursion by HAL for the "bargain basement price" of $1,299 PER PERSON (sarcasm intended).

 

Has anyone done this independently? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

We stayed in Moorea for a week a few years ago. We decided to book the over-water bungalow at The Hilton for at least one night and when we got there switched for the week. I don't know when you are going but that can determine the rate too. We will be on the re-positioning of The Solstice (Celebrity) in April and I just decided to get off the ship in Papeete...take the ferry to Moorea...book the over water bungalow at the Hilton...and pick up the ship when it gets to Moorea the next day. Hilton special rate for Honors was about 650.. Hope this gives you some info.

Thank you....someone posted the phone contact for me on the Celebrity thread. Paperwork done. We will be able to get off in Papeete and take the ferry to Moorea and spend the night. We stayed in both Papeete and Moorea in the past. We will then reboard the ship in Moorea. Back to our overwater bungalow.

Karen

Like you said.....it took 10 minutes.

Thanks Again,

Karen

We are early risers; what’s the earliest that we can get coffee somewhere? I don’t know if our suite has a coffee maker.

 

Your sherry story makes me wonder what the vodka choices on board are! If anyone knows or knows where to find a drink menu, I’d appreciate it!

The main ice bar has dozens and dozens of vodka bottles. I asked my husband how many and he said ..."a lot."

Karen

Every line has it own attractions. We have sailed primarily with Celebrity the past 20 years. When we bring children we usually go to RC. I have sailed Princess, Regents and others many years ago. What one finds most on Celebrity (especially the crossings and positioning cruises) are their loyal customers who we meet over and over again.

We like to read a lot and these ships have more places to sit than RC and others that have taken the areas to add entertainment activities, Shopping arcades, and places for parades (all wonderful!!)

They seem to be doing a little better with the quality of lectures. My husband is a college professor so we are not always the easiest to please. Some speakers are much better than others. Some have great material but are not the best deliverers. But there are plenty of activities when not in ports.

The cafe suits our needs better than Royal Caribbean and Princess and we have been happy with some of the extended choices on Celebrity. Some say the food on Celebrity is better but I found the food just as good in the DR on RC. Not the cafe though. And all ships have cut corners with food the last 15 years.

The price point for Celebrity is wonderful for what it is...the next closest venue for us would be more $$$$$.

The staff is wonderful and feels like family especially if you have been on a btb btb btb as we did last year.

Medical facilities excellent.

You can find a place on the ship to sit and actually feel alone....

I always read reviews carefully. A review of a very hectic port cruise will be different from mine. If someone on a Med Cruise was complaining about crowds in the cafe that will happen with any port intensive trip as everyone gets back on board at the same time and runs for food. Timing is different for all on sea days.

All ships have different staff and can differ slightly in how they manage things. Celebrity is doing what it can to attract younger people so there is a mix which I find very refreshing. I am certain (sure) they are struggling with this process to make everyone happy. As we age we prefer to be with a mix of people on a vibrant line.

On another note...I feel the cruise lines are treat their staff much better than they did years ago. And I had a roommate many years ago who jumped ship in SA and said she was flying home. Yes the hours are brutal but we have found staff in places around the world who have opened up their own little businesses after being on board for years.

You can also write in food for room service and if they have it available they will usually bring it.

Hope this is helpful.

Karen

Thank you. That was exactly what I was looking for. We have spent a week in both Papeete and Moorea our last trip before cruising for seven days on The Paul Gauguin. Last trip we took the ferry over to Moorea and as I was planning this trip I thought why not take the ferry over and spend the night in an overwater room. We did that last trip and it was wonderful.

Enjoy India.

Karen