cruise kitty

No one ever shows any love for the Laphroaig 😉 

2 hours ago, Lois R said:

Well, I had to pay......just got off the phone for a 3rd call.  Seems there have been ALOT of people who choose to skip out on paying so of course we folks who do pay are the ones being penalized. The lady was very courteous and tried to explain it all to me......the nurse did give me wrong information. I don't think she did it intentionally.  I even asked if I could give them 1/2......she said they don't take partial payments (which is really unheard of)......but I did not want to get into a ------- match with them. I need the procedure.  She gave me a breakdown of each item.......procedure, anesthesiology, etc........and what the cost is and what the allowable is.........etc...etc...etc.........Oh well.  I gave her a credit card.

Lois, everything I've had done in the hospital last 2 months, they have made me pre pay... I have blue shield...  they've had me prepay copay part for the hospital, but said I will be billed for the Dr. part separately.. The 'fun" part is that they wouldn't let me pay over phone, it's always right before check in for procedure...  so they've been adding an hour to the waiting time... in other words:  procedure at 2pm, please show up at 11 & pay, now wait for hours...  bleh.      I know I should be checking on pricing more, but honestly I'm to the point where I just hand them the credit card 

19 hours ago, slidergirl said:

Debbie - wow.  I don't know how you got through all this time with the lungs that bad.  Good to know that the drainage worked to make you feel better.  I just hope it keeps getting better and better.  Take it easy on yourself.

Sherri - another cruise!  Just fab - totally enjoy it!  

 

It's my lazy day.  Tomorrow I'll get my shopping done

thank you!  Oddly, it's only the right lung, so I think having one function helped... might have to have a bit more drained, but it wasn't that bad, so I'm up for it if needed 🙂

Enjoy your lazy day!   tomorrow I finally get to drive again 😉

We were on the Reflection in May 2019...  it was announced then that after the 2019 season, Dublin was no longer interested in cruise ships doing port stops...  commercial cargo has a better return for the city.  

Surprised Celebrity left this so long, but highly doubt it's a vast conspiracy 🙂

Sherri, apex does look amazing!  & I read nothing but good things about the MDR's.  🙂. Have a wonderful cruise!

Melody, somehow after all that your nails still look great 🙂

Melody, what beautiful flowers & vase!  & your cast, yikes!  it's huge...  I pictured something smaller...  how much longer do yo have to wear it?

Lois, thank goodness of drugs that knock you out 🙂.  I know this is stressful, but at least they can make it as comfortable as possible...  I'm hoping for you that you can keep your cruise...  it'll be a great way to celebrate & relax after this...

Ladies, I have some good (for me) medical news...  I don't know if anyone remembers my pneumonia from January...  well, it never got better, only worse...  the last 6 weeks I've been a human pincushion & endless test subject... they drained almost 2 liters of fluid from my right chest on Thursday...  & I slept for almost 26 hours after that...  was able to breathe for the first time in a long time 🙂.  They tested it for lots of very bad things...  & it all came back negative yesterday!  No cancer, no mesothelioma, & few others.    

I didn't write here as I'm not sure if my kids look at this, & I didn't want to say anything to them till I had results...  I'm super relieved, taking some crazy antibiotics that have me sleeping non stop, & feeling dopey...  hoping to slowly get back to walking daily when I'm allowed, & then getting back to hiking & hopefully running again 🙂

I kept my May cruise reservation...  I figured either way, I was going to need it...  I'll have to scale back some of our hiking plans, & probably spend more time relaxing than usual, but how lucky am I that right now it looks like I can go forward with that 🙂

& Lois, I have so much empathy & understanding about how difficult it is to get things scheduled, especially if you're feeling very sick... I never realized before how much power the people who send over referrals & schedule things like CT scans & biopsies have over whether you get better or not... 

Anyway, that's my story 🙂

Lois, sending more good wishes your way!

absolutely the HAL cruise,  the Refection itinerary is wonderful, but it'll be a furnace in most of the ports mid-summer

Try for the Med in Spring or Fall 🙂 another time

2 hours ago, Lois R said:

Hi girls, went to the Doc.......first, she is really nice so happy about that.......she explained quite a bit of stuff to me it got a bit confusing and I started to cry........she was really empathic.  I took a few minutes to gather myself..

 

So anyway, she gave me a pelvic exam and they took 3 test tubes of blood. I am having a procedure next week. Have to go to the hospital for it.  They have only one way to really check what is going on inside me......she seemed pretty sure  that it is not a malignancy.......but they need to check inside me for truer answers.

I should probably be able to go home the same day......so outpatient most likely.

This is not surgery.....but a more detailed exam of the cervix/uterus with a camera.. So she is not cutting.  (thankfully). But I am being put under so will be asleep.  Let us hope it is not malignant........

 

Anyway, just wanted to let you know what happened. 

 

Thank you for the update Lois, sounds like a wonderful Dr.   & so glad to hear no cutting.... sending more hugs your way...  & grateful that you have a Dr. who really cares 🙂 

5 hours ago, TeeRick said:

Hello @cruise kitty !  We are trying to finally get to Iceland leaving on Celebrity Silhouette Aug 29th this year out of Southampton.  A few stops in Ireland and UK too.  We have had two other pandemic cancellations for Iceland so hoping this one finally goes!  Anyway we have been thinking of a car rental but... can you tell us about road signs, or other possible disadvantages for two people who only primarily speak English?  Any other tips?  We were leaning on trying one of the many excellent private tour groups but not sure which ones are still operating post-pandemic and if we can actually get off in Iceland on our own at this point.

Hi Rick,

it was surprisingly easy to navigate there,  I prepurchased a really good map, & completely laid out our itinerary for both days...  road signs seemed similar to what we have in the states, ( I don't remember ever being confused)  & pretty much everyone there speaks English.  If you're going to drive the Golden Circle the signs pointing out turnouts are very clearly marked (& you can't miss the big tour coaches). 

We also watched on You Tube several videos on driving the golden circle, driving to the blue lagoon... etc.    

Our private tour in Akureyri was with Saga, & they were excellent !

best wishes for you getting to go, our kids are hopefully going on same cruise in June for a much belated honeymoon 🙂 

5 hours ago, Kapsgirl said:

Thank you.  We will look into that company.  What a bummer for your husband.  Did they only have 4 fishing poles available?  

it was the space available, & how long it took them to get people organized & to the fishing site....the operator Celebrity contracted had nothing ready...  so by the time they reached the site, there was an hour left for 6 people to fish, 4 of whom hd never fished before.....  they did see whales though 🙂

Personally, Murano's location is just a big turn off, zero sea views, it's like dining in an inside cabin, however, the food is fabulous...

I've always enjoyed Tuscan...& the views are unbeatable...  esp. if you can get a reservation at sail away time, it's a wonderful way to start a cruise 🙂

On 1/30/2022 at 11:31 AM, CCJack said:

We also did the hike at the top of Mt. Roberts tram, we really enjoyed it.   The tram itself was crowded, but once you start hiking at the top we only ran across a few groups of people.    The views are spectacular.   Fairly easy hiking, dirt trails, some big rocks to step over, a few places with stairs and decking for views.     We had nearly 80F weather so we actually got quite warm.   If cold, there is not a lot of wind protection up there so my guess is it could get cold.    Have fun.....

Did you take the tram up, & then start walking?     We hiked from ship to top of tram...two very different things...

22 hours ago, Kapsgirl said:

Hi. I wasn’t able to locate any reviews of the Knudson Cove Salmon Fishing in Ketchikan through Royal Caribbean.  The excursion is 4.5 hrs for $159 per person (4-6 people on boat).  In comparison to other fishing excursions offered this seems like an incredible deal which makes me wonder if I am missing something. Has anyone taken this fishing excursion at the Knudson Cove Marina?  Any feedback on the quality of the fishing experience….just wondering how it is different from the other fishing excursions that are $380+ per person.  Thank you!!

 

RCI Cruise Planner description:

Experience a dynamic salmon fishing voyage in the "Salmon Capital of the World", as you embark on a guided charter from Ketchikan's Knudson Cove Marina. Enjoy a scenic drive along Tongass Narrows channel, as your guide shares about the area's history and angling culture. Travel by water to prime fishing grounds alongside a Coast Guard-licensed captain, where you'll reel in a prized catch. Admire breathtaking Alaskan scenery while potentially seeing whales, seals, and bald eagles. KEVF

 

• Guided Fishing Charter: Join a Coast Guard-licensed captain on an exhilarating fishing trip, where you'll reel in a prized catch.
• Commentated Drive: Travel through the "Salmon Capital of the World", as your guide expounds on the area's illustrious fishing history.
• Wildlife Sightings: Relish stunning Alaskan vistas while fishing, as you might catch sight of seals, whales, and soaring bald eagles.

 Hi there, my husband did this though Celebrity Cruises last year.   It was bad, heartbreakingly so....  of the 6 people on the excursion, 2 didn't even get to fish, (my husband included)

There is a company called:  Baronof Fishing located in Ketchikan, their boats are a very easy, slow 10 minute walk from where you're docked.

https://exclusivealaska.com

We used them for our second week in Alaska (B2B).  it was an absolutely glorious day of fishing, whale watching, wildlife sightings...I personally don't like to fish, & had the best time!  They supply all the gear & protective clothing/equipment.   

Since they have a whole fleet at their disposal, they are talking with other captains over the radio about where the good action is, or where whales have been spotted.   I can't recommend them enough. 

1 minute ago, Lois R said:

And I haven't slept well the last 2 nights. Probably thinking about the Dr stuff. I napped somewhat today but I hope I can sleep better tonight.

Lois, sending hugs your way 🙂   

33 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hi PH, thanks for that information. Good to know!.......I thought I found a different Dr (closer to where I live) but after multiple phone calls I found out he does not accept my insurance plan👎.☹️.........so I need to call my GYN back on Monday and they need to re fax my records to the Dr I mentioned in my first post.  His office is further away but I certainly cannot do this procedure without insurance! They do accept my plan.   Weird thing is, the one who doesn't....well their office accepts FL Blue Select (which is what I have) but not my particular plan number...........I was going a bit nuts today. But I will just take a breath and start fresh on Monday.  (I hope that all made sense).  

Lois, I completely understand what you're going through with the insurance, it's so very frustrating...  I hope you're able to work it out & get the easier route for the biopsy... so wrong that you are having something that needs biopsy, & yet you are expected to jump though hoops to make it happen the right way...  hopefully on Monday everyone can get stuff in order for you to get the biopsy...& still sending good thoughts your way for a clear outcome 🙂 

40 minutes ago, sptrout said:

Apparently my comments about our waiter have been misconstrued. We actually thought that our waiter was one of the best we have ever had. Sharp memory, greeted us by name every night (as all did even the bread server), always remembered even minor requests such as no potatoes for me.

 

For all I know the MDR menu thing may have been a one night issue when comparing similar beef dishes. As nearly everyone in the restaurant, he was from India and wore a mask so it was many times difficult to understand exactly what he was saying. We always ask the waiter for their recommendations and he would just point to the dish(es) that he suggested. A lot easier that way. That was the one situation where wearing a mask was a problem; neither one of us could fully understand each other. 

 

If we were on the Reflection now, we would ask for the same waiter.

Nice of you to come back & report that your waiter was good, most people wouldn't bother 🙂.  

50 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hi girls, have some news today.......I went to the GYN today as a follow up (had a visit in Nov). He wanted me to have an ultrasound of my ovaries.  (Family history and all that).......My mom died of Ovarian back in 1993.   Anyway,  there are 2 cysts on my left ovary that are showing up and so now I have to go see an Oncologist.  Ironically,  I will be seeing the same Dr who treated my Mom all those years ago. I remember him very well and our family really liked him a lot.  Now, hopefully this will not be cancer....but my Doc was definitely in the mind set of having it checked out.......he said there are 2 cysts next to each other....one larger........the 2 of them = about 1.75 inches in length. I saw the pictures from the Ultra sound and you can definitely see them. The Dr's office is sending all the paperwork to the other Dr's office and they are supposed to call me to set up a consult for the first appt......that probably won't happen till Monday. 

 

Anyway,  if you could send a good thought this way, I would really appreciate it.🙂

sending good thoughts you way Lois,  hope they get you in fast, & it turns out as benign as possible 🙂 

This really doesn't seem right,   I know there are some people on this board who have the Celebrity Resolutions dept. email or numbers, maybe someone will pop in & provide that for you 

Best of luck with this !

stick at it, & escalate...  they did the same thing for our Alaska cruise last year (we had 4 FCC). they tried use two, & charged our credit card for the rest of cruise....I really had to jump through hoops to get it all sorted.    Again, ask for the resolutions department

she approached it with, Are you on a low sodium diet?"  I definitely am not lol....it's a complete mystery to me...  

& congrats on you A1C level 🙂....  hopefully you can avoid the additional meds with some diet changes... for myself, sometimes the benefits of the meds are outweighed by the side effects...  since the steriods & Zpak, my stomach has not been happy...  at all...

have a good night 🙂

 I got my blood work results back today...  Dr. told me I should eat less carbs (they must just say that to everyone, cause I really don't eat carbs as it is). & apparently I need to increase my salt intake WTH?   

Also, I have too much calcium in my blood...  again, WTH?  

So, for dinner, I had two low carb beers (2.2 carbs each) with a bunch of Tajin Salt...Dr.'s orders lol 😉 

1 hour ago, awhfy said:

We’ll my thumb surgery is this Friday!  I went & had a Covid test this afternoon (24-48 hours before I know). I’ll be away from computer for awhile. Melody

Melody,  I hope everything goes smoothly, & this is the last big medical of you in a very, very long time 🙂

20 hours ago, GenerationX said:

I’m all dressed and sitting down for my first night dinner in Eden.  Btw Celebrity, if you’re lurking this review, I’m sure you know that putting a Tiffany’s between me and the most unique bar and restaurant on the ship is TOTALLY the equivalent of a snake dropping smoothly out of a tree and offering me (aka “Eve”) allll the aqua bagged sparkling temptation…I see what you did there, Celebrity. Pretty witty.

 

After dinner I will be at guest services putting some cash on my onboard account (because how much of my own hard earned money that I spend on jewelry and handbags on this cruise is my own business that my husband doesn’t need to see show up on our joint Celebrity credit card account).
 

Well played, Celebrity.  Well played.

 

 

 

 

Wow!   You look amazing!

4 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

The cold kept me inside most of the day yesterday. That and the realization that my move is getting pretty close -- it's sort of like the "last push" to pack up and move things to the condo that I don't want the movers to get their paws on. 

 

Unfortunately DS has been quite closely exposed to COVID -- the friend he had dinner with on Thursday (and rode with to and from the restaurant, ~ an hour total in the car with no masks) tested positive for COVID yesterday. Oh dear....  DS went to get some tests and tested negative yesterday but too soon to celebrate.

 

 

Best wishes for him to do well with this 🙂, hopefully he stays asymptomatic or negative  & no after effects 🙂 & good luck with the final push for the big move 🙂