avcruz

First we had to wait in line at a self service terminal to check in and get our luggage tags. We had been traveling for 2 and a half weeks so needless to say we had a lot of luggage. The tag printer ran out so we had to get someone to come and refill it then start the whole process all over again because the computer timed out our session. Then we had to drag our luggage to the end end of the departures hall and stand in another line to actually turn over our luggage. With a party of 6 and 2 of them being over 80, it was very difficult. On top of that you then had to clear airport security and then USA Customs. It was the longest most arduous flight check in process I had ever experienced.

Oh dear, that does sound unfortunate. On the plus side, when you arrived at the other end, it was all done already so you could just collect your bags and go home!

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When we flew out of Vancouver we hired a van via a limo service. It worked very well. I THINK it was Star Limo service. Not cheap but really fast and stress free.

 

The Vancouver airport is one of my very least favorite airports. Just one line after another. The luggage check in process was rediculous!

Just curious as to how the luggage check-in at YVR differs from other airports?

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The Sheraton Libertador is the one...not the convention center one. LuAnn

Another vote for the Sheraton. Have stayed twice and loved it.

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Just a few points of clarification:

It's the Pan Pacific Hotel, not the Pan American.

It's SkyTrain or Canada Line not AirTrain.

We don't have Uber in Vancouver.

That same taxi company with the Prius (yes most of our cabs are Prius, and yes in large part it's because of that "green" thing) does offer vans - I would definitely have asked.

But you are right - that the cabbie wouldn't know Canada Place, especially during cruise season, is inexcusable. I'm so sorry that your first impression was tainted by that cab ride. I hope you'll consider returning to Vancouver and staying a little longer - it really is lovely here.

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Hi guys, the cruise is getting closer. Still planning on driving, but thinking of maybe changing the route. Instead of heading south west and going through Indiana, Illonios, etc, I am thinking of going down i 75 from Canada down through to Cincinnati, and then i 71 to Louisville down to Nashville. Then head west over through Mamphis and onto i 40 where we would be coming the way I outlined earlier in this thread. The main reason for this is weather. We are worried about what the first day will bring, remember we are leaving in late February. Heading straight south will get us to warmer weather faster. Instead of stopping the first night in Indiana we would stop in Louisville Kentucky. Louisville is much warmer at that time of year then Indianapolis, or Terre Haute where we were originally going to stop.

 

 

 

Google maps says this route is actually shorter in distance, but 13 minutes longer in time.

 

 

 

What do you guys think?

Not sure if you're a CAA member or not, but if you are try getting a TripTik from them. It covers things like rest areas, road closures, construction and delays and can show you the most direct route. You can download to your tablet or phone too.

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Yes, Raffles is the place. It is kinda a must stop in Singapore. But it is expensive. We were there several years ago and at the time a Singapore Sling was $23. You are really paying for the experience more than the drink.

 

Jack

It was $32 this past December. But you're right, it's the experience, kinda like high tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria.

Adrienne

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I was using Starwood points for all accommodation on this trip, so we stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton in Singapore, the Royal Orchid Sheraton in Bangkok and the Sheraton in Nathan Road in Hong Kong. All were excellent.

In Singapore, we were on the river a number of km from the more touristy areas. There were a number of restaurants and bars in the area and it was a pleasant 30 minute walk along the river to the better known areas. It was also on the HOHO bus route.

In Bangkok we were also right on the river, the hotel had its own ferry, but we didn't spend much time in the hotel, as we had a fairly busy agenda.

In Hong Kong we were in Kowloon, in the the middle of shopping, close to the Star Ferry and transportation. There were lots of dining venues in the area.

I hope this helps.

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Hi Avecruz,

 

I was surprised and delighted to hear that the visa for Vietnam was only $6 USD. Did you have to take visa pictures with you?

 

Thank you for posting your experience. This is helpful.

 

Jonathan

We took photos because we understood we'd need them, but they were never requested. They collected our passports before we arrived in Vietnam and used those photos to verify our visas. It was quite painless.

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We are doing this cruise in October2017, interested in private tours can you recommend any we want to do Bangkok on 1 day and pattya on the 2nd also do we need visas for Vietnam thanks for great info Olwen

We did this itinerary in December 2016 and used Oriental Escape http://www.orientalescape.com for our overnight tour. We were very happy with the service.

As far as a visa, that will depend upon your passport. As a Canadian, Celebrity issued the visas for us and charged our onboard account USD $6. You will probably do best to consult your govt travel website.

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Puppies???

Agricultural sniffer dogs.

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Yes......... BUT are they the large cocktail type of olives, or the pathetic small salad size that are usually found on cruise ships????

 

 

 

I once bought a jar of "proper" cocktail at the first port of call on a HAL cruise and the bartender in my favorite bar was happy to keep it there for my use for the duration of the cruise.

 

 

 

SM

They are large beautiful, stuffed olives. The almond stuffed ones are my favourite. [emoji39]

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If you're referring to the package that's put together by a local TA, they block space with the airline, hotel, etc. as well as the cruise line. They usually have to release the unsold space a certain amount of time before departure or be on risk of having to pay for unsold seats. I think 2 weeks prior would be too late.

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I'm sure in the past I've seen HP Sauce and Marmite along with other condiments in the buffet, so that's hardly new.

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Unless you are particular about your olives, I wouldn't bother bringing them. I would just request some from Crooners, they have a nice variety and every time I've asked they've been happy to give me a glass full.

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Free - and delicious - on the Millie in December.

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Groundhogs??? :eek::):D

Better than chair hogs... [emoji6][emoji1]

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Agree with the previous poster that said to wait until you get onboard to book. On the 3rd day of our 12 day cruise on the Millie we were offered the 3 dinner package for $90. We thought that was good value and enjoyed our meals in all the venues. Our one complaint, if you want to call it that, was the amount of food in Qsine. Too much for one couple, really.

You read incorrectly. There's been 9 homicides this year, all Looshan on Looshan crime and most gang related (although one was a domestic homicide and one s police involved shooting, although gang related also). None have been in main business or tourist areas or even areas tourists may wander into on accident.

As for the past crime in 2012 where a Celebrity shore excursions was robbed and the guide was insured (although not by the criminals themselves), the perpetrators were caught within four days and are in jail....

St Lucia is as safe or dangerous as most anywhere in the world. We rely heavily in tourist trade and do take steps to protect that, however there's still idiots just like anywhere. As always, take appropriate precautions, ve aware of your surroundings, dint flash large amounts of cash, secure tiur valuables, etc. Most crime against tourists is crime of opportunity, that is - not premeditated but rather they see a soft target and go for a quick grab, bags left unattended in the beach or someone wandering looking lost with phone in hand or similar - just as in many heavy tourist areas.

St Lucia is beautiful with mostly wonderful people, some beautiful scenery and great experiences - would be a bummer to miss out!

Thank you. Your post makes absolute sense. I wish there was a Like button on CC. :)

Hope your family member recovers soon.

We are due for another round of snow this afternoon, so you're not missing anything by being in the U.K. [emoji53]

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With cruise costs, plus travel costs, plus all other incidental costs spent during the entire vacation time, divided by the number of hours spent on the cruise, the figure they came up with was about $14 per hour to do their own laundry. For the two hours time spent for washing, drying and folding, that makes it nearly $30 - not much more than what it might cost to send the same items out for the ship to do it. And you get to relax while it is being done - which is what you are on vacation to do in the first place!

 

Do I understand you right? That you think it costs less than $30 for a load of laundry on Celebrity? [emoji848]

Try $94 on the Millennium two weeks ago!

I can understand why someone would want to do their own at those prices. [emoji44]

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It's not just an adapter that you have to consider. You may need a converter too to convert to the 220v. Some items, such as phone chargers and camera battery chargers are good for 110v to 240v, so you would only require the 2 pin adapter. Other items such as blow dryers would need to be dual voltage or you'll need a converter to step down the volts.

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You may also want to invest in an IDP (International Drivers Permit) before you go. It will translate your DL into 10 languages, including Italian. My in-laws were fined 200 Euros last year when they were pulled over and the Italian police officer was unable to read the drivers license.

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I'm honestly thinking it's just the luck of the draw.

I agree. In 18 years, 26 cruises, 2 upgrades. And we appreciated both.

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This became a huge hassle when the airline decided to change our flights and we wouldn't be traveling as a group as originally planned. The airlines stated I had to talk to Choice Air and the Choice Air people said I had to speak with the airlines. After getting the run around for hours with many calls made, I did resolve it ... I hope I did, anyway. What a hassle and absolutely no savings for me.

This is the main reason why I like to book my own flights. Recently had a schedule change that added an eight hour layover to our return flights but we weren't alerted until I went to check in. Got the same run around as you did, took hours on hold and back-and-forthing before we got everything sorted and it was stressful 24 hours prior to departure.

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Does Celebrity provide a shuttle from the cruise terminal to a more central area in the city? Was it easy to get to public transportation from the cruise terminal? Was it far? Are taxis readily available (disembarkation)?

In addition to the free shuttles to the mall and the MTR, if you are planning on doing the Hop On Hop Off Bus, they too are at the terminal selling passes and providing a shuttle service to their starting point.

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