delondin

But the refund won’t be immediate. What if finances don’t allow for that.

But imagine if everyone thought they would do what you want to do, where would they sit? They have to limit it to a set number of cabins otherwise it defeats the purpose.

What’s a panoramic suite?

Exactly this. It is encouraging dishonesty. Also I’m not sure insurance would pay out if you were a close contact of someone 10 days ago. However you would still be denied boarding.

I just read it and for the uk it seems it is now all to be claimed on travel insurance and no mention of fcc.

If you’re in a suite do you need to book the speciality before boarding or can you do it on board?

Do you have any updates about this?

A lady posted on fb that there were two couples sailing on Solstice and while one couple parked their rental vehicle the other couple passed both couples luggage to one porter. One couple got their luggage, the other didn’t.

A thread on fb implies this offer is only for new bookings. Would be interested to know your experience

Great. I remember a few years ago we met on board and your straighteners broke so I know that was quite important to you! If there’s anything else i can help with let me know. X

We are on board. Embarkation could have been better. We had 12.15 check in. We arrived a bit earlier and no one was checking times. They allowed everyone inside to be seated until check in was open at 12 rather than making everyone stand outside. The cafe was open. however the captain was really strict about ship not boarding till 1pm which was surprising as it wasn’t like they had to wait for guests to disembark first. Had priority boarding but was a bit of a free for all once ship got clearance. I’m sure this could be better managed. once onboard all the ships chefs and officers were there to welcome us onboard which was a nice touch. we were sent to a set of lifts based on our cabin but when we exited them the fire doors were shut and we had a bit of a route March to our cabin. Apparently the doors were shut due to isolation cabins. It was a shame the fly past didn’t happen due to weather but they still made an effort with the band and flags so that was nice in the rain. no Internet cafe computers as broken which was slightly irritating due to work commitments but they are working on that.

That’s my biggest fear. Did you see it go down the conveyor belt thing? I’m on board if you want to borrow hair straighteners or anything let me know. I have a spare American pair

When you complete the health declaration on the app 24 hours before and you tick that you have tested positive you will automatically be denied boarding and there is a list of numbers to call but it was painful trying to speak to someone and it is only the sales people you get through to, not a special number. however as you have been denied boarding on the app they will not be expecting you at the port. as homedepot posted above you need to send your positive test via email to get the refund. It happened to us on 26 April and still waiting for refund.

The phones are extra busy because of the new sale and everyone trying to reprice. Maybe leave it a couple of days if you can

It’s not only alcohol that’s included. It’s fizzy and still bottled water, speciality coffees and herbal teas. I can drink a few san pellegrino’s a day plus still water with lunch and dinner. also having been used to all inclusive cruising it is nice to have the cost part done and dusted.

Also I found that you are treated better with royal suite. Embarkation you have priority luggage drop off and they have your photos so fast track you through security. You have full minibar drinks and spirits. Generally nothing is too much trouble for royal suite guest. it’s a bit like business class flights. You get the extra room but also they take your jacket. It’s things you didn’t think you needed until it’s supplied

I think this is one of the main problems with the quarantine. There is no head office ruling as such so each ship/captain has its own rules. Therefore some suite guests can order from any menu, some only from room service. Some passengers get a balcony some an ocean view. Some partners of positive passengers can go masked to the buffet and eat in cabin some can only order room service. Some get lots of medical check ups some none at all. so it is difficult to make an informed decision whether to cruise when you don’t actually know what you are actually dealing with. what is desperately needed on all ships is some kind of quarantine manager to deal with these passengers, ensuring they get fed etc.

That’s ok but it still doesn’t mean you can replace your holiday in the original timeframe as suggested

The drinks package is more limited than Celebrity’s. For example there is a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day and they are more measured than celebrity’s free pouring, although if you get a good sommelier that helps. However, having been used to the inclusive drinks on Celebrity I would miss having the drinks package so we bite the bullet and pay for it. I like being able to order without giving it anymore thought. Also the wine is expensive by the bottle, although you can buy sets of 6 or 12 bottles at a discount. There is a limit of $12 per drink which covers enough but sometimes it is a bit petty for example if you go to the gin bar if you order g&t with garnish it is not covered but if you buy the gin and tonic as two separate drinks it is. So as long as you make it clear to the bar staff they will accommodate you. Also unlike Celebrity if the drink is more expensive you pay the whole amount less a discount rather than just the difference. In the grills lounge (equivalent to Retreat/Michael’s lounge) you can have complimentary tea and coffee. If you want liqueur coffee that would be charged or part of your package. All soft drinks including water are chargeable. I drink a lot of water so that is another reason that I like the drinks package as it is included. There is no limit for non alcoholic drinks

That’s ok if the refund comes back in time, but I’ve heard it can take months to get the money back

I believe the cruise with confidence was extended to end of September so they may have got an fcc.

I’m not American so hope I’m using the correct terminology but I’m fed up of all these Monday morning quarterbacks telling you what you should and shouldn’t have done. I think you made the best decisions you could have with the knowledge that you had to hand at the time. X

It seems to be a cruise industry problem, rather than just a Celebrity issue. For example, Cunard have reduced capacity on their sailings by cancelling some booked passengers. Their reasons are difficulty documenting staff due to covid delays. Also difficulties with flying the crew from their home countries due to airline problems and airspace issues with the Russia situation. We don’t know how many potential crew are caught up in the war situation etc. Apparently it can take up to 12 weeks to get the visas, covid jabs etc and then when they do get on board they have to isolate for several days before they can work A crew member was posting on social media about how it is now not a very attractive job. For them wearing a sometimes double mask all the time, no crew bar socialising and limited, if any, time ashore due to covid protocols. Also they are finding that they could get to the end of their contract and they are not allowed home as there is no one to replace them. Therefore I imagine there is not such a big pool of willing people to become crew as there was in the past.

When you fill in the health questionnaire it will deny you boarding. Send them your positive result

Unfortunately not everyone is in a position to reschedule with work etc and be so flexible waiting for refunds. Some people need their money back before they can rebook. Not everyone is lucky enough to say well just book something else, if all your money is tied up, and no definitive date for the return.