leaveitallbehind

Worth it is a personal choice. But IMO, no, there are not any bad sunset balcony staterooms and they are in fact one of our favorite choices. We like them for the view, and in particular with Millennium class ships, the larger balcony. In case you are not familiar with Concierge class staterooms, here is a link to the benefits (along with more points) associated with them: https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/staterooms/concierge-class-stateroom

It will only be a Central Park or Boardwalk neighborhood balcony if you booked an XN GTY. It will be an ocean view balcony if you booked an XB GTY. They are different GTY categories with their own sub-category GYT assignments. Check what you booked to confirm.

JMO, but we prefer FLL over MIA for either port. FLL is about 45 minutes from the POM v about 20 from MIA, but easily accessed by Uber/Lyft, or a number of other transportation services. MIA is larger and more congested than FLL and in our experience requires more time from drop off and baggage check to gate and visa versa. But the final determining factor would likely be airline flight times and cost. Again, this is just my opinion as while we prefer FLL we use both.

I'm just going to agree to disagree as I don't care to debate the issue, in part because IMO it is complete speculative. It is what it is - you see it one way and I see it another. Simplistic enough?

Whatever. I don't think they will modify the CC for new customers, etc. Don't think it would be a good business strategy. Difference of opinion.

I'm not sure why they would mirror another lines policies regarding their loyalty program - especially when it would result in negative backlash. IMO RCCL / Celebrity have two of the stronger programs in the industry, which are also linked with each other regarding reciprocity of higher tier level benefits. This also, IMO favorably sets them apart in the industry. And as they are sister companies under the RCI corporation the impact of one doing something such as mirroring another's negative policy would affect the other, which I think would give pause to such a decision. So I hope - and believe - that your probably inevitable speculation will not come to fruition. And the casino status is a separate program tied tied to a third party via a marketing agreement. IMO that would not be an apples to apples comparison.

Mariner complimentary standard coffee service: Room service Cafe Promenade - Deck 5 Windjammer - Deck 11 Crown Lounge - Deck 14 (if you have access) Suite Lounge - Deck 14 (if you have access) For a fee: Starbucks - Deck 4

I am not aware of anything changing as well but was curious what the poster was implying. Seemed like a specific reference.

What requirements for new cruisers?

Thanks for that update - I wasn't sure of the extend of the conditions and was incorrect on the timeframe. Not a good program IMO. Loyalty should be based on providing a good product that people should want to voluntarily experience again - not one with conditions of losing what you have gained by way of a timeline to continue to prove your loyalty.

The only cruise line I am aware of that has conditions surrounding its' loyalty club status is MSC who, at least at one time, required a cruise every two years in order to maintain matched status from other cruise lines with first time MSC cruisers. And @swjumbo I disagree strongly with the airlines who limit the length of time status and points can be valid. I've earned those points over time by committing travel to their airline which supported their economic viability. It is wrong IMO to allow the value of my loyalty to expire at any time. Fortunately you do not have to worry about that with CC.

Just to be clear, anytime you feel the price is right to purchase the packages do so, as should the price be lower later on, you can cancel and rebook at the better price without penalty. (Up until three says prior to sailing).

I understand this could be frustrating to some if it would slow the process. But, again, it seems like from what you suggest that the issue may be a result of controlling the process with those who may be having multiple drinks charged to a package, which would be a legitimate concern, and the slips as a way to control that. That, along with drink charges for those out of the package, are legitimate reasons for this. But, as mentioned before, the OP has provided no context with their comments to clarify their concerns, which as a result, has these responses remaining speculative.

I was actually wondering that from early on - thanks for commenting. Why would signing a slip of paper with a drink package be an issue? And if it was to confirm an upcharge based on an individual drink, how else should it be handled?

I think you dangerously assumed that we all were familiar with the details of the FB information to which you were referring, which as a result left your comments vague and lacking any meaningful information or context. At least that's how it was to me. And proving you right or wrong has nothing to do with it.

Was there a charge on the slips that they were signing for? Or was it a $0 balance with an option for additional gratuity? Or was it to confirm correct passenger with correct seapass card? Or what? Your post leaves out rather essential information, at least for me, to understand what your concern is. That's my comment.

One explanation I received during a ship tour a number of years back was that if it occurs, it typically is not from the ship exhaust but more likely from the on board incinerators that burn certain trash and that this can result in ash or soot accumulating at certain areas on the ship depending on wind and ship direction when this occurs. Maybe @chengkp75 can confirm.

You can also try calling for pre-cruise customer service at 800-280-3423.

Yes, typically they are sent out during the week just prior to your cruise. As they are busy taking care of the current week's guests, these emails are sent when convenient during that week in preparation for your arrival the following week. However, as mentioned, they are busy with their current guest so individual responses to certain requests may not be addressed in a timely manner, but will certainly be noted in preparation for your arrival.

I did not mean to imply that S. FL and PR were the only departure points - but just the more common. Yours must have been a 10 or 12 day?

I'm going to add more confusion by suggesting another itinerary that would include Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao (The ABCs). Depending on length of cruise, they depart out of south FL or Puerto Rico and are amongst our favorites. Typically the port days there are longer extending into the evening as well. But of those you've suggested I would probably lean towards the Princess 10-day. Over the coming years you will hopefully have opportunities to do all of them and then the confusion will be which ones to go back on again. Enjoy your first cruise! Although ours was 32 years ago, we still remember that feeling - just about every time we board a ship.

We have had several aft facing staterooms on both Celebrity and RCCL and have not had any soot, vibration, or other issues with any of them. (Have one on our future RCCL Odyssey TA). They are one of our favorite locations. Just our experience.

To add, that is assuming the available one you are changing to is in the same sub-category as the assigned stateroom.

When anyone is asking regarding a first time experience, while there will be a lot of very good ideas and experiences related here, I always suggest talking with a live travel agent experienced in (this case) river cruises. They would have all of the comparative information available regarding the different river cruise lines as well as on board styles, itinerary options, land tours, etc., and could best fit your expectations, desires, and budget with options that would best address that. For additional information from Cruise Critic, I would also suggest posting this on the River Cruising forum at this link: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/115-river-cruising/

By your own definition the entire situation is one of uncertainty. What would you expect Celebrity to do to address the uncertainty? The eruption could continue for years, or just months, or weeks, or days - no one knows. Without a functioning crystal ball, how should the cruise line mitigate that? I would think as things progress over the coming months towards the cruise departure date, should conditions exist and situations warrant changes, Celebrity will respond as needed. Clearly if no one can get to the departure port they won't likely have a ship there waiting. The itinerary would by then have been addressed and changed as needed. But until then and through the uncertainty I don't know what else they could, or should, do. I would suggest purchasing the insurance as outside of the known circumstance as you describe, there is greater value to having it for your trip than not. And there are also other insurance providers to compare and consider.