leaveitallbehind

It is possible that something your husband indicated on the health questionnaire triggered further questioning at boarding by a member of the medical staff.

Honestly the best suggestion I would offer would be to talk with a live person travel agent and review your expectations, preferences, and budget with them as they are by profession in the best position to sort that out with you and recommend those cruise lines and itineraries that would be the best fit.

...and the list would be endless.

Actually IMO things have come pretty much full circle. Having cruised often pre and post pandemic, the industry went through significant changes recovering from the pandemic with the restart with numerous caveats and regulations. But in the three years since, things have returned pretty much to the way they were the last time you cruised, albeit at higher market driven fares. (I realize the ships went through a lot of changes to become a safer health environment, etc., but the cruising atmosphere is IMO back to where it was with none of the restart restrictions). I think one planning comment I would make would be with regards to your GTY booking in that the issued staterooms may not be near each other. However, once issued you can move one or both to any available location within the same assigned category and subcategory to try to alleviate that. Just contact RCCL if you booked directly or your travel agent if you used one to facilitate this. The RCCL app also will allow you more flexibility in filling out the preboarding information, loading boarding passes on your phone, and checking in. This process is simplified as a result. You also will need to select check in times at the pier via the app, which will be available in 30 minute windows typically commencing at 11:00 up to 90 minutes before scheduled departure. This IMO organizes the boarding process in a smoother flow. You can schedule certain shows (Broadway shows, Aqua Theater, Ice show, Comedy club) through the cruise planner and the app. Specialty restaurant dining, and other packages (wifi) and activities can be scheduled and prepaid through the planner as well. Other than that, I would suggest to just look forward to renewing your cruising and plan to enjoy yourself on your cruise.

IDK, slow day I guess. JMO

As @jelayne indicates they have to have a way to know what level you have purchased and this code is the method - that is how they will determine the liquor to be used with your cocktail and the distinction between the two different packages. There is also information published with your purchase of either package what liquor brands by type are included with each so you will know as well. And if you order a cocktail by liquor brand type and it is not included in your package they will tell you and if you still want that particular brand will mix it for you at a surcharge.

It was just an example to make a point, which is why I said "may feature" - not being specific to any given package. Ok, Kettle One then.

Perhaps but it will not likely result in an upgraded liquor from the premium package if you paid for the classic.

Most mixed cocktails are made with the same types of liquor, either with well brand liquor brands or premium brands. The classic package typically features more well brand liquors and the premium features more top shelf liquors to make the cocktails, but the cocktail mix is the same. As example, the classic package vodka and tonic may feature Tito's vodka, whereas the premium package may feature Gray Goose. Same drink - different levels of liquor. But If you have the classic package they won't likely use the Gray Goose. They would only use that if you have the premium package, or perhaps add an upcharge to do so.

My understanding is suite guests can invite non-suite guests to join them in Luminae on a space available basis per the maitre d, and the non-suite guests must pay a fee. Don't know about penthouse stateroom dining privileges. Perhaps others can confirm.

...and even if you are not a Blue Chip gambling club member, they indicated that as your tier level, in case you were to join. Here is a link to the tier level benefits with Blue Chip: https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/pdf/BCC-Tier-Benefits.pdf

Thank you for posting this as the information is noteworthy and should be considered, in particular, with any itinerary that would originate, as you indicate, in South Africa. But if the itinerary is one originating elsewhere but, such as a repositioning itinerary as an avoidance to the Red Sea / Suez Canal area, is simply sailing around Africa with no ports of call there, wouldn't the concerns be very limited, if not moot? I say this not as a challenge to your post but as question of clarification of the risks. Again, thank you for this information.

Just as a side note - and perhaps stating the obvious - but if you purchase a single device plan, you can still use two devices on it, just one at a time switching between the two. Unless you need to both be on simultaneously this saves money. Just a thought.

Not sure if this is the timing reference you are questioning, but in general third party (non cruise line sponsored) OBC's often take until the 2nd day on board to actually appear in the account. I also think calling is never a bad thing to assure confirmation of the transaction, especially if you are close to your sailing date. Sorry if I'm missing your question.

Yeah I can see that would be a huge concern and must be the primary reason why they can opt to be exempt! 🤪

You will be fine and just wear whatever you wish and with which you are comfortable. There will be others dressed similarly, but even if not, what difference would that make? You will look good and should be happy that you do.

To add, there are no special or reduced fares associated with on board bookings. The published fare for your selected category is what is issued. Your on board booking benefit is a reduced deposit requirement and some amount of OBC with the booking. You also cannot apply any OBC from your sailing to the booking as it must be charged directly to your credit card. I include this to expand on the OP's question only in case it may be asked.

You don't mention which cruise line but as indicated by @1025cruise with most that I am aware of the answer is no. Typically any electrical appliance with a heating element is prohibited as it could pose a fire hazard.

I am not aware of any such on board provided service - just bring your own small kit. Very inexpensive and easy to source.

No. But Elite+ gets 15% off the specialty restaurant's fee.

Deleted - repetitive comment.

This has been correctly pointed out to me, and I have acknowledged pre and post pandemic cruise experiences and that I could have been incorrect on the sailing date. I appreciate your comments.

What I think @cruiseboy89130 meant was the RCCL to Celebrity status match is at Diamond for Elite, Elite Plus, and Zenith, and Celebrity's status match to RCCL is Elite for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle. Neither line offers a status match higher than Diamond and Elite. I think saying the same thing regarding the matching tiers. I think he is suggesting that to gain status higher than that with the opposite line you need to earn those full points on that line. And the example provided was the next level past Diamond is Diamond Plus at 175 points - all of which have to be earned sailing on RCCL to attain. The same would be true with Celebrity to be recognized past Elite all points would have be earned on Celebrity. For example, we have 50+ cruises combined on RCCL and Celebrity. We are D+ on RCCL through earned points with RCCL. Our reciprocal status on Celebrity is, as discussed, Elite. But after our upcoming cruise in June on Eclipse, we will attain that Elite status by points on Celebrity as well and will now be building points towards Elite Plus independently. Not that it matters - LOL.

All so very confusing since they are only now in the process of changing over the Diamond Clubs to Crown Lounges, and slowly converting the remaining Concierge Lounges to Suite Lounges - LOL.

I thought it was our first post pandemic Summit to Bermuda. But it could have been previous to that and pre pandemic, but not as long back as you suggest. We have done that itinerary many times and they all tend to run together so I will yield in my senior moment to your judgement that it was more than 2 years ago, but I can assure you less than ten. Either way, unlimited is good and I certainly take you at your word. Thanks for the input.