leaveitallbehind

Yes indeed! That was the only time our 32 year cruising history when that was that case. And as I recall it was with the cruise lines as an agreement with the port of call requirements for visitors to be allowed back in their country as part of the restart. At least with US based closed loop itineraries.

In our experience, the final all on board time for the initial cruise departure is typically 90 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. This is because the final manifest needs to be closed and delivered to Customs and Immigration port authorities prior to departure. As mentioned by others, most enroute ports of call require 30 minutes all on board prior to the scheduled port of call departure time. This can vary by cruise line, however.

I agree that all ship sponsored tour operators know the correct time. The only reason I say "most" local operators is because there may be that odd man out who doesn't get it right, which would make "all" a risky comment.

Using US based closed loop cruises as an example, ship time typically is that time (zone) at the originating and terminating ports for the given itinerary. As the ship may pass through and have ports of call at different time zones, the ship time may remain in those ports of call, or may change to the local time. This decision is up to the Captain. It an also vary from sailing to sailing on the same itinerary. As the crew's schedule is driven by time, it can be more disruptive to the crew to have the times change for temporary periods during the cruise than to just have the passengers note the difference and adjust their activities accordingly. Whatever time is to be used in those ports of call will be well announced on board and placarded at the departure doors when going ashore. It is not complicated and is a common situation on many cruises. All ship based tour operators are aware of the time being used and most local operators also are aware and adjust for this.

The primary demographics of Celebrity is adults 50+, so you would be their "target market". But there will be a mix of most ages on board, but few families with children as the ships are designed for a more pure cruising experience and not with amusement park whistles and bells venues that others may have whose primary demographics is families. There is a decent variety of included dining on board from the MDR to the buffet and a few other venues. The specialty restaurants are at an extra charge and IMO are well worth it. They often offer packages and specials that will vary by itinerary and demand. But $45 - $75 per person plus gratuities is a typical "standard" cost. But we have rarely paid that as the dining packages are typically considerably more attractive. BTW these are available regardless of stateroom category and are included with the higher suite classes. The entertainment is usually very good, and in particular on their newer Apex class ships, very innovative in their Eden venue. Music will be found in several venues around the ship and the theater will host the ship crew entertainers as well as comedians and other headliners. IMO Celebrity - in particular with their Solstice (of which Eclipse is one) and Apex class ships - would be a good choice based on your stated expectations. Check their website to see what is offered onboard. BTW we will be on board Eclipse in June for a Bermuda cruise.

Would not do it for any other reason than personal curiosity.

Even if transportation was required to reach a given town or attraction you can always arrange that independently. As @Mary229indicates, I am also not aware of any cruise line that requires you to do a ship sponsored excursion while in port in order to reach any given destination. You can always leave the ship and sight see on your own. Specific to your itinerary, Nice may require a taxi or other transportation to reach from the cruise terminal. And at others you may as well, depending on any specific attraction you wish to see. But you can research each port in greater detail for tour and sightseeing ideas at the Mediterranean ports of call board at this link: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/472-mediterranean-eastern-western/

Then you are most likely looking at suites on all of the aforementioned lines. BTW Oceana is in somewhat of a different class of cruise lines from Celebrity and Princess as it is a premium line. You would be more comparable to Silversea, Regent, Viking Ocean, etc., in considering Oceana v Celebrity and Princess.

I don't meant to be fixated on the 3X - but that is a focal point being made in the article, to which I challenge the interpretation. As mentioned, you and I are in basic agreement. Any amount over the typical solo rates is not good or justified IMO. (And there likely are good arguments against even that!) And my efforts with the mock bookings and looking back at history that I have access to is only to satisfy me that whatever had been taking place is no longer the case. I am not a solo traveler, but I do cruise frequently with Celebrity and this information as presented is disturbing. I wish the article in balance would have also included a comparison of the dedicated single (solo) veranda stateroom category with Celebrity as that may have shown the favorable rates I found. Just trying to be balanced with the information as IMO most "pointed" articles (regardless of source) tend to promote a single point of view and lack objectivity with balance. Good for controversy, but not necessarily good with all of the facts. But the information presented nonetheless is not good. Hopefully, if it hasn't already, things will change and a new article praising the self examination and corrections made by the cruise line will surface. Have a good day and enjoy your cruising.

Please understand I am not arguing against you or the basic point being made in the article. I guess its all in how one words and interprets the data. Solo cruisers on most lines have historically paid about 2X the individual fare portion in a double occupancy rate - or basically approximately the full double occupancy rate. That is the "normal rate" paid by a solo traveler and is nothing new with most cruise lines. So to say, with this example, that it is nearly 3X the normal rate is a bit misleading as the "normal rate" is not the individual rate, but the total double occupancy rate (less one set of port fess and taxes) as - right or wrong - that is approximately what is historically normally charged a solo passenger. So if the $1,461 is the full single rate portion of the double occupancy rate, then the double occupancy rate would be $2,922, which would approximately be the "normal solo rate" charged by most cruise lines - not the $1,461 being indicated as the "normal rate". That would make the $4,346 indicated in the example $1,424, or about 48%, higher than the "normal" rate, not 3X the amount. Its all in how you wish to interpret the data. Again, we are basically in agreement as IMO there is little justification for charging a significant premium to a solo passenger who is already paying approximately the double occupancy rate to begin with. I am only trying to understand the data and how it is being presented and interpreted, which to me as indicated seems skewed to support a position. I also appreciate your feedback in information presented.

All of the above referenced cruise lines' web sites will have descriptions of the various staterooms and suites that will include the square footage, as well as balcony size in those categories that have one. This site - cruisemapper - will also provide layouts and size descriptions as well. Here is the link: https://www.cruisemapper.com Typically, however, most standard double occupancy staterooms will be in the 175 - 200 square foot range, with suites scaled larger depending on category.

No I didn't read it in full detail but what I scanned over certainly indicated a problem. I understand there were issues and not denying it. Just saying there is a difference between someone saying the pricing was 3 or 4X double occupancy and what the pricing likely was. If that was the case then, as example, a $4,000 double occupancy price would translate to a $12,000 - $16,000 solo price, which doesn't seem realistic. That's why I wondered if there is an actual example to confirm it. I'm just thinking its exaggerated. That is what prompted me to do the mock bookings and go back to the April and November actual pricing that I am familiar with. And those facts contradict the other facts, so maybe the issue has been corrected - that's all I'm saying. At least I certainly hope so! But solo passengers always have been penalized as stateroom rates are based on double occupancy - as that is what would typically occupy the space, so they traditionally maximize the price for the total space, even when only one occupies it. So, minus the second set of port fees and taxes, the solo traveler would pay close to, if not equal to, the double occupancy fare. Nothing new there. The concern would be if that was now being increased to a premium above the double occupancy - that would certainly not seem right. But one thing I find interesting is that Celebrity is the focus on this when they are one of the lines who have introduced dedicated solo staterooms at a reduced fare less than the double occupancy rate - which I can attest to. Guess somewhere along the line they dropped the ball?

10% is a far cry from 3X, but it is what it is. Well I guess it has been corrected then as the rates I found would confirm. I would also like to confirm that I am directly aware of attractive solo rates, both less than double occupancy, on Apex last April and again this past November. Looks like there may be facts to support both points of view. I will continue to check at random and will report any anomalies that support the above concerns.

OK well we are on Eclipse this June and I just did a mock booking for a solo (versus standard double occupancy) veranda stateroom and the solo fare was 10% less than the double occupancy fare. I also then did a random one for Apex for September using the single veranda category and it was 18% lower than the double occupancy veranda category. So that is 2 for 2 against the reported higher fares. I could do more to continue to see but don't think I need to I would like to see an example of the 3X fares. IMO If it exists it likely is a mistake. And before anyone should accuse me of being a cheerleader for Celebrity, I am not. But I am an advocate of the facts.

The assumption is (at least as I first referenced in my response) that they are trying to pre-reserve dining but want to do so separately, which may pose a challenge since they are booked together. It is different than a solo traveler because the OP is booked with a traveling partner with whom he is planning to dine. If he was a solo booking then he could request solo seating (or at least a two-top table). I think your comment is correct if they utilize a my time type program on board that is not standard reserved seating, and both do so separately at each meal. The solo partner still may not be seated alone if the dining capacity at the time does not allow for that. At least that is how I am seeing this.

I'm not so sure I agree that Celebrity is changing, and I would suggest doing some fact checking on some of the assertions you indicate are being posted. In our experience with a dozen + Celebrity cruises the vast majority of all drinks fall well within the $17 level and not above. And we typically drink premium spirits, etc. The Captains Club Power Up requires you to be a Captains Club member and to be signed up to the program with an email to receive the occasional activity in which to participate for points. Are you enrolled in this manner? The program to the best of my knowledge is still in effect with a 10 to 1 point value between Power Up and Captains Club points earned. Can you provide an example of of the double occupancy price becoming a solo price at four times or higher than the amount? Solo pricing has historically been at a supplement that is up to the double occupancy fare less one value of taxes and port fees. And on Apex class ships there are dedicated solo veranda staterooms that are typically priced at a 30 - 40% reduction over the double occupancy rate. Recent bookings that I have direct knowledge of have confirmed this. Clearly even if there was an example of such a fare difference it would not represent the typical fare structure and would likely be some sort of mistake. As to the new CEO, she is taking over for the current CEO who is moving on to a new role within the RCI group. This new CEO was previously an Executive VP within the RCI group and her credentials indicate a fairly high level of expertise and experience IMO. Change to a different cruise line if you wish, but IMO I would do so only if I have the facts driving that decision confirmed.

Agree with @sanger727 but will add that the Solarium is also restricted for ages 16+ and includes the Spa Cafe for light bites and juices. Bar service is available by floating bartenders. Another significant distinction between the two lines to consider is that NCL's primary demographics is families with children and the ships are more catered to that with their venues and amusement-type attractions. All age ranges certainly will be on board, however. Celebrity's primary demographics is adults 50+, although ages of all ranges will be also on board. Far less families and children, however, as the ships are designed with none of the amusement-type attractions and venues and is a more pure cruising environment. You may want to take these differences into consideration with your expectations for your cruise.

You don't indicate which cruise line on which you are cruising, and different cruise lines may treat this differently. But in general, if you are referring to pre-arranged seating, you can typically request the table size you would prefer for dinner. You can request smaller tables (4-top for example) that will limit the number of other people at your table. Typically they will seat the same people together each night, so in short order you will get to know your table mates. You can also request a 2-top if she would agree to just being alone with you versus other people. But requesting a limited size table is probably your best bet. Finding a table by yourself may be difficult as the cruise lines need to be sure everyone (including other solos) has a table, which often will have solos paired together. I am also not familiar with cruise lines splitting couples into different table arrangements (this would, at least, create solo seating complexities) and typically would keep couples together as it is simpler to determine seating arrangements. I would contact your travel agent (if you used one) or the cruise line directly to discuss your options. I guess one option around this would be, if your cruise line offers a version of "my time dining", to both go to the unreserved seating line but request seating separately when your turn comes in queue. She can request to go to a group table and you can request a solo or, at the very least, a 2-top table for yourself. That would likely be dependent on availability each night and may vary your seating each time, but may provide a solution.

Taxis are plentiful at both locations, especially at Cozumel. You simply enter the taxi line at the entrance to the pier awaiting the next available driver. They will take solo passengers or couples going to specific locations - we have done that at Cozumel numerous times - but often many passengers are going to the same location (typically town) so it is easy to fill cabs and vans with passengers heading to the same location. Agree as well with the information provided by @LeeW. Roatan works the same as Cozumel, although in our experience it can be a bit more congested with taxis not seeming to be as plentiful. But the people there are very helpful and we were able to arrange a ride to our destination after a short wait. The return was arranged without difficulty by the venue. Another suggestion might be to arrange a private driver in advance at Cozumel to sightsee the back side of the island. Very undeveloped with several sunrise to sunset restaurants / bars and beautiful scenery en route. We have done that both through an arranged tour (Cozumel Bar Hop - google it) as well as independently. A very interesting part of the island to visit that most cruise ship visitors are not aware of.

Agree with Eurodam.

You say you have cruised many times, mostly on Princess, which makes you an experienced cruiser, but primarily on one cruise line. Unless you are going to suggest only Princess to them, how familiar are you with all of the other options such as RCCL, Celebrity, NCL, Carnival, HAL, MSC, etc.? I ask - and maybe am playing a little devils advocate - because it sounds like you are taking on the role of a travel advisor in helping determine a cruise line that would be a good fit for them. This may be difficult for you and with a narrow focus that may not best understand other cruise lines' experience in determining the best suggestion for them. I say all this not to challenge your intentions, but to suggest that maybe you should all talk with a travel agent who specializes in cruises and can be in the best position to ask all the right questions to help determine the best couple of lines for your friends (and you) to consider for their first cruise. This also would take the burden off of you and any concerns should their first experience not live up to expectations. Just a thought to consider.

The "published" Celebrity primary demographics is 50+, and in our rather extensive cruise experience with Celebrity that fits the profile far better than the suggested mid to late 60's+. There always is a wide and diverse age group on board, including families with children, but also quite a number of couples in their 40's. IMO your description seems to fit HAL far better than Celebrity. Yes, it is more sedate by intention, but, again in our experience, there is a lot going on late in to the night if you want it, and we have never experienced the 10:00 PM desertion you suggest. I guess just different experiences, but I am basing my observations on a dozen or more Celebrity cruises.

I can only answer to my experience and say that either of the Celebrity ships would be fine as they are sister ships, and Icon would be fine as well, and it is the newest RCCL ship. Icon likely will have more food venue options, but Celebrity will be very good even with fewer options. IMO, RCCL tends to have more venue options that are all very good, but Celebrity, even though there may be fewer options, would be of slightly higher quality. Entertainment on both would be equally good, although Icon will have more variety with the aqua theater and ice rink, etc. Icon is very much a floating amusement park whereas either Celebrity ship will have none of those whistles and bells and will be a more pure cruising experience of the two liness. The biggest difference is Celebrity's primary demographics is adults whereas RCCL is primarily families. RCCL will have a lot more children on board as a result. To me, that is one reason to look at Celebrity of those choices. NCL also targets families with children and will be comparatively more similar to RCCL.

Celebrity, Princess as mentioned. Based on your comments avoid Carnival (for certain), RCCL, NCL. Celebrity is primarily adults, Princess is similar and with couples, some families. Carnival is more of the party style, RCCL and NCL primarily is families with children.

They most certainly can get a number of staterooms, to include accessible if need be, that are connecting, or at best adjacent, near the accessible stateroom. As this would be a group booking, some price and potential on board benefits may apply (depending on the number of rooms booked), and the TA can handle all of those arrangements.