Oceangoer2

1 hour ago, C-Dragons said:

 They were called an “Amuse Bouche”.

Last Nov. in Murano they did serve 'amuse bouche' as well as a sorbet after the entree.  I understand a palate cleanser can be bread or cheese which interrupts tastes from the preceding offering and before the next.

On 2/26/2024 at 7:53 PM, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

I understand your airfare is not refundable but have you confirmed you cannot change flights or receive a credit?  Most Canada-based airlines do NOT allow changes or provide credits

Air Canada does allow changes if you book a refundable fare.

On 2/26/2024 at 4:18 PM, markeb said:

When you put the two cruises together (they're two separate cruises) Celebrity is transporting you on the same vessel from Honolulu to Seattle. The only ports that matter are where you start and where you end, and they're different US ports. That's a violation.

 

I've never booked a back to back. Apparently the software treats the two cruises as totally separate events until some sort of compliance check that occurs later. I really don't know if the booking system even directly recognizes that you have a back-to-back booking at the time. It would be helpful if it did. If you booked with a live person, either at Celebrity or your own TA, and it sounds like you did, shame on them. 

They issue two different booking confirmation numbers and aren't considered one voyage.  But the agent is responsible for advising the illegal sailing and not allowing the booking...unless you booked online by yourself?

Sorry....just read following posts that you did book with an agent.  Since the change to general service agents, they don't seem to be fully informed.  Hope this all works out for you.

16 hours ago, sixpackeddie said:

My aunt is almost 90 and needs a scooter for our upcoming cruise, and idea how to rent one? I called Celebrity and they only had wheel chairs available? 

Hi OP........if you've read all these responses...how do you feel about your 90 yr old on a scooter?  It would be wonderful for her to be able to join you and I'm sure you and your family will be attentive to her needs.  If you decide to go forward......ENJOY!

Just now, 1025cruise said:

I suffer from back pain. Fortunately, I've not needed a scooter on a cruise, yet. I once rented one going to Disney. At one point I got stuck in the middle of a crowd with nowhere to go. Fortunately, someone else carved out a path for me and another scooter user. I only lasted two days before returning it.

 

My point, you wouldn't know looking at me if I was a scooter rider if I needed it or was faking it. Back when muster drills were done on deck, I'd go to the handicapped area since I can't stand, packed in, that long. Heck, the first time they saw me coming a little hunched over and directed me there without me saying anything.

 

I try to be courteous to those in a scooter. I'll hold the elevator, etc. But for those that decide just bumping into me will get me to move versus a polite "excuse me", all bets are off.

I think DH would understand and sympathize with your pain and the 'hunched back' description.  He's cruised with back pain for over 10 years and is a little young for this situation, but in the past few he's used a cane.  So now there's another health issue which makes it difficult to even walk a short distance with his cane;  a scooter came to mind or a wheeled walker.  I've pushed him in a wheelchair (hospital, airport, and off-ship ports) which is not fun for either of us.  This scenario is new to us and a scooter seemed to be the answer, but between reading comments and his male pride re using a scooter, he may not want to sail.  We'll see.  Thanks to all for your comments...and sorry OP...I seemed to have Shangheid the thread.  Maybe I just thought it would be in support of those who DO need mobility assistance.

3 minutes ago, kokopelli-az said:

You will need to know how wide the scooter is vs how wide the stateroom door is.  Most of the rented scooters can be broken down to fit through a door.     

Thanks will check that out. 

10 minutes ago, gold1953 said:

Scooters are a very good thing for most, but we have seen the negative a few times. I have no problem making allowances in any venue but when someone yells " scooter coming through" and has no intentions of slowing down, it is not polite. Many walking and standing have painful hips, knees, backs etc

Oh well....a right fighter.  Yes there are those with those afflictions and others with 'hidden' afflictions for which they'll use a scooter.  They may be able to walk a certain distance but beyond that small distance they'll have definite problems.  I can't base my across the board dislike on one rude thoughtless person (such as what I find sometimes on CC).

1 minute ago, gold1953 said:

more about expecting people to always give them the right of way and speeding when a lot of walkers are around. But there are some who can walk and can't be bothered. Oh and then those who ask for wheel chair assist when disembarking so they cam pass the lines. Talk to the shore staff about that one. They have many tales of those suddenly fit enough to walk fast and drag luggage after they exit

I doubt there are 'many' but there are some who take advantage I'm sure.  We've cruised for years with X  (not needing any kind of assistance being younger and able) and haven't found what you describe.  OTOH, we've been respectful of the space required by those who did use a scooter for which they expressed their thanks.  This would be the first time HAVING to use a scooter which we didn't think would provoke negative reactions from some. Perhaps our cruising days will not be as enjoyable so may rethink our options.

This thread is timely.  DH has walking (back) problem and also recently diagnosed with heart issues as well.  Cruise is booked and anticipated but getting around will be a concern and most likely not doable on a scale needed to enjoy it.  He's considering a scooter but from comments here they are a nuisance and not easily controlled if not experienced with one.  Would like to hear from someone who had one delivered to their non-accessible cabin;  could they enter the door and use the scooter easily?  He's of athletic build and ably strong, so he thinks it wouldn't be a problem for him if the access to the room is not an issue.

3 minutes ago, hcat said:

ones from home  probably know how to use them...

 

we are  tired of scooter rambos! gives those who need them a bad rap!

Why would anyone rent a scooter if they didn't need one?

11 hours ago, cruisestitch said:

Special Needs at Sea is one company that provides rentals.  
 

have you booked her an accessible room? The normal rooms are often very tight for a scooter

 

has she ever driven a scooter? Can she maneuver it, and back one up in an out of elevators?

These are two providers who will deliver to your cabin and pick up from your cabin after you disembark. They both have online sites for you to explore which is best and pricing.

5 minutes ago, Etzzy said:

I called them and they have my reservation, I just can't check in on the web or the app. Customer service says to call back. 

 

I'm stuck in a loop and since I'm the only one that can check in, I'm stuck.

Can you try a different browser?  I know I have had problems when I use a certain browser not friendly to Celebrity.  Or...clear cookies...that may help.

2 hours ago, CMW5060 said:

Surely this a joke. I have to contact Celebrity Executuve offices for a THIRD time today due to more pricing issues showing on my account.  They allegedly corrected them in December and sent me a revised confirmation. Now when I log in they are showing my fare at full price for my November sailing, no promised on board credit, and they moved my confirmed dinner seating from 6pm to 8:30 pm!  I’ve about had it and ready to tell them to stick it! 

I had the same issue last month and my CVP advised that when the first issue was corrected she had to do a manual revision which came out correctly when she sent my booking confirmation.  Then the booking went through the IT process which auto created a new booking (but same number) at current prices, dropped OBC, changed the available dining time, etc.  The website is wonky IMO.  Unfortunately you will have to call again to correct...the site won't correct itself. 

1 minute ago, DJLDRUMS said:

Bien venue Oceangoer2 ! Many, many years ago attended the french parochial school in our city.My dad was french canadian, my mother's father was canadian. Learning how to speak french was mandatory from grades 1-12. After I graduated from high school the language pretty much left me. Now and then I pick up a few words. Parisian french is much more of a challenge.

Bon jour......I, as well, attended a 'parochial' school....convent, girls only, nuns were tough...but got us through with disclipline and kindness (mostly), and lack of 'boy' distractions..😉.  Lucky you had a 'French Connection'..LOL.  DH yesterday in fact had a crossword clue and asked me if 'peut....? made any sense.  Without thinking it came to me...peut etre.  But I find the words sometimes come easily without thought so the nuns must have pounded them into me and made an impression during the time I was learning.  My son went on to a Canadian U which required graduation with a French 'language' requirement.  He didn't use it in business which was his thought for attending at the time. 

1 minute ago, upwarduk said:

For the first time I have a true complaint.

I was served chickpeas as vegetables with my fish on our most recent cruise.

Along with the withdrawal of gratuities from the AI package, we have changed cruise lines for our next cruise.

 

Your plate sure looks a mess!  How was the fish?  I don't mind the grats removed from  AI.  We just pay them with our booking and the cost comes out much the same as before.  Some apparently just didn't want the grats included and paid onboard (or not).  Would not change our cruise line only for this but we would for the 'different' experience of another line in the future.  I'm told each has their own ship 'complaints' and some are switching to X...😉.

4 minutes ago, DJLDRUMS said:

Ahhh !! merci !

Il n'y pas de quoi...the extent of my HS French...paid attention in class and some of it stuck!

Just now, DJLDRUMS said:

Sorry, but what does the CAD stand for?

Sorry.....Canadian $$s.

14 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Which lines were #1 and #2 and if Celebrity offers welcome drinks and gift baskets, then what are the others offering?

Don't know the date of this reporting, but it may have been when X did provide a pseudo champagne on boarding.  I also assume the 'gift baskets' may have been offered to the highest suites?  or perhaps refers to the personal shower care items?

47 minutes ago, DJLDRUMS said:

What did they charge per person ?

We dine in Tuscan every cruise for ambience, service, menu (but that is subjective);  like every restaurant some items will suit a diner more than others.

Tuscan pricing in CAD $ for 2, with a 9% discount and mandatory grats added.  Celebrity charges an exchange rate of 1.41 for US $.

1 hour ago, rakes5 said:

Just on for a 9 night cruise. Chose Select, as 6 seem too early, and 8:30 too late. Wa sable to pre-select 7:00 for 7 of the nights, and 6:30 for the others. 
However, we felt very rushed through dinner the first night. As we were finishing or salads, they already had the next course in hand, ready to serve. Our dinner was less than 45 minutes. Nice it you don’t want to spend hours at dinner, but we just felt rushed.

using the app, we were able to look at the next evenings menu, and decided to try the Oceanview. We had a nice experience, although we had to get our own food. We sat outside at the back of the ship, and watched the sunset. Enjoyed it so much, we ended up going every night. Never got charged for a no show. 
 

The menus don’t change very much. They had a different theme, and only a few items followed the theme. So not for everyone. But we had great weather each night, and were very happy. By the way, we sat next to the captain or the entertainment staff or cruise director every night. 

At one time there was 'service' at tables in a certain roped off location in the OV which helped new staff integrate into their duties in the dining room.  Lately I've been thinking it would be a great experience if they would set tables on the outside deck WITH tablecloths and proper service like the MDR.  I know Oceania and some others have that alternative to main dining.  Would alleviate the crush of early diners BUT on the downside would probably require more hires.  We've tried dining in OV and it didn't work for us as well as for you. 

9 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Sometimes you can get better deal booking CAD over USD , like this case on Exciting deals 

or do you think the IT department screwed up 🤔🤣

Oceanview seems about right, but definitely a miss on the Inside cabins, or it's a special promotion for Canadians?  But if I were interested I'd jump on it and attach the 'proof' in this document.

24 minutes ago, gold1953 said:

It is listed on the app when you book ahead. I actually got charged for a no show in Oct. but the reversed it before I saw it . The $10 charge and reversal shows on my invoice

Is the $10 charge new?  I've never seen it when I'm online selecting dining times. Not even for Specialty dining.

14 hours ago, bookbabe said:

I just saved the equivalent of about $800 pp CAD on a Viking cruise I recently booked for March 2025 by booking in USD.  Same cabin, inclusions, etc.  Worked for us, especially since we have the US funds already to pay for it, but even just converting the funds that day and putting them aside for final payment we would have been ahead that amount.

I agree...paying in US $$ is best.  We buy when the rates are good.  I found in my example a difference of $1780 but after purchasing US it was only $113 savings.  How did you factor in the purchase cost so that it came out the same savings?

3 hours ago, d9704011 said:

I see nothing unusual here.  If you purchased the cruise in USD using your credit card, there is an excellent chance that the total exchange rate you'd end up paying is 1.38 * 1.025 = 1.415; pretty much what X is doing.

Which is pretty much what I said in my post in trying to help your post #21.  Since you already had the answer I suppose I wasted my time.