The_Big_M

I don't think it's a case of people being more likely to bid. Just the numbers involved - there are hundreds of balconies, so more chance of either having one/some spare, plus those getting upgraded, whereas there are only 10s of suites - and much more limited chance of them being emptied from upgrades (since there isn't much above them). Basically, more supply of one than the other.

"Why is Celebrity visiting Coco Cay? Celebrity Cruises is forever inspired to provide travelers a better way to experience the world around them. Part of this effort means reimagining what cruising could be, from thoughtfully designed staterooms and venues that bring people together, to exciting new programming, world-class entertainment, a robust food and beverage program, and itineraries that take guests to bucket-list places. " Who writes this stuff?!?

Nope, haven't seen We will Rock you, or Spectra ever.

That time of Summer is best for stone fruit: peaches, plums, nectarines primarily. The standout then, especially as you go North, is mangoes. Strawberries are usually also plentiful at that time. While supermarkets carry all of this range, I usually find the best product and price is at stalls or fruit shops - but then you have to know the places to go to. There's usually no problem taking fruit onboard, although I've never tried with more than a piece or two. However, you won't be able to take it back off the ship, even if you bought it ashore so don't take more than you'll consume onboard.

A ghost bid isn't an indication of availability. It's just a bid IF there is availability when they allocate cabins - which is typically in the last 48 hours. There may be no availability now, but if someone cancels (or is reallocated to a higher upgrade) at the last minute they have your bid ready to go.

In your case you would be visiting NZ as seeing NZ is part/most of the purpose of your trip. Transit would only apply if passing through without staying for long e.g. arriving one day on one airline from the US, and then flying out the next day to Sydney, and your only reason to be there was passing through to another country.

We're believing that you initially booked 2x guarantee cabins. These only guarantee the minimum grade you will be assigned, not location. From what you wrote, it appears when you were assigned they were almost connecting, except there was one cabin between them. In hindsight, this was likely the best outcome you could have achieved. Regarding the price, I suspect that is also correct although it is again unclear. It sounds like you had initially booked a cheaper price due to the guarantee, as you're not seeing the distinctions between cabin grades. Similarly now, you are presumably quoting the interior from price - likely a guarantee now, and guarantees are normally cheapest. However, there are multiple grades, including interiors, and the assigned interiors may well have the price you have been quoted, which would be different from the "from interior" price you have looked up. And if so, that is the price if you want to get those 2 connecting interiors. So basically, you have options: - play pot luck with guarantees. These are the cheapest - but not always suited for specific requirements, as you have. Their initial assignment was helpful. - choose specific cabins. You then pay more - which is the situation you are in now. As it is after final payment, there is not likely much that can be done for your situation now, but this understanding may help you with choices in future.

There's enough people paying to support all those cruises and seminars about this...? Wow.

Isn't a "reasonable, typical tip" for your drink the recommended one? If not, why would it be recommended if it is not reasonable and typical? Then in that light, why pay more than recommended, if there's no special, or exceptional need? Do you pay more to RCL than the list price because you had a great cruise? (More the opposite, since people often talk about repricing if the price goes down.) Sure, if someone did something out of the ordinary, or you had special extra demands you might pay more, but not sure why you would pay more than expected otherwise. Unless you do that for everything else.

Likely covid related expenses, e.g. gloves, sanitiser, other cleaning treatments and procedures.

I'm skeptical whether that's genuine. Normally you break down your largest category, not have the largest category a vague one. Further, why have tips for the named categories (e.g. room attendants) gone down over time, yet tips for the remaining categories e.g maitre d' gone up? And thridly, why would staff (room attendants) stay on if they're actually getting paid less AND doing more over time?

Tips aren't paid per "time/hour". Tips are paid per cabin/person. So more rooms necessarily means more tips.

How is it punishment? If they're doing the same rooms, they're doing less work. How many jobs does your work get less but your pay doesn't? Alternatively, if they're doing more rooms to make up the same time, they're getting paid more for doing the same. So either way, they're not punished.

Has anyone in this thread said they want the cabin cleaned more? More like they're just acting rationally like the cruise line. Does the cruise line pay people for work that isn't done?

In the same judgemental tone, it could be said "lots of people who don't know the value of money. And just waste it."

People aren't complaining to room attendants that the cruise cost has gone up. In your case, it's more like they're tipping when the petrol station has become partly self-service.

They only do on full rates. They can also be sold on a reduced rate, in which case the extras don't apply. Which is essentially what happens here. i.e. if you had originally bought a Concierge without the extras, if you got the bid upgrade you would not get internet included. So it's only because you already bought those extras you will have them if you upgrade.

Try Nov 5-11, on Equinox. I'll give you a second to book.

I didn't say it wasn't a policy and not agreed to now. I replied to a claim it was only a few years ago, when it was actually 15 years ago that it was applied.

I agree with many of the comments above .You have two different questions here, so just answering those: "I'm wondering if this is a good way to see Mediterranean ports and get a feel for Europe. " If that's purely the goal, yes, as it will only be to ports, and it will give you a feel. However "Is one day in each port on a Celebrity Med cruise a good way to experience Europe or is it better to fly to a city and explore on our own? Would we really save a lot of money?" In this I would say the opposite. Even a land tour (i.e. bus) will give you more time, and more flavour of different cities and countries than a cruise, which is obviously restricted to coastal locations, and means longer travel times in some cases due to port distance. However, a number of cities deserve more time than a cruise gives, plus the nature of cruises means you miss a lot of flavour i.e. you often miss breakfast and dinner (and night!) culture of the cities compared to being on land. Another example is in some cities on your itinerary e.g. Barcelona, they close for siesta for 2 hours during the middle of the day, reducing the actual useful time you have there further. On top of that, you can better customise both the places/experiences you wish to try by organising it yourself, and hence also the costs/budget better. It would be easy to get a trip cheaper than that price if doing yourself but if you can afford it, it's probably more about better customisation than just changing things solely due to price. For me (and I think some others in this thread) a med cruise is better at delivering a holiday and seeing some lower priority cities you probably would not prioritise as much in Europe, or as a quick taster/follow up trip then actually being the best way to experience Europe. But it also comes down to what you're comfortable with and if you prefer the convenience and don't want to organise/research different elements and just want the easiest then a cruise will deliver that. Two other things I'd add. June is peak tourist season in those places you're visiting. This means prices are at their peak and, worse, crowds are at their greatest. Also, temperatures in those destinations will likely be warm-hot, and humid. If that's a conscious choice or the only time suitable that's fine, but you will likely find a better experience at shoulder seasons.

That was done ... 15 years ago. Complaining about things now compared to how they were 15 years ago just means you need to keep up with the times.

If it came down to it you would take legal action in the jurisdiction of your original contract, based on the terms of your original contract. They may then argue that the new one applied, and your competent barrister would then demolish that by arguing there was no provision to unilaterally change the entire contract. You wouldn't get a refund from the above; it's only if they offered it as an option to encourage people to accept it (but still couldn't force people to accept it).

I've seen a lot of sloppiness from Celebrity over time, but given this is their key legal contract, this takes the cake!

I've seen some sloppy pieces of work from RCL... but given this is their key legal document, this is way up there.

Not sure why the person wrote that, as all 5 did get sold. You can see the sales history under each of the 5 they offered on this page: The First NFT at Sea Collection | Celebrity Cruises (the 6th was a master that Celebrity kept, not for sale). Likely a few people thought it worthwhile to pay a typical amount for the cruise, and get this NFT 'free'. 3 of the 5 were almost immediately relisted for 3-5x the amount paid. Of course, none have sold since. P.S. I'm eagerly awaiting the launch of the "Second NFT at Sea Collection". Can't be far off now 😉