PelicanLvr

Just to be clear.....Not any apples.....GREEN APPLES.  They work for my DW.

OP - You are staying in September....not exactly high season for South Florida.  You will have your pick of good overnight hotels.  

Are you only staying 1 night?....if so pick a hotel in town and enjoy a nice restaurant.  Multiple-days in town can get boring.  It's a ways from the beach.

Multiple nights? .... try a beach hotel and enjoy the famous Atlantic coast.  It's only a slightly longer cab ride to port and a nice multi-day location.  

You should have your pick at a great price.

Enjoy.

Yes, these Boards indicate that these rooms both have oversized balconies.

7175 is a bit more removed from the elevator area than 7176, but 7175 is on the port side which is usually the outdoor smoking side on X ships.  We are not smokers so have no idea if anyone tends to take a smoke break on the promenade below.....but maybe you want to check.  Maybe someone else knows?

Act pretty quickly, these rooms are known for their larger balconies.  

Enjoy!

Just off Summit last month (January) in SJU.  I know, completely different port....but with a 7am arrival time (even during the government shutdown) we were sitting at the gate at the airport at 7:45am.  

Walk off can really be fast!

Was there in January, 2019.  Water taxi to Grand Anse is functioning normally.  

OP - You will be fine.  ...BUT the more you think about it, the more likely it will be an issue!

Go and enjoy your cruise!!!

3 hours ago, mfs2k said:

The bidding has been open for a few weeks and it's not changing suite availability much. 

 

I'd love a comp upgrade for our 20th anniversary cruise.

 

 

I understand that the "move-up" bidding is open until just before the cruise.....like 2 or 3 days before.  X can wait until all the bids are in before accepting the highest.  So it's unlikely many (if any) have been accepted yet.

So I would not effect the move up process to have much effect on "suite availability" until then.  They will be giving the upgrades to the bidders.....would not expect any freebies.

X has this figured out pretty good!

My understanding (always subject to correction) is that even with X airfare, they guarantee that in the event of a flight delay, they will get you to the ship at no extra cost, even if the ship leaves for the first port.

 I don't believe there is any guarantee ever that the ship will wait for you (like an X shore excursion).  That would be so far beyond their control.  

10 hours ago, ggo85 said:

 

If you opt for a ship's excursion (ship vs. private is a debate for another day, another thread), book early to guarantee you get the tour you want on the day/time you want.  If you see a sale, cancel and rebook at the lower price.  

 

 

Well said.  Good advice.  

It is a "drift snorkel".  Very special place. 

Walk down the long beach and get into the water and swim a short distance out to the reef that runs parallel to the beach.  One side of reef is shallow and other drops off into much deeper water.  Different on either side.  Reef runs entire length of the beach.  

Just snorkel and the current will take you back along the beach to where you started.  The further you walk before you start your snorkel the longer it takes.  It's a long reef and you can make it last as long as you want.  The "scenery" constantly changes.  

There is absolutely no shade on Klein Bonaire and no concessions to buy anything.  Bring lots of water and suntan lotion.  Completely natural...so bring everything you want for the day.  I always wear a swim shirt.

"Concierge" level rooms on Celebrity - It's really just the title they gave to the room category to sound like it's fancy.    We have sailed in them many times and other than the slightly larger room, we found few of the other perks to be of any value. Do not confuse it with having anyone "at your service".   It just sounds fancy!

Gym Mat:  Bring your own.  I really doubt anyone is going to get you one for you onboard.

Hope this doesn't burst your expectations....

51 minutes ago, mitsugirly said:

 

 

I know...isn't that funny? And I don't even have all my ports or ships listed in my signature line either because I ran out of space. I haven't found any with Carnival or NCL that goes there (at least during any of the times that I have searched for cruises when we have available time). But I'm glad that I'm getting a chance to go this time. I love new ports. 

 

I will check out Runaway beach and Mystic. Do you know how long it takes to get there and the cost for a taxi? Also, do you rent chairs there and if so, the cost?

 

Thanks for the info. 

 

Thanks for the info. I will check into these places. 

Runaway bay is pretty close to port.  I believe it was $7 per person each way - about a 10-15 minute ride.  It's right near Dickenson beach which is pretty popular and busy.  Yes the Mystic bar has chairs and shade for rent.  Don't know the price because we have a Portabrella travel umbrella and set up our own shade further down the beach.  

Beaches on Antigua are really lovely.  IMHO, some of the nicest.  Where ever you go, you will enjoy it.  Have fun!

You're welcome.  You made a great move!  Enjoy!

Hi Suej664.  I see this is your FIRST POST here ...so WELCOME!!

As I understand it, you are currently booked in 9100 and are thinking about 9069...yes?

If so....I really suggest you to MOVE NOW to 9069!

9100 and both cabins (on all decks) next to the rounded Celebrity suites have miniature balconies because of the roundness of the suite next door.  

Really glad for you that something else came up.  

Enjoy your cruise.

Bottom Line:  The price is the price.

The fort (mentioned above) at the entrance to the harbor has a really interesting museum on the sieges of Malta.  Nice walk thru town to the fort and nice views also.  

Malta (think of its location) has had a pretty tough time ..... most recently in WW II.  Beautiful and quiet now, but its had some history!

Was just in Dominica again last month in January, 2019. 

Yes, as everyone has said there are plenty of taxi drivers looking to offer you tours of this lovely island.  Remember they were devastated by Hurricane Maria's landfall about 16 months ago.  They took a direct hit...it was very bad.

So.... go and enjoy the great people and beautiful island.  They have partially rebuilt well, but still lots of damage to repair.  Put some $$$ into the economy.  They need it! 

Mitsugirly - I see you've been to many ports in the Caribbean....how did you manage to miss Antigua?  Seems every cruise we go on stops there.  That's funny!

Check out Runaway beach.  One beach bar (Mystic - I think it's called) and the rest of the beach is unspoiled.  No watersports there....but a bar with chair rental if you want and a nice uncrowded beach.  Gets you away from the crowds if that's something you like.

No photos to share.....BUT important to remember that starboard side rooms 3112 - 3144 are newer with the very large round windows.  These were installed in the former conference room area and the original large conference room windows were kept.

All other oceanviews on deck 3 are the originals with standard windows.

Many threads here on these newer and more sought after rooms....

REALLY - People think the Caribbean is too dangerous?

That's great because that will cause cruise prices to drop for the rest of us who just know to use common sense.

Either wear your wedding ring all the time or leave it home!  More risk with taking it on and off everyday than wearing it.     

Why not take the cash you would have spend on "gifts" and hand it to your attendant (separately from any extra tip) and say "here's a bit extra for you to buy something for yourself".

Let the attendant decide if they want a "gift" or just to save a bit more.  Also, the gift would be something they really want.

Ships usually run a "transfer only" excursion.  No tour, just transfer.  We have done that and it works well.  You are dropped off at a central location in the city and you meet the bus there again at the end of the day.  

Try to take the vaporetto from P. Roma to St, Mark's Square.  Great way to see the Grand Canal and it will go right under the Rialto Bridge.  Most likely, anything (other than a water taxi that you can direct) will take the shipping route (the way your ship comes in and out) and NOT the Grand Canal to St. Marks.

Just off Summit last month in January 2019.  Our departure was also 8:30pm and we arrived the day before.  We stayed in Condado (which is on the Beach) & a short cab ride from Old San Juan.  Stayed at the Vanderbilt, which I believe is now just about the nicest hotel in San Juan and certainly worthy of a honeymoon stay...hint hint.

On departure day we checked out of our hotel and spent most of the day at the hotel beach.  Very nice day and boarded the ship about 4:15pm.  

Odd Fact:  The mandatory ship emergency drill was at 4:45pm.   We had no idea it was then and just made it.  Drill used to be later (like 7:15 - we have been on Summit before), but not for this sailing!  Lots of people missing from the drill....and we had port stops for the next 10 days straight.  Not sure how "the make-up" was handled.   Will X keep it that early....who knows.  I thought it was very inconvenient.

Ship does function pretty normally on embark day - they want to make a good first impression!