mfs2k

Barcelona, Cannes, Naples, Rome are places Ive heard of and have not been too. (Actually, Ive been to Barcelona but my wife hasn't and I think she would enjoy it) I'm not familiar with La Sezia, Ajaccio, Cagliari, Valletta, Messina. Those are likely places I'd never go to if I don't book this cruise.

I think it's likely we would stay in the equivalent of a US 4 star hotel, preferably independent and boutique style. Not super luxurious because that's out of my price range. Not a chain either.

I think I've reached my decision. One and done. I didn't hate our Virgin cruise, but I don't think it's the right fit for me.

My wife likes to pack shoes. Lots and lots and lots of shoes.

My wife and I are talking about a Mediterranean cruise next June to celebrate our 25th anniversary. I've been to Europe a few times in my life and my wife never has been there. A 10 night Celebrity Ascent cruise from Barcelona to France and Italy ending in Rome would cost us about $6500 for the cruise (all included fare). This doesn't include flights from NYC, pre and post stay accomodations, insurance and cost of excursions. I figure the total cost of the vacation would be about $15,000 which is double what we would normally spend on a 7-10 night vacation. I'm wondering if this is a good way to see Mediterranean ports and get a feel for Europe. We've sailed on Celebrity twice (Equinox Aqua and Beyond SS) and am happy with the Celebrity experience. I have no idea how much it would cost to travel to Europe. I imagine we could do it for a lot less and travel on a budget, but that would be an entirely different experience and we wouldnt see nearly as many places. 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?

Im still trying to figure out how the North Star was over the sun...

You spend a lot of time thinking about hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken tenders.

Hi Kelly! 😀😉

Huh?

I, also, don't see anything wrong with trying to offer selections for "simple eats types." I do react to generalizations such as "maybe someone should tell Virgin that people don't want curry chicken and other weird food while at a beach club." If this person wrote: "I, personally, don't want curry chicken and other weird food" I wouldn't have commented.

i agree with this statement.

I sailed on Beyond in October and had zero noise. I suspect the problem is overstated.

I like youtube cruise videos. They were super helpful when planning a Virgin Voyages cruise, because I didn't know anything about the cruise line. If you don't want to be in video or pictures, I suggest you stay home because cameras are everywhere nowadays. I think back to traveling in my past and packing cameras, film, camcorders, tapes, etc... What a hassle. Today, virtually everyone has a sophisticated camera and video recorder in their pockets. They're everywhere and if you want to be unseen, you better not go out.

You're traveling the world. You're not in Kansas anymore.

Welcome to 2023

You make good points but you lose me when you over generalize what "most people" want. There are "some" people like yourself who want burgers and fries but there are others who want something different.I think the intent is to serve foods they can prep and cook on the ship and still serve warm at the beach club. Burgers and fries require cooking on shore which have logistical issues. Personally, I wasnt crazy about the food choices at Bimini, and I think they could do better. Speaking only for myself, Im not sure burgers and fries would have been better.

I think this will be reality soon enough. Those red flags on the table seem to be a temporary fix.

I like Razzle Dazzle. I had a muffin, plain scrambled eggs, hash browned potatos and amazing bacon. And a Bloody Mary. Can't forget the Bloody Mary.

Wow. That's generous. In the old days on other cruise lines, you'd get a $50 OBC or something similar

I found the poolside Scarlet night dance party to be the best part of our Scarlet Lady cruise last week. Because I watched youtube videos ahead of time, and knew what to expect, my wife and I, and the other couple we were with (we're in our 60's) headed up to the pool area before it started. We sat at the edge of the pool as the crowds filled in. We got up to dance when the music got lively. We stood around the pool as 30 dancers and performers circled the pool and got closer to the water. We got up on the pool edge when the dancers moved into the pool and splashed everyone (including us.) We danced more when guests filled the pool. We enjoyed the dance music, lights, and the vibe. I felt 30 years younger, and it was a fun club-like atmosphere. I'm glad I participated. Even if I were unable to dance, I probably would have enjoyed being up close and in the middle of the action. It was a party in my brain. Afterwards, we got drinks then late night desserts in the Galley and bed by 2am.

I read through this entire thread and I don't think Vloggers, Youtubers, Instagrammers, Promoters, Photographers, Kodak Camerapeople, etc are legitimate concerns of the OP. It's not like you'll be on a 24 foot sailboat with a documentarian with no escape. There are many places you can go if anyone onboard is annoying and I assure you, on a cruise, there will be people who annoy you, just as you will likely annoy someone else. . It surprises me how many responders take this concern seriously. I think this thread is here to stir the sh*t. The goal was achieved.

Maybe they don't want to notice you either. lol

I was on the cruise before yours and I didn't experience any of the app issues you are encountering. I mostly used the app for dining, shows requiring reservations, and music locations/times, The app seemed accurate for us and I didn't notice any scheduling changes. Perhaps there's someone new handling scheduling this week .

I'm still trying to process if this is a cruise line I want to return to, or was it One and done... With other cruise lines, I felt like they provided the space and it was up to me to bring the party. With Virgin, I feel like they bring the party. My question for myself is "Do I want to go to that party again or find a new party?" It was like 4 days of an interactive dinner theater and I'm asking myself: Do I really want to see the same show again?" I'm not sure the answer the day after my return.

Ive read other threads