1cruiselvr

It appears they are trying to be fair. Although I can't read it all, because it only flashes on the screen for a sec, and I had to read it sec by sec, they are awarding me 30 bonus points because I was so close to elite. Of course, since I don't know the new tier point system, I have no idea what that means to me, but everyone should remain calm and wait to see what happens to your CC membership.

Can anybody see what the new tier system will be? I am curious if I would have jumped tiers if they had waited until I completed my 2 Feb 2014 cruises.....just curious.:rolleyes:

Oh and although I have a Mac so I don't use IE, I can catch a glimpse of what will be posted soon for my cruise history points and it does convernt 1:30 = 210 points for me but also says something about 30 bonus points. The wording on the side is long and small so when it flashes for a sec I can't read it, so I assume I will be at 240 points when converted over and so that also makes me wonder where I will be in the new tier system.

Just curious, why do you have to ask quietly?

Because the cabin steward is not suppose to take deck chairs and put them on people's private balconies. If you ask quietly, they do it quietly, then they don't get into trouble. Sometimes the steward says no he can't do it, other times, the steward is willing to take a chance in order to please you.

So should we start taking bets on how long and old this thread becomes before Celebrity actually makes an announcement?

Exactly! Add to the pile of all the others. Why doesn't Celebrity get it over with or announce they aren't changing anything? It's frustrating and so unnecessary to let the subject drag on and on without word one way or the other IMHO.

Another announcement that's really no announcement about information that's really no information about a change in the Captains Club....PLEASE

Every cruise line is different, they have different policies even if related thru business lines, for instance RCI and X. So don't count on what RCI does as the same for X or any other CL for that matter. If you've been on X and found it easy to upgrade at the pier or once on the ship RECENTLY, then those stories are worthy of mentioning. Otherwise, please don't confuse the topic or OP by telling your Carnival story from 10 yrs ago. It's not applicable.

It has changed a lot since I first started sailing in the early 90s. Most of the time a ship sails full, there are no empty cabins available for upgrade. The one time we approached guest services about the possibility of upgrading from our balcony to a suite, there was 1 available but they wanted the FULL retail price difference between what we paid for our balcony and the cost of the suite. There was no deal to be had. The old stories of upgrading at the pier or on board for cheap is gone IMHO. Last few cruises I've sailed, the guest services desk had a sign up - NO CABINS AVAILABLE.

You have been checking your booking under X's website - manage reservation, then view reservation for a cabin #? I know it sounds silly but some folks don't realize they need to drill down to that level to see their cabin #. ;)

You sound like me, I'd be doing the same thing. It's like winning the cruise lottery when you finally get an assignment! Good luck and come back, let us know what you got.:)

You have been checking your booking under X's website - manage reservation, then view reservation for a cabin #? I know it sounds silly but some folks don't realize they need to drill down to that level to see their cabin #. ;)

Nobody knows how the upgrade fairy works, there is a lot of guessing and speculation posted, but nobody knows for sure. What is known is that it is a rare occurrence. I would not put much hope into getting one.

Doesn't seem that this new policy has any real impact since it applies to a limited number of pax as pointed out by a previous poster. To be worthwhile, it should apply to everyone. What good is a policy to embark by deck if it only applies to a minority? Can't see how it makes much difference, other than cause confusion. Does it apply to me, doesn't it ?????

I have learned the hard way (by overpacking shoes) that bringing alot of dress shoes is really a waste because you only wear them for an hr or 2 for dining wear for as much space as they take in the suitcase. I coordinate around back and bring 2 pair of dress shoes that work with everything I wear. Comfort shoes are more important - so I always bring good walking sandals, tennis shoes and water shoes if I'm going to do some water sports. Plus the always necessary flip flops. I use to overpack both dress clothing and matching shoes, but have learned that nobody really cares if you repeat outfits so it's not necessary to bring so much. Happy Sailing!

After further contemplation on this (and a bit of calming down), I'm thinking that my TA, didn't really contact HAL as the response was quick. However, there isn't much I can do, if my TA doesn't want to go to battle for me. I can't contact HAL myself as I am stuck in the restriction about not discussing my booking since I used a TA.

I think this has taught me not to book so far in advance. I'm never really 'married' to any cruise I book so I can wait until the 45-30 day mark and see what's available then.

As another posted said, maybe I will get a nice cabin assignment and all will be well. Happy Sailing!

HAL has dropped pricing on my October Zuiderdam cruise. A SZ gty booking is only $200pp more than what I paid for my VF gty. I contacted my TA as I am willing to pay the difference and HAL's response was you need to cancel your current booking, take the $1500 penalty hit, then rebook at new cheaper pricing. Not feeling the love from HAL right now. It's not like I'm asking for a free upgrade, I'm willing to pay the difference. Why should only new bookings get the advantage of the new cheaper pricing? If Southwest drops their prices after I book, I can easily rebook at the cheaper price and get a credit for future use with the difference. I don't appreciate their lack of concern. Money is hard to earn these days and as a consumer I pay more attention to how I spend it. I will certainly not book ahead anymore. Seems the price deals are 45-30 days before sailing. I will wait and take my chances. Maybe I will choose another vacation form, an all inclusive land vacation is something I've thought about but the love of cruising has always pulled me away from that decision. Maybe it's time I start considering other vacation ideas. Just my 2 cents on the subject.

Suggestion: They can get hot if there is no breeze and the temp is high. So bring something to prop the back open to get a little air in the thing. Happy Sailing!

Clam shells can't be moved. You find one where you like the location and it's yours for the day. An attendant will set it up for you. If you want one further down the beach, just pick one in that location. There is no assignment.

Not enough shade for every pax should they all get off the ship to enjoy the island. If shade is important to you, then I suggest you spend the $15 and get a clamshell. It's really worth it. Happy Sailing!

Good idea about getting a cabana instead of a balcony cabin but remember the cabanas are not open after 5pm or early am. If you like sitting on your balcony during those hrs, you might want to reconsider not getting a balcony cabin. Personally, I enjoyed both for different reasons but if $$ are limited, then cabana instead of balcony cabin is an option. Happy Sailing!

My information is based upon my Nov 2009 Eurodam sailing. My gf and I booked a retreat cabana and thoroughly enjoyed it. One of you will get a card in your cabin that says which cabana you have been assigned (they have individual names). Hopefully it will be in your cabin and not you father's as you have indicated in another post that he is forgetful. I suggest you go up to the retreat area and introduce yourself and your father to the cabana attendants. Take your card with the cabana name with you. They will show you which cabana is yours and at that time you can tell them about your father, any guidance you'd like them to follow, etc. After that, neither of you should have any problems using your cabana. The cabana attendants are really good at watching over everyone in the retreat area. We were so impressed with their service that we tipped them on our last day for the excellent service we received. Happy Sailing!

You don't see pending on your credit card statement only actual charges but you will see pending amounts if you have access to view your account online where you can see daily activity. I view my VISA card daily online to ensure it's not been stolen which has happened to me in the past. I see pending charges and then they either drop or become actual charges.

This has happened to me in the past, nothing to worry about. The TA put the booking on a 24 hr hold for you, to make sure they had secured the pricing and availability that you were asking about. It will drop off if no deposit as made, as did mine. It's not unscrupulous. But I too was a bit confused about the double booking because I didn't go with that TA but booked directly with the CL. Happy Sailing!

Marriott and Hilton group properties seem to show up rather frequently on Priceline while Holiday Inn properties seem to only show up on Hotwire.

 

We picked up the Residence Inn in Miramar FL when we wanted to spend a couple days closer to the Keys before a cruise out of Port Everglades. The all in cost was $147 for two nights.

 

Art

Recently booked on Hotwire and got the Marriott, Grand Junction CO. 2 star. Happy Sailing!

You can't make hotel bedding requests. That's part of Priceline's policy and the agreement they have with the hotel. No bedding setup guarantees. That's what the hotel will tell you if you call them. No special requests, nonsmoking, bedding, etc. I tried calling once because we wanted one king nonsmoking room and that's what I was told. It's their way of stopping cheaters.

No- priceline is for 2 in a room. you cannot request bed setup or rollaways, etc. Happy Sailing!

Each cruiseline has a different upgrade policy. Requiring a triple may reduce your chance for a free upgrade since you have a 'need' attached to your booking. Sounds like your TA verbally guaranteed you an upgrade for free or reduced rate which is not a good policy. Many have been disappointed this way. appy Sailing!