waggie

We were also on this cruise and yes, we were told that here were over 300 Russian guests,whether or not they were in a group I don't know, but, several of whom had some English and perhaps could have helped in this situation. Guest Relations would have known who they were. On a previous cruise there was a large Spanish contingent, who expressed similar concerns to us, and we tried helping where we could.

What a shame this situation escalated - and as the customer base is now clearly international, perhaps X need to consider how some of the problems could be avoided? (But not to the extent I have read on other threads that a large group can request MDR time changes!!)

I have noticed on previous Celebrity cruises that the cabin staff have a secret code (a small piece of paper) which they slot into the door frame and this drops out when you open your cabin door. I agree with OP's that a dual card would be really helpful - showing that the room is available to be cleaned. I will make one and explain this to my attendant - thank you for the idea!

I think that there is a lot of confusion because, while it would make sense that Non-Alcoholic beer would be included in a non-alcoholic drink package, I don't believe that it is. The NA beer is part of the alcohol package. There is, I suppose, some residual alcohol in it, but I don't think that really has much to do with why it's in the alcohol package.

 

I would not expect to be able to get NA beer with any of the non-alcohol packages which are mostly soft drinks, juices, and coffees.

Cruisestitch is correct - in October we were not able to have 'non-alcohol' beer on either classic or premium n/a packages due to the residual alcohol in them.

Thanks, jimzgoldfinch and Lsimon for your reply. After a lot of considerable thought and discussion, I believe that we will try the premium alcohol package. The cruise in May is only a 7-day with two sea days and two days of cruising. So, I I think it would be a good time to try a beverage package to see if it is worth it. I don't want to "kill my liver," as I usually only have one gin & tonic before dinner and one glass of wine at dinner. And that is not everyday. But the things I like about having the package is that I can drink all the lattes and espressos, special water and fresh squeezed juices that I want. Also, the freedom to not have to sign each ticket and even try to keep track of drinks would be great. Our package would be paid for before we board the ship and would really be like an all inclusive. I have read where some folks were charged five drinks in a row on their bill and were sure that they had not purchased all of them in a row. We never kept track of what we drank on any of our previous cruises and trusted the final bill to be accurate. DUH!

 

Thanks again for all your input.

 

GiGiAnn

GiGiAnn

Have you considered purchasing a premium non-alcohol package for the waters, juices, coffees etc. and buying your alcohol as you go? You might find that better value. Also, do check you account on the stateroom TV daily so that you can check on what charges are being made. Guest Relations will sort any discrepancies at the time - don't wait until the end of your trip. Whatever you do...enjoy!

I booked this yesterday(17.08) and received email confirmation:

Riedel Wine Glass Workshop

Total Packages Purchased: 1

Total Cost *: 10.70 GBP

Payment(s) for Guest(s) in Reservation Number: xxxxxxxx

GUEST NAME PRICE*

10.70 GBP

Please note: Riedel Wine Glass Workshop reservations cannot be modified once a payment has been made. To change the reservations, you’ll need to cancel it first and then make your purchases again. An invitation to the Riedel Wine Glass Workshop with the time, date and location will be provided in your stateroom upon arrival, along with a coupon to redeem your Riedel Tasting Set on-line through our Celebrity Vineyards website.

I hope Celebrity clarify this soon!

There is a website http://www.cartagena.es which may help. The tourist BOAT leaves at 10.30/11.30/12.30/13.30 15.30 etc.from the central port area and the BUS 10.30/11.30/12.30/13.30/16.30 - there was a tourist cabin across the road from the port promenade. We felt is gave a good overview of the main town, but did not access the major attractions such as the Roman Theatre or Castle - which are best done on foot, a very easy walk from the ship - together with a stroll down the pedestrianised area - full of interesting shops and cafes!

I hope this helps.

Just opposite the dock is the pedestrianised shopping area - Calle Mayor where you will find lots of places to eat and drink as well as plenty of shops. The famous chocolate cafe is VALOR (they are all over Spain) but I recommend you also order a glass or bottle of water as the drink is so thick!!

Other ideas for Cartagena are: a hoho bus tour (stops opposite the terminal) or boat trip around the port, or visit the Castle. This is a fine city and as many others have stated the architecture is superb. Walking is easy and everything is close by - except El Corte Ingles (department store) for which I suggest a taxi.

As a major port it has a fine Naval Museum and the first submarine can be seen on the lovely port walkway.

Enjoy!!!

Just opposite the dock is the pedestrianised shopping area - Calle Mayor where you will find lots of places to eat and drink as well as plenty of shops. The famous chocolate cafe is VALOR (they are all over Spain) but I recommend you also order a glass or bottle of water as the drink is so thick!!

Other ideas for Cartagena are: a hoho bus tour (stops opposite the terminal) or boat trip around the port, or visit the Castle. This is a fine city and as many others have stated the architecture is superb. Walking is easy and everything is close by - except El Corte Ingles (department store) for which I suggest a taxi.

As a major port it has a fine Naval Museum and the first submarine can be seen on the lovely port walkway.

Enjoy!!!

Just opposite the dock is the pedestrianised shopping area - Calle Mayor where you will find lots of places to eat and drink as well as plenty of shops. The famous chocolate cafe is VALOR (they are all over Spain) but I recommend you also order a glass or bottle of water as the drink is so thick!!

Other ideas for Cartagena are: a hoho bus tour (stops opposite the terminal) or boat trip around the port, or visit the Castle. This is a fine city and as many others have stated the architecture is superb. Walking is easy and everything is close by - except El Corte Ingles (department store) for which I suggest a taxi.

As a major port it has a fine Naval Museum and the first submarine can be seen on the lovely port walkway.

Enjoy!!!