KCBailey

I usually cruise on Celebrity but enjoyed a couple of Princess cruises 10 years ago.   I was going to book the Apex for January 2024 but decided to look at Princess just to see what they had.   I was able to book a similar 7 day cruise on Princess Sky for over $2500 less with only a $100 refundable deposit.   It was a no brainer.  Looking forward to cruising on the Sky!

Thanks.  It turns out the "good" USD promo code deal was really a IT problem with the web site so it wasn't actually valid.   All that currency conversion calculations for nothing lol.

17 minutes ago, goofysmom99 said:

I'm quoting myself because my results changed.  X supervisor said it was an IT error (ya think? 🤣) and those that got this will have adjustments after they've researched them.  I kind of doubt anyone at X is good enough to find them.  Nevertheless, there has been a pricing drop for my cruise and my net result has been to keep the onboard booking number, have fare reduced by $505, and an additional $120 has been added to my already enormous OBC.  I'm pleased but I do NOT understand X's accounting.  

 

That is good to know.  I  am not surprised there is an IT error.   If they are going to come back and adjust the price it's not worth booking in USD for just $100 OBC.  

Has anyone ever booked a cruise in USD and then transferred to a Canadian TA?  Celebrity has a

promo code ALLABOARD100 that only works if you book in USD.  It provides $100 OBC and the price of the cruise when converted to CAD is about $900 less.   I  would like to book with Celebrity to get those savings but not sure if there are any downsides to booking in USD, like not being able to transfer to a Canadian TA?

The promo code only works if you book in USD.   I  usually book in CAD but the savings are significant for the cruise I'm looking at if I use the promo code.  You get the $100 OBC but also get the all included perks for the same price as without them.  Not sure if there are any downsides if I book in USD but seems worth it. 

It looks like Celebrity has updated the FAQ to indicate you will get refunded if you test positive within 10 days, and that is now in place until Nov 2022.   Great news

For Italy entry there is no need for a 2nd booster, the 1st booster has no expiry date.  That was as of last week, and things are easing up not getting more restrictive.

I have an Alaska cruise and was wondering that myself.   The requirement currently is

Arriving by car, bus, boat, ferry or train

You must take a molecular test outside of Canada within 72 hours of your planned entry into Canada.

This would mean the entire cruise would need a molecular test during the last few days of the cruise.   That's not going to happen.  I expect/hope they will change that requirement otherwise cruises into Canada won't happen.  

I was surprised to see my refund show up on my cc this morning within the 90 days.  I requested the refund on April 13th for an Apr 21st cruise.  I also received refunds for dining, beverage and internet that I had cancelled in early March.  This afternoon I received an email from NCL confirming the refund.  I am now fully refunded! 

The patch works for me.  I cut it and only use 1/2 patch at a time though to avoid side effects.  It still works but I don't get a sore/dry throat and blurred vision that I would get after using a full patch for a few days.  

Hi, what are people planning in Dunmore East? We were thinking of taking a bus or taxi into Waterford and checking out some of the Medieval museums. Not sure if we are missing out on some interesting tours of the area?

Beautiful pictures. Thanks for posting.

I agree Paris is beautiful and not to be rushed.

Of course he is highlighting that Canadians may be interested in this tour...since he is interested in Juno Beach and Vimy Ridge that have significant importance to Canadians. The ship excursions are oriented to US locations.

A few years ago I did a tour of the Canadian focused WW2 sites while staying in Paris and it was amazing. Would love to visit Vimy Ridge but not sure it is possible from a Le Havre port stop.

I agree Hank. I want to DIY into Paris because the cruise excursion is about 4x the cost. I will try to take a taxi to train station but will walk as a backup plan. I used google maps to get walking directions but not sure if there is a preferred route or anything that will make walking a challenge e.g. is there sidewalks with in the port?

Also when returning do you think there will be a problem getting taxi to return to the cruise port? If walking, is there any access point you have to go through to get back into port? We have an overnight and will be returning early evening on a Sunday night in June.

I like Celebrity, NCL and Carnival (newer ships). I've never had a bad vacation...because I'm on vacation!

Each line has something to offer. Celebrity has an upscale, refined feel with a great Martini Bar. NCL has a lot of dining venues to choose from and a fun duelling pianos venue. Carnival is great for kids (my son prefers their teen club) and I love the comedy club. At night I feel Carnival and NCL have more things to do...parties on the deck, etc...but I can lounge with a glass of wine at one of the Celebrity bars no problem. You can have a great time on any of the lines, and things aren't perfect on any of them.

It's just my opinion but if travelling with kids I would choose Carnival or NCL. I think Celebrity would be a big on the boring side for kids.

Thanks. Doing my homework and checking out Canadian TAs now.

If I book through Canadian TA do you know if my onboard account will be in CDN, or can I request it to be in CDN? I assume it would use the NCL exchange rate at that time?

I usually book direct with the cruise line. Just checked Air Canada Vacations for a December cruise and the rate seems to be 1.11% vs NCL use rate. Works out to be $240 to book with Air Canada. Do you know if there are any down sides going that route va booking with NCL directly?

Thanks for the info. Will drop bags and spend a few hours at Intrepid museum before boarding. Hopefully will be able to breeze onto the ship around 1:30. Thanks

I'm going to be on the Breakaway from NYC. I would like to visit the Intrepid that day before the ship departs. Would it be possible to drop off our bags around 9-10:00 and check in later around 1-2:00? Or should I check in when I drop the bags and then just board later? This is my first time cruising from NYC and your help planning is appreciated.

I choose not to prepay the DSC. Not because I can't afford to part with the $168 for 2 months, but because I can afford the $13 that hopefully is going to very hard working, deserving people.

Everyone should do what is right for them. No right or wrong answer.

Your post made me check my Breakaway cruise and the price had dropped. I was able to rebook and get UBP for $180 which is definitely worth it. Thanks so much!