Lastdance

When I finally got in to look at the itineraries and dates, my interest wasn’t there. I do love TA’s, so will wait and see. Now, if I could drive, that would be easy, as I do have one FCC. We have two flights when flying to FLL; holidays are just not worth it for me, but new ships are always exciting in many different ways!

All I get when trying to book or put on hold is “bad request,” so it must be the new colors! The ports really do not interest me at all, but some good prices in upper suites!

My DH and I were accosted in Marseille, so anything is possible; however, I still remember the unsafe feeling that went through my bones, but also did not let this one incident keep me from traveling either. We were both prepared, but just didn’t expect it. No one can predict the future! The cruise industry is no different.

I Can’t wait until the ❌planations, or incorrect information comes out, along with the new cheaper pricing that includes nothing; however, maybe lots of VIP upgrades for a price! Always a suite deal, so book A❌AP, knowing that you will not get what you ❌pect! Just be happy that you cruise with all the new ❌VIP’s!❌

Yes, I noticed that too, but things can alway change in a moment's notice. I know there was a delay before entering, but that is not unusual. Love Cruisemapper! I am waiting to hear from a friend onboard who is doing a review; she is on a b2b.

I keep thinking about Edge, on Celebrity and going through the canal as I type this. Hope they are all safe and make an uneventful journey. We were on that cruise, but canceled and changed to TP from Sydney...

I am so glad that you are traveling through the canal during the day, at least for now that is the plan. Cannot wait to hear your experience!🤔

I was listening to a few podcasts, one with Col. Douglas Macgregor. Always very interesting to get perspectives on the Middle East. A good friend of mine lives in Jordan and she is very concerned.

I also believe that OBC from Celebrity was priced into the cruise fare. It would be interesting to find out if people spend less because it is not included anymore. I know that would be true for me, even though I receive some from my TA. I am torn about booking a new cruise a year or two in advance because of all the changes they keep making. What would my cruise look like that far in advance, as Celebrity has full reign over it. I have a cruise in May with 2,400 OBC, the most I have ever received being in a sky suite. I am still have three more cruises that were booked a long time ago, so reluctant to book another with Celebrity.

...and next month, or week, it will be something else over and over again. I am waiting for Celebrity to add a fee to get to book first before bookings are released(shhhhish)...maybe a total package where you get to book it all with only one price! It’s my money and I still have a choice where to spend it; I am just sad that the Celebrity I loved has been changed into the Celebrity I really don’t know anymore. New cruisers do not carry this baggage, so I will be a newbie on another cruise line. Maybe that’s the secret...do not get attached. Live in the moment and enjoy what you can because it can be gone in a flash!🥳 I do feel sorry for the crew, as they have to keep track of all of these changes...I cannot even do that myself🫠

The Suez Canal sure sounds better than my root canal that is set for today. I guess it was a good idea that I canceled a few of these cruises because I can still enjoy 2 from reading about your experiences.

It was too late for me to change, so I started all of this misspelling!🫠 Just don’t cut me off from my Evian, please! “Avian" must be the generic! No wonder I received so much from my butler...

I was also wondering about that too...hopefully, Edge will just cruise through without notice!

I am in a Sky Suite(S1) on Beyond for 12/1/23; just to bid on a Celebrity Suite, the MoveUp price starts at $3,000 per person! Just Wow, IMHO...the other categories are just rediculous too! Obviously, no bid for me. I can get an implant for close to that price... just got one and tomorrow I get a root canal with a new crown. Opportunity cost at work for me!

That is quite different than past years, but can’t wait to see the corresponding price tags! I am onboard for the cruises that are not interesting to me, but I also have a certificate that I may or may not use...TBD!

We had a butler that loved to give Celebrity pens on Beyond, along with Avian water! I could drink water and doodle all day long. I’m sure Celebrity found out about this and took all his pens away, curtailing his Avian business too. Now, he is most likely a pencil pusher.😜

So many places in this world are magical, especially when shared with someone special. You and Jeremy had a vacation that went by way too fast, but...will be continued at a later date. Getting off a cruise is always sad, but a b2b, or b2b2b2b...makes it a little easier. Here’s to both of you and those special 7 days afloat.😍 The “Extend Your Stay’ is never long enough either, is it?

True, unfortunately, stock prices do not tell the entire story with X(RCCL). LLP(Lisa) was quite gracious during her reign, but now there is a new person at the helm- Laura and things have changed. The stock was down in the 30’s when I purchased it and applied it to quite a few cruises, but then sold at a high point. If it falls again, I may or may not line up to purchase. All the new builds add to the debt, but shareholders appear happy for now. Edge is still scheduled to travel through the Suez Canal until it isn’t... I was lucky and went to Israel last year at this time. Yes, I am quite miffed about what O is doing, or not doing. I have yet to take my first cruise on her, but this doesn’t sit well, nor does having to spend $$ on excursions through the ship. TBD, as my cruise is a TA in May of 2025 on Vista- Miami to Portugal.

I will be very interested, as ours in a TA in May of 2025!

Continually check on fares with FBC and on your own with Google Flights, or something similar. It is amazing what you might see on your own that is better than FBC, so keep looking...😁

No one can predict the future, but Israel will open up again. We were very lucky exactly one year ago, but still understood that the ports of Haifa and Ashdod could close at a moment’s notice. The experience of visiting Israel is one that we will never forget, but we are so sad for what is happening today. Itineraries can change for various reasons like dock workers going on strike, weather and of course wars.

What a shame, as those last guarantee categories do fill up, making it hard to get a suite. However, you are on such a wonderful cruise; Oceania did lots of port cancellations, but not Celebrity! Safe travels filled with tons of memories.

Thanks so much for taking time out to share your cruise. We had plumbers in and out of our room on Apex due to another cabin/suite, so it certainly does happen, even on newer ships. However, our toilet was fine the entire time. Later, I found out that for some unknown reason, our toilet was flushing itself. It was also right around Halloween, so who knows for sure.🎃 Anyway, it made for a good story!

There is an individual on FB who posted that she hired a car for Positano, Sorrento and Pompeii. She is looking to share, as total price is $700 for 8.5 hours. She goes by the name of Swope Farm, but not sure if she is in a single cabin or not. If you shared what the two of you are doing, I missed it, so just thought I would post this. I have no idea how you might find her if interested. If you see this and might be interested, I can message her...anyway, enjoy your day!

I am so excited for you; this trip is certainly an amazing one. We almost did a portion of it too, but canceled the NZ/AUS/TP. Now, we just have the Hawaiian portion. Like you, we loved South Island NZ, doing the Milford Track into the sound, along with renting a car and driving all over the island. Thanks so much for taking us along, as we live vicariously through the both of you! So very sorry to hear about your brother...