Lastdance

You can also purchase the stock for extra OBC. Just a thought.

I have done FLL several times to catch a 10:00 flight, but that’s not Miami. Since you have already changed your flight, no worries for you! We walk off with our luggage and have a private car waiting for to wisk us away...it beats waiting in the airport with very few places to sit for a FBC.

Have you met Ade Roberts? He takes the most interesting photos with all his lenses. He has a short beard and has already taken some great photos around the ship, along with Captain Kate. You two would hit if off for sure, although, he is not in the Retreat areas. Anyway, just in case you see someone shopping lots of photos...

I love the Sangria on Beyond in Luminae; I order it with extra fruit. You can and will return to Croatia and Montenegro because another cruise will offer these places. Split is also very interesting if you enjoy history. We almost did not make it into Ljubljana noon cruise, as the winds were so strong; the ship behind us was unable to dock. We saw lake Bled(a mini Tahoe with an island)in the pouring rain. The higher elevations had snow...this was in early May. Thanks for making lemonade when given lemons; you are a true trooper at heart🤗

Okay, so how about moving to a cruise ship? I actually thought about that at one time, but changed my mind. It’s time to be on the same ship again, so I can ask you about waffles and shop with your lovely wife...not that you are not lovely😜

Many thanks for that information, as we have not been in the Caribbean for decades, but going 12/1 on Beyond!

The comment about slippers got me thinking: Just wondering if I purchase my slippers and robe before I board, do you think I will get them? Only certain cruises have this available to purchase... A. You might get your slippers. B. You might get your robe. C. You will not get either. D. Just wait and see, or ask your butler if he/she makes an appearance. E. Bring your own and maybe the airline will not loose your luggage. F. Do not bother purchasing because you will not get either, or your money back. G. Get your room steward to try and locate at least a right or left foot slipper. H. Book a cabin instead of a suite and don’t worry about anything; go home with a lot more $$$ having enjoyed your cruise by just doing everything for yourself. Don’t sweat the small stuff because you paid much less than the SS’ people😜. Enjoy your cruise and don’t worry about a tip for your butler if you are in a suite because he/she will not worry about you! If you don’t have a tote to carry water to your suite, use your rolling carry-on getting as many bottles as possible.

Think of the memories that you will miss if you cancel, not to mention a trip of a lifetime. My DH and I canceled our two b2b cruises in AUS/NZ because of the airfare, but we have been to NZ, loving every minute of our trip. List your own pros and cons of this trip and see where you have the most listed. Maybe, like someone mentioned above, you have a deep-down reason that you have not fully realized. No one can tell you what to do. You have to step up and make that final decision. I am sending you positive vibes to make the right decision for you😍.

That in itself isn’t a biggie, but with everything else combined, the tipping process would also be greatly decreased too. However, it would depend on one’s own experience which can be very different. I am glad that Jeremy and Charla and having a good cruise and maybe more fun than the rest of us!

I am trying to balance my cruising experience with other modes of travel, but do have three Celebrity Cruises with an additional cruise on another line booked. Usually, I have more booked with Celebrity, but with the new price points and change with deposits, my strategy for vacations is changing with more towards a variety of trips. I have never done more than three cruises a year because that in itself is very expensive for the travel to and from, not to mention the health aspect of all the food temptations. Yes, I use the gym and walking path, but when I return home, it still takes longer to get back in shape. My first Caribbean cruise in decades is almost here, as I look forward to just the ship experience. It’s a big world out there and I have been fortunate to have enjoyed so much of it. Going forward, my plan is to book at least one cruise a year(b2b if possible)enjoying a land trip connected to it. No matter how I vacation, I try to make it as special as possible with lots of planning and nice accommodations. For me it is quality and not quantity that is important, along with opportunity cost.

So glad to see your huge bottle of Avian; your kidneys need that to keep you going. Well, especially as you get older. After having stage 3 CKD, I keep sharing this along with knowing your GFR. I am now at stage 2 and feel that I have to share...sorry for interrupting your thread with this, but your bottle of water reminded me. Yes, your dress is awesome!

Well, we all need to be advised, as to what is happening while we comment on CC, as it is a very dynamic thread. Cruise lines(agents) are really not known for always sharing accurate information, as communication in general depends on the person you happen to get. Having a good TA really does help. Sometimes information presented on all the boards is a little more about our own filters than what OP than needed, but some people enjoy the “matter of fact" and you should have known” approach. These do not always help either, but that’s just my two cents from many years of experience with the written word. Sometimes, reading the meat of the information and discarding the opinionated stuff, makes for a more accurate account of what the person is saying. Some of us love to spar, but others, like mentioned above, do not want to hear that it is somehow totally their fault. Of course they wish that their magic 8 ball wasn’t sold in the garage sale. Just put yourself into the OP’s situation with 27K on the line and asking for a FCC. It’s called empathy, but with social media, blogs etc, not to mention no face to face communication, our society does not reap the benefits at all. I may think in my little head one thing, but I try to screen it before writing because I do not walk in anyone’s shoes but my own. Please call me out if I stray because I am not perfect with this process. We all love to cruise, or would not be on these boards. I have met people on CC who sounded one way, but were so opposite in person. We are not the sum of our words. I was lucky and made it into Israel on my first attempt, but thought my chances were 50/50. Safe Travels!

I was in Israel exactly a year ago; jets flew overhead to Gaza making quite a loud sound. Yes, this is an everyday occurrence that makes many complacent. I never felt complacent at all on my trip, understanding that I was very lucky to get in and visit so many places; those memories are etched in my brain forever and I constantly remember our wonderful tour guides who support their families by tourism.

Don’t forget to add Dolomites to a future trip; the small town, Castelrotto, of Italy is just magical due to all the beauty that surrounds you!

I have one cruised booked on Oceania, but since simplyMore includes excursions(Like to do my own)we have yet to book another. Oh well, our itinerary and TA is exactly what we want; maybe, Oceania will look at changing this in the future.

How is the vibe on the ship for the TA; is the weather cooperating? Enjoy as much as you can and thanks for sharing!

My DH and I booked with FBC for next year going to Oahu, returning via Vancouver. First class/business for the two of us was barely 3,000. Now I read that United is changing their boarding policy for economy with window seats boarding first, the, middle with aisle last. At least we do not have to worry about not finding a place for our carry-on luggage!

We all just have to remember that change is the name of the game with Celebrity, insurance and life... sending you positive thoughts that things will work out in your favor!

We had a very early opening too; however, the prices to MoveUp were much higher that even I would have expected; very much like my last 8 night cruise from Italy. 14,000+ for a Sky Suite on Beyond. It stayed vacant and a winner from booking a cruise onboard was given 3 free days in it. Honestly, you never know what will happen before you board, or in our case even when you are onboard with a b2b. Good Luck!

I am always so envious of those who can drink wine and champagne on an airplane, along with enjoying every minute. What a wonderful birthday for Jeremy, one he will certainly remember with all the memories forthcoming. It is very nice of you to share your experiences on Cruise Critic, as you have become quite a celebrity on Celebrity, as evidenced by your following. Living vicariously through your photos and words are almost(😜)like experiencing it with you! Seize the day!

It sounds like you are becoming a little more conscious about the extra money. Just think it through will all the pros and cons and go with your gut feeling. August is really a very hot and crowded time in Italy, so that might factor into your decision...good luck! In addition, look at cabin location too. I just did an SV on Beyond in May with the weather and temps being excellent. Furthermore, I must have a real balcony to get totally outside and be on the wake.

That definitely makes me want to gamble, at least a little just to see what might be offered. Do you still get offers if you use OBC to gamble, as I have a cruise next year with $2,400? My issue due to the fact that I am such a planner is not getting a certain cabin, along with the itineraries available mostly in the Caribbean.

If you have been in The Retreat, you new well aware that butlers are all different, in terms of what they will do. The best butler/room attendant experience we ever had was from our room attendant on Beyond. Even when we moved to our second cruise in an SV, our room attendant still watched over us, as we missed him due to being one cabin away from his section. He was definitely the gold standard and such a wonderful individual. My point is that you never really know what you are going to get...that was truly an elevated experience for us!

It is not that difficult to know that speaking out of both sides of one’s mouth is a real disconnect, not to mention very insulting to many long-time cruisers. The bottom line is that customers will determine where their hard-earned money is spent. I have heard smooth talkers throughout my life, but this was not even somewhat convincing to me. So, I requested these changes in food quality, ship itinerary, extra charges, decrease/shift in services, along with gratuities being removed and very high prices. Maybe this is just a dream and the real Celebrity spokesperson/president will be revealed soon. Of course, Celebrity is a business and has every right to make one believe that what you see is actually what you want! My next cruise is on Beyond, 12/01/23...only time will tell how I feel about the changes. However, I can hope that I wake up and love the product that I have enjoyed for so many years...TBD

I saw that group photo...you were both in it! The cat is out of the bag😜