Lastdance

My biggest mistake(ha, ha, ha, and ha)was booking a suite on another brand. Well, that was pretty much it for the rest of the cruises, a least for a while. Now that the prices have exceeded my comfort level when booking b2b’s, I do one suite and one with a good-size balcony to compensate. TBH, I rarely use my butler, but just call it opportunity cost...I have the opportunity to use him/her if I so choose, but still pay for the service...it was great with covid! I am a newbie to Oceania, but my first cruise is a PH on Vista without the huge balcony. 😭 I am still hoping to snag one as I am a balcony girl, not for sunbathing though, but just to relax, nap and enjoy the sea air. Choose wisely and enjoy!

Unfortunately, our first visit was last year. We were accosted at the cathedral by a young Frenchman and a few others who decided to also have some fun. The incident supposedly involved us not only taking cuts where there was o line, but also pushing babies down with their strollers and pushing people to get into the front of the line for Le Petit Train. This was all a stunt to get my purse that was wrapped around me. My DH and I stood our ground, yelling at the Frenchman and letting him know that we were not allowing for any of this nonsense. There were no police, or anyone else in security or law enforcement. Although, someone approached me yelling someone I did not understand. anyway, I ended up losing my new Maui Jim sunglasses, but that was the extent of loss; however, I was exhausted afterwards. Since we both have silver hair, it was obvious that we were targeted. Self defense classes and karate are both great ways to learn how to defend oneself and not become victims. This was the first time ever that anything like this has happened; I hope it is also the last! No Marseille for me!

Our last visit to Villefranche Sur Mer and area had torrential rain for most of the day. We were with a group of six visiting St Paul de Vence. Thank goodness we found a wonderful little restaurant with great food and amazing desserts. At least our rainy day was brightened by this lovely place, even as the rain continued to shower us whether we wanted this or not.

I am sure that’s true along with other factors mentioned. My DH and I tried the Caribbean again last December, but now we are sticking with Europe and other itineraries until we just can’t anymore. We have two cruises from Southampton next year, but have long flights. We still want interesting ports, lots of history, culture and the feel of being abroad. In addition, due to airfare and such, only three cruises next year for us, with two the following year. I guess less will be our new more, so quality vs quantity.

I really miss those loungers on the verandas, as the furniture, IMHO, seems so sparse, especially for a suite. Unfortunately, this is the new Celebrity approach of saving people from themselves. Glad you are enjoying your cruise!

So very sad to see this, but in an instant life can change! Thoughts and prayers to the families.

Exactly...so much more flexibility!

You are correct, as there has been a surge in the 70 percentile for gen X and millennials; however, my research has not provided the itineraries such as European/Caribbean etc. TBD! Edit: Okay, looks like Caribbean, Asia(surprise) the Atlantic coast and Baltic...hmm.

I am in a holding pattern with O, due to the fact that our first cruise isn’t until May of 2025. However, since I do enjoy new ships, no Caribbean and don’t use ship’ excursions, the available future cruises just give me a huge pause. 🤷‍♀️. I also feel that pricing for most things in life have gone a bit wack-a-doodle! However, supply and demand still owns the market for cruising. Waiting for price drops and sales is as good as the idea of jumping onboard later, but then airfare pricing can be a lot more...just pros and cons! Get less from more is in the driver’s seat. Inflation is alive and well, so time will tell.

I want to return to Mallorca, but may do that on my own. Like many of you, I have been to so many of these ports, not to mention the prices are making me reconsider. Plus, I love new ships! Lots to consider going forward, especially considering that fact that I have yet to take my first O cruise! Oh the feelings of being a newbie with Simply Less?...TBD. Just a wee bit of sarcasm.

I also keep all my extra currency for the next trip, not ever worrying about exchanging it. Maybe it’s because I know I’ll use it, coupled with the fact that I always have a cruise or two or three, on the books. This year, I do not have any due to my DH and his skiing accident. However, he is doing great and I most likely did not have to cancel either cruise! He always responds well when injured and gets back to normal faster than any doctor thinks he will. now, I am going through withdrawal, but next year is(I hope)going to be great! Very sorry to hear about the strike, as we have also had that happen to us; hope all works out well for you! I find that customer service is lacking everywhere.

I really enjoyed my two cruises on Reflection. It must be nice celebrating on the same ship for another lovely and important anniversary. Lots of remembering going on, along with staying in a CS this time must bring on the excitement. Thanks for sharing with us!

Someone with status needs to tell people “no chair lounge for you!” You cannot leave your belongings by themselves, or those will be moved after 45 minutes, period! Be consistent and fair or this will continue...yes, TBC! Have an area where items can be recovered...🤷‍♀️

My DH could cruise in an SV, but I prefer a suite for the following reasons: 1. I love to get on the ship ASAP. 2. E-class is a perfect fit for both of us, but a suite is still a suite! 3. Our relationships onboard with the staff are excellent and we all feel like friends. 4. Vacations are meant to be special, so being in a suite is lovely due to the larger bathroom and extra space so that it does not feel crowded. 5. My DH loves the bar on the Retreat Sundeck with private pool area, not to mention wants me to feel loved...that’s what he just said! Plus, you can’t take it with you! 6. We have had issues at home while abroad, so having people who really care has made life much easier for us! 🤷‍♀️However...pricing is so much higher for our cruises, so when we do b2b’s, we book a suite and SV due to pricing. In addition, Luminae needs to update its menu! We love the Celebrity product: E-class is wonderful, but also pricey too.

We were on a TA/b2b in Europe; the ship rarely felt crowded. Then we cruised on her(Beyond)in the Caribbean (Early December)and it was a total different scenario for us. Everything was so slow and congested due to the clientele onboard...much older with mobility devices and just float the boat cruisers in abundance. We are seniors, not spring chickens at all. Several nights the line for dinner was quite long, so it was hard to even get off the elevator. I am sure that this wasn’t a “normal cruise,” but it really made us think, as we had never had this issue before during all our travels...we are sticking with TA’s and b2b’s outside the Caribbean. To be fair, we are not Caribbean people at this point in our lives. I am sure you will have a much different demographic due to your timing! Debarking was a nightmare caused by people who must have been new working off the ship 🥰

To just say that I am a wee bit jealous would be an understatement. What a fantastic journey you planned, from the pre-adventure to accommodations and everything else. It could not happen to nicer people! Plus, you take the time to share this with all of us who wish we were there!

We were in a Sunset Suite with no amount of noise crossing the Atlantic, but heard awful sounds on decks 10 and 11 near the aft elevators with Sky Suites. We were so amazed that we took the elevator down a deck finding the same exact noises, yet our suite had none on deck 11. We also did a SV without any noise too, same ship on a b2b.

I guess something, or someone irritated Mother Nature again, so she has responded. We had snow one day and almost 70 a couple days later; hope things change soon!🤷‍♀️

Never let Celebrity have your money earlier than needed; once they have it, you have lost leverage. I never thought Celebrity would cheat me out of any money because I paid before the 90 days with my TA, but had to cancel a couple days before this due to a skiing accident, but Celebrity tried to keep more than my deposit. To this day, I am still owed another $200. The back and forth with my TA and myself always gave a different answer. Lots of new employees caused a rift. I was under a completely different policy when I booked, but was told that did not matter, as now it was a different policy. Well, with Celebrity, there is always a different policy. Anyway, please return when you have more detail.

Nothing comes close to you, our beloved passengers? Okay, I am reaching!🤷‍♀️

We also cruised with her last year during her vacay time. She was staying in an IV, enjoying the ship more as a passenger, but still involved with passengers. Montenegro was one of her favorite stops and she was quite visible during our b2b’s. She truly does seem to feel more at home on a ship, IMHO. Those two cruises on Beyond were excellent and among my favorites!

Thanks so much for sharing your time, words and lovely photos. I will never forget hiking into Milford sound and NZ, but haven’t made it to Australia. We were originally on these cruises, but life does not always work out as planned. So happy you are enjoying a variety of experiences Down Under, along with watching he toilet water reverse🤣. Could not add a photo here…

This is so true, not to mention keeping one’s core strong. However, it takes time to stay in shape and do weights, but the rewards are great. It sadden’s me to see so many people lose precious time due to falls. I have Vertigo, so now I even focus more on my core and strength. Sometimes I even have to fall and roll, so I do not get hurt. Lucky me that I am not very tall either. Cruising the world is a workout in itself!🤷‍♀️

I have been sharing many of the comments about Vista with my DH. He keeps saying “it’s the itinerary-specifically traveling by ship and not having to fly both ways that is important.” I remember when Celebrity first introduced Edge, the first E-class ship. The comments were all over the place, but improvements were made with the following ships. It will be interesting when he sees the gym, but at least he knows that it is quite small. No cruises booked for this year, as those were canceled due to a ski accident, so both of us will be so ready in 2025 for more of Europe. Keep those Vista comments coming...Thanks!