Lastdance

My mother would have loved to cruise with us, but that will always be a regret. However, I am so happy for those of you that get to enjoy that wonderful experience together!

So cut, cut and cut then add, add and add...wallah! The only constant being change. Well, I am pleased to see the company sailing in a more positive direction; just hope the seas stay alive with the changes💟. I am doing Apex for one cruise, along with a TA(on Apex) to CC; a great way to visit Europe and then see relatives and friends before flying out of Orlando home next year. It sounds like a great plan, but anything can happen between now and fall of 2025. I may not enjoy Vista(or maybe I will) on Oceania, but the price was great and it takes me closer to Algarve, Portugal...TBD. Maybe Oceania will also “get it” like Celebrity...I can only hope.🤩

Thanks so much for sharing! I certainly would not have instigated anything either, as it wasn’t the time or place. Cruises should be enjoyed to the fullest, IMHO🐠.

If I may ask, how were you able to do your photos grouped together like this? I love that you can enlarge by clicking on them too! Thanks so much for sharing!🌸

I really appreciate the fact that you are doing this itinerary in the early spring. Yes, the weather isn’t always perfect, along with school children on their field trips, but it gives a different perspective on Greece. Loving everything about Greece, I thoroughly enjoyed your visit so far, and the wonderful memories provided. I can never get enough of this beautiful country, as each island/place speaks a little differently. Last year, I was able to visit Zakynthos and Hidden Beach, a place on my bucket list that I will never forget. Like you, I enjoy private tours and just taking a taxi. thanks for the tour company and recommendation. Thanks so much for sharing your vacation with commentary, photos and life at sea. Greece is just a lovely place to visit, not only on the mainland, but all the islands with their own personal history and culture. You also reminded me of our trip to Corinth and the canal that was uncrowded and very interesting to see, as it is so narrow in width. Safe travels! Thank you, cavaaller 🥰

The crew loves hearing from you by writing a personal note applauding their service. You can get the note paper from Guest Services or concierge, returning it to the same place. That individual gets recognition from his/her peers, along with others. We have done one or the other, but many times both if our service was excellent.

Which other lines have better gyms? Thanks for your review!

You are not missing anything...supply, demand and pleasing shareholders. Edge is much newer and a different class of ship-E-class; Solstice is much older- S-class. It also has more balconies, as Edge has IV’s. Pricing is dynamic, so you need to look at availability of cabins/suites/types and $$$. If money isn’t an issue...

What about the things found under the bed? That’s definitely an eye-opener😳

Exactly! Seize the day...day by day!🥰

I am living vicariously through all your comments and photos, as we had canceled our trip Down Under. Thank goodness due to my DH and his crazy skiing accidents. Looks like you are off to a great start with cruising, friends and “suite life.” Thanks for sharing!

That I do not know, but maybe we have started something here...TBD. Mine did not happen, as I stopped at MA+32, but it would have been on loyalty with cruise lines🤪.

I love E-class, but Michael’s Club looks fantastic; love the fireplace. Sorry about the dreary weather to begin your cruise, but glad you have enjoyed your experience so far.🥰

How much do they get paid?; if it comes with a free cruise, I’m totally going to apply!

I think many people have the money to travel, not to mention a strong desire to do as many wonderful experiences as possible. None of us is getting any younger...seize the day(s). I am excited for my first O cruise, but still wondering how pricey my one-way airfare might be in the next few months. That might put a little damper on where I stay in Portugal. Lots to consider, but it will work out one way or another. Also, there is a thread about Vista and its TA on this board, so that is very interesting to me. Life is so full of choices!🥰 I believe my cruise price was a good deal, so no worries there.

Yes!

Down the mountain a bit on the NV side.

Okay, so my DH and I have one cruise booked, a TA from Miami to Lisbon. We want to spend time is Portugal, so renting a car and driving south. We only do our own excursions, but on this particular TA, we will do one private excursion by ourselves, getting off at the rest of the ports and just doing our own thing. Both of us have been to every port except one. We booked a PH1, as that was the only PH level available to book. How early will we be able to get off the ship after the all clear? This may be our one and done, but trying another line, not to mention a smaller new ship with this itinerary and price($350 pp.,) made it work well for our needs.

I actually enjoy taking care of myself and others; it is always better to be moving, IMHO.

Thank you so much for doing this review; I know that it will be full of information that will help with our first O cruise and TA to Lisbon next spring. Could you please share information on demographics, along with the gym, as to size and crowds? No hurry on any of this, but without a gym my DH(me too)would not want to be onboard too long. Thanking you in advance, I totally appreciate the fact that you are sharing all of this with us; being newbies, our quest for information is quite high!

I wonder what the statistics say. We always do our own tours, but have never been late. My DH did have to run back to our driver and get my hot pink raincoat out of the trunk of the SUV, as she was still in the parking lot talking with her husband, as he was also dropping off clients. Thank goodness he(my DH) was a runner, not to mention very quick at retrieving. He was called “fast-fast” for the rest of the cruise by quite a few of the crew. I do hope everything worked out for those cruisers who were left, regardless of who was right or wrong.

We have never had anything extra either, so it makes me wonder if the captain makes that decision, or there are other factors involved in what is given or not. Anyway, I think it is a nice touch. As far as the charms, they break very easily, but the girls do enjoy them for a while💏 Happy Easter!

I have had a love-hate relationship with FBC, as there are so many factors involved, not to mention the individual one speaks with on the phone; sometimes you just have to hang-up and call again accessing the quality of the individual’s prior knowledge. sometimes even asking lots of questions doesn’t = the end result wanted.🤪

BadgerFBFan2, I love your term “slow burn” when talking about your wife’s feelings concerning drink service, or should I say, non-drink service. I would have done the same as your wife if I wanted something...get it myself!🫥 Plus, getting up and walking feels good, as dinner can take quite a long time!

We loved our meals at Fine Cut on Apex’s TA. Eden was a complete mess and our OBC was refunded...gofigure! I think what’s important here is that sometimes specialty restaurants are a hit or a miss depending on a variety of things. We always try to talk with our waiter, or the chef if possible to gage what we want, along with also knowing what different cuts look the best. We have had the best experiences with this type of questioning before we order, but we always eat rather early and try not to sit at a table where our waiter has a huge group. As you know, food is so subjective, not to mention your waiter, where you sit, noise level etc. We all want that total ambiance and experience that is perfect for us.