Elusive_Cruiser

I'm surprised that after 9 pages of posts our CC friend, Celebrity Cruises, hasn't pipped in yet!

There seems to be mixed opinions as to why this 'overnight'/drop a port change has been made, rather last minute. I saw this change when the 2017 itineraries were released, and fair enough - it was a change many have been asking for. But why the last minute for the 2016 sailings?

Lots of people, in the 9 pages, accept that itineraries change, due to weather or political conditions. Pretty much all have expressed their disconcern over a change to a posted itinerary after they've booked that is not related to these reasons.

I myself have a Feb 2016 10-day Equinox booked. I was really excited to be going back to Dominica...our favorite island to date.. Yes, once you've cruised a few times, the islands become same-o same-o, but not Dominica. It truly is an island blessed with magical gifts of nature.

To date, the website and MyCruises show this as originally booked, but a roll call member has advised that we too, have lost Dominica in favor of overnight at St. Martins (apparently including the first day being tendered).

I was extremely sad with this change. But on reading the previous 9 pages, yes, I will make lemonade. Going to the other side of St Martin was previously not on our radar. Now it is and I'm sure it will be an experience to remember.

Mostly, for us, our cruises are about getting a break from Canadian winters. So making lemonade is pretty easy. We can be disappointed, but we will survive!!

But, would still like to hear what Celebrity Cruises CC has to say....

Great post OP - I also think that some take the forum name of Cruise "Critic" to heart. Maybe it's time to repackage this product!!

I have learned SO much from Cruise Critic. I feel like a seasoned cruiser, despite having only 8 cruises under my belt. The tips and tricks of seasoned cruisers has done nothing more than enhance our cruising experience. My DH likes to tease me for my obsession, but when onboard he truly appreciates the knowledge I have.

Yes, it is important to share the negative, but I agree - it's gone a little overboard here.

Oh for sure, a piano lounge and lapssotherapy pool. Especially the piano lounge. Keep the lawn - it's awesome walking barefoot on a lawn in February!

Realistically, nobody else can possibly know the answer to whether or not you have made a mistake by booking a post cruise tour.

 

Your cruise is over a year away. Right now you are feeling harried, overwhelmed by other concerns and just wanting everything to be taken care of for you so you don't need to deal with the details of arranging a land tour yourself.

 

By next year, you may feel very differently and may even shudder at the thought of being stuck on a commercial group tour where you are herded around like cattle on a prearranged schedule, wishing for the freedom and flexibility of planning your own tour instead.

Or maybe not. As you already know, there are major pros and cons both ways.

 

You have asked those who have had some experience to respond.

We have had experience both ways, and frankly a lot depends on the mood we are in and how we are feeling at the time.

 

When we are feeling well and full of energy, we always regret booking packaged tours because we hate the regimentation.

We want the freedom to pick when and where we stop along the way, and how long we stay there, and where we will have lunch. We like being able to deviate from our original plan to take some impromptu little side trip that we learn about from the locals at the last minute.

 

But if we are tired or not feeling well, then it is easiest just to sit back and let someone else take care of all the arrangements for us.

 

Is it possible just to book the cruise for now with the option of adding on the land tour later?

Or to do the reverse, book the entire thing now with the option of dropping the land tour later with no penalty on the cost of the cruise alone?

 

You say that you dread the work involved in planning a post cruise tour.

Is that something that you dread right now, or something that you always dread in general?

The answer to that question can make a big difference as to what would be right for you.

 

For Alaska, as long as we have at least 2 drivers in our group who can trade off, we are usually happier doing our own thing instead of booking a packaged tour.

As Americans, Alaska is a very easy "do it yourself" location for us because we have the major advantages there of speaking the local language, driving on the "correct" side of the road, and having no currency conversion concerns.

Also, since there are few roads, driving up there is so much easier than driving in congested areas down in the lower 48.

 

Jane, I think you've just received very sage advise :)

I enjoyed it. Would book it again.

I'd be curious to learn what bank and what account type you have that the bank will automatically put back into your account cash that you as the account holder simply call the bank and say, "Oh I don't recognize this charge" as related to a PIN based debit card transaction.

 

It would certainly be a great bit of information for the masses, as this type of security os definitely NOT the norm relative to debit cards. You would be providing a great bit of help to many by providing bank name and account type. It is certainly possible that there are some banks out there who are looking to be more customer service oriented and providing extra protections the they by law do not have to. My bank, KeyBank, is not among them.

 

IF the debit card we are talking about has a VISA or Mastercard logo on it, and IF the transaction was made without the entering of a PIN (which can not be done at an ATM, only Cash advances in person for example) THEN it would be afforded the protections of the VISA/MASTERCARD network. But if a PIN is used, those protections go away, unless your bank is different than the majority of banks.

 

 

Some facts from the Better Business Bureau Website:

I would clarify there is a VERY LIMITED protection on Debit cards, if you notify the bank within 48 hours of an improper post the customer eats the 1st $50 of the loss, if you take more then 48 hours, you pay the 1st $500, if you wait more than 60 days, you lose all protection. Banks can also take up to 10 days to put money back to your account if you are within the timelines noted, which means you can be bouncing checks all over the place, or not have access to needed cash.

 

Credit card, the most you are liable for is $50, and you have up to 6 months to lodge a dispute, at which time the disputed transaction is immediately suspended in your account, so you do not have to pay for it.

There are many differences in U.S. vs Canadian banking systems/laws regarding this.

I contacted the bank (Royal Bank of Canada) on Friday as soon as I noticed the two debit withdrawals. They immediately cancelled both my and my DHs debit cards to stop any further withdrawals. We went into the bank on Saturday, as had to fill out an electronic form. The teller pulled up the transactions, and there were in fact around 6 withdrawals but only two had hit my account when I called in. Apparently the bandits were just in the process of scoring - I interrupted their party.

This morning the funds had been credited to my account, including the two service charges that had been applied. So, your 'facts' may be true, but only in the U.S.

OP here.

Thank you to all that have piped in and shared your experiences and knowledge!

I would like to clarify some of the facts. Both of the cards that were compromised had chip, swipe and PIN technology. These cards were issued in Canada. There are very few places that chip technology is not used here. As a rule, swiping is used only when the chip does not work. Sometimes, the cards can be finicky, but this is rare.

Also, I have a 6-digit PIN. I change it when travelling to the US, as there is a 4-digit requirement there.

When I used both the credit and debit card in Cozumel, chip was used, not swipe.

Still, lessons learned!

FYI, both our debit and credit cards are chipped. Did not seem to matter.

Was pleasantly surprised to find an 'unlimited' option while onboard the 7-day Silhouette. Paid $225 after the 25% discount. LOVED this option. Was awesome not having to worry about how long it may take to log in and to remember to log off properly. This option is a 'no log out required' plan. No fuss, no muss.

Plus, this was the best internet connection I've ever seen. Minor issues, but much better than what I've come to accept as 'normal'.

Things are looking up Celebrity!!

We made the mistake of using our ATM card at a machine in a convenience store in Mexico and it was cloned and we had a bunch of withdrawals in St Petersburg, Russia the same time we were in Mexico. Needless to say we canceled the card.

Since then we only use our ATM card in machines in banks and have had no further problems.

Hope you had the same card protection we have and were not out of pocket.

We’re normally pretty cautious with our credit and debit cards when we travel. We just got home from 3 weeks in Florida/cruising and have managed to have my visa card and my DHs debit card compromised on this past trip 

Why? Because we were lazy!

While in Cozumel, we decided to rent some scooters for the day. I usually preplan EVERYTHING, but this trip we were throwing caution to the wind!! (yeah, NEVER do that). We walked off the ship with some cash, visa card and a debit card. We did something we’ve never done before.... go up to a local vendor, with no reservation, and rent scooters. He didn’t take Visa and it turns out, I had $1 less than I needed to do the rental. Buddy says to other buddy “take these kind people to ATM”. Off I go. Used my DHs debit card in ATM, a couple of times, and it just didn’t want to work. Shrugged it off (NEVER do that!) and convinced operator to send us off, $1 short, with our scooters. That was the $750 mistake!

Once we got back from our scooter adventure, we purchased a couple of hats, using my visa, as we no longer had any cash on us.

Of note: Both vendors were right at the port.

When we got back to Fort Lauderdale, I used my visa to check us into the hotel (and it worked) and an hour later, I received the call from Visa security that my card was being used, in Boca Raton, and had just been declined due to inaccurate PIN. A number of purchases had already been made. Card cancelled immediately. Thankfully, we had my DHs card to get us through to the end of our trip.

Today (four days after returning home), I log into my banking site and notice multiple withdrawals done today, at banking machines. One, for $100, a quick call confirmed, was my DH. Then there were two others, for odd amounts...520.64 and 263.54. On the phone to the bank quickly confirmed these withdrawals were being done in Florida (hence the odd $ amounts – mine is a Canadian account). They immediately cancelled both our debit cards. Thankfully, we are protected from fraud so will get all this $ back.

We’re positive where my DHs debit card was compromised, as it was only ever used once on this trip and the scammers had the PIN. We’re not certain where my visa got hit, as they did not have the PIN.

Anyway, just wanted to share our experience. It’s easy to get complacent, but very important that we never do and that we stay diligent. Fortunately, we have simply been inconvenienced.

Safe travels everyone!

Interesting thread - especially with the timing!

We booked our upcoming cruise BEFORE we got our fur baby. With this one we are away much longer than normal - a full three weeks. I am devastated, leaving my boy. Do you know that it takes only 14 days for a dog to accept their 'new life' when staying somewhere else?

He is going to be staying at his daycare, but the owner and I joked about making him an emotional support dog. Joked? Seriously? I am so very upset and anxious about leaving my boy behind. I seriously contemplated getting him 'emotional dog' support status. I know, I know....I contemplated it. But, in good conscientious, cannot do it. While missing my boy will definitely affect my trip, I would never demean or diminish the value of those who truly need emotional support animals.

And shame on those of you that do.

Lots of great information in this thread. Sorry to the OP for their dilemma.

This thread has answered a question I was going to post. We've self-disembarked the last two cruises due to flight times and we really enjoyed being able to hang onto our luggage on last night. The morning process was not too painful. Next month we are not leaving FLL until two days after we disembark and I wondered about keeping our luggage and getting off late, after the rush. My question has been answered and that is what we will do!! Thanks everyone!

I checked a site I monitor cruises with, and this one is down to 37% availability. It's going - going gone!

 

I've sen both PH go today and 4 CS go today, I booked it though, using my OBC from the canceled 3 night Connie cruise I had saved up from last month :-)

Was ecstatic when we saw this itinerary! We just booked and was very surprised to hear that all the C2's on Resort Deck are already gone. Managed to grab a C1 Aft. In checking, also looks like all the Resort Deck suites are gone.

Methinks there might be a large group on this sailing.....

We book Concierge for the Deck 12 location. Love being on the Resort Deck. Having the foot stools is a major plus, as we also tend to spend some time on the balcony. Also take advantage of the extended room service breakfast menu (which we enjoy on the balcony)

We've purchased the drink package forever, so the bubbling wine generally does not get consumed. Disappointed that the fresh flowers are now gone - while a small thing, I'm a flower person, so will be missing this.

It's really each to his own - what you enjoy and value - cost vs benefit.

Patricia

You demanded compensation for the suffering and discomfort? Just a guess, but asking politely may have resulted in a more favorable response from the rep at Guest Services. This suggestion is applicable to a wide range of situations in your life.

Case in point - we had a most annoying banging from a staff gate above our cabin which started occurring around 5am every morning. We notified customer service. They attempted to correct the problem and checked in with us regularly. The problem never was resolved. S*** happens - they tried. Note to self to book a different cabin. They offered us coupons to Specialty Dining which we declined. We were not looking for compensation - just the ability to sleep past 5am!! We were extremely surprised when the lovely Ellen Landes, Guest Relations Officer, delivered 2 x $250 Future Cruise Certificates. In our many discussions, she knew we were again booked a year later. I called her and thank her profusely, stating we appreciated the gesture but that it was not necessary.

We don't complain for compensation, we complain for resolution. Having said that, in this OPs situation, I think that I would've popped my head around the balcony barrier and directly requested the pax to refrain from smoking. If it continued, I would have continued to do so. If they get in my space by smoking, I'll get in theirs. Thoughts on this? Would that be rude?

Price reduction is awesome - make it a little easier on my early 20's kids and their SO to afford their packages in our upcoming family cruise. We told them - we buy the cruise and the airfare, you're on your own for beverages!

I know that all persons over 21 in same cabin must purchase the drink package. Does anyone know if this is still a requirement if one of them is pregnant (less than 24 weeks, per their policy, of course!) - just curious 'just in case' :D

While the OP might be a little over the top, I think that expecting cleanliness is not unreasonable. How much actually exists.... well you just have to watch some the of the programs such as W5 (Canada) to know how bad it can really be. Their investigative programs leave much to be desired :(

Having said that.... entering our cabin 45 minutes after the announcement that the cabins were ready and finding, in our concierge cabin:

dirty dishes on the counter

no fresh flowers

no fresh fruit

no 'bubbly' wine

...left me concerned about what else in the cabin was 'unfinished'......

Thanks everyone, for your replies. Guess we won't take any chances and FTTF it will be! The kids will be excited to get on the ship early too - this is the first cruise for all of them.

Your flight situation sounds similar to ours from 2 weeks ago. Flight out of MIA got bumped up to 11am. We did self assist and FTTF and were one of the first off the ship. The ship was even late getting to back to port, which lead to some anxious moments, but we still were sitting at our gate at 9:37 am.

Do you think that FTTF was important?

On my Eclipse cruise Zumba was my saving grace - after the yummy food that I was eating. I'll be extremely disappointed if I find that now I have to pay. :mad: Tell ya what - if they do then I'll bring some Zumba CDs and my laptop and I'll set it on a chair and Zumba away at the pool deck by my lonesome self - if you see me - come join in!

Was on your cruise and saw you enjoying Zumba Jane! Love your idea - knock yourself out!

You will have a crowd...

create commotion..

security will be called...

then THEY will zumba...

Happy Dance! :)

Thanks everyone, for your responses! We normally do not book flights home before noon. This flight was booked for 11:50am, then got changed. The kids are flying this leg on their own (we WILL deliver them to the airport) but we prefer not to add to the stress of the day!

Sounds like we will be ok.

it was slightly different when I went. If you dont tell them you have an early flight you will go to a holding area where they will start to call floor by floor for self assist. In my situation, most self assist floors were called and zone one was called before my self assist floor was called. It might not work that way every time but did in our case. we waited 90 minutes to get off for self assist.

 

tell them you have an 11:00am flight and you should be one of the first ones off.

How is this monitored on Carnival? Our previous experiences has been that you get tags, or cards, that tell you to be at Point A at Time A, but when the time comes, nobody is monitoring what you are doing. I think they assume that all passengers will do what they are asked to do.... what would happen if you request early disembarkation and then just do your own thing? By this I mean, get up, grab your luggage, and head down to the deck you're leaving from?

Hi All!

Doing our first Carnival cruise with our kids this February. We've cruised on Celebrity the past few years and have done self-disembarkation, which has been a very positive experience for us.

For those not familiar with this process, we keep our luggage on the last night and once in port on disembarkation day, we take our luggage ourselves, early (7am), down the elevators and off the ship. This allows us to beat the line up at customs that occurs later on in the morning and to be at the airport early.

Our kids flight departing Miami has been changed and they now need to be at the MIA by 10am (flight is 11am). Our experiences with self-disemb. has put us at the airport by 8am.

Is this an option with Carnival?