afto

Going on Eclipse at the end of the month. On our last Celebrity cruise, we had to fill in a paper list of breakfast items we wanted next morning. Once, due to an admin error on my part, we ended up with two breakfasts each! I read on another post that room service breakfasts are now ordered through the interactive TV. Is this the case?

They may not have the paper order forms in your room, but you can ask your steward for them if you want to write in a special request (mine is "2 poached eggs please"). There seems to be no rhyme or reason to how the order forms are interpreted. If I put a "1" in the box next to "toast," sometimes I get one slice of toast, and sometimes I get one order of toast (two slices.) If I put a "2" in the box next to "toast," sometimes I get two slices of toast, and sometimes I get two orders of toast (four slices). Doesn't much matter, as long as I get my pot of tea while I sit out on the balcony and enjoy the view. Lovely way to ease into the day and one of my favourite things about cruising.

My experience with Celebrity internet? Unlimited frustration.

Sorry for your misfortune. I really don't understand your " never trust them again" comment, it was a rare accident.

A rare accident, but an understandable off-the-cuff comment, given the circumstances. Let's not criticize the OP for his/her initial reaction to this holiday snag. OP - hoping this all ends well, the suitcase shows up, and that you travel home (or continue on your holiday) with a pile of freshly laundered clothes and an interesting story to tell.

We did check our bill on TV on the final night but I was still expecting a printout under cabin door. I did not go to Customer Relations Desk as we had many Asian Guests that were paying in cash on the last night and the lines were very long.

Wondering if it would be worthwhile to take a quick snapshot of last page of bill on TV screen? At least it would be something that you would have in the event of a discrepancy.

I wonder if the duvet cover is replaced before each sailing. I always worry about any covers on top of the bed.

I also hope the sheep are washed before I board the ship....:p :D

Don't worry; the cabin stewards will have everything sheep shape by the time you get to your cabin.

Cruise Critic should really offer an animal husbandry forum on a regular basis. It makes such a nice change of topic from dress codes and tipping.

Have you tried calling the Jungle Queen and asking them?

Their web site does say that they will accept luggage and store it during the trip, but in the end I decided that taking two taxis plus hauling luggage on and off the Jungle Queen, plus finding something to do to kill time (with luggage) prior to cruise departure was just not worth the hassle. With the cruise excursion luggage will stay on the bus, we do a bit of a sightseeing drive around Ft. Lauderdale, and end up at the airport.

I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions. Thank you.

Thanks for your responses. Still mulling this over but will probably just go with the cruise line excursion.

While the bathrobes are one size, it is a generous size.

Not generous enough for, um, a friend of mine who wears a dress size 22. Hope that helps, OP.

Hello,

We are arriving at Port Everglades (in December) and flying out from FLL at 3:30pm. We would like to do the 11:00am 90-minute cruise on the Jungle Queen on the way to the airport. (I have taken this trip before, and enjoyed it so I have talked DH into it.) I am not sure whether to take the cruise line excursion which includes an airport drop-off or, for quite a bit less money, book the Jungle Queen directly and take cabs. We will have our luggage with us (2 cases plus carry-ons), and the Jungle Queen's web site says that they will store luggage on board. But I am not sure how much of a hassle this would be.

Hoping that Cruise Critics can help me figure out what is best; thanks for your responses.

Galapagos. Antarctica.

Cool video. Thanks for posting.

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I wonder if at least PART OF THE REASON for this change is because of health issues. I do not believe that buying prepackaged vanity kits is cheaper than buying cotton balls and Qtips in bulk. Perhaps there is a concern that germs can be spread by the open canister of these items being shared cruise after cruise as I feel pretty certain they didn't throw away the unused portion after each cruise, just refilled.

Makes sense to me. I am not a germ-o-phobe, or a person who brings disinfectant wipes to sanitize the cabin before I unpack my suitcase, but somehow the thought of using those cotton balls or q-tips always seemed particularly unsanitary to me. I bring my own, and I for one will be glad of the extra space created by not having the container sitting on the bathroom counter. (Would have moved it myself but always thought cabin steward would think I was intending to steal it, and there is no good spot for it anyway.)

But the OP's point of "what next?" is well taken. On every cruise, there is a little something that I notice is missing. On the other hand, there are little added touches here and there that help make up for that. I still love cruising Celebrity, and I am sure the OP feels the same way.

I would also be in favour of eliminating outdoor music, at least in areas like Tracy Arm where the attraction is the natural beauty and the wildlife. OP, why don't you set up an actual poll? More people might respond if all they have to do is click a button. It would be interesting to see some numbers on this issue and, an actual poll might make more of an impact on Celebrity corporate decision-makers. Hmm, maybe that last bit is wishful thinking ...

Grilled shrimp = delicious!

Did the snorkelling boat tour. Was not all that impressed. Would not do that again, but definitely going back to Nachi Cocom.

As we cruised into Naples on the Reflection in May, I wandered out onto our balcony and, lo and behold, sunrise over Vesuvius! Photo attached!

I could swear that was my picture! Were you on the May 12 sailing by any chance? It was a beautiful morning to be sailing into Naples.

Howdy,

 

About 4 days into the cruise from Rome. Ship is nice, but I don't like it as much as I thought I would. Too much "up-selling" for my taste. Seems most everything is geared toward getting you to buy something. Went on a nice tour of the galley, which ended in the specialty restaurant area...to sell you on making a reservation. Just like a ride in Disneyland ending in the gift shop. I'm in CC class, which I would not recommend paying extra for.

 

Food is excellent, staff nice.

 

Cheers....

Agree with your comment about selling. We found a big difference between the Equinox in December and the Reflection in May, as far as public space given over to selling. Just a small example is that on the Equinox the glass cases beside the elevator are filled with beautiful pieces of glass art; on the Reflection, they are filled with items for sale, advertisements for specialty restaurants, etc. I thought this was tacky, and more appropriate for a shopping mall than anything else. Still, as you say, beautiful ship, great crew, and Celebrity continue to do a good job for us. We will be back.

Hi

 

We are sailing on the celebrity reflectin in August this year. We are looking a shore excursions & the 'Tastes of Turkey' tour caught our eye.

 

This tour introduces you to the rural life in Aegean region. You'll visit Sirince, a beautiful Aegean village of 600 situated in the Turkish hillside. Here you will see the vast orchards and try some of the local specialties including different fruit wines. The highlight of the day will be when you are taken to the "cherry village" and are welcomed into the home of the local villagers' courtyards and served their favorite Turkish and household dishes. Stop at the Turkish weaving arts, carpet and handicraft village where a carpet presentation will take place. Finally, you will visit Ephesus Theme Park for a refreshment stop and exclusive interactive show.

 

Has anybody done this tour or anything similar? Would recommend it or

not?

 

Thank You :)

Joining in the chorus of those who recommend seeing Ephesus - it's spectacular, especially the terrace houses. If you are interested in an authentic type of experience, you might like a tour that we did with Melitours. This was a small-group tour in a very nice comfortable mini-bus, for 12 people. It included Virgin Mary's house, Ephesus, and a home-made Turkish lunch at a local farmhouse, which was delicious and a highlight of the trip. We also stopped at Turkmen carpets, which was interesting in that it showed how the weaving is done, how the silk is spun from the silkworm coccoons - the whole process. Then came the carpet presentation but this was not very high-pressure and not a long stop. I highly recommend Melitours.

Hi

 

We are sailing on Celebrity Reflection and docking in istanbul on 08.08.2014 & leaving at 1pm on 09.08.2014.

 

We have come up with the following itineriary:

 

DAY 1

Hagia Sophia

Grand Bazaar

Spice Market

Stop for a break & drink at the Hotel Turkoman Roof Terrace

Bosphorus Cruise (1-2hrs)

Galata Tower

Back to the ship to watch the Bridge Light Show

 

DAY 2

Blue Mosque

Stroll through Byzantine Hippodrome

Return to the ship

 

Does this sound ok?

 

Any advice on the itineriary would be much appreciated

 

Thank You :)

Another vote for skipping the Bosphorus Cruise - you won't see much more than you can already see from the ship. Basilica Cistern is a must - not too time-consuming and a unique and very cool site, right across the street from the Hagia Sophia. Spice market - small, you can't get lost, very photogenic with lots of bins full of colourful spices and teas; good place to shop for souvenirs to take home. All of these easily reached by the tram.

Taxi is not interested in taking such a small distance

Are buses pass on the way

What is a number line

What schedule

What is the name of the bus

 

Thanks in advance for your help

We got off the Celebrity Reflection last week. Cruise line provided shuttle bus from ship to the port gate. There is a small bus loop there, with a clearly marked sign in English for the bus to the train station. Also a number of vendors. We ended up buying a ticket on the spot for a bus from the port gate to Termini Station. 15 Euros per person; took about 1.5 hours (with one stop at the Vatican first for those wanting to do a half-day sightseeing with a transfer to the airport afterwards). This bus was ideal for us, as our Rome hotel was close to Termini - because we had way too much luggage, loading it on and off the bus once was less hassle than taking the bus to the train station and then a train as well.

Went to the zoo in December as part of a very good Celebrity excursion that also included a boat ride on the Old Belize River (lots of birds and animals) and lunch at Bacab. We only had about an hour and a half at the zoo; I would have liked a bit more time. It only houses species that are native to Belize, some of which I had never even heard of before (such as a tayra). I think most of the animals were injured or orphaned in the wild and then brought to the zoo. Very interesting, well-maintained facility. Well worth a visit.

They showed movies in Celebrity Central when we cruised in December. Went down to see The Great Gatsby, but seats were so uncomfortable that I left after 10 minutes. Or maybe it was the movie that was the problem. ;)

Mykonos and Santorini. Mykonos comes in first because it exceeded expectations. Santorini had the great views as advertised but between the windmills, Little Venice, good shopping and less crowds Mykonos gets the nod.

 

https://markandkareneurope2013.shutterfly.com/pictures/8

Wonderful pictures of Mykonos! Can't wait to see it myself in May.

This one was taken on the Equinox in December.

Has anybody used Mario's Tours in Panama, and does anybody have his contact info or website.

Thanks

lance32/aka Jon P

We were on the Equinox December 9th. A cc member booked a group of us on the "Rainforest + San Lorenzo Fort + Canal" tour with My Friend Mario tours. Here is the link to the tour description:

http://www.myfriendmario.com/shore-excursions/rainforest-colonial-fort-canal

Great experience! We travelled in a clean well-maintained air-conditioned 23-seat bus, with very professional guide Mario (Mario number 3 - there are several people named Mario associated with the company). We had torrential rain that day, but Mario adjusted the timing of our visit to the Fort so that we were able to dodge a downpour. We opted out of the 30-minute rainforest walk because the paths were rivers of muddy water and the rain kept coming, but Mario made several stops along the way to the fort, so that we were able to see three sloths (including a baby), howler and capuchin monkeys, and a good variety of birds, including toucans. We stopped at a viewpoint where we could see ships waiting to enter the canal from Gatun Lake, and we crossed the canal itself twice - once by a little water-level bridge near the locks and once by ferry. We also saw an old US armed forces base, the new lock gates waiting to be installed at the extension. And we visited the Gatun locks visitor centre, where we had enough time to watch a big freighter pass through the locks. The covered viewing area sheltered us from the rain. During the tour, we were provided with water, soda, or beer and plates of delicious fresh fruit. Best day of the entire cruise; I highly recommend My Friend Mario.