Gig103

A few follow-on questions on the topic. 1) If the itinerary has three Vietnamese ports, but all in a row, is that a single entry, or multiple entry? 2) I found an official pdf of valid "Evisa port" and Ha Long Bay is not listed, if that's our first port of call what would more experienced travelers suggest?

Just off my first X cruise since 2017, with my two more recent cruises being RCCL. I have to admit that like some others in this thread I didn't think the Celebrity experience felt as upscale as it used to. It was nice not having to check-out towels and to not have the dining room menus pushing up-charge options (apparently a second lobster is?). The way they charge 'premium' prices for some basic inexpensive liquors like Aperol & Bailey's just comes across as trying to convince guests into the PP based on popularity. I still had a good time and put down two Book Later FCC reduced deposits, with one a sure-thing and the other a 'maybe' (refundable after 6 months). But yeah, the lines are more blurred to me too.

I booked on board with $200 reduced deposits on a nonrefundable 'book later' fare. Assuming I pick my cruise before this promo expires, I was planning to put an extra chunk of $800 down, but want to confirm those funds are always refundable before final payment? If I have to cancel the trip I know I lose my deposit but would I get my $800 back as cash not FCC? Similarly I could buy a drink package in advance to trigger it if those are refundable.

If you buy in advance it will be refunded if unspent at the end of the cruise. But keep in mind Amex will see the credit reducing you below $1000 and take back the bonus. How I made it work last week was to check in for the cruise with a different card, so my refund of OBC is going to my Visa instead. There's also a thread about that bonus maybe a moderator can merge.

Reporting back post-cruise. I arrived at the LA World Cruise Port and had my alcohol in my carry on. I mentioned it at check-in, because I didn't want anyone to think I was trying to break rules. Agent told me that security would handle it, so I passed my bag through and security didn't even blink. I was now on board with my bottles, but I had the classic package so they stayed sealed to fly home.

Hello, I'm familiar with the idea of, if I make a purchase of alcohol in a port of call (or Ulu knives in Alaska), that security will confiscate it and return it on the last evening. Is the same true if I bring sealed containers of alcohol at embarkation? There are some things I want to pick up in LA, but may not have time to stop after my cruise on the way from Long Beach back to LAX, but have time in the city prior to prior to boarding. I have the classic package, I don't want the bottles in my room, I just want to be able to shop in advance. Will this work?

Fee + Grat is what I experienced on RCCL in Aug 2022. I hate that they're minimizing the difference with Celebrity, it theoretically costs more because of it's more inclusive nature.

Hey all, bumping... If I call Celebrity and buy OBC, that's always OBCR, right? If so is there a way to buy OBC from the online planner to save the phone call and wait time? Thanks!