cruising46

Hydro,

I wish I could tell you good info, we are probably different from the occasional Caribbean cruiser. We usually just do the snorkel trips the ship offers. We like just being on or in the water. We used to have a sailboat, so we like the sailing trips also. Luckily my wife is not a shopper so we don't walk the towns at port very often. They can be hot just slowly walking around. There are just so many islands that I start to mix them up in my mind. What was where , etc. Some people are good about logging there travels during the cruise. Each island usually only has it's one or two special places that most tours will go to. Focus on those initially. Excursions are so subjective with everyone, especially with mobility issues and the like.

If you have never done it, the Sting Ray city tours are fantastic. Maybe two islands have them. Waist deep clear water and you can hold them in your arms and touch them safely. We feed them squid. They are really large and there are many of them.

On Sundays many town shops are closed on different islands , just the little kiosks located near the terminal will be open.

I would read the roll calls of the Eclipse and try to pick up ideas about tours etc. that people are organizing.

Good travels and keep in touch when you are approaching next years cruise.

PS:

I would make a new post in the Celebrity section titled

"Eclipse Sunset Veranda Question" Someone will definitely answer you.

 

Joe

For ideas check out the Feb 21 community site, lots of good ideas

Hi Celebrity Cruisers.

 

We are a middle aged couple from the Gold Coast, AUSTRALIA and looking at perhaps booking the 14 night exotic Caribbean cruise aboard the Celebrity Eclipse. If we do this trip it would be the first time on a Celebrity ship as we normally cruise with Norwegian.

Would the eclipse be at least as good or better than the Norwegian ships.

Is this itinerary a nice one for the Caribbean and would March be a good time, weather wise for this cruise??????

Sorry about these questions, however we don't know much about it at all.

 

Thankyou so much for anyone that can assist.

 

Cheers Bob & Christine.

Yes, have done it twice and going again on Feb. 21. Great cruise.

We have done both, taken excursions, walked on shore and stayed on the ship. Love staying on the ship.

Last cruise we met a gentleman who does not get off the ship at all. He loves it. So…..different strokes for different folks. That is what we love about cruising you can do "lots for do nothing"

So…..what is Persian Gardens. What options can you enjoy?

I've heard that Europe uses chip-enabled credit cards widely. Do these transactions require a pin or is a signature ok?

 

I just received a new chip-enabled card, expedited overnight to me since we leave soon. I wanted it since it is free and doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. However, the pin is being mailed separately and may not make it here in time.

 

Will I find no pin a hassle or only at some terminals & kiosks?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The chip does work in Europe. However, your pin cannot be more than 4 digits if it is more pin will not work.

That is absolutely correct. I just called the other day 2nd night, 2nd to last night and a night in the middle. The only difference I was told was if there was a sea day close to the middle it would probably be formal night.

Eclipse - Feb. 21 out of Miami

Do you know how we can find out which nights (3) will be formal nights? If not, why does Celebrity not post formal nights prior to the cruise. We would like to book speciality restaurants on formal nights and it would help.

Hi Everyone,

In an effort to create an improved experience regarding Dress Codes, we are trying out a new feature, by creating a "Sticky" thread. This New thread is to be used for all discussions regarding Celebrity's Dress Code policy.

We have established this thread, as the "go to" thread for all discussions pertaining to Celebrity Cruise Line's Dress Code policies. This thread is intended to make it easier for all Cruise Critic members to discuss current policies and any future changes. This is in lieu of having multiple simultaneous threads containing various discussions. We will combine all new posts and threads to this thread. Please follow our lead and post your questions and comments about Celebrity's Dress Code policies on this thread.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to email us.

Thank you to all for participating in our community !

Sincerely,

Host Andy

Host Walt

Here is the current Celebrity policy (as of October 12, 2014):

------------------------

What to Pack

 

So what do you pack? You'll need three types of clothing-casual or day wear, clothes for sightseeing (this clothing also needs to take into account what excursions you have planned) and evening wear. When you're on the ship or in a port of call, stylish resort wear is fine for everyone. If you're traveling in a warmer climate, this includes walking shorts and polo shirts, swimsuits and cover-ups, lightweight slacks or skirts and a light sweater. For cooler climates, you'll want casual clothing that can be layered. Don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella, and perhaps a waterproof hat and gloves. On any Celebrity Cruise it's smart to bring comfortable, rubber-soled shoes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. And, remember to pack your prescription medications and other personal care items you'll need.

Evening Attire

Evenings aboard Celebrity include two types of dress: "Smart Casual and Above" and "Formal."

 

"Smart Casual and Above"

 

Ladies: Skirt or pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sweater or blouse.

 

Gentlemen: Pants (no holes, rips or tears) with a sports shirt or sweater. Shirts must have sleeves.

 

"Formal" attire:

 

Ladies: Cocktail dress, gown, or a dressy pantsuit.

 

Gentlemen: Tuxedo, suit or dinner jacket with slacks.

 

Note: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurant at any time. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed in the evening hours. The dress code will be enforced at all restaurants. And guests are asked to follow the "Smart Casual and Above" dress code in the Celebrity Theater for all evening performances.

 

The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the appropriate attire each evening. A casual dress code applies at all times onboard Celebrity Xpedition®.

-------------------------

What is a sticky? and what is the purpose of a sticky? Think I know but not sure.

Bloody Caeser = Canadian Bliss (Clamato subbed for tomato juice)

Created at the Owl's Nest in Calgary, Alberta. Just wonderful

We are Elite. On the last 3 cruises we have received 3 vouchers each which could be used from 5 to 7 pm in most of the bars but not all. There was also a menu on the selections which were available.

I think you will find the corkage fee only applies if the wine is taken to a dining room. WE took bottles of bubble we had brought on board with us and consumed them in the sunset bar on the Solstice. Staff provided us with ice buckets and glasses at no cost. Over the morning we as a group consumed about 5 bottles at no charge and no cost

Has anyone else had this experience? We will be sailing out of Rome on Oct. 23 on the Reflection.

Interesting to see Kirk posting this question since we know this guy/gal is a long-time frequent cruiser. I am thinking (out loud) that the cruise line's own policy might be about the best deal for this situation (their medical sucks but cancellation provisions are pretty reasonable). We have often preached the benefits of just self-insuring cancellation costs, but in Kirk's situation even we would be looking for some kind of cancellation coverage.

 

Hank

P.S. Bon Voyage and we hope you post a full review upon your return

Do you want insurance to be reimbursed if you have to cancel your cruise/trip? If so. Royal Bank and other do supply it in Canada. However, it is quite expensive. I do know that RBC are now in the US but now sure in what capacity. We get annual insurance for trip insurance i.e. illness, accident, etc. for up to 30 day only $280+ Canadian for as many trips as you want but not over 30 days, you can add days if necessary.

On a personal level our son had a very serious injury while in Mexico and RBC was great, covered all expenses which we believe were in excess of $100,000.00 and even paid to MedVac our son to Alberta.

Good idea!

The original post should be amended with Celebrity's wording for the Specialty restaurants in that they are Smart Casual every night. The way the Celebrity quote reads makes it sound like there are 2 codes--"Smart Casual and Above and Formal" in "all restaurants." Not a big deal but could confuse some new cruisers.

 

Thanks!

We will be cruising in October - Aqua Class - so we can dress smart casual? Hope so. Have cruised Azamara twice. Love Smart casual.

What is the best way to get to Gondola rides without walking?

Host Andy, thanks for your timely reply and good advice. We are leaving for Miami on January 2, 2015 so we are really counting the days! Happy Cruising and have a great Thanksgiving.

Love the Eclipse so much we are taking the same 14 day cruise we took last year. It has. Few different stops which is great. See you on Sunday.

I'm booking romeinlimo for some of my pre-cruise time in Rome, thanks to the many accolades here on CC. My questions:

1-They are suggesting an 8 hour tour with a driver, and a guide for the Vatican. Do we need a guide for other sites? Or is the driver usually knowledgeable enough to provide info?

2-Have you ever just gotten a guide at the Vatican rather than scheduled one in advance? If so, how did that work out? Did you still have to stand in line for tickets? Can you just visit the "church" on your own without tickets? (I obviously have lots more research to do! I visited Rome years ago, but I was on a tour and they took care of everything.)

3-Do you tip on top of the fee for the driver, or is it included?

 

4- Not a romeinlimo question, but has anyone ever done a day trip from Rome to Pompeii? Is that possible?

 

Thanks in advance for answers to my questions!

Used their service, great day including stops and driver. Would do it again.

Celebrity is a great choice. We have taken our last 3 cruises with them and are booked for 2 more. Acqa is a nice treat. Small dining room with great service. The showers in the rooms are also great.

HAL is also a good cruise line never had a problem with them.

Azamara is is great choice for a smaller ship, approx. 640 passengers.

Never been on a "high end" cruise ie. Crystal, Symphony, etc. very expensive and also been told a little more formal, just heard.

First time we booked a bus tour with the cruise line. Quite expensive. 2nd time we booked a car as we were told taxis may not be available. When we arrived at the port, tons of taxis which would cost less than a booked car. Approx. 1.5 hours to Rome.

As soon as our feet get onto the ship.

Have you checked out RCCL. Great for kids, especially the larger ships.

Infinity is in great shape. If you want to find minor flaws you can, but none were distracting or bear mentioning. The crew is happy and responsive. Hotel department officers very visible while at sea and in port; navigation officers were busy going from port to port.

 

Ship set up a Cruise Critic meeting for the first evening just after boarding (from 7:45 - 8:15PM) providing sparkling wine and mimosas. Several hotel department staff were there although they were very busy having just embarked over 2000 guests. Our first 8 days were in various ports so it was nice to meet other CC members early on rather than waiting until the day before disembarkation.

 

Dining in Trellis was very good. We had anytime dining and made reservations for 6PM. We found an excellent waiter Jose Salinas and his big assistant Zambrano who took great care of us, even though they were very busy doing it. Excellent service and good food. We normally book AQ and there is a world of difference in food prep between Trellis and Blu.

 

Standard fare of three production shows and the usual magicians and entertainers. The highlight was a Beatles impressions group the night we left Liverpool - how appropriate.

 

Formal nights - evenings departing St. Peter Port and Holyhead. Made for a quick change for our standing 6PM reservation, but our only sea day was the day before disembarking. Formal night - about 90% of the men had coat and tie, some in formal attire. 10% did not appear to meet the dress code, but were not turned away.

 

Captains Club evening receptions in the Constellation Lounge - deck 11 forward; no coupons

Captains Club morning treats in the SS United States on deck 3 midships.

 

Cabin - 3114. Nice new cabin where the meeting rooms used to be. Great big circular window. Particularly nice cabin for a very port intensive trip in cold climate. Michael and his assistant, Vladimir, kept it clean and always greeted us and opened the door if they were in the passageway.

 

Embarkation in Harwich was easy. Eddie Manning delivered two other couples and us arriving about 12:30. We were onboard in about 10 minutes - no long lines anywhere.

 

Disembarkation. Luggage tag numbers based on information already available, e.g., flight numbers from Choice Air. Since we had prearranged earlier transport with Eddie Manning, we asked for and received earlier numbers. (Very nice not to have to fill out paperwork on the second day of the cruise.) Immigration is done at the airports, so it's not like Fort Lauderdale with long lines. Disembarkation started at 6:45 with 8:45 the last time. Very quick and efficient.

 

We did all private tours arranged through CC except for ship's tour from Le Havre to Paris.

- LeHavre/Paris - Ship tour LH03 - Paris sightseeing with lunch cruise. Lots of windshield time. As expected, most sights were seen from inside the bus passing by. River cruise lunch was very good with narrated tour. Had about an hour to walk around the Eiffel Tower and shop for souvenirs. 2.5 - 3 hours each way.

- St. Peter Port - After some initial confusion over the meeting point, Gill Girard gave us an excellent walking tour and her brother did likewise using his taxi showing the high spots around the island including the German Occupation Museum. We were on the first tender; by 10:30 reported wait was about 1.5-2.0 hours for tenders. Go early and avoid the crowd.

- Cobh/Cork - eCoach/Butler's Bus. Excellent guide and tour. Got us to Blarney Castle before the hoards from the ship tours. Could have been a long wait if you were on the last bus. Saw several additional sites and had time for lunch.

- Dunmore East/Waterford - All Ireland Chauffeur Tours. Another excellent tour. It was hard to find a provider here, but these guys did an excellent job. Again a tender port. We were on the first tender with our group.

- Dublin - Tour Dublin - Good tour, but do not take option B to Malahide Castle. It's a long trip and shortens the time in Dublin plus the ship tours had bought out all the afternoon castle tours. Disappointing.

- Liverpool - Liverpool History Taxi Tour with Phil Garrard. Excellent tour. We asked for some history and Beatles sites and got it. Phil is an excellent guide with lots of information and "secret" places.

- Greenock, Scotland - Great Scot Tours. Very good tour - 8 - people. Rearranged schedule to make sure we go to Stirling castle before the ship's tour busses which cut us out of our visit to Malahide Castle.

- Holyhead - BusyBus. Not recommended. Their advertising implies they use small busses to get to places the big busses can't go. We were met by two 50 passenger coaches and one 30 passenger coach. We were told they shifted since it was so hot and only the big busses had air con. Well one of them did. Our initial tour guide was one of the worst we have ever had. We shifted to the other bus with the company manager. There were 5 empty seats on the bus. Seems like they have lost their focus on service and now favor bigger profits, If you want a small group tour, find another vendor.

 

Our background: Late 60's; active; like to see lots of sights (and we did on this cruise); 9 cruises total; 7 on X; 75 days on Celebrity ships before this one.

 

Open for questions.

Get information. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this review. Getting excited about the cruise and our trip to the British Isles and Paris.

A for sure. If you can afford go for a balcony. Good stop to sit and relax with your wife before the baby.

I am just wondering how many people "jump ship" and cruise on multiple cruise lines? I know the benefit of staying with one line. We have done RCL and Carnival. While we prefer RCL over carnival, we do not dislike carnival at all. I am trying to plan a family cruise in April of 2015. With 4 of us going, CCL and NCL have less expensive options. I am also kinda curious of other lines. I know that if we never try, we will never know if we like that line or not. I know that I will be happy on RCL, we always have been. So do you sometimes choose a cruise by price over cruise line, with itinerary being the same, or as close as it can be? Or do you just stick with your preferred line? Thanks for listening to my rambling, but I am curious!

We have cruised on 5 different cruise lines - on 14 cruises, from large ships RCCL To small Azamara. Only bad cruise was on a Princess Ship, however, willing to try Princess one more time ....will be cruising the British Isles , lie thepe route. Schedule and price are always a determining factor. Loyalty Program are OK but not great

Been on 2 cruises out of Rome. ©. Book a car from Rome to port well worth it.