Jane2357

Were the specialty restaurants ever open for lunch?

I do recall hearing once that Tuscan was open for lunch. I couldn't tell you what day it was or if this was a one time or multi time thing. Sorry.

Make sure that you do not go expecting baby sitting services. If you child is old enough for the kids club then you will be fine.

Our last cruise one couple came with what looked to be a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old. They thought they'd easily have sitter service. Didn't work out as the ship must have two certified sitters available - which they did not due to a maximum 10 hr work day. This caused problems for the couple and the ship.

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Unrelated to Customs and the timing but can I just WARN people about the situation disembarking in San Diego. We also ended our adventure on 4/17 and we had been warned that getting off the ship - you needed to use caution.

A slight slopping upwards gangway of two levels, and the the choice of two flights of stairs down while carrying your hand luggage or a line and wait for 1 small elevator.

We had just stepped off the bottom of the stairs when the sound of hearing a person falling down, down, down the flight above us was heard. We turned around and the wife was visible on the landing, screaming. Celebrity and shore personnel we leaping over fencing and rushing to the stairs to reach the man.

My guess is that the line was long at the elevator and this older couple tried to carry their carryon luggage down. We had friends IN the elevator and they could hear the sound of him falling as well. Very sad way to end a cruise.

The ambulance was racing in as we left. Please - allow yourself time no matter what your plans are!!!!!

First, thank you so much for posting all the information on your cruise. My husband and I will be on a east bound cruise next year and your experiences have helped us plan out our port excursions.

 

One specific question I have is regarding the Robtad tour. I am in contact with Roberto and he has sent me the list of tour options. So many to chose from !! I know you had the extra special add-on on your tour but I was wondering which tour option you chose. We dock at 6 am and depart at 4 pm. I'm worried about which length tour we should book.

 

Thank you in advance for your input.

What I did with Roberto - not planning on what happened with us was to maximize the time that we had to see as much as possible. So he took the long day that we had and combined several parts of the different tours to get us as much as possible.

You've gone a long way - why not see as much as you can. If you get off the ship early - maybe take the ride to Panama City in the morning and do those things first, then later in the morning you head back towards the new and old locks and do those observation areas as they are close to the ship.

We never got to do most of what we had planned do to the incredible experience we had but had that not of taken place - our tour would have been great. We ate lunch at a local restaurant at my request - no tourist spot for me - the food was really delicious. Work with him -- he will do everything he can to make it all happen.

Oops, sorry...I also have a question regarding your tour with Brayan in Cartagena. I have been in contact with him as well. He was very responsive in the beginning but now he is not. It's been over a week and he promised to send me some information on tour options. What was your experience with him ?

 

Thanks again for your input.

Brayan is FANTASTIC! Please remember when trying to get ahold of these tour guides - this is peak season. They are booked each day and are doing there best to take great care of their guests while also keep moving future bookings along!

Brayan is a young man - a real "go getter" and he will take excellent care to give you the tour that showcases what you want to see. I specified NO shopping - as I had no interest in emeralds or other trash and trinkets as I call them. Most guides wish to take you shopping because they get a kick back for what you purchase but Brayan was fine with my request and it was never discussed.

I wanted to learn about the coffee and boy did he do a bang up job. We had a private tour and he took dh and myself to a coffee shop (which was closed to the public while we were there) for a real education on coffee types - different ways to roast - which we got to do ourselves - grinding, etc. Our favorite coffee was called peasant coffee - made with spices.

We walked to a local corner market and had an ice cold beer with the local police men. Climbed to the top of the fort and took the tunnels underneath.

Figure out what you want to see and do and he will make it happen. He also had us back at my requested time - always 2 hrs before the ship leaves.

I hope you have a fantastic cruise. One month from now we too, will be on board. Can't wait.

 

Are you able to find out if they have implemented the new beverage package rules? Specifically, Classic package -- beer, wine and spirits up to $9 and if you'd like something more pricey you only pay the difference? And with that change I suspect there might be new drink menus with new higher pricing? This might not be as obvious but someone might know.

 

Thank you.

Sorry, forgot to post this one. They have implemented the new rules. I heard that people were very happy about the change. :)

Jane,

 

I am very happy to hear you are WELL. Thank you for your feedback. Guess what, I received an email from Roberto this morning. Perhaps he is reading your thread. Now, I just have to decide WHICH tour! Thanks again for taking us along on your journey!

Please tell Roberto that Jane says "hi". You are in for a wonderful tour!!!!!

My wife and I are going in November, and this will be our first cruise. (Not sure if that was a good choice or not - since it is so long.) I have a couple of newbie questions that I haven't been able to answer with multiple searches. I hope you can help or point me to another post or resource.

• Is there a self-service laundry on board? If so how pricey? We don't want to pack 2 weeks worth of clothes.
  
• It looks like there is an ATM(?). Do most ports also accept U.S. currency or credit cards?
  
• The restaurant situation seems strange. Do you really have to pay extra to eat anywhere besides the main restaurant? (I can see where that may be worth it for special dinners.) What are the breakfast and lunch options that are already paid for? Are coffee and tea available at meals without paying extra? What about generic bottled water? Is it available at times other than meals?
  
• What are the fees for entertainment?
  

Sorry to bother you with newbie questions, but the materials from Celebrity leave a lot of this out.

There is no self service laundry on any Celebrity ship. We do use laundry for socks, underwear, tee shirts, shorts, etc. Not cheap but not horrid. Some people bring laundry soap and do hand wash in sink. Bring plastic hanger with clips and hang in shower to dry. They do also have dry cleaning for nicer things - sad but for first time they ruined 2 items of ours - won't use them again.

EVERY port takes U.S. money and credit cards without problems. Make sure you take your cash in smaller bills though as the change that they give you will be in local currency. 1's, 5's, 10's mostly will get you through. Make sure to check what of your credit cards do not charge a conversion fee on the foreign currency and use that card of purchases.

Meals outside of your assigned dining room are extra. There are only 2 specialty restaurants Qsine and Tuscan Grille. The up charge is worth it - we love Tuscan - Qsine is fun but once is enough for us. Your breakfast and lunch options are dining room or buffet unless you booked a suite. No extra charge there. Water at the table and coffee are included but not specialty coffees.

Do you have a Beverage Package - bottled water would be included on any of those and are available at any bar.

No fees for entertainment. Casino, bingo, etc. would be the exception.

It is a long cruise - we were ready to get home but it was more than a cruise - it was an ADVENTURE! Get out there and do stuff - take a dance class, water color class, trivia game - all free. Lots of music and dancing around the ship - we are worn out from the fun.

Be up before dawn to be ready for the day going through the locks!!!!! Be out and about - moving around to get the perspective from all over the ship. By mid-afternoon we watch with wine in hand while enjoying our balcony.

Jane,

 

Welcome home! It's so good to hear from you. I have been trying to get a hold of Roberto at his hotmail2 address and am not getting any response. Any words of wisdom? We have Gio and Dora tours secured. We are doing the Volcano Climb in Guatemala with Celebrity. Did you hear any feedback on this excursion?

THANK YOU! I hope you and Bob came home without any sickness!

Roberto from Robtad's may take a while to get back to you. His full time job is working for the port authority and let me caution you - it took him 2.5 years to get us in to the control room. I'd say someone sailing in 2019/2020 MAY have a chance - I doubt any sooner than that will get in. His regular tour is VERY good also.

Did not hear of anyone doing the Volcano Climb - sorry. We did do the Gio Tour in Costa Rica and it was very well done. I've got pictures of me feeding a monkey while it sits on my shoulder from that one. :) The jungle boat ride that is included is WILD!

I am ecstatic to report that this is the first cruise out of the last 3 that I have not gotten sick! I was not going to cruise again if I had as it becomes a real concern. What is different this time - NO BUFFET. I never ever went to the buffet (walked through once) to get anything!!!!!

I carried and used so much hand sanitizer - maybe a physiological boost but hey. Only ate in Luminae or specialty.

Bob and I are back home - and tired but I wanted to hop on and see if there was anything else I could share that might be of some help to those cruising the PC next.

One BIG thing that happened on disembarkation day - we had been warned that getting off the ship in San Diego was tricky as there is a slight slope up the gangway to the pier and then either a wait for a very small elevator or a walk with carry on down two flight of stairs.

We took the stairs and I cannot describe the horror of hearing a fellow passenger falling down the stairs!!!! We had just stepped off the bottom of the stairs and on the flight up from us - out of view thank God - the sound of the man bouncing down was awful. His wife was screaming and of course the cruise personal were jumping fencing to get up there.

I have prayed this man survived and will recover, I pray he didn't "take out" anyone else in his path. We are all in a hurry to get off the ship and to the airport or on with other plans but PLEASE USE CAUTION when getting off in San Diego. So many elderly on this cruise and to have 1 elevator and a line would cause some to make an unwise choice. This needs addressing.

We had a flight home and as we left the terminal the ambulance was arriving. Tragic way to end a cruise.

While onboard this cruise we decided to postpone our next cruise - N.E./Canada and get to Galapagos while still young enough to do it right. We booked onboard - our first time ever and would not do so again.

For Galapagos you get nothing for booking and the agent caused us more trouble than if I had booked myself at home. Our 5% discount for being Elite was "dropped" and it is taking several phone calls to get this back. :mad:

I've got questions he can't answer so I guess I'll start at the Galapagos board here and try to figure it out myself.

This cruise ended with us staying on the ship in Puerto Vallarta as we had vacationed there many times and the stay was short. Great having the ship to ourselves. We did tender in for Cabo. Walked the marina to the beach and down to The Office for the best margarita in the world! I had been before but not DH. Stopped back in the marina for lunch and then a water taxi back to the tender spot.

One of the funniest things about this trip was the Dancing with the Stripes. I had never seen it and was there to cheer on one of my fellow guests and new friends in Michael's who had asked to do it. I thought is was like Dancing with the Stars a serious dance contest - imagine my surprise when I was asked to join only to find out the truth - that it is a comedy show. I will only close with the reminder that the TV channel replays this over and over and over again. My friend came in 1st and I 2nd and everyone had lots of laughs.

So if anyone has questions please let me know - I'll try to help in any way that I can. We were ready to get off the ship - our longest cruise yet - also our best. Officers, crew, Michael's Club - couldn't have been better.

Update on the dry cleaning issue - they had ruined a Tommy Bahama shirt of my DHs came back with dark dye transferred all over it. Butler was handling and brought the shirt back with the dye removed but the process to remove it took a new bright red shirt to a shirt that looked older and was faded. Mentioned it to Erick in Michael's and he had me fill out a form and within an hour we had a credit to our account for the cost of the shirt!!!! Oh happy day. THAT right there is what an excellent Michael's Club Concierge can do for you.

Erick is doing an excellent job and will often be making drinks, clearing tables, etc. Set up private future cruise appointments in Michael's, etc. I know this will sound over privileged but we are happy to cruise big once a year and have this level of care. Each to their own. Michael's on this cruise is used by many - day and evening people are found there.

Off to take a one of those new excursions - forget what they call them - like a private tour but through the ship which is good for today as we are in Guatemala.

This cruise has been beyond my imagination. With a few oops along the way we continue to have a wonderful time. A couple of things I'll mention - these are only my opinion.

We've always had wonderful service from the Dry Cleaning. This time they have ruined DH's new shirt -- we are waiting to see what they offer to compensate us. $80. Tommy Bahama

It is my opinion that Michael's Club has an issue in that they are taking servers and trying to make them bar tenders. So they wait on you and then have to go make the drinks -- this results in S L O W service. I would think during peak times they could offer an actual bar tender.

We did have dinner with the Food and Beverage Manager at an officers table the other evening but didn't feel that was the time to discuss this problem. We actually were sitting with the Hotel Director and has a wonderful evening in Tuscan with the photo and rose and all. Our first time and I don't expect to ever get the experience again but it was nice.

For those that wonder - one couple at that table were first time X cruisers, young and in a suite. The couple across from us - the man had been a ship's captain on a commercial ship. For us this was our first cruise as Elite and we were also in a suite. The other couple were at the other end and we didn't much chance to speak to them.

Yesterday we were in Costa Rica and took a CC roll call organized tour with GioTours - 8 in 1. I highly recommend them. Good english skills, brand new bus with air conditioning. Highlites would have been the white faced capuchin monkeys - yes I had one on me eating a bite of banana. Awesome. They crawl on your arms and sit on your shoulder or hang on your head. lol. Was glad for a shower later. We also did the jungle boat safari crocodile tour. OMGosh - this was almost too unclose. The photos we got were unbelievable. When they say DO NOT POINT OVER THE EDGE of the boat - there is a reason.

Sea day today to try to rest up -- tomorrow is Guatemala.

If I fail to return here -- I'll finish up after the cruise - I'm running out of minutes -- now in suites they've been giving the new bookings unlimited but that wasn't the case back with the 1,2,3 Go when we booked.

Meeting P&O Aurora:

 

We knew she was coming as a fellow passenger in Luminae clued us in and we all watched her go past. Her passengers all seemed to know that we were coming and many were out on deck, waving and waving flags. Very very cool experience!

Yesterdays crossing through the canal was fascinating! We were up before daylight to snag a place on the rail on deck 11. With light clouds helping with the sun - it was perfect for viewing. Get there early to hold your spot. After traveling through the first set of locks and having missed breakfast completely (I'm not using the buffet this cruise to see if I can stay healthy for once) - we went to Michael's club for refreshments and we then ducked in and out the deck side door (deck 4) for the wonderful side viewing. Later we moved up to our own balcony - deck 6 in the bumped out/forward facing celebrity suite. This is GREAT cabin for viewing from your deck!!! If you have this one booked - you will be happy.

Last evening there was a little music in Michael's - dinner in Luminae and a stroll about. After a long day in the sun the ship seemed quiet. Sea day today and we have Chic dinner tonight with the Hotel Director - Mr. Scheepers and the F&B Director Mr. Jelavic. This is our first ever invite and while not the Captain, I certainly very much appreciate the experience.

Tomorrow is Puntarenas, Costa Rica where we are doing a tour through Giotours.

Almost live;).

 

LOVE it!!!!

Today we are going to be cruising the Panama Canal. I've been awake since 3:30 so excited. Last night first time ever in Qsine. Fun, good food but a once and done -- not my thing.

Crazy story but true. Because I had read a review on CC from 2014 - the year I booked this cruise about a guy getting into the control of the Panama Canal - I thought - why not ask. Not since then but yesterday the same guide was able to get myself, DH and 10 other people that had joined my tour from our roll call into the control room.

We walked into the secure area and had to WALK ACROSS THE TOP OF THE LOCKS. Scary! Too bad I don't know how to put pictures here but I will post some in the Celebrity Facebook group.

1.5 we hung out - we got to take the computer mouse and open and close the locks. We stood on the high balcony of the control room and took incredible photos. We also got into the port authority control room where they control all the ship/dock activity - this was also incredible.

So I'd say that if you are booking for 2020/21 ish -- ask - miracles do happen. I will review this experience in detail after the cruise.

Well this has to be fast - the internet minutes go to quickly but mostly we has little free time! :) We are docking in Colon, Panama right this minute! We have a tour booked through Robtad's for 10 people that promises to be wonderful. A long day. Dinner tonight with 4 new friends in Qzine.

The rough seas we had went through the second sea night - it was too difficult to sleep and many people were not well. Last night leaving Artagena - it was smooth sailing - finally. Beautiful tour in Cartagena with Brayan Munoz through Cartagena Explore. Much more on that after the cruise when I have time.

Last night was a nice meeting with the Officers in Luminae - then dinner after and an early night as today is going to be a long one.

We did do the Cellar Master's wine/dinner in the Tuscan wine cellar room the night before - expensive but the wine we were drinking was in the 160 bottle price range so worth the money. Watched our first bottle "sabering". Fun.

Almost forgot - sail away on helipad from Cartagena yesterday. Not sure how they determined who was invited be as a suite guest and newly elite we were and it was fun but so hot.

OK - gotta run.

2nd sea day and the ship is rocking. Started in the evening and went through the night and now today. Not severe but I've met a handful of people today that are not feeling well.

Food in Luminae is excellent - last night I ordered the upsell lobster and it was worth it. Tonight we are doing the Cellar Masters special wine pairing dinner. This is new experience for us and we'll see if it is worth the $$.

Do not miss the 1st sea nights show - a 70's themed number that was so enjoyable and I happily sang along - it was my time - lol.

We had an issue when we discovered I failed to pack DH black dress socks for his tux (yes we are those people). Our amazing butler lent us some of his and actually pressed them before bringing them to us. Service above the call of duty!!! I'm gotten word to his supervisor.

I saw a handful of others in gowns/tux and we got some many compliments. So if you enjoy do it - or not - no judging.

The officers were out having a great time - dancing and mingling. Wonderful night. After the show we stayed again for the comedian - excellent and clean show.

I'll try to find out about the bev package question - we have the premium so we haven't noticed a change.

Embarkation 4/2 was delayed due to a heavy cleaning and two separate inspections. Check in however was easy and quick. We waited in Michael's for a bit, ate lunch in Luminae. Cabins opened around 2:30.

Ship is in great shape and spotless. Friendly crew and passengers. Was out walking this morning around 7:30 on our first sea day - not a saved seat around the pool so I hope this means the chair hogs missed the ship. LOL.

Went to Beyond Podium talk today - Bill Fall was very good. Cruise Critic party was a 9:30 and well attended.

Tonight is Chic night.

If I can answer any questions please let me know. I will not be posting photos but I'll help if I can.

We rely on caller ID to screen our calls. Does the caller leave a message? What area code does the call come in from?

 

 

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877 area code. They did leave a message offer was gone by then. I really fine with it. I love my cabin and would rather spend the extra $ on something else.

The Upsell Fairy does have my number! Last two cruises now. [emoji16]⚓️

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If I wanted to be at a dock - I can go out back and sit on my own boat. Being at sea, there is something about that - magic.

Someone else on here said that they were offered a RS for 1,500 more than they paid for AQ, I believe...very nice price for sure! Of course, the price has a lot to do with it, along with number of days, class of ship and Itinerary. I believe the poster said it was an S Class seven day to Alaska...

 

 

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That would be awesome. Last year for our Alaska cruise, we got a call to offer an upsell to a S2 from an Aqua 1. As we were center on the aft of deck 11 we turned it down but it was pretty cheap. Who knows what I would have done this time - but I do know that I'll love that CS! Just wanted to tell others - KEEP THE PHONE NEAR! Lol.

I'm comforting myself with the fact that I LOVE the cabin (Celebrity Suite 6104) I booked - the day the itinerary first opened up in 12/14 - couldn't book Aqua for that a year ago. We are two days from sailing and tonight the upsell fairy called - I'm gutted to say that we were out to dinner with friends and never heard my phone.

I called back 10 minutes later but the "offer" was gone. A Royal Suite - at what price, they were not saying. Was it a steal or was it big $$ - which I would not have paid. I'll never know - might have turned it down, did that once before but the moral of the story -- keep your phone close to you.

Bon Voyage!

Personally speaking - I think this would be a real snooze fest for them. Yes there are children, more if during Holidays. Non holidays it is few. Cruises over 7 days - very few.

The small one would probably really enjoy the kids club but the older ones ??? Why not look at some lines that have more activities - wave rider, rock climbing, etc. I think Celebrity is pretty much a quiet, older crowd and the line that does not cater to teens.