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Artemis

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Posts posted by Artemis

    Low carb on Cunard

    in Cunard Line

    Posted

    Hi, PunkiC, a wee envious you're getting out on the seas again so soon! Lucky you!

     

    Like the others, I find maintaining a certain food regimen on a cruise fairly easy--easier, in fact, than at home because there is generally greater variety of interesting, compliant options. I have often come home not having gained a pound yet not feeling denied one bit. A helpful waiter is a big boost to making the exercise pleasant. I hope it works out for you!

     

    Bon voyage.

     

     

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    I know I shouldn't but…...

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    We have done FLL during peak spring break. If you do not have TSA Pre-Check or airline cut-the-line privileges, the security line will likely snake outside the door onto the sidewalk. This will not be a problem insofar as making your flight if you do self-embark very early off the ship, but just expect it in advance, and if the situation is better than I described, count your lucky stars!

     

     

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    Good sign or bad sign?

    in Cunard Line

    Posted · Edited by Artemis

    Salacia, both good points. The weeks between American Thanskgiving and Christmas have historically been the lowest occupany hence lowest rates across the cruise industry, so maybe this isn't that alarming. And Carnival stock has been a decent investment for us, and I see it remaining so, although I still have concerns about the future of the Cunard brand.

     

     

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    Good sign or bad sign?

    in Cunard Line

    Posted

    fishywood, thanks for the scoop, and sorry, Dancer Bob, I was unaware of Cunard's policy that thwarts a solo's ability to simply pay 200%. Isn't that uncommon in the travel industry? In fact, I can envision how it could produce a rash of last-minute ill partner scenarios--why foster that artifice?

     

     

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    Good sign or bad sign?

    in Cunard Line

    Posted

    OP, as a SH, I think it's a bad sign! And also as a traveler, even as it would be hard to resist grabbing the deal--there are likely to be cutbacks if this kind of pricing to fill the ship occurs with frequency, not to mention the potential for erosion of the characteristics of the Cunard brand many loyalists hold dear. OTOH, viewing Cunard from a business perspective, I do think it is facing sustainability challenges. I think it is vital that Cunard identify and implement some forward-thinking strategies to marry old and new travel models.

     

     

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    Good sign or bad sign?

    in Cunard Line

    Posted

    ^ Hmmm, at those rates x2 for a single, that is still quite a favorable fare for a crossing on QM2. 7 nights lodging, meals and ballroom orchestra and dancing, not to mention all of the other entertainment and onboard ambience a voyage on a Queen offers, for under $1,000 is quite a travel bargain. If your goal is to pay just those rates as a single, then the Carnival and NCL deals frequently posted on the Solos forum might be appealing opportunities!

     

     

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    Live from Explorer's final round-trip out of New Jersey

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted · Edited by Artemis

    Love love love your food tour review and pix! Too funny about the phone--been there, done that. But hey, you were in Puerto Rico. It should be domestic service! Crossing fingers for you....

     

    Carry on, keep having fun and thanks for the live reporting. I have a soft spot in my heart for Explorer--so happy you are enjoying her as she makes this historic voyage!

     

     

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    Flying into Texas

    in Gulf Coast Departures

    Posted

    ^ agreed, technically speaking! But having lived in Houston many years and made that trip many times, I think 2 hours is the most reliable guide for planning purposes. I always feel very lucky when the traffic gods smile on me while making that trip!

     

     

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    Comparing Oasis of the Seas vs. a land based AI resort

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted · Edited by Artemis

    Hi, eel, I have often thought of doing this comparison, but was too daunted to start. Kudos on your well-written and very useful compare and contrast! This will be a helpful reference for many. We have done a bunch of cruises (incl Oasis) and several AIs in the Yucatan (but not yours--great rec! we give thumbs up to the Grand Iberostar and Excellence at Puerto Morelos). I pretty much agree with all of your conclusions. The only point of difference is likely due to timing--we have often defaulted to a cruise based on cost, as in our experience, you have to hit the AIs at certain "lulls" in order for them to price out more favorably than a cruise.

     

    Thanks!

     

     

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    Dont get left on the quayside !!

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted · Edited by Artemis

    ^ there was a happy medium, as I suggested earlier, and that was to explore then return for the airport transfer (which would not have been logistically difficult or inconvenient). However, I'm with CathyCruises as far as getting outta there goes, and really, the value of the transfer is not significant in the grand scheme.

     

    I'm empathetic with the "we were dumped" feeling to a point. I would be interested in knowing how far in advance of the cruise these travel arrangements were known and what information about options for making the most of the time gap was sought and given from Celebrity pre-cruise and onboard. Also, was there an overnight in Venice before disembarkation morning?

     

    Travel is what you make of it--if you're unwilling or don't have the time to educate yourself about your options, you may, indeed, find yourself in an undesirable spot or two.

     

     

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    Chaos of the Seas--Wesbound TA

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    OP, you were on the eastbound TA. Was the weather better such that more pax could enjoy outdoor spaces? Also, was the service better?

     

    I am wondering if there was a significant staff/crew turnover for the return in preparation for US-based cruising. Or perhaps that was the last cruise for many and a turnover took place on arrival in Florida? Just trying to find some possible factor for the poor customer service, which is at odds with our 7-day Oasis experience.

     

    Thanks for sharing your experience.

     

     

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    Dont get left on the quayside !!

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    I'm confused, as when we were there several years ago, there was a left luggage service--we used it, enjoyed time in Venice and then returned to retrieve and transfer to the airport. If accurate, this port authority brochure says it still exists and that you can also arrange for luggage transfer to the airport. http://www.vtp.it/risorse/allegati/brochure_navi.pdf

     

     

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    RCCL BOOKED A b2b now claims violates jones act HELP

    in Celebrity Cruises

    Posted

    Bummer!!! I see the Solstice's arrival time in Victoria is 6 PM, which is the precise time the ferry for Seattle departs. That would have been the most efficient solution.

     

    Celebrity monitors this forum and frequently invites pax with issues to email them for help. I suggest you take the initiative and contact concerns@celebrity.com -- I hope they can be more helpful in problem-solving and help make this work for you. Good luck!

     

     

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