msteries

On 11/13/2021 at 8:59 PM, Oville said:

Haven’t sailed post Covid but our last Edge cruise, 1/2020, you absolutely needed reservations at Le Bristol for lunch.  It’s the best deal on Celebrity but I must add in Eden we had the best dinner ever on an X ship.

So did I!  Actually I loved everything about the Eden - the lovely casual daytime ambience with small group or soloist providing lunchtime music, the wild and wonderfully weird night shows, the little outdoor seating up above.  But I fear Eden has been “un-weirded” (if that a real word) because so many traditional cruisers hated it.  If anyone has recently been on Edge or Apex, I would love to hear what you thought.

Does anyone have a sample lunchtime menu for le Grand Bistro (if that is the one open for lunch on the Apex)?  I sailed on the Edge in her inaugural year and really loved the free lunch offerings in the little bistro tucked in Eden.  But have a lot of OBC this time out, and so looking for other possibilities.  For dinner, as a solo traveller, I have had disappointing experiences in the fancier evening dining spots, but have always had friendly service in the Luminae.

Thanks for replying, everyone!  In the past I have ordered a bottle of Dewars in advance, and oddly, no extra tax was charged even though it was put in cabin before sailing.  It is very nice to kick off shoes and have a nip (or two, or three..) while unpacking.  Usually luggage comes pretty quickly even in a Sky Suite.

23 hours ago, chemmo said:

Congratulations on your birthday!
 

Celebrity can arrange gifts (search the web site). Flowers, cakes and bottles…all great but not overwhelming. 

 

What could be more valued is something towards a special excursion either independently or through the ship. One of my favourite ‘landmark’ birthdays was celebrated by a helicopter flight from Antigua…Alternatively you could point them in the direction of an onboard photographic package or a pre cruise gift of binoculars or a new camera…
 

Once on board make sure the concierge (and M’D of the restaurant you plan on dining in) knows the date of your special occasion….Have a wonderful cruise!

I thought I would really enjoy what is called room bar setup, but the website description is really vague...  especially for $100!  Other oddities, too.  Seemingly no Dewars on offer.  I know, I know - definitely first world problems 😏😏.  But after two years of no cruising, I am really up for some splurges.

1 hour ago, chemmo said:

Congratulations on your birthday!
 

Celebrity can arrange gifts (search the web site). Flowers, cakes and bottles…all great but not overwhelming. 

 

What could be more valued is something towards a special excursion either independently or through the ship. One of my favourite ‘landmark’ birthdays was celebrated by a helicopter flight from Antigua…Alternatively you could point them in the direction of an onboard photographic package or a pre cruise gift of binoculars or a new camera…
 

Once on board make sure the concierge (and M’D of the restaurant you plan on dining in) knows the date of your special occasion….Have a wonderful cruise!

I thought I would really enjoy what is called room bar setup, but the website description is really vague...  especially for $100!  Other oddities, too.  Seemingly no Dewars on offer.  I know, I know - definitely first world problems 😏😏.  But after two years of no cruising, I am really up for some splurges.

10 hours ago, chemmo said:

They usually contact you about two weeks prior to boarding either by phone or email. We usually have a draft email set up ready to forward listing drink preferences, room set up, special requests, dining schedule etc. 
 

Usually efficient, suggest you mail asking for a reply as mfs2k says if you can’t get through on the phone and you are less than a week to your cruise. If you are more than two weeks to cruising I would give it a few more days…

 

We rarely get the same concierge twice even when cruising on the same ship from the same port…

Thanks for the information.  Since this is my my 75th birthday celebration cruise, friends are asking me what to gift, but the online descriptions are rather lacking.  So hoping retreat concierge can help, but no rush.

6 hours ago, DCPIV said:

There isn't a single one, and they all have different email addresses. 

 

Are you calling 1-877-RETREAT and then selecting option 3 (or whichever for a Retreat Concierge)? I've never had a wait of more than a few minutes. 

Yes, I did call several times midafternoon.  I gave up around the 20-25 minute mark.

Does anyone have an email address for the pre-cruise Retreat Concierge?  Trying to connect via the telephone number given on the website led to a wait too long to continue!

My pre-covid suite experience on the Edge was that if you are a late diner, and come a bit later than the lines for seating (but not at the last minute, of course) you can just show up at any of the main dining rooms.  This came in handy for us twice, and we loved the food in the Cyprus.  Will be on the Apex this winter and hope to do it again.  Might ask my butler to help.

What sort of vehicle took you to the Marina for your catamaran excursion?  One of those open air, bench seat thingy-s where the bouncing never ends? The last time I was on one, I got the outside seat and had to hang on for dear life.  I wrenched my shoulder and was in some pain for days.  I love to cruise and proudly claim that no cruise can ever be a bad cruise, but that one came close!

I am really enjoying your posts.  Hoping to be on the Apex next February, and returning to my annual big splurge on an S2.  It is soo true that once in a Celebrity suite you are spoiled for life!

This thread has made me so sentimental about my first cruises, which were on the beloved Norway.  And yes, I did try Skeet shooting.  I remember the jazz trios in the evenings, and the incredible amethyst crystal sculptures of Neptune.  But most of  all I remember the many delightful hours I spent pouring over deck plans as I chose my cabin.  So many variations in size and layout.  Once I even had a real vanity, with a poofy chair and lights circling the big mirror.  This in one of the less expensive categories, too!   We have given up so much in our demands for standardization...

I think you have to call, which is what I did to make the purchase.  I was just curious to see if it did appear on my account.  Being told my cruise today had already sailed certainly gave me pause!

As usual, wide awake in my hotel room, so thought I’d check the HAL website to see if a perk I bought yesterday morning had shown up.  System first said I had no booking, then when I typed in the booking number it said that cruise had already sailed!  Particularly amusing since no one is going anywhere on the Koningsdam til 2pm.  Going to be some very long lines!

For the first time I just bought my thermal suite pass online.  Sailing on the Koningsdam this Sunday.  A ten day single pass was $199.  Will let you know if I find out this is the better way to do it.  Many years ago I bought my pass by calling HAL.  When I got onboard, I was given a discounted price.  So usually I wait to sail before purchasing.  Every bit of savings helps, eh?  Especially for a solo passenger.

Thank you everyone.  My second time doing this route.  This time I get to introduce two dear friends to Bonaire.  They recently became certified divers so, weather permitting, they are in for a great day.  As for me, I am looking forward to four days at sea (counting HMC, cause I don’t bother with those tenders...).

2 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

There is no wattage limitations, but know that typically 2-3 cabins share the same circuit for the outlets, so if the ladies in all three cabins plug their industrial hair dryers in at the same time, it may overload the circuit.  Typically, both the 110v and 220v outlet circuits are protected by 20 amp breakers, so the 110v circuit is limited to a total of 2200 watts, while the 220v circuit can handle up to 4400 watts.  If your hair care appliances are dual voltage (it says "input voltage 100-240vac), then get an adapter and plug into the 220v outlet for better performance.

Thank you so much chengkp75.  I have heard of shared circuits, but now I know my tool would not be regarded as too powerful.

Thanks!  I thought I remembered something about wattage limitations.  After years of trying, I finally found a hair tool that works for me.  Would hate to have it wind up in the naughty room...

Somewhere I know there is info about wattage/power allowed for curling irons and other hair tools, but have misplaced the link.  Would someone please point me in the right direction? 

First time on the Koningsdam getting close!  Sailing February 2.  Doing my best to go with an open mind, but am very sure I will miss my late night walks on the Promenade Deck!  

Thanks for the thorough review!  Going on the Koningsdam this February, and will think twice if offered Club Orange.  Hoping ship movement was not typical!

What is meant by the “exclusive spa treatments”?

“These ocean-view staterooms offer spa amenities such as yoga mats and exclusive spa treatments from the nearby Greenhouse Spa and Salon.”

2 hours ago, cruzn single said:

Worked like a charm for me on Wednesday.  Best $25 I ever spent.  Put my bags out on Tuesday night and picked up at my home airport Wednesday evening.  My flight out of FLL was at 11:37!

My flight out of FLL is at 12:50, so hoping I can once again use the service.  And I agree that the money is well-spent.  I use it every year, but usually for a much later flight.

I have forgotten the allowed times for using Luggage Direct so that I don’t have to struggle with bags and customs when I arrive back in Ft Lauderdale.  So nice to put out backs the night before and forget ‘em!  Is a flight that leaves at 12:50pm too early?  I can’t find my receipt from last year, giving the rules.  This is the first time I have ever had the option of an early afternoon flight.  Thanks for any help you can give.

I will be on the 10 day Southern C. Cruise.  Koningsdam Feb. 2-12, 2020

Returning to Hal after a couple of years, and was so delighted to see you have kept this listing going.  Many thanks!

Mary 

8 hours ago, rothbury said:

Comfort Suite and Cambria Suite at Dania Beach is completely sold out.  The closest thing I saw was south of West Palm Beach.  About a 2 hour drive.  I think there was a hotel in Boca with rooms going for $1000.  Going to be interesting when people wait to the last minute to make reservations.  I'm guessing there will be 6 or 7 ships in port that day.  I would imagine air reservations may become a problem, too at some point.  The other factor is what traffic is going to be like in that area.  Could be closures and detours in place, too.

I don’t have good air connections out of Dayton OH and will start looking for flights in September.  Think I should buy earlier?  Superbowl changes everything.

Happy to report that The Riverside had rooms available today.  $40 more than I usually pay at the Hilton Marina, but no price gouging going on.

thank you all for the information!