bikerunner

Almost any vacation I have been looking at, All Inclusive/Cruise/Land etc have gone up tremendously and there have been cuts across the board on many things. I shop around and talk to various Travel Agents, 2 are good friends of mine, and its all just finding the right deal now. Been lucky with getting decent group rates for Celebrity on my next cruises. I cxled out my AI i usually go to this year because prices have gone up so much. Also on a big budget as have a TA scheduled next year and spending an extra 2 weeks in Italy after the cruise.

With elite I got 15% off the upgrade to premium but yes have to call them. Best is early am never had to wait more than 2-4 minutes when I call then.

As above no. Class of rooms are physical by nature in the here they are. You would have to move rooms. Aqua sometimes goes cheaper based on availability overall. It’s well worth it for thermal spa and blu. But wanting connecting rooms you won’t have that in aqua class.

When you get on explore the ship. Find the different spots/bars/spa etc. Always fun when on a first cruise and or a new ship to find the different areas. Dont be afraid to ask the staff for help;/recommendations etc, Thats what there for to make each guests experience special. If there is a problem address it and dont let it simmer with you, guest services is very easy to talk to and very helpful.

I would look at youtube reviews and walkarounds on the ships. They are very different but like said both great. As much as ports are important the ship also makes a difference in the total experience overall. I enjoy both overall because of service and many other things. S class use to be my favorite but now about even with the E class ships. Im good with the infinite verandahs with them adding extra space in the room and give me my solitude away from the general ship when I need it. Also the more modern feel is great in them The S class are definitely more traditional. Great layout on how the ship is laid out overall. I look more to itinerary now since I know i would just enjoy the cruise with Celebrity.

Both ships are great, I would go with the itinerary that is more interesting plus would opt for more days overall.

The main thing also on the drink package it also includes the specialty coffees/teas among other things. Those are the ones that usually put me over. Plus its nice trying different wines/beers, dont like it easy to get another one overall. Just things to take into consideration.

If not needed the wifi and then it just depends what and how much you drink. The wifi as much as I dont want it, I have to have it for just checking daily emails on various things. The OVC does have coffee and fruit punch ice tea free for all. Also carry on water if you need want that etc.

How many day cruise

I always do the all included but they also for some reason have this in my drink packages. The AI just works out better overall with it including tips and drinks. For some it does not but I also want the vast majority of my trip paid for before I go. I have in the past when drinks were not included, early 2000ish had a crazy bar bill overall. I prefer the AI as I dont have to worry about will I like this drink etc. Plus with the amount Tea I drink from Cafe Bacio and San Pelligrino I drink it mostly pays for itself

Upgrade is no longer 12 a day.

Mostly true. Service and overall ship is above food to me. The removing of many steak dishes was not a big thing for me as I have switched more to vegetarian style food. Plus I by steaks from a farm right near me that I would put against most land based steak houses.

Just book the specialty if you want to do them. Dont overthink the vacation.

Ive done it with 2 suitcases but they were carry on size. Easier the first time if unsure get XL, usually not a huge difference and it will be piece of mind. I would not do the uberx as that can be anything from a prius to a camary size. Very variable.

Having been in service industry, managing places etc never seen anyone question it either. Its actually better to tip cash then on the card.. I almost always do this, tip in cash when I go out and just pay bill on card,

Thanks for clarification, makes sense, much more competition on getting employees now especially with more ships out there.

I’m guessing the tips are not added into the cruisefare because of tax reasons. If they were the companies would be taxed on them and would be less overall in the pool. Having it as an auto grat the taxes are not pushed on the company and then the employee for dbl taxation could be wrong overall on that thought. And all the tips absolutely all go to staff, my best friend was dating someone who worked for celebrity for 20 plus years in service side, waiter bartender etc. we had long discussions on this subject and many more things about celebrity The removing of the tips baffles me. Ohh my country culture does not do tipping. So stay in that country. I prefer learning and understanding each country and learn their customs. To each their own if you want to stay close minded and tunnel vision of what you know from where you live go for it.

I’m heading to Austin in March and going to be looking at places in San Marcos new braunfulds areas. Sick of winter.

Prefer not to have a one world system. Each country area etc has their own customs and ways of doing things. Not an inconvenience at all. I just make sure I’m aware of the places I travel and their customs. The employees working have a choice to work other places that don’t do tips. Many employees have been with celebrity long time.

Haven’t looked at Europe lately was just noticing in the states as I had to book a bunch for work and other travel. My flights I do to Austin and fll and others are stabilized. I will need to look at European next few months as have an April 24 transatlantic I need to get home from eventually. Staying in Italy about 2 weeks after cruise.

Exactly. All forms of travel have gone up tho finally noticing a little better on airline rates overall. My next few cruises are booked thru travel agents, not big box ones, that offered great group rates. Much less than celebrity site and with additional obc. It’s all about doing some research I do both land ALL inclusive and cruises.

I prefer to pick cabin overall. I like certian locations and lately been picking sunset veranda rooms which rarely are ever gty type cabins.

Depends, the 7 day ones might have kids since it just covers a week over thanksgiving, sunday to sunday etc. The longer cruises that cover 9plus days I have found pretty kid free, except the one I took once over Christmas new years, never again.

Thanks that was the info I needed.