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Extend Your Stay - Fort Lauderdale


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This is a very new program to the US (it has been in place in Europe for quite a while).  It is doubtful anyone here will have done it yet.

 

Basically, the getting off and on the ship part works just like it always did for the back to back cruisers.  You meet as a group, leave the ship after all other passengers have cleared, and then return to the ship.  It can be a bit of a hassle because you are stuck in the waiting area (usually a bar or other public area on the ship) while you wait, and also might have to wait in the terminal before you can return to the ship.  

 

In Europe it can be booked using OBC, so I would assume that the same would be true in the US.

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We just got off the Equinox and did this.  It costs $79.  You could stay in your room until 9 am.  We met at the Passport Bar at 9:15 til about 10:10.  Then we exited the ship, went through facial recognition and made sure our bags were there.  Then we were escorted outside the terminal, then back through the check-in.  We sat until about 10:40 inside the terminal.   At about 10:40ish, we were able to walk on and have free reign.  Most of the bars and and Oceanview did not open until shortly after.  We left at 1:00 as we had an earlier flight but others were able to stay on until about 1:45.  For the cost, it probably was not worth it.  But it was nice to lay around the pool deck with little people around.  We did get free drinks.  They have some issues to workout such as luggage and the timing of things.  Our flight left at 3:45 from MIA so it worked well for us as we would have paid $160+ on Uber, food/drinks @ restaurant.    However, with saying that, not sure I would do it again.  A bit of a hassle and sitting around.  Was kinda cool talking to the new passengers as they were getting on the ship.  

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Someone else reported they’d done this on Edge just now, and reported in one of the FB groups. I think they enjoyed it and it was the same as mentioned by Fisherman above. The crew hadn’t been properly briefed though and they had to be advised that drinks were included. One of the issues seems to be the early departure for the next cruise.
 

It does seem to work better in Europe where you don’t have to disembark until you are ready to finally leave. Plus luggage is not collected until that morning and not the night before. Also cruises in Europe depart at 5pm so you can stay on until 3.30pm. 
 

We have done extended stay in Barcelona on RCL, and Equinox in Rome, Silhouette in Amsterdam and will be doing it again in Rome on Edge this July. It has been enhanced for Edge in that the classic beverage package is now included plus a meal voucher for a specialty place.  The buffet was always available for a meal. We never fly out that day and hotels aren’t all the helpful in giving room access until around 2pm so it works well for us. 

Edited by Pushka
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@upwarduk...........re Booking Celebrity Air in the UK, ensures you have a Day Hotel and transfers. Much better IMO than the hassle of getting off and back on the ship.

 

What do you mean? I was thinking of booking my flight via choice air.

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On 1/6/2020 at 1:23 PM, fisherman0916 said:

We just got off the Equinox and did this.  It costs $79.  You could stay in your room until 9 am.  We met at the Passport Bar at 9:15 til about 10:10.  Then we exited the ship, went through facial recognition and made sure our bags were there.  Then we were escorted outside the terminal, then back through the check-in.  We sat until about 10:40 inside the terminal.   At about 10:40ish, we were able to walk on and have free reign.  Most of the bars and and Oceanview did not open until shortly after.  We left at 1:00 as we had an earlier flight but others were able to stay on until about 1:45.  For the cost, it probably was not worth it.  But it was nice to lay around the pool deck with little people around.  We did get free drinks.  They have some issues to workout such as luggage and the timing of things.  Our flight left at 3:45 from MIA so it worked well for us as we would have paid $160+ on Uber, food/drinks @ restaurant.    However, with saying that, not sure I would do it again.  A bit of a hassle and sitting around.  Was kinda cool talking to the new passengers as they were getting on the ship.  


 

Thanks for the information. Sounds like more hassle than it’s worth since we have to leave at 1:00 to get our flight.  We booked a day room at Holiday Inn Express by the Airport instead 

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I've also booked it for our Equinox cruise next week. Our flight isn't until 9pm so we figured it was worth it.  We will stay as long as we can then I got a rental car to drive to the mall.  I'll update after with our experience 🙂

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On 1/6/2020 at 10:23 AM, fisherman0916 said:

We just got off the Equinox and did this.  It costs $79.  You could stay in your room until 9 am.  We met at the Passport Bar at 9:15 til about 10:10.  Then we exited the ship, went through facial recognition and made sure our bags were there.  Then we were escorted outside the terminal, then back through the check-in.  We sat until about 10:40 inside the terminal.   At about 10:40ish, we were able to walk on and have free reign.  Most of the bars and and Oceanview did not open until shortly after.  We left at 1:00 as we had an earlier flight but others were able to stay on until about 1:45.  For the cost, it probably was not worth it.  But it was nice to lay around the pool deck with little people around.  We did get free drinks.  They have some issues to workout such as luggage and the timing of things.  Our flight left at 3:45 from MIA so it worked well for us as we would have paid $160+ on Uber, food/drinks @ restaurant.    However, with saying that, not sure I would do it again.  A bit of a hassle and sitting around.  Was kinda cool talking to the new passengers as they were getting on the ship.  

 

@fisherman0916 Were there other venues open for food during your extended time on board, or was it just the Oceanview Cafe? I am considering booking this as our flight doesn’t leave til 6:30pm. A drink package is great, but I want to know if we will be fed, too. There is nothing in the description on the Celebrity website, but it does show a plated meal in the promo video.

 

Thanks if you can provide that info!

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2 hours ago, Pushka said:

Do you not get a food voucher in the US cruises? I know on the Med ones we each get a $25 voucher that can be used for food in a specialty restaurant or to be put towards a spa purchase. 

 

There is no mention of a food voucher in the description that I can see.

27D89E08-B405-4DD6-BD54-A778C511F7EC.jpeg

 

From the accompanying video (seen in my screenshot) it does not look like any plate I have put together for myself at the Oceanview Cafe. I am hoping for a meal in a different venue.

Edited by CruiserMickey
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5 hours ago, CruiserMickey said:

 

There is no mention of a food voucher in the description that I can see.

 

 

From the accompanying video (seen in my screenshot) it does not look like any plate I have put together for myself at the Oceanview Cafe. I am hoping for a meal in a different venue.

 

Thats a tad misleading then, showing that meal and the wording.  Maybe there is some teeny disclaimer print somewhere.  

 

Our package is quite different then.

 

So I just checked and we have the same picture in our booking with the following text:

 

Highlights

  • Extend Your Stay program: Relax, get a bite to eat and take your time on departure day.
  • Classic Beverage Package for the day
  • Credit for use on Sushi on 5/Le Grand Bistro (on Edge series)

What To Bring

  • Small bag with personal belongings
  • Medication
  • Credit Cards

What To Wear

  • Comfortable Clothing
  • Swimsuit (if planning to use pool)

Important Notes

  • Guests can stay in their room until 9AM.
  • Minibar service is not included in this program.
  • Guests will have access to all public lounges and the pool deck.
  • Please note that no exit and re-entry to the ship will be permitted on departure day.
  • For your convenience, personal credit cards will be accepted for onboard purchases throughout the day.
  • Housekeeping will pick up guests' luggage from their stateroom the morning of debark and will store it at the designated pick-up area.
  • Private and group transportation is available upon request.
  • Guests who have booked transfers through Celebrity Cruises will have the option to request a later transfer upon signing-up for the Extend Your Stay Program.
  • A value of $30 is included to be used on Sushi on 5/Le Grand Bistro (on Edge series), any additional spend will need to be paid by the guest.

 

Edited by Pushka
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16 minutes ago, Pushka said:

 

Thats a tad misleading then, showing that meal and the wording.  Maybe there is some teeny disclaimer print somewhere.  

 

Our package is quite different then.

 

So I just checked and we have the same picture in our booking with the following text:

 

Highlights

  • Extend Your Stay program: Relax, get a bite to eat and take your time on departure day.
  • Classic Beverage Package for the day
  • Credit for use on Sushi on 5/Le Grand Bistro (on Edge series)

What To Bring

  • Small bag with personal belongings
  • Medication
  • Credit Cards

What To Wear

  • Comfortable Clothing
  • Swimsuit (if planning to use pool)

Important Notes

  • Guests can stay in their room until 9AM.
  • Minibar service is not included in this program.
  • Guests will have access to all public lounges and the pool deck.
  • Please note that no exit and re-entry to the ship will be permitted on departure day.
  • For your convenience, personal credit cards will be accepted for onboard purchases throughout the day.
  • Housekeeping will pick up guests' luggage from their stateroom the morning of debark and will store it at the designated pick-up area.
  • Private and group transportation is available upon request.
  • Guests who have booked transfers through Celebrity Cruises will have the option to request a later transfer upon signing-up for the Extend Your Stay Program.
  • A value of $30 is included to be used on Sushi on 5/Le Grand Bistro (on Edge series), any additional spend will need to be paid by the guest.

 

 

I really hope that it is just a missing detail. Lunch at Le Grand Bistro would be a great way to finish a vacation. He only other different wording is in regards to luggage...though we will only have carry-one anyways.

 

I just checked our European cruise and it also has the extended stay as you posted above, @Pushka. Interesting that it is listed at $49 in Venice (including $30 for restaurant) and the Fort Lauderdale option is $79 WITHOUT mention of a food voucher.

Edited by CruiserMickey
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We have a late flight (6:30) out of Ft Lauderdale in February    This option looked good until we saw what time you have to leave

Instead we used "dayuse hotels"   We have a room at the Courtyard Marriott Ft Lauderdale Beach hotel from 10-4 

Just a suggestion if your flight is later and you do not want to sit at airport

 

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47 minutes ago, cruising princess 1964 said:

We have a late flight (6:30) out of Ft Lauderdale in February    This option looked good until we saw what time you have to leave

Instead we used "dayuse hotels"   We have a room at the Courtyard Marriott Ft Lauderdale Beach hotel from 10-4 

Just a suggestion if your flight is later and you do not want to sit at airport

 

What does that cost ? Maybe il do that instead

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14 minutes ago, Missyfoti said:

What does that cost ? Maybe il do that instead

If you read the thread you will see the price is between $69-89 PP.    Check your cruise planner under Excursions -  Fort Lauderdale.

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1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Interesting -   My cruise planner for Eastern Caribbean on Equinox is showing $89.00

 

 

 

image.png.ad83c7a332e0cb151be26ebab957d2d7.png

 

I booked this two days ago for our Western Caribbean Edge sailing for $79. I checked again and it is now $89.

 

I find it interesting that Caribbean sailings ($79 or $89 with no lunch voucher advertised) are almost double the price of European sailings ($49 with $30 lunch voucher). I wonder why this is?

 

I am going to stick with this option instead of getting a day room. If nothing else it will be a learning experience about what to do next time. I am still hoping for lunch in a specialty restaurant, though.

Edited by CruiserMickey
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