Extend Your Stay - Fort Lauderdale

[CruiserMickey]

Thanks for the info, @fisherman0916.

[Pushka]

Looking at the pricing for Australians, in Europe, with the $30 usd voucher it is really only a $17 usd cost to do this and that doesn’t take into account the Beverage package for the day. It’s like they are paying us to stay onboard. 

[CruiserMickey]

13 minutes ago, Pushka said:

Looking at the pricing for Australians, in Europe, with the $30 usd voucher it is really only a $17 usd cost to do this and that doesn’t take into account the Beverage package for the day. It’s like they are paying us to stay onboard. 

 

Which begs the question...why is there such a difference in price and amenities for this experience between US and European sailings?

[Pushka]

2 hours ago, CruiserMickey said:

 

Which begs the question...why is there such a difference in price and amenities for this experience between US and European sailings?

Agree entirely. Understandable about the immigration issue but price seems a little weird. Can’t even be blamed on currency exchange rates. And I noticed it had Recently come down a couple of dollars from when we purchased it. 

[Jim_Iain]

7 hours ago, CruiserMickey said:

 

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.

Price doesn't bother me as I get it as a Zenith perk.   I was however surprised to see the price increase since last week.

[Jim_Iain]

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   Thanks for your posting the actual flyer and instruction.

 

Really curious about one thing after reading the paperwork you posted.

 

It says that after clearing immigration and customs bags and Carry-On's cab be brought back aboard the ship.

 

What do you do with your valuables, backpacks etc that you have with you on the morning of the Extend your stay.?

[CruiserMickey]

16 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Price doesn't bother me as I get it as a Zenith perk.   I was however surprised to see the price increase since last week.

 

The fluctuation in price doesn’t surprise me at all, actually. In booking excursions for a B2B on the Constellation in June I have purchased/cancelled/repurchased a number of times because the price fluctuates so much.

[CruiserMickey]

9 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

What do you do with your valuables, backpacks etc that you have with you on the morning of the Extend your stay.?

 

Since we travel with carry-on only, we will be keeping our bags with us. It will be more comfortable than hanging out at the airport.

Edited January 15, 2020 by CruiserMickey

[Jim_Iain]

28 minutes ago, CruiserMickey said:

 

Since we travel with carry-on only, we will be keeping our bags with us. It will be more comfortable than hanging out at the airport.

 

I understand this but what I am curious about is that what do you do with your Carry-On while you are ashore clearing customs and immigration.   I would feel uncomfortable leaving my valuables, computer etc on board while I am ashore clearing customs.    As I read the flyer, if I were to bring it ashore I would not be allowed to bring it back aboard and also would not want to check it with terminal agents..   Maybe I'm interpreting it incorrectly.

[CruiserMickey]

10 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I understand this but what I am curious about is that what do you do with your Carry-On while you are ashore clearing customs and immigration.   I would feel uncomfortable leaving my valuables, computer etc on board while I am ashore clearing customs.    As I read the flyer, if I were to bring it ashore I would not be allowed to bring it back aboard and also would not want to check it with terminal agents..   Maybe I'm interpreting it incorrectly.

 

Good question, @Jim_Iain. I will need to call someone to clarify this. I am certainly not going to leave my carry-on with terminal agents.

 

Who do you think I should contact? 

[Jim_Iain]

I was waiting to see if Fisherman0916 could shed some light on it.    I'm not in a great rush as I plan on using it at the end of a B2B2B so will have plenty of time to sort out.     I'm reluctant to call Celebrity as I usually get different answers depending on which agent answers the phone.    Most agents are in the midwest and probably never even seen a Celebrity Ship.

[JaneStarr]

On 1/6/2020 at 5:20 PM, twins_to_alaska said:

I have it booked for Jan 18th Equinox. It was down to $63.20 and I can stay on board until 2 pm then fly home. I had extra OBC so thought I'd try it. Think will enjoy not having to leave the cabin until 9.

For the 11 night 20 Jan 2020 Cruise from Port Everglades, I just found it in my cruise planner for $89PP (adult) $39PP (Child). Here are screenshot of what’s currently showing in the cruise planner.

 

ETA: Sorry that the photos posted in reverse order.

Edited January 15, 2020 by JaneStarr

[Algebralovr]

10 hours ago, Missyfoti said:

What does that cost ? Maybe il do that instead

 

Day rooms at hotels are various prices, depending on availability and hotel.  I've used the Rodeway Inn, and the price with taxes was about $85.  That included a shuttle from the port to the hotel, and from the hotel to the airport.  Since each of the shuttles would have run about $15 on Uber, that was a good price to me.  

The Rodeway is a basic hotel, but has a pool, clean rooms, and an on site restaurant.  We spent under $35 for lunch for both of us (burger and fries).  

[CruiserMickey]

I did a little more digging and found this quote from the Extended Stay instructions posted by someone else. Not sure if I am allowed to post the link to where I found this? Anyways, here is the pertinent information...

[twins_to_alaska]

JaneStarr sorry the price has gone up. 😞 I don't think I'd have booked for $89.

Edited January 15, 2020 by twins_to_alaska

[JaneStarr]

1 hour ago, twins_to_alaska said:

JaneStarr sorry the price has gone up. 😞 I don't think I'd have booked for $89.

I’m definitely not booking it. Just posted as a data point for future reference.

[fisherman0916]

We checked our luggage the night before.  My wife and I both had a bag (I had a backpack with IPAD, Passports, etc...  She had handbag with her IPAD, magazines and purse) with us at all times.  When we met downstairs at the Passport Bar, there were folks with all of their luggage.  Once we got to the terminal, all of our luggage (Everyone that was doing the ESP) was on a few luggage carts.  The luggage cart was put into a seperate secure room at the port area.  That became an issue when we left at 1 vs. 1:45 as they had to find our luggage instead of us going to go get it.  We kept our bags (Backpack and Handbag) with us as we got back on the ship.  So even though the form said nothing could be carried back on, we did as well as others did too.  But no luggage was brought back on with anyone.  Just handbags.  Also, clearing customs at PE was super easy with facial recognition.  

[Jim_Iain]

7 minutes ago, fisherman0916 said:

We checked our luggage the night before.  My wife and I both had a bag (I had a backpack with IPAD, Passports, etc...  She had handbag with her IPAD, magazines and purse) with us at all times.  When we met downstairs at the Passport Bar, there were folks with all of their luggage.  Once we got to the terminal, all of our luggage (Everyone that was doing the ESP) was on a few luggage carts.  The luggage cart was put into a seperate secure room at the port area.  That became an issue when we left at 1 vs. 1:45 as they had to find our luggage instead of us going to go get it.  We kept our bags (Backpack and Handbag) with us as we got back on the ship.  So even though the form said nothing could be carried back on, we did as well as others did too.  But no luggage was brought back on with anyone.  Just handbags.  Also, clearing customs at PE was super easy with facial recognition.  

 

Thanks for taking your time to answer the question.    I feel more comfortable now.    

 

Did you happen to hear any discussion of being able to combine Luggage Valet with Extend Your Stay?   That would be my ideal solution.

[CruiserMickey]

11 minutes ago, fisherman0916 said:

We checked our luggage the night before.  My wife and I both had a bag (I had a backpack with IPAD, Passports, etc...  She had handbag with her IPAD, magazines and purse) with us at all times.  When we met downstairs at the Passport Bar, there were folks with all of their luggage.  Once we got to the terminal, all of our luggage (Everyone that was doing the ESP) was on a few luggage carts.  The luggage cart was put into a seperate secure room at the port area.  That became an issue when we left at 1 vs. 1:45 as they had to find our luggage instead of us going to go get it.  We kept our bags (Backpack and Handbag) with us as we got back on the ship.  So even though the form said nothing could be carried back on, we did as well as others did too.  But no luggage was brought back on with anyone.  Just handbags.  Also, clearing customs at PE was super easy with facial recognition.  

 

Do you know if there were any passengers who were travelling with carry-on only? I will have a carry-on and my purse (which isn’t large enough for everything I will need overnight). 

[twins_to_alaska]

Just did this the 18th with Equinox. Many folk were unhappy they weren't allowed to bring carry-ons with changes of clothes or laptops back on with them. Only purse sized were allowed back on.

[CruiserMickey]

53 minutes ago, twins_to_alaska said:

Just did this the 18th with Equinox. Many folk were unhappy they weren't allowed to bring carry-ons with changes of clothes or laptops back on with them. Only purse sized were allowed back on.

 

Thanks for that’s info. I will adjust my packing accordingly. The “purse” I will use for my trip suddenly got larger. 🙄

[twins_to_alaska]

Large tote bags were allowed.

Edited January 20, 2020 by twins_to_alaska

[CruiserMickey]

1 hour ago, twins_to_alaska said:

Large tote bags were allowed.

 

Were backpacks allowed? My husband carries his valuables in a backpack. Or will I have to pack them in my tote bag?

[twins_to_alaska]

This is going to depend on the opinion of the Celebrity rep. The issue is that you go through Immigration and Customs in the morning before you reboard and not again when you get off the ship in the afternoon. Ours was adamant that only purse size was allowed despite a LOT of complaints and grumbling that folk weren't told when they booked... it does say no luggage and carry-ons in the letter you get the night before as someone kindly posted above. The rep also stated it wasn't Celebrity policy but Customs. End of argument.

I was not allowed a 14x9x8 soft companion piece to my 22" rolled luggage that fits under a Southwest aisle seat. Basically... ask yourself if you'd be allowed to take it into a museum.

 

One man insisted that he could NOT leave his carry-on. He did. Rest assured that your valuables are very well guarded. We went outside terminal 25 in FLL and there is an annex room with a security guard at the door. The cart with luggage was rolled into that annex - we only had 11 extend-your-stayers. Your pieces are tagged with a numbered tie on and you rip off the bottom half. To get your luggage back you need those claim receipts. We were told that the luggage would always have a person guarding it and if that person needed a break another coworker would take over. I left valuable electronics with no worry.

 

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, twins_to_alaska said:

This is going to depend on the opinion of the Celebrity rep. The issue is that you go through Immigration and Customs in the morning before you reboard and not again when you get off the ship in the afternoon. Ours was adamant that only purse size was allowed despite a LOT of complaints and grumbling that folk weren't told when they booked... it does say no luggage and carry-ons in the letter you get the night before as someone kindly posted above. The rep also stated it wasn't Celebrity policy but Customs. End of argument.

I was not allowed a 14x9x8 soft companion piece to my 22" rolled luggage that fits under a Southwest aisle seat. Basically... ask yourself if you'd be allowed to take it into a museum.

 

One man insisted that he could NOT leave his carry-on. He did. Rest assured that your valuables are very well guarded. We went outside terminal 25 in FLL and there is an annex room with a security guard at the door. The cart with luggage was rolled into that annex - we only had 11 extend-your-stayers. Your pieces are tagged with a numbered tie on and you rip off the bottom half. To get your luggage back you need those claim receipts. We were told that the luggage would always have a person guarding it and if that person needed a break another coworker would take over. I left valuable electronics with no worry.

 

 

This really could be a gating factor on whether we use this program or not.   I can't see leaving my backpack with my meds and valuables ashore.  We will be on a B2B2B so will watch how things go on the first two cruises before making our final decision.