first and last Beyond cruise

[Ex-Airbalancer]

31 minutes ago, Gracie115 said:

 

You mention Trafalgar, who we are using for a Yellowstone and other National Parks trip later this summer.  Have you heard of "Insight,"  it is supposed to be one step up from Trafalgar and offers small group tours.  We are looking at one that covers Switzerland, Bavaria and Austria next year but don't know much about Insight at this point.  

 

We did a land tour of Peru which still stands as one of the best trips we've ever done.  Scoffing at bus tours/land tours has to be coming from those who have never done them.  JMHO

My wife did one 10 years ago , it was disappointing 

1 hour ago, QuestionEverything said:

Ex-Airbalancer - like many posters say, try something different. Many options out there and you may be Surprised at what your experiences are. I have done cruises, Mighty Trains, Globus, customized land and driving trips, driving trips all over North America. All are Wonderful, just wonderful.

I am BLESSED to be able to do these dear trips. Totally BLESSED.

The River Cruises are the next phase of cruising. Have been pretty much everywhere in Europe on bus trips, very detailed, a gazillion photos of everywhere.

But would love to do a River Cruise, never done one. More detail but more relaxed.

I say to everyone, keep an open mind and go Explore indeed.

No one travel venue has the entire platform.

Ex-Airblancer, some thought.

 

I feel sorry for you , 😢you must be very lonely, as you keep posting on the Celebrity section 

as you have said many times you haven’t been on Celebrity since about 2017 and will not travel on them , but you still come back to this section to give your wisdom that is no longer relevant to Celebrity 😞

 

[hiccups]

3 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

Imagine combining that with a river cruise..talk about a snore fest. 

Have you ever even taken a river cruise?  I doubt it, if you describe it as a “snore fest.”

[Gracie115]

1 hour ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

My wife did one 10 years ago , it was disappointing 

 

 

Trafalgar or Insight?

[Ex-Airbalancer]

1 hour ago, Gracie115 said:

Trafalgar or Insight?

Who knows , I wasn’t on it 

All I heard was to was to much snoring on the bus 🤣

[hcat]

44 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Who knows , I wasn’t on it 

All I heard was to was to much snoring on the bus 🤣

like in the Solarium and heated loungers in thermal suites?

[PTC DAWG]

3 hours ago, hiccups said:

Have you ever even taken a river cruise?  I doubt it, if you describe it as a “snore fest.”

I know my lane…I have watched a good many YouTube videos..I’m just not there yet…

Edited May 19 by PTC DAWG

[PTC DAWG]

37 minutes ago, hcat said:

like in the Solarium and heated loungers in thermal suites?

Agree on the solarium, my neighbor calls it the incubator..I avoid it mostly. 

[NJCruisers]

On 5/13/2024 at 3:26 PM, RK-NC said:

 

We were on Beyond 10 nights in April and thought the crew amazing too...several who were "beyond amazing"!  Did your stateroom have creaking, popping and banging? Ours did and if that were not such a big problem with the ship, we would book Beyond or another e-class ship without hesitation. I guess the smaller Celebrity ships are quieter/calmer? I think that's what we liked about Beyond - the energizing atmosphere. Eden was a nice quiet spot when we needed that. Cafe Al Bacio was relaxing and quiet in the morning. 

What cabin number?  Just came off the Ascent, we had no noise - 11162 and friends in 11164.  Looking to book deck 11 concierge on the Beyond and just wondering where the cabins are with the creaking problem.

[JLMcruise]

13 hours ago, C4HCG said:

Essence Quartet

They were amazing...one of the best bands we have had on a ship. The Edge is nice but the itinerary and price would have to be amazing for us to book the Edge class again. We love the M and S class ships. 

[chisoxfan]

21 hours ago, C4HCG said:

What’s “bad music”? All very subjective, you like Rolling Stones, not for me at all. We just got off the Edge and a house band there, Essence Quartet, absolutely brilliant, you would probably hate them, your loud bad music.

I was responding to poster who suggested someone found the E class 'loud' and implied it was because he was old. My response (as a senior) was that I like good music that can be loud and cited the fact that I booked HAL precisely because of good live music in BB Kings and Rolling Stone (a venue not 24/7 RS music).  Every cruise is different but on Apex and Ascent the house bands played 'live' through a mixing station (with full time operator) and (I believe) recorded backing. The sound was flat and sounded more like processed music. When we went to a jazz performance with the house band it was a totally different vibrant sound that live music should provide. There was an amazing performer on Apex doing Billy Joel in the atrium (he only performed twice) and I would gladly go every night to see him if offered. I like rock , blues, classical, and folk and if it is good it can be loud and enjoy music enough that I would pick a cruise partially based on it. It's difficult to find live music on land and it is a treat when cruising to find it which is why I am so dissapointed (subjective of course) to see marginal artists regardless of music category.JMHO

[QuestionEverything]

19 hours ago, Gracie115 said:

 

You mention Trafalgar, who we are using for a Yellowstone and other National Parks trip later this summer.  Have you heard of "Insight,"  it is supposed to be one step up from Trafalgar and offers small group tours.  We are looking at one that covers Switzerland, Bavaria and Austria next year but don't know much about Insight at this point.  

 

We did a land tour of Peru which still stands as one of the best trips we've ever done.  Scoffing at bus tours/land tours has to be coming from those who have never done them.  JMHO

Greetings Gracie115.

I have not get used Insight tours, but looking that their offerings for next year. Your tour for Switz, Bavaria and Austria sounds Fab. Hoping they include a trip on the Mighty Train, the Glacier Express, up to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn.

The said poster who is scoffing at land tours appears to be a cheerleader, maybe paid, for Celebrity. Rather sad to have such a closed mind to river cruises, land tours; there is a big world of travel options out there - I have done most.

Safe travels and I hope the sun is out on the Matterhorn - I only got a 3/4 view!

 

[chisoxfan]

37 minutes ago, QuestionEverything said:

Greetings Gracie115.

I have not get used Insight tours, but looking that their offerings for next year. Your tour for Switz, Bavaria and Austria sounds Fab. Hoping they include a trip on the Mighty Train, the Glacier Express, up to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn.

The said poster who is scoffing at land tours appears to be a cheerleader, maybe paid, for Celebrity. Rather sad to have such a closed mind to river cruises, land tours; there is a big world of travel options out there - I have done most.

Safe travels and I hope the sun is out on the Matterhorn - I only got a 3/4 view!

 

We are considering a land based tour(s) also just because it offers the ability to see more of a country ie. want to spend more time in UK and cruises seem to just hit the same ports.  With all the talk of tour companies just wondering if there are sources (ie. cruise critic for tour companies)  for info as I find the discussion interesting.

 

Just a comment on river cruises... had intended to do one but on researching just don't think it is for us. Ship too small (personal preference), regimented dining times, limited bars and restaurants, and my biggest fear... water levels that can massively change the intended experience.  Just reasons we have ruled it out for now.

 

The Alps is a great case in point for a land tour, such beautiful scenery, and quaint towns and inns... We had a Holy Land cruise set for last year (cancelled of course) and I had been dreading long bus rides back and forth to ship and limited days to explore this amazing area. We vowed then that when (hopefully) we finally go there it will be doing a land based tour.

 

 

[QuestionEverything]

41 minutes ago, chisoxfan said:

We are considering a land based tour(s) also just because it offers the ability to see more of a country ie. want to spend more time in UK and cruises seem to just hit the same ports.  With all the talk of tour companies just wondering if there are sources (ie. cruise critic for tour companies)  for info as I find the discussion interesting.

 

Just a comment on river cruises... had intended to do one but on researching just don't think it is for us. Ship too small (personal preference), regimented dining times, limited bars and restaurants, and my biggest fear... water levels that can massively change the intended experience.  Just reasons we have ruled it out for now.

 

The Alps is a great case in point for a land tour, such beautiful scenery, and quaint towns and inns... We had a Holy Land cruise set for last year (cancelled of course) and I had been dreading long bus rides back and forth to ship and limited days to explore this amazing area. We vowed then that when (hopefully) we finally go there it will be doing a land based tour.

 

 

Greetings chisoxfan:

I do not know of any CC equivilent for bus tours; googling came up with many sites with reviews, but the sites were affiliated with tour sales. Rick Steves is a more neutral source of reviews.

Have not done a River cruise, will do so in the future. Will sail in June when the water levels are lowering from their peak spring runoff. Will try one and see, all one can do.

One of the greatest land trips I have done was the Mighty Train, the Glacier Express, up to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn. Working on a River cruise with a land trip with the Glacier Express and then over to north Italy.

 

I agree with you that if you want to Really see a place, the land tours are great for that. Cruising has its place but it is a drive by - AND - with the cruising priority to shorten ports for "environmental" reasons and the seeming increase in cancelled ports - cruising is not a priority for my family or friends now. 

Hoping you wonderful travel experiences ahead.

Blessings.

 

[chisoxfan]

3 minutes ago, QuestionEverything said:

Greetings chisoxfan:

I do not know of any CC equivilent for bus tours; googling came up with many sites with reviews, but the sites were affiliated with tour sales. Rick Steves is a more neutral source of reviews.

Have not done a River cruise, will do so in the future. Will sail in June when the water levels are lowering from their peak spring runoff. Will try one and see, all one can do.

One of the greatest land trips I have done was the Mighty Train, the Glacier Express, up to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn. Working on a River cruise with a land trip with the Glacier Express and then over to north Italy.

 

I agree with you that if you want to Really see a place, the land tours are great for that. Cruising has its place but it is a drive by - AND - with the cruising priority to shorten ports for "environmental" reasons and the seeming increase in cancelled ports - cruising is not a priority for my family or friends now. 

Hoping you wonderful travel experiences ahead.

Blessings.

 

Thanks for the kind thoughts. Cruising has become an 'all inclusive' resort for us and maybe we are getting a bit 'lazy' in our old age but as you said it is less of a tool to really see other cultures. Cruising is 'easy' and being on the water is always a joy.  As much as we (I) complain about pricing it can be an enticing value. I don't see us travelling (as Mr. Steves espouses when he is not on his private plane) with three pairs of shorts and one khaki pant in a backpack for three weeks but hoping to compromise with some adventure and creature comforts (which most of us have become accustomed to).  That said,  despite complaining about air travel/TSA (my pet peeve), no butlers in the suites, excluded wines on packages, etc. etc. we are a blessed generation to have this unique travel opportunity and shame on us if we do not take advantage in ways that appeal to each of us.

[QuestionEverything]

3 minutes ago, chisoxfan said:

Thanks for the kind thoughts. Cruising has become an 'all inclusive' resort for us and maybe we are getting a bit 'lazy' in our old age but as you said it is less of a tool to really see other cultures. Cruising is 'easy' and being on the water is always a joy.  As much as we (I) complain about pricing it can be an enticing value. I don't see us travelling (as Mr. Steves espouses when he is not on his private plane) with three pairs of shorts and one khaki pant in a backpack for three weeks but hoping to compromise with some adventure and creature comforts (which most of us have become accustomed to).  That said,  despite complaining about air travel/TSA (my pet peeve), no butlers in the suites, excluded wines on packages, etc. etc. we are a blessed generation to have this unique travel opportunity and shame on us if we do not take advantage in ways that appeal to each of us.

chisoxfan, wonderfully said.

I have posted many times that anyone who can cruise, is much blessed in the history of the world and the current world. For that I am eternally thankful. 🙏

People want different things in life and at different Times in ones life. 

I have cruised since 1989 and I note the transition from ports being the priority to the "floating resort" is happening quickly. Not for me, but neither is pack packing (just loved your wording).

My TA who is a high volume premium O and above agent is now advertising land tours for the 1st time, he advised me that people want to do more land trips in order to see more places particularly because of the world situation, before more shuts down and also he said - because they are tired of cruising. Many are new clients and young folk he said, in particular. 

So the times they are a changing as always happens.

Stay well indeed.

 

[NMTraveller]

On 5/19/2024 at 4:10 PM, PTC DAWG said:

Imagine combining that with a river cruise..talk about a snore fest. 

@PTC DAWG I am surprised that you cruise at all if it is all about the night life and entertainment.

 

perhaps you would be better off on a Vegas vacation…. With A grade entertainment and night life.  To me the Celebrity entertainment is very average on a good day.

[NMTraveller]

1 hour ago, QuestionEverything said:

 

Have not done a River cruise, will do so in the future. Will sail in June when the water levels are lowering from their peak spring runoff. Will try one and see, all one can .

 

You will love the river cruise.  It is a large step up from ocean cruises.

 

I would compare Celebrity to a river cruise but people tell me it is not a fair comparison.

Edited May 20 by NMTraveller

[PTC DAWG]

5 minutes ago, NMTraveller said:

@PTC DAWG I am surprised that you cruise at all if it is all about the night life and entertainment.

 

perhaps you would be better off on a Vegas vacation…. With A grade entertainment and night life.  To me the Celebrity entertainment is very average on a good day.

I do enjoy the casino later in the evening for sure.  Wife likes to see the shows, so I usually attend..

 

Vegas is not my style...I'm much more comfortable in the controlled environment of a cruise ship..ie safer feel..

[ldubs]

18 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

I know my lane…I have watched a good many YouTube videos..I’m just not there yet…

 

I am in the same boat (ha).  I'm far from the party animal, but everytime I take a look, I shy away as it seems just too sedate and too enclosed for me.   

[screwsmcernst]

1 hour ago, ldubs said:

 

I am in the same boat (ha).  I'm far from the party animal, but everytime I take a look, I shy away as it seems just too sedate and too enclosed for me.   

We are taking our first river cruise in 2025.  We have heard from friends that you need to go with a group of friends because you need to make your own fun in the evenings.  So that is what we are doing.  Sorry didn't mean to hijack this thread.

[ldubs]

Just now, screwsmcernst said:

We are taking our first river cruise in 2025.  We have heard from friends that you need to go with a group of friends because you need to make your own fun in the evenings.  So that is what we are doing.  Sorry didn't mean to hijack this thread.

 

That is a very good idea and fits because we already do a lot of family group traveling.