JFontaine

Just a note about disembarkation via wheelchair in FLL. It is a 2 step process, with a handover to a port person at the elevator in the terminal. Here's where we ran into trouble. There was a line of about 20 passengers in wheelchairs lined up waiting for porters. We waited about a half hour. This will vary because of lots of variables; you might have no wait. But being prepared mentally for a wait might help. My mom was in the wheelchair, and I was more than capable of maneuvering the chair, but the security guard wouldn't allow it.

Would it make sense for your husband to get the car and come back for you? That way you don't have to transfer twice (cab, then car). Also - stopping at rest stops without crutches or a wheelchair? I purchased a relatively cheap (less than $150) wheelchair from a company called Drive (via Amazon). Since you might need one after surgery too, maybe pick one up on the way home? Good luck to you. Sorry to hear about this.

I agree with the advice above that your unexpired passports are all you need. And some additional advice - when you check in at the port, do not point out date of expiration to anyone ("whew, I was worried there'd be a problem"). If you mention it, an inexperienced agent could go off to investigate, and an hour later you are waiting for the chief document person. Just say 'thank you' and then have a great cruise.

Reminder to all onboard a ship with mechanical issues -put down toilet lid before you flush. Good luck.

I'm not on the site where the survey is, so I seem to not be able to participate in the survey. I wonder the percentage of Crystal cruisers who are like me and don't use that site. Anyway - I've got about 100 days on Crystal and love it (more so after recently trying Oceania) but won't go on a cruise without a casino either.

I've been in a Villa a few times. The last time it took a few meals to determine where we wanted to eat - same restaurant each night. I told the restaurant manager of that restaurant, and his reaction was: Sure, what table would you like. You should be able to get the flexibility you need. As for seats in the theater, the Butlers do reserve seats in the middle on a few nights for Retreat guests. We prefer the far sides in the balcony, where you are sitting extremely close to the stage.

If corporate doesn't do anything before the cruise, I don't see them doing anything after. I'd write a short note to the hotel director before you leave home together with a printout of your confirmation, or even those bag tags. I'd tell him what you would like (let me know if there are any no-shows in higher suites, suite perks that you lost, etc ) and drop it off day 1. Then forget it and just have a great cruise.

Here's my guess on what happened: the OP wasn't the highest bidder, another passenger was. When the company running this tried to charge the winner's card, it didn't go through (stolen and replaced, account closed, etc) and the company went to the next bidder. When the original winner somehow found out, they realized the card was declined and offered to replace it. Since the company running the move up is compensated by a percentage of the sale, they went with the higher bidder. VIPs can be anyone. I once met a VIP (traveling for free in the Penthouse) who owned a company which was a significant vendor to Celebrity. I'd be surprised if any VIP was a last minute booking. I agree that the OP was treated poorly. They should've been offered the perks of the suite, if not the real estate, which I have seen before. It would've cost Celebrity little.

Beer and soda are also available in the fridge, you can stock up your mini- fridge in your stateroom with it or take it to the sundeck if the sundeck requires a beverage package. You can also get mixed drinks and wine in the Retreat lounge most of the day - if you want to take it to the sundeck just ask for the drink in plastic. If you are interested in attending a sailaway ask the Retreat hostess to put you on the list (or for any ship event). I don't care for the sailaways - no seats or shade and the drinks are usually warm and I think they require close toe shoes. There are great views in more comfortable locations. Enjoy your upgrade!

Glad to hear that your husband is doing well.

I'm not a doctor, just doing some internet research. Sounds like ship toilets have plain water plus whatever "stuff" people flush. Other than cleaning fluids for the bowl itself, most ships use a natural process for treating black water for eventual ocean discharge. The worry would be conjunctivitis and it would show up between 12 and 72 hours from exposure, and you did what you could with a high grade eye wash. Hopefully your husband is doing well, and every day should give you more confidence of the worst being behind you. I hope you get treated with kindness/empathy from the ship and good luck to you both.

I would definitely ask for a wheelchair assist to embark and disembark, where you can have long walks up and down inclines and over thresholds with carryon bags and documents and people rushing around. No need to get off to an exhausting, rough start. We tip the wheelchair pusher $5/$10 - there could be more than one, so have small bills handy.

The US State Department has no interest in unnecessarily hurting the most lucrative business in Nassau. They also know who the victims are and where and when crimes occurred. I'd tend to listen to them.

Couldn't move anywhere, ship was full. Didn't complain either, it was a one week cruise and I had to complain about the rollaway (old, small, plastic mattress like in a hospital with no mattress pad - good bedding is my 'thing' and this was just awful) and the lounge chair. And that was my attempt at humor, being old AND clean!

Insignia was refurbished also. Dirty carpets, drapes and bedding could appear on a two year old ship if not maintained. I'm old, but I'm clean.