rotoal

Sorry, I probably mis-remembered. If we had taken a taxi or even a private driver, we still would have had to shlep our luggage at some point. We were just happy to not have to worry about our stuff while we were touring and killing time.

They make sure your luggage is loaded on the bus for you, the driver stays with the bus for any touring and then offloads your luggage when you get to the airport. We aren’t usually fans of long bus tours, but when there is a late flight, this is an easy solution for spending time before a flight

The prepaid gratuities have nothing to do with the drink package gratuities. Gratuities for drinks are included/paid for with the package. Prepaid gratuities cover the room steward, wait staff, etc.

The drink package does cover drinks in the dining rooms, up to the package limit. Including speciality coffees.

Didn’t they add an expensive add on perk that cuts out the room service charge? We don’t usually get room service - but if I paid an up charge to get free room service only to find out it was now free for everyone, I wouldn’t be too happy.

Doesn’t Virgin have hammocks? I am insecure enough to never want to get on a hammock on a moving ship. Seems much more dangerous than a footstool.

Also, if your passport is anywhere close to expiring, you may want to renew. It is convenient for both spouses to have similar expiration dates - only one set of dates to remember.

Our experience on Regent was that the entertainment was so uninspiring that crowds wouldn’t be a problem. We’ve never had to wait in line on Celebrity, might be because we sit towards the back in order to leave our options open.

We like to use FBC in order to book our flights early but not have to pay until cruise final payment. You can pick your own flights, doing all of the research ahead of time. For our cruise in September from Barcelona to Rome we are flying in 4 days early and staying a week at the other end.

I agree. Also, flying in the same day is risky at best. And if this is an overnight flight, you may feel tired. Have you arranged the transportation with Celebrity? For 6 people it would be better to arrange for a private driver in a van to pick you up at the airport, and take you directly to Sagrada Familia, and then to the port. Remember to factor in flight delays, lines at passport control, retrieving luggage, etc.

We first used it in 2004! I think only very small cruise ships docked down town

Thank you - that does offer a great explanation.

We booked this cruise last April, getting one of the last sunset concierge cabins. Over the last few months I've checked regularly, checking on pricing and watching as the ship seemed to fill up. As of last week, the only available balcony cabins were Aqua class cabins. Sometime during the week, there are suddenly well more than 100 balcony cabins available, on almost every deck and across many categories, including many sunset cabins. And almost every available cabin has the bed next to the bathroom, allowing for more than 2 people in the cabin. Has anyone ever seen this happen and to this extent? Do TAs hold cabins until 8 months before a cruise? I would understand if we were close to final payment, and might expect some people to cancel at that time.

Actually classic. On our second Celebrity cruise I got in line for my free gelato scoop and DH decided to pass it up. He has never missed his free scoop since that cruise! i think that the majority of people remember to get their scoop on the last sea day, after noticing the line for gelato.

And remember to get your free scoop of gelato!