Crazy planning mom

We caught the early show of the comedian, Robbie Printz. He was a funny, relatable comedian. We ate afterwards at Cosmopolitan. Honestly, I think eating later on the first day is the way to go. We ended up at a table for two but very close to the adjoining table. We ended up having a really pleasant conversation with a couple from New Hampshire. Food and service were very good in Cosmopolitan. I enjoyed the Cauliflower Flan, a Pinot Grigio, Seared Salmon, and the excellent Carrot Cake.

The first thing we did onboard was check in at our muster station. After that we were able to drop off our bags in our stateroom. We then headed to the Oceanview Cafe for lunch. We were satisfied with what we ate. After unpacking, we headed to the Sunset Bar for sail away. The Sunset Bar was very crowded but we were able to scrounge up two chairs. We ended sitting with a very nice couple from Toronto. It was a lot of fun chatting and watching sail away. The Sunset Bar is too small. Glad they have expanded it on the Beyond and Apex. VID_20240224_155523190.mov

Embarkation was relatively easy. We returned our rental car to FLL airport , walked downstairs to Terminal 1, and then after a 10 minute wait, ubered over to the Terminal 25. Easiest embarkation. Curb to ship took around 10 minutes. We had a noon embarkation time but didn’t get to the port until about 12:25.

After 25 years, we are back on Celebrity. My cousin selected this cruise and itinerary but cancelled back in November. Still, excited to try Edge Class and escape from NY in the winter. We spent three nights pre-cruise in South Florida visiting friends, family, and enjoying outdoor activities!

Thanks for your review We have reservations for Rooftop Grill so glad to see you enjoyed.

Based on what I saw on the book, the sailing may have been over capacity and it sounded like the group took over certain spaces for periods of time.

Yes, I reread and realize that.

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I know that there was a very large group on your sailing and that may have affected service. We are sailing on this coming Saturday and anticipate having a good time.

That price for Icon isn't bad. One thing about your price comparison chart. The dates are different. The April dates fall during Passover when many NY schools are closed.

We will be sailing on the Symphony out of NJ this Fall. Would it be better to schedule seeing the Aquatheater show when we are further south or as soon as possible?

Thanks.

Our cruise on the Apex is coming up very soon! Friends have asked us to join them on the Symphony of the Seas. Is there any advantages to booking while onboard the Apex? I think there may be but my memory is fuzzy.

San Juan, you can definitely get off the boat and walk to the forts and Old San Juan. Great Stirrup Cay is essentially a beach day. In Amber Cove, alot of people do the Damagugua WaterFalls Excursion or a Puerto Plata excursion depending on your fitness level and interest. You can also just hang out at the port. We haven't been to St. Thomas yet but will be there later this month on Celebrity. We are doing an excursion to Magen's Bay and the Sky Ride. Alot of people also say that going to St. John is a must for snorkelers.

Glad to hear you are enjoying the Apex. Getting excited to sail on her later this month.

Through NCL, we loved Haleakala at Sunset. That was offered in Maui. We rented a car the full day in Kauai, downloaded a tour by GPS app and drove to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park.

I have used Welcome Pickups and PK Travel for transfers in Greece and recommend them both. The only thing about PK Travel is they required cash payment in Euros. However, both companies provide private transfers as opposed to shared bus.

I recommend reading Rick Steve's Mediterranean port of call book. We sailed in August and October. Preferred October. Definitely, arrive in your departure city at least 2 nights beforehand to get over jetlag and see the embarkation City. We spent three nights in Rome before our 1st Med cruise and 2 nights in Athens before our 2nd Med cruise. You may want to also add time in Paris before or after your cruise.

In Anchorage, we stayed at the Hotel Captain Cook. It's a historic landmark hotel. In Seward, book as early as you can for the Harbor 360 or Seward Gateway Hotel. We waited too long and stayed at the Best Western in Seward which was very overpriced for what it was. The people that own Harbor 360 and Gateway Hotels also own Major Marine which have Kenai Fjords cruises. You may be able to get a price reduction.

We did the Pride of America and am glad we did. The sHip was ok but we booked it for Hawaii and Hawaii didnt disappoint.

Definitely, add in a couple days in Oahu at the end.

Great review. I appreciate the tips. Sailing on the Apex next month.

My Aunt, who is loyal to Royal, sailed on the Grandeur last year, was very unhappy with the condition of the ship and said she would no longer sail on a ship of that age. Our last cruise was on an older NCL ship and it had been completely refurbished. Perhaps, RCL isn't refurbishing the oldest ships because they are planning on building new smaller ships as discussed. However, they should still be maintaining them in the meantime.

It really stinks but as long as they sell out, they probably won't care.

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. None worked. My DH called Celebrity and they were able to assist him to sign in under his name. My login wouldn't take it.