catspaw1

I did submit a low bid but doubt we will get it. Thanks Manhdnc for explaining the difference between the two decks! Yes if it had not been for your alerting me that the Xploration was sold, we would not have been able to switch to the Flora. Thank goodness we had a TA& they did it quickly but others could not book the cheapest suites as they booked fast. So I am forever grateful for your help! We choose to go on more vacations each year so get the more inexpensive OV. This time we have the slightly obstructed balcony. Next week will be our third trip this year & we are planning a few other trips. Next year it's the Galapagos & a 3 week trip to AK.

Of course I know the chances are low but hey, you never know!!

That was great. You are always helping me out- like you did for the Flora. Forward cabins can have a lot of motion to them. Did you like the room? We would bid low so doubt we would get it. The pics I saw on the Eclipse showed a small balcony. Would you recommend it? Lots of motion? Thanks for your help!

I saw a video online & the person told about the slanted rooms in the bedroom & balcony. We would rather be outside so doubt we will bid.

But not designed for tall people!

Yup I looked at everything & we might just stay where we are. The ultra deluxe was far forward on the ship with strange low angles so not fie my 6'5" husband.

The cruise is only 7 days & not 12 so it would cost a minimum of $30 for both to do the move up. Definitely worth it. I'm not bidding a lot though.

That's great! Thanks everyone. I guess you need to be in it to win it! I'll look at the ship deck plans to see. I would love a suite but the upgrades are too pricey.

You must call the insurance provider directly & cannot do it online if you haven't booked the trip through Costco. I confirmed this with them today. Be aware I waited on hold for 25 minutes. We are going on a celebrity cruise in 12 days where I booked this insurance. Hope we won't need it!

I went through a TA but not Costco. I insured just the cruise for the Galapagos. I had to call cover more who does the insurance today & change the trip dates since we have been switched to the Flora from the Xploration today. They confirmed travel does not have to be booked with Costco but you must be a Costco member. I have been a member for 32 years!

Hi all, we are sailing on the Eclipse in 12 days out of NJ to Bermuda. All Bermuda cruuses are sold out. Yet today I saw in my trip planner move up offers to sunset veranda, concierge class or ultra deluxe veranda (what's that?). We are in a partial obstructed cabin port side about 15 cabins from rear of ship. Should we do a move up? Prices are $100 for each & I wouldn't bid that much. Thanks everyone!

Costco is my favorite place to buy wine. I use the vivino wine app & buy anything if rated 4 or higher & it hasn't failed me yet. Costco has the best prices on wine. Costco is also my favorite store. My husband joked that I would only be willing to move if there's a Costco within a 15 minute drive! I've gotten great wines at good prices. Even got a Brunello on sale once.

Thanks Charles, I was hoping you would answer. We have done the uphill walk before. Yes it's steep but not outrageously hard. We sailed our own boat to Bermuda 24 years ago & have taken a cruise there before so got to know the island. Love Bermuda! That's why we are returning. We may take the shuttle back. I'll bring enough quarters for the bus. We leave July 7 so probably not good to get the new app. Looking forward to returning. I travel with my helinox chair, cooler & beach bag. Chair is 2 lbs & goes in my beach bag. The bus is easy but before the shuttles, were packed. Will they be crowded now that the shuttles are being used?

Where does the bus leave to horseshoe Bay? I realize there are shuttle vans now but if the bus leaves the times we want to go, we had no problem with the bus. Walking down the hill to the beach was not a big deal. Is it a $5 fare or $2.75 as the bus schedule indicates it's by zone. There was no shuttle vans the last time we went. I know it takes coins only or tokens but the line to buy tokens is long. We leave in less than 2 weeks. Is there any advantage to the shuttle vs the vans? Can you bring several bags on the van ex cooler & beach bag? Thanks

NO you are incorrect. I did not book my cruises or an adventure to a bear/fishing lodge in the bush in AK with Costco and yet I was able to purchase the insurance. You must be a Costco member though which of course I am. Executive members also get 2% cash back on everything purchased except gas. Geezer, of course I looked at the exemptions & I booked within 14 days of buying so our preexisting minor medical problems are covered. I research everything before we travel! Have done extensive traveling & lived abroad for 7 years. Trust me I do my homework. I also know that being a Costco member for over 30 years now that if I have a problem with a vendor I reach out to Costco. I know they vent their suppliers well. We are leaving for a Celebrity cruise in less than 2 weeks so hopefully we won't have to use the insurance. Geezer- are you a Costco member? Maybe that's why you don't know much about them. Costco does not sell junk! They would not be happy with the vendor if they don't do the right thing! I have had problems with vendors in the past & Costco stepped right in. My husband says I would not accept moving anywhere unless a Costco is less than 15 minutes away! Love that store!

Than you must make the crabcake recipe- its superb! Heads up that since we like our Old Bay here in the DMV , I use 2 tsp so more than the recipe states. Use exactly the 1tsp of lemon juice & no more. Drain crab well

I used to work at 25 Broadway in lower Manhattan. My office window overlooked the SOL so I saw it every day. I never get tired of looking at it. Its an awesome sight. We have sailed our own boat in NY harbor near her also. I am looking forward to seeing her again on our upcoming Celebrity cruise in less than 2 weeks. It never gets old trust me even from this native NYer.

I just checked & it's available used on Etsy & thriftbooks used for less than $10. The cover has a red checkered tablecloth & there's water & boat slips. Please everyone let me know if you like it!

That's correct. My spelling was wrong. Amazon has it for $16.63. I know there was used copies also at one point because I bought it to give to a friend. Their gourmet pumpkin soup is to die for! Hope you will like it! Please advise how you do.

I believe I saw Caymus at Costco for $59. I always use the Vivivno app at Costco & have gotten some excellent wines. Last Christmas I got a case that was rated 4.1 at Vivino for $10 bottle on sale.

Glad you liked my NYTimes cooking recipe. I made the cucumber soup again last night & it really is great. I also suggested the cookbook of tyde & time from the Annapolis women's rotary Club. Sierra bought if for $3.50!

Thanks for your great TR. Really enjoyed reading it! We were really looking forward to the Xploration next year as we wanted a smaller ship. But our TA was able to move us to the Flora although in c a cabin 503 which is very far forward. We were in WY when it happened & when I checked Celebrity two days later to try to move to a better location, all cabins we were eligible to book it, when already booked. Sounds like you trip was outstanding & I learned a lot from reading it.

Two days after this announcement went out, all the lower priced cabins which we were entitled to book in, are gone for June 2025. I checked as I wanted to change cabins since we are assigned to 503- way forward on the ship. So we will just keep what we have. So glad I used a TA as she was able to quickly get through to Celebrity & change us. It was another good reason to use a TA!

Thanks so much for your very detailed TR. I especially liked the comments about Lumanie- not my cup of tea! As my Grandma used to say, I think they have airs! We are going to AK next year for around 3 weeks- 2 weeks land & 1 week cruise but think we will return to HAL. Celebrity doesnt do Glacier Bay which was a highlight on our last cruise. They also don't get preferred berths docking. So back to HAL. Learned a lot from your trip. We are also doing the Flora next June.

Great. I adore the cucumber soup - perfect for summer. I'll probably make it tomorrow but my own grown cucumbers arent ready yet. I make that soup all dummer but heads up i dont add the potatoes. Puree it well in blender & it MUST be refrigerated overnight before eating or you will hate it. Also I add some frankas hot sauce. Also like the carrot soup, chicken Italiano to name a few. Please promise me you will let me know how you like the book!!!! The marble brownies & sour cream banana cake are two of my favorite deserts. No celebrity desert can equal those two!!!