akke29

I did a Holyland cruise with my parents last fall on Odyssey.  It was fantastic and a dream come true for my Mom as she's always dreamed of visiting Israel.  Yes, a cruise doesn't give much time for an in depth visit, but it worked for us at the time. 

Some tips...

Spend the money and hire a private driver/guide.  We had one for the 3 days in Israel and it was really nice to have flexibility and the ability to customize a bit.  It also allowed us to take full advantage of his connections at the sites and often get what seemed like VIP treatment.  

The ship overnighted in Ashod, so we had two days in the area.  We spent the night in Jerusalem and while we arrived at the hotel at dinner time and were exhausted from a long day, it was well worth it.  We were talking at dinner about how miserable a drive back to the ship would be at that moment.  In the morning, our driver picked us up and we carried on.  So definitely consider this option. 

The whole cruise was amazing, but Israel was the highlight.  Just be flexible with traffic, security issues and crowds.  

I did this for a noon flight departing for the US back in May.  Walked off Royals Quantum with my stuff and did what the OP did.  Was at YVR in plenty of time for my flight.  I had one suitcase and a carry-on and nowhere seemed especially busy.

I was recently on Quantum for a 10 night sailing and found it disappointing that one couldn't visit the thermal spa on an individual basis.  It had to be apart of a package for the entire cruise or nothing at all.  It seems silly they wouldn't accommodate guests on a space available individual basis.  Oh well, doesn't sound like I missed much anyhow.  

51 minutes ago, Giantfan13 said:

We just got off a TA on the Enchantment, where RCCL did its usual Veterans ceremony with the usual cake to honor all Veterans. Myself, I am a USAF Viet Nam veteran. It is very nice that people are recognizing the Vets who gave up so many years of their lives to help serve our great country. I never really expect anything for being a Veteran and don't ask for anything. I did what I had to do. It might be nice if companies like RCCL did something more than a piece of cake while proclaiming to 'love' our veterans, but that isn't why I am writing because I feel that RCCL has now sunk to a new low in this matter. At the Veteran honoring ceremony, they had all the vets stand there for a pix and then they try and sell them that pix. Myself, I feel this is an outrage trying to make a few more bucks off Veterans. It might have been nice to offer a copy of these pix to all the Veterans, but no, they need to sell it to them. 

I may be coming off as a whiner, but I am not, I just hate it when people or companies proclaim that they love our Veterans yet do nothing to show it and instead try and make more money off of them.

I'm down off my soap box.

 

Cheers

Len

Thank you for your service sir. The Odyssey crew did such an amazing job with the veterans ceremony on our Med cruise last fall.  It was in 270, well attended and supported by family and other guests.  I didn't even notice the photo selling, because I was focussed on the moment and how my Dad looked to happy to be amongst some amazing patriots.  

Just following up with my experience with StarLink on Quantum.  It worked very well, which enabled me to conduct meetings with the camera on, had clear phone calls and enabled me to yes, work remotely. I'd not hesitate to do this again.

Not internet related, but working remotely related... Another great feature was that the desk was movable off the wall, enabling me to set up a comfortable work space at the couch.  When I was done working, it all went back on the wall.  

I plan to work remotely as Quantum crosses the Pacific from Hawaii to Vancouver, starting next week.  Hopefully Starlink works out.

I booked my family months prior, then after check-in adjusted the pickup time when we got our check-in slot.  They seem very flexible, so I'd book now to ensure seats.  The whole process was organized and efficient.  I'd not hesitate to use them again.  

Just now, Ferry_Watcher said:

Is Brent Nixon the naturalist on board?

No, her last name was Aeby, I forgot her first name.  I went to one of her lectures on birds and ended up with a good power nap.  

Just off the 6/3 sailing, overall it was a terrific cruise.  We were so happy to be back cruising!  Overall condition of Solstice was good.  She is beautiful inside and out.  The staff with a few exceptions were great.  Seattle Pier 91 was chaotic for departing and arriving, especially with Ovation there at the same time.  

Dining was probably the most disappointing, but I'm not sure if it's fair to compare pre/post Covid experiences.  Oceanview cafe food was inconsistent.  Some things were good, most mediocre and some things not great.  I do enjoy no more self service buffet, like Holland America.

MDR service was slow most nights with the whole experience often lasting more than 2 hours.  The staff was working hard and trying their best though.  Food also ranged from great to mediocre.  Taste is subjective... but unless chilled, one would expect hot soup.  And it was as if they forgot to salt the baked goods.  Lots of flavorless dishes. 

We had a verandah cabin which was perfectly fine for us.  Bathroom condition was fine and always clean.  Some signs of wear in the room, but not a big deal.  There was a maintenance issue with a latch on the balcony which was causing the glass divider to buffet loudly in the wind.  Repairs were prompt.  The bed was adequately comfortable, but the pillows were not great.  

Again, overall a terrific cruise.  I have to be hyper critical to really find fault in things, so that's a good sign right?  Can't wait for the next one!  Odyssey in October!

Interesting.  Just when you think you've gathered all the information to comply with Covid restrictions a new one (to me) pops up.  Nowhere in the check-in process did Celebrity mention the Canadian app and it didn't even cross my mind, considering the chances of getting off are slim in Victoria.

If I'm understanding the Canadian website correctly, the required Covid test results that need to be provided to Celebrity prior to boarding in Seattle will suffice for Canada?  

I'll add the Canadian arrivals app to my pre cruise to-do list.  Even though we may not get off the ship in Victoria (a silly 530pm arrival for a short stay.)

Thanks all for the quick replies.  I might reconsider cabin location with this information.  

2 minutes ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

If you tell me the cabin numbers, I may be able to answer you.

Sorry about that.  6660 and 6658 are the cabins.  

I've booked two balcony cabins next to each other, but are not adjoining.  The deck plan has a thicker line separating the cabins than the others.  Anybody know what that signifies?  Any idea of the balconies can be joined on this ship?  

Not surprised by any of this.  My canceled cruise section of my cruise spreadsheet is getting longer and longer!  We've scrapped our entire 21 day B2B due to the pause in Rotterdam's launch.  Ah well... here's to 2022!  

17 minutes ago, Roz said:

You're the one who used the word trendy, not me.

 

I did my research, and the statistics say someone my age faces a greater chance of complications, hospitalization, and death if they contract Covid.

 

I've also read articles and watched TV programs on the development of the vaccines, and how the use of gene sequencing was instrumental in getting the vaccines out so quickly.  

Indeed I said trendy and have explained what I meant.  YOU partially quoted me, changed the context and then suggested I called Covid a fad, those are two very different things.  

Glad you did your research and made an informed decision to vaccinate.  I respect your decision, perhaps you should respect mine and those of the other people choosing to not vaccinate.  

10 minutes ago, Roz said:

 

Trendy?  Covid isn't a fad.  I got vaccinated because I know hospitalizations and deaths due to Covid rise with age.

Who said Covid was a fad?  Don't quote my words and then take me out of context.  Do you honestly think everyone clamoring for the vaccine has asked questions, done research and their due diligence?  Or are they getting the vaccine because of social pressures and the government, friends, companies, etc. are telling them to do so?  That's all I'm saying.  Indeed deaths increase with age and co-morbidities.  But for the vast majority, Covid is not a death sentence.  I know, I had it.  

For those choosing to not get vaccinated, that is their prerogative.  Just like those choosing to get the jabs.  Let's just hope people are making informed decisions.  I do think it's unfortunate that those who choose to make the decision to not vaccinate, as they do for flu etc. will be excluded from normal activities.

And to compare to yellow fever, polio, MMR etc... those are WELL established vaccines that have indeed helped society over many years.  Generations in fact.  Forgive those of us who are skeptical on a vaccine developed under emergency authorities in record time, for a virus that the vast majority survive.

13 hours ago, fatcat04 said:

Can we please remember that vaccine hesitancy in many is not something that should upset us? It's just human. Most vaccine hesitant folks just want more proof of efficacy and safety and that is not bad. I can understand that. Let's not "other" people here. 

Indeed.  I'm choosing to not vaccinate at this time because I'm doing the research and asking questions.  If I'm comfortable after researching and speaking with my Doctor, maybe I'll do it.  But I'm not going to do it because it's trendy and people who are biased are telling me what to do.  Apparently this critical thinking is cause for admonishment these days.  I'd happily go on a cruise today if I could, and would take precautions like I always did... yes, without a vaccine.  

On 3/15/2021 at 2:26 AM, Himself said:

I do not plan on getting the shot so if it is required I will be forced to cancel and cease cruising which I have loved for the past 25 years.

I suppose I'll have to cancel as well and put off cruising until there is semblance of normalcy.  I don't plan to vaccinate and participate in real life trials for a rushed vaccine with so many unknowns.  I'm weary that bans against those who have chosen not to vaccinate will be widespread and an unacceptable part of the irritating nomenclature, "new norm."  

Was on Maasdam exactly one year ago, on an EXC cruise.  The concept was great and we enjoyed some of the lectures.  We also enjoyed the commentary from specialists when cruising the Fjordlands etc.  It did get a bit repetitive and if I'm being honest, a little boring.  The zodiacs were a massive disappointment having all experiences canceled 3 weeks prior to sailing.  

I think there's value there, I just hope they improve on the execution.  

Happy with my V and V changes!  I had a Signature Suite on a 14 day cruise on Rotterdam.  I rebooked into two adjacent verandas, added the preceding 7 cruise.  I transferred the deposit to one room (onboard booking $50) so only have to pay deposit for the added room.  ALL FOR LESS than my original pricing.  Even though I lost some of the perks from a previous promo, it's perfectly fine and perks I'd give up for what I've got now.  

7 minutes ago, bonsai3s said:

Following...akke29, no notification for us either...I just posted on the roll call.

Read your other post.  Sounds frustrating indeed.  Well... with lots of time between now and final payment and our sailing... we wait and see.  We were supposed to be on Radiance right now, then did a lift and shift to Quantum in the other direction.  Maybe we'll have to figure out plan C soon.  

On 10/4/2020 at 2:23 AM, st.wares said:

I've got a cruise cancelled by RCI too, for 2021

Have you been officially informed that this cruise is canceled?  I'm on this cruise as well, but have received no notification.

Sailed on Holland America Maasdam earlier this year right before the shut down.  We spent an entire DAY cruising Milford, Dusky and Doubtful sounds.  It was spectacular and went quite deep into all of them.  

Any other info on this topic?  I've booked a Vista suite for a 14 day Baltic's cruise next summer on Rotterdam and was considering an upgrade to a Signature suite.  Any idea where the murphy bed is located?  They layout pictures don't really indicate the location.

Sad to see.  My family and I disembarked Maasdam in Auckland March 1, 2020 after sailing 14 days on her.  Overall, a fantastic ship and crew.  Yes, she's a little worn and dated to some extent, but we found ways to overlook the shortcomings and have a wonderful experience.  We met some neat people and I thought of them often as Maasdam left Auckland on what was her last voyage to San Diego.  I even caught a glimpse of her in Honolulu as she provisioned, at the height of the COVID panic.  She served HAL and all the guests well.  Carry on in those epic Greek waters.  Carry on.