Bobsgonecoastal

As Ex-Airbalancer explained, post Covid cruises were half booked if that. We were on two California/Mexico and they were obviously not profitable. Princess Cruises dominates the west coast and has for some time. They have U.S. departures from San Francisco and San Pedro, so they are pretty stiff competition for X. We’ve also taken HAL out of San Diego through the Panama Canal, great cruise. We’re sort of burned out on west coast/Alaska/Mexico cruises, so having to fly as we recently did for an ABC Caribbean cruise was a PITA. Flying is the worse part of cruising.

I've been scouring the inter-web and so far the two tour company recommendations have been a bust. Either their websites no longer function, or they are still quoting 2018 prices and tours. I'm assuming Covid did them in. So still on the hunt for a roundtrip tour from Greenock to the tattoo. Any additional suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks fruitmachine, I would love a round trip including some touring, but if that's not available, I will take your advice and hire a vehicle. I see you are from Edinburg, any advice is appreciated.

That is great information! incorporating the Clyde Coast Tour with the transportation sounds perfect. I will look them up and book early. The Edinburgh Tattoo is one I've wanted to see for years. My maternal grandparents were both born and raised in Edinburgh, so it's been of interest to me for some time. If you haven't seen the tattoo in Halifax,NS. It's the second largest tattoo and performed at the Scotia Center. Prior to covid, on a North East/Canada cruise, we just happened to be in Halifax on Canada day and purchased tickets to the tattoo last minute. What a surprise treat that was.

Thanks, I was looking for that information on the 2025 tickets. I'll keep my eyes open later this year. I did register for updates.

We just booked the Regal, August 13, 2025. No excursion for the tattoo so far. I will probably purchase tickets directly. Can anyone recommend the best transportation from Glasgow to Edinburgh? I see some recommendations to used the train, is that for both to and from Edinburgh? Looking at the tattoo website, the tattoo starts at 9:30pm, and lasts a couple of hours. Was that cutting it close using the train? Would hate to miss final boarding call.

Absolutely true. We were diehard X cruisers prior to the restart and all the changes. We have been spreading the business to other lines when it serves our needs.

You're right, I did, but didn't go down far enough. think of the data bits I waisted!

Ha ha ha, not funny! I hope not, our E+ perks are the only thing still keeping us on X. Without those, we'd be elsewhere.

Great summary, Thanks

I've used FBC on several cruises and was always able to pick seats. I did not use them for our next cruise because it goes out of San Pedro Pier in Los Angeles. The best airport for that cruise is Long Beach, no LAX, which is the only airport that came up in the FBC system. I don't understand their system well enough to figure that one out, but those kind of issues do pop up.

To get the Captains Club Elite discount pre-cruise, you must book by phone, however, some of the pre cruise flash sales offered in the cruise planner may be as good. It varies from day to day. You will receive the discount if you book onboard. bob

I've often wondered why they don't discount prepaid gratuities. Maybe the majority of passengers just like to have them paid in advance. It would certainly be an incentive.

Just saw this, not sure if it has been previously posted. Starting in October 2023, Celebrity Cruises will eliminate prepaid gratuities from its All Included pricing packages. This change will go into effect for new bookings starting on October 4, 2023. Similar changes will go into effect for guests booking suites in suites-only area, The Retreat. The cruise line announced plans to remove not only gratuities, but also the onboard credit amenity for Retreat guests. No mention of any adjustments in pricing of the packages. So those are the negatives, but on the positive side, guests no longer need to book All Included packages for AquaClass staterooms. Instead, AquaClass staterooms can be booked with a cruise only fare. This has been a burr in my saddle for a while, so happy on that score. Here's the link: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/08/30/celebrity-cruises-removes-gratuities-inclusive-package-and-makes-changes-retreat Smooth seas and blue skies, Bob

What ever their reason is, I’m happy to see the cans go. Had a heck of a time opening them, and ended up getting a small cut from a sharp edge of the open can. Not to mention, they must be very expensive. plastic is not ideal, but I prefer that option over aluminum cans.