Canada17

2 minutes ago, BuckeyeMark said:

We were traveling in a big group, and we arranged it through Celebrity's group desk. It wasn't available to individuals. On the way home we used International Friends for an excursion to Bath and Windsor Castle. I believe they do a London to Southampton trip via Stonehenge - I'd recommend them.

Thank you for the quick reply. Will have to look into booking a local Stonehenge tour out of London. Looking forward to the rest of your review. 

Can you let us know how you booked the Celebrity excursion from London to Southampton via Stonehenge?

We are booked on Apex next June for this same itinerary, so thank you for your kindness in providing this review. One thing that caught our attention was your Celebrity excursion from London to Southampton via Stonehenge. Can you please tell us how you booked this excursion, we don’t see it on the listed excursions.

4 hours ago, BuckeyeMark said:

After so many people here at Cruise Critic answered question after question, and especially after folks in the North Sea forum helped me jump-start my cruise selection when Celebrity abruptly canceled my Caribbean cruise last May, I just feel obligated to try and contribute back a little. This is my write-up of our just-concluded cruise. I’ll post a day at a time to keep it from being too much and give room for questions and comments.
 

DAY 1

Our cruise really started Sunday night on an American Airlines flight out of DFW to London. That flight was delayed two hours as they changed the two tires under the nose of the aircraft (not even kidding). Eventually, we got going, landing at Heathrow around 9 AM Monday morning. We were met by our guide who would conduct us to the Cotswolds and Oxford for two days until the ship sailed on Wednesday. We had the world’s best tour guides there. They were sensational but I’ll save that for another trip report (message if you need a recommendation). By Tuesday night, we were snug in the Paddington Hilton, ready to catch a Celebrity excursion to Southampton in the morning via Stonehenge.
 

STONEHENGE

The bus picked us up bright and early, we slogged through London rush-hour traffic, and eventually found ourselves deep in the beautiful English country-side. And then there it was - on the hilltop was the most famous pile of stones in the world. I must admit that I didn’t expect to be as impressed as I was. It’s some big stones, and I’ve seen pictures, and even a full sized replica (in Odessa, Texas). But in person, Stonehenge is incredible. I was blown away. It’s huge, it’s powerful on that hill, it’s ancient, nobody knows the answer to all our questions (just how did they get those big rocks up there and why?) And it was super cool. It’s not to be missed.

 

SOUTHAMPTON

From Stonehenge we went on to Southampton and arrived about 90 minutes later. Our boarding time was slated for 1:30 and things could not have gone smoother. The days of long lines winding trough the port center, keeping eager cruisers from getting on board their ship, are OVER. We jetted through with very few stops, and were on the ship in minutes. In fact, by 2:10 we had gone through check-in, security, visited our muster station, dropped bags off in our room, and were EATING in the Ocean View Café. Well-done, Celebrity! 
 

INFINITE VERANDAS

What the DW and I were most interested in was what an Infinite Veranda stateroom would be like in person. We’d read all the controversy, complaints, and carping. We’d seen videos on YouTube. But what would it be like once we went through the door? Answer: it’s terrific. We realized immediately that no video or picture or description can possibly give you a feel for what one of these cabins are really like. They just can’t. Once you’re in one you realize Celebrity has hatched a genius idea. The cabin is so much larger than usual because you get all that balcony space all the time. It’s like if someone knocked down the wall between your garage and your living room. Do you have some problems now, like where you park your cars (or that all your garage junk is visible when friends come over)? Yes you do, but there’s no doubt your house would seem bigger. IV rooms feel bigger, especially since the back wall is a huge glass window that looks out on the ocean. We loved it and we were traveling with a big group of friends and they all loved it. Not a negative review for anyone. It’s just smart. You can’t sit on your balcony for long in the North Sea anyway - it’s too cold! So re-claiming that space for your cabin makes a lot of sense, and when you need some of that full-on sea experience you can put the window down. We adored it. I know it’s not for everyone, and no, it is not a real balcony. Please don’t start up the controversy about them here - I’m just saying it may be a lot better than you think. It’s not for everyone but it is most definitely for us! 
 

THE APEX

Once we dropped bags we started exploring our ship and we loved it too. The Apex has a very sophisticated and classy vibe. It’s just very laid-back and very cool. This is not another bigger-is-better, how much glitz can we shove in one place ship. It’s calm and cool. So much artwork, so many neat spaces, so many good places to hang out, read, people watch or have fun. The only minor down note to our first night was dinner in the Normandie restaurant. We’ll get to eat in all four dining rooms so we’ll see how it goes but we thought dinner was very average tonight, and dessert was visually appealing but just “meh.” The OceanView, on the other hand, was the most fabulous venue ever. Large, bright, appealing and with a never ending sea of great choices - we talked a little about ditching the MDR and eating there. A comedy show with a guy who was pretty funny (especially his bit on a unicycle) finished Day 1. The cruise could not have begun any better!
 

TOMORROW: BELGIAN CHOCOLATE IN BRUGES

 

1 hour ago, Bobal said:

I realise it's not quite the same but we sailed on Millennium earlier this year and had basic WiFi included with our booking. I had read on these boards not to log into either free mins or package first but couldn't remember which. I went to the Internet desk and a very helpful member of staff set up 2 logins, one using my free basic package and one my better included E+ minutes. I was able to switch between the two. The basic package was good for everything except sending and receiving images/videos on WhatsApp so I switched to my included mins for that. 

Bobal, you are absolutely correct. We just got off Silhouette and we had the basic wifi included with our classic drink package. As Elite, we also had our 90 minutes of free high speed internet. We went to internet desk (now part of photo studio on Silhouette) and the IT staff setup up 2 logins. Whenever we logged in we chose between Basic or Free 90 minutes. Only logged into free 90 minutes after we composed msgs in text, email, WhatsApp, messenger on basic wifi. Through 10 day cruise, only used 10 minutes of our free 90 minutes of high speed internet .

We are doing the 12 day Best of Japan cruise in October. Just wondering if anyone knows which port in Hiroshima that Millie will be docking at. Also, does Celebrity/port provide complimentary shuttle into the city? Thanking the cc family in advance.

9 hours ago, Miaminice said:

Hi,

 

Hiroshima wasn´t on this itinererary. The last time we have been to Hiroshima was quite a while ago - in 2017. I remember we took a train to Hiroshima Station from the port. So I don´t know if there will be a shuttle offered or not - sorry!

Hiroshima was part of this cruise: 
https://www.travelandcruise.net/travellove_en/Our-Trips/Celebrity-Millennium-Japan/celebrity-millennium-japan.html

Thank you for the quick response Miaminice. I’ll try a new post to my cc friends. BTW love your travel logs, fantastic pictures and love the passion that you show in sharing your travels with us.

Miaminice, can you let us know at which port in Hiroshima did Millie dock at? Also, is there complimentary shuttle service into the city? We are doing this same itinerary this coming October. Thank you.

31 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Although they may say that the ship arrives at 3:00 AM disembarkation will not begin until approximately 7:00 AM -   They will do the normal disembarkation with walk off first.   Last call is usually about 9:00 AM.

 

I don't recall them having airport shuttle but wouldn't be surprised if they do.    Usually when you are paying for a Shuttle per person it is more expensive than if you arranged private transport.

 

On our last cruise cruise to a Japan was a B2B so we had time to explore options on the turn around day.    We found that the best for us was Yokohama First Class Bus Service.cab

https://hnd-bus.com/airport/n-yokohama/

We grabbed a cab at the Yokohama Cruise Terminal to YCAT (Yokohama City Air Terminal)  The terminal is a medium size room with a separate entrance in the Yokohama Rail Terminal.    They have busses called Airport Limousines  about every half hour to all of the airports.   The busses are really nice and even have wifi.    They drop you right at the door of each terminal.   Very relaxed and comfortable way to make the connection.    You can book in advance and they have a Senior Fare for those 65+  2,200 (about $15) yen vs 3,700 yen

 

Thanks Jim_Iain, you guys are fantastic, love all genuine response to all Cruise Critic members. We did get a quote of $260US for a van pickup for 4 from Japan Taxi, but we did notice the YCAT-Bus Terminal option that you noted and we were leaning towards this option, glad you provided approximate pricing. On our last Japan Cruise in 2018, we used Japan metro system from our hotel in Tokyo to Yokohama, super easy. We disembarked in Shanghai on that cruise. This will be the first time we disembark in Yokohama to fly home. Do you recall the cost of the taxi from port to YCAT and do they have taxis that can transport 4 passengers? Thank you.

41 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

Not sure what dates you are sailing but our May cruise is showing an arrival time of 0830 in Yokohama for our return.  I am not seeing any airport transfers in our Shore Excursion list but i am seeing an Airport to ship on our day of arrival which could simply be an error on Celebrity's part.  However, the cost seems unreasonable, even for a private car.  

 

I have not experience with this company but if you use Google to search, I am showing multiple options for transportation from the ship to the airport.  Here is an example. 

 

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Port-of-Yokohama/Tokyo-Narita-Airport-NRT#:~:text=Airport (NRT)%3F-,The best way to get from Port of Yokohama to,7000 and takes 2h 19m.

 

Our cruise is in October, just doing some advance planning. I was surprised at the noted 3:30am arrival, but it could be a typo. Regardless, we have plenty of time even if we disembark around 9am which is usually when they want all passengers off. Thank you for your response.

Exploring options getting to Narita Airport when we disembark Celebrity Millennium in Yokohama. We arrive early (3:30am according to our itinerary) and our flights back to North America are around 5:30pm, so we have lots of time. We have looked at Japan Taxi, but wondering if Celebrity has airport transfer to Narita and what is the cost. 

3 minutes ago, hrhdhd said:

We had a card in our stateroom suggesting a time and dining room for the first evening (we booked select on Apex, but you'll have select, too).

Thx Hrhdhd, so the first night you had a reservation with set time and venue. If you don’t mind me asking, what did you have to do for days 2 to 7? Did you have to make reservations or did Celebrity assign you times and which MDR?

2 hours ago, jelayne said:

All anytime dining now on the Beyond  and it’s even reported all E class ships.  
You do not need reservations just go to any of the dining rooms when you are ready to dine.  If you would like to make reservation you can do that in the Cruise Planner, under dining go the very end and you will the 4 MDRs listed.

Thanks Jelayne, value your response as you are regularly providing info on these boards. Followed your advice and found the 4MDRs in the cruise planner, but couldn’t make any reservations because it says that we have been booked for 6pm, it just doesn’t say where, hence my “frustration”. 

16 minutes ago, prmssk said:

I am only aware of this being a possible change on Edge class ships and do not know if it has been confirmed for all Edge class ships.  When we booked the Ascent a week or so ago we still had the option of early or late dining (in addition to anytime).

We are on Beyond in February and were confirmed 6pm Select Dining. Question is (and I started a thread today) where has Celebrity booked us? 1 themed restaurant for the whole cruise or rotating themed dining rooms?

We are long time Celebrity cruisers, but this will be our first cruise on an Edge class ship. We are on a b2b on Beyond starting Feb12 and are looking for help/info on the Main dining rooms. We understand the 4 themed restaurants and how the menus work, specifically that every restaurant has an exclusive menu that stays the same throughout the cruise, plus the “regular daily Celebrity menu” which changes daily, plus the Celebrity Classics menu (the latter 2 are available at all 4 themed dining rooms.

We are confirmed to have Select Early Seating, soooooo….does that mean Celebrity has confirmed seating for us at 1 of the themed restaurants for all 7 days of our cruise or have they seated us at a different themed dining room each day. And if Celebrity has seated us at 1 dining room for the whole cruise, how do we make changes so that we get to experience each of the themed restaurants??? HELP!

PS - tried calling Celebrity direct, but the people answering do not even understand how the themed dining rooms work or that they even exist on Beyond!

If one has the Classic Drink Package as a perk from Celebrity, from what has been noted in past posts, it is not an issue to "downgrade" to a Premium Non-Alcoholic Drink Package. The question then becomes, will Celebrity "refund" your on board account with $30/day OBN ($55 for Classic Drink - $22 for Premium Non-Alcoholic Drink). Recall reading on some past posts that this was possible to done on board at Guest Services, but had to do it as soon as one boarded. Has anyone had any experience with this? Thanks.

Thanks Debbie. Will be following. We are on Millie in March.

Hi Folks

 

Finally found the pier in Yokohama for the Oct 4 millinnium cruise. Got a hotel near the port. Will be arriving around 4 pm the day before the cruise. Can anyone tell me how much a taxi cost from the airport to the yokohama port, due the taxi drivers understand english, do they take credit cards, US Dollars or do I need to exchange money into yen

Which airport? Haneda or Narita? Look up Tokyo-Taxi, you can pre-book a taxi. We booked one from Haneda to downtown Tokyo, for the 4 of us, it was $12560 Yen ($120US) Japan taxi drivers are very very honest and efficient. We were on the October 16, 2016 Tokyo-HK cruise on Millie. You will have a fantastic time.

Embarkation 4/2 was delayed due to a heavy cleaning and two separate inspections. Check in however was easy and quick. We waited in Michael's for a bit, ate lunch in Luminae. Cabins opened around 2:30.

Ship is in great shape and spotless. Friendly crew and passengers. Was out walking this morning around 7:30 on our first sea day - not a saved seat around the pool so I hope this means the chair hogs missed the ship. LOL.

Went to Beyond Podium talk today - Bill Fall was very good. Cruise Critic party was a 9:30 and well attended.

Tonight is Chic night.

If I can answer any questions please let me know. I will not be posting photos but I'll help if I can.

Thanks for the update Jane. We'll be following along very closely, as we will be boarding Infinity for the east-bound PC cruise when you disembark in San Diego. It will be our first time on Infinity and happy to hear that she is in good shape.

You forgot to mention that Best also includes the upgrade to the Premium Beverage Package, which for your 12N is another $141.60 per person; so it's about $454 versus $540 - but still a short fall of about $86.

 

Agree that for a 12N like yours, no one in their right mind would pay to go from Better to Best; my guess is that most of the longer cruises with Best are getting all 4 perks with their suite purchase.

 

However, I do note that for a 7N, the daily incremental value is $150/7 = $21.43 for the OBC. Add another $11.80 for the upgrade to Premium and $13.50 for gratuities and you have $46.73 versus $45; thus a $1.73 per person per day savings!

Hi Larry, you don't need the Premium Beverage package, the Classic package includes the Affagoto, what more do you need?!! Order a few when you're on Equinox in September, just remember to save some for us when we board Equinox in October. Say hi to Nan for us and have a great day.

We were recently on Millie for our October 2016 Tokyo-HK cruise. Yes, she is showing signs of aging, specifically on the balconies and furniture/fixtures in the cabin are dated and showing signs of wear. We found that food and service was on par with what we expect from Celebrity on both their M and S Class ships. Millie will not be as shiny and sparkly as Reflection (our favorite ship) or any other S Class ship, but, she is still a beautiful ship with a great crew. So much so that we are booked on Millie again for March 2018 China & South Korea cruise.

Thank you for the suggestions - I'll be sure to try !

Someone had asked what an "Igloo" was. It's like a Frappuccino from Starbucks or an Ice Cappuccino from Tim Horton's if you're Canadian. Difficult to take an Affogato back to your cabin as its a scoop of gelato served in a martini glass, with a shot of expresso coffee and drizzled with chocolate. By the time you get it back to the cabin it will have all melted. However and Igloo can easily be taken back to the cabin and enjoyed on your balcony along with a nice pastry, cookie and/or slice of cake (free at Café al Bacio regardless of whether you have a drink package or not). Perfect "stop-gap" between the end of an excursion and heading to MDR for dinner.

Wow! I had no idea. I love Cafe Al Bacio but never heard of an affogato. I had to google it!

 

For anyone else like me who didn't know:

An affogato is a coffee-based dessert. It usually takes the form of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream topped or "drowned" with a shot of hot espresso.

 

Is it available with classic or only premium - does someone know for sure?

Affogatos are fabulous and they are covered under the Classic Drink Package. There's nothing better than having an affogato after coming back from a hot shore excursion. Also covered under the Classic Drink Package are "Igloos" and "Aspen Coffee", both are wonderful drinks available at Café al Bacio and are "must try". Enjoy

Does anyone have any decent priced tours of Seoul for March 11 - March 25 Asian Cruise. Seoul (Incheon)on Saturday March 18th. Ships tours are exorbitant for as little as you see and most tours we have found want close to $400.00 per couple to drive thru park, see one palace and maybe go to the beach? So am I just being cheap or is there something out there at a decent price?

Will be following this thread as we will be on this same cruise in 2018, so any information on tours for stops on South Korea will be appreciated. Would also be interested in your tour plans for Tianjin (Beijing). As for the other ports, Nagasaki is very easy to do on your own, especially if visiting the Atomic Bomb Museum/Ground Zero. Keelung has lots of sites within walking distance of the cruise terminal. If you want a really good tour of Taipei, would recommend Topology Tours. Great service and tour, and you can tailor things to suit your interests (Taipei 101, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, Confucious Temple, National Museum, etc).

Any suggestions?

 

A van or Taxi cost $250 for 2.

 

Thinking to much luggage to haul on train.

In October/2016 for our Tokyo-HK cruise, we used Tokyo Taxi from Haneda International Airport to downtown Tokyo. Pre-booked at a cost of 12,600 yen ($125US) total for 4 of us. We got a Honda Odyssey van which easily accommodated the 4 of us, 4 large pieces of luggage and 4 carry-ons. Agree with you that hauling your luggage around on the train would be challenging, especially after a long flight. The Japan transit system is absolutely fantastic, but being jet-lagged on that first day, we decided to use Tokyo Taxi, in hind sight it, it was the right choice. Driver was waiting for us after we picked up our luggage and assisted/guided us to the waiting van. Great service.

actually the Mariner class.... I'm worried that I'll get bored on the Equinox. We're first time to X, so we're not sure what to expect. I liked the Promenade and the shops and the bars and the open space, lol... Not sure if X will make me feel 'smothered'... I didn't really enjoy the Allure, so it's not the size that I'm concerned about.

 

Anyhow, any helpful comments will help.. No slammers, lol. I'm not complaining, I'm just askin'. :)

Equinox is a beautiful ship and has a lot quiet spaces to relax in. The S class ships are about the same size as Voyager class ships, and while Celebrity tends to be more of a "relaxing cruise", you will not get bored. We have cruised on Voyager and Navigator, both are great ships. We agree with your views of the Promenade, great place to sit, snack and watch the world go by. We do enjoy activities like Quest on RCL, but there are still lots to do on Celebrity. You will also enjoy Café al Bacio, just a nice/quiet place to enjoy coffee/lattes and the wonderful (free) desserts. Food is much better on Celebrity, we have always found that on RCL, the MDR menu gets "worse" as the cruise gets nearer to the end. Oceanview buffet is similar to Windjammer buffet, but quality and selection of food is better, especially on S class ships.

I'm sure that you will have a great time on Equinox. (As long as aren't late coming back from an excursion and miss your ship! LOL! Really enjoyed reading about your "misadventures" in Nassau. Didn't know whether to laugh or cry with you as you went through your ordeal.) Happy cruising.