slk230red

It is not the children it is the adults that are responsible. I haven't been in a pool or hot tub on a ship in many years because of issues like that. It always seemed as if I got some kind of rash after using one so I avoid them.

Same here....I wouldn't go in any pool or hot tub on any cruise ship!

Hello Celebrity cruisers,

 

It used to be allowed, under the previous Captain's club rules, that I could bring my cabin mate with me to the evening cocktail event, as long as they were traveling with me in my stateroom. I am married but sometimes cruise with my Mom or other ladies. If anyone knows the answer to this I would really appreciate the info!

 

Thanks!

 

Rhonda

Yes. From the Captains Club Elite member benefits section:

Elite Member Benefits

"Our aim is to ensure that each and every cruise experience offers you all the recognition and rewards you so richly deserve. That means unprecedented levels of service, access and perks. Celebrity is pleased to offer the Captains Club Coffee Break experience and Cocktail Hour exclusively for Elite/Elite Plus members and their stateroom/suite companions. The casual coffee house style experience available most mornings offers complimentary espresso, teas and other menu items. The cocktail hour available most evenings offers a wide selection of beverages and the ability to enjoy socializing with fellow Elite/Elite Plus members and relaxing with a complimentary drink before dinner."

We were on the Azamara Quest Dec. 8th to Dec. 20th. Our points were posted on Celebrity within a few days.

Always, always check your paperwork while on board. Never assume that what is being delivered has the correct information. The folks on board do make mistakes.

 

It only takes a few minutes to avoid future problems.

I assumed it was my booking number since it had my name on the paperwork.

When you are saying your "decide now" booking deposit got refunded you are talking about a booking you made while onboard picking a specific cruise correct?

 

The Decide later or whatever they are calling it this month:rolleyes:, is non-refundable.

Correct, I booked a decide now while onboard, cancelled the booking and the $100 was refunded. When I first posted, I forgot that it was a "decide now" booking, not a "decide later". My bad!

As per the terms and conditions on this document, open booking deposit amounts are non-refundable:

 

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/NextCruise/13033003a_NextCruise_OpenBooking_Form_US.pdf

Yes, it was my decide now that was refunded when I cancelled a cruise. But, the next cruise certificate is still a no-brainer so I still keep them on hand for my future bookings.

Note, make sure the next cruise certificate you receive while on-board is assigned to you. The last one I purchased for Royal Caribbean when I was on a Celebrity cruise was assigned to a different cruise passenger. I dropped the application form in the drop box since they were so busy, and they delivered the paperwork to my stateroom. I didn't find out until several months later when I booked my 12-1-13 Allure cruise. I had to call Celebrity and have them track down the error to get my next cruise booking number.

For a decide now, no cons as it is fully refundable. However for a decide later the $100 is not refundable.

I agree, that's why I always keep several on hand.

Thanks for all the great info from everyone! REally like the tip to scan the docs back and send as pdf attachment in email. One question though, the only one who had a delay mentioned having a travel agent. I wonder if all the speedy refunds are with RCCL direct? I should have mentioned we used a travel agent. Called him back and he said 10 to 15 business days and we had to cancel via the agency. I'm hoping it's faster. :) Thanks everyone!

It doesn't matter, the refund comes from RCCL. As long as the TA cancelled your cruise, then your refund should appear in a few days.

And this (to confirm) from the Captain's Club site:

 

After November 25, 2013, Club Points are earned based on stateroom category purchased and length of cruise including Cruisetours when you sail with Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Club Cruises. Celebrity Cruises makes it possible for you to earn up to eighteen Club Points per night.*

I didn't know about the Azamara Club Cruises being included when we booked the Quest Dec. 8th 12 night cruise several months ago. I just checked my Celebrity cruise points status and the Azamara points were included.:)

Tried a Central Park balcony on Allure and enjoyed it no noise Problems.

I agree....

We've had a Central Park balcony, Ocean balcony, and 2 Boardwalk balconies on the Allure. I still prefer the Boardwalk balcony....great views of the Boardwalk, Aqua Theater, and the ocean.

I'm struggling in particular with Split, Dubrovnik and Kotor. I have found some interesting local tours online, but their schedules don't work with our port times. I am inclined to do Split on my own, with a Rick Steves book in hand!

 

I will likely book a ship tour for Dubrovnik and Kotor, but would appreciate advice on which sites you'd recommend for a first and possibly only visit to these areas to help me choose the best one.

 

Sharon

I just got off the Azamara Quest -- while onboard, I talked with the Future Cruise Consultant regarding the ''free shuttles'' offered by Azamara in the Med. ports. I was told that the free shuttles are not offered in ports where Azamara has a berth near the town or near public transportation. ( I specifically asked about the Livorno port (Florence). I was told that the ship docks close to the road in Livorno, and therefore, Azamara does not provide a shuttle. If someone wanted to go to Livorno's train station, they would need to take a taxi, at their own expense. And, if I wanted to go to Florence, I would need to buy an excursion, hire a taxi, or take the train, all at my own expense.)

For Split, Dubrovnik, and Kotor --I visited these ports in 2012 by cruise ship. These towns are easy to see ''on your own'' -- they are very ''walkable towns''. In Dubrovnik, the cruise terminal is next to a bus stop and has many taxis available. You can take a taxi from the cruise terminal to Old Town, for 10 euro one way. ( Taxi can hold 4 people for one price.) Then, just pay your admission to the Old Town, and use Rick Steves suggestions for sites to see in Dubrovnik's Old Town.

In Split, the cruise passengers disembark in the old, historic area along the waterfront --- just walk across the street, and you will be in the heart of old Split. Rick Steve's guidebook on Split is very helpful.

In Kotor, the ship docks right in Kotor's marina filled with yachts -- just walk off the ship, and through the entrance to the walled town . You can easily wander all around Kotor in several hours.

( Tip -- be outside on deck in the morning, as the ship begins to go from the Adriatic into the bay, headed for Kotor. The scenery / fjords are spectacular, and change in the morning light!)

Thanks for the detailed review -- price for transfer from PE to POM? Total time, including the stop at FLL? :confused:

$50 for 2 people. I really didn't time the entire trip since we were early going to POM. The van stopped at terminal 18 (Allure) at around 9:40 am, loaded up 3 couples, dropped 2 couples off at the Southwest airlines location at FLL. We were taken to a shuttle pickup point where we waited about 10 minutes for the FLL to POM shuttle. The driver made one more stop at FLL for another couple going to POM.

I think the whole trip took about 90 minutes.

On another note, the transfers going north on Dec. 8th, were taking longer due to traffic accidents on I-95 and also I-95 northbound closures for some "Motorcycle Event" between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. I-95 was a parking lot. I'm glad we were going southbound.

We booked Eagle Shuttle for a 10:00 am pickup at Port Everglades going to Port of Miami on Dec. 8.

SAS & QLS are the two most often suggested FLL area based shuttle providers. No one bats 1000, but they regularly transport lots of cruisers to/from POM with mostly positive reviews.

 

Good luck! :)

I'll report back with my experience using Eagle Shuttle from Port Everglades to POM.

When we dis-embarked the Allure on the 8th, I called Eagle to let them know and I was told that the shuttle van would arrive in a few minutes. They were right on time, loaded us up, and took us to the Fort Lauderdale airport. We hopped on another van and were transferred to the Port of Miami. We arrived early and checked in at the Azamara Quest terminal.

We boarded the Quest, had a cappuccino at the Mosaic Café, dropped off the carry on luggage in our stateroom, enjoyed some wine with lunch, hit the pool bar, met some nice folks soaking up some Florida sunshine, then continued on for a great 12 night cruise.;)

I would give Eagle Shuttle an A rating for their transfer service.

Does Azamara set up bars at private beaches to purchase drinks?

Labadee, Cayo Levantado, and Cococay?

 

Thanks

OK then, I'll answer my own question.

Labadee had 1 food buffet setup and a couple of bars for included drinks; beer, pina coladas, etc., provided by Azamara.

Cayo Levantado, public beach so only food and drinks for purchase from outside vendors.

Coco Cay had 1 food buffet setup and 1 bar for included drinks; beer, pina coladas, etc., provided by Azamara.

The Quest crew did an outstanding job providing food and drinks at Labadee and Coco Cay.

Home Safe & Sound!

 

Lots to do to get reorganized...

 

I will upload more photos tonight or tomorrow morning.

Hi Jim, just returned yesterday from 19 nights on the Allure and Azamara Quest. Met some folks on the Quest that enjoy reading your "Live Threads". It appears that you have a following out there.:D

See you on CFOT.

Anyone driven I-75 to Port Everglades in the past 2 weeks? Just curious how the road conditions are, especially on I-595.

IMHO ROYAL MADE A HUGH MISTAKE IN SCRAPING THE DIAMONDS IN DECEMBER PROMOTION.

Yes, but now they seem to have too many Diamond Plus's due to the past Diamonds in December.:rolleyes:

We shall see! I think D+s getting the boot from the CL is far more likely... which is disappointing as someone relatively close to D+ but I would understand and respect that decision considering how small many of the CLs in the fleet are.

If D+'s do get booted from the CL, from what I've experienced, the servers in the CL would see a big reduction in cash gratuities. Just my opinion, but I would miss having the option of going to the CL.

Our experience has been the opposite -- in the Diamond lounge it has been basic cocktails/win and nuts or trail mix; at the Diamond event it has been cocktails/wine/champagne and finger appetizers. Maybe it depends on the ship and how they handle each.

 

We are not big drinkers, but enjoy the events as a way to meet other cruisers...so it just adds to our enjoyment of our vacation.

I think you have lounges reversed.

Looking for the South of France in early summer 2014. This would be our first river cruise, have done many ocean cruises.

Avalon looks sold out and that is who we would of liked but Viking has availability. Would anyone have thoughts on Viking and have done the route? I know I will have many other questions :confused: but just would like to connect with those that have done the cruise and give thoughts.

 

Thanks in advance!

In late August, we returned from the A-Rosa Stella Provence river cruise (sailing on Saone and Rhone rivers), August 2013. The all-inclusive cruise experience was great!

A-Rosa's Stella departs and returns to Lyon. This is a big plus, over the other river cruises, like Viking, that leave from Chalon-sur-Saone because Lyon has major airport and train connections, making arrival /departures easy.

The cruise included a wide range of ages from 30-80 yrs -- several 30-40 year olds who loved to party from USA, many 50 year olds from USA, and about 40 German / British passengers.

Our French balcony cabin had 2 doors that opened wide (not just a sliding glass door) , which added to the enjoyment of views along the river. On several mornings, we were welcomed by gorgeous sunrises and swans as we arrived into the port towns. Cabins offered lots of storage, both hanging racks and shelving.

A-Rosa Stella serves wonderful wines with lunch and dinner. For example, the last night's wine pairings with dinner were Perrin et Fils wines. Bar drinks are included -- and Stella's bartender makes great mojitos -- perfect enjoyment for late afternoons, as we sat on the sun-deck, sailing past small stone villages, under brilliant blue skies.

Lunch aboard the Stella offered a buffet in the main dining room, or grilled lunch on the sundeck, along with bar service. The dining room never felt crowded, due to the floor-to-ceiling windows on each side of the dining room, that let in light and offered magnificent views!

The itinerary was perfect for this region. The shore excursions that A-Rosa offered were handled by knowledgeable local guides, who had pride in their town, and wanted to show us 'the best'. I really enjoyed the excursions to Chateauneuf-de-Pape and Beaune. In both locations, we were able to enjoy samples of the local wines. When the ship stopped in Lyon, after the tour of Old Town, we were offered lunch at a restaurant owned by Paul Bocuse, a famous Michelin 3 Star chef! We enjoyed a 5 course lunch, paired with wines. And, best of all, this special lunch was included at no additional cost!

Bicycle tours were offered -- a guide would take passengers on 3 hour excursions through small wine-growing villages -- or we could borrow a bicycle to ride around Avignon or Arles, if preferred.

At the end of the cruise, departing the ship was a unique experience -- we requested that Stella's reception desk order a taxi for us, to go to the airport at 7:15am. As we strolled off the ship, a Mercedes 500 taxi was waiting for us -- our luggage already loaded in the trunk. And, this private taxi only cost us 50 Euro!

A-Rosa's river cruises should definitely be included, when you consider taking a European River cruise!

A-Rosa is a German river cruise company -- and on some sailings, they market to the USA market. I suggest only booking those dates that has USA -based passengers -- otherwise, most passengers only speak German, and you won't have the same experience.

Diamond Lounge = :):D

Diamond Event = :(:confused:

But, I will say that one of the best Diamond Events we've ever experienced was on the Vision last December. Great service, and they served hot appetizers and kept them well stocked every evening.

Yes, they should provide the transfer. Contact your travel agent to have them set it up for you. And yes...they also pay for hotel in between for one night. We did this on our B2B Oasis/Allure. Are doing again in February from Eclipae in FLL to Indy with one night in between. This includes our transfer from hotel to ship also.

Really? What if you're doing the Allure, then getting off and boarding the Azamara Quest in Miami on the same day?

I know, old thread!

We booked Eagle Shuttle for a 10:00 am pickup at Port Everglades going to Port of Miami on Dec. 8.

SAS & QLS are the two most often suggested FLL area based shuttle providers. No one bats 1000, but they regularly transport lots of cruisers to/from POM with mostly positive reviews.

 

Good luck! :)

I'll report back with my experience using Eagle Shuttle from Port Everglades to POM.

what i would like to see in the upcoming changes:

 

keep the CL only for suite guests. (grand and above)

do away with drinks in the dia lounge (not the lounge, only the free drinks) and go to drinks as follows;

 

dia members 25% off drink package

 

dia+ members 50% off drink package

 

pinnacle members free drink package.

 

no more freebees until you reach pinnacle.

How about reciprocity, do you hope they do away with that also? Wouldn't that reduce the numbers?

I see Celebrity has their new points showing on their website...your cruise history only displays for a second or two, but it shows your new point conversion.

Actually you are not allowed to walk on. There is heavy security and they do not allow people to walk in.

Really...since when :confused:...Not that I would and agree best to take a taxi or shuttle...that's always how we get into PE..but I have read posts that some had walked in..So a little confused at your "definitive" statement.

I've seen people walking in and out at the north entrance, but I would take a taxi.