peanut head

1 hour ago, Shiba_Lover said:

I don't think many people out for glamping.  It's fairly humid, and after being outdoors in the heat/ humidity so day, most people want to sleep indoors in the A/C.  When we were on Flora in October, we would stargaze a bit in the evening, but were ready for indoors to sleep. As were most other passengers.  You can also have dinner outdoors, which some people did ( no charge)

That's what I was wondering, but I still would like to hear from anyone who actually participated in the Glamping experience.

33 minutes ago, mahdnc said:

 

After virtually no live threads or reviews on any Galapagos cruise for a long time, quite a few of them have been published since November.

Yes.  I had read most of them but very few dealt with the actual Glamping experience.

Some questions about the glamping.  Were you bothered by insects?  Noise level when trying to sleep?

I had seen that post when it was first put out but forgot about it.  Thanks for sharing the link.

Thank you for taking us along!  Looking forward to your commentary and pictures.  Have a wonderful time.

I was wondering if anyone had experienced the glamping on Flora?  If so, could you please give your opinion of what it was like, what you liked best, what you didn't like?  Was it "private"?  What about restrooms?

Curious to know about it as it was referenced in this month's webinar.

Thanks😊

Thank you for both reviews.  Descriptive, detailed and refreshingly honest.  

I was wondering what kind of currency did you use in each country?  Credit card/local currency/US $ ?

So sorry about your mishap.  Giving advice (when it wasn't asked for 😋) but perhaps you can ask medical if they have a 2-handed walker?  It is much easier to use than crutches and also there is no chance you can damage the nerves in your armpits from leaning.

Thank you for posting your review(s).  We, too, prefer to travel in the PH (Constellation, Equinox, Solstice) or a RS (Constellation, Equinox), for the same reasons you cited.  When on board, we prefer the privacy and quiet of a larger room and balcony.  We enjoy meeting other passengers at the bars, restaurants and activities, but then know that we can retreat back to our sea-faring cave.

We were wondering about the Reflection Suite and your review is wonderful and informative.  Perhaps, we will stay with the PH.

Thank you for posting.  Can you give more details regarding restaurants?  Are excursions also included?

Thank you for taking us along.  Happy cruising.

Thank you for the detailed trip report and so sorry about being unwell.  Out of curiosity, why did you pick this itinerary and time of the year?  Not being familiar with the Galapagos, was there something special about the itinerary and was the weather more favorable for you doing it when you did?

Thank you (again) for taking us along with you and the Queen.  Enjoy every day...and night!

There are definitely more children on board in the summer months and a shorter cruise may have even more than usual--a quick family getaway.  If I am not mistaken, if Reflection will be stopping at Coco Cay then chances are that children will be part of the passenger manifest.  However, as you pointed out, Celebrity is not a children oriented cruise line and, therefore, children will not be in the majority.

What wonderful commentary and stunning photos.  Thank you for sharing with us.  So sorry you were not feeling A+.

On another note, I was wondering how cold/warm the water was when your wife was snorkeling?

We had done the Farmhouse Experience and would not do it again.  The drive, each way, was more than an hour (maybe 90 minutes) from the port along highways and then the return was the same route.  You did get to see the countryside and Pisa from a distance (including the Leaning Tower).  The time spent at the Farmhouse was about 90 minutes.  It was just too much time in a bus for us.😊

Once at the Farmhouse entrance, you got on a 2 horse drawn open carriage for 7 minutes to the vineyard/farmhouse/gift shop/outdoor patio.  The meal was unlimited red and white wine, an antipasto and a medley of different pastas.  The food was okay and filling.  The tables accommodated about 8 people.

You had time to walk around the vineyard after eating or browse the gift shop.  There were restrooms available.

In our opinion, we just felt that it was mediocre.  Unfortunately, the port is pretty far from main tourist attractions so a long drive is necessary wherever you choose to go.

For our cruise, we came in 4 days early.  We flew into Rome and hired a private car and guide and drove to Florence.  On the way we stopped at Orvieto for a walking tour of the town, cistern and caverns and lunch.  We spent 3 days touring Florence (on our own) with a day trip to Pisa.  We then took the same car service to Civitavecchia the morning of the cruise.  We were very happy to have had the opportunity to have a "land based" intensive time before the cruise knowing that the shore excursions could not give us the experiences we wanted in Florence/Tuscany. 

Thank you for taking us along!  Have a wonderful journey.

26 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

In the link posted 

4. I am sailing with my family and some friends. Can they redeem the benefit too?

SHOW LESS

The benefit is only available for the stateroom in which the shareholder (with a minimum of 100 shares) is sailing. Onboard credit is applied on a per stateroom basis, double occupancy. Only one shareholder credit per stateroom on any one sailing. If shares are held jointly, 100 shares are required for each onboard credit request on any one sailing.

I appreciate the answer.  Thank you.

Just out of curiosity, if both my husband and myself, are listed as shareholders, can we each apply for a credit, or is it 1 per household?

What a wonderful trip!  If it isn't too much trouble could you post one pick of a daily program (including dining times)?  TIA

Thank you for taking us along.  Have a wonderful journey.

On 3/18/2024 at 6:13 AM, Liz315 said:

The experience was wonderful on the Beyond. They only hold it once per cruise and the captain chooses the night based on weather and itinerary. Calm night at sunset cruising slowly out of a harbor. It was beautiful and delicious!  Btw, if you have other dinner reservations for that night they help you change them to a different night. Enjoy!

Could you expand  a little more on the experience?  Food?  Drinks included or do you use your beverage package?  Length of the dinner?  Any entertainment besides the beautiful views?  Can you get a table for 2?

1 hour ago, RichYak said:

Regular room service is complimentary in all Retreat cabins.

Yes, you are correct.  I was specifically referring to Craft Social's menu.🙃

On 1/29/2024 at 11:04 AM, alserrod said:

TIPS

 

 

If you live in North America, let's make it clear, in Spain tips are much more infrequent, and even non-existent, compared to what you are used to.

 

 

In Europe in general there is the impression (and desire) that money is earned honestly through wages, not tips. The worker is already assured of a salary before starting work and will carry out his or her work, with or without tips.

 

Therefore, the general rule is to tip if the service was extraordinary, if you would remember something special about that service. And the tips are always much lower than what you are used to. It is always considered that the service is included in the rate you are going to pay.

 

That means that services like a bus driver (where you are expected to take a very specific route without much option for change), just for example, are never tipped.

 

Where do you usually tip?

 

In restaurants, if you consider that the service has been special (if it has been normal service, you only pay the bill and nothing happens)

In a taxi if they have done something very special for you (for example carry a lot of luggage or give you valuable information)

In a hotel if they have provided you with something (if you have only asked for the room key, this is what was expected of them)
etc...

 

And remember that

In restaurants sometimes you prefer a 5-star review with photos and comments on Google or TripAdvisor instead of a tip

If you don't tip.... nothing just happens. The one who served you will also receive his salary. He has it included and it is very regulated

Oh, and if you tip, always in euros. Tipping in a currency other than the local currency is like going to your city and tipping someone in euros. What do you do with those bills?

Thank you!  Your information is incredibly helpful.  Everything that I was looking for was answered here in matter-of-fact prose.

Food in Craft Social would not be included in your unlimited specialty dining.  I don't think that regular room service would comp the food, either.  We ordered through our butler (upper level suite).