Jim_Iain

Not required but recommended. Many do not have smart phones and or no phone and enjoy themselves equally as those with an App. I'm a techno Nerd from Silicon Valley so I'm always connected.

I was luck that my company would always fly me First Class. I could even shampoo my hair, shave and get dressed in a suite prior to arrival. My first trip to Sydney was in United's 747 Dining in the Sky with table clothed tables and carving at your table. Them days are long gone. First Class seats back then were like Domestic First Class now.

Your best bet is that you will have free minutes if CC Member - Elite 120 free non-continuous minutes and Elie Plus 240 minutes. If not they do sell the Premium Internet in a 1 Hour continuous un-discounted $34or 24 hour continuous package un-discounted $67. They are on the expensive side - The prices quoted were from about 2 years ago and may have changed but will give you an idea. You will see the prices (discounted by cc level) in the App when you create your internet account.

Like John --- and I just did it today. When you check out after selecting items or tours you have a pop up window where you choose to use CC or OBC. When you press submit it is immediate. I have alerts set up on my phone and normally when I do a CC charge for an excursion I get an alert within seconds. The same occurs when you cancel but it may take 2-3 days to get back on your credit card, for a OBC it goes back within minutes.

I read and understand that people show up early and are able to "SNEAK" through. They have staggered checkin time for a reason, to avoid bottlenecks for those that do have earlier check-in times. I guess in today's society people don't like to follow rules and then like to flaunt it. They are also often are the same people that complain that others aren't following dress codes etc. No fingers pointed just what comes to mind when I read of so many thumbing their nose at rules. To me it is wold be like when the begin boarding an airplane and everyone runs for the gate and pushes their way past called boarding groups. Chaos...

It is Midnight time in the port of embarkation. I was able to do Check-In for our Singapore Cruise at 9:00 AM (PDT) the day before (there's also a date line). For a Florida Cruise I can check in at 9:00 PM PDT.

Done it many times. Quick and easy. A couple months ago they had a big sale on Excursions. I had to cancel 9 excursions and re-book them again at the lower price. After you cancel it is credited back to your OBC within minutes. Also if it is a sold out excursion it comes back in inventory in a minute or so so you can grab it and re-book.

Charla, So sorry to hear you will be missing Kotor. I have to say it is one of the most beautiful ports of call of that itinerary. You will just have to book it again. Really enjoying your diary (live report).

United should work for you. I am a 2 Million Mile Flyer and get Gold Status for life. It even allows me as a perk to book in Premium Economy when booking the cheapest fares. It pulls information from reservation. Make sure you have your Mileage Plus Number entered before selection of seats.

Earlier today it took me 3 tries and finally logged in.

That is my understanding. I also like the wrap around bars on some of the S Class ships in Retreat. At least my experience has been the bartender in Retreat on E-Class can see much of the room and tell when someone needs a refill. Many of course walk up and order one and have a chat while waiting.

I use to fly SFO to SYD regularly going back to the days when a 747 couldn't make it non-stop requiring a fuel stop in HNL or AUK. I would wash up and get into a suit prior to landing and start working as soon as I was picked up at the Airport. Age takes a toll and my body does not adjust as well now.

Will be posting live starting in about 3 weeks. We fly to Singapore on October 20

I found that it works best if you plug in your HDMI device prior to powering up the TV. I also have had a problem with a cheap HDMI cable but found that any that are rated for 4K and 10K resolution work fine. I don't use an Apple Cable.

I often get Lemon's for our room in the OVC. We usually order a bar setup in our room for evening drinks when don't feel like going down for a night cap. I just fill a coffee cup with sliced lemons (from the beverage area) and keep them in the Refrig.

It may be possible especially on a Saturday. I would recommend Walk Off with Luggage and have a car or Uber arranged. Personally I would be a nervous wreck and I'm a mellow person.

That is an incredible picture. He is a very talented photographer.

Probably out of an abundance of caution. Looks like you are having a beautiful day.

Only one minor tweak. I believe the TV is recognizing them but - The Samsung remotes no longer allow you to get to the Selection of ports. The TV's are now dumb monitors and use a URL for the ships TV. Also they now also have a selection from the main menu to Cast direct from your iPad without an HDMI via the Ship Internet. You have to use the room remote and follow the following video

Another picture with thanks to Magdelena M De Perez

Photo Credit to Phil Cleveland Taken this morning 10/25/2023

Tauk often does Tours on Ponant Ships.

I presume you are talking about Flights by Celebrity when you say flight finder. I think it depends on the Airlines. I have been able to pick seats on United. I usually just go to United and enter the United Ticket Locator and add to my account and pick the seats I want. I have booked with them before and found that there are advantages and disadvantages. 1. You will not be able to talk to the airline direct about anything about the reservation. They will refer you back to Flights by Celbrity 2. Positive - like you say you do not have to pay until final payment and no cancellation fee until final payment. Afterward check under each fare for the cancellation penalty. Most of the fares they now sell after the covid melt down are fully refundable fares. 3. Special fares may have limitation. I missed a flight once and the fare I had was on AA only and they could not transfer to another airline. Unfortunately AA had no availability for 2 days SFO to Rome. Evidently the ticket didn't have interline privileges. 4. Some airlines like you asked restrict choosing seats in advance. Best to call and speak with an agent and if available they can book the seat for you at time of booking. They will also be available to advise if you are able to choose seat yourself for your Airline/fare code.

Iain does that at times. My fitbit I can turn on and off GPS independently of my phone.