Jim_Iain

It can happen but is a very rare experience these days. Right after cruising resumed after COVID it was done quite frequently with the ships only sailing at 25-30% capacity. I once got a Gratis upgrade to a Penthouse due to the person coming down with Covid the day before the cruise.

I believe that it will depend on country of booking. I understand that for UK bookings it is included in your fare price. Just did a U.S. mock booking and it indicates it is bill separately

Took a bit longer to get home than expected. After we departed we had a 1 hour hold on the runway. SFO is having construction done on one of their runways and instituted 1-3 hour origin holds. The Captain shut down the engines and we just sat. We did get home albeit later than expected to view one of the best approaches into SFO possible. Right over San Francisco with 50+ mile views. Even the pilot pointed it out.

Iain got the dreaded SSSS You have been selected for special screening. Pat downs numerous times. Residue scans of hand baggage etc. Global Entry only 3 on line. Real Quick. Regular security had a couple 100 but looked to be moving. Everything is facial recognition.

Group 1 called at 7:45 and BART was kind enough to escort us to the departure gate. Out the door and turn Left. Followed signs Just Tap on Tap off with ApplePay and was on the Subway by 8:19 We are now outside the terminal as we can’t check in until 9:20. (30 minutes) Easiest departure ever.

Well every adventure must come to an end. We arrived Vancouver at 5:00 AM. Although the weather calls for rain looks beautiful. Walk offs began at 7:09 and general disembarkation should begin shortly. I would like to thank everyone that has followed along and participated. What a fun time we had. i still have to put a couple videos up. Yesterday was Singh’s birthday and we had a fun party for him.

Did a quick video of afternoon tea in OceanView Cafe --- not real traditional and a bit sorry selection.

Just as we pull into Vancouver tomorrow it will be time to start reading your new Live post. Looking forward to following along. Jim

Know the feeling .... today would have been my mother's 101th birthday. Ciquo de Maya

Last night was Chic - Lobster I had the Trout and Iain the Salmon The lobster was really small, which was fine with us. It was sweet and tender but kinda is watery which is common of frozen lobster. I had the trout as a starter. Iain had the Salmon fro MDR Here’s the Lobster in a hollandaise based sauce. Poached pear from MDR

Further cutbacks are being noticed in Lumina. It tastes like the have changed the butter to a butter / spread mix and have recently cut down the size of the butter mold. The more they cut back "standard" items the more they are shifting away from Luxury to Denny's attention to detail and quality. THE FIRST RESORTS AT SEA STAR RATED BY FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE - Celebrity’s sleek, contemporary ships embody everything you’d expect from a high-end resort. In fact, Celebrity is the world’s first cruise line to be Star Rated by Forbes Travel Guide.

Last night I didn't see any in Luminae but did see some at various staircases --- as well as the green screen in front of the Casino.

Hope you enjoy Explora -- she really looked beautiful.

Over the years we have modified from traditional Lamb and/or Beef and now use a combination ground Chicken/Turkey ---- Besides that it is pretty basic - Onions, Carrots sometimes Celery Chicken/Turkey - and Bisto to thicken. Just good old comfort food. He serves it with Bachalor's Marrow Fat Peas. Stock Photo of what we are talking about -

Looks like they do a nice job of plating. Hope you enjoy the cruise.

Current "deal" on Solstice is Yes - 6 months to use to get the promo but valid for 12 month's. After 12 months if not used you loose your deposit. Yes. You can transfer to Agent -- I believe you have to transfer the Certificate to you agent within 30 days of purchase. I've done it a number of times.

We turned our clocks forward for a final Tim last night. We decided to do in in a he afternoon and went to bed earlier. Tonight will be the final Chic night.

agree. last night I went for Children’s menu grilled Cheese (not really that good) and tomato soup Iain had the chicken For the desert I had frozen Vanilla and Cherry frozen yogurt.

Nice to hear. We once bought an unlimited photo package and had fun doing crazy poses.

A reader who wanted to remain anonymous forwarded a picture of last nights Lambs Ball appetizer. Interesting plating.

On longer cruises the dynamics change. We kinda get tired of eating. What I would give for a plate of Iain’s Mince and Tatty

Temperatures have turned noticeably colder. There is an arctic storm coming in and SF Bay Area is suppose to get up to an inch of rain. The captain cranked it up to 25 knots trying to miss the brunt of the winds. Got out the cashmere sweatshirt for tomorrow.

Thanks for your post on Regatta.. We will be taking our first Oceania cruise on Regatta in September. Curious if they upgraded the internet to Starlink? Also interested if you could identify what type of TV's they have and if the HDMI ports are available. Thanks in advance?

Looking forward to our first two Oceania cruises. We are probably another Celebrity refugee looking for a new home. After 23 years of sailing exclusively on Celebrity in upper suites we finally jumped ship earlier this month and took our first non-celebrity cruise on Ponant. Vista from Istanbul to Lisbon in Nov 2025 was our first booking but decided we had to try the product earlier so booked Regatta for September. I know she is older and not the same experience as the larger ships ....but... we are so ready for a change. Going forward we will also be booking Price/Itinerary and will no longer be concerned with loyalty.

I don't usually ask our butler to get me coffee.... Our current room is on 11 and only 2 decks up to al Bacio Segundo. Much faster than 5 in the morning. Having said that -- in the morning they have a second coffee station at the Gelato for drinks only -- but in the display case they have some almond croissants and muffins.....shhh..