Jim_Iain

Luminae does take a little poetic license on description and name. You should later have Guinea Hen on the menu - definitely not a Guinea Hen probably a Cornish Game Hen would be what is served. It's one of Iain's pet peeves as he loves a real Guinea Hen A Guinea Hen is a totally different shaped bird.

LOL -- I"ve done that myself.

This PDF brochure is the latest and details of all the benefits of each level instead of the summary. https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/pdf/updated-captains-club-brochure-v6.pdf

Most of the area are open for "tour" orientation on boarding the ship. The Spa tour for example is open to all and they walk you through the area and tell you how you can spend money.

We are just on the cusp of Spring break and the rates show it. Love the suggestions but geezeeeeee the rates are over the top - We currently have a reservation at Hilton Embassy Suite for April 13 - 15 with a free cancellation until 5 days of arrival for $354 per night (2 nights including Tax $953). I was hoping it would drop but seems to be climbing. I just checked Hilton Marina and the are at $573 - $1,363 including Taxes and fees for 2 days. I guess I will be happy with Embassy Suites for now.

Yes - Per https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/program-changes Looking to take your vacation to the next level? You’re in luck. MoveUp allows you to bid on a stateroom upgrade after you’ve purchased your cruise. As a valued Captain’s Club member your bid gets a bonus boost based on your tier. So, you get more value than what you bid. Classic members get an extra 1% multiplier, Select members get a 2% multiplier, Elite members get a 3% multiplier, Elite Plus members get a 4% multiplier, and Zenith members get a 5% multiplier.

Per the above and Celebrity Website -- if Vaxed just take a couple of you Self Tests with you and take them at least 2 days before turn around day and take a picture of the results - Self Test Unmonitored. Guests must present a negative antigen test result taken within 2 days prior to sailing and no more than 2 days before their sailing. Accepted tests are PCR or antigen tests taken in person, supervised virtually, or unsupervised self-administered. Proof of a negative test can be the printed or digital results, a clear photo of your self-test result, or your actual self-test in hand.

Thanks for the information. I'm sure it will be the same for the Apex.

Good plan. Somehow I didn't read the the second line that said self administered test. We have both the Benax Monitored and Unmonitored kits on hand. Actually I just clicked the button on the USPS site and they sent me 4 more Benax unmonitored kits by the next day. I'm sure we will take a picture of the results in lieu of bringing the test card itself. What I really don't understand of these stupid requirements is what would stop someone from taking one test and taking two pictures of it - Many of my non-Benax kits don't have a serial number on them - the QR code only identifies the manufacturer.

Do you happen to remember who the Retreat Concierges and Retreat Manager was?

It is easiest to look at the very bottom of the offer in T&C's Cruise must be booked January 12, 2023 through January 15, 2023 (the “Offer Period”) and applies to sailings 3-nights and longer departing December 02, 2022 - April 30, 2025, excluding Galapagos and Cruisetours (the “Offer Cruise”). Promo code not required. Having said that Celebrity will extend it again on Monday or come out with a new offer with the same prices. It is best just book and if you see a better deal prior to final payment call in and have them adjust your price.

Balconies are a good option. The captain usually does a 360 spin to the Port and then a 360 to Starboard giving all a nice view. You also get good views from the Retreat (not open to all), OVC Deck when spinning the ship and along the jogging track. If i'm not mistaken there is a hidden balcony in front of the Gym with doors near the treadmills. Be warned that it can get pretty cold out there.

Thanks for the input. We have a cruise coming up in May - Kinda a B3B but we get off for a week in Amsterdam. I didn't buy a bottle for that cruise. I just used your link and purchased a bottle - Downside is you have to pay via credit card in lieu of OBC. Upside the price plus at least when placing the order they don't charge a gratuity of 20%. Will report back once the process the order - it isn't immediate.

He's a Grey Goose kinda guy.

Interesting -- Never looked at the gift shop. Even if you have to get your own mixers could be a good deal until they find it.

That's an idea. I don't drink so really doesn't affect me. When he doesn't have a bar setup I usually stop by a bar and pick him up one while he goes out and has a cigarette.

I was on Equinox September/October 2021. For me the internet was fine but found that it depended on where you were on the ship. We were luck and had a router in our room.

I took a look as we have the Regular Magenta plan. Just to make sure I would give them a call they are quick to answer and go out of the way on customer service. My experience is you never pay the calling fee of .25 per minute if doing wifi calling. The charge is only applicable if you make a call on land using the 5G service. You do however get free 5G roaming internet in something like 195 countries The Magenta 55+ looks like it is a discounted and cut some things I have but- when I looked it does say WiFi Calling is free. One strategy is while on land is to make calls using something like What's App. You do however need both parties to have whats app. You could also find a hotspot like Starbucks or McDonald's etc and make free wifi calls. I believe for both of us if you receive a call while on land and answer you will be charged the .25 a minute.

Thank goodness they didn't cut the Lemon Tart

LOL -- I was looking for the Lemon Tarts, but the pictures so far were in the morning with the pastries.

We usually stay in either a CS or a RS. Only the RS and above come with the two bottles. We often also stay in a SS when a CS isn't available.

I guess Iain will have to just pick up his drinks at the bar on the way up to the room... He usually buys a bottle just for the convenience of having a drink in the room.

As other suggested way to tight. Celebrity in most port have a all aboard time of 1-2 hours prior to the scheduled sailing time. This is often mandated by the country's requirement when the final manifest must be filed. I know that even on B2B's we have a all aboard time about 90 minutes prior to sailing.

Really enjoying the food porn. Just what I needed before dinner.

If you want to vent a little more - do a search on Air and Hotel prices.