LB_NJ

A lot has been changing lately, especially in food. These days, how is Blu compared to the MDR on M class ships like Constellation?

My solution to fog in Tampa is to book the airline for midday the next day and stay in a local hotel the night we arrive. We got caught in fog last time we did Tampa and not going through that again.

I have a slightly different issue. We are currently booked on Constellation in an Ocean View guarantee sand will bid on the various verandas. So my question is how much above the regular and concierge verandas to bit on Aqua? I was wondering what the food issues were with Blu? On Constellation there really is only the Italian restaurant. Not that into sushi.

How do you have over 100% occupancy?

What if the new cabin has increased gratuities? Do they charge you the difference? I know you get to keep what you had but the AI had gratuity at a lower rate?

Why would you move from Deluxe Balcony (veranda?) to Concierge? I am still trying to figure out the real benefits of Concierge over a veranda especially when you have no choice of cabin.

There are lots of ways . I will use Steep Sacks by the Republic of Tea to hold the grounds. Put into the cup and add hot water. They are made for tea but they work just as well for coffee.

Their wording could be a lot better however, unless it has changed in the last 9 months the corkage fee only applies if you take the wine out of your cabin. If you consume the wine in your cabin there is no charge. They don't charge you for bringing the wine onboard.

At current prices none of the current packages work for us, we just don't drink enough of anything to have them make sense. They used to have a classic non-alcoholic package that worked for us but that was eliminated. We'll just pay as you go except I may bring some ground coffee with me as I personally hate the brewed coffee they have on board. For us it is the worst coffee we have ever had on a cruise. That of course a personal taste thing. You may find the brewed coffee OK. This comment does not apply to the espresso based drinks. They have always been great and we are OK paying for those as we go.

Nope

I have even seen men in tshirts (they were dark colors at least) and jeans on chic nights. Not may but a few.

Did you eat dinner in the MDR or Blu? A lot of food comments may be about the MDR.

Which class were you in?

I have a cruise booked for January, if the food quality has gone down from my last cruise this year it will be my last for Celebrity.

At one point it was 2 - 750 ml bottles per person. When did that change?

FYI, there is always a chance of fog so you may get to stay on the boat through lunch. That happened to us on a Celebrity cruise.

Anyone been on this excursion? What was the experience?

Every time I have tried this in the last couple years they do NOT quote me the lowest price of the upgrade. Usually a lot more expensive. let us know how you make out.

The description is very vague on how the excursion actually works. Has anyone been on this excursion and can explain how it works? I tried emailing Celebrity but never heard back.

I know a shutdown will have an impact on air travel. Initially only a small number of flights may be cancelled but if it goes on long enough the more and more flights will be affected and perhaps some airports will temporarily close due to the lack of air traffic controllers deciding not to show up without being paid. Also, TSA agents may not show up so security lines could get significantly longer. However, what is the impact on cruising? Other than customs for returning ships what would get impacted?

Will be in Cartegena for an overnight. Is it worth converting dollars to pesos? I am wondering if I should just spend dollars and not go through the effort, I am willing to just pay more in US dollars.

Celebrity is offering a "Cartagena Unlimited Attractions Pass" shore excursion and the explanation is very unclear. Does anyone know exactly how it works? We are particularly interested in going into Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.

We have a 12 night cruise booked on Constellation, and we will likely need to do one load of laundry while on-board. We are Celebrity Select so only a discount, not a free bag. They are offering a pre-cruise price of $39. Is it better to buy it pre-cruise or wait until we are on-board?

At check in the name does have to go in. Just thinking if I want to change the second passenger because something comes up is it easier to leave it as TBD for now.

Is there any advantage /disadvantage to changing the second PAX from TBD to the actual name prior to check-in?