Beth and Bailey

5 minutes ago, Host Kat said:

 

@Beth and Bailey

 

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Very much appreciate this ...  I do recall some.. but glad for clear guidelines.  I'll check out the article.  

1 hour ago, leaveitallbehind said:

Attractive fares are definitely still available through a TA. The often favorable rates available are the result of group or "block" stateroom fares that can be booked individually that are offered through by the cruise lines through TA's that are not published to the general public.  These can also include some amount of OBC that also typically would not be available directly through the cruise lines.  The other "tokens" to which you refer would typically come from the TA's commission as an additional booking incentive.

 

As these fares are only available through TA's as mentioned, IMO it is always a good idea to talk with a TA to see what may be offered for a given itinerary in which you are interested.  The TA will also act as your advocate with the cruise line for any questions or issues that may arise resulting from a booking.  As this is their business, they also are best equipped to assist with finding the best fit for your particular expectations with your cruise.

Am I allowed to ask who you use?

10 hours ago, Shmoo here said:

We've done both.  Just depends on where we get the better deal.

Without prying... what are the better deals?   Is it pricing.....some perks, i.e. fancy dinner or wi-fi?  Drink package?  What questions should we be asking?

I'm not looking for a TA recommendation.......just curious about the 'why' either over the other?

Years ago the lines would give a bottle of wine, strawberries... some little token.

I know also years ago the TA could navigate better deals that could save lots of money.  I don't think that happens any longer.

The prices I'm seeing on the cruise lines is the same as I see advertised by several of the TA's.

Planning a cruise for next year with several girlfriends.  Not a wild bunch by any means..... One brought up some concerns with the area.

Is there cause (I know be careful wherever)...  but seems like many have taken organized excursions and that might be the best option.

Thoughts please so I can share with my friends.

39 minutes ago, bouhunter said:

If "showing wear" is a concern you should stick to new ships.  Seriously, RCCL takes good care of the ships, I wouldn't worry about that.  We still sail many of their 10-20 year old ships and have no complaints.  In fact we love Grandeur and I believe it was built in 1996 or 1997.

Thanks for the update.  I loved the Symphony and wanted to have another ship that had so many activities.  

Planning a trip for spring with a bunch of girlfriends to the Caribbean. 

I was on the Symphony a few cruises after she first came out in 2018.  Magnificent ship with so much to do.  We had a blast!. 

So the Harmony is an option (vs MSC Seascape built in 2022).......She is now 8 years old and I don't see where there has been any drydock or refurbishing done.   

So hoping to gain some info from those that have sailed her in the last year.   Is she showing signs of wear..

Thoughts?? 

Looking at a Med cruise on Infinity for April.  I will be on the Silhouette in Nov for my first TA and my first Celebrity cruise.  My friend and I would like to do Greece and the Infinity has an 11 day and it fits our time frame.

I see she is older but refurbished recently... but what I'm seeing is it's the lounges mostly.  How about the rest of the ship?  

I've traveled mostly on RCI for the past many year so really have no comparison.  

Since we both want Greece and can only do April, we are somewhat limited on options.   Is this still a good ship, even tho older?  We are 55/71 so don't need loud and non-stop.  

7 hours ago, deora24 said:

11/16 from Barcelona? Just got off the phone with a lovely cruise consultant who helped me book this sailing with a refundable deposit.  It will be our first Celebrity and our first transatlantic!  I asked a similar question about food availability on a Celebrity facebook page 🙂

Hi there.  will have to catch up.  We're Beth and Rob from KY and traveling with friends Monika and Karen.

TA in November and our first Celebrity cruise and will be on Silhouette .  In checking the dining options on their website I did not see lunch options, only dinner and only 5 restaurants were listed.  On the deck plans, there seems more??  yes/no??

On RCI there is the Windjammer, but what is this called on this ship?  

Thanks for any guidance.  

Thanks for this.  I did get a few responses so I'm happy about that.  I don't know if this is an often traveled area.  

We are doing a TA in Nov this year.  Will be in Ponta Delgada from 8am to 8pm

Any suggestions for 4 of us.   Take the ship tours?   Is there anything close by the port?

Take a tour with lunch included or do a private and go someplace special to eat?  Suggestions?

Thanks so very much.

Just starting to play and researching for play on the ships.  Will be taking a TA on Silhouette and don't see the game listed, but maybe there have been new additions that are not showing on the website.

Anyone know if this ship has a court (s)?

22 hours ago, SbbquilterUT said:

It is allowed but without an iron it may not be as useful as you think.  I do felt embroidery handwork, cross stitch or knit when traveling as they do not require machinery to enjoy.  Love to sit in a quiet sunny spot and do handwork while listening to an audiobook - perfect day.

Much of the piecing I intended do not need an iron right away.  I have been making smaller lap size race quilts (donated 30 to our NICU and Infusion Center last year)..  so can easily do those and iron when I get home and finish off.  Will being games and knitting although I'm only a simple scarf knitter.  

Ah, the quilts.   I think those that either quilt or have older relatives that left them a bunch..   I'm in a smaller town and those still in good shape, I wash well and package up and donate them to our hospitals infusion center for folks getting long hours of treatment.  I also made 28 lap quilts and gave them last year.   The quilts that are fraying and not in the best shape...  Give them to your local animal shelter.  Pups are cold and need something comfy to curl up in.

2 hours ago, MBN33025 said:

I’m late to this party, but as a fellow quilter, I wouldn’t try to quilt on a cruise ship. Even if I precut the pieces, I’d still need my iron for pressing and a small cutting board for trimming. You can’t bring an iron, and the whole process just takes more space (and accessories) than is practical. I quilt during the winter season in our motorhome, WITH all of my tools, and that is a challenge at times!

 

I’m sure others have mentioned that some organizations organize quilting themed cruises. I peeked into one last summer and the whole conference center was taken over by Bernini machines and quilting paraphernalia. It looked like a ton of fun!
 

I’m going on an extended B2B2B cruise next month and am taking along an embroidery project to satisfy my crafting urges. Much more portable. 😁

what kind of embroidery?  Hand stitching like cross stitch. 

11 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

They use to have a paper airplane contest and egg drop contest 

There usually a ***** &Stitch happening somewhere in the morning 

Check your roll call for other craft people 

Last year on the Spring TA there was a Knitting group that was having classes on cruise , weird that most of the classes were in a dark no window conference room  , my wife thought it was a depressing way to spend time on a TA 🤔😁

 

Oh.. that would not make me happy.  I'd love to sit by a window and look out.  But I love to chat too and look around.  I will bring my 'very quiet' knitting but isn't my first choice of hobbies.  Anyone for Left, Right Center?? Fun game.

Investigating this.  They are pretty much for quick repairs and beginners.  I think for the type of piecework I do they won't be sufficient.  But I do thank you for trying to help me out.  

21 hours ago, alexandria said:

Maybe bring one of these instead: 

14 hours ago, TeaBag said:

This is an interesting thread, Beth and Bailey.  I don't have any advice since I am not a quilter, but I wonder since you are from Kentucky, if you have been to the quilting museum in Paduca?  I'm sure you have.  I thought it was amazing.

I used to take my cross stitch, hardanger and stumpwork (nothing to do with trees or bandsaws😂!) on cruises and found it enjoyable, so I hope you get a solution to your dilemma.

BTW, the Silhouette is a wonderful ship.

The quilt museum is amazing. Paducah is about 70 miles from me.  OH and Hancock Fabrics.  oooohhh weeee for a fabric addict!.  Thanks much.  First time on Celebrity, First TA..  Maybe making paper airplanes and tossing them from the upper decks?   Those are quiet.  

On 1/20/2024 at 2:01 PM, mayleeman said:

@Beth and Bailey I want to congratulate you on being the first original poster (better term would be thread initiator, please pardon the pun)  I have seen in my 5 years of reading CC to carefully come back and try to respond to all the comments that your inquiry has generated. Most people do not take the time or effort and often commenters are left wondering about a situation originally described as urgent or a crisis!

 

Please let us know what happens. Hopefully you will be able to sew this up favorably!

 

By the way, my experience in the Persian Garden Relaxation Lounge, with about 4 people snoring and sounding like a farm at feeding time, might indicate that in there you wouldn't even be noticed sewing away to your heart's content. But probably not a good idea.

ahhh..   I am enjoying (most) of the banter.  I do want to know what people think as even some of the less than cordial responses did offer things I'd not thought of. Hate to bother that chair hog snoring away (while he could be in his cabin if all he wanted to do was sleep) and allow a nice couple to enjoy a relaxing bit of sun.  Some machines are like a sweet kitten purring.   But then I'm sure these folks are allergic to cats.  lol

11 minutes ago, ldubs said:

 

 

I think it is a terrific idea to bring the quilting hobby onboard.   But all other things aside, @cruisetill you drop had it right.  There just won't be a place for you to set up in public areas.   

 

Even if that were not an issue, there will be a number of people who will take great exception to and complain about the whirring sound of a sewing machine. There will be much gnashing of teeth and numerous threads about ruined cruises.  🙂

 

Sorry to say, I think your idea to bring a sewing machine is doomed.

  

you are probably right.   I've learned now from this group..... I'd blow up my vintage machine.  Accessible outlets in public areas may not exist.  I wouldn't mind a small meeting room and will still check this out...   Some people think they are funny and their answers have appreciable levity to them.  Others are rude and clearly underfed.

2 hours ago, gold1953 said:

on a TA there are always drop in crafting groups in the conference room . You would fit in here. You could check when onboard to see when the room is free. If your machine is loud it may interfere with conversation.  I can't remember windows though and won't be nice in a room without. I would bring the knitting.. 

Or go on a FB page for the cruise onboard now and ask questions. There are always folks will to take time in investigate. I quilt myself.

Lots of jokes about noise . Many machines are very quiet though .. not silent..but still enough of a sound to kill the background silence in a public area

I am in the group chat but hadn't asked this there as yet.  Will do.  I would be happy with a small conference or meeting room.  Hey maybe the chapel until someone wants it  They are always empty when I go by.  

43 minutes ago, NMTraveller said:

Can she play bass guitar 🤣

tambourine and bongos..  oh and sing like Janis......

1 hour ago, mrgabriel said:

It’s a TA - right? We’ve done several TAs on M and S class ships and they always have set aside the conference room space for crafts. I suspect the Activities staff would give you access to those rooms. 

I'll have to ask this.  Thanks much.