STXCruisers

I honestly have never heard of this!--very disappointing to say the least, especially since we booked on board and received special perks. Do you think they would be willing to transfer those perks to another sailing if the cruise is cancelled? :confused:

HinSusan,

Yes, I am sure you will be able to retain your special perks associated with this booking. Just don't cancel it. If this cruise is cancelled or dates are changed so that you cannot do it, just transfer this booking to another cruise. The perks associated can be kept.

Doris

Condolences to the family. Chester was a very funny guy and his writing was enjoyed by so many. He had a true gift. RIP Chester.

Doris

You have touched us all in such a positive way with your beautiful attitude and sense of humor. And indeed, you have a way with words! I ordered the book too, cannot wait for it to arrive.

May God comfort you and your family through this difficult transition, Chester.

Doris

On our March/ April 2014 B2B on Summit, Bistro was not open when we boarded. They were serving complimentary lunch to B2B cruisers. It opened a bit later for everyone else. (They DID accommodate our large group before the public opening, though, after initially saying they could not.) Then when we were on our turnaround day, we enjoyed lunch there while everyone else was boarding. It has always been our favorite spot to have lunch and wait for cabins to be opened on embarkation day. I would ask, as they are so eager to please and will possibly permit you if they are not overly busy with B2B pax.

Doris

Currently 4, but includes a B2B, so really 3. And goes into 2016. DH is now retired, so we may pick up some last minute deals, as we did on Century to Hawaii in December.

Doris

We had 1140 on Summit on a very port intensive B2B out of San Juan. There were a few cigar smokers down in the Sunset Bar who spoiled our balcony sitting for us. Had 1133 booked for another cruise but let it go in favor of an A2 for same price. Other than the cigar smoke, it was a perfect cabin. Doubt this would be as much an issue if we were at sea more -definitely not a problem if no cigar smokers!

Doris

cb3thatsme, come join us on the roll call for this cruise. It jas been very quiet, but we should pick up some more cruisers as the sail date gets nearer.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1962652&page=8

Doris

Oops, just read your post again. You are looking for morning checkin. I would call them and ask about it.

Doris

We recently stayed there. We were given early checkin. But it was after noon when we arrived. Not sure how early you are thinking. If your room is not ready, they do let you store your things and use the facilities. It was an extremely busy place when we were there. I think receiving early checkin may depend on the whether there is a room of the type you reserved ready for you when you check in.

Doris

We were just on Summit in 1140, the center aft cabin with the huge balcony. Cabin was usually great, but occasionally we would smell cigar smoke when a couple of guys were smoking in the Sunset Bar below. Will not book aft again for that reason. Had one for an upcoming cruise and changed.

On our recent cruise, Blu was outstanding. The crew in there works so well, as a team, headed up by Luigi, who is also outstanding. Every request was granted cheerfully and quickly. No need to wait for a specific wait staff person. They all worked together. After Blu on Eclipse a year ago, this was a pleasant surprise. MUCH better! :D

My husband enjoyed the granola cart, which they bring to your table and mix for you with ingredients of your choice.

We book Aqua for my husband, who loves the Persian Garden. He says that is better on S class ships. Still worth it for him to book Aqua though. If you are planning to use Persian Garden anyway (there is a charge), consider that in the price difference. The tea and bottled water were nice, but not a big thing for us with beverage packages.

Doris

We were on Summit March 29-April 15. Still had to go to the iLounge to set up internet for my iPad. Happy to hear things are changing. Enjoy your cruise.

Doris

Beef short ribs, any lamb dish

Burgers and fries at Mast Grill (ours have always come fresh off the grill)

Caesar Salad

Butter pecan ice cream

Oatmeal cookies (good as homemade)

The little brown bread triangles in the bread basket with raisins in them

We did a B2B on Summit last month. The AQ brunch in Blu was not being offered yet on our embarkation day. However, as is our usual practice, we went to Bistro. We were told Bistro was reserved until 1 pm, serving lunch to the B2B pax and we would have to wait. However, the manager came over to us where we were seated in Cafe al Bacio waiting, and said they would accommodate our party of 10, which they did very nicely. A week later, when our turnaround day came, we were issued tickets for lunch in Bistro.

Just a heads up for those counting on having lunch in Bistro on embarkation day, it may not be available to you.

Doris

We drive the 6 hours to Galveston, but......

Has anyone checked out one-way car rentals Houston to Galveston? I would think this could be a great business for car rental agencies, rentals constantly going both directions, so no need for expensive relocation of vehicles. We do this when we fly into Orlando and cruise from Port Canaveral. It's a lot cheaper and more convenient than cruise line transfer. Just a thought......

Doris

Never mind...... Just read smoking policy. Think we will skip this line.

I have dined in Blu on the Summit and enjoy the service and entrees, but I will be honest...I missed some favorite appetizers in the dining room and I love appetizers. Many times I just order appetizers for my meal at land restaurants.

 

I am wondering if anyone has ever went to the MDR for just an appetizer and a glass and wine early in the evening and dined in Blu later for dinner? Would this be acceptable? We would not do this of course at peak times in respect to other diners waiting for a table.

I could swear that I read somewhere on these boards that you can order anything from the MDR menu while dining in Blu. Someone please confirm that for me if you would. We are thinking of checking out the MDR menu before going to dinner in Blu, thus having a wider selection from which to choose.

If this is the case, like2cruise, that would work well for you.

Doris

Thanks for posting the info and video on Mero Beach! It looks like just the thing for us. We will go early and return to the ship early afternoon. Should we expect to pay $100 for four people round trip?

Doris

I'm not sure how many but it's in Michaels Club

 

Guess what! There was a live musician at the Sunset bar Thursday at sunset (saw the setup not the act)

 

A washroom plumbing issue on our floor this morning meant a stroll to a fith floor WC. They were working on it when we left for a walk under warm sunny skies in St Thpmas

Thanks for your reply. Must not be a lot of Elites if the lounge is in Michael's.

Our cabin is above Sunset Bar. Hope if there is music there that it is good! :)

Hope the plumbing issue has been resolved! :eek: That can be really bad! Good you were going off the ship.

Doris

Any idea how many elites onboard? Where is Elite Lounge? Hours 5-7?

Thanks Don, appreciate your sharing with us!

Doris

I think that all you have to do is ask your steward for it. We never use it, so is a waste for us and probably many others. This cuts back on waste of effort and ice on those who don't want or need it.

Doris

Thanks Lisa! So good to hear all the good comments on Blu!

Doris

Thanks so much for posting! We are doing a B2B on Summit March 29 & April 5. It is particularly pleasing that you are enjoying Blu so much. We have booked one of the Deck 11 aft Aqua cabins. I have read mixed reviews of Blu in M class ships and I was wondering what our experience would be. It's also good to hear there are good choices on the Classic beverage package. We are all set! Will be watching this thread.

Enjoy your cruise!:D

Doris

Our cruise begins when yours ends. This will be our first time on Century. Reading your posts with great interest. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Doris

Those two pics above were taken January 21st. 2010.

 

January is a peak time for our tourism trade

so a lot depends on what time of year you'll be here

but otherwise, Dover Beach tends to be less crowded

than Rockley Beach about 2 miles West (and closer to the ships)

 

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Thanks so much! We'll be there April 7, a Monday. This looks like a very good place to spend our day. We've already done Silver Moon ( and LOVED it) and a glass bottom boat tour. Time for a beach!

Doris

Basically, Southern Palms is on Dover Beach -along with other operators.

 

I'm not too familiar with goings-on along Dover Beach itself

but last time I was there, it seemed to have grown up quite a bit (infrastructurally)

and I wouldn't be surprised if there are public showers and bathroom facilities nearby, these days.

 

I'll post a few pretty pics I took about 3 yrs. ago...

Maybe they'll show something.

 

Obviously, someone's providing rows of umbrellas and chairs (for rent?)

Other amenities can't be far behind...far away

 

 

Looking the other way, there's a big hotel right there.(this is not Southern Palms)

but maybe you could have lunch there, use their bathrooms, showers?

 

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Thank you so much for replying! The beach looks very nice. Would you think this area might be less crowded than other beaches? It doesn't look too crowded.

Doris