cavaaller

Our second day in Thessaloniki unfortunately began with a similarly gloomy sky as the day before. Nonetheless, we dragged ourselves out of bed relatively early and visited the Ocean View Café (buffet) for the first time. The selection was a bit sparse - but that was also because we were at the buffet before 7:30 am. What can definitely be said: No matter when you arrive at the restaurants, they always seem rather empty - you always get a table with a desired view (at the window front or back or wherever) and there is practically no crowding at the buffet. Soon after breakfast, we set out to explore the city once again. In Saloniki, you dock right in the city. You need neither shuttle nor taxi if you want to explore on your own. Following a tip from a forum member, we had purchased a treasure hunt in advance, which was practically a DIY walking tour combined with a history lesson and puzzles. It was really fun and led us to corners of Thessaloniki that we otherwise wouldn't have seen for sure. Today, I didn't take many photos either because the light just didn't want to support beautiful photos. I apologize for my lacking photographic skills.

Please let me know, if you are interested in food-pictures from luminae

We are already on the second day on board, have already visited Thessaloniki today, a city that doesn't really come into its own in the rather modest weather. (I didn't take a lot of pictures - so the choice is really poor... what you do see is the cloudy weather though)

The Aqua-Suite is beautiful.(I will post pictures later) The ship is an old lady, but the carpet and upholstery in the suite have been completely renewed (DryDock in February 2024). The large mirrored wall creates an incredibly comfortable spatial feeling. The walk-in closet is particularly well done. I would call the bathroom in need of renewal – personally, I prefer a proper shower to a bathtub – but that is certainly a matter of taste. In addition, the tiles or at least the grouting need to be replaced. Apart from that, it's a dream: lots of space, many storage options. Even enough power outlets are available (no USB though). There are 2 Euro and 2 US/GB power outlets at the dressing table, another US outlet behind the TV, and 2 Euro outlets at the bed (though occupied by the bedside lamps). Our balcony is not deep but beautifully wide. There are two chairs and a table (although the appearance doesn't really scream "suite"). Our stateroom attendant is charming, and the head butler Al also occasionally checks if we need anything. Everything fits wonderfully.

Our flight was on an Airbus 320 – a rather old aircraft that was deafeningly loud. I'm not really interested in airplanes, and I could never understand why other travel reports always mentioned how pleasant it is to fly with an XXXneo... now I know that there is indeed a comfort difference – especially on a longer flight. The service in the cabin was excellent – also because the variable business class had only 12 occupied seats. Upon arrival in Athens, our luggage also arrived at record speed, and we were greeted directly at the exit by Celebrity staff who showed us the way to the transfer bus. The airport in Athens is about an hour away from Piraeus – the drive not particularly picturesque. Arriving at the port, we then experienced absolutely first-class Celebrity service: We identified our luggage and rolled it to the baggage carousel. There, discreetly and inconspicuously, employees checked which cabin number was on the label. We actually wanted to move towards the check-in hall but were stopped by an employee who showed us the check-in area for suites. We "only" had a junior suite but still felt like we were receiving "expedited service". Really impressive. Not even 3 minutes after arriving by bus, we were already on our way to the gangway. Another 2 minutes later, we had completed the safety drill, and if we hadn't been so disoriented, we would have surely been in our suite 2 minutes later.

Our home country overwhelms us with dreary, gloomy weather – it's cold, it's dark – there are days when we have to turn on the lights from morning till evening, it's so dim... We long for a bit of warmth and a bit of light. We quickly researched and found out that due to the route change (Israel), the Infinity is offering a very affordable tour of Greece. We haven't visited Greece by ship before – the weather there should also be pleasant – so we quickly decided that we wanted to book. I would love for you to join us on our cruise going to: Piräus Salonika (overnight) Kusadasi Limassol Rhodes Heraklion Nafplion Piräus Our flight departed from Frankfurt at a very humane time (9:40). This time, we treated ourselves to the "VIP service" for the flight but saved on the hotel: we chose an inexpensive hotel near Frankfurt. For the excursions, we pre-booked taxi tours in Limassol and Piraeus. We will explore the other ports on foot. Our arrival day fell on a Sunday. Since we have a relatively long drive to Frankfurt by car, this suited us well because the traffic was manageable, and we arrived at our hotel early. We probably wouldn't choose the Platzhirsch living in Kelsterbach again for an overnight stay in FRA: The check-in took forever even though we were the only guests at the reception, and the agent who checked us in was in a bad mood. (A bad start to the vacation). While the almost sterile atmosphere didn't bother us, the lack of a hairdryer and safe felt inappropriate to me. There is a restaurant in the hotel, but it only serves convenience (frozen) food. The only restaurant nearby is closed for renovation. However, there is a large supermarket right next to the hotel (open on weekdays), which would surely provide a good alternative. Breakfast at the hotel is only available after 6 (too late for an airport hotel) – an early-bird breakfast is offered, but it was outrageously expensive for what was offered: two reheated but cardboard-like rolls with cheese, plus a bottle of water for almost 15 euros. To cut it short: The start was suboptimal. But after that everything got better: At 6:30, we drove to the VIP terminal where the car was taken over by the Valet service and parked in the garage. We were then escorted to the lounge by a terminal employee, where we could have breakfast in peace while our attendant checked in our luggage for us. The facilities are elegant, wonderfully quiet, and yet totally relaxed and laid back. Just before boarding, we were escorted through security and then chauffeured to the aircraft stairs by a car. I'm really ready to work plenty of overtime for this service and this fantastic start to the vacation.

Hey @Ferry_Watcher - the GY is supposed to stand for Germany but we do need ESTA and eTA. Thanks for being thoughtful!

I guess I will need more than a few days pre-cruise. I cannot thank you enough for your input everybody. I will work through every suggestion and cannot wait to explore the region.

wow thank you so much everybody, those are incredibly helpful and great suggestions. I will be flying in from Germany and Mount Rainier NP is on our bucket list. I have never rented a car in the US but we will probably have to if we want to see it. I like your idea @jeromep of staying at the Ceaderbrook Lodge - then we could return the rental right there at SEA and take a shuttle to the cruise port.

Hello, we are flying in 3-4 days early for our cruise (out of Seattle) and would like to stay outside of the city in a quiet area - if possible somewhere with the option to go hiking - (hotel/holiday accomodation). Any tipps / infos ? Thank you!

Yes, I do think so too, but tbh: I believe it, when I see it 🙂

So I talked to a very nice agent at Azamara. She said that the luggage-free programm (return) can only be booked on board and SHOULD be payable with OBC. I will definitely try this in July.

Thank you @laurieb will try to reach them and report back

I googled our options to send our luggage home (to Germany) after our cruise (ending in Chioggia) and found, that luggage-free seems to cooperate with Azamara. 1) Are there any recent experiences with this service? 2) is it possible to book this service on board (possibly with obc - I know I am dreaming) tia

There is also bagsansgo, a company that will take your bags at the cruise port, deliver them to the airport and keep them there until your flight for a small fee (24€ per 2 bags). We have not used them yet but they get excellent reviews.

that is disappointing, thank you for adjusting my expectations @jelayne

I requested this (empty the fridge) via the retreat-precruise questionnaire - I will report back if the request will be granted.

Thank you for your suggestions

Yes

Can someone share, which items he/she liked best from "All-Day" Roomservice? Thank you!

According to this list https://www.olp.gr/en/services/cruise-terminal/item/download/14212_33361a52e6852413c26d7ea17e61cac7 this year Infinity „usually“ docks at Kanelos terminal (which seems to mean Terminal B)

wow. thanks that is 12 additional suites - I bet Michael's/The Retreat Lounge will feel a lot more crowded...

I saw a post on fb, that they added 30 seats to luminae - I suspect they simultaneously added additional suites (or rather transformed staterooms to suites) - if yes does anyone know, how many?

Thanks everybody, you have all been very helpful

thank you for your reply. We already filled out the medical form (via our TA). Our TA could not give us any detail - just that Celebrity would take care of it all...