CTBob

Back from my Katarina Lines "Breathtaking Croatia" cruise.  Bad start as our van from Venice to Opatija got stuck behind a closed road due to an accident.  Turned around and arrived about two hours late due to the detour.  Also due to high winds our itinerary was changed and so we missed Pula, which would have been a highlight.  However the port that was substituted was Cres and was one of my favorites.  Our ship the MV/Maritimo was gorgeous and kept beautifully clean by the crew which consisted of the Captain's (Dino) family and a few other deck hands.  Our cabin was spacious with the best shower I've ever had on over 30 cruises on ships of all sizes.  The food was good, but there were few choices so hopefully you aren't fussy.  The John Dory fish I had one day was done perfectly.  We ate so well at breakfast and lunch that we usually only grabbed a piece of Pizza on shore for a late snack.  The swim stops were all wonderful as the water is so clear and refreshing (Cool).  Not much to see if you are a snorkeler, some small fish, not very colorful and a few sea cucumbers and things like that.  Someone did report seeing an octopus, but that was about it.  We often racked with other ships at the dock but it was very easy to walk from ship to ship to get on or off.  Our group was mostly older, but I think the cruise would be better for young to middle aged people with more energy than we had.  I wish I had found this ten years ago.  My only complaint is that we didn't have that much time in the ports, but we could have gone out late if we were younger.  It wasn't my wife's cup of tea, but I loved it.

CTBob

Leaving today for a few days in Venice and then on to Opatija for my "Breathtaking Croatia" cruise with Katarina Lines.  I'll let you know how it goes.  CTBob

4 hours ago, Krob58 said:

Nice! Glad to see people are responding to this new Topic! I did Katarina's Split to Dubrovnik cruise 'One Way Wonders' July, 2021 and loved it so much I'm going back September 2, 2023 for their Opatjia to Opatjia cruise, 'Kvarner Bay of Islands' cruise on the MV Moonlight! You say there are 17 of you going! You'll take over the ship! I like how you were able to list you're past cruises, I'm still new with this site and still not sure what the '+ Quote' is for.

The + is when you want to quote more than one post.  To add cruises go to your name at the right hand side at the top of the page, use the drop down to select "Account Settings", and choose "Signature" from the box at the left side.  That will open a text box where you can list your cruises.  CTBob 

Hi, we (Bob & Stephanie) are sailing on Katarina Line's MV Maritimo on August 5th, 2023.  The cruise is called "Breathtaking Croatia" and we are sailing from Opatija to Split with stops at Pula, Mali Losinj, Zadar, Primosten, Vis, and Bol.  There are 17 of us joining our TA who sailed on the Black Swan a few years ago and loved it so much she's going back. 

CTBob

I usually put some sort of decoration on the door.  On my last cruise I hung a lei on the door that a member of the entertainment staff had given me.  One couple walking by said thanks and that they used it as a landmark to find their cabin.  CTBob

I recently used Uber from the port of Miami and it was super easy and efficient.  I ordered an Uber XL, which you will also need or possibly a premium with the four kids. The XL was $30, came within two minutes of the call and I was at the airport within 20 minutes of getting off the ship.  That's the only way I shuttle to and from the ship.  CTBob

2 minutes ago, Margaretealexander said:

Anybody know the cost for the upgrade?

Last time it was $10 plus 20% service charge or $12 per day per person.  CTBob

1 hour ago, cruisestitch said:

 Yes you can wait until you board and then the bartender who sells you the upgrade will get some of the credit for doing so.

And he/she will be very happy!  CTBob

1 hour ago, pete1681 said:

I heard this story,if you’ve ever done the turtle snorkeling in Barbados, all these boats are in the same area with a lot of folks from different boats all very close to each other,very easy to follow the wrong group back to the wrong boat. 

Been there, done that and I agree.  Easy to get confused.  CTBob

The same thing happened to us in the Mediterranean.  No markings on the jet and we never heard what country it was from.  CTBob

55 minutes ago, WesternBroncoCruiser said:

 I have a 14 day cruise booked through her for Celebrity and she did the math in that spread sheet, it never ever makes sense to do those packages on long cruises as it is cheaper to upgrade the bev package through the cruise planner or on board. 

Exactly what I found!  I'll upgrade to premium when I get on board unless I find a cheaper way.  That usually makes the server happy!  Maybe they get a portion?  CTBob

On 3/13/2021 at 4:56 PM, hcat said:

Are the all included prices all NRD?  

Not according to my TA.  I would never do a NRD especially when booking far ahead and my invoice shows the All In freebies.  I did go in and see about upgrading my drink package from Classic to Premium and was surprised to see the Premium package still listed as $69 pp per day.  As was already mentioned cruise line websites are not usually up to date.  CTBob

We stayed in Rho Hotel, downtown on the edge of Dam Square.  Easy to walk through many neighborhoods.  CTBob

We had wonderful people on our cruise on the Sun.  Now Clay has given me hope that some of them might be on this cruise.  I can only hope!  We called this group our "Dream Team".  VIcky (Cruise Director), John (Is this John the Scot?) (Food Manager), Agneska (Purser) and Nikolay (Beverage Manager).  Missing from the picture is Jeffrey (Restaurant Manager).  I remember them all fondly but I'm sure I have messed up Agneska's name.  I never got it right!  CTBob

9 minutes ago, JeriGail said:

Bob - did you see the post nearer to the top of this page about using the "Book Now" button on the web page for this cruise to look and see which other cabins are available for a certain category?  You can use it to look for DV cabins on the port side or ones that more aft.

Yes, I was just about to use it.  Thanks, Bob

ps - The link is not working right now!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  CTBob

I was considering booking a DV6 but noticed that the one I have on hold is directly over Torshaven and might be affected by noise from below.  Has anyone found that to be a problem?  CTBob

The most positive thing in the letter is that Celebrity now has an online method of requesting a refund if your cruise has been cancelled so you don't have to call anymore.  Probably only works if you booked directly with Celebrity.  CTBob

Refund Request

I just watched the new Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady slip into what looks like the last open berth.  At the same time you can see the MSC Seaside waiting offshore.  CTBob

To me it's more of a reset.  While those in the cancellation window now know their fate (Although some didn't find out until they got to their embarkation port), those of us outside the window still have to wait it out.  My transatlantic on the Edge on April 19th is outside the window so I guess I'd better take a deep breath and try not to be concerned for the next 30 days.  Then I'll get nervous again.  Maybe by then all will be resolved?  We'll see.  CTBob

5 hours ago, dkjretired said:

 

Reminds me that they did an episode of the Nanny many years ago when the Century was new.   

Saw the episode on TV, was not there.  

We were there and our son hung out with the kids on the cast.  The cast was all very nice and apologetic for causing issues on the ship.  My son was an extra in one of the scenes.  They did steal my Sky Suite!  CTBob

1 hour ago, farawayatsea said:

When this question was posed last week most cruisers said they are not worried and the outbreak will have little or no impact on their cruising plans.

 

I'm wondering if now with the spread to Korea and Italy and Iran if everyone still feels the same way??

We are scheduled for the Edge transatlantic ending in Rome and I am getting more concerned every day.  If we hadn't already made final payment I probably would have canceled.  CTBob

23 hours ago, micheleata said:

Or you can wait until you are on board.   At least 20 people will ask  you if you are interested in upgrading the first day.   

Very true, and they must get a cut somehow because the server was very happy when my wife and I upgraded.  Or maybe it just makes their job easier?

It's $10 a day for my cruise.  I think plus the 20% gratuity.

Happy New Year to all on the Sun!  Still following your adventure.  Bob

8 hours ago, Jim Avery said:

Briefly, I have spoken to the hard work, friendliness, and helpful attitude of the crew on many occasions.  I want to make special mention of Arneka Tuki, the ship's Financial Officer.  She has been so good and so helpful with some issues and has resolved all to our satisfaction.  The Officers and crew onboard always make us feel like we are in the right place.  Thanks again Arneka.

Arneka was one member of our "Dream Team" from our segment.  Also Vicki, John and Nikolay.  Please tell them we loved them all (And Jeffrey the Restaurant Manager).  Bob