CruisinCadie

For those who use cable ties, be aware that many thieves carry black or white cable ties with them so they can search your luggage and replace the ties afterwards. I have a large package of different sizes and different colors. Our newer suitcases have TSA locks built in to protect the zipper closing.

The only time I recall TSA checking our luggage was the one we were carrying back from a Western Caribbean/South American cruise. We brought back several bags of coffee beans, and wondered if they thought we were masking the aroma of something else.

Kathy

Is it possible to get a straight iced coffee without all the frou-frou additions. Just a shot of hazelnut and cream? That's my afternoon addiction.

Kathy

We're looking at the Hyatt Place Miami Airport West to spend the night before our cruise. I know it has free shuttle from the airport. Does it have a shuttle, fee or free, to the port?

Thanks for your info,

Kathy

Thanks, that's just what I was looking for.

Kathy

We are considering a cruise this December on the Reflection. We won't know for sure for a couple weeks because of various doctor's appointments, AND we will use a TA, so I don't want to book through the site. But I can't find a way to look at shore excursions and other optional offerings unless I at least put a hold on the cabin. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

This will be our 4th Celebrity cruise so it's not as if I'm a novice at this. Other cruiselines let you check in advance what you're getting into. This seems to be a new feature for Celebrity as I don't remember it being that way in the past.

Thanks,

Kathy

I don't have photos but be aware that the Summit has some really weird pieces of artwork all over the ship. One piece worth checking out is located near the central elevators, I'm not sure which deck but it's one with public areas. I think it looks like a nose. My daughter thinks it's a hat. But when you look up inside it, you discover it's a geode. Very impressive.

Kathy

You can also exchange the AIBP for $250. If you will be mainly getting sodas, coffee or shakes, that might be the better option for you.

Unfortunately, the exchange option is only available on select cruises. I asked because we are not big drinkers and it isn't an option for ours.

Kathy

Right now, we're leaning towards the balcony on Caribe. When you break down the extra money by the day, we can easily pay our tips and have some leftover for extras.

Good point about the tenders/lifeboats. We were above one once and the noise was horrendous.

Thanks again for everyone's thoughts and suggestions.

Kathy

Thanks for all your input. Location is the same for both types, mid forward or mid aft. It is $170/person. Normally we'd just book a Caribe balcony regardless, but we both have mobility issues and the extra space may just be too good to pass up.

Kathy

We are planning an Alaska cruise next summer on the Grand Princess. Our TA recently sent us prices, which are lower than the current sale, btw, and she is offering a Dolphin mini-suite for $170 more than a Caribe balcony. What are the pros and cons of spending the extra money? And how can I convince my DH to pay it?;)

Thanks,

Kathy

I'll take the freestyle machines at Wendy's any day. It's the only place I can get Coke Zero, and it's fun to try different flavors. BK in our area hasn't started getting the machines yet.

Kathy

Thamks, SadieN.

After much consideration and consultation with our travelling companions, we have decided to switch directions and head north to Alaska in August instead.

We'll keep this one in mind for another year.

Kathy

Is Easter a sea day for you? We did Mass at ports a couple times. Just took a little research to pick the church and time.

Yes, Easter is a sea day. But no problem, as I said, as we have several other options. In fact, I think we're going to revisit Alaska in August instead.

Kathy

We have sailed both lines and like both. The only problem I can see is that a 5-day cruise will not give you time to really get to know the ship.

Kathy

Thanks for your replies.

Often, restaurants make iced coffee just by pouring hot coffee over ice, which dilutes it considerably. I suppose this is what happens here.

Kathy

Thanks. There are several dates for the cruise we are considering, so we will chose another sailing. Easter is one of those big holy days we don't want to miss.

Kathy

We are Ruby on Princess but new to the Grand. Does anyone know if you can get iced coffee, maybe at the International Cafe? I realize this is probably for a fee. Also, do they offer Tai Chi or just Yoga?

I'm sure I'll be back here many times before summer of 2106, but thanks in advance for all your help.

Kathy

We are looking at a cruise that includes Easter Sunday. Will Princess have a priest to say Mass? I think they are supposed to, but can I really count on it?

Thanks,

Kathy

DH has found a coastal California cruise he wants to take. Round trip from San Francisco, with stops in Santa Barbara, LA, Ensenada, and San Diego. Other than the fact that we have family in SF, and, hey, it's a cruise!, I'm thinking WHY? What's to see in Santa Barbara and San Diego, and how do you condense LA into one day? Can someone sell me on this?

I'll go because it's rare that he says, I want to take this cruise, but I'd feel more excited if I have more to look forward to.

Thanks,

Kathy

While the ships tie up in the middle of St. John's, this is a not a port for exploring, there's virtually nothing to explore and parts of town are a bit grungy. You need to get out of town. See this board for all kinds of suggestions.

Thanks for your advice, Doug. What else is there to see outside of town? Sun allergies limit our beach time so that's out unless there is a beach right at the port. As I recall, what's at the port is lots of shopping.

Kathy

We have been to Antigua before and seen the British Navy sites, so we are thinking about exploring the city on our own. I heard the cathedral was closed for renovations. Is it open yet? Fodor's also recommends the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. What else is there to see, or is that enough?

Thanks,

Kathy

Our first RCI cruise is next February, but on both Celebrity and Princess, they will check you in for your flight if you pay for Luggage Valet. Someone said this is only in the US, which seems quite possible.

Kathy

We alsoi gave booked a Cat E1 on deck 6, and then found out there are no refrigerators, even though the cabin description says there are. Even our TA was surprised to learn there isn't one. Fortunately, he was able to get us a medical refrigerator. If you don't have a TA, you might try ncontacting the special needs department to arrange for one. They tell me they are about the size of the room safe and fit under the desk.

Kathy

Thanks to all who replied.

Yes, we are on the Legend, so no freestyle machines.

Definitely not a lot of drinking, As to the other, . . .;)

I never knew it came in powdered form. It's just that DH perspires a lot and we are doing the southern Caribbean near then end of February. Last March, we really felt the heat on our Bahamas cruise so I thought it would be well to be prepared.

Kathy

Does Royal have anything like Gator-Aide available on their ships? Something that would halp rebalance your electrolytes? I haven't seen it listed in their available beverages. If not, can you bring some onboard?

Thanks,

Kathy