cluso

No talk about Covid at all and did not hear anything about any Covid issues. I think there were some standard "cruise coughs" due to the long cruise and all the a/c. Embarkation. Arrived at 1330, no lines at all. No welcome drinks. Disembarking. Had luggage tickets #1 to get off ship. It ran about 20-25 minutes late due to Tampa personnel getting their act together. Kind of a goat rope in the luggage area. Too small, with roped off areas confusing people. Once out, we headed to the taxi line. One taxi being loaded, none in sight, we were next. We waited about 10 minutes. The walk-offs had probably depleted the first taxi's and it was a Sunday morning before 8. Didn't want to take the $10 per person shuttle being hawked. It was slow to be filled, along with a towed luggage trailer. Taxi to the rental car pick up center (outside of airport) was $30. Six-hour drive home to Niceville, Florida (Destin area) was smooth sailing (with a stop at Trader Joe's in Tallahassee). We will be back on the Connie in March. So glad for our cruise timing. Looks like "Nicole" is going to be a weather issue for many cruises this week. Safe travels.

The "Quisine Family of Restaurants" was only Le Petit Chef on this cruise. Some friends went, and said it was about 30% full. Outside the Oceanside Cafe, they set up a table and were offering 1/2 off (BOGO) throughout the cruise. We passed. No deals on Tuscan. After one meal at Sushi on 5, they gave us a 30% off coupon. We went again. Many times, the piped in music was TOO LOUD! Outside, and in supposedly quieter areas like Cellar Masters. Burgers. We used to enjoy the poolside burgers. On this cruise the meat patties were twice as thick as the old ones (supply issue?). Sounds good, but they weren't very tasty. And, by the time you put lettuce and a tomato on the burger, they were too thick to take a bite out of. Halfway through, the small buns fell apart and we ended up eating the rest with a fork and knife (twice). TBContinued...

It was a great cruise, with great weather. We celebrated her 21st year since commissioning on 31 October. A few notes. The interior community areas were in excellent shape. Carpets and upholstery were redone, and every area was clean and polished. The crew worked constantly to maintain these areas. Our cabin (a sweet 16) had not been redone, except maybe for the carpet. The old red loveseat was well worn. The shower was caulked and recaulked with a little bit of mold. The balcony was pretty dirty, with a lot of painted over rust spots, and white paint drips on the "used" chairs and table. However, we spent a lot of time out there enjoying the fresh air, views, and privacy. The Elite breakfast is not a buffet anymore. It is a selection of plates. Fruit, pastry, meats, cheese, etc. The plates were too big for us if all we wanted was a couple pieces of fruit, and a piece of bread with cheese. We ended up with room service and trips to the buffet. TBContinued...

I heard various numbers 1600, 90 percent, and 80 percent. I asked CC Tumi, and she went to her supervisor. The answer was 1547, with capacity of 2170. So, 71 percent.

The ship is in great shape inside. Our balcony could be better. Lots of painted over rust and lots of paint drips on floor. The sliding door is a bear to open. Service in the Rendezvous lounge has been dismal the past two nights, even with minimal guests. Bartenders and waiters chatting among each other and watching the band instead of providing service. Food has mostly been very good. Weather has been GREAT!

The Celebrity shuttle bus in Palma was free today. 10-15 minutes to in front of the cathedral. Timing depends on traffic. Hardly any traffic this am.

It was pretty much a bust and we left before sail away.

Oh my, what a story. We were invited to the helipad for sail away. We got there on time, received our drink, and waited, and waited. Finally, we had to go to get dressed for Chic Night. Once on our balcony, we saw the gangplank was still down. I immediately thought it was David and crew they were waiting for—as I had already seen the original van picture. But, apparently it must have been a Celebrity tour...😜

We actually docked at La Seyne, across the bay from Toulon. The local ferry was 4 euros round trip to Toulon. The Celebrity ferry was 20 euros. 😎

Flying to FCO Tuesday but staying in Siena prior to boarding. We have visited Rome multiple times, so up to Tuscany! 😁

I am part of this salty crew. As of today, 168 PAGES on our roll call! 😜

AUS/NZ was my first one. Do points just show up on my account and/or do you get notified? Did not see any points yet today. TIA

We've had the crew store a suitcase in another location/empty cabin. Shouldn't be a problem.

You need to correct your title--it says R/Y

I agree with you. We were just wondering if restaurants in Europe were prone to not using cash as much as they used to. We don't want to overload on Euros.

Dup

Yes, I just called it that so US folks could relate to the term. We lived in Europe in the early and mid 90's and lots of places used the little machines at your table (although some smaller places were cash only). When we returned to the US, we were surprised that it took many, many years before this caught on.

I agree with this. AMEX does not cover Italy (don't know where you are from). The rental agents might not check if you have an International Driver's Permit, but the police will ask for it if you are stopped or involved in an accident. Being unprepared can lead to big bucks!

We are getting ready for our next trip to Europe, then a Transatlantic next month. Just wondering if the Covid contactless payments by CC are pretty much here to stay (unless in a small Mom and Pop restaurant) in Europe. We usually get Euros from local bank ATMs while in Europe, but don't want to get too much. Mostly restaurant expenses, as we don't need to "shop" much. Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal on this trip. We have the "No Transaction Fee" cards and leave small leftover Euro bills for extra gratuities onboard. Any recent experiences?

I wonder what is in the dog walker's backpack. I bet it gets pretty full during his walk...💩

Yes, moving. She got a nice escort, and the videos...😪

Not much connectivity, even on large cruise ships during a TA. We did Lisbon to Barbados on the Royal.

All the boarding paperwork comes as an email now. You only have to print out a few things.

We've done 4 westbound, to include the northern route Southampton-Boston-NYC-Miami. The weather was fine, and we were outside a lot--up top and on our veranda (port side)! You never know about Mother Nature--bring a sweater or jacket.

You usually get them at final payment. You need to call whoever you booked through. Also, ask for the latest Covid/insurance requirements.