Julma

This is very good advice! Our ship charged disembarkation city from Amsterdam to Rotterdam shortly before we left. So our decisions had to be made quick without a lot of time to research. We purchased train tickets as well, but cancelled them just to make life easy. Well over 2,000 passengers were heading off the Apex that day almost all trying to get to Amsterdam.

That is what we had. We could have fit 6, but it was just the 2 of us.

We booked through Viator. Their cancellation policy is generous. It was very easy, but not cheap. We paid $290 ish all in. Like I said, I'd do it again. It was rainy and there were a ton of people all crushed in and I would have hated to have to figure out transportation.

Just off the Apex TA, we used a private car service through Viator. We had looked at other, less expensive options, but decided the car service was worth it and we still think it was. Rotterdam was very busy and our driver was there with a sign and we zipped by all the people and we were on our way in minutes after stepping off the ship. Another tip, Ubers could not pull up to the hotel we stayed at. I believe it may be like that many places in Amsterdam. They have "pick-up/drop off points" which can be a bit of a distance from your hotel.

I did not. It wasn't that big a deal. I just wanted to see if it was something others had experienced or a one off. Seems it was a one off.

No the windows were not open, they were closed the whole time. The weather was cool rain and mist. Like I stated the walls and floor in the IV area were wet (more of a moisture film like when you come out of the shower) and when they dried there was salt residue, so moisture was def getting in. I was trying to determine if the IV windows let in moisture even when closed or if the one in my cabin was faulty.

I've been in an IV cabin twice. I don't love them, but I don't hate them, they're fine. I noticed in the Caribbean the room seemed hot. The AC had an issue keeping up. I'd try to keep the veranda doors closed to keep the heat out. Just back from a TA where it misted and rained for days, we also had somewhat rough seas. Our room got damp. So much so that there was a film of moisture on the floor and walls in the veranda area. When it dried it left salt residue. The window seemed to seal and I didn't notice any wind sounds coming from the window. Has anyone else noticed these issues?

I'm probably in minority, but I'm beginning to think I know too much before getting on the ship. I used to get on a cruise ship full of wonder and surprise, now I know I'm getting the chicken on Tuesday. Watching those videos can set unrealistic expectations and make you feel your experience is nowhere near as good as those beautiful people who got chocolate covered strawberries and champagne (the good stuff). I've seen people at each other's throats, stop, hold up a camera, smile like they're having the time of their lives and go right back to fighting (of course, after they've posted the pic).

If you don't have status with Celebrity that gives you a pre-cruise discount, this is what I would do. We've been on cruises where even with the premium package wine choices have been sparse. Go to the bar you think you will use most often and upgrade there. The bartender will get the 20% tip. This will make you popular with that bartender. I have seen reports that onboard, passengers have been able to just upgrade one person. Keep in mind, with the premium package Bacio coffees, fresh juices, smoothies and high end waters are included and you won't have lots of little slips to sign and keep track of.

I'm Elite+ so in order to get the discount, I would have to call before the cruise. I think I will do it, I will maybe break even, but I won't have to worry about signing little pieces of paper or keeping track of my tab.

Got it. Very helpful. Thank you.

The menus don't seem to be on the app right now. I've been looking for a few days and no menus. I would like the same info as I'm considering moving from classic to premium and if martinis have gone to $17 as some have reported, that will make my decision easier. I'll be on the Apex in April for the TA.

Shortly after the re-start we were on the Apex B2B2B. The first one was loaded with TAs! Not supposed to be selling themselves, but boy was I handed a lot of business cards. It wasn't bad, except you'd think you were striking up a conversation with someone which soon turned to a self sales pitch. The last week I noticed several content creators. I noticed a group of beautiful 20 somethings filming at the Retreat Deck bar. They had a very nice spread of sushi, cheese and fruit in front of them and drinking expensive champagne. The crew were extra attentive to them. There were also at least 2 other couples I noticed in the Retreat Lounge. They were with the concierge a lot looking at their ipads and on the last day when we were waiting to depart, I overheard them talking about when their content would drop with the concierge and another officer. I would by no means say they were bothersome, just noticeable. It also made me realize a lot of what you're watching, not all, but a lot is information bought and paid for. Not that people can't still be honest and even critical in their content, but it's good to be aware.

Not sure if this qualifies as a "promo code", but I just booked the new Viking Malta, Morocco and Med cruise for Feb. 2025. I also have a cruise booked in 2024. Because I had a cruise booked, they were able to push my final payment to 6 months out. It was a year+ before I requested it. You must request it and tell them where you found out about it. Telling them CC will work. I find this to be a huge benefit, especially with the $25pp deposit.

In the last couple of years 9 out 10 of our cruises in FLL used facial recognition. One time the system was down and things went SLOW!

You must join us on the Summit repo from Boston in October. Did it last year and it was one of the best cruises we've ever done.

As of last fall, yes Luminae was open for lunch on embarkation day. Le Grand Bistro is open for lunch as well. It was $20 or $25 pp last year and well worth it. Our waiter packed us a to go container with all kinds of fresh breads and pastries. Disembarkation has many factors. If the ship is on-time and clears customs without incident, 9 AM is really the latest you can disembark. As far as individual customs, that will depend on port and if they are using facial recognition.

On Edge class ships, LeBistro's french onion soup at lunch is the best I've ever had.

I agree. Breakfast is very different than dinner. NCL made me take my hat off one morning at breakfast. Trust me, the bed head under that hat was far more offensive, as was the hairy arms on the man with the tank top sitting next to me. I also think the rules need to be followed and they already do too much picking and choosing of what rules are followed and how closely. This rule may need to be looked at and possibly updated.

I'll let you know. I'm on a TA on the Apex in April. My app does state that during inclement weather or during certain conditions the Solarium Pool could be open to people under 16 accompanied by an adult.

You're best off not looking at that and looking at your actual invoice. If they haven't sent you one, contact them and ask for it. I've cruised many times with Celebrity and can't understand why they make this so confusing.

An email, phone call or trip to see CC representative should give you the absolute correct answer. My understanding is if the person is on the same reservation as you, lives at the same address as you, they will receive your benefits while sailing with you. Royal's program and Celebrity's are very different and should not be compared in this case. As with many things, while the rule is clear, what happens on the ship sometimes doesn't match. I'd go with, don't expect it and tip well if you receive it.

Thanks for taking the time to answer. I should have been clearer, but I thought I would keep it simple. I've been on many Celebrity Cruises. I've only ever had the PP and this time my husband and I have CP included. Didn't want to upgrade, because with our status there's a lot of overlap, so figured included classic would be fine. I've have seen people get smaller martinis at the Martini Bar. They were not some of the fancier ones, but there were several choices and usually, if vodka, made with Tito's. I'm fine with that, also fine with paying the up-charge for premium martinis. I spent 60 days on Celebrity last year, but that was with low passenger counts and before recent changes. I guess I'll see for sure when I get on the Apex in April.

I've never had the classic drink package. I thought you could get a simple, smaller martini at the Martini Bar on the classic package. I'll be on the Apex, is that the case? TIA

I agree with the others. I suggest making reservations and then cancelling them if you find you don't need them. Our first E class suite cruise, we booked a night at Eden, loved it, but couldn't get another reservation for the rest of the cruise. We too were in a Sky Suite. So better to have one, then want one. There will be someone to take your place, so no harm in cancelling.