renaroo

These fees seem reasonable to me also. If you don't want to see these fees, try Celebrity. Their gratuities are built in to the package price. You'll pay more, but you might get some comfort in feeling like there are no add-on tip fees.

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We regularly eat in the Specialities and have cruised Equinox twice. Our favourite aspect of Tuscan Grill is the venue itself with the big wake views. If we can we book Tuscan for just after sail away or if we have a late sail away we will enjoy watching the ship leave port from those wonderful windows...

 

You do not mention Murano's....for food quality and service this venue does remain our favourite.

It's great to know that Tuscan Grill and has such great views. That might affect our decision. [emoji3]

I didn't mention Muranos because I've heard that the food is very heavy.

Thanks for your advice!

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Yay! Mom and I are sailing on her June 11th and both excited to go!

 

 

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My husband and I are on this sailing, too. My vacation starts in three days - can't wait for this cruise! No cooking, no cleaning, just relaxation and fun. Time to de-stress. [emoji3]

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Thank you ALL for the feedback! Still thinking about the best way to spend our OBC. Sounds like we have a lot of great choices. [emoji3]

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I've read about Tuscan Grill. Some love it, but there seems to be more negative than positive.

We leave in a couple weeks and will either try Tuscan Grill (as far as menu items this seems like the thing we're most interested in), Silk Harvest, or opt for a less formal lunch at Sushi on Five. Alternatively, we can just skip the specialty restaurants altogether and stick with Blu.

Any recent Equinox experiences to help us decide?

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We've always enjoyed the Frozen Toasted Almond drinks on the classic beverage package, but wonder if they are still included in the classic package since the changes moved Baileys to premium.?

What?! There's such a thing as a frozen toasted almond drink?

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Had a feeling this was coming. Carnival knows how popular the Havana cabins are and I figured it was only a matter of time until they added more to the mix making more money. But congrats!

I looked around a little bit at the carnival site, but didn't see anything. What's so special about the Havana cabins?

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I flew in and out of Seattle in January and the security was quick and efficient, and that was just after the incident in Fort Lauderdale so security was tight. Nowhere near 2 hours but it was a fairly quiet time of year. However it's always best to err on the side of caution.

Last time for me was May 2016.

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Heads up - last two times I've been to Seattle (within the last two years) it has taken close to 2 hours to get through airport security...and this was NOT for an international flight.

I don't know how things are looking in Seattle now, but I would look into it to make sure you have ample time for your return flight home.

I always arrive to places early, but if I had not had that extra warning I don't think I would've made my flight for the first time in my life.

Enjoy your cruise!

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I always book through my friend who is a TA, they don't make much so every little bit helps.

I get that, but $400 more?

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I'm not a travel agent so maybe you don't want my thoughts. If that's the case, stop reading and ignore this. [emoji113]🏻

For what it's worth, I say book with the rate that saves you money. Think about it this way-would you randomly hand this friend a $400 gift just for fun? You shouldn't do business with friends just because they're your friends.

I suspect your friend will understand.

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I just called- she explained that we could upgrade to the next category at an additional cost (too much), but no OBC. Those curious about the results, I did not push at all.

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I'm after final payment and there is a price drop. No big deal as I understand the rules, but I've heard others say they've been able to upgrade to the next category after final payment.

This isn't a big enough drop to cover an upgrade, but has anyone had any luck (maybe with more OBC) by calling Celebrity?

The price drop is $200 total, including all the same perks.

Thanks all and happy cruising!

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Happy resolution. Enjoy your concierge balconies!

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awhcruiser & villauk - inside + balcony = $4220 too much for me.

 

She said earlier there was a 2B or 2C I could have for 4 but I'm worried about the life boats being in the way.

If you already have your plane tickets, you might want to snap something up within your budget even if it's not perfect. I think I may be more nervous than you are... I'm a planner and tend to book my trips over 6 months in advance.

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Hi, everyone,

 

I haven't cruised for years - illness and marital problems - so forgive this very basic question: I'm sailing Equinox this October. What time does boarding begin? I want on ASAP so I can enjoy exploring the ship, getting a seat for lunch without a crowd problem, and feeling the freedom of doing whatever I want as I solo - cruise for the 1st time.

 

THANKS!:cool:

Congratulations on successfully working through your problems and bravely getting back on board as a solo traveler! I'm married, but still try to take a solo vacation every 1-2 years. Often I go somewhere first and spend a week or so on my own, then my husband joins me.

Traveling alone is so rewarding and I hope you love it as much as I do.

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We love him!! We will be on Equinox June 11th it would be great if he was still on board!!

Dnasax....we'll be on that same cruise!

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Sort of, if you PAY for a Concierge Class cabin, you may eat in the MDR for the Concierge Class luncheon. :cool:

 

 

 

Pat

I already booked aqua class for Blu. I read some other post that Gastro bar might be open and serving lunch? What about sushi on five? Is that open for embarkation?

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Oceanview is Royals equivalent of Windjammer. The Aqua Spa Cafe (Solarium) and the Mast Grill (upper pool deck) are both no charge and open on embarkation.

I wouldn't mind paying for a lunch where somebody takes my order and serves me food and drinks while I sit down and chill. Are there any pay-for lunch places on embarkation day?

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For sure, skip Celebrity with kids that age. I took mine and they killed me. Really! I'm writing this from beyond the grave;p. They complained the whole cruise. confused:.

Omg, this is great! [emoji23]

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This is all great....thank you! I also been known to order an additional appetizer or two, as well as the occasional additional entree. Will this be ok?

 

 

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Yes, you can order whatever you like, including extra appetizers. The service is really awesome.

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I typically just follow the rules. In my house, I make the rules. In someone else's house, they make the rules. On someone else's cruise ship, they make the rules. If I had to wear high heels in the main dining room (which I simply detest and won't wear ) I would eat in a different venue if possible or find a different cruise line that allow flats. I wouldn't just ignore someone else's rules for my personal convenience.

Now, if I were to see a kid wearing shorts in the main dining room, I really don't care. Doesn't affect me. I just personally wouldn't do it because I find it rude.

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If aqua is cheaper than concierge, I book it fast. Aqua is almost always higher priced!

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In my opinion, defining gratuities as a percentage of the specialty restaurant fee is not really fair. The specialty restaurant fee is an up charge and does not reflect the full value of the experience. Meals that we've had in Murano, for example, were worth MUCH more than $45 per person. Considering an 18% built-in gratuity (not sure that's exactly what is done) would mean a $38 dinner with a $7 tip. Choosing to add 20% of the $45 would add $9. A $16 total tip is not unreasonable for a meal that could easily run $100/person on land.

 

That said, I know that extra gratuities are not required- just adding a perspective.

 

 

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You're applying US land-based restaurant tipping guidelines to a cruise ship restaurant. Cruises are very multicultural, from the employees to the passengers. Dining on a cruise ship is a totally different situation. They get paid differently, and we don't even understand the structure. But since the cruise ship does, I would go by their guidelines. If I go and the service is really spectacular I might tip a small amount over, but I don't think there's any need to try to estimate what the meal would cost in a US restaurant and then try to calculate what 20% of that price would be.

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Goto www.booking.com

 

Just be aware that a 2night stay without meals at Epic or Intercontinental will cost more than your flight ( £550 / £600 for 2 night -room only) then be prepared to pay over £150/day for your meals, you can half this cost by using the many fast food restaurants. Miami is very expensive especially with the devalued pound.

I have a reservation at the Epic in June and I've checked the prices a couple times since booking. I've noticed they've gone up and down so I cancel and rebook when that happens. My current price per night including all taxes is $260 or about £200 for a club level room. The lowest priced room is $227, closer to £175 per night. I booked directly through Kimpton.

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