Happy Cruiser 6143

Yes, I use it all the time.

The problem on many cruises is limited or virtually no participation on roll calls.

Loved the SJ Bennett books. I thought Thursday Murder Club was pretty boring.

Regardless of the dining room, the sommeliers are not part of the waitstaff tip pool. They should be tipped separately.

My Pro Max 11 is still humming along. I think my daughter has bought 2 new iPhones since I got this one. She likes the smaller one and her batteries keep dying on her. Mine will hold a charge for two or three days if I don't use it a lot. The only thing I would like about the newest version is the upgraded camera, but I'll wait until this one dies because it was very expensive.

That's hysterical. Perhaps they have realized the error of their ways. Or, the new designer could be worse? Hard to imagine, but I suppose it's possible. What a laugh that it's a selling point that it wasn't designed by Kelly Hoppen. I'll reserve judgment until I see the actual new designs.

I've decided Ms. Hoppen is the queen of uncomfortable chairs. Her tables aren't much better. And yes, I'll bet she laughed all the way to the bank after she sold all this junk to Celebrity.

Luminae is different. Tips are pooled there. Except for the sommelier, who should be tipped separately. Sommeliers are part of the bar group, not the restaurant group.

There are times when you want to see that message and other times--not so much.

I think the compensation varies based on the amount one paid for the cabin. Those who purchase suites pay a lot more than those who purchase insides. I was on a cruise once and Freeport was devastated by a hurricane. The captain decided to skip Nassau and go to Freeport to share water and food with them. We were reimbursed for one day's cost of our cabin. I was happy to be paid good money not to go to Nassau since I never get off there!

Captain Tasos & Alejandro together would definitely be a hoot.

I think we Grumpy Old Gits prefer the more sedate atmosphere. Where did you get your GOG t-shirt?

How do you save just one frame from Live? I've never been able to figure that out.

Mercury was my first Celebrity ship. She's long gone, although we've seen her in her new livery in several ports.

I'll be joining you for your second leg which is the first leg of my B2B. Maybe see you in The Retreat.

B2B procedures vary by ship and port. Just follow the instructions you are given and all will be well. You do get to enjoy some time with fewer people on board.

Me too. Grumpy Old Git #3. Actually, I've yet to set foot on an E class ship. First one this December because I got a fabulous bargain, but I'm not at all excited about that pretend veranda. And, yes, in my experience, the service in Michael's Club is far superior to The Retreat.

Good job, Celebrity--that's my favorite dessert. Wasn't available last fall on the Solstice. The chocolate pill is so so.

You are reading the label correctly. During the pandemic, the shop in PEI was unable to get them and I tried to find them in Great Britain, but no luck. So I now order them 6 jars at a time.

If one were into hiding ducks, her hands would be a great place!

This is the stuff. You would have to fight me for it. All my neighbors and guests swoon over it also. You too can order from https://preservecompany.com/collections/pickles-salsa-savoury/products/caramelised-red-onion-chutney They've got lots of other fabulous stuff too. If you decide to do another Canada/New England cruise, let me know. I don't think Celebrity does the wonderful 14-night ones any more, though.

I would find 4 people in a regular cabin a crowd. To me, your best bet would be to book a veranda cabin with an inside across the hall for the kids.

Thanks, Kevin. I fondly remember our day with you and I order those Prince Edward Island Preserves by the 6-pack now! I'm kind of off cruises that require flying at the moment, being as how flying is such a PIA. But if I head back your way, I'll let you know.

I think it's the luck of the draw and how fast the inventory is moving on a particular ship. I have purchased two iPads in the past with OBC (back in the day when we got OBC!) and have been happy with the purchases. My current one is an iPad Pro which I got for $100 off. I don't need my iPad to be the latest and greatest, I just need to be able to read books on it when I want to.

Celebrity cruisers are awesome. During the pandemic when I was having a problem getting a Covid test, a woman on my roll call offered to take me to a place in Boston when I arrived there. Fortunately, I finally got a test in Florida. And, once upon a time, when I was having a hard time finding a private tour in Prince Edward Island, a cruiser who lived there said he would take me out for the day. Had a wonderful time. I did not know either of these people personally.