Denny01

I’m sure I won’t be the only one but I’ll post some when I board on 22 Nov. 

den

The Ascent is now SW of the Azores heading for the Sea Lane to cross the Atlantic to the Grand Bahamas and then FLL!!

It crossed behind the Apex which was going from Gibraltar to the Azores  stop and Ascent continues SE at 16-17knots. 

Just fun to watch. Our cruise is only 4 days (plus an overnight in FLL) so will start looking at what to pack in my carry-on….even though we are driving. People always go, ‘Oh, you live in Fla, you can just zip down to catch a cruise anytime!’…..we live in the Fla Panhandle and it is ~8-9hr drive! And especially Thanksgiving Week should be lots of FUN….oh well. 

den

1 hour ago, hcat said:

Great  thread already.   Let's keep it going!

 

hcat( original EDGIE)

Yup. Been on the Edge and Apex and now the Ascent. Have to do the Beyond!  
 

doing the edge in Australia and NZ next year. Lucky. love Edge!  

den

3 minutes ago, hcat said:

Thanks..... 

We are booked for January.

Who is the godmother?

Here is a quote from Celebrity:

Celebrity Cruises announced that Captain Sandy Yawn, best known for her appearance on Bravo TV’s Below Deck, alongside her sister Michelle Dunham, founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA), have been selected as co-godmothers of the new Celebrity Ascent.

den

For those who either have booked on the Ascent or just an interest in the newest Celebrity ship, thought you’d like to know Ascent departed St Nazaire France 7 Nov EST (1:45am-ish on 8 Nov local time) and is heading to Fort Lauderdale.

the ship completed its Sea Trials in September and appears to be doing just fine and is making the TransAtlantics at about 16knots.

It will stop in Freeport Grand Bahamas on 18 Nov and enters Port Everglades morning of 19 Nov. Then departs on the 4N Thanksgiving cruise I booked on 22 Nov. This and a shorter follow-on cruise are pre-christening shakedowns, and should be special. The ship is being named 01 Dec. 

So all looks good. We have a lively discussion on our Roll Call on how Ascent is doing and we are getting excited.

So for all us Ascent cruisers, things appear to be on schedule and should be fun on the newest E-Class ship.

Den

2 hours ago, zitsky said:

I thank you for your perspective.  So if you avoid certain areas, do you avoid traveling to major cities like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles etc?  Have you ever been to Mexico?

As I posted, enjoy going to Big Cities. And have visited all the ones listed above recently and will again. Being concerned’ with a Turkyish port has nothing to do w visiting such. 
 

watched a protest crowd marching through Barcelona and had enough sense to step away not knowing what was being protested. 
 

With Israelies and Palestinians being killed and major protests which include attacking Jews and Muslims or anyone who someone thinks supports them, for me,it’s time to limit where I go a bit. 
 

heading to Mexico, then Australia and NZ, followed by Ireland and Scotland.  And just came from 2 weeks in France. 
 

so going overseas, going to enjoy big and little cities. But will limit a bit into Eastern Europe and Middle East…..which Türkiye is part of. 
 

den

Having Been in conflict zones, and since Im now retired, there isnt enough money to be in or near one again. Türkiye is not a combat zone, but there is a good deal of issues throughout the area over the US’s support of Israel. 

Yes, have had issues in big cities; pickpocketed in Venice and would still go back, but those type of issues have Nothing to do with Turk port call concerns. 

I had a river cruise from Bucharest to Budapest but was canceled due to Pandemic; going to go again…….Once, once Ukraine quiets down. 

My restrictions on not putting myself or my wife into an area where there is heightened concerns that a group of people could raise.

I Loved Istanbul (and Kusadashi) and felt very safe there, but Id give it a bit of time right now.  

Den

Having Been in conflict zones, and since Im now retired, there isnt enough money to be in or near one again. Türkiye is not a combat zone, but there is a good deal of issues throughout the area over the US’s support of Israel. 

Yes, have had issues in big cities; pickpocketed in Venice and would still go back, but those type of issues have Nothing to do with Turk port call concerns. 

I had a river cruise from Bucharest to Budapest but was canceled due to Pandemic; going to go again…….Once, once Ukraine quiets down. 

My restrictions on not putting myself or my wife into an area where there is heightened concerns that a group of people could raise.

I Loved Istanbul (and Kusadashi) and felt very safe there, but Id give it a bit of time right now.  

Den

We are booked for the NZ Edge cruise in Mar ‘24 followed by the S Austrailia cruise to Tasmania and our final is due in Dec….and will go

Im currently in Bordeaux on a Viking River Wine cruise after visiting the prehistoric caves; going on the Ascent on a pre-inaugural 4N Thanksgiving cruise; on a New Years RCL cruise with the kids; Canada cruise; land tour of Ireland and Scotland; and heck, Japan in ‘25. So I guess Im the wrong one to be giving advice to someone concerned over world events since Im pretty much covering it all except the Middle East!!

As to NZ/Australia being remote from war….just to help scare you, if China decides to try to take Taiwan and the US steps in, Australia will most likely follow as part of our agreements. So there is Always a chance of ‘world issues’ interfering with plans.

But I think I have a higher chance of taking bullet going to my local grocery store lately than an issue in the Great Down Under!! Flights issues and all. I already have ‘issues’ with flights. Nothing new and not caused by wars, just poor planning by Viking Air. Wont be using Them again! 

By the way, Great thread title!

Den

On 10/11/2023 at 9:04 AM, CruisinShips said:

I'm curious how one gets a doctor's note confirming they have Covid?  I didn't go to a doctor when I had it last year, and I assume your doctor's office doesn't want you to come in.  How exactly would you get them to complete any paperwork without examining you?

My Immediate Care asks you to park and call them. They come out and test you. If you need a Dr they escort you to an office to be seen. 
 

when I was in Jackson Hole on a vacation tour and felt bad and tested positive, I called the ER. They had me come in, wearing a mask and I saw a Dr who provided the documentation I needed. 
 

I isolated for 5 days and flew home insurance required a Dr report so all worked out. Took 2 months to be reimbursed. 
 

den

2 hours ago, KEN31VA said:

I'm not making myself clear.  I've spoken to many Maitre'Ds,  although I don't want them to "do anything".  What I am trying to find out is which dishes I should avoid due to their salt content.

When you are seated, ask your server which items are low sodium, or ask them to not add much to whatever you order. 
 

den

You also might check if theyd give you a discount or freebie WiFi upgrade on cruise. Did that a few yrs ago when i got a MacBook. Still using the thing. 

Den

We are doing a B2B departing Sydney to cruise New Zealand and then return before cruising to S Australia and Tasmania  I assume we will need to go through customs after returning from NZ. Is it pretty much the same as being discussed.  
 

den

I use my local bank to get a smallish amount to have on hand when start the trip, then as stated above, use my bank Debit card to get cash on site. Much better rates.

But if you are not looking at much cash, the lower exchange rate on board is not a big deal really. 

Agree using chargecards is very handy and usual, but I need cash, even small amounts for tipping our guides and servers, and buying things off small vendors that I may happen upon. 

But again, I have some ‘local’ cash I get from my bank when I start and add as needed using ATMs.

And when I use a chargecard I have them charge it in local currencies…if you say US (or UK pounds!) than its the local business that sets the exchange rate and that can be much lower. 

Den

I agree with the posts saying they loved all the 3 Celebrity Class ships. each has a uniqueness that we enjoy. 

But favorite right now is the Edge Class. We havent done Beyond, but have Edge and Apex, and are set for the Ascent for a 4N Thanksgiving cruise that is Prior to its formal cruising. 

Since the OP has been on S and M Class, what I liked best about Edge:

  1. the four separate dining rooms. Quieter. Quicker service. A bit of different decor…..and just fun.

  2. Eden. Loved the bar, the lounging area, the specialty restaurant. The lunch area at sea And the wraparound walkway around the stern. 

  4. I know some dont like them, but I love the Infinite Veranda layout. I dont sunbathe anywhere so the design is what I enjoy. Opens the room up to a larger use space and so on.

 5. The round more open theater setup. Love it.

My reference to the IV SRs of course will open the door to the Hate IV, but each to our own tastes. That’s what is so nice about different designs!

And yup, each need to try out the ships since taste is so subjective. Jut like I dont really care too much about dining comments, especailly the ‘I found nothing editable’…..really!?!

Den

4 minutes ago, Not a username2 said:

Can you bring a bottle of whiskey instead of a bottle of wine?

No, no liquors or beer. Wine, water, sodas yup. 
 

den

On 9/12/2023 at 3:31 PM, neverlaysup said:

No more cheesecake on the "classics menu"......very sad!

This is your comment on what your Favorite Things on Celebrity???

Den

Good Thread.

All Celebrity Class ships are designed to allow a better flow and support for the passengers. Just not a lot of overcrowding, except at very popular times. Just nicer common areas.

Few announcements.

treat me like an adult who can decide what I want to do without all the hype.

Beyond the Podium Talks. 

A theater that handles most everyone. 

Outstanding staff

each Class ship has a strong positive:

Millennium: The Spa Pool. Best At sea pool!

Solsice: The ice bar and the special bars forward for El Bacio, which we loved.

Edge: IV; Eden bar and restaurant; the whole layout!

Lots of quiet areas we can escape to. 

Den

Welcome, and your questions were answered quite well. Enjoy!

Den

31 minutes ago, cruisestitch said:

Maybe, maybe not.  Sometimes transfers are included in packages.  In those cases the he transfer can’t be cancelled.

But for $15 or so, you get much better and quicker service. So just gaff off the ‘transfer package’ and go taxi. 

Sometimes the ‘freebees’ arent worth it.

Den

We now Always use taxi. As others have posted: cheaper, quicker, more supportive.

We used the ship shuttle Once. Had to wait for the bus to fill. Then some woman had forgot something and jumped off the bus and ran back to the ship and we all waited for another 20min or more. Once we got to the terminal, the bus made one stop and took all the luggage off and we all had to walk to our terminals. Think of the time to fill up a bus (ignore the woman leaving everyone hanging), you pay more and it makes one stop and the driver gets out and unloads all the luggage as you all stand there waiting. 

A taxi will take you directly to your specific terminal….and again Cheaper Quicker and handier. There is No reason to use the ship bus system except habit. 

Den

OK, I cant control myself, I have to share an experience in Rome prior to going to Civitavecchia. 

We were crusing with 2 other couples. They toured Italy prior and we were meeting for the cruise. I signed us up for Rome Cabs. When Cabs sent me their offer, it was Much higher than what they listed on their website and I responded why. I had made mistake and typed in 60 pieces of luggage instead of 6! And Rome Cabs had set us for a full bus.

Fixed it. 

Our friends stayed near the train station where there’s a lot of nice tourist hotels. I decided to go crazy and used my Hilton points and booked the Hilton Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel up near the Vatican. Used All My Points!!

What a place. It was a tourist site in itself. We dined in the Hilton Club area for free because the restaurant was 150 Euros….each!

Well, sitting in the lobby waiting for our shuttle when a Full bus shows up. I get Very Nervous because this isnt a hotel where bus loads stay. 

Driver stepped in and called out my name. Joined him and started explaining we were expecting a shuttle for 6. He got on the phone as he drove to our friends hotel downtown and got it all straight that we were charged for just a 6-person shuttle!!! 

Got to the Terminal. And as the Full Bus pulls up, out come about a dozen+ porters to take all the bus-loads’ luggage….I see my chance of completely embarrassing my wife, so I put my sport coat over my shoulders, my sunglasses on and I step off the bus, saying “Please, Please! Just treat me as one of the ‘Little People’!! Please do not make a scene! No autographs….Please!!!’.  

When the poor porters see our 6 pieces of luggage and 6 of us…..they didn’t seem to enjoy me as much as I did!!

oh well.

Den

I made a mistake when I put down how many pieces of luggage. Instead of 6

We used Rome Cabs a number of years ago and they took us up to the Celebrity terminal. 

Recently, we stayed in a hotel in Cvitavecchia for 2 nights (Loved the town! Lots to see and do and great dining) and the hotel shuttle tool us up to the ship. 

And the Terminal area isnt huge and you will See your Celebrity ship and it wont be an issue even if for whatever reason you have to use the port shuttle. our ship docked right near the entry.

For retreat guests, there is a special check-in area right at the entry. They have a little bar and if you want snacks, that too. All Very handy and extremely quick.

For standard checkin, it all appeared very straightforward and quick.  I didnt see any lines at all. 

A great port to depart from…and worth a stay there if you want to just relax and not do heavy touring in Rome….which is fantastic too!

den

And yes, cruise lines (Normally) do not get involved with visas and entry requirements because each country you may enter and your nationality set differing requirements……and you need to have one completed Prior to arrival for Vietnam….and your passport needs to be good for 6mo further on. 

Den

10 hours ago, bookitdanno said:

Infinite verandahs on Celebrity are neither infinite nor verandahs!

And I LOVE your Tag!! Watched H-5-0 throughout the 70’s.  I doooo wish id been much more thinking when I picked my Tag…which is really Dumb!

Great Tag!!! It’s so perfect for cruising!!! 

Den