Peteymil

On 10/7/2023 at 7:50 PM, hcat said:

makes it easy to spot American tourists in Europe!

Not any more. Was in several European cities in May and we were hard pressed to see anything but athletic style shoes on men and women.  I am not talking about the huge chunky sneakers that we used to have, but today's sneakers are much more stylish and worn with many options.

6 minutes ago, micruiser2002 said:

Have you looked at the inflatable bumpers on Amazon?  You can tuck them under the sheet or some have a pad that can go under the mattress on the sofa bed.

Thank you!

My two-year-old granddaughter normally sleeps in a crib, but on the cruise she will be sleeping in a pull out bed with her sister. Has anyone ever taken a toddler travel bed rail with them and used it in the situation? If so, is there a brand that you recommend.

2 minutes ago, micruiser2002 said:

https://www.travelvisapro.com/blog/passports/do-you-have-to-carry-your-passport-in-japan#:~:text=Everyone in Japan must carry,as it has international recognition.

You are correct and this is something I did not know when I was there!

18 hours ago, micruiser2002 said:

Some countries like Japan require you to have your passport on you at all times for identification.  It is a legal requirement. They can fine you if you do not have it and they will not accept other identification.   

That was not the case when we were in Japan.

On 9/28/2023 at 10:52 PM, George C said:

I know rules were changed to one bottle , but if you have drink package is there a corkage , I know there was none earlier this year .

No corkage if you have a drink package

15 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

And once you look at the HOHO route, you will know if any of the stops will be at attractions you found when researching which will be of personal interest to you and you can hop off, visit, and hop on again.

I think you will see more of the city than you would with a walking tour.

I appreciate your help

1 hour ago, edinburgher said:

Vigelands Sculpture Park

Being a city there are many sights and attractions and "one size won't fit all" for a one day visit.

 

And it is fairly spread out so I am not convinced a walking tour would cover what are considered to be the top sights in Oslo.

 

I recommend you put in a bit of time reading tourist information websites and guidebook recommendations , also review sites such as Tripadvisor.  Once you read descriptions and look at images of what Oslo offers, you will develop an idea of which sights/attractions appeal to you most and can plan  your day accordingly.  We found public transport very easy to use so don't be put off if your top choices are not in close proximity to each other. The Vigelands Sculpture Park was probably a favourite of ours, as it is with many others, and reviews and images can be found online.

Thank you, I have done research and I've decided that the best bet for us is to do the hop on hop off so that we can see a more spread out variety of places

26 minutes ago, Jjohnb said:

 

Following are just the changes that I'm aware of but there could be more:

 

There is no longer a tray with apples and pears on embarkation

They no longer provide herbal tea every day in cabin

They no longer provide a daily tray of canapes

They no longer provide a welcome bottle of champagne

They no longer provide the individual bottles of upgraded shampoo, shower gel etc

They replaced the tote bag with a smaller one

They no longer provide a sea pass card holder

They apparently eliminated the pillow menu

They do not have the yoga mats and in-room fitness items available

 

While some of these items may seem trivial, in the aggregate it's quite a lot to take away after you accepted a non-refundable deposit based on your toting that these things would be available.

We were in aqua 2 weeks ago and I got the sea pass card holder, I used the yoga mat that was in my room, and I had the champagne, but you had to ask for it. Same with the pillows, I just ask.

I haven't had a tray with apples, pears, or tea in my cabin in years.  

Although I didn't care for the canapes, they are gone, as you say. The other couple things don't bother me, but someone else may be bothered.

5 minutes ago, Jjohnb said:

 

I see it as being taken advantage of and not valuing me as a loyal customer (of RCG).  I booked an Aqua class cabin with Celebrity based upon the current offerings at the time, they gladly took my non-refundable deposit but have no qualms with eliminating a majority of the Aqua class perks, downgrading the quality of the food and so many other changes.  While it may be within their legal rights to do so per the cruise contract, it is not how you treat your loyal customers.  Change is a reality and we need to embrace it but so many significant changes is a clear choice between profits and respecting your loyal customers. 

I am curious what Aqua class perks they took away? 

On 9/14/2023 at 11:06 AM, Cruisegoer said:

So I generally use a large online vacations website to book my cruises.  Today I was looking at a cruise that if I booked for 2 passengers would be roughly $120 cheaper than booking the same cabin at the solo supplement rate. Has anyone ever created a "phantom" second passenger who doesn't show up on the day of sailing? I know the cruise line likes for passengers to generally Check-in prior to the cruise but I don't believe this is mandatory, I'd just have to make a reservation for 2 and name a second passenger.  I could probably book under a friends name who I can provide a good portion of info. Thoughts?

We actually booked our son and Fiancee a cabin when it was 75% off the second passenger.  Unfortunately she can not go, so I had to cancel her. His room rate did not change, and it was probably less expensive than if I had booked a solo, so though I am sorry she cannot go, I think it might have ended up cheaper for his cabin.

9 hours ago, OysterD said:

Currently on Beyond, not sure what menus you had but out of 2 nights so far there has been 1 pasta dish, the duck ravioli which was delicious. Same number of items offered each night as a year ago on Reflection. Service has been good so far and its not noisy, no more than any other restaurant. 

Are they allowing you to order off of the MDR’s menu? I know that on Edge class the MDR’s are quite a distance.

Last week in Blu I found the choices to be very limited.  Love the size of Blu and the service, food was just so so.

I have read through previous threads about Oslo, but I am a bit stuck.  It is our first time visiting, I am wondering if a walking tour would be the best way to spend my time.  Any suggestions welcome.

On 7/14/2023 at 9:48 AM, John Bull said:

 

We took this same tour - and it was excellent, one of the highlights of our cruise.

They start just outside the port gate, just yards from your ship.

 

Yes, they accept walk-ups - but our coach was full, so do book to be certain.

On the coach, for best views sit on the same side as the door (not the driver's side)

 

JB 🙂

Is May too early for this excursion.  I tried to book but it is not available until May 25th.

2 hours ago, princeton123211 said:

I tool an Uber last time I was in Rotterdam and needed to get back to Amsterdam. Was super easy and relatively cost effective. 

 

For something a little more put together I use an app called Blacklane extensively when traveling in Europe. It works with top local black car/livery services. More expensive than Uber but you get a Mercedes E or S Class (depending on what you choose) and can use them "as directed". All the billing is handled in the app and tax and gratuity are included so not worrying about that on the ride. Highly recommend for something more high end. Saves you from dealing directly with local services. 

Thank you, that is great information.

We would like to find a reliable company for transportation from the Rotterdam cruise port to our Amsterdam hotel. We would love to stop at a tulip field and see some windmills on the way. Any ideas. Thank you.

On 9/10/2023 at 7:20 AM, terrydtx said:

We board the Apex Thursday and we are using  private transportation to the ship, I would try that when you get off the ship. We are using Welcome Pickups.

Welcome - Making travel easy, friendly, personal (welcomepickups.com)

Are you coming to the ship from Rotterdam or Amsterdam. We are trying to find a private transportation company to go from Rotterdam to Amsterdam after our cruise.

Wondering if anyone on board can tell us if they are changing your current itinerary at all based on weather forecast for inclement weather due to hurricane Lee

If my husband and I are traveling together, and we are both elite plus, Do we each get two free bags or is it two bags of laundry per cabin?

On 8/22/2023 at 11:57 AM, gmbhardy said:

Do Retreat cruisers get priority disembarkation?

yes

2 hours ago, baggal said:

I guess I'm one of the few people here on cruise critic who are just happy to be able to cruise a few times a year, with or without pillow chocolates.  

I understand what you are saying, however I think the point is that people feel they are not getting what they paid for, even if it's a very small thing.  Where does Celebrity draw the line? No more free cookies and nighttime chocolates morphs into lounge chairs on the pool decks must be rented or seats in the theater must be reserved and paid for--who knows what will be next.

32 minutes ago, the penguins said:

Still curious how you missed the drinks coupons. Several possibilities spring to mind:

1) you weren't Elite until very recently 

2) you had a long break in cruising.

3) your cabin companion enjoyed extra drinks by using your coupons.🤣

4) your cabin companion swopped your coupons for casino credits.💲and kept the winnings

Other suggestions welcome 😂😀😂

I don't know either. But none of 1 - 4  apply for me and I highly doubt that the casino would trade free drink coupons for casino credits. We have cruised 30 times on Celebrity and six times in the last two years, so just saying I've never seen the coupons for drinks, not important, enjoy your cruises!

6 hours ago, the penguins said:

Sorry no "next time" the vouchers/coupons have all been stopped 😂😀. 

Fortunately, the benefits have not, just loaded onto your seapass now

55 minutes ago, the penguins said:

There were not only vouchers/coupons for drinks but also for laundry, dry cleaning, pressing, gelato etc. The coupons were on sheets and you had to cut out the individual vouchers. The ones for drinks were even dated.

 

I've seen all the coupons you've listed except for drink coupons--maybe next time!!