JFontaine

You've gotten great advice on this thread. I just want to add this: I've been blessed to have cruised on most luxury lines in their top suites, and the Summit PH is the best suite I have cruised in. I continually chose this suite over luxury lines (and their upgraded service, food and less people) or the newest Celebrity ships because it is so spectacular. I hope that you are sitting on the balcony one day enjoying this experience and your wife says to you "I told you!".

The villa suites are a fraction of the price and very nice if stairs are not a problem. It is fairly far forward but I've been lucky with the seas. You will also get sun on the balcony at certain parts of the day, which you won't get in the Penthouse. There are lots of reviews.

I stand on a hand towel. It does not move.

We've found the cruises before major itinerary changes to be "off' for two reasons: first, senior staff are fully engaged in planning for the major changes (from provisioning to staffing to entertainment - the hotel director will tell you it's a very busy time) and the passenger-facing staff are often about to leave the ship (and can't wait to leave) or they are new and are finding their way and involved in many hours of training. I don't avoid those cruises, but have found the cumulative effect noticeable.

One more thought - the ship is extremely wheelchair friendly compared to older ships. Very few obstacles and the public areas are generally wide. Going from indoors to outdoor decks are mostly electric doors, but they aren't always flat. We find backing over them easier. There are also modern enhancements on Celebrity that will make your life easier - no mass lifeboat drill (just a checkin at your station before your first port departure) and you can drop your carry on bags (and walker?) at your cabin when you first board, even if your cabin is not ready yet. If you have a choice of cabins, a cabin closer to the elevator will be better for you.

The only problem that we had as the wheelchair pusher is over metal carpet moldings. Frankly they needed a shove, or to go over them backwards (we entered elevators backwards). I recall this was mainly in the cabin hallways (on a sister ship). For the shows, unfortunately you will need to get there early. If you can comfortably walk a few steps you might want to close up the wheelchair on the side and sit in a regular chair. To get into the buffet or pool area, no problem with the automatic doors. Getting on the ship is an uphill climb, they will have wheelchair assistance - who can push chairs up. Some ports require you to be assisted, some don't. Have a great time

It wasn't such a great deal. The deal is only offered to the high-end suites. We have unlimited specialty dining, and it isn't included. We arent big drinkers and don't utilize the Retreat much (port intensive cruise and/or have a spacious cabin). I've pased on this multiple times and paid for Luminae access when needed - maybe twice per cruise, and sometimes nor charged.

I would not move up hoping for better service. That's purely luck of the draw, not location. If you need a central location for mobility issues, then I'd try to move, either in a move up or outright purchase. If you would like a central location for convenience, stay where you are and walk off those calories. The aft view is spectacular.

I disagree with the 'advice' to the OP that he should report this. The OP already had one bad experience, why should they risk having two? The OPs only job on a cruise is to have a great time. Not train people, not do anything that they (maybe not you) feels uncomfortable. I think the OP did a service coming here with a warning (thank you). It doesn't matter that other people might have handled it differently. I've been cruising for a very long time, and I've escalated issues. Many times I have felt I've wasted my precious on-board time.

If total privacy is important to you, you won't have it in the bedroom upstairs as it is open to downstairs. I'd also confirm that they will give you a rollaway, there are rules about that. It's a great cabin and I love it.

On tipping, it depends on how much time they spend with you. 5 minutes taking you from here to there would be $5.00. If they stop while you search through luggage, $10. If they do something heroic like pushing you with one hand, luggage with another, bags over their shoulder and helps load cab - $20. Maybe others will say not enough?

Look for a family restroom at rest stops, usually singles with a lockable door. Your husband can walk you in and help you get situated.

Just a note about disembarkation via wheelchair in FLL. It is a 2 step process, with a handover to a port person at the elevator in the terminal. Here's where we ran into trouble. There was a line of about 20 passengers in wheelchairs lined up waiting for porters. We waited about a half hour. This will vary because of lots of variables; you might have no wait. But being prepared mentally for a wait might help. My mom was in the wheelchair, and I was more than capable of maneuvering the chair, but the security guard wouldn't allow it.

Would it make sense for your husband to get the car and come back for you? That way you don't have to transfer twice (cab, then car). Also - stopping at rest stops without crutches or a wheelchair? I purchased a relatively cheap (less than $150) wheelchair from a company called Drive (via Amazon). Since you might need one after surgery too, maybe pick one up on the way home? Good luck to you. Sorry to hear about this.

I agree with the advice above that your unexpired passports are all you need. And some additional advice - when you check in at the port, do not point out date of expiration to anyone ("whew, I was worried there'd be a problem"). If you mention it, an inexperienced agent could go off to investigate, and an hour later you are waiting for the chief document person. Just say 'thank you' and then have a great cruise.