E-500

As nuggets on MSC I can only answer your last question. You apply for loyalty match on the web site, you'll have to drill down to find the link. You will need to provide proof of your status and attach that to your submission. You can only pick one line to match, so pick your highest level. We were 3 star on HAL and platinum on Princess. Chose HAL, got an email a week later confirming Gold status on MSC.

Word of caution, you only get one bite at the apple. Only one submission allowed, no changing or modifications after you hit the send button.

Will look forward to all the MSC regulars responding to the rest of your excellent questions, this inquiring mind wants to know the answers also.

Are you sure it's analogous to real estate? This pops up periodically, not just for Celebrity ships.

I'm never 100% sure of anything, but like to call out posts that don't have a basis of fact that counter everything I learned in 35 years of corporate contract experience.

If someone advertises for sale my garden hose (brass fittings, 50 feet long) I won't be happy when contacted to explore my interest in selling it.

My only point being that the poster suggested that X was not in the loop regarding a listing to sell their ship, pretty far fetched for a $400 million asset.

What you are seeing is not Celebrity or RC selling ships. Independent brokers advertise ships. If they get an offer they go to the cruise line with the offer hoping to get a commission if the cruise line takes the offer. It is gambling. Odds are pretty slim of that happening. Seeing those ads does not mean the ships are for sale.

Huh? If the ship was not on the market, X would nip this in the bud. It is like a real estate listing, between the seller and broker. You can not advertise something for sale you do not have a contract on or own.

Just read a report in detail today on P.R.and San Juan. The island is in bad shape even 5 weeks after the hurricane. The colonial buildings in Old San Juan did not suffer terrible damage, but many are shuttered and the shops and restaurants that are open are running truncated hours and limited menus. Probably safe during the day, less so after dark.

Water and communications are in much better shape than the power grid, but still marginal.

The head of tourism said that they are a long way from ready for the high season which starts Dec. 1st. Thinks that tourists will not enjoy their stay until deep into the 1st quarter of '18.

Airport and cruise terminals appear close to being fully operational.

Did you try Hampton Inn & Suites on Brickell? They are fine as my car was there during IRMA while we were out to sea. I went into the hotel before hitting the road north as our car was in their parking garage (best plan I had ever made.) and all was well.

:)

Thanks for the heads-up on the Hampton, we have a hotel booked that was not damaged, (checked with them today) so plan "B" will work.

Our hotel in Miami just sent us a cancellation notice today for Nov. 23-26. Storm damage also, unable to repair in time for our cruise. Had a back-up plan just in case, called last week and told it was not looking good, flights already locked and loaded, so plan "B" it is.

One other thing to consider, you pick up hours west bound, lose them east bound. (Time zone changes.)

Would love to see BLU open on the first day for lunch for Aqua guests. Understand it probably is a staffing issue. All hands on deck in the buffet to handle the crowds there?.

Thank you to the regulars on this board for your responses. Will print 2 copies just to be on the safe side, will most likely board together, but.....

If no copies means extra paperwork, I don't want tp hold the line up, we all want to get on the ship and I don't want to be "that guy" that delays you.

Have done the on-line check-in and the boarding pass has both our names on it, do I need to print two copies for when I arrive at the port for the agents at the registration desk?

On other lines we have sailed each person has a separate boarding pass, so two pieces of paper.

Thanks in advance from the experts on this board.

Start by going to the HOME page, hover over/and or click on any tab of interest to you and then drill down to the information you are seeking. Not hard, just play with the site. You already found the Celebrity portal and the new thread link.

They are in opposite directions from Villlefranche. Just pick which one you want to do and take the train either direction. Buy tickets from vending machine at station. Super easy. Trains every 10-15 minutes or so.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/quote

 

Everything above is true.

 

One caution, last time we were in MC the train personnel decided that day to hold a one day strike. Unreliable bus service was the only option if you did not want an expensive cab or private tour. We passed. They announce the strikes in advance so you are fore-warned, but still a pain that day.

 

 

]

Only Ma Nature knows where Irma is going. X and the ship's Master will monitor closely and avoid an at-risk path.

Can't answer the pier question, but consider the HOHO bus for a great tour of the city. Inexpensive and you see a lot. You can jump off at an interesting stop and then reboard at your leisure.

This is very sad news; my thoughts and prayers go out to the Captain's family. And may the Captain rest in peace.

 

I learned the sad news in a blast email from Celebrity -- a note from Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, accompanied by her beaming, smiling stock photo. Totally jarring, given the message. I wish someone in X's communications dept had had the good sense not to use that photo for this particular "news" email. (No photo at all, or, better yet, one of Capt. Bouzakis, would have been more appropriate.)

 

Again, RIP Capt, Bouzakis

Boy, did you hit the nail on the head. This was my first reaction when I read the email. How insensitive to focus attention the CEO's photo and not on the deceased. Her casual, perky close was also bad form. The PR department is tone deaf, and I can't believe a public company CEO would let this go out over their signature.

This board is overrun with web site horror stories. One thread has 500 plus posts alone. I spent an hour last night trying to look at my reservation without success. Used 3 different portals, all failed. ( Chrome, Safari and I.E.)

Time for drastic action. The Board of Directors for X should terminate the CEO for failure to fire the CIO. Bring in an outside experienced tech firm to totally revamp the web site, hire a savvy social media CEO and have that person bring a world class IT professional on board.

If X can not resolve this huge problem in a timely manner my November cruise will be my first and last cruise on this line.

X is a mega international, publicly traded company. This issue is unacceptable. My local dive bar has a better web site.

What guy???

The guy who at 25 years old still lives in his parent's basement, orders a baloney sandwich at a caviar bar, brings Coors Light to a single malt scotch tasting and misses the ship in Freeport because he assumed the ship was on Island time.

Jeans may be OK/permitted at dinner at the different venues around the ship, but why be "that guy"?

Just to say if you aren't aware, there is a very useful function that allows you to hide posts from individuals. If you go to top right of the front page and click by your user name and under "User Control Panel" then "Edit Options" and down the left hand side "Edit Ignore List". If you add a user to that list you will no longer see their posts unless someone else who you aren't ignoring quotes them.

 

Phil

I would never "86" Fish Lover. Their posts are entertaining and offer interesting reading. As long as you don't take the bait, take it personally or seriously you can often get advice on inconsequential matters that you can then ignore.

Just got booted off the Edge for a chartered group that offered Celebrity "a lot of money"! There words not mine. Don't know what everyone else thinks, but I will never do business with Celebrity again. In my opinion, this shows Celebrity's true colors. Too many other better choices out there.

Your profile indicates that for the last 9 years you have averaged 1.2 posts per year. This event has gotten you fired up. Enjoy your next cruise on your new line.

I said MAYBE. I honestly believe that more people view this site then you think. I also believe that it is in the cruise companies best interest, to have someone monitor this site. And I think they do. Unless you know better. Then correct me. I will offer congratulations to you on being the first to Contend, as you normally are. I will not swallow the bait this time though.

Great first post and even better response when challenged. Every forum has a "Fish Lover"

I wouldn't be worried- we still really enjoy Celebrity, and your "roll with the tide" comment hits the nail on the head. I'm sure you will have a lovely time- and trying a different class of ship will be worthwhile in itself I'm sure. Look forward to your review! Keep us in the loop! Cheers!

You Kiwis never cease to amaze me. Always a great attitude, and quality advice. Will post a review as suggested once I return and sober up. New experiences are to be looked forward to, not approached with trepidation. Thanks for your encouragement.

You guys are scaring me. Going on X Eclipse in November, first time ever on X. We are 3 star Mariners on HAL and platinum on Princess. We switched because the product on both afore mentioned lines continued to decline to the point that the value proposition just wasn't there any more.

Research suggested that X would take us back to the promised land. Having spent some time on this board the last couple of weeks the comments about cutbacks, crew reductions, nickel and dime practices, no robes or foot stools in standard balconies, and charging $10 for a burger at the outdoor grill are causing us to rethink the quality of our initial research.

I thought the website issues were quirky and user error, until I was not the only one "locked out" for 20 minutes for changing pages. Last comment, the pricing model with/without perks needs an MIT spreadsheet to determine what we get and do we go on a 2 week bender and remain intoxicated for 14 days or never get a drink because the bars are overrun with passengers on a "drink package".

Some tongue in cheek comments above, but we have lowered our expectations and will roll with the tide.

Thanks to those that responded. We are looking forward to cruising with X and will monitor the pricing on the drink packages to see if we spot a value proposition. Neither of us are heavy hitters, but juice/coffee/water element mentioned by one responder has some interest and possibilities.

I'm impressed by the depth of knowledge and civility of this board, thanks again.

Frequent cruiser but will be a first timer on X for 14 days in November. Have read about the Elites cocktail reception each day and the drink package perks being offered. Since we passed on the Classic Drink Package (did the math and average drinks consumed per day needed to make this pencil, we are choosing not to be intoxicated for 2 solid weeks).

My question is, does the Eclipse have a daily cocktail/happy hour in one or more bars for those paying their own way?

On other lines we have experienced buy one get a second same drink for a dollar, or a true twofer. Usually an hour long and sometimes staggered between 2 bars. Bar One 4-5, Bar Two 5-6, ETC.

Just looking for value, not a two week bender.