jenZ

 

 

 

 

 

So my guess would be that they invite the people they see as the best investment opportunities. This could be Captains Club level, cabin category or groups of TA's that frequently cruise with Celebrity.

 

This is also how I would do it myself...

This is my 'theory' too. I think it is a small treat offered to those viewed as Celebrity 'Ambassadors' or advocates.

We have been invited to the helipad sailaway once. Our last Celebrity cruise (3rd) - just level 1! In a Concierge cabin, but with a large group all in Concierge and we were the only ones invited.

My theory comes from the fact that DH became best buddies with the bartenders at the Sunset Bar. They quickly talked him into upgrading at the sailaway to the Premium drink package. And they pampered him with great selections that he hadn't tried before.

So every time one of the guys from our group came over to the bar, my husband championed the premium package. He 'sold' at least three packages! The bartender asked him if he was in sales, which he isn't-told him that he should be!

Maybe, on occasion, the 'system' is letting the staff make a recommendation based on being a friendly, positive, outgoing person that represents what Celebrity wants to reward in their cruisers.

If it were dependent on me to garner favor, we will never get any rewards! I like to people watch and chill when I cruise. DH is the wanderer and the talker who never met a stranger! God bless him!

If anyone has any secrets to a bridge tour invitation, please share! [emoji6]

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Hi CruisingGatorGirl ( from a rival cruising Nole!) how sweet that you are trying to make this special for your parents. Whatever you end up with I am sure they will appreciate all your efforts on their behalf.

I love Celebrity too, and yes, I know that an Alaska cruise is all about the itinerary. However, ships are big so a lot of walking around, and you do have to eat something on the ship so some sitting in some dining area. And while some *may* think drinking is optional while cruising, most everyone would agree you will probably sit at a bar at some point while cruising. So to me, the ship is still important and I chose Celebrity for my first Alaska cruise, even without a Glacier Bay stop.

The forums do make you feel that Glacier Bay is the most important itinerary consideration. Since I haven't been to Alaska, I am certainly no judge of the value of which Glacier is best. However, I did learn the following after much research, and not really from these forums but from the old fashioned way: googling around! It did take a while and many deep dives.

What I learned:

1) since Icy Strait Point ( a RCI port stop, more on that later) is pretty close to Glacier National Park, there are excursions to there from ISP. For instance, there is a float plane that flys over for 45 minutes or 1.5 hours. Certainly not the same experience as an all day tour up close and personal and I imagine you can't hear the calving or appreciate the magnitude of the resulting waves. And any sea life viewing will be mighty small! But at least the beauty and scale of the glaciers will be visible and I am sure awesome viewing in a different way. There are also boat excursions if I recall correctly. But they are all day affairs and since our ship is only in port at Icy Strait Point for 5.5 hours, those weren't options for us to consider so I didn't study those at all. You probably already have learned that with the variability in weather in Alaska, no Glacier viewing whether by boat or by air is guaranteed. Flights get canceled. Visibility can be poor. It can rain all day. So the best advice I have read is that if Glacier viewing is your priority, find an itinerary where there are multiple Glacier viewing opportunities.

2. From everything I have read, other glaciers are magnificent too! Although not always navigable due to ice or other conditions, where from what I understand about Glacier Bay is that it is so large and has so many spots to view glaciers that you are more likely to see one. I am crossing my fingers and telling myself not to be disappointed if we don't get close to Hubbard Glacier due to a captains decision not to go in close due to weather conditions. And hoping the weather is excellent for our helicopter landing on a Glacier - that is what I wanted to do most: walk on a Glacier.

3. Icy Strait Point. I had read that this was some people's least favorite port because there isn't much to do. Then I read it was other's favorite port, just because it is quieter and more authentic. After more research I have concluded that ISP is kind of like a cruise line's private island. Only a few cruise lines go there. So what I have learned is that a) there is only one cruise ship in port at a time. I like that idea. b) the port buildings are restored ( and probably some new ones; in the photos it looks all new) canning factories etc. c) there are some good displays of local history. D) the 'profits' stay with the locals. E) the locals are terrific people. You can walk or ride bikes to Hoonah, their village, along the water. Not much to see or do there but it is authentic. F) you can eat a crab feast for about 1/2 the price as the more touristy areas. G) the forests surrounding the area are pretty awesome. H) my travel buddies are excited about the zip line, but my husband says no way. So it sounds cool to me!

4) Whales. Apparently a whale boat excursion is hit or miss and Glacier Bay is a whale Mecca. But I have read stories where the whale watching *can* be good from the ship, if you learn the tricks of what to look for and are inclined to actively search them out while on sea days or cruising to the next port. There is a book referenced in the forums that has a map and identifies whale activity areas like a mile marker as you cruise the inside passage. Google ' The Alaska Cruise Handbook' by Joe Upton.

5) one thing that I * think * may add to a more enjoyable experience on a Celebrity ship: the length of time in ports PLUS the number of ships in port at the same time. I spoke to one vendor in Juneau and they are expecting 25,000 more visitors this year than last. So the number of ships and the number of passengers on each ship in port may affect a lot of your experience. ( kind of like Santorini!) My * sense * is ( and if I am wrong I am sure someone will chime in!) that, at least on my Infinity cruise round trip from Vancouver, that we have fewer ships in port on the days we are there and we stay longer than the other ships. This is important, I think, so you don't feel like herding cattle jumping fences from farmer to farmer checking out the grass and still trying to get back home before the dinner bell! You can research that ahead of time for any itinerary or cruise line you are exploring, if that is important to you. It does take more work!

But I am sure, in the end, that as ours have said: the ship doesn't matter, the itinerary does! But if you can get both then why not!

Good luck planning and enjoy the process and your memories with you parents!

Jen

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cruiserke;52662437']Also good to know is that when you book on board' date=' the booking will be assigned to the travel agent (TA) who made the booking of the cruise you're on. They will not ask, it will be automatically done. If you DON'T want that to happen, eg to shop around for extra perks with different TA's, you need to fill in a release form.[/quote']

 

 

Thank-you for sharing that tid-bit. I don't want my current TA to have my next cruise, as I plan on 'shopping' TA's for my next cruise ( as recommended on other forums). Cruise prices have gone up so much (more than my income) so I figure commissions have too. Share the love! Especially if all the perks are added-on to the cost so it really isn't a deal. You really have to understand the pricing mechanism in this business.

 

 

 

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Does anyone know if the upgrade rule still applies? That if a cabin is at least $1 more than what you paid you could pay to upgrade your cabin?

Because our friend tried this through her travel agent and was told no. Could be because it was a family veranda? She was told that it was reserved for parties of five or more. This was near the mark of 60 days to sailing.

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For those interested in camera comparisons, use this tip: type your two camera models in your internet search bar, separated by the abbreviation 'vs.' or just 'v'. ( plus you can just type the model numbers without the manufacturer's name; so it is a quick search!) In the results will be multiple camera reviewers who compare each camera's stats, along with price. A summary score is usually included. And reviewers qualitative comments. The trick is to know which features are most important to you in making the final decision. The reviews are helpful to understand in more depth the perceived value of each of the characteristics. So in effect, the statistical evaluation is an education itself in camera literacy.

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Melinda, enjoyed your blog and photos of Alaska. Thanks for sharing.

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Wow, again, to all you Vancouverites who so graciously share your logistical knowledge and love of your city with us! Thank-you xlxo, optimus-prime123, and martincath.

I am so looking forward to our stay in Vancouver!

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Is there an insurance that you can purchase after you have made final payment? I haven't used Travel Insurance on a cruise and is there any you can get after you've made the final payment? I'm more concerned about having insurance in case something happens to either one of us and we end up in the Sick Bay.... We are both young and don't have pre-existing conditions, but accidents happen....

Hello MrsHBrand,

The quick answer is: yes. I bought medical insurance only about 1 month before my trip.

Check out Trip Insurance Store or some such and you will be able to compare policies and prices.

Good luck!

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Thank-you for that tidbit! Definitely will help in planning.

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Thank-you both xlxo & martincath for your considered responses. Will require thinking and plotting in the daytime!

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Which nights do you need a hotel? If you share your dates, I can provide options with availability.

Well, truth be told ( sheepish grin): I have three cancellable reservations for two nights 5/26-27; and I keep checking to find better places at better pricing, as I learn more about Vancouver and the activities we plan to do. We are cruising with another couple who don't arrive or depart the same as we do. They will only have one full day to tour, and we will do the HOHO, Gastown, Granville island, Stanley Park run that day. My DH wants to go to the Maritime Museum so will fit that in that day as well.

Sharing the two nights pre-cruise, and we are on our own one night post cruise (6/4- I booked a great deal- just a bit/$30 or so more than my ore-cruise hotels, prepaid/non-refundable on Hotwire as I decided I wanted a 5 star hotel for a big send off/ great views/close walking tours to enjoy Vancouver in a more casual way for the last day; maybe rent bikes, do walking tours; savor food and drink!)

So for the two nights pre-cruise, the hotels I have booked are all the same price, so location and quality are the differentiators. Both of those criteria are in the eye of the beholder! 1) Sheraton Wall Center ( booked under birth year special but our friends couldn't get that special 2) Rosellen Suites by Stanley Park ( location great, not impressed with decor, don't think we need the kitchen, and it seems that the lack of front desk may be more awkward for our friends who won't arrive at hotel until 10:30 PM or so) 3) Sutton Place ( on a sale day; thinking having a 24/7 lobby, restaurant/ bar will make it more relaxing for us all)

Love learning from the locals, so all thoughts are welcome!

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More options! Thank-you. Wondered how you get back to Vancouver if not taking the shuttle. Now I know!

I do love sunsets and read about the English Bay views. I also read that you get free admission on the sky ride or whatever at Grouse mtn if advance reservation at the fine dining restaurant. Looking at the menu, it appears you could eat for a very nominal extra amount. Seems to make ( practical) sense. Combine with a sunset and we've hit all the marks for that day?

*or* for $90+/- more would I be gaining a better experience by either eliminating the 'free' dinner and experiencing the city that night? ( we do have 2 other nights' stay) To consider: we are flying in from the east coast, so it is a long day. Easy or active, those are our choices!

FWIW: Still considering hotels!

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Hello martincath and xlxo! Have followed many of your prolific and thorough suggestions for visitors to your great city. I thank you for your insights!

Would you mind clarifying the timing for a trip to Grouse Mountain & the Capilano Suspension Bridge? We also arrive wheels down in Vancouver at 1:30. The recommendations I have seen with the shuttle timings include seeing Fly Over Canada on the return trip. Now learned there is an after 5 discount and a later shuttle.

If we exclude the Fly Over Canada and we want the after 5 discounts, what would the shuttle timing be to/from with both stops?

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I have same dilemma. We found a float plane tour with the Taku Lodge feast for $315 pp but the flight time is only 30 minutes. Our group feels that is a lot of money for a short flight time. The feast and forest hike looks fabulous but don't think this tour includes five glaciers. Considering other tours for same range ( $299 helicopter Glacier tour with 45 mins flight time and one glacier landing) and a floatplane through Glacier Bay with 1 3/4 hour flight time for $3xx).

Like you, trying to understand where the value is for our money is our challenge. We would like to do it all! If you haven't done any of the options before, it is hard to judge the 'best' option!

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@scottca075 curious about why you like the Sutton ( get the others!)

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Thank-you for your thoughtful review. Much new logistical information that will help in my planning for our upcoming cruise on the Infinity. I appreciate that you took the time to share. [emoji4]

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The fork thing is a European joke; most Europeans keep their fork in the non-dominant (usually left) hand and don't do the quaint American thing of switching hands. If you live in Europe for awhile, you'll adopt their method for the rest of your life.

 

 

 

 

 

Too funny: I've always eaten this way and I'm American. (but my parents were from Europe.) I never paid attention - I thought mostly everyone dined with their fork in left hand and knife in right. I've been at some pretty formal hoity toity dinners and no one ever looked at me strangely. Seems like too much work the other way around :D

Ha, ha! Always enjoy this debate on manners. It amazes me that folks would observe and judge these differences! For edification of those observers, left handlers ( like me) also eat the European way with the fork in the left hand. And not only is it easier, it also gets the food into your mouth quicker. So I guess that is a double negative of bad manners![emoji6]

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Just purchased (12/23) tickets from Orlando to Vancouver on Westjet for $299 round trip. I missed a cheaper opportunity by not booking two one way tickets - would have gotten to $250 round trip! This was for a late May/ early June trip. Flying in on a Friday, returning on a Monday

Try the Hopper app- it allows you to punch in various dates and various airports, round trip or one way. Then you can choose to 'watch' that flight and It sends you notifications on pricing, telling you to buy now or wait based on predictive software. It is very easy to use.

I usually check other apps and go direct to airlines websites too to verify good pricing and good routes.

Friends booked from Tampa to Vancouver and paid closer to $600 round trip, with an overnight return flight. Flying in on a Friday, returning on a Sunday, post cruise.

So do check different airports. Might be worth a drive.

Happy travels.

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Yes, I agree they are overpriced when compared to a specialty massage in your home town. Consider the ship as a ' resort' and you are on vacation- sometimes a splurge on pampering is worth it. I rarely do.

BUT , I did indulge on the Reflection and it was the BEST massage I had ever had.

On the last sea day of a 10 day cruise, a neck massage sampler station was set up outside the Oceanview Cafe. It was maybe 3:00 in the afternoon. They were offering a special price if you booked by a certain time that day. The massage therapist was a small dark haired beauty that spoke accented English. She had gentle, intuitive and powerful hands. Excellent neck massage. So I booked. She delivered - the massage was great. I have a 'knot' in my left shoulder region that takes kneeding to relax and most can't even feel it. She got it and more.

It is smart marketing to have these test stations so you can know in advance the massage will be more along the lines of what you like, to see if it is worth the splurge!

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Hello Caroline,

For another perspective: while buying your drink package onboard does not afford you any discount, it may buy you some good will- the bartender you book with apparently gets some sort of bonus! It is an easy process- just tell any bartender you want to buy or upgrade your drink package and he uses your sea pass to charge it to your onboard account. He is then your friend for the entire cruise!

I *believe* that we got a helipad sailaway invitation from my DH's favorite bartender at the Sunset Bar on the Reflection when DH upgraded his classic package to the premium package with him, and then proceeded to tell everyone who sat next to him that upgrading was a great deal! I guess DH did a great job as the bartender thought my husband was in sales- which he is not!

Enjoy your cruise! Three days without kids is priceless! And the return to your kids is even richer!!!

Jen

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Luggage storage dilemma aside: if you haven't seen Ft Lauderdale from the Intracoastal waterway, a fun and relaxing day activity would be to take the hop-on, hop- off water taxi. Beachside and mainland pick-up and drop-off points with lunch & shopping options along the way. Just viewing the mega yachts and homes will keep you entertained. A favorite place of mine if you want nature, art, architecture, culture and history combined is touring The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, one of the stops. Just google Ft Lauderdale Water Taxi to find the website with routes and fares. $26 and about 3 hours just cruising the entire route.

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Thanks for the insight about constant URLs on SmugMug, Emperor Norton. I have not seen that feature as a benefit or a negative in any online photo storage site comparisons. I have not been an active online photo sharer but want to start, plus my hard drive is full so I am looking for that easy back up solution as well.

I can well imagine that my initial organization of my trip photos could easily change over the years. So I will add your insight to my criteria and investigate SmugMug more. Thanks again!

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Hello Wendy,

we used Walks of Italy, highly recommended by others on these forums. We did the VIP tour.

https://www.walksofitaly.com/rome-tours/colosseum-underground-tours

It was expensive @ 95€ per person. May not have chosen them if others had the time slots. Partly because of the expense but mostly because the tour was 3.5 hours. I thought that was too much time to allocate to one site during our 3 night stay. So much to see, so little time.

But I must say, it was not enough time! And we spent maybe one hour more!

In hindsight, I feel we lucked out and got a great tour company, by default, and a great guide. I definitely recommend them if you can swing the fee.

My DH LOVED Rome, and definitely wants to go back. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it too. I see why many CC posters say they have been back five times and still haven't done all they want.

Enjoy the planning and especially enjoy visiting Roma!

Jen

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Back from recent Rome trip (early May, 2016) and thought my observations might help those with future planning:

1) suggest buying your two tickets required at the same time to ensure you get your preferred underground tour time secured before buying the general Colosseum access tickets. I did not do this and that did not work out well for us! The general access tickets go on sale before the underground/third ring tour, and are basically undated and good for two days ( you could access the Colosseum on one day and the Roman Forum the next, for instance.)

In our situation, we bought general access first, because they were available online, and trying to get our to do list done and things paid for ahead of time. Then when the underground tour tickets became available, we could not get 6 tickets for the days or times we wanted. So we bought just two, the last two, at a compromised time slot because it was important for two to go on that tour. We really didn't know how the timing would work out but It wasn't a lot of money and felt it best to act and secure the slots. I also now believe (guessing due to information from other sites) that some of the time slots shown online have now been reserved for private tour groups, and one reason that the shown time slots appear sold out so quickly after they are available for purchase online.

2) fast forward to nearer our trip time, and studying the logistics more thoroughly, we concluded it would not work for two of the six to go in a different direction or do the Colosseum in the middle of the day and take longer for two. We researched private tour options, found one that still had 6 openings in the timeframe that worked for us ( many were sold out, a week or so in advance) and booked a private/ group guided tour for both the underground/3rd ring and the Roman Forum. So we 'invested' twice in the Colosseum access.

However we all agreed the guide and tour to both sites was well worth the extra money. The Roman Forum was much more fascinating than it appeared from photographs of a huge site with pretty trees and a bunch of stone! Without the benefit of a good storyteller to weave the context of the visuals we were experiencing in person into the historical insight of the life and politics of the past, it would have been just another ruin. I am sure an audio tour ala Rick Steves would be excellent as well, but I preferred the interaction with a real person and learned from others' questions. And a guide really helps with the pacing, especially with a group larger than two. Just figuring out where to go at intersections would have been taxing mentally with a group!

3) the most important observation for future trip planning: The lines. I had read the lines without tickets could be huge. I think people are catching on: the lines for those WITHOUT tickets were NIL! The line for those WITH tickets was LONG! ( granted, this was early in the season and 2:00 in the afternoon)

And with a private guide, you do in fact bypass the lines. A completely separate entrance. (and this was true in all our long line sites- private guides bypassed all lines, I say this because this was different than I had read in these forums). I tried to sell my pre-purchased Colosseum access tickets with no luck. Why take a chance on an undated ticket when there is no line to wait to buy one you know would get you in? I ended up giving them away- fun for me to see the surprise in the lucky folks!

4) yes, there are a lot of stairs for the underground and the third ring. A bit of stress on old knees and those with claustrophobia. But very doable. There is a controlled access elevator that houses up to 6 for those that can't navigate stairs.

No matter what size or who guides your tour group, two groups are combined for this section of the Colosseum. Even with audio headphones, it was a bit difficult to understand all of the guide due to the larger size group and the small quarters underground, due to lag time between matching the words to the visual as the people transitioned to the various spots. Still very interesting and well worth to see both underground and third ring part of the Colosseum.

5) In summary, while expensive, I believe a private tour is the best way to experience the Roman Forum and saves time for access to the Colosseum. Before I got to Rome, the Roman Forum wasn't on my must see list, just the Colosseum, but it was included in the private group tour. After I went, I liked the Forum better than the Colosseum, and actually, the history of the two is connected and makes both sites more interesting as a whole rather than two independent sites.

Given the cost of travel and room and board, the very knowledgeable and educated ( mostly PhDs) tour guides we had at all the historic sites were a small cost for a big payoff. (At least for your first time, even those in our group who had been before enjoyed it more the second time with a guide.) Not only the interactive learning part, but also logistically, which can make all the difference on a trip, adding ease and joy instead of stress.

The joy came from being up close and personal with a passionate LOCAL expert. Like getting twice the bang for your buck- historical knowledge and current, local culture at the same time! The ease came from focusing on just what your were seeing and hearing without worrying about which way to go or the time.

Isn't that what a vacation is all about?!

Hello Adam, hope I am not too late for your trip planning ( posted this info on other forums so hopefully you found the answer!). No, no return ferry from Oia to Fira. I was told it was a Port Authority rule. I am still of the opinion that it is due to an economic reason- the cable car infrastructure must be paid for somehow and the tourists likely are coveted by both Fira and Oia. Enjoy your visit to Santorini! It is amazing!