smileytrips

YES, if you are a drinker, you will be glad you did!!

We decided to keep it simple and take the Heathrow Express from Heathrow to Paddington Station. Staying at the Best Western which we can walk to and have two easy tube and bus stations nearby. Also in walking distance to Hyde Park. Just a thought!

Thank you John Bull for such a thorough response and thank you ontheweb. I was also planning on using the ship transfer on the return home.

Based on the info you provided me I think I will take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station and just get a hotel there hopefully in walking distance. The main reason I'm staying in London is for the required Covid test for the cruise, otherwise, I would just stay in Dover. My husband likes WW2 history but I couldn't find any place to get the test done there. I'm sure we will both enjoy London since we have never been though. In order for us to get to one of the high speed train stations, would we be able to have a pre arranged driver for that or would we have to give up an arm for a taxi? I don't think I could figure out the bus or tube situation in that little time. It was hard enough for us to figure out Italy last year! LOL  

Please correct my thinking and offer any advice please. Arriving a few days early for a cruise departing from Dover. I assume it will be easy to get a car from the airport to a London hotel. I am also assuming it will be easy to get a covid test in London also? Thoughts?  My cruise is requiring an antigen test 2 days before sailing. Possibly my hotel could give me some advice on that. Then onto Dover. What would be the best way to get there? I'm not sure that I would like to go straight to the cruise terminal or not. Possibly stay one night in Dover but then would need transportation to get around there. Thank you for your help and suggestions.

Thank you so much! Excellent answer!!

Just wondering if I can cancel a shore excursion and if so what would be the time frame? 

Thank you.

Recently cruised the Reflection and really enjoyed the little Spa Cafe. Do all S class ships have this?

Just got off the Reflection yesterday. I did take note of a Happy Hour at the Passport Bar (deck 3) and was very surprised. Not advertised in dailies but in the menus on the tables and at the bar. I can't remember the exact details because I had a drink package but the Happy Hour included 3 wines, a couple of beers and 3 mixed drinks. I would suggest checking out other menus on the ship also.

Thank you. That is what I thought. Just wanted to make sure since the last two cruises we drove to port.

The directions say to do so but I don't want a bunch of tags confusing baggage handlers and I'm also wondering that maybe Celebrity transfers might grab my luggage at baggage claim. What do you do?

Yes, if you have the time please send dailies to kimr817@yahoo.com

My last two cruises I tipped $20 in advance and asked for daily ice and both times I didn't get it. Had to track them down and continually ask. Did not remove auto grats. and would never even consider that!! I'm on the cruise this Saturday also and my plan this time is to tip daily for the ice...Like leave the money on top of the ice bucket on top of my bed every morning when I leave. I hoping that will work.

Looking for possible itinerary for this time. Not sure what would be open and available even with private tours. Possibly a bit of beach, rum factory and then Old San Juan? Any help appreciated. Just there on a cruise stop.

Thanks everyone. Good to know. We will catch a cab.

Sent from my XT1585 using Forums mobile app

Yes we do have a balcony and will most definitely be getting room service. As far as entertainment is concerned we are not usually into production shows but really enjoy listening and dancing to a live band? A good band can really make the cruise. Hope they at least offer that.

Sent from my XT1585 using Forums mobile app

When returning from cruise (reflection) our flight is at 11:50 out of Miami. I'm planning to walk of with my own bags but should I call for Uber or purchase the transfer option through Celebrity? Which is faster?

Does Celebrity strictly enforce the boarding times with your deck level like Carnival does?

Can you bring on Pellagrino Sparkling water? I like to drink one now and then. Wouldn't justify buying the package though.

Thank you, I will head to Guest Relations as soon as I board and hopefully get the select dining option. Good to hear the food is better on Celebrity because we certainly have been extremely dissatisfied with all the food venues on Princess. Although, I do like Princess' alcohol policy allowing me to bring on as much wine as I want for only $15 corkage each!!:) On Celebrity, will I be allowed to purchase a beverage package on the second day of the cruise so I can check things out to make sure I'm going to use it?

Thank you both. Very informative and good to know about the Aqua Spa Cafe.

We usually cruise with Princess and are super excited to finally do a Celebrity cruise. Booked this cruise hastily (30 days away) because airfare kept going up and I would really appreciate some clarification on some things. ....Besides the main dining room, buffet and mast grill, are there any other dining venues that do not have an extra cost associated with them? (we do not have a suite or aqua class) booking this late our only option was the late dining that I'm not crazy about. ...Am I correct that the Master Cellars is not included in any beverage package and that it is in self serve dispensers? I'm mostly a red wine wine drinker and I have not purchased a beverage package yet. Also, I read recently on the board somewhere that Celebrity does offer bottles for only $20 at the buffet. Any confirmations on that??....Celebrity does not have an app for texting cruise mates on board so how can we communicate with one another besides paying the high fee for unlimited internet? my cruise is not listing any other packages but I am assuming once on there will be others???...Is there a piano bar?...Thanks you for your help. Any and all tips and trick appreciated

So which hotels have a shuttle from the airport and to the cruise port?

Thank you all for your input. Yes I did have the larger balcony on the caribe deck so yes I would miss out on that. I liked the adult pool on the CP and I liked the bars outside by all the pools. I did not have any trouble getting chairs and I liked the live music outside. I just never felt crowded except at the buffet. Good to know that the buffet lines aren't long on the new ships because they sure were on the CP. I also enjoyed the vines wine bar. Is that on the new ships?

Just decided to take a last minute cruise on one of these ships and need help ASAP. I have not had time to do any research. I have only sailed on the Dawn, Grand, and Caribbean Princess ships and have been very pleased. Not sure about these larger ones and how they compare. Crowds at the pool? Balconies exposed, etc. Any tips? plus and minuses would be helpful. Thank you all so much!

Have them call Carnival and ask for new bookings. They will take a deposit that is completely refundable and when a cabin becomes available they will be notified and have 24 hrs to respond,