alexandra cruiser

I agree with all above comments, and just wish to add a few thing.s

Look at each country you ll be going to, some like Iceland,can be difficult to find avail .tours privately. Esp.when large ship in port. Also, if area feels unfortable to do on own, may not feel safe,etc...like Egypt,etc. Then consider if you re absolutely SURE a private tour will be able to get you back to ship ON TIME. Personally,had a few where we BARELY made it. Tour truck broke down and had to wait for back up(not like with ship one,where they DO GET you back guaranteed.

Also, can start on ship tour,then go on own to get back to ship.Just let guide know and tip then.

So ,lots to consider, and good luck.

as we WERE in a sky suite. Guess its just confusing for newcomers as to whats in certain suites.If I go on another I ll be better informed. We only used refrig for the water bottles and wondered why warm till refrig.then replaced. Does help if its working,right.

PS.Love that beagle ,TeaBag. Just lost my dear old beagle Max,at 16, 4 mos.ago.Sure miss him and one of the reasons I booked this 5 Caribbean cruise at last min. Had one booked for Jan.on Oceania but needed a break due to profound feelings of loss and sadness over his death.

Realize reason I thought it was "nickel and dime"thing is the costs were printed on menu(even Luminae,for extra coffee drinks) and everytime I handed card ,not sure if covered or not. Finally asked,but as firstimer,did NOT KNOW exactly.

Also, it was mentioned in above posts re/fully stocked refrig, Ours was empty and didn t work, till I told butler.Never knew it was to be stocked and wasn t.

Had to ASk for items that should have been provided, often many times, like water bottles, breakfast order forms,etc. No big thing,but could do a little better there.

Again, don t mean to nitpick,but most cruises appreciate the comments to help improve experience.

We went in a few times and either no one there or staff told us not open now.But when we did see lights on we went in and got good service.

Did notice Nexpresso machine,but not sure if we could use it.Looked sort of complicated and no cups out.

Went to a future cruise lecture there and only 2 people showed up.Felt sorry for presenter.

All in all, glad we gave it a try.But only if we booked a suite.Also my TA gives perks and discounts for luxury lines,but won t even book mass market,or Celebrity. Sort of odd,but had to do booking on own,or find another TA for this one.It definitely says on TA web,but sort of miffed since I book at least 2 with her a yr.Oh well.

for each extra,so you re right.Just having card on me and presenting it was a new experience. Just prefer other lines,but as I said,very happy with this,in a different way.

Only problem with Michaels was, never seemed to be open when we were around there.But very nice service when we did go.

The other smaller ships seem less crowded and better service,smaller lines,less chaos.Luckily there are many cruises lines to choose from.One for everyone.

We are also in our 70 s and prefer slower pace and less noise,sadly. Years ago we LOVED just going on ANY cruise and it was such a luxury.

But would take another Celebrity if itinerary what I wanted.

Took my Infinity cruise last wk.and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. Usually go on Oceania,Seabourn,Regent,etc. and gave up on mass market after terrible RC cruise.

Booked a suite and very spacious with great butler service and room service.

Enjoyed the suite rest.Luminae,also Blu, but MR too crowded.Also, noticed real difference at buffets.Just too many people and too chaotic there.

The 2 theater shows were impressive,but passed on the comedian and singer after 15 mins.

Did not take any shore exc.so can t comment on them. STill not liking the nickel and dime thing,even for cappachino,etc.

May consider doing another and glad I gave them a try.We got a lot of perks,but almost as pricy per day as luxury lines ,when you figure all the extras. In general, you DO GET what you pay for on cruises,as in life,it seems.BUt a real step above Mass market lines.:)

and you re all right,did misread.Sorry for confusion.

Sent another email to my TA to ignore first.

I booked the 4 FREE excursions before final payment, now I see same cruise is offering 6;contacted my TA to add the extra. Since its the weekend, no reply yet. But wonder if others have done this, I ve gotten a discount in fare on other lines,but not this ,exactly.

Any thoughts?Seems only fair, as not to would penalize early bookers.

PLEASE blog and write review. Will be MUCH appreciated to those of us on the fence about booking this one.

Will look for it,thanks in advance.

and take taxi to hotel for pre cruise stay.

Sadly, on one occasion I had to cancel cruise and only got airline to give me voucher for 1 yr.then penalty attached.Ended up losing lots of money because not able to use it.

For next one, got cancel for any reason,,just in case.Then next one ,used cruise air and worked out OK. Depends on where I m going,etc.

But never use the transfers unless FREE, always tell TA NOT to inc.if charged.

and will continue to check ea.line.

The Marina cruise in 2018 is in Feb. But heat and humidity not a prob.since I live in FL.and sadly,used to it.

Ordered a brochure from PG, so will look more closely.

Just mentioning the above complaints that were on member review section.

Also, guess I tend to lean towards slightly larger ship for less motion, better amenities(some complained about small workout room ,etc).

Just had bad experience on SeaDream.Too small.

Still open to both lines at this point and have a lot of time.

so I can plan ahead re flights for next yr. Sounds like a day room for 5am arrival or go early. Sounds like flights there are very limited, so will check out all options.

Love the info I can get on CC, saves me lots of time and money.

as I just started to compare the two for 2018(wish list). Read LOTS of PG reviews and many seemed to love it.But try to avoid the smaller ships like that due to excess motion(seems to be a problem on the 1,and only,PG ship. Also, quite a few said entertainment can be a little hokey,poor coffee thru out ,etc.Since those are ALL important,among loads of other things.,,may pick O .

Have 2 /O trips booked already,may decide on the Jan.cruise and book on it to get OBC,etc.

Love Marina since I can book veranda cabin and get a tub,not have to upgrade to PH like I do on R ships. That s one of the reasons I won t go on Sirena,no tubs. Small point for many,but deal breaker due to medical probs for us.

Also many on PG said sort of "clubby",dealt with that on SeaDream and not for us.We tend to be laid back and sort of private,not try to FIT in,if you get my drift.

and want to tell the preismans ,see above post. for their fantastic blog and pics.Felt like I was THERE.

Concerned about weather, and rolling ship,but NEED a tub so only choice is suite.Never been on Infinity and not sure where those are located,have first Cele.cruise in Oct. and will try it out. I can manage a little rock and roll but not the horror stories I ve read and seen on documentaries.

would like to try Blu. Re MDR, we booked this late and they assigned us early MDR sitting,no flex dining avail.Put on waiting list,so we ll just have to see how that goes.

My cheap DH will NOT go to any of the rest.that charge extra. Only way we got suite is due to my NEED for a bathtub. Also.,,LOVE breakfast room service and not sure full breakfast avail.in reg cabins.

Sorry, but after the year we ve had ,,I really need some pampering.haha

for possible booking.

Decided to just go on own in Key West and Nassua,as we have been on most of exc.listed .

Re. going on own. We have booked privately and luckily had no probs. THat being said, had 2 cruises where some people were very late and missed the boat, literally.Had to meet up at next port. Would depend on country,city,nearness to port from city,etc.. Now we ALWAYS take our passport,or copy, just in case. And copy of itinerary. Hope we Never have to do that.

just have to thank you both for responses. Made my day, and YES ,I do need a cruise. No, both too old for another beagle, have 3 cats instead.BUt WISH I could.

Re. Blu rest. We booked suite and does that mean we can also eat in Blu, or just Luminae? Would like to TRY MDR also. Only 5 day cruise, as a tryout on Celebrity.Have 2 other ones booked,but on Oceania.

Again, sorry we sort of hijacked OP.

when looking at them,I see 2 prices listed. Is there a package or discount for booking more?

Am first timer on Celebrity and trying to get all the info I need.

Do these exc.book up fairly quickly, does PH guest get first date to book,like some lines?

Have you been mostly happy with those you took?Any help would be appreciated.

and couldn t find,guess I ll have to start new thread or just call.

Also, those that posted their beagle pics, thanks it made me smile.I just lost my dear 16 yr.old beagle Max ,less than 2 mos.ago. You guys are so lucky to have them,cherish your time.

Because of his poor health,I ve not been anywhere in over a yr.Need a cruise in Oct.to cheer me up.

You can go any time the restaurant is open. Luminae is not open for lunch on port days. Reservations are not necessary.

on a thread above it said its not open on embarkation day, others said it was. Maybe class of ship, I m on Infinity.

Also, little off topic,but maybe you can help.When trying to book online shore exc. there are 2 prices listed. What s that mean?Is there some type of special pkg.?

but glad my TA gives that to us as a perk.

We also give extra to our butler,if in PH.or room steward in others.

Good service should mean good tips.

Guess many don t like auto add,even if not mandatory.

Sure others would leave little or nothing,sad but true.

This is my first ,so thought open dining meant you could just go anytime,not call ahead.NO??For all ,breakfast,lunch,too?

TRY to call them myself and ask WHY, exactly. Seems very odd for this to change acc.to cruise destination.

Sure not all of above who got this are taking same cruise,destination,etc.

When I m told NO, I tend to ask for specifics.Sometimes my bugging them will get results.Sorry, but just my personality.

I also have ONLY 3 booked,so far.

Alexandra cruiser, I do understand how you feel. I approach life differently. If the amount I am going to outlay makes no difference to my future well being, I am prepared to take the risk. However, having said that, I only use companies that come recommended on Trip Advisor or Cruise Critic. The private tours are so much better than ship excursions with BIG buses, long lunches and free time to shop. We have never had a problem getting back to the ship on time as I always plan to be back at least an hour before the all on board time.

 

In Reykjavik, the very best tour is the Golden Circle. On two occasions I have used Iceland Horizon info@icelandhorizon.is. That company is payment on the day.

 

I am not a TA - just s fellow cruiser who enjoys life.

and good idea about that company, will look them up.I tend to only take the cruise tours that avoid long bus trips,shopping time,etc. We go on physical ones ,,not TOO, like kayaking,hiking,etc. They tend to attrack less people and need to use my 9 free exc.as my TA provides OBC,gratuities,etc.

Anyone had luck booking online and getting this discount?

Let us know.

Have another cruise and sort of holding off.

So much easier for me just to do it ALL online.

Thanks