kokopelli-az

I constantly look at the pricing of the beverage and Internet packages.   For our cruise in September 2024, I had purchased the beverage package at "buy one get one 50% off" ($77.99 pd/pp).

I saw the Senior Savings Sale a few days ago and the beverage package was $67.99 pd/pp).   So I cancelled the $77.99 pd/pp and rebooked the Senior Savings Sale price.   So for two people the new price was a good savings.  

Royal was very quick to charge me for the new package but I haven't received a refund yet for my original package.  

Internet package still the same:  $19.99 per day for one device.  

I'll keep checking.   The prices might go down again....

Take a look at the multi-game machines.   They should have Keno as a selection on them.  

According to Celebrity, here's what is currently available with the PH:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/staterooms/suite-class/penthouse-suite

Make sure you have a print-out of your OBC amount.  We have had several Celebrity cruises where not all of it was showing (commonly missing is the bonus OBC for booking a new cruise while on another cruise).  I make sure I have a print-out (either the original booking from Celebrity or the confirmation from the TA) because I have gotten used to having to go to Guest Services to tell them not all of my OBC is showing and then give them my documentation.   If your OBC is not correct and you don't have documentation, you are out of luck.  

Perfect example is attached.   I actually have $850 OBC for this cruise but the $250 bonus OBC for booking while on-board is missing.   Off to Guest Services again...

Definitely carry it on the plane.   It does not count as one of your carry-ons and flies for free.  You can stow it in one of the overhead bins (or the crew can assist).  

Never check your cane.  

Thanks for the info on the Apex.  We will be on her in February with a scooter.   We will keep a look-out for bumps. 

If you had any tender ports, did you happen to take the Magic Carpet to get on the tender?   

20 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

  I had forgotten about the lounge being closed.  We are normally there on weekends and even pre-COVID the lounge was closed from Friday after breakfast until Sunday evening. 

 

 

 

You mean the bar is closed at the Renaissance??    (We were there in November and it was open . . .  The bartender was somewhat crabby and it was packed.)

21 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

The only positive about the flat rate is you're nearly guaranteed they'll get there the fastest.  When metered, while I doubt they'd drive you around town, they may avoid some shortcuts

I tell you those taxi drivers in Lauderdale drive like bats out of H***

Try saying, "I only have a $20 bill or else I'll have to use a credit card."   See how quickly they take the $20.   

3 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

It's supposed to be metered and around $15 yet usually unless you ask the driver before you get in they'll lie and say it's a fixed price of $20 even though you can see the meter is running.  

I always tell them I don't have anything except a $20 bill.  I figure that is fair and includes a tip.   They always take it.   They definitely don't want you to use a credit card.  

43 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

Going from Port Everglades to the airport we always take a taxi because they are lined up and ready to go and the airport is so close the taxi fare is always reasonable.  

What is the official fare for a taxi from Port Everglades to FLL?   

7 hours ago, Fly and Sail said:

Don't bother with rideshares either because there will be surge pricing during disembarkation. 

This is an understatement.   On November 12 our UberXL from the Marriott Courtyard Airport and Cruise Port to Port Everglades was nearly $50 (pre-tip).   This would have been about 11am.  

When we go back in February, I am definitely going to be taking a taxi if Uber is charging this much.  

You might do a search for:  accessible shore excursion tours [name of port]    

Or wheelchair accessible tours [name of port]

Put quotes around the words that you want to be sure are included, like "accessible" "tours" "Belize" or similar.  

What cruise line are you going to be on?   They may have accessible shore excursions but it is probably too early for them to be posted.   What are your port stops? 

You might check with the St Maarten Taxi Association.   They are the largest taxi company on the island.

http://taxistmaarten.com/

And John Sage recommends this tour:

https://www.sagetraveling.com/top-menu-navigation/shore-excursions/st-maarten/st-maarten-wheelchair-accessible-beach-excursion/

There is also the Accessible St Maarten website:

https://www.accessaridestmaarten.com/

The least expensive way would be hiring a taxi.   

We'll be on the Celebrity Apex in February and this ship has the the Magic Carpet that will take passengers with scooters, etc. down to where the tender boat picks you up.   I know scooters can get on the tender boat from the Magic Carpet but what about when arriving at Belize City or George Town?   Are you dropped off right at a dock where you can easily roll off/on or are there obsticles preventing this (such as steps, sand, etc).   

We've been at these ports before but that was way before using a scooter.   

14 hours ago, Carole2313 said:

Do you have the contact info for accessible taxis in Ft. Lauderdale?  I fly with a transfer wheelchair, but have reserved an electric wheelchair for the cruise.

My husband does a similar thing.   Travels with a transfer chair and rents a scooter for the ship.  

Your electric wheelchair is rented and will be in your stateroom, correct?   Assuming your transfer chair folds up, are you sure you need an accessible taxi?    We have always had a regular taxi (although sometimes a van taxi) and the transfer chair folds up to fit in the trunk.  A lot of those taxis are Crown Victorias and they have big trunks.   

But more recently, we have been using Uber from the hotel to the pier.   We always order an UberXL (they are a larger vehicle, like an SUV) which is a big improvement from the taxis.   

They have a category called Ocean Crossings that might help:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/destinations/ocean-crossing-cruises?icid=dstntn__cnc_hm_other_114

@Nora86  You might do a search on this forum for "elevators" and "scooter".   There are lots of conversations regarding getting on elevators with scooters (or any mobility equipment for that matter).  You will get some handy tips.   

PS:  Never use the gangway at ports with your scooter without assistance from the ship personnel.  (They will be watching for and helping passengers with mobility devices.)    

And per Celebrity's website:

If there’s a certain diet you follow, it’s easy to scan the menu to find dishes you can eat. Menu items are noted with a special symbol if they are gluten-free, free of added sugar, lactose-free, vegetarian, or fit fare. The fit fare menu items combine natural flavor and balanced nutrition without compromising on taste.

No matter which restaurant you choose to dine in while cruising with Celebrity, you can find healthy menu options every night of your cruise.

Let your servers know or ask personnel in the buffet for lactose-free options.  Sometimes they have choices that are not on the menu/set out in the buffet.   

Just got off the Reflection 2 weeks ago at Port Everglades and much to my dismay, no luggage valet.

Have you looked here?   (look under Travel and Transportation, and then Transfers)

https://www.princess.com/en-us/faq/pre-cruise

They should be able to secure accessible transportation from LAX to the pier.   But they need to know ahead of time for this to be arranged.   Then you don't need to worry about if your mobility device will fit or if there are steps to get into the vehicle.   (Most regular airport to ship transfer vehicles are tour-size buses.)

Plan B:   Request an UberXL vehicle to take you from LAX to the pier.   the UberXL vehicles are larger (like SUVs) vehicles and you should be able to have room for your rollator in the back.  And you won't have to wait for the Princess bus to fill up with passengers before it leaves for the pier.

https://www.uber.com/us/en/ride/uberxl/

Plan C  Request transportation through Wingz.   We have personally used them numerous times (although not from LAX) and we won't use anyone else if we can book with Wingz.   You would need to advise them when you are completing your ride request that you need a vehicle that will accommodate a large folding rollator.     https://www.wingz.me/airport/lax/    In my opinion, Wingz is a step above Uber.

There is a form (attached, see last section: other disability related needs...).   The Special Needs Dept will probably request that it be completed.   We were on the Reflection a couple of weeks ago and they had signs indicating the gluten free breads and pastries in the buffet.  

CEL-Special-Needs-Form-Revised-062221x.pdf

@39august is correct.   All alcohol in the Retreat Lounge (aka Michael's Club) is included.  You can take your drinks with you; you don't have to consume them in the Retreat Lounge.  You can request a double if you want.  

We were on the Equinox in Sept and had the drink package.  However, every morning we went to the Retreat Lounge for a Bloody Mary to go.   For some reason, they are better from the Retreat Lounge.  

Under the Q&A for the Wyndam Bayside it says:

The hotel does not shuttle to the cruise terminal. The terminal is just a short walk across the street.

But they do have an airport shuttle.

We have used Uber numerous times out of Fort Lauderdale (and other towns) and have never had any issues.   They never seem to be very far away from where we need to be picked up.