Safety Squirrel

I do not know if this question has been asked before. I used a TA for many years until she retired. I subsequently used her replacement for several cruises. I am not happy with the current TA. Is it possible to change my TA on two booked cruises? Would I just go to the new TA and have them change my reservation to them?

Thanks for your help.:)

I didn't read the entire thread, so maybe someone already posted this link. This video helped me when I had to go on our last cruise of 11 days. I got a lot packed into one suitcase.

 

 

How to pack your suitcase

 

Love your tip and the u-tube video. Have saved it to my computer. Going to Europe in May after cruise with DS & DIL and DS keeps reminding me that I can only have one suitcase as we will going on some trains.

THANK YOU:D

What is the best option for touring around Oahu? We're mainly wanting to visit the Polynesian Culture Center, Pearl Harbor, and the Dole pineapple factory. We'd like the least stressful and most cost efficient way to tour? TIA

If you look on line - the PCC offers several tours which you can pick from. Some tours you also pick your specific seats for the evening performance. They also pick up at certain hotels and offer two choices.

When I booked - (3 weeks ago) - they were offering a 10% discount on tours paid on line. Cost efficient - I guess it depends on how many people are in your party and whether it would be cheaper to rent a vehicle.

A debit card is a card where you have to use a PIN to protect the transaction.

 

A Credit card only requires a swipe of the magnetic strip, no PIN is entered.

 

ATM card is now a generic term for any card you put in a machine to get has, which can be done with both Debit and Credit cards.

 

So some cards can be BOTH a Credit card or Debit card, if they are VI/MC debit cards. If you process it as a debit card and enter a PIN as part of the transacction it gets Debit card rules applied as far as fraud. If it was swiped and signed for (soon to be CHIP and signed) then Credit card disputes will rule.

Credit Cards issued in Canada for many years from most banks etc. have had the PIN number. In the province I live in -- all stores etc. were required to install machines that required a PIN number to avoid misuse. True -- at some stores, you can just tap the card if it is under a certain amount (I think $40-50) but I would never do that as I read an article on how someone could skim your card if you tapped it.

In 2010 while on cruise and staying Rome for a week - most restaurants and shops required the use of a pin.

I have never understood why it is not mandatory in the USA. I did notice that on my last trip to Kissimmee in January 2015 that Wal-Mart required the PIN. The use of PIN numbers would prevent some scamming but I am sure criminals will find a way.

I think that would be a great idea. I wish they would start by stopping the Art auction announcements that we get almost every day. That is a real waste of paper !!! But we would love to get the dailies and news on our iPads instead of paper. That would save money and paper and costs !!

Not everyone brings IPads etc. on cruises. Some of us actually read the dailies and bring them home to use in our memento scrapbook (or whatever you do to remember your cruise). I do agree on the art auction daily announcements etc. - do not need those

Have an opt-out when filling in the on-line check-in.

Fred Klett - one of the funniest men I have ever seen. He was on the Infinity TA last October and following his first show , which was not full - word spread. From then on whenever he was on stage there was no room in the theatre.

All seats were occupied and people were standing everywhere - he was fantastic. We went a little late to one performance and could not even get into the theatre it was that full. There were also dozens of people in the passageway leading into the area just listening and laughing.

 

If he was on in my local theatre - I would pay to see him.

One of the funniest comedians around :D -- also goes to show that you do not need to use profane language to get a laugh. The theatre was full and almost everyone was laughing. Hope to see him on one of my future cruises.

The problem with getting the double points is this:

 

If you had a cruise booked prior to the double points taking effect (July 1, 2014), their computers do not recognize your cruise as being "qualified" - even though it is, of course! Captain's Club quickly corrects the situation. (You need to call or email them, however.) You only get the double points if you paid "full fare", not a discounted fare.

 

:(

Thank you for this information regarding prior cruises, I will be e-mailing Captain's club as I had cruised solo previously and thought double points were only awarded after the announcement.

Thank you once again:D

I wondered who forgot some money in the safe, but are you sure it was a million $'s, I only found a penny. Somebody must have gotten to it before I got there LOL!

 

Love a positive attitude like yours and hopefully one day we will sail on the same cruise.

Was it only a penny;) As we no longer have pennies in our currency in Canada -- thought it was a million $$ --- lol - only kidding

thank you everyone for the suggestions for breakfast. Lois R-- pictures are great:D

Will certainly try some of them -- now just have to get going on the weight loss before the cruise

Just off the Summit last Saturday and had a great time.

 

The crew. From the Captain on down, the entire crew was a pleasure. You couldn’t walk down a hallway without someone asking how your day was or wishing you a good day or just saying hello.

 

Cabin 8112 (Concierge Class). Was very quiet, couldn’t hear the neighbors, even those on the other side of them could. Room Steward and Assistant Room Steward, kept everything nice and clean. Got some towel animals, totally unexpected but cute, had a pitcher of iced water delivered daily.

 

Celebrity’s enforcement of rules/codes; if you are not going to enforce them, then don’t have them.

 

I thought the Cruise Director was too over the top and a little childish, just not my cup of tea. I am sure others think he is great.

 

I think the Summit is a fantastic ship and even booked another cruise on her. Did she have some rust or wear and tear, I’m sure she did, but I didn’t notice, because I wasn’t looking for it. I was just looking to have a fun, relaxing cruise and she gave me exactly what I wanted by 100 percent.

 

The Captain or the voice from above: Leonardos Palaiokrassas

 

I like to read your reviews -- I was in #8112 on the September 2014 NE/Can cruise (did you find the million $$$ that I left in the safe by mistake lol:eek:)

 

I wrote a review when I returned and like you -- did not go around looking for things to find wrong, i.e. rust. I was there to have a good vacation.

 

I loved the 'voice from above' Captain Palaiokrassas - he was going on a well deserved vacation (!) to visit family etc. I am glad that he is back. Too bad he won't be on the Solstice on my Hawaiian cruise.

 

I also agree with your comments about the CD -- I am hoping the one on next cruise is better. However - different stroke for different folks. Some people liked him.

 

Will be interesting to see the dress code :( on my next cruise and if people are wearing flip-flops on formal night

 

Again, I enjoy reading your reviews and other comments on the CC boards as you always seem to be positive and not negative.

Worked for Hilton for awhile. Unless they added one and haven't updated their online info, there is no free hotel shuttle. They do have a preferred provider, SpeediShuttle, and also recommend Charley's...

Thank you -- I knew the HHV provided a shuttle and knew that they charged for it -- and you are correct = they list SpeediShuttle & Charley's. I did not read far enough down the page for the name of the tour operators.

TA is also looking into a taxi/shuttle service they use and it will be in Canadian dollars - so might save a few $$ but have to see how many hotels they go to. Other cruises I used a ship transfer once (never again) and go the taxi route as it is usually much quicker to go direct to hotel or airport.

Yes, DH went every morning to get good coffee. Much better than the room service stuff. Well, in my opinion anyway. ;)

Do you know what type of pastries they had in the morning?

thanks

Hi. Is there a cafe al bacio on the Summit? Thanks

I was on the Summit in September 2014 -- great pastries:D which are free. I am not a coffee drinker; however they had some great teas which I drank. I had the premium non-alcoholic beverage package so did not have to pay.

Next trip -- will go down to see what they offer for breakfast

I suggest you contact the insurance company before you buy the policy.....you see, many if not most insurance companies will not cover you for something that is expected when you purchase the policy. Give them the information and ask if it will be covered.

 

This also applies to your travel insurance (probably the same as the cancellation insurance)....should your immediate family member passes away while on the cruise, it may not be covered. Again, call and find out before you purchase the policy.

I agree with this -- make sure you know before you buy what insurance covers. In my case -- the brain tumour was only diagnosed in emergency department 60 days before my cruise -- that is why the insurance companies checked when I had bought my insurance (I had bought it several months before the diagnosis).

When my DS's & DIL's took me to emergency -- I said to the doctor -- I have a cruise in 60 days and I intend to be on that cruise. Little did I know what they would diagnose.

I was wondering if anyone has had to cancel a trip last minute and had to use the insurance? Did you receive all or most of your money back? How many hoops did you have to jump through? I ask because I have a immediate family member who is stage 4 cancer undetermined amount of time left. And my cruise is 39 days out.

 

 

Forums

I had to cancel a trip within 60 days of my cruise in 2013 due a brain tumour being diagnosed. I had purchased insurance through my TA (also in Canada). I did get all my money refunded for the cruise and air fare. There was lots of paper work required from various doctors etc. and it took time as the insurance company had to verify all reports, including the date when I had purchased the insurance. This was for myself though

Oldest DS & DIL were scheduled for a vacation during the time of my surgery (two weeks after the diagnosis) and they also had to provide reports from the various doctors etc.; and their money was refunded.

If you used a TA and purchased insurance from the TA -- they should be able to provide you with the necessary information. My TA contacted the insurance company for both me and DS & DIL and had the required papers sent to us for completion.

If you did not use a TA, you will probably have to contact the insurance company direct to find out the process.

My thoughts are certainly with you and your family at this time

Nope, most shore excursions list a separate price for children which is lower than the adult fare.

 

I had the exact same thing happen with an excursion I am looking at. The Adult price was listed as $87 Cdn (child price $54) and when you try to buy it the price jumps to $102. What is odd is that I was actually able to reach Celebrity who said "Sorry, $102 is the price" but couldn't explain why it went up and was higher than the $87 listed on the website. What is even worse is that the price in US $ is $79 and that is the price if you try to buy it. Guess I'll wait until I get onboard and pay $79 US.

 

I'm guessing this all has to do with the currency fluctuations (and more importantly the rising US $) and that in typical Celebrity website fashion isn't being handled well.

 

In my case, the different between the two published rates is 10% which is a "nice" exchange rate (currently the Cdn $ is 20% below the US $) while the actual rate they are trying to charge is $23% below the US $ (which is worse than the current exchange rate).

 

To the OP, please post what you find, and good luck.

With the excursions when you start to book - it says prices starting at $... I booked excursions 14 days ago when the Canadian dollar was low but not as low as it is today and the prices were actually as quoted. I am travelling with someone and I sent them the printouts. When they went to book by telephone, they did not get the price that I had shown and customer rep said that was the price. So .... long story short -- after visiting TA for final payment -- came home to book their excursions. Again it said 'prices from'. When we actually booked - prices were higher but the same as the Celebrity rep had quoted. The Canadian dollar has now dropped below the $.80 mark and my guess is that Celebrity is watching the market and adjusting prices accordingly. My friends, unfortunately 'snoozed' and did not book when I did and as a result are paying more. They could wait until onboard and the Canadian dollar could fall even more. One of the excursions that they wanted to go on and I had booked - was already sold out.

I do not know about the Australian rate of exchange, but certainly Celebrity is adjusting to the strength of the US dollar compared to the Canadian dollar.

How do you justify 18% gratuity on a beverage??! Particularly, in light of the fact that your oil/fuel costs have dropped about 40% in the last few months?

Gratuities have nothing to do with oil prices.

Gratuities go the serving personnel who well deserve them.:D

I am planning a future cruise from Fort Lauderdale -- will then go to Kissimmee for a further four weeks. Should I book a private shuttle or will a taxi just take me. Any suggestions as to private vehicle service from ship to Kissimmee would be welcomed, so that I could contact them ahead of time and arrange trnasporation. Would like to know as I am arranging the cruise this week with TA

Thanks

I might recommend getting the premium non alcohol package to cover Café al Bacio and the premium waters like San Pelligrino. If you are a coffee/tee/water snob you will get your money's worth. That's about $20 per day. Add on two $12 drinks per day and you're way cheaper than the premium alcohol packager.......imho.

I also would recommend like GranthamMommy the premium non alcoholic beverage package. Do not have to think about it and I do love the virgin pina coladas:D and enjoy some of the specialty teas (not a coffee drinker) at Café Baccio. I purchased the water package first time but when I figured in my virgin drinks - was well worth the upgrade and have purchased it every cruise since then.

My goodness - some travellers like to stay in suites and others stay in inside cabins - different strokes for different folks and their ability to pay the extra for the suites. and how many vacations they wish to take each year.

Celebrity is doing what some other lines already offered to suite guests. My oldest DS & DIL were upgraded to a suite on a Holland America Panama cruise.:D They loved it and the perks that came with it. As my son said, you do not go to meet the captain at the captain's reception, he (or she) comes to meet you in the special suite lounge. They had access to a variety of perks only suite guests could access. Now, true, they were upgraded by the upgrade fairy.

They have travelled on Celebrity, Princess, Holland America and Carnival. Each time they cruise, they weigh the options on whether to pay the extra for a suite. With exception of the upgrade, they travel with a balcony stateroom. Could they afford a suite - yes; however, they decide to travel more often and utilize balcony cabins. As I said -- different strokes for different folks.

If guests are willing to pay a premium for suites - they should be entitled to extra perks. Celebrity has seen this and perhaps they were losing passengers booking with other lines who were willing to pay extra for the suites and getting few perks in return from Celebrity.

I know that personally I will not probably be booking a suite -- however I book regular or concierge balconies which I prefer. Booked an inside cabin once when travelling with my DS DIL but definitely was not my 'cup of tea' even though I could sit on DS;s balcony. Booking as a solo sometimes, - this is also a factor on whether or not I would book a suite.

Let the suite guests enjoy a few extra perks as they are paying more $$$$ than non-suite guests. Just be thankful that the people on the Cruise Critic boards are able to afford the luxury of vacationing and taking a cruise. Many people in Canada and USA and other countries n the world are not able to enjoy a cruise,

Has anyone used the HHV hotel shuttle from the airport? Arrive a few days early for April cruise

Any thoughts on Cruise Director Ken Mills? I thought he was a big improvement from Steve (last name?) from our previous cruise on the Summit in 2013.

[[/i]

I think that cruise directors are a lot like food reviews - personal opinions. Ironically, when I had my review published about New England / Canada cruise, my comments at Ken were deleted by the hosts (comments that I thought just said my personal opinion - did not swear, did not call him names etc.)

I had mentioned that he was very loud and yelling into the microphone at the evening shows. Again, as mentioned -- always asking for approval of his remarks (yelling) with clapping etc. from the audience. I thought he was obnoxious and yes some of his jokes would not be appropriate for children - however, on our cruise there were very few children. When I saw him on deck, did not appear to mingle/speak with cruisers. I just ignored him as I had no desire to talk to him.

Some of our tablemates went to Sin City at night and they said his remarks were much more obscene and he certainly made many remarks regarding sexual orientation.

As for his weight - some people are more prone to putting on weight -- consider that if you were on a cruise for months on end -- would you put on weight if you were predisposed to weight gain and all the food that is available?? It is a lot easier to watch your weight and try not over-indulge when you are on a cruise for 4-30 days etc.

One of the CD's that I personally liked was Sue; however as with most CD's she has people who like and dislike her. As I said -- CD's are lot like food comments - personal preference.

Cruise directors do not impact on how I enjoy cruises.

I was recently on a Summit cruise when a person in the back loudly proclaimed that people who only take the elevator one deck should walk!! She said it loud enough that the person getting off the elevator heard her. I turned around to her as I had just come from the medical facility and showed her my leg which was black & blue (from the ankle to the knee) due to a fall on a ship excursion (I was going from deck 1 to deck 8). I said that you do not know why they are only taking the elevator for one deck -- they might have specific reasons. That sure shut the person up.

Do not be too quick to judge other people - you do not always know their circumstances. I know that I got some 'looks' when only going a couple of decks on the elevator - I was just following the doctor's orders who I saw every other day as per the doctor's request.

Due to a medical emergency we have to cancel our cruise last minute. I'm sure I read somewhere way back something about using that booking number to rebook so that you can keep your perks ?. I really have no time to research where to go right now so how do I go about it without losing everything. Thanks

I had to cancel a cruise in January 2013 due to a medical emergency, 60 days before the cruise. My DS contacted my TA immediately. I did have insurance. I had to provide written proof to the cruise line, air line and insurance company along with forms signed by the emergency room doctor, neurosurgeon, neurologist etc. I did get a refund although it did take some time. I actually cancelled as I did not know if or when I would be able to cruise again.

My understanding (according to TA) was that if I had transferred the cancelled cruise to another cruise, I would have been able to retain the perks. However, with cancelling, I did not get the perks on my most recent cruise.

Also, as I had paid with a MasterCard, the insurance company also contacted MC to make sure that the monies were not covered by them.

As you live in Canada, in my opinion, it would not be feasible to go to the pier the day of the cruise (as one poster suggested).

Also, when cancelling for medical reasons - cruise lines, insurance companies etc. require many forms to be filled out and signed by doctors, so it would not be easy to try and 'scam' them and have doctors sign the forms when you were not actually cancelling for medical reasons.

I wish you a speedy recovery and that all goes well with your medical issues. I hope that you will be able to cruise in the future.

I was fortunate and just completed a cruise and have two more booked:)

Was on the September 21/14 Summit sailing to Canada/New England.

The person who organized the slot pull kept a roll call and limited it to 40 people and posted the names of the people, using their roll names, not their actual names. We also knew ahead of time that we would be 'donating' $15.00 Thirty-eight showed up. We did not play after the CC get-together but rather on a sea day at 11:30 a.m. Ahead of time the person went to the casino and arranged for a machine and time. We played on the 'wheel of fortune' machine. Everyone gave the $15 and got five pulls on the $3. machine. When she collected the money, she went to the casino cashier and asked for large bills as putting $1-5-10 denominations would take a long time. All the money was put in the machine at one time.

They had the list of who paid, we each got to play and they crossed our names off. We were fortunate - did not win a lot of money; however got our $15 back plus $3. There was $29 left over. The group decided that rather than dividing up the $29 in change, we gave it to the roll call member who won the majority of our money. Sounded fair to us. We did not keep track of what each member won or lost, only the final total.

It was a fun event. :D