dodger1964

I learned that the drinks were unlimited (I thought it was only 2 per person)...

we have only sailed one time when we had the free drink package...but during that cruise I would OFTEN get a beer from Cafe al Bacio...it was very convenient and there was almost never any wait!

maybe some passengers can volunteer to catch fish from off the back of the ship?

We (or at least I) just go to the buffet and bring back food (for both of us) to room so can get ready and leave on time. Just like checking into hotel (major brand name) recently and being asked, "do you want maid service during your stay"?...that is coming next to X!

we only pack one shirt that can pass for whatever is one up from t-shirts. We are elite plus and have never eaten in the MDR...we eat in the buffet or in our room...that is just how we travel...the only reason we bring a nicer shirt is to be able to go the elite events in something other that a t-shirt. Yes, I read that somewhere...normally that would make me cringe, but this time we are cruising on one of the "why the hell did they give us a free casino cruise!!" deals...so $100 paid for dinners(and we order A LOT of food) will be just fine (as long as we can get the MDR meals!) Thanks for your info!

We rent car each time we go there. 5 or 6 times now. We are doing again in late feb or early march when visit again with celebrity. It’s been about four or five years since we’ve been there. The rental car place says they’re mostly right at the pier just to the right when you get off the ship. I’m thinking one time we might’ve had to take short shuttle ride to the car otherwise the cars are always right there. we typically just make one lap around the island stopping along the way at whatever we want to do.

On similar cruise end of February. have a great cruise IF u get time please report what the muster drill was like. I’m guessing it’s like other lines are doing, watching a video and just going to the Muster station to get checked off.

Elite plus on X. We have never eaten in the dining room…not once. We either eat at the buffet or order off the regular main dining room menu And have a delivered to our room. anybody know if you can still order off the MDR menu and have it delivered to your room?

We’re staying at holiday inn express in late February..less than $300 all in. Free airport shuttle. Looks like plenty restaurants around area.

Is there a time limit if you don't have any checked bags? I guess my question is, can you get to airport 3 hours early and get thru security with just carry on luggage?

Just off virtuoso in Southampton. During a sea day all passengers that embarked in southampton had to go to the gym and show passports to immigration (line took long time. Maybe 30 minutes…interview took 10 seconds). At end of cruise, We walked off ship at 830am with “Self disembarkation“ and line was about 3 minutes!

We have already stayed once (and are staying again next week) at the Holiday Inn. It is right next to where our ship docks. We walked to the ship. There is a shopping mall and other shops very walkable from the hotel. Have a great trip.

The holiday inn hotel has stay and cruise rates.

This was our view.

We stayed at that holiday inn pre COVID and it also happened to be boat show time. We still,walked to the ship. Just had to walk farther, but still very doable.

What would be typical tip for that taxi ride? Say fare was £70.

Yes, because obviously a vaccinated person can’t get seriously ill..(I’m fully vaxed, but I think comments like this are disingenuous ). Carnival has it right!

I thought you still had to wear masks in Germany on Public Transportation (but that is just from reading news on the internet!)...You are saying that there are no more mask rules in the country...right? And secondly, how easy is it to get a Covid test in major city (Hamburg) for the required "within 2 days of sailing" test? We are thinking of doing the MSC cruise out of Keil, and would fly in 3 or 4 days early (so would have to get the test in Germany). thanks for your information!

thanks for the link...I didn't know Germany still required masks on public transport.

there is no link attached...fyi. We are also considering same/similar cruise and not sure if worth it or not...we would fly into Hamburg a few days in advance and then would have to try to figure out how to get a test somewhere there? It seems like a hastle.

3 hours in port has to be a record?