Beba-Beba

Hi David Just caught up and bookmarked this Live. Will re-read when I am planning my Panama Canal cruise in 2026 on the Ascent. Sooo much valuable advise from you and others following. I already have that tiny rechargeable fan, as well as the wet neck wraps. You balcony is heavenly. Still laughing about so many mishaps returning your rental car. Loooved your April Fools post. I totally bought it, lol!!! Are you experiencing any issues due to low water levels in the locks? I love the Boulud Chef's Tables too but after 3 of them IMHO they need to tweak the menu. I agree it's not just about the menu - the attendees make the evening memorable. Now that Luggage Valet is back and my luggage is not being weighed I will be able to bring home the book that weighs a ton. One day I hope to get one of your custom name tags. I almost did once but not quite..... Looking forward to following along. Mary

@lola2013 Hi Susan On the cruise we were together my cabin steward said he took care of everything with my new cabin steward. BUT, things did not go as planned. I had to track down the new steward who gave me a rolling rack to move the hanging stuff myself and I also moved the suitcases because I had to get to breakfast and attend the b2b meeting within a short period of time. Corridors were congested which complicated things. With all the cuts and reduced staffing, plus the stewards are extremely busy on turn around day I would say plan your day with Murphy's Law in mind. Good luck. Lesson learned: book early so you remain in the same cabin. In the case above I added the 3rd leg when X had a rare promotion for solo cruisers where there was a zero supplement required. I had my TA re-book my b2b and with the savings I added the 3rd cruise but I had to move to another cabin for the last leg. Luckily it was the cabin next door otherwise I would not have been able to do all that by myself. Still I was not a happy camper. Apparently those 2 stewards did not get along or something - none of my business. Even though the cabins were next to each other they had different stewards! Lucky me😒 Mary Mary

@cruising in The answers above are all correct. However, if you enjoy glam, do it you will not feel uncomfortable. You will see some couples where he is dresses more casually but my lady is dressed to the nines, gowns do still exist on X cruises and the gentlemen are sooo handsome in a dinner jacket or tuxedo. If you are driving to the port there is no excuse. Whatever makes you feel good. This is your vacation do what feels good for you.

Just did check-in 2 days ago for the 1st one. Can't wait!!!! Enjoy Bangkok! Your pictures are wonderful! More PLEASE!! Mary

Read post #8. They did not do the survey.

@cruisestitch They posted here. Look at post #8 above.

On one of my roll calls someone posted that they believe a new recent improved perk for Elites is if you are doing a B2B the second cruise Free 90 minute Premium Wifi perk is increased to 120 minutes. Is that accurate? I do not see it listed on the Captain's Club tier benefits or anywhere else either. It would be lovely if true.

Bon Voyage @tnm6217 I too will be following. I plan on watching your sailaway and day dream!!!!! I have to wait until Feb 5th to board EQ. Please tell us more other champagne choices you discover at the various bars/lounges as the cruise progresses. THX Hi Susan / @lola2013 Remember me? I was with you on the ABC cruise you mentioned!!!! Happy to see the OP is off to such a good start! The constant complaining on these boards had me worried although I see that the champagne choices are still an issue. Last winter after commenting (nicely) to the Bar Manager about my preferences he made Cattier available at the Martini Bar and MDR nightly. It was not Veuve Clicquot my fave but nice. I am on EQ this coming winter for another b2b2b - 2 of them are ABC: Feb 15th and Feb 24th. What are your plans? Mary

This past Feb on the Equinox 2 couples and I ( I am solo) each booked Murano individually. Two were able to book 8pm, 2 got 8:30 and 1 got 9pm. Embarkation day we asked to be seated together and the Maitre d' made it happen. We got what we wanted and Murano freed up 2 tables that they could flip 1 more time that evening. For them they want to book each table as many times as possible. I like to dine on the late side. I get to dine at a slower pace because they are not looking to flip the table. BTW -- The specialty restaurants do not make all the time slots available online. That is why they have the wiggle room to move reservations around to accommodate the cruisers once we board. I read here on these boards that only 25 to 30% of the reservation slots are opened up to pre-cruise bookings. When I asked the maitre d' he confirmed that that was correct but he did not confirm what percentage was withheld. Go ahead and book pre-cruise. They will really try to accommodate reasonable requests. Being somewhat flexible about the timing helps too! Mary

I correct that when I visit Murano upon boarding. I get it back in OBC or credited back to my card depending on what I used to book. They are VERY accommodating. OR each couple could book individually online and visit Murano upon boarding to ask to be seated together. They are very accommodating even if each couple has different time.

Go to your own upcoming cruises on the Celebrity website, select manage reservation, in the cruise planner, select dining, click on Murano, while booking your own reservation it will allow you to "add guest". By adding your friend's reservation numbers you can set it up (up to 8). Personally upon boarding I head to Murano and make sure it is set up correctly. They are VERY accommodating.

As the others said 15% off for elite plus. On the Celebrity website go into the cruise planner to book dining pre-cruise and use OBC to pay for them. At the moment Tuscan and Murano have a 33% and 30% discount, respectively, for the 1st night. Otherwise speak to the maitre d in your assigned dining room. They sometimes have some lovely discounts. Also, as soon as you set foot on your ship you likely will be approached and offered all sorts of dining discounts.

Loving following your latest adventure with my morning coffee. Thank you so much for sharing your stunning pictures. Have you heard anything about the luggage valet returning to MIA & FLL? I will be sailing Jan 30 on the Equinox for a b3b. This senior solo cruiser really misses the convenience of that program. Mary