Nado44

If Apex was a Christmas sailing, I'd 100% recommend sailing her. She's got all the bells and whistles!

But it's Christmas. Being at sea on December 25th is really, really special. Do Equinox but consider saving money by downgrading to Veranda as Aqua isn't really all that special on the S-class as it is on E-class.

My 2-cents.

Spa prices are indeed high. But still a good place to burn OBC. Ask about specials as they do exist. I recently had a 60-minute deep tissue massage on Ascent for $129 USD by just asking for it at spa reception.

I otherwise find places at the ports that are much cheaper. Google is your friend.

43 minutes ago, kasowell2 said:

I was also told they have better rate for AAA and veterans. They said to make the reservation as pay later and they will bill when you are there. 
 

https://www.bookparkngo.com/?fbclid=IwAR1Iaa_IO49_PPFwgPi6rYBtJPNekodouW4j5hRF-AVrw-BwVGBpDhZZ3PM

Thanks for posting URL.

Can you share the URL for Park N Go? 

On 2/18/2024 at 5:52 PM, WisRiver said:

The bus station is on Calle 82 about two blocks from where the cruise shuttle drops you in Progreso.  Busses run about every 20 minutes and it takes about an hour to reach the Merida terminal near the central square.  The busses are clean, well maintained and reliable.  Here is a link to the bus company's web site with a map of the route.   https://www.autoprogreso.com/en/   I ride the bus several times a month with no problems.  You buy tickets at the ticket window in the station.  

This information is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

Has anyone taken the $2 public bus from Progreso to Merida? And can they provide any information, i.e. where the bus stop is, frequency, reliability, etc.?

Thanks!

Points awarded are based on the original Blue Chip Club (BCC) offer category. 

If you received a BCC offer for a complimentary inside cabin and later upgraded via move-up, paid or even no-cost upgrades (i.e. a veranda was the same price as an inside), you would receive points based on the original offer for an inside cabin.

With that said, there are rare operational exceptions.

If you're not a Zenith with Retreat Lounge access, I would go with a standard midship IV, i.e. cabins 8255, 8259, 8250, 8254. They're close to the central midship elevators, have beds near the bath and are located in an area of the ship where you have almost non-obstructed views to the water when looking down from your open window. 

Concierge isn't worth the upcharge, imo.

Aqua class might be worth the upcharge if you're after better quality sit-down meals and daily spa access. If Aqua, consider midship cabins 9239, 9243, 9236 or 9240.

Everyone's risk tolerance is different.

I recently self-debarked at Port Everglades and made a 8:15 am FLL-TPA flight. (Debarked @ 7:10. Taxi @ 7:20. Airport @ 7:35. Gate @ 8:00). Would I do it again? Yes but would probably need for the flight to leave at 9:00 am or later. (EDITED to add: I booked the 8:15 am flight because it was only $25 USD one way at the time of booking.)

Plan B was to rent a $100 USD one way auto and drive home (3.5 hours).

1 hour ago, cruiseerf said:

I have been told the merger of the Captains Club and RCLs Crown and Anchor program will be in 2024. 

I think you are referring to the merger of Celebrity's Blue Chip and Royal Caribbean's Club Royale casino programs. And not their loyalty programs.

Apex and Ascent both have a live craps table.

Both ships also have live Texas Hold 'em tables. A table usually starts/opens up at around 0930 most evenings. I believe a minimum of 5 players are needed for a game to start. $5/$7 blinds.

There are also live Texas Hold 'em tournaments in the afternoon on sea days. Tournament Buy-in I believe is $60 USD.

There is also an Ultimate Texas Hold 'em table on both ships. Minimums will be either $10 or $15 USD. A second table will open up if there is demand.

You'll want to book a suite in Retreat if you're looking for a similar MSC Yacht Club experience.

Within reason, do what makes you happy!

There was a cruiser on a recent Transatlantic who brought his full sized easel. He painted from various locations on the ship with palette in hand. 🧑‍🎨

11 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

RCL May be building smaller ships 

https://www.thestreet.com/travel/royal-caribbean-set-to-give-passengers-something-they-really-want#:~:text=While Royal Caribbean has now,home port on January 9.

Thanks for posting this interesting article.

I've often wondered what X/RCL's future plans would be for the Ports of Tampa, Baltimore and others worldwide that can only accommodate smaller vessels.

3 minutes ago, Tyler414 said:

Just saw a video on this.  I'm on Beyond in March, is this an Ascent only pool party?  Seems like the other E-class ships I've been on miss the mark for evening pool parties.  Virgin Voyages sets the standard IMO for pool deck night time fun.

Metallic Party is only on Ascent (for now).

One can get 4% back today using Rakuten. FYI.

1 hour ago, Alsmez said:

ABOUT US: we are younger Gen-Xers (46 and 50), classical musicians and foodies living in NYC...We have sailed in regular balconies, Aqua and a Sky Suite on Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette, Reflection and Summit... we traveled with one of my besties from college and his husband, both 48...

You may want to try sailing an Edge-class ship next and maybe in Retreat. Demographic on E-class also skews younger (40-55) than S- or M-class and is more sophisticated. Very rarely are kids present. Celebrity also has a nightly LGBT happy hour on all sailings. They also designate certain voyages in May/June as being Pride sailings.

On 1/5/2024 at 1:30 PM, tjunmin said:

[5] is the location of The Retreat check-in [partial photo].

 

Hope this helps!

Never knew the Tampa terminal had a dedicated Retreat area. I have always walked into the chaotic main hall and made a left to where all the agents stand ready to check in guests.

Thanks for posting.

This is the latest chart summary of Captains Club benefits. Dated December 2023.

Most cruise ships depart from the Moll Adossat pier.

CHEAP: Hotel Jazz or AC Hotels by Marriott.

MID-RANGE: I usually stay at the Alexandra Barcelona hotel, a Hilton property.

HIGH-END: The Almanac is a fabulous, centrally located five-star boutique hotel.

1 hour ago, bbfgator said:

Are there any concerns or changes that I should be aware of? 

You gain access to the Retreat Lounge on Deck 5. Free drinks there from approximately 0730-2300.

LGB wasn't open on embarkation day on my Apex sailing this past June. Opted to dine in Raw on 5 and enjoyed their hot Ramen soup. The $11-13 prices for Ramen were reasonable. Good sized portions too.

One generally wouldn't notice the overhang, large or small, due to the C1s being infinite verandas and not true balconies. Any impact the overhang has on the room's brightness would also be minimal, imo.

If the overhang is a concern, you may want to consider the forward C1 cabins on Deck 11 (11115-11121 or 11114-11116) as they have the least overhang.

2 minutes ago, BobbM81 said:

It’s not always a bad thing. I had a sky suite on the Apex that was apparently overbooked and they offered a Royal Suite on the Edge if I would switch. Free of charge. 

Did you ask for and get the Iconic Suite? 🙂