wwcruisers

Thanks for the input, you guys! It has been a long time since we've done a B2B on X (or anywhere). Nice to know that they still have a process in place. Yes, looking forward to being one of the few pax on the ship, for an hour or two -- plus, not having to change cabins!!😎

Yep, it you are going to be your own TA (as we do) -- paying attention to details is a must!

We have a unique situation, coming up, next year -- it's a B2B on Summit. We have the same cabin booked for both cruises.The only wrinkle is that the first week of the B2B is a Jazz Cruise Charter -- followed by the first week of Summit's return to regular service (after at least a month of charter cruises). We may very well be the only B2B'ers onboard, and worry a little that we could get lost in the shuffle, so to speak. We are in a SkySuite for both cruises, so we'll talk to the Retreat Concierge, when we first board. Hoping for a seamless transition, on turnaround day!🤞

Thanks for the report, HB -- so glad to hear that you had a great time! 😎

On 4/3/2024 at 5:03 PM, NinS said:

I'm likewise going to call tomorrow and get my presale cabin, @wwcruisers. As for the Ron Carter question, I emailed and got a prompt reply confirming that Ron won't be sailing and that his excursion show will indeed be subject to an additional (unspecified) cost. I don't think it's great advertising, but regardless it's a terrific lineup and I'm excited for my first non-Caribbean cruise.

If you have never done a Pacific Coastal cruise, you are indeed in for a treat!😎 IMHO, this particular fall itinerary is the best! If you like wine, there are nice vineyards in the Cowichan Valley (just outside of Victoria, on Vancouver Island). Being so far north, mid-September is harvest season for these small wineries. And, of course, anytime is a good time to visit Napa/Sonoma! 🍇🍷

We are BOOKED for this one! If you completed the PreSale process, watch your e-mails, Folks! 😁

I would contact Steve Daisos at the tripinsurancestore. He and his staff are very knowledgeable about all things travel insurance related. He has also been featured several times on the Q&A section of this forum!

HB -- thank you for your service! Seriously --- without people who are willing to patiently sacrifice their time, the justice system could not function.

Oh, and after reading Mr.Lazaroff's Weekender (yesterday) description of the cruise, it sounds like there will be plenty of chances to spend lots of $$ on shore excursions/activities, as well.🤑 But, it still sounds like a bargain, compared to trying to see all of those performers in traditional land-based venues. (Well, that's what I'll keep telling myself, anyway!😆)

Thanks for posting that, HB! We tried to sign-up yesterday, but their pre-sale webpage was experiencing technical difficulties.Will go old-school tomorrow morning, and use the telephone! 🤭

Ughh... Now it's 'to be announced', instead of the 29th. 🫤

On 3/7/2024 at 2:44 PM, Honolulu Blue said:

Yes they did. Let's see if they keep this date. 🙏

My DH and I were speculating about possible reasons for the delay in the announcement. Guessing that Mr.Lazaroff is still putting the finishing touches on the line-up?

5 hours ago, Veinless said:

On Silhouette, and no. 

Same here -- when we sailed Silhouette, last month. Supposedly, there was a 'head butler' onboard (Lloyd?) but we never saw him. Instead, our Sky Suite had a 'retreat host' -- who just turned out to be one very overworked cabin steward, covering a bunch of Sky Suites, solo! Fortunately, DH and I are pretty self-sufficient travelers, and we've never fully utilized the butler services anyway. I just see it as another step-down in quality of service -- accompanied by a step-up in prices! 😕

21 hours ago, Honolulu Blue said:

According to the latest Jazz Cruises newsletter I just received, the Journey of Jazz Cruise will have its details announced on or about March 22.

So they've rolled it back a week, then?🫤

Sound like the "Journey of Jazz" may be a whole cruise built around Marcus Miller's 'History of Jazz' concept. Those have always been my favorite shows, on the SJC's (and Blue Note)! HaHa -- but, they had me at 'West Coast sailing' anyway! 😎🎶

5 hours ago, Globaliser said:

I see that those who have been asking for a West Coast cruise are getting their wish! On a one-week repo in September 2025, Vancouver to Los Angeles. It looks like the currently-published itinerary for that week may be being modified to cancel Astoria.

WAHOO -- March 15th can't get here fast enough!!

Thanks so much for the report, NinS. BTW -- those of us who were on last year's BNAC were clearly of the impression that it was the last one. Nobody talked about more than one Botti cruise, at the time, but there was no discussion of a Blue Note return -- ever (not even from Don Was). 😢

On 1/8/2024 at 3:48 PM, SpicyP said:

Ooh thanks so much. We're on the BottiAtSea and since it's our 1st of such cruises, we were anxious to see how it all works. I was able to download the app to see the schedule for the 1st day. So excited!!!

One piece of advice (which I am STILL trying to take, myself):PACE yourself. You cannot possibly attend every concert, autograph, and 'behind the scenes' session. So, look at each day's lineup, and highlight the things that are 'don't miss' for you. Most importantly, get some rest whenever you can -- 'cause you are in for some late nights!😎

22 hours ago, 81Zoomie said:

It’s Capt Chris.

Thank you!

Does anyone who's been on Summit recently know who the current Captains are? I REALLY miss Arno's 'Who's Onboard' chart!

On 11/15/2023 at 5:43 PM, Ashland said:

Look at the reviews of ES...it's gone down hill. We used to stay there a few years ago but not any longer. Hyatt Place (our now preferred) is also a great location which actually sits just behind ES.

Yes! That Embassy Suites was our go-to pre-cruise hotel, for many years. We were horrified at the condition that we found it in, last January! The manager told us that they were scheduled for a major remodel in the spring. Guess what? That never happened. So, we will also be looking for a new pre-cruise hotel, the next time we sail out of Port Everglades. Thanks for the Hyatt recommendation!😎

Thanks Guys -- that's nice to know! 😎

We have the Hampton Inn Brickell booked for our pre-cruise night, in February. I don't see anything on their website about shuttle service (free or for a set fee) to/from MIA -- or to the Port of Miami. Anybody know whether they offer these services -- or are we on our own, to Uber/Cab it? Thanks!

A couple of months ago, we booked the 9-nighter, departing Ft. L. on Feb.25, '25 -- as a B2B with our SJC 25.2 booking. When we discovered this sailing, it had been out long enough that many of the best cabins were already booked.

Lots to look forward to -- thanks, HB!!🎶