squadron

On 4/13/2024 at 9:11 PM, BuckeyeMark said:

Can you get a hole punched in your SeaPass or does that mess it up? Can we go to Guest Services and have it punched? That makes it a lot easier to carry on a lanyard!

On RCI can get card punched at guest Services or casino so I assume it is the same on Celebrity

3 hours ago, cruisetonowhere10 said:

Thank you.  I will pack a small one when we go on our cruise.

 I do the same  - only  $1.00 at Walmart - even has an ocean scene on bottle!

On 4/10/2024 at 2:35 PM, m8zenblue said:

I just saw that X is having a flash sale, upgrade Classic to Premium.

Was, $10.99 per person, now, $8.99 per person.

I upgraded for $8.99 (mainly wanted better wines at dinner).  I got Elite status from diamond +.  What is the Elite discount that I see mentioned??

1 hour ago, WESTEAST said:

Cruise Critic does not permit names and all ok as all fees have been waived.

Good to hear.  The agent I deal with always says that she doesn't get paid until the "ding" that I just boarded the ship!

17 hours ago, WESTEAST said:

Thanks very much for your feedback. We will be definitely changing TAs.

What is the name of the agency?  What travel company?

On 2/28/2024 at 12:28 PM, sheezsmith said:

So all the crew that clean up after you, hallways, stairways, restrooms etc get nothing, if you can afford a cruise, you can afford to pay all of the crew a small gratuity!! 

Agreed!   Even before boarding people want to remove tips????

On 2/21/2024 at 10:08 AM, doghog said:

We never have. I guess we aren't welcomed back. 😁

I will miss the bottle of wine. water and soft drink that I get on RCI!  Equal to Elite on Celebrity status.

12 hours ago, TeeRick said:

Interesting question.  A rhinovirus is the most prevalent of the viruses causing common cold.  Usually no severe symptoms at all requiring hospitalization (about 3% of total cases and those have underlying conditions).  Sorry it happened to dliteu's mom.

 

We always carry a GeoBlue Trekker annual medical policy renewable each year.

In Canada there has been warnings about how serious rhinovirus is for seniors.  However the vaccine is about $150.  

On 9/15/2021 at 3:59 PM, Bretty said:

Striploin and Sirloin are pretty much interchangeable terms although in the US I believe striploin refers to a cut from a specific section of the loin. Here in the UK they pretty much mean the same, and the ten sirloin is more commonly used.

In Canada strip ranks above sirloin'  However sirloin is considered a good oven roast.

I read the menus date 2023 and they seem good - the old classics are still there They have been removed from RCI.    Have they been changed?

23 hours ago, RickT said:

We’re looking at that Norway itinerary or a similar on in May.  We’re elite and hope the Royal perks we’d get are good (especially the drink vouchers). 

You will be Diamond 4 drinks up to $14 or Diamond Plus - 5 drinks up to $14 dollars - any place any time!  

On 2/1/2024 at 11:17 AM, cmaleblanc said:

Canadian card with no FX fees, have them charge in local currency, and have your bank give you the better rate + Save the 3.5% of whatever the FX is these days. Bonus if you get a CC that gives you cash back or points on top of that, to trade in again for more things. We carry US cash around for little things like tips etc. but rarely pay for anything with it directly. 

I have a no fee TD American card (issued with my CDN credit card).  Use for ships purchases and tips etc.  Bill comes to me and I pay with my AM money account.  No fees. If you pay with CDN card - you pay fees at clearing bank in US and with your home bank.

8 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

 

I may be wrong, and certainly someone will chime in if I am, but I would THINK that if your end destination with the liquor is Canada, you don't owe the USA any tax, you will owe Canada tax if you are over your limit and you declare your amount.

 

I would not voluntarily give the USA tax on something that was not going to remain in the USA.

 

Canadians have to pay (years ago now but it was $5.00 at that time.  they just stop you as you are leaving the pick up luggage area.

On 2/13/2023 at 4:46 PM, hrhdhd said:

Unlimited drinks on your card from 5-7 p.m. in most bars most nights. Not on the first night and not in the dining room.

On RCI - the 5 drinks for Diamond plus (Elite on Celebrity) are available at any bar, dining room for the entire day.  It's a nice perk.

11 hours ago, Magicat said:

We book in US as it is impossible for our TA to transfer us into a group rate if we booked in CND.

I book a group rate if possible.  Do so in CDN dollars/.Travel agent doesn't seem to have a problem doing so.

On 4/28/2023 at 10:13 AM, paross4 said:

Love the smell of burned JP8.  Sorry I missed it.

I agree - also love that "scream"!  

On 9/30/2022 at 4:12 PM, MyTMo777 said:

Every time we cruise I face this dilemma: what do I wear to the airport when it’s -30 that isn’t going to take up space in my suitcase for the rest of my trip in +30? And the reverse - nothing like getting off the plane in capris with nothing more than a light sweater for the cab ride home. What do you do?

Been there!  Have at least a jacket that is somewhat warm that you can wear home - the new light less bulky down meant for "in between weather".  Wear when you board to leave home.  

On 3/21/2023 at 1:30 PM, Jasukkie said:

It's been there for years but there's no way of knowing that unless you know you can ask for it. I think a lot of people would opt for a veggie burger, not just full vegans or vegetarians. I wish they would at least put a sign up.

 

I find the vegan MDR entrees a bit skimpy. I miss the availability by request of baked potatoes in the MDR just to fill out the plate. I'm not vegan but like to eat less meat. 

At bottom of old menu could request, mashed, baked or fries.  Has that gone?

3 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

It's no guarantee since there are tables for 8 that they mix cabins to fill

There are tables for 6  ask for one for your group.

On 3/21/2023 at 1:00 AM, Traveller1212 said:

Well that’s too bad, I was hoping there was a table for us widows to not have to eat alone 😉

I did it once. I felt staff didn't want  a "one".  Yet have found even a table for two in MDR  no problem and neighbors friendly and staff efficient and pleasant.

6 hours ago, rg123 said:

It took Royal forever to post excursions for our Hawaiian cruise this past September giving folks jitters on whether we would even sail. But they finally came through. A word of advice though: even after they post, keep checking as there were new ones that trickled in every few days. I’m sure some people didn’t even know this

Same for 2022 cruise to Hawaii.  Too soon after lockdown - excursions weren't as good as in previous sailings and late posting.  Sept 2023 Pacific Coastal - few excursions and expensive eg $448  CDN for one in Los Angeles (substitute port for San Barbara).  Excursions generally ho hum. 

On 3/8/2023 at 6:30 AM, CruiserBruce said:

Santa Barbara is a tender port.

I like Santa Barbara - be sure to walk out to end of boardwalk.  If you have a rental car the Danish village (forgot name is nearby)  My cruise for Sept Pacific Coastal on Radiance dropped SB and gave us LA.  Am not happy about it and may cancel.  Monterey is  also a bit of a ? mark.  City seems to be wanting to limit ships.

On 10/21/2022 at 1:10 PM, CarolRoy said:

Thanks I just called.  We needed 175 points for the gift.  But we will get a can of soda each in the cabin.  We are diamond so I guess you have to be D+.

Thought I read recently that the soda has been replaced with water!

On 2/8/2023 at 6:58 PM, knbcruisers said:

Hi all, city of  Monterey has just announced it is closed to cruises for the foreseeable future. You should check your booking itinerary.  Likely substitute is Santa Barbara.

The Radiance cruise leaving Vancouver Sept - cancelled the stop in Santa Barbara.  I was not happy with that and the replacement of LA.

4 hours ago, binro01 said:

This is probably the most valid reason I have seen to quell my conscious! Thank You!

Not all solos book like that.