gypsylady

Does anyone know if there is a Catholic Mass on Sunday morning on the Caribbean Princess?

We will be going on our 17th cruise in February, a 14 day cruise onboard the Eclipse to the southern Caribbean. There should be 4 "formal " nights. It is so nice to dress up once in a while and the title of the dress code will not change that. It is unfortunate that there has never been any enforcement on any cruise line that I have ever been on. Last year on the Reflection, we waited patiently to enter the main dining room on two formal nights and witnessed several men and women entering wearing very casual jeans and t-shirts. No one said a word to them as they were ushered in to their tables. I think that our group and those around us felt more awkward witnessing this. And yes, we too are baby boomers.

Four of us are already booked on the Celebrity Reflection, flying out of Hamilton. Before booking, I did the comparisons for the same cruise/same cabin flying out of Toronto and Buffalo. I also checked three other major cruise lines and several airlines to see if I could put together a similar package. There is no comparison. We are saving time and money with time and convenience being the most important factors. We live 10 minutes from the Hamilton airport. Our travel agent's family did the same package last year and loved it. As Canadians, we are limited as to departure cities for flights south. Adding 2 to 3 hours of extra travel time to get to a major airport in Toronto or Buffalo or paying for extra hotel stays is not my idea of a great start to a holiday. I am thrilled that we have this opportunity and cannot wait for February to begin my 15th cruise with this being my first on Celebrity. Celebrity has taken the lead in this marketing venture. Too bad other cruise lines don't follow suit.

Thank to all of you for the information and cautionary tales. My card will be embedded with the information as I have the AI package offered to select Canadian cities.

When you have the classic beverage package, do they place a sticker on the card to signify it to the waiter/bartender like they often do with the soda package or is it encoded in the card to be revealed when they swipe it?

Hi again. Great minds think alike. I asked about that this week. My neighbour works at the airport and she questioned the fellow at duty free for me. Yes, they do carry an assortment of wine there and YES, they will be open before our flight. She couldn't tell me about the variety of wines, but there should be a decent selection. We are also going to take a bottle each onto the ship. She did say that they had some good bargains on other merchandise as well. When we booked the cruise, the travel agent could not give me flight times. She said that they will be available in January. Do you know when the flight times are? Although we live 10 minutes from the airport, we still have to be there 2 hours ahead. Patt

Thank you for the answers. Celebrity has offered this all inclusive package to selected cities in Canada. It includes, airfare, cruise, classic beverage package, all gratuities and taxes for the cruise and transfers to/from the cruise port. It applies only to the Reflection and Silhouette from Feb 7 to April 12, 2015.

Last February, I sailed my first solo cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway. Three of the line's ships have solo cabins and I understand that RCCL's Quantum also has them. There are NO single supplement charges. These cabins are inside cabins and have a dedicated lounge just for the solo passengers. The solos met each night with a cruise line rep and we planned a few dinners together. I met some wonderful new friends at the first gathering and we met for drinks, entertainment and tours after that. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Hi Angela

Three of my friends and I are on the same cruise cruise and we are also leaving out of Hamilton. Lucky for us that we are all from Hamilton. I have been on many cruises, but this is my first Celebrity cruise. Don't worry. There will be a lot of people on the flight heading for the Miami cruise port. We will be met at the Miami airport, probably where we pick up our luggage. From there, we will be directed to the bus going to the cruise port and then it is party time. You will love cruising. I would just caution you about venturing out on your own. You have to make sure that you are back to the ship on time before it sails to the next port. If you are late, you will be left behind. I have seen this too many times over the years. Carrying your passport with you is important because you never know what is going to happen while on an island. Keep it in a safe place. Have you started to count the days yet? Patt

Four friends are booked on the Reflection for Feb. 7 and all of us are new to Celebrity, having previously sailed several other of the major cruise lines. We have been fortunate enough to book the all inclusive package out of Canada. Three questions about the classic beverage package have come up. First, if all of the gratuities are supposedly included, do we still have to pay the 15% beverage service charge/gratuity at the end of the cruise or is this included? Second, I know that Coke products are included in the soda package. Do they carry diet Sprite? Third, are espresso/cappuccino included in the package or are they extra. We are so excited about this cruise and are looking forward to escaping another brutal winter. Thanks for any help with this.

I just returned from a cruise on the Getaway last weekend, where many people were enjoying the coffee and pastries from Carlos bakery by the Atrium all week. Interestingly, every morning, 2 of their employees brought around free sample of their baked goods to everyone seated in the Atrium. It was a nice way to introduce everyone to the excellent quality of their products.

I just got back from cruising on the NCL Getaway in a studio cabin. The meeting on the first evening with a member of the cruise staff had 18 people gathered there from around the ship. Every evening after that the gathering was in the studio lounge. There were 9 or 10 people on the second night (6:30 pm), four people on the next night and no one after that, as people had already made their own friends and dining arrangements. The staff member did organize a group dinner in the main dining room and 7 of us were there. It was wonderful. I also would not recommend the upgraded dining package. There are so many other dining venues which are great and should you choose to, you can try out one of the specialty restaurants either on your own or with a people you meet. That is what I did and loved it. Have fun.

Having just returned from my first solo cruise (of the 12 cruises I have taken over the years), I have to admit that it was the first dinner that was a little awkward. My solo was with NCL where there is no set dining. That proved to be the best thing, as it forced me out of my comfort zone to get out and talk to people. Most cruise ships have a gathering of solo travellers. Go to it and meet the interesting folks that share your same concerns. Between that and the roll call meeting the next morning, I had plenty of new acquaintances to dine with and meet later. So many opportunities to chat at the pool, in the casino, on excursions, at the entertainment venues, in the bars, etc. You are only alone if you choose to be, and that is OK too. I did what I wanted, when I wanted and would travel solo again in a heartbeat. Have fun.

Congrats. I just returned from a solo cruise on the Getaway in a studio cabin. On the first night, there is a meeting of all solo travellers (in any cabin on the ship) with a member of the staff. After that, every evening a gathering of singles is held in the studio lounge with the staff member and the studio access is kept open at this time only for those singles who do not have a studio cabin. So take advantage of these opportunities to meet other solo travellers. A lovely dinner was organized for us in the Tropicana dining room. Our representative was Stephanie.

I have just returned from my first solo experience in a studio cabin on the Norwegian Getaway. Although I rarely react to motion, the inside studio cabin is very protected. I felt no motion whatsoever. Although it was a very smooth cruise, there was a lot of wind and I felt it on the pool deck somewhat. The studio was also very quiet. I slept so well because of it. A great solo experience and would do it again in a heartbeat.

We were on the Epic last winter and thoroughly enjoyed the show and meal. It was well worth it. I am usually not one to enjoy circus acts, but this was very unique and very well done. The meal was surf and turf, a treat for someone who rarely has this, and it was one of the best meals we enjoyed on the ship. The desert was a sampler of 2 or 3 little desserts. I do not remember the appetizer. Line up early. The best seats are on the balcony looking down at the whole show.

During the last Winter Olympics we were on a cruise, (either Princess or RCCL) and the Final Canada USA hockey game was being played. No coverage at all, even in the sports bars. We had to check the internet to see the score. It was so disappointing that there was no coverage whatsoever. I hope that it will be different with NCL this time as the hockey finals will be on while we are on the Getaway.

When we first cruised we went with HAL and thought that it was so elegant. Then we tried RCCL and thought it was more to our liking. Then we found Princess and loved it. Then we finally tried NCL and will be going on our 3rd NCL voyage in 2 years. They are all good and any differences are attributed to personal taste and in what you are looking for during your vacation. Personally, I love the casual feel of NCL. The entertainment on the Epic was outstanding and now with the variety of accommodations, you can have it all or enjoy just what you need. Whatever you choose, enjoy the experience. We personally choose based on the itinerary and if one cruise line better meets the need, we go for it. A day at sea is so much better than a day shovelling snow.