sammygeorge

We are scheduled to arrive in Bordeaux on October 1 on Riviera. There are 3 possible ports for Bordeaux: Verdon, Bassens, and city center. Our reservation simply says Bordeaux. I'm trying to figure out tours. Does anyone know where we'll port?

We'll be in LaRochelle for one day in December on the Oceania Riviera. What should we do there?

We 're thinking of flying into Milan and touring there and Lake Como before taking the train to Venice to get on the ship. We have no interest in spending time in Venice (have done that in the past).

We're looking to book Ancient Adriatic Treasures for fall of 2023. I prefer the itinerary starting in Venice and ending in Istanbul (vs. the opposite) that departs September 30 (vs. departing September 1).

My friend who we'll be sailing with is concerned that by October, the seas will be choppy AND that sites will be closed. Is this an issue? Has anyone been in Greece/Turkey in October? What do you think?

Thanks!!

I'm not surprised by all your reactions to Infinite Verandas.  

Here's my dilemma: We're scheduling a family cruise (ages 90-21) for next Christmas season.  My nieces and nephews can only take 7 night cruises because of work (understandable) and my mom (the 90 year old) doesn't fly so we are limited to Port Everglades and Miami.  That turns out to be very limiting.

My husband and I have been big fans of Celebrity.  We love the M and S-class ships, and in recent years have exclusively stayed in Sky-Suites (love the space, veranda, and Luminae).  It's been years since I sailed on Princess (my last experience was them wasn't pretty) and I'm not very familiar with other "mainstream" cruiselines. 

The only Celebrity ships that work for us are Apex or Edge.  I'm not enthused, so I was trying to figure out the best way to do it.  I'm pricing out Sky Suites for everyone but I'm guessing that will turn out to be too much, and of course, even if my H and I stay in a Sky Suite, we won't be able to dine in Luminae.  I think the best I'll manage is to try for Sunset Verandas and put my mom in a Sky Suite by the elevators. 

Anyway, thanks for confirming my fears.

And what do you think of them?

Thank you everyone!  Your responses have been helpful.  

We're planning a Christmas 2020 cruise for our entire family and am wondering if the Edge/Apex work well for people using scooters/walkers/wheelchairs.  It seems to me I read early reviews of Edge that pointed out places on the ship that were unaccessible/difficult to get to for people on wheels.  

Thanks for your help!! 

I had that cabin on Infinity in Alaska 15 years ago.  It was perfect for Alaska.  We had 2 lounge chairs with wool blankets in addition to the other deck furniture (I don't remember if the lounge chairs were there or we asked for them).  It was cool out and I had a cold for most of the cruise so I just wrapped myself in blankets, laid on a lounge chair, and let the beautiful scenery float by.  Have a wonderful cruise. 

I was in the Galapagos on the Celebrity Expedition 10 years ago, so things could have changed.  There was one child on our cruise, an 8 year old with his grandparents.  When we saw him at the airport in Quito, I rolled my eyes.  This did not seem like a trip for a young child.  BUT he was great!  He was interested in everything, was comfortable hanging out with adults, and added to our enjoyment.  I really think it depends on your kids.  (Contrast this to the kids - mostly teenagers - we encountered on safari in Africa.  They were surly and bored.  A waste of their parents' money.)

Now that we're retiring, we'll be spending our winters in Florida. When we cruise, "everyone" talks about the great last minute deals they get. Because we were working, we always booked far in advance but now we'll be far more flexible. So . . . how do people find these deals?

We have pre-paid gratuities and are in a Sky Suite for the 1st time. Even with pre-paid gratuities, we've always given additional tips to our cabin steward and waitstaff. Being in a suite, we're thinking the list of additional tippees will be longer: butler, Michael's Club concierge, Michael's Club bar tenders.

Suggestions for the amount of these additional tips??

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I will be taking my 7th Celebrity cruise next month in a Sky Suite on Eclipse. I've never stayed in a Sky (or other) Suite before. What should I know??

Thanks!!

Xport

We were on the same cruise last summer - it was the BEST! Loved the ports and we even liked the weather (a bit warmer would have been nicer but living in the South, we were happy to escape the heat!) I didn't realize that itinerary was so rare . . . it really was terrific. My husband and I are fond of sea days so it was the perfect blend of great ports and lazing about aboard the ship. Next summer we're on the Eclipse in the Baltic, also round trip out of Southampton. Again, we chose that because of the abundance of sea days (most Baltic cruises have 1!)

djheck I think you could do Iceland yourselves and then do a fjord cruise. I loved Iceland and would love to go back and spend more time on land.

We're in the process of booking a cruise on Eclipse next summer. We really wanted a Sky Suite but the only ones available are on Deck 12, under the buffet and I don't want the noise.

So we're looking at regular veranda rooms. Hubby asked me if we should consider a Concierge Class room but I can't find information about the difference in the 2 types of rooms. What are the advantages?

Thanks!