mickey89

We did book a MSC Yacht club cruise via a US Agency without any problem whatsoever saving quite a lot. These days it is definitely cheaper to book in the UK than the US, at the moment.

33 minutes ago, MBP1 said:

On the Equinox last week the menu said cold water and the waiter said it was from Nova Scotia. 

That's correct, for an extra $29 you can have a lobster from Nova Scotia.  

The Murano Lobster is Warm Water Tail as menu caption below :-

9 hours ago, keesar said:

 Where was  the Murano Lobster prepared?

It will served table side, but ask your waiter about the quality before you order.  The warm water lobster is hit or miss, can be very stringy and almost inedible

I am sceptical of whether the compulsory gratuity will be passed on to the staff and believe that your SD waiter will still be expecting a tip.  “Always Included” which clearly states gratuities are included, is never the case.  Sooner than later it becomes the norm and those who serve expect a tip.
Maybe I’m wrong but the lack of transparency leads my thoughts to - it’s another Revenue Stream for the company.

Looking at booking a cruise later next year and noticed that Celebrity has reduced the number of Balcony cabins grades eg V1, V2,V3.

Will Captain Club member’s lose the cabin upgrade perk as the cost difference between grade is significantly more……….?

The YC bed mattress is Dorelan Sleep Comfort Plus.
https://www.sleepbymsc.com/ch/products-feature/sleep-comfort-plus-mattress

If you look at the T&C FAQ's it states that 18% gratuity will be added for Specialty Dining covers and packages at check-out - very sneaky.

 https://www.celebritycruises.com/faqs/all-faqs  (Need to scroll a long way)

🤣 - did enquire, but delivery charge from Switzerland is too expensive

Oh, the Yacht Club Bed is to die -for, best sleep ever and we have cruised most cruise lines.

Where can I find the covid protocols for the second of B2B cruise, or does anyone know from experience.

Talk kindly to your Butler........

The most comfortable mattress we have had the pleasure of sleeping on is MSC Yacht Club definitely better than Celebrity offering. It is made by Dorelan in Switzerland.  It is absolutely superb.

I would always use UBER, don’t trust Taxi drivers. Last time we used a taxi from Miami Bayside to POM the taxi driver drove westwards and joined the  I95 into the port, the meter said $35. I gave him $15 and said call the police if you disagree.

Since you are arriving at MIA, I would recommend the Tri-Rail. The Miami Tri-Rail train station is located on the 3rd level of the MIA Terminal building opposite the Car Rental Centre.  Costs $3.75 pp and takes about 40 minutes, quicker than any car journey to Fort Lauderdale on I95.

We always stay at the Holiday Inn on Sheridan Street, which is directly opposite the Sheridan Street Tri-Rail station, easy walking distance. It’s a much better hotel than Holiday Inn Express on St17 and usually cheaper.  Then the following morning take an Uber to Port Everglades costing $12 /$15

I would wait until day 2 after checking out the classic offerings at your preferred bar. If you then feel you need to upgrade you can with your favourite bartender who will get his commission, you save $12 and you will be remembered for sure.

We also enjoyed the MSC Yacht Club but the food is not up to Celebrity standard.  Given the choice Celebrity every time and Equinox is an ideal choice. Consider a standard Veranda cabin and a full dining package eating in Murano every night, heaven.

Depends which website you use.  The UK website definitely still offering 5%+15% cruises. Just checked.

I notice that the maximum dining packages have changed. Now you can only purchase a 9 night package on a 10 night cruise and a 10night package on a 11 night cruise.  You could always book the maximum nights, don't understand why the change?

Thanks, that exactly the info I wanted, hope it continues to be updated.

https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea/us-travel-requirements

I would appreciate those that have cruised in Caribbean recently could identify Ports which have lifted Covid restrictions for fully vaccinated passengers.

Firstly the cruise needs to be listed for the extra discount as others have said.

We got a better Voyager Selection price than the (5%+15%) by talking to MSC booking agent.  She entered all cruise details and voyager number and price was even further reduced, due to being a pensioner.

22 hours ago, mackfam said:

The coverage that MSC requires is not  provided by bank credit cards..............

I beg to differ, I have worldwide travel insurance with my bank which definitely covers Covid cancellations and repatriation.  The OP lives in Ireland which is totally different to whats available in Canada.

Going on a cruise without Travel Insurance is idiotic, so much can go wrong.  European Travel Insurance is real cheap, if you think too expensive take out a bank account which has it as a perk.

CWC benefit ends for cruises beyond 30th. September. Had the argument with Celebrity early this week. My cruise is in December and it was confirmed that if I cancelled I lose deposit.  NO FCC.

I have not cruised on any Marella cruises, but did go on Celebrity Century over 20 years ago which is now reborn as Explorer2. I think Marella maybe a good intro to cruising but not for me. Tried P&O Britannia, never to be repeated, not good at all. Will stick with Celebrity, enjoy your choice……..