Doctor G

A few years ago I was checking into a hotel in San Antonio, TX.  The receptionist told us she had  previously worked in the cruise industry, and that she had been part of the activities staff.  We told her our favorite Cruise Director was Sue Denning.  Turned out she worked for Sue. 

A few years ago I ended up solo on a cruise in Spain due to the last minute illness of my friend.  The most important thing I did was join the cruise's roll call and join shore excursions arranged by others.  I was with groups almost every day and had a great time.  I also asked about others staying in the same hotel in Barcelona and had people to share dinner the 3 nights I was in Barcelona. Cruisers are very welcoming; you just have to reach out.

Carolyn

I sailed on Edge in a SS in February, 2019 and loved the suite. Most, but not all, SS's have the bed facing the balcony with the head of the bed at the bathroom wall.  In the bathroom there is a mirror over the sink which opens and you can see the ocean from the bathroom.  I liked the Retreat Lounge a lot better than Michael"s Club.  It is a large space with windows on both sides of the ship.  It's a much lighter and brighter space.  I enjoyed reading in there during the daytime.  I also loved the decor in Luminae; there are very interesting chandeliers.  We never waited to get in, and the service was excellent. I did not spend time in the pool area because there is not much shade, but it is a beautiful area if you like the sun. I don't go to the pool on any ship because I try to stay out of the sun. There was quite a bit of shade near the regular pool, and I did enjoy that at times.  I guess you can tell I am a fan of the Edge ☺️ I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Carolyn

On one cruise I signed up for a future cruise, and they were having a drawing to win a diamond necklace.  I won that necklace!  The necklace wasn't bad; it was a small circular pendant with black diamonds on one side and white diamonds on the other side.

58 minutes ago, poffles said:

 

Assume you (your agent) are referring to when booking a new cruises going forward ... until/if they change this again in the future?  Not to be confused with past non-refundable deposit bookings, which are currently being returned as FCC if someone cancels.

I thought she said all deposits were being treated as refundable, but I could be wrong.  On one of my cruises that was canceled by Celebrity I had a nonrefundable deposit, and the full deposit was refunded to me.  Perhaps this only applies to the cruises cancelled by Celebrity?  As usual, there are multiple answers to the same question.

My travel agent told me that all deposits right now are refundable.  I don't know if that will last, but it seems to be the policy of the moment.

What I would miss in a S3 is the bed facing the ocean with the window opening from the bathroom so that you can see the ocean from the bathroom.  I don't know if the S3's have that window, but I think not.

This is one example of how Celebrity (and probably other cruise lines) does not know how to deal with singles or friends traveling together.  If you share cabins, they only really recognize one person.  Three of us booked a Penthouse Suite, and all of the communication goes to one person.  If one person in the suite wants to take the cruise line insurance, all three of us must take it.  It's easier to not share a cabin.  But, of course, more expensive.

Carolyn

On 3/15/2020 at 10:45 AM, twentyknots said:

I too wonder how they will apply the FCC.  If we in fact do get a FCC for fare paid minus taxes and port charges, we’ll get about $4000 credit.  Looking at a November cruise with my TA last week, it costs $5300.  There is a $900 deposit, leaving a balance of $4400.  We would owe $400 at final.  I asked her what would happen if the rate came down before final and we had more in the FCC than we needed.  Maybe applied to OBC she thought.

Suppose we book a future cruise for $4000 which the FCC would cover completely.  She said we’d still have to pay the $900 deposit.  So, at final we’d have $3100 due but $4000 to cover it.  What happens to the excess?  Might that be converted to OBC also?

One of the notices I read from Celebrity said that if the cruise booked with FCC was less than the amount of the FCC, another FCC would be issued for the excess. Of course, their rules change almost daily, so this may not be the case now.

Carolyn

If the price is right for you, I would definitely upgrade to the RS.  It is a wonderful cabin with a lot of space and many amenities.  All the amenities would be a significant cost if purchased individually.  On M class the RS does not have the extra .5 bath; the S class does have it.  I still prefer the M class because you can access the bathroom and closet without having to go through the bedroom.  On S class you have the .5 bath out in the living area, but have to go into the full bath and closet through the bedroom.  Both are great!

16 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

Is the suite checkin spot/porters different than the "Special Delivery" area.

No, I believe they are the same spot.

I, too, have been in a Sky Suite and dropped off my luggage (and my body) in the suite check in spot.

3 hours ago, mafig said:

 

Loungers?  Is there room for two on the S2 balcony?

I had an S1 cabin.  I asked for, and got, a lounger.  I don't think there is enough space for two loungers.

I would call the special needs department ahead of time to request these items since they are medically needed. If they don't provide them, then ask the cabin steward.  Phone number is 866/592-7225

Carolyn

I always call special needs before the cruise.  Most of the time the distilled water and extension cord is in the cabin when I arrive.  If not, I ask the cabin steward.  This is also how I get a sharps container since I take an injectable medication. I've never had any issue getting these things.

Carolyn 

3 hours ago, njgirl said:

Does anyone know the cost of the port transfer from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ to Newark Airport?

I am not talking about the cruise line transfer but the van/bus transfer you line up for somewhere outside exiting the building & they fill the vehicles on a first come first serve basis and transport you to the airport.

 

Thanks.

When I was there in 2017 the shuttle cost was $20.

Carolyn

I have previously used Butler's Buses for small group tours in Ireland.  I don't know about private tours, but I think they can do them.  I don't have a link, but they should be easy to find.

Carolyn

I have been on both ships this year, and you cannot go wrong with either one.  I loved the Edge and appreciated how different the decor, etc. is from the Equinox.  However, since you do not have prior experience with Celebrity ships, the difference would not be noticeable for you. For balconies, some people do not like the Infinite Veranda on Edge.  I was in a Sky Suite so I had a regular veranda, but I'm sure I would like the Infinite Veranda.  I think having 4 main dining rooms on the Edge is a great feature.  They are each smaller than the usual dining rooms and have a variety of menus.  The crew is exceptional on both ships. Equinox is my favorite S class ship and Edge is my favorite ship overall.  I don't know of a reason for there to be a problem with any cabins on decks 6 & 7.  It is best to have cabins above and below you.  If there is any issue with motion sickness, midship is best.  I personally prefer aft cabins, but they do not suit everyone.  If your cabin is aft on either ship, it is a long walk to the elevators.  Happy sailing.  You will have a great experience no matter which ship you choose.

Carolyn

A few years ago I downgraded from Concierge to Family Veranda (while this is a better cabin, it is still considered a regular veranda rather than Concierge), and all they did was switch my cabin.  I did not cancel and rebook.  I still paid the higher fare, but that was fine with me.  I cannot remember if this was after final payment, but I think it was.  Of course, Celebrity changes the rules every other minute 😁

Carolyn

On most of the ships there is no outlet by the bed. The phone number for special needs is (866) 592-7225. I just talked to them last week for the same needs.

Carolyn

I always purchase the insurance at the time of booking to get the pre-existing conditions waiver.  I only pay for the insurance to cover the deposit.  Then as I add payments later, I increase the value of the policy and pay the additional premium.  I did not originally know that I did not have to insure the total cost to begin with, so I am passing along this tip.  I do not know if all insurers allow you to do this.

Carolyn

7 minutes ago, Iamthesea said:

 

Carolyn,

 

Would you mind sharing the Primary insurance you purchase?  We had the same problem with Medicare, although the supplementary did cover my DH for some medical cost incurred on the ship.  Still, it took weeks to hear back from them!  By that time, we were too lazy to file with our travel insurer for the remainder of the cost.  And I believe that they were also secondary. 

 

I have used Travel Insured International for USAA members.  They have two policies.  The most expensive one has more coverage and is primary.  The second policy has lower, but still good, coverage.  It is secondary, but you can pay a fee of only $25 to make it a primary coverage policy.  They are not cheap, but I have had good luck with them.  I have had to file a few small claims (medical care onboard) with them, and they have been handled very rapidly.  The cost increases with age.

At one time I looked into annual policies, and the ones I reviewed were all secondary coverage. I may have missed some that are primary.  Also, the insurance through Celebrity is secondary, and has very low limits.

Carolyn

35 minutes ago, Laurab23 said:

Do you have to scan a picture when you do online booking or can you wait til you get to the pier? How to do all the scanning stuff is beyond me and I just want to do it the old fashioned way.

 

Laura

I think you can have it done at the pier if you want to. I saw some people having pictures taken.

Carolyn

It seems to me that the B2B procedures vary by port.  In the US I have had to leave the ship in a group and get back on. In European ports we usually have not had to leave the ship.  Once in England the ship provided a fee excursion for those that wanted to take it.

Carolyn 

I had the new smaller safe on the Edge, and it opened without my having to give it a hand. My guess is there was a problem with yours, and they are not all like that.  I agree, I don't like the size.

Carolyn