NCteacherlovescruising

I was in Blu for the first time in December on the Reflection. We loved the atmosphere, service was excellent, and food was good. We only ordered off the MDR menu one night, except apps. One of my friends ordered escargot every night, as I did the Caesar salad. I would certainly book again for the right price. We only had to pay an additional $200 over Concierge class and felt it was well worth it.

I got an email today from Celebrity saying they are changing our port from La Spezia to Livorno due to port congestion. It appears this is good news since it’s much closer to Pisa and Florence. If this is true, why isn’t that their first choice for ports? Am I missing something?

We rarely eat the dinner buffet unless exhausted from a long excursion and don’t feel like getting cleaned up for the dining room. However, we have been known to grab a little snack from there before getting ready for dinner, perhaps a salad or slice of pizza.

Are there any current offers? I can’t keep up with this huge thread and although I’m signed up I never notice the emails with the opportunities.

Small world! lol yes Thanks! Interesting. Thanks! That would be interesting! I'm hoping to meet some people from other cultures. Yes, I'm expecting many Europeans on land. I am planning to learn a few basic phrases in Italian before our cruise. It would be so cool to meet people from all over the world! I didn't think about that. I wasn't worried about language. I just enjoy meeting new people when we cruise and was hoping language wouldn't be a barrier. I completely agree about meeting new people from different cultures! Thanks! We will be going in June. I would love to sail with such a diverse group if I were able to converse with them! I would enjoy that as well! Australia is near the top, if not at the top, of my husbands bucket list!

I just assumed since the cruise is in Europe most of the passengers would be European. Mostly wondering if most would speak English.

We booked a 2024 Italy and French Rivera cruise on the Equinox. Out of curiosity, will most passengers be European? I’m assuming they will be.

You don't need to upload a photo.

Thanks for sharing the video.

Thank you, this is helpful. We would enjoy the extra space! I hope it's updated, but not holding my breath.

I was so excited when I booked this suite, but now I'm getting worried. I have read that some suites have been updated and some haven't on this ship and that the aft suites have not. Is this correct? I also heard this cabin has an obstructed view. Is this a poor location? Should I try to change cabins? I booked non refundable rate. Can I switch to a cheaper suite with that rate? Midship cabins were less money, but I'd prefer them if they have been updated.

I could open an account with a credit union to access cash in an emergency. When you're saying WF charges the highest fees around, are you referring to ATM fees? Five dollars won't be missed. Or are you referring to Credit Cards? I doubt we'll even take our WF card considering we have cards that won't charge a fee for purchases. Noted We always call our bank/credit card companies when traveling, even domestically. We do have credit cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees. I'm sure we'll bring those with us. Everyone assumes we will go back. lol I hope you're right.

So I should start monitoring at what point American Airlines reduces prices from Charlotte to Europe? I think they are the only airline that flies nonstop to and from Barcelona and Rome. I don’t think we can possibly earn enough miles in time to use them for our flights, although we will try. We aren’t cruising with NCL. We will be on Celebrity. I’m not quite sure what you’re suggesting. We love the itinerary, it’s the main reason chose this cruise. It’s Barcelona to Rome and we plan to spend time on each end in those cities. I do have one scheduled with NCL that I haven’t got around to canceling yet. I jumped ship after Celebrity came out with their 2024 Europe itineraries. I booked while onboard so we got a lot of OBC. I have zero intention of canceling and rebooking. We only had to pay $200 in deposits, but we have $1350 in OBC.

Oh, we have credit cards with other banks. We just keep all our cash accounts with WF. Wells charges a 3% foreign transaction fee for purchases. I just got a Citi AAdvantage credit card. They don’t charge foreign transaction fees. I’m sure we have other city credit cards as well. We need to find an actual bank branch in Barcelona to get cash without incurring hefty fees? Will that be difficult to find? It seems like such a huge place! With all the stories I’m hearing about pick-pockets there I’m scared we’d get robbed as we walked away. Thanks for the tip on telling them to charge me in euros!

My husband works for Wells Fargo so we do all our banking with them. I believe they charge $5 to use the ATM. I assumed the bank that owns the ATM would charge. No? I really appreciate how helpful you always are! I hope you’re right about “our next trip!” We keep saying this will be our only trip to Europe.

I would imagine they would add some hefty service charges for using an ATM in a foreign country. Do you recall how much? Even so, it’s still better than the exchange rate we would get here? How far in advance would we have to request the exchange? My anxiety would go crazy if I didn’t have any cash on me to get to our hotel.

https://www.romeinlimo.com/rome-surroundings/tuscany-wine-tour.htm

Why is it a bad idea to get euros from you bank before travel?

Are the beaches in Barcelona nice enough to warrant a day at one? I LOVE lounging on a beautiful beach with clear water. Was thinking maybe we could spend one day before on cruise there. If so, which beach is best? Will the water be warm enough mid June to get in?

You’re saying they waited too long. When do you think is the best time to buy tickets for summer flights to Europe?

While you don’t have to be back until 30 minutes prior, I like to give myself some cushion. I usually try to get back at least an hour early unless on a ship excursion.

We were on the Reflection last month and didn't experience this. We didn't go to the pool, but had no problem at all finding seats in the theater or buffet.

Does this apply to suites?

I thought you had to be Aqua to get in Blu. Is there an exception for suite guests? While in Blu on our last cruise, I overheard a man asking if he could pay to have their friends join them in there and they said, no it's only for Aqua Class guests.

I plan to check with Celebrity Air when it becomes available. I do have a TA but he doesn’t do air.