frito58

We flew to Rome on Oct 15/16 for our first European and Celebrity cruise. Itleft out on the 17th we had B2B cruises booked in a Retreat room we were so excited and it once we boarded we were not disappointed, it was fantastic. Our butler Albert was there for every need, Nancy our room gal was wonderful. We were in sky suite 8206 perfectly located . The Luminae was so great we loved eating there along with all the specialty restaurants. It was like my 30 something cruise and Joyce, my partner 12th or so but all the stops were just awesome. The Apex is as great a ship we have ever sailed just the perfect size . If I could sail this size ship every cruise I would . Everything was going great UNTIL I woke up on our what was supposed to be our first sea day back with chest pains . I sat there for a minute BTW NO history ever of heart problems. I am a stage 4 colon cancer survivor of about 18 years. We are both widowed and have lost our spouses so we know what it is to face these things. So I am getting worse Joyce calls 911. They take me to medical. I won’t bore u with all the medical but I ended up staying there for the last 2 days . Their reading was I needed immediate angioplasty once I got off the ship between 48-72 hours of my presumed heart attack. They assured me they were in contact with the “hospital “ and a cardiologist. Once in port of Civitavecchia we were taken by ambulance and were told we couldn’t take but 2 bags so somewhere we have 3 bags of luggage missing somewhere , which is now like finding Waldo . Anyway we are taken to the port hospital and we pull in and nothing, nobody was expecting us, the hospital was filthy, one nurse that I saw for like 5 minutes spoke broken English they ran a couple of test a Dr looks at me and says NO Angioplasty. They stick me in a hallway for 5 hours. Me not being a one that takes BS finally loses my temper just says BS on all This and says I’m leaving. They sent a guy supposedly a to help but basically all he wanted was to make sure we paid our bill $1200 . We can’t get back on the ship, Joyce contacts a celebrity rep at the port who says he’ll call us right back and never did. The liaison arranges our transportation to Rome for the Bargain price of $230 euros.. it cost me $130 in a private van to get there . We have no place to stay . I go back to the Hotel we left . Sold out they send me down the street. One room left he says he can let me have it for $539 euros which I know is like 200 more than it’s worth on what I paid when came but I’m tired so whatever. So we stay 2 more days, hire a private doctor for 300 euros to clear me for flying and prescribed a nitro patch in case I needed it, flew home and now I’m dealing with insurance…..Oh on the ship customer service told my we HAD NO insurance. They said what I bought only covered canceled cruise which I knew was totally BS. I always take cruise insurance which I know covers medical. So now about 20k later the insurance is like a total PITA . I have called them 3 times they won’t email the forms I need . I used to be a TA so it’s not like I am clueless on how to do these things . It’s just frustrating dealing with what was supposed to be the best cruise of our life. Oh BTW I did have another heart attack after I got home last Friday had a 100% blocked artery , I shutter to think what would have happened if I had to have surgery In Italy . The Dr on ship were right but they basically just get you off so they don’t have to deal with it. I do believe someone was looking out for us got us home and now I’m recuperating here . Dealing with the aftermath. Just never ever get sick outsiders the USA .LOL . Even our concierge at the hotel told us it wouldn’t be wise to go to. Rome hospital unless I was having some BAD symptoms. . Sorry so LONG everyone .But stay well & happy sailing.

Oh we are doing something different every cruise now , we heading to Europe/Rome and TA home . Then a Panama Canal cruise , then South America, then back to Europe. It’s something different every time . Same ole thing bores us to death . May have to try that Great Lakes one some day .

I believe for LONG time cruisers you need to go out be adventurous and try new things to keep it fun , most of our 30 something cruises have been Carnival and Royal Caribbean basically 50/50 over the past 20 years I have now jumped onto Celebrity started booking Retreat rooms which look wonderful and have started booking Norwegian and finding different type itineraries. That’s just my personal opinion.

You mean all ships don’t do that 🤔🤔

I have had this one for like 2 years more or less …been on 10 cruises throw it my checked bags , never been asked about it . It plugs in easy charge our phones . My IPad she uses for her curling iron if never been questions by anyone ever. I leave it out all the time so nobody has ever confiscated it . Just sayin no problem. It doesn’t get hot I have touched it .

You mean they wont go OH - as I walk by them 🤷‍♂️

Well that’s good to know we have a Galapagos booked in 24 . Will probably adjust a tad a take some extra clothes. Flying first class and have a Retreat room so plenty space and luggage allowed. Thanks.

Well I don’t go anywhere without my Ohio State hats …just sayin lol. But I can adjust on some other stuff. Thanks.

Just curious we are coming in about 30 days and catching her in Rome for a B2B and then the TA home . Do people dress up little more in Europe on formal nights vs the Caribbean? I say it’s pretty lax here I mean a nice shirt and pants go over here . Just debating on bringing a jacket and some nicer shirts vs Hawaiian type. Thanks .

Just curious we are heading to Europe in about a month, do people dress a little more formal on those cruises. We are going to be on the Apex B2B . Will have plenty of Hawaiian shirts and pants , just curious should I pack a Jacket 🤔🤔.

I would go buy a drink first just to see if they charge you , just got off a ship where we had that . Not only did give both of us get free drinks and it said Just YOU. We got and additional free play on the second card . It was a LOT . Was rather surprised but didn’t turn it down lol.

I am doing the same as the OP I last sailed Celebrity on the Summit in 09 , also when I was lot poorer LOL , we we are heading out the Apex in Oct. On B2B in A retreat room then on the Infinity in Aqua room on a B2B next spring . So any advice or insight is appreciated. I have been on 30 something cruises but this is new experience I am loving these new itineraries. TIA.

I’m not new to cruising but the Apex will be our first Celebrity cruise on B2B in Rome then the TA home it’s always surprising the new things learn and find out on a new ship and new cruise line.

We haved used Laundry on Carnival and Royal countless times never a problem , we normally have them do it where the hang it up pay a little extra . But have also used wash and fold as well on things like underwear and PJ and whatever will do it again.

We have 2 upcoming cruises where we are getting $1000 money to play on $200:OBC and free drinks anywhere on the ship , the cruise cost me like $500 for 2 basically paid tax and fees for balcony rooms . I haven’t paid for a Carnival cruise in a long time , don’t be pay for Royal Caribbean cruises either. But we do play in the casino so we do pay one way lol .

You want a deal , go spend some time in the casino. Use your card . Just sayin. They are offering deals galore for casino players and I mean fantastic deals . Don’t think I have to break the bank either.