BBsails

Nice photo. Thanks!

Betsy

If you plan to use the Chase Sapphire benefits, it's very important to read the brochure that comes with the card; I believe the same information is available on line. On page 18 of the brochure, the definition of a covered trip is "any pre-paid tour, trip or vacation when some (my bold) portion of the cost of such travel arrangements...has been charged to your account." So, you only have to use the card for some portion of the cost of the trip. However, we try to put almost everything we can on the card due to the fact that double points are granted for travel expenses.

Chase Sapphire pre-existing condition requirement (page 19): "Illness, disease or accidental injury of you, your traveling companion, your immediate family member or the immediate family member of your traveling companion, for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within the 60-day period immediately prior to the purchase of a covered trip. The taking of prescription drugs or medication for a controlled condition throughout the 60-day period will not be considered to be a treatment of illness or disease."

I am in no way connected professionally to Chase Sapphire. I am very happy

cardholder.

Betsy

The beautiful Infinity is docked in San Francisco at this very minute. It's serving as a hotel for a big SF convention.

http://travelskills.com/2015/04/01/san-franciscos-new-floating-hotel/

Betsy

Thanks everyone for your input. Will wait until we are onboard and sign up for the internet package and get the 25% discount then.

 

Teanne

Ditto: Thanks!

Betsy

Two quick questions: Is the OBC from 1-2-3GO refundable or nonrefundable? Is it possible to withdraw OBC N from the casino (I understand the 5% fee to do so)?

Thanks!

Betsy

Printing out evidence of OBC has come in handy more than once when there's been a glitch between our TA and =X=. Don't leave home without it.

We're contemplating how best to use the internet on our upcoming transatlantic on the Equinox.

1. Is it possible to purchase an unlimited internet package (advertised on the =X= website for $299 for a 10+ night cruise) aboard or does one need to buy it on the website in advance?

2. If it's possible to buy the unlimited internet package aboard, is it possible to apply qny Elite internet benefits to the package? Have read on Cruise Critic that a 25% discount is possible but am not sure how it all works.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Betsy

Muesli? Yikes! I could never understand how anybody could eat that Euell Gibbons mixture. :eek: Give me some good old bacon, eggs, and sausage.

How is the museli served in Blu different from that served in the buffet?

Betsy

Do you happen to remember if they had diet ginger beer on board?

Betsy

I don't know how the UK site works, but I would suggest phoning Celebrity and relating that as a first-timer on Celebrity, you didn't understand that changing to a guarantee would cause you to lose your amenities. Ask politely if they would be willing to let you cancel the booking at no cost and rebook with the amenities. If the rep you talk with says you cannot do that, thank him/her nicely, hang up and phone again. Repeat until you find a rep who may let you rebook. Please report your experience back here. Good luck.

Betsy

Hank's explanation is spot on. Study his response and follow his process in order to get funds for the lowest cost and the most convenience. There's a learning curve to understanding how to obtain funds in other currencies, and it would definitely be to your advantage to be teachable. I would encourage you to seriously consider using ATMs to get Euro. Like Hank, we have never (and will probably never) purchased Euro outside the US. We do bring home a few left over Euro at the end of our trip, just enough to get us through the airport and to an ATM should we need it at the start of the next trip.

Bon voyage

Betsy

Try this:

http://www.newsflow24.com/what-captain-kate-carries-onboard-cnr2

Betsy

We had 3112 on the Constellation in the Baltics last year. We'd always booked a balcony but wanted to try the new oceanviews. We weren't disappointed. The window is huge, the corridor is off the beaten track and quiet, and the location on the ship is convenient. Would book anywhere along the corridor again in a heartbeat. Although the configuration of 3112, the first cabin in the corridor, is different in that the door to the cabin is perpendicular to the corridor, the little bit of extra cabin space isn't really very useful except to hang coat etc. on the hooks provided and/or to stack stuff there, which we didn't want to do. Enjoy!

Bon voyage

Betsy

Stopping by this thread to quickly mention that you may already have the coverage you need. Check the benefits provided by your credit card(s). We have good coverage through Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Betsy

We did the HOHO boat, got off and toured the Vasa, walked to the old part of the city, and picked up the HOHO boat near there. A lovely, relaxing day. There was a long line at the Vasa, but it moved quickly.

Bon Voyage

Book with Celebrity, transfer to a travel agent and pick up OBC from both. Win-win! $100 + $285 = $385.

Oh how interesting. We've used the military rate on =X= several times in the past under the (now) RCI definition:

Veterans with an Honorable Discharge serving a minimum of 2 years, or 6-months in an active war zone, in any of the United States service divisions listed above. Proper identification in the form of a DD214 or DD256, plus a current photo must be presented at time of check-in.

Is this a change for =X=?

Betsy

I'm 5'02" and the sleeves on the upscale robe almost drag the floor. I always ask for a waffle-weave robe, which is cheerfully provided.

Fouremco posted while I was composing, but we were thinking along the same line. :)

I'm wondering about the new internet packages. If more passengers are using the painfully slow connection, won't it be painfully slow-er?

Copied from the link posted above: This optional program allows you to extend your cruise vacation, remain onboard and enjoy some of the ship services until 90 minutes prior to the ship's next departure. Complimentary breakfast and lunch in Bistro on Five, non-alcoholic drinks from Café al Bacio, first-run movies, access to the pool, fitness center and select spa services plus lockers in the spa changing room. You'll even have an extra hour in your stateroom. Enroll at the Guest Relations Desk onboard. $59 per adult, $29.50 for children ages 3-12, free for children under 3. Credit cards accepted all day for bar and spa purchases. Available on all European sailings.

Now that DH and I are empty nesters and almost nearing retirement, Celebrity seems to be doing everything in their power to drive us away instead of trying to keep us as loyal customers.[/i

Well put, CruisingChick!

Betsy

We're arriving on a transatlantic into Fort Lauderdale. I understand that customs and immigration can take a long time after a TA due to the ship's reentry to the US. Should we be OK with an 11:50 flight out of FLL? Taxi to FLL? Thanks!

In 2013, we stayed in The Rocks prior to boarding the Solstice.

We liked The Fine Food Store, tucked into the corner of a small shopping center in the Rocks. Address is: Kendall Lane & Mill Lane, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia. Very casual, breakfast, sandwiches, snacks, etc. http://www.finefoodstore.com

We liked Fratelli Fresh also. http://www.fratellifresh.com.au Very lively. Good food. Locations in other parts Sydney as well.

Another restaurant we liked was Vintage Cafe (http://www.vintagecafe.com.au)

R2 Nurses Walk, The Rocks Sydney NSW 2000 | Ph: (02) 9252 2055

Bon appetit and bon voyage

Thanks for your report. Looking forward to being on the Equinox (for the second time) for a B2B later this year. Could you post the hours the Bistro on Five is open? Thanks!

Betsy