dalesmouse

1 hour ago, BuckeyeMark said:

Two!

Fabulous,love a chic night

On 5/29/2024 at 4:11 AM, BuckeyeMark said:

DAY 3: A DAY AT SEA

 

Sea days are wonderful, especially when you’ve been on vacay for five straight days. The flight overnight to London, a day in the Cotswolds, a day in Oxford, then heading down to Southampton via Stonehenge, followed by a rather damp day in Bruges (a perfect day for ducks but I’m not a duck) made us ready for a day off.

 

The sea day gave us a chance to explore the Apex further. What a ship it is! We were constantly blown away by its design, cool vibe, and amazing features. For example, the Eden space in the very back of the ship was incredible. We were there in the afternoon, and everyone was reading or visiting quietly. It was such a very cool place to chill out. So much green! I believe in the evenings it may take on a more nightclub vibe and I know there were some acts that played there at night, but in the afternoon it was really relaxed. We also visited Café Al Bacio. As a certified coffee nerd, I was anxious to try the coffee. All in all, it wasn’t great but a lot of our friends (who are regulars with Green Mermaid coffee) thought it was pretty good. I found if you ask for a double-shot you get a coffee that isn’t too bad.

 

Here’s a good place to say that we had the Wifi-Drinks package on this trip and it turned out to be a very good thing. Since we don’t drink I was a little hesitant but it was very nice to be able to grab a Coke, a bottle of water, or a coffee whenever we wanted. It’s not always about dollars and cents - sometimes it’s about convenience and being on vacation!

 

Celebrity had a digital scavenger hunt before lunch, and we joined in. The task was to find 12 works of art on the ship in one hour. After running all over the ship the hour ended without DW and I collecting photos of all 12. But a comparison to the key that the assistant cruise director had showed a couple of pieces of art had been removed and weren’t on the ship anymore! He was using an old key! It was still fun though. You kinda have to keep this sort of thing in perspective - it wasn’t the Super Bowl! You can see some of the artwork in my pics below.

 

We had lunch in the Ocean View Café, and that was wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about the OVC. Big salad bar area, a carving area, a sandwich bar, daily hot food choices, Asian specialties and a lot more. Emphasis: a lot. Truthfully, by this time, we were ready to ditch the MDR and just eat here all the time! It was huge, airy, and so spacious you never felt like you were bumping into other people or having to stand in line very long. The variety was just unmatched. Every day it changed, every day it seemed to have more fresh ideas, and every day it was just delicious-ness. The pizza bar on the back of the OVC had the best pizza I’ve ever had at sea. The OVC was a real highlight. Whoever designed and is running it needs a medal (and should be asked to help the folks downstairs in the MDR figure out how to make top-notch food). One down note: a lot of folks were playing cards or other games and were taking up a much-needed table during the lunch hour. I guess it’s like saving pool loungers - hard to do much about it. But when you’ve circled the OVC twice trying to find a seat, and there are tables of card players, you’d sure like someone to ask the gamers to wrap it up!

 

That evening we ate at Cosmopolitan. The service was quite slow but the food had improved. It wasn't 5-stars by any means, but it's better. The best part of the evening is that it was “Evening Chic night.” I was surprised by the number of suits and ties I saw, with a few tuxes rounding out the mix. It seemed like most of the ship participated, and most were dressed up a little. DW had a new dress that looked amazing. I thought we looked very “chic” together!

 

The night ended with the show “Tree of Life” in the main theater. The reality is DW and I just aren’t production show fans. It could be done at the highest level by the best dancers and singers in the world, all holding an Oscar and a Tony while balancing a Grammy on their heads, and it would still remind me of something done by the fourth graders on PTA night. We watched a little and then moved on. That’s just not for us. And that was okay because we had a very early start to tomorrow planned.

 

Tomorrow what we came for: Flamm fjord!

Just wondering was there 1 or 2 chic nights in the 7 days ? Thanks 

4 hours ago, vkb2751 said:

We were on the same cruise. Taxis were lined up at port and most were for 8 passengers. There were some smaller cars. Also, you could have the same driver pick you up at a set time for return trip

Fabulous ,thanks for the info👍

12 minutes ago, BuckeyeMark said:

It was raining and we were trying to get to Cruise Express w/o getting any wetter than necessary and we didn't know exactly where we were going ... so we were very focused on finding the CE people so I don't know how much my view on this is worth. That said, I don't recall seeing ANY taxis outside the port in Zeebrugge. Maybe there was a taxi stand and I missed it since I wasn't looking for a taxi. In the North Europe forum there is a lot of talk about Zeebrugge and how to navigate the port and transportation options. If I were you I'd post over there and see if you can get a more informed viewpoint.

Thanks  for the reply Buckeye Mark,I have been told by one of the taxi companies there is a stand but completely understand you were otherwise engaged.

Welcome to a Northern European summer🌧️🌦️🤭

Hi ,really enjoying your cruise story ,thanks for sharing.We will be doing the same one in a couple of weeks.Just wondered if you noticed many taxis waiting outside the port in Zeebrugge?If so were there any 8 seaters?

Thanks 

Thanks for the replies folks ,your help is appreciated.

We are due to sail on Apex  from Southampton a few weeks .Just wondered if anyone could confirm  the availability  on board of low/no sugar Tonic Water and if available what brand 

Many thanks 

It was via  P&O but was twice the price £99 pp we ended on it by default as P&o had made a mess of booking a kayak trip...won't bore you with story but I'm so glad they did as we had such a fabulous morning .You probs haven't had an answer as the guys & gals from Bonseye  apart from farming and running a success tourist business do all sorts of things for the port and are currently  on the quayside untying Iona and sending us on our way

2 hours ago, Gettingwarmer said:

That is because Hellesylt is in Geiraingerfjord, just a different branch of the fjord. 

We are currently on board Iona and were initially disappointed to be diverted to Hellesylt however decided to make the best of it .Went out on a RHIB tour down Geraingerfjord this morning and would thoroughly recommend.Not only was it a fantastic way to see the scenery from the fjord, our guide who was born and lives on a farm on the fjord side provided a fantastic commentary on the Fjord and it's history. Top notch survival suits were provided .Check out Bonseye RHIB tours website- they are easy to locate on the quayside.Hellesylt is a pretty little port and as the sun has just come out ,no complaints from me🌞

1 hour ago, talljules1 said:

Hi Dalesmouse (I'm itching to know - Yorkshire Dales or Derbyshire Dales?)

 

I think they mostly contact those in PH and RS.  I got bored of waiting for them to contact me, so I called them.  0344 493 3055 takes you to the retreat concierge desk. 

Thanks 👍

Neither....I am a Dale😉...long story 

47 minutes ago, PaulB123 said:

I request fevertree for our room and the Retreat Suite Concierge seem to think they did have fevertree.  It would just be strange if they didn't.

Fingers crossed then .As yet we have had no contact from a suite concierge

Brill thanks  for the reply,may still bring a few Fevertree onboard if still permitted.

So now the PCR test is negative and I can begin to get excited.Is anyone able to tell me if they have slimline/lite tonic aboard and what brand? 

Thanks

15 minutes ago, talljules1 said:

Well, we have been for our PCR tests. Now we wait...

Us too......feel sick, it's like waiting for exam results 

9 hours ago, Nick&Simon said:

 

Foot stools are there in Concierge.

 

 Not sure what is going on but Eurofins have set up in The Meeting place and there is a big banner saying "welcome to your rapid Antigen test ".

 

This is on the Eurofins portal..

'Login to our portal to access your QR Code, make updates to your profile, and schedule your Debark testing appoint on the first day of your cruise. '. Looks like  there will be some testing before we leave the ship.  Communication, communication, communication.....not

17 minutes ago, downsmead said:

Wow! Mind you that is from Jack 😂

😂😂😂

2 minutes ago, upwarduk said:

Or FB. They reply quickly. 
I think it might be the same person who covers the Social media, Jack has frequently replied to me, although on occasion it has been Sam.

I have x2 Express passes in my name and not one for my husband, even though it shows both of us checked in. 
Jack is flagging with the web team and will get back to me.

I imagine with all the enquires Jack is flagging in every sense of the term . Probably needs a nice relaxing cruise holiday....😉

11 minutes ago, Riquelme said:

After all the issues with whether 30th was ok for the PCR test I decided to contact the company where we are booked to check I was taking everything they needed with me.

Good job I did as whilst the guy was extremely helpful, he advised that they were not yet set up to do them and he doubted that they would be by next Wednesday!

He also mentioned that his 2 office staff had yet to be trained on how to do the tests. Naively we expected trained medical staff to be doing them.

 

Based on this information we are now having to look elsewhere to get our test done.

 

This is our first time with celebrity and to say we are disappointed, frustrated and annoyed with their admin and communication is an understatement.
 

Time to get on  to Twitter?

12 hours ago, 38anchor said:

 

dalesmouse - think you must be near us - we are Lytham St Annes. We have also booked a contingency PCR test - have you heard about https://longridgetravelhealthclinic.com. Gets really good reviews and more importantly for us, do late night testing if needed. A bit more expensive at £149 but next day service (depending on what time you test). Just with you saying you were getting a test in Preston I thought I would mention.

Might be using your suggestion...been trying to get hold of Travel Agent whose premises we are supposed to attend for Eurofins PCR test .... permanent answerphone message 🤷 Wouldn't like to turn up on 14th and find it closed.Still awaiting reply from Celebrity to confirm whether Boots PCR tests are considered to be acceptable.Im actually now too weary to get excited.If the trip wasn't for a celebration I'd definitely consider cancellation

7 minutes ago, 38anchor said:

 

dalesmouse - think you must be near us - we are Lytham St Annes. We have also booked a contingency PCR test - have you heard about https://longridgetravelhealthclinic.com. Gets really good reviews and more importantly for us, do late night testing if needed. A bit more expensive at £149 but next day service (depending on what time you test). Just with you saying you were getting a test in Preston I thought I would mention.

Thanks for the recommendation,I will have a look .We are in Southport and hubby works in  Preston so it is fairly handy .Good to know they do late appointments and if things go really pear shaped super quick tests even if expensive.

1 hour ago, Mim Lloyd said:

My email for the Eurofins testing came through today for our sailing on 17th July. Luckily they have bookings in one of the city centre hotels in Liverpool, so that's handy for us. Dates and times came up for 14th and 15th and I booked for the 14th without any problem. I tweeted Celebrity for clarification on the 72hr rule and they have confirmed that the test only has to be done 3 or 2 days before the cruise day, not tied particularly to boarding or sailing time. They also confirmed that Celebrity have an agreement with Eurofins to guarantee that the result for a test done for Celebrity with definitely be received before the cruise departs. I'm keeping these answers just to be on the safe side in case of any problems at the pier in the Southampton!

We will all be keeping you close for a copy of the tweet incase ours don't come back on time.We have booked ours in Preston on 14th as the available  timings elsewhere weren't great for being at work.Im loathe to lose a days leave to spend most of it on the Strand trying to get into town😂.I have also booked an appointment with Boots as it just seems strange having a medical test in a back street travel agent.Im going to ring the travel agent tomorrow to check they are actually expecting a stream of  Celebrity customers.Stranger things have happened.Will cancel one or the other. Did you notice that on the booking in site there was mention of booking a debarkation test ?

2 minutes ago, 38anchor said:

 

No, it should be anyone who is staying in the Retreat. If sailing from the US there is a number to reach out to if you want to contact them specifically but everyone in the retreat should be sent a preference email eg pillow types etc. As we are not in the US I was. told at time of booking that ALL Retreat guests will be reached out to at 30 days sailing.

That's what I was told when I booked too

4 minutes ago, teabear said:

Writing to the Corporate side always works - just had a call from Celebrity who have confirmed that as of now they are requiring the PCR test which has to be done WITHIN 72 hours of departure - note the difference that one word makes.   They are also in the process of finalizing ways and means to cover the costs for passengers and expect to be able to announce this next week.  Their cancellation/refund policy will apply for anyone booked who does not wish to take a test  - they are not in a position to state whether this policy (or any other it appears) will be in force after June 21st.   Not sure if any of this helps anyone but you are welcome to it.

Thank you Teabear, that's really helpful. I vote you are nominated as head of corporate communications for us staycationers over the next few months. 

34 minutes ago, missminnie said:

Celebrity's website has been updated today and now shows in all places that a negative PCR is required 72 hours before sailing! Before it didn't show PCR was required under the UK sailings page but this has now been updated today to match the other page.  

 

 

Be interesting to see whether Celebrity intend to  negotiate discounted rates for PCR tests like some of the holiday companies have?

22 hours ago, madmedic said:

Yes and double points. Plus for us there was more Military Discount. 

Hi ,did you have to ask for the double points? I have just made a booking using the bluelight discount.

Thanks