CaribbeanBound

Thank you.

Fineprint: Fasters will required to report to the Wayward Lounge between 6am - 8am, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm, and 5:50 pm - 9:30 pm. Only water will be available. Be sure to show your Premium Drink Card if you wish to enjoy Acqua Panna water, Evian water, or San Pellegrino instead of tap water.

Curious how they handle the fees for "elite" frequent flyers who already get 1 or 2 bags free. I would hope there is a way to keep from being charged by Celebrity? It's not mentioned.

GreenDice... My understanding about Verizon International is that it's not for the ship usage. Just ports. StockJock... interesting.

We used to collect shot glasses everywhere we traveled, then we switched over to collecting keychains from each cruise ship and city we visit. We link them up chronologically and display them on a hall wall.

To my knowledge, Celebrity is smokefree indoors, and allows smoking outdoors on designated decks (Promenade maybe). No smoking on verandas.

Rather than paying for Verizon's Pay-as-You-Go why not just sign up for their $5 international calling? Of course it depends upon the plan you're on. I think international is included in their current plans. I've got a really old grandfathered plan for which the total charge is $5/day per phone for any day it is used. Unlimited text, talk and data (but data may be reduced to 2G/3G). I do believe it counts against my plan allowance of 15GB/month. Your individual lines need to be activated to the plan and I have to go online to Verizon within 45 days of travel and set up my "Travel Plan" --- basically telling Verizon where I'll be and when.

well stated.

When we were B2B in Rome, we were among approximately 56 passengers who had booked a back-to-back cruise. Some of the benefits included: $50 cruise discount on the second cruise, lunch in the Opus Dining Room on the changeover day, special passes that allow you to skip the general boarding process if you decide to leave the ship, the ability to stay on the ship, full access to your cabin if you keep the same cabin, and a genuinely easy immigration and changeover process.We changed cabins and it also couldn't have been easier. We simply packed our suitcases, except for everything that was hanging in the closet and vacated our room around 8:30 am. Our bags and closet items were all relocated by ship personnel. Around 1:00 pm we moved into our new cabin.We did not wish to leave the ship for an excursion. Instead we took it easy, stayed onboard, and basically had the run of the ship. All B2B passengers that stayed onboard met around 9:00 am outside Cellar Masters. We settled our bills, turned in our old Seapass cards (which they gave us back later as souvenirs), completed a new express pass and health form, got our new Seapass cards and had a new security picture taken. It took no more than 5 minutes per couple to complete. It was a ridiculously easy process which was greatly appreciated.If you were on a B2B and decided to get off the ship, you did not have to wait for the 9:00 am meeting. You could get off anytime and get processed when you came back. B2B passengers were provided a special Transit Pass which would expedite getting back on the ship.

C-Dragons... Oh, I've seen them. It's a very rare occurrence and sure it does happen. It does not for one second deter me. Those were likely not passengers on a private tour*. Most likely, just idiots who hired a taxi and spent too much time self-absorbed in their shopping. * A "private tour" is defined as one arranged away from the ship, usually in advance, with a reputable firm that has been in business for some time. These boards are filled with recommendations of great tours that will get you back to the ship in time every time. You can count on it. Consider this: if a reputable tour EVER missed the ship you would hear about it on Cruise Critic and that tour operator would be out of business in a heartbeat. No one would want to take a chance with them knowing they blew it once. It just doesn't happen with seasoned tour professionals. They will get you back in plenty of time.

That's true to a point. For clarity... 1. Elite and Elite+ have the same early tender privilege as Zenith. 2. Celebrity tours don't all depart first thing in the morning. If you're not on one of the earliest tours, then you'll still sit around in the theatre waiting for your number to be called, all the while other folks are departing the ship.

I too book almost all of my tours privately. The biggest reasons were all mentioned above: cost, flexibility, smaller sized groups (not dealing with the lowest common denominator), easier access to sights/sites. Why book with Celebrity: 1. No need to do extensive research to find better tours and more rewarding experiences 2. You like big groups 3. You have extra OBC to use up 4. You are (unjustly) concerned that the tour won't make it back in time to catch the ship, but nonetheless this lack of stress is worth it to you

Here is our experience to Monico from 5 years ago... Villefrance (Nice), France & Monte Carlo, Monaco (7:00 am - 6:00 pm)Villefrance (Nice) was the only port on this cruise where every ship has to tender. We got in line for the tender about 7:15 am and just missed catching the first boat to shore. Other than the time spent loading the boat, it was a quick 10-15 minute trip to shore. We exited the tender, walked through a small cruise terminal and found ourselves on the street. Citadelle Saint-Elme, a 16th Century fort with museums and gardens, is to your left.Lots of folks explored Villefrance and many went to Nice. We set our sights on Monte Carlo, Monaco; the second smallest country in the world, after The Vatican. We visited #1 while we were in Rome. How could we pass up a bucketlist opportunity to visit #2 on the same trip?The original plan was to simply walk to our right about 10 minutes to the Villefrance train station and catch a quick 10-15 minute train (€3 Euros) to Monte Carlo, Monaco. What could be easier? Well, we were thwarted by a rail strike which cancelled most, but not all, trains in France. It was announced well in advance so, not to be deterred, we went with plan B. We took the bus (just €1,50 pp each way, pay when you get on). The only problem in taking the bus is you have to walk up a hill. Everyone will tell you how horribly difficult this task is and look at you like you're crazy to attempt it. Ignore them. From the port, you walk uphill and slightly to the left and follow the bus stop signs to the Octroi bus stop. When going to Monte Carlo, simply wait at the covered bus stop on the sea side of the street (Avenue Du Marechal Foch) in front of a small park (Jardin François Binon Community Garden). There is a tourist information booth, open odd hours, on one corner of the park.Your return stop is across the street by the stores. Buses run about every 15 minutes and it's normally a 20-minute ride. Take the #100 or #100X eastbound "Menton" bus to Monte Carlo. The road was more congested today due to the train strike and it took 45 minutes to get to Monte Carlo. It's easy to miss the border crossing. It's a non-event, no different from driving from one town into another. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at the palace stop. It's the second stop in Monaco. Get off and follow the sidewalk to the right and up the ramp to the Prince's Palace. There is lots to do up here. In no particular order: we enjoyed the great views of the mountains, sea, spectacular marinas, and surrounding areas (You can easily see the stands and the street barrier preparations for The Grand Prix which runs here in late May); walked the gardens; watched the changing of the guards (11:55 am); visited the Saint Nicholas Cathedral where Princess Grace (Kelly) and Prince Rainer are buried; and two blocks later, explored the Oceanographic Museum (aquarium downstairs/museum upstairs). It only takes about an hour to explore Oceanographic Museum (€14, opens at 10:00 am). Buy your tickets outside the museum to the left. The self-guided tour starts in the aquarium and leads you upstairs into the museum. Both halves were equally interesting, though kids are more likely to enjoy the aquarium. The Museum has more than 6,000 specimens on display. It's worth the visit. After departing the museum we shared a sandwich from one of the shops and wandered the streets near the palace until the changing of the guard ceremony. These never get old. While we were practically alone when we arrived around 9:00 am, the palace ground was crowded for the 11:55 am event. Following the guard ceremony, we walked back down the ramp and checked out the shops and farmers market at the bottom of the hill.We thought about visiting Jardin Exotique which features beautiful cactus gardens and city views high above Monte Carlo as well as a neat cave with stalactites and stalagmites. We opted to return to Villefrance and explore there instead.Returning, we walked around the traffic circle and waited for the #100 or #100X westbound "Nice" bus across the street (Boulevard Charles III) from where the original bus dropped us off. The return trip took just 25 minutes. At this point it was about 1:30 pm. We walked down to Citadelle Saint-Elme (Saint Elmo), located literally on the other side of the park where we got off the bus. The entrance faces the cruise terminal. While not an awesome "castle" experience, it's still worth a visit. It hosts 1 large and 3 small museums, nice gardens, statues, great views (including of the ship) and photo opportunities, has public restrooms, and it's free! We spent a leisurely hour exploring the site. We intended to go swimming in Villefrance. This is, after all, the French Riviera! They have a great sandy beach here, just in front of the train station, not more than an easy 15 minute walk from the terminal. Had we taken the train we would have also brought our swimsuits and gone swimming upon our return from Monte Carlo. But we didn't, so we explored the town instead.We wandered the narrow streets and climbed many sets of stairs in the main section of Villefrance just above the port. We enjoyed an awesome homemade blackberry gelato (€3,80 for 2 scoops) at Solea. This was easily the best gelato we enjoyed during our entire trip. My mouth waters just thinking about it.Come late afternoon we headed back to the cruise terminal. Finding free wi-fi, we sat down on one of the many public benches when we got through the security checkpoint and spent maybe 30 minutes checking email and sending pictures before boarding the tender to head back to the ship.

Hints if you booked a private tour (that's what we usually book) and really want to get off the boat for an early start: 1. Be alert to when tender tickets are being distributed (if that is the process for that day) and go get in line early. It's usually the day or night before. 2. Go down to the exit early. It's not uncommon for the boat to start tendering before the official announcement is made. Even if they are ready an hour early, they will NOT make an early announcement. (This also applies when they are docked).

With apologies (and thanks) to the cruiser who posted this tidbit that I found on one of the threads... "You don't need a rental car. Walk up Main St. to the Village Green. Check in at the visitors booth where you can buy the Park Entrance Pass. Or, if you are a senior and have one, bring a National Park Senior Pass. Take Island Explorer Bus #3 (leaves every half hour beginning at 9 am from the Village Green) to Thunder Hole. Hike the Ocean Path back to Sand Beach. From Sand Beach take Bus # 4 (leaves every 20 minutes beginning at 9:35 am) to Jordan Pond. Have lunch here by the lake. Very good chowder and popovers. Return to town on bus # 4 or 5 and check out the shops. The Island Explorer free bus website is at https://www.exploreacadia.com/index.html You can find maps and bus schedules there." There are several different tours to choose from that you can do on your own.

Yes, Foodland is a good call for Poke.

P.S. If you're also in Honolulu, Ululani recently opened a store there too, almost next door to Leonard's Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue. Hint: my wife made 2 trips to Ululani's in Lahaina and 5 trips to Ululani's in Honolulu. She is a shave ice fanatic and swears there is no better. Forgot to mention they offer a VERY large selection of syrup flavors and ice cream flavors from which to select.

Agree there's no great beach in Lahaina. Kaanapali a few short miles North is indeed an excellent choice. It's 3.5-to-4 miles. About 15 minute drive or 20-25 minute bus ride.

Treats: If you want a real treat, check out Ululani's Shave Ice. It just opened earlier this year and it's among the best shave ice anywhere. Why? They shave the ice finer; they make their own fruit syrups to pour over the ice; and they make their own ice cream to hide under your ice. (The ice cream melts up into the ice). Fish: Our favorite place for fish is "Paia Fishmarket Front Street Restaurant". They typically offer 4 or 5 fresh catch fish selections daily with 3 different preparations to choose from and serve them with really good sides.

Note that the Flynn Cruise Terminal was previously known as the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. Walk pretty much straight north out of the terminal to the corner of Drydock Ave and Design Center Place. Catch the Silver Line #2 (SL2) bus. It will take you to South Station in about 8 minutes (6 stops). I think the current fare is $2.40. I believe you can transfer to the Metro (T) without an additional fare if you don't exit the building. If you're trying to get the airport from South Station, you can: 1. Transfer to the Silver Line #1 (SL1) bus, or 2. Take the Metro (T) Red Line 1 stop to Downtown Crossing, change to the Orange Line 1 stop to State, then ride the Blue Line to the Airport, exit and catch an 88 or 33 bus to Logan Airport. (Obviously it makes more sense to take Silver Line #1 to the Airport. And no, that's not where you said you were going, but other folks may want to know).

Generally, you can just look up at the mountains. If clear, most definitely go!

Yes the tap water is drinkable but it definitely has an off-taste that is hard to describe.

Not if you don't pack it away.

I would not miss the opportunity to take in a Boston baseball game. The scene is electric. Lots of fun. I'm personally not a fan of the covered box seats as the seats have less leg room than a standard coach seat on an airplane. The outfield grandstands have some of the most room but the view obviously isn't as good. My favorite seats for the money are in section 33 which is down the third base side next to the green monstah. Sit as close to the field and monster as you can get. Keep in mind the third base side is really short, so you are sitting a lot closer to the infield than you might imagine.

Logistics: Keep in mind you will be off the ship around 7:00 am (?), and need to be at the airport no later than 1:30 pm. You'll need about 90+ minutes at the memorial, especially if you take the tour out to the ship itself (assuming they are running that day and you have secured tickets). Door-to-door you can Uber/Taxi from ship to Memorial in 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, and from Memorial to Airport in 15-20 minutes. You don't need a private company.