happyyaya

They did cancel the Edge transatlantic in October. Someone then wondered about the June 2021 Apex cruises. We're booked on Apex from June 5 to July 10, 2021.  I was wondering if they'd be cancelled too.  EXCEPT in the letter sent to folks about the EDGE transatlantic October cancellation, it says people can rebook to a similar ship on their Europe cruises in May and June 2021...which would lead me to believe they still plan to run these. There's hope. Of course, we need to get the vaccine first....and Europe needs to agree to tourists etc. Much is still up in the air.

1.  Are the Edge aft Sky Suite 1 cabins and balconies larger than sky suite 1 port and starboard side?

2.  Looking at decks 9, 10 and 11 Sky Suite 1 Afts:  anyone stayed in these, without booking adjoining sunset verandas at the same time?

I'm presuming the configuration will be the same on Apex. 

Thanks for any assistance and/or photos.

Thank you so much.  I feel much better!  I was afraid others were seeing excursions and we were not. This tells me they are indeed confirming excursions with new dates etc.  I think it will be a wonderful itinerary and we are always extremely pleased with Celebrity. So we shall just watch and wait for the excursions to appear. 

Would you do me a favor, since I am alerted to new posts in this "chain"?  When you finally do see the excursions, will you put that in a message here?  I'm still just a bit concerned since our dates are still listed wrong oneline in our booking. So knowing when you can see the excursions, will be extremely helpful.

THANK YOU!

I posted it there as well.

Anyone out there signed up for the June 13 to 21, 2020 European sail on Celebrity's Infinity?  

We signed up for this quite some time ago, when it was originally June 14 - 21, 2020. 

HERE'S THE PROBLEM / QUESTION I have. 

The website is not listing any excursions at all for the June 13 - 21, 2020 sail.

And our online registration for this sail is still listed as June 14 - 21, 2020.

I've spoken with Celebrity because of the date mix-up and specifically explained there are no excursions at all listed for this June 13 - 21 sail; and our registration does not have the new dates online. 

HAS ANYONE ELSE SIGNED UP FOR THE June 13 - 21, 2020 sail on the Infinity?

IF SO, ARE YOU ABLE TO ACCESS SHORE EXCURSIONS FOR THIS SAIL?

Thanks in advance for answering!

Since you've indicated 2020....for the first time, Celebrity (on the Summit) will begin and end a New England cruise in Boston, in October 2020. It includes 2 nights in Quebec. This would allow you to explore Boston either before or after the cruise. The itinerary looks great. 

Really?? If we’d not been having propulsion problems we could have gone to Falkland Islands??And you know this because you’ve studied at a maritime school, or you understand navigation maps, or you were on the bridge seeing all of the readouts, technology etc and made that pronouncement. And you understand where another port is and whether their schedule would allow us to dock and the ripple effect that would have on arriving on time for disembarkation?

Very tired of reading these disparaging comments.

I was on this cruise, and the one before it (back-to-back). Let me shed some light on this.

* We were told in advance, while on the first cruise, as were those who would board for The Antarctica Cruise, that there were propulsion problems and Port Madryn would therefore be cancelled. A) There was never a safety issue; B) we would still have a good speed but, over the longer haul, the small change in speed mounts up so we would not go to Port Madryn; and C) Celebrity was refunding us for one day and for any shore excursion we’d booked there, because this change was due to the ship itself.

* This was primarily an Antarctica cruise and people booked it to visit the 7th continent and go around Cape Horn. Celebrity delivered and did so fantastically. Micky-Live, their naturalist was amazing and spoke live, piped in to areas around the ship and all cabins over ship tv as we did these amazing places. Captain went slowly around Cape Horn insuring all areas of ship could see it by his turning the ship. Paradise Island in Antarctica was incredible - Captain did two slow doughnuts (turn arounds) enabling everyone in all areas of the ship to have close-up views. Weather was great (not always the case). When we arrived at Elephant Island (where Shackleford’s men were stranded) it was so foggy we could see nothing. Captain waited and waited and waited....and fog lifted slowly and he waited..and then lifted completely. Agin, two slow doughnuts so everyone could see. It was amazing, And understand here, this was the purpose of the cruise - to see Antarctica.

* Yes - we were late to Ushuaia and people set out on excursions at 4:30 and some returned at 11. My understanding was currents and winds were against the ship going there, affecting the arrival. I know of two people who cancelled their excursions when they learned of the late arrival, and were refunded.

* Falkland Islands — gale-force winds (not just “because of winds”) and “extremely rough seas”- and in good conditions this port is a 45 minute tender. Captain sent letters to every cabin, announced, and showed maps etc on tv station. Those with private excursions booked were given a free phone call from Guest Services to alert them. Those who booked excursions with Celebrity were refunded in the manner they were booked: if you booked it before the cruise using ship board credit, you were refunded in ship board credit or if before the cruise by credit card, your credit card was refunded. If you reserved on board, you got an onboard credit. This was a very large and extremely dangerous weather system that was becoming apparent as we sailed...and indeed, we still had some rough seas as we skirted it. To assume that we would have missed the storm if we’d had full propulsion is not factual.

* I was in the library where the head of Concierge class was at his desk. As with Guest Relations, Celebrity assumed people would want to vent and had their desks staffed early. I witnessed people being belligerent to staff, sometimes as many as 20 at a time crowded in the library with voices raised. Same thing at Guest Services. Our wonderful cabin attendant was yelled at and had a door slammed in his face.

And let me be clear — which is not what you’re reading in these threads, people were angry because they did not see penguins. Penguins. Not because they wanted one more land stop...They are angry and threatening class action suits, because they did not see penguins. Staff are on 10 month contracts, away from their families, so we can cruise....missing their family...always smiling....and people were furious because they didn’t see penguins. Antarctica was the billing and main reason for the cruise....our safety, excellent and always pleasant service....and people are yelling because they didn’t see penguins??? Let’s have some perspective here. I understand disappointment. We’ve all been disappointed at times — but this kind of vitriolic anger because an Antarctic cruise didn’t have penguins up close?

*Last point: crew were incredible through the entire cruise. Added shows in afternoons and evenings with amazing performers who put together extra performances...orchestra members, singers, etc who learned new shows on the fly, practiced extra so they could deliver...more activities, more of everything on board while many people were rude and belligerant.

I for one commend Celebrity for their service, their commitment to safety, commitment to the environment, support of non-profits, training program and support of their staff, visibility of officers all over the ship, every day and evening, visibility of staff continually cleaning the ship...etc etc etc.

We will continue to sail Celebrity and are so grateful for our wonderful Antarctica cruise.

We will board Celebrity in San Antonio on Jan 7. We'd already decided to spend four days prior to embarkation in Valparaiso - UNESCO World Heritage status. We used Michael the German Pirate (crazy name, I know) for a transfer/tour from Santiago airport to Valparaiso and then a full day tour of Valparaiso the next day. When the port changed he immediately also arranged a direct transfer from our Valparaiso Hotel (Casa Galos -- fabulous boutique hotel in great location, impeccably clean, breakfast included, an architect's dream) to the San Antonio cruise terminal.

My fear, with this port change happening in almost all cruise lines, is that Valparaiso will be hit very hard in the tourism industry - which will really hurt their economy. Michael's tours are amazing - he is a wealth of information - has lived in the are since 1997, is fluent in German, Spanish and English, has amazing contacts and will customize an individual tour for you -- of Valparaiso, Santiago, and all points of interest between those cities and San Antonio. We did a tour of the Casa Blanca Valley and a visit to a former whaling village, where we had an amazing lunch at a local restaurant, overlooking the water. http://www.thegermanpirates.cl. Can't speak highly enough about him!

We are currently in Valparaiso, even though our port of call has changed to San Antonio. We did fly into Santiago and booked a private tour with Michael, The German Pirate. Crazy name but SUPERB experience and very reasonably priced. He moved to the area in 1997 from Germany, is fluent in German, Spanish and English. He will make suggestions and individualize a tour for you. We also used him for a full day tour of Valparaiso and he has also arranged our direct transfer from our Valparaiso hotel to the cruise terminal in San Antonio. I am certain you will be pleased -- just tell him at the outset that you are not interested in wine tours. He took us to a former whaling village, Quinta...where we ate a local lunch , and drove us to a beautiful beach area. He will share so much information with you. www.thegermanpirates.cl or just google The German Pirate Valparaiso. He does tours of Santiago, Valparaiso, Vina Del Mar and all points between!

Thank you--I would like to go into the Andes and maybe Vina del Mar, if time--we've already toured Santiago.

 

So far I can't seem to find a tour that is any reasonable price--$250pp is just too much for us. So if you have any tour/guide suggestions, that would be great. We don't have to have a private tour; sharing is fine.

All South America cruises stop normally in Valparaiso port for disembarking or embarking of their passengers,,,,please take note that next summer season 2017/2018 , two cruises companies, Norwegian Cruises and Carnival Cruises will begin their operations in San Antonio Port about 100 Kms south of Valparaiso port . Valparaiso Port and San Antonio port are the main ports in the central part of Chile,,,,You must check if your cruises begin/stop at Valparaiso Port or San Antonio, ,,,both ports are about 120 Km from Santiago capital city,,,,best Regards :D

Celebrity just announced our January 2018 trip will embark from San Antonio instead of Valparaiso so I think there are quite a few doing this.

I was wondering since X doesn't have formal nights but now 'Chic Nights'...do some ladies still wear long dresses...not really formals but long nice cocktail type dresses? Or are mostly worn those nights short cocktail dresses?

 

ALso how many men still wear dark suits? Will my DH be out of place wearing his entire suit or should he just wear the pants with a long sleeve button down shirt with a tie?

 

Thanks in advance.

It seems that women dress up more than the men on Chic night. Sparkles, long evening gowns, short cocktail dresses. My husband used to wear a tux -- now wears suit and tie. On other nights, we still dress up as in sport coat for him and nice dress for me. Sadly, we're a rarity on the non-chic nights but we enjoy! :)

no reason given and no help. Already booked hotels in Valparaiso. Money lost if we don't go there.

Happening to many cruise lines. We'll be in Valparaiso for five days before our cruise. Am looking now into viable options for transfers from Valparaiso to San Antonio. Check with your hotel and explain the situation. My guess is there are others who will be in the same boat (no pun intended) from your same hotel. Perhaps the hotel could arrange a shuttle? I understand there is also a bus (Tur?) between the two cities. Because this is happening to so many....and on so many cruise lines....my guess is Valparaiso will capitalize and arrange more transportation between the two cities.

That's probably exactly what I'll do. But since this is a TranAtlantic....there will be many days on the ship -- so thought I'd see if anyone had any other suggestions. Spa sounds good though :)

Our Celebrity TransAtlantic is docked in Nassau on Easter Monday, April 17, from 7 AM to 3 PM.

We are not beach goers or nor do we snorkle etc.

National Art Gallery is closed since this is a public holiday.

Choclatier is not running tours for same reason.

Does anyone have suggestions?

Anyone been to Nassau on Easter Monday?

We've already booked a tour of the Sydney Opera House and plan to walk in The Rocks area. Back-to-back gives us the opportunity to see some of Sydney between cruises.

We did a Celebrity Alaska cruise AND Pre Alaska Land Tour in Aug. 2015.

The Pre-Land Cruise was fabulous -- I believe it was also arranged by Celebrity. Few into Anchorage on a Saturday, met the land tour leader Sunday night and started the land tour on Monday.

* went from Anchorage to Talkeetna by train - fabulous.

* Then to Denali National Park. Be SURE to do the tour that gives you 2 nights in Denali. We did NOT do the Denali tour that came with the land tour package -- it did not go very far into the park. The park has only 1 road and all tours are run by the national park service with the only difference being how far you go in. Go on the Denali National Park website itself and book the Kantishna Experience -- it is literally all day: pick up at 5:15 AM at the hotel and finished about 7 PM. WELL WORTH every penny and an absolutely once in a life-time experience! Can't recommend this enough!

* then takes you to Alyeska....you stay at the Hotel Alyeska -- fabulous resort. Again, go on line well before the trip and make a RESERVATION at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant. Your land cruise gives you tickets to ride up the mountain and back down on the gondola. The restaurant is at the top. Fabulous views. Fabulous meal. Many others tried to call the day of or just went up to see if they could get in. Nope. You MUST do the reservations in advance. Again, well worth it!

* You then go to Seward...where you ultimately board the ship.

IN TERMS OF THE CRUISE ITSELF:

Bring rain gear! Meaning rain jacket with hood AND rain pants. We were the only ones we saw with rain pants and folks were down right coveting them! So many people wearing cold wet levis. Also bring gloves, scarf and hat. Always better to be prepared.

* When you get to Hubbard Glacier, get in line EARLY to get out on the helipad! And here is where your warm and rain gear help out. By the time we got up close, folks were 10 deep and we were right at the rail.

* Skagway port: we booked, thru Celebrity, the Laughton Glacier Wilderness Hike and White Pass Railway. Bring hiking boots and we had our own walking/hiking poles. The guides offered folks walking poles (they have them) - take them! They help immensely. This is a fabulous, albeit strenuous hike. Worth every penny. We hiked to the toe of the glacier -- amazing!!! A few much younger folks put on "clampons" carried by the guides and actually climbed up and walked ON the glacier! There are 3 guides for this one hike (excursion) and they stay in touch with walkie-talkies. One guide stayed on the toe with us while the younger folks went on top; and still another smaller part of the group took the much tougher final segment up and across the glacier. Of the 2,000+ folks on our ship, only 12 did this excursion as it is strenuous. We were 68 at the time - in good health and walk and hike a lot. It was tough but doable and we loved it! NOT for children.

Those are my hints.

Thank you all! We've reserved Meriton.....I truly appreciate all your help and suggestions!

We are doing the November 2016 back-to-back Celebrity cruises on the Eclipse: Singapore to Sydney (traveling around Australia) and then Sydney roundtrip (traveling around New Zealand). We will stay in Sydney after the cruises, from Nov 27 to Dec 2, 2016.

I need suggestions for where to stay in Sydney. Has anyone found a particularly good rental apartment? VRBO suggestion? We will not be renting a car -- will walk and use public transportation. Really interested to hear where folks have stayed.

THANKS in advance!

Glad to hear people are still dressing up for Evening Chic. Husband has always brought a tux -- but relieved to know he need only bring a jacket and tie for Evening Chic. After all, many do not own or want to rent a tux.

My problem with this new Evening Chic ---- and, please, I am not a dress snob --- are the following words included in the description of Evening Chic:

"women: a cocktail dress, skirt, trousers, or designer/smart jeans with an elegant top

and

men: trousers or designer/smart jeans

Why oh why do they include "designer/smart jeans" in evening chic and do not include jeans in Smart Casual????

My Calvin Klein jeans look like jeans -- Levi could be considered smart to many. WHY allow jeans at all on evening chic???? Surely folks can put on a pair of khakis or dockers or trousers....and not jeans??? Shouldn't Evening Chic be Smart Casual or above???

I fear this "opens the gate" and we will see many folks in jeans. I understand some people don't want "stuffy" formal nights....but hey....trousers??

So -- we will enjoy our evening chic night, dress up and save jeans for our excursions since they are not even included in Smart Casual! And hope that many many other folks dress up a bit for dinner. The main dining room is beautiful -- wait staff are handsomely attired. No jeans please!

Doing Celebrity back-to-backs in 2016: Singapore to Sydney (traveling around Australia; lvs Singapore 10/31) and then Sydney round-trip (lvs 11/14) which travels around New Zealand.

Does anyone have experience with private excursions in New Zealand? Ship excursions are quite costly. Any suggestions of reputable companies -- dependable to get back to ship on time -- would be most appreciated.

We always have our first meal when we board, at Bistro Five -- they have wonderful crepes and it's quiet and very few people go there. Most head for the buffets....there is a small charge but so worth it to start the cruise in calm and delicious!

Cafe Baccio pastries are FREE! Drinks will cost but anyone can ask for a pastries and take them to your room. My downfall -- everything is delicious!

Bring rain gear for Alaska -- including rain pants. We used them and many many people standing in cold wet jeans were very jealous! Also bring gloves -- your hands can get very cold watching the glaciers!

Aqua Spa cafe is open for a healthy breakfast and lunch -- most is complimentary to all. You sit around the pool area -- very quiet and quite delicious!

That looks like the Grand Marnier shuffle --- any time that's offered on Celebrity, my eyes roll to the back of my head it is soooo delicious!

Anyone who gets to St. George should definitely try a fish sandwich at Art Mel's Spicey Dicey. AMAZING! Read the reviews! They are not exaggerated at all!

okay....did not do the caves last February! Will definitely do them this year.

Yes -- with the buses you have to be sure and get on the right route that will take you to St. George. They don't all go all the way there. Just ask the driver. They are all so friendly and helpful!

...and the water really does look like this! We lived in St. George's Bermuda for all of February 2015. Loved it so much that we've rented an apartment for February AND March this 2016. Such a friendly place and absolutely beautiful. Buses take you up and down the entire island -- a country of 23 miles in length and, at the widest part, 2 1/2 miles! English is the language and the dollar exchange between Bermuda and US is 1 for 1. They take US dollars. Fabulous place! We will be travelling with another couple on this transatlantic in 2017 and look forward to showing them the island! Your pictures are great!