HardToPort

I recently throughly enjoyed my first Cruise with Celebrity but the holiday was slightly marred by what happened on the last full day.

 

On the final evening the Cabin Steward asked if he could turn down the room just as I was heading out, I returned within 30 mins to put some water in the fridge. I noticed a can of drink had been opened and partially drunk/emptied. Is this usual practice to earn a little bit extra? This left a bitter taste in the mouth, which was soon sorted by Customer Services but really was a dishonest thing to do. It also cost him his tip as there was no way he was going to get that after his dishonest behaviour. I wonder if he did this to anyone else?

 

Is it worth contacting Celebrity direct as apart from apologising and refunding the money there was little else Customer Services could do. But dishonestly should be punished?

 

Guernsey,

I know musicians who have played cruise ships. The entertainers and crew have their own bar belowdecks and they pay pennies for drinks compared to us paying guests. There is absolutely no incentive whatsoever for a cabin steward to do this. It is also possible that he found a partially consumed can in your stateroom and put it in the refrigerator. That has happened to me on occasion when I grab a beer as a nightcap and fall asleep before drinking it.

 

I infer from your post, and I hope I'm wrong, that you just assumed the worst and acted accordingly as opposed to asking him the simple question, "How did this get in my fridge?". It just seems to me that there are key details missing in your story.

 

I have received nothing but outstanding service regardless of the cruiseline. I also go out of my way to greet every crew member by name, smile brightly, and tip well.

 

I don't like the fact that crews are paid a pittance ($50 to $500 monthly depending on their duties) and rely on gratuities for the bulk of their income ... but that is the cruising business model and I would think long and hard before I lessen my tip amounts. I prepay my grats and I tip my steward and MDR Team extra.

 

As far as pursuing this further with Celebrity, with all due respect, I can't imagine a more spiteful thing to do. For me, and again with all due respect, this doesn't pass the sniff test.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

I use my Nexus card whenever I fly anywhere in USA and use it whenever I come back to Canada from anywhere. Very useful to have and inexpensive.

 

Hi Fellow Cruisers and Nexus Card Holders,

 

Could you all please stop mentioning how great the Nexus card is and how much it facilitates your travels to the states. I'm already noticing longer lines at the Nexus lanes at the border.

 

Can we just keep this our little secret??

 

Much appreciated,

HTP

:cool:

DW and I are cruising in March and her passport expires in June. The last time this happened Princess cruises required her to get a new passport since the one she had also expired within 6 mths of the final date of the cruise.

 

quote]

 

Hi Rick,

 

I have cruised out of NYC and Boston showing my NEXUS card but my passport was safely tucked away in my carry-on. I can cross the Buffalo border and board a flight from Buffalo with my NEXUS. I can board the cruise ship in the US.

 

What may be problematic is whether any of your ports of call are familiar with it, or recognize it. Also, you cannot board a Canadian plane without a passport. So, if you plan on flying from Ottawa to the US, or getting off at every port of call, a passport is s good backup.

 

Your NEXUS card is useful for cross border shopping, skipping the long line at airport security and customs inspection, but for travel to foreign countries for extended periods, take your passport.

 

I am in the same boat as your wife. I'm cruising in January 2014 and my passport expires in June 2014. I've got the new applicatiobn filled out and will have my 10 year passport next month.

 

Remember the saying, just because you could, doesn't mean you should.

 

Cheers!

HTP

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What category stateroom are you planning to book?

If you book Aqua Class, you get unlimited free access to the Persian Garden, among the other Aqua Class amenities, the best of which is dining in the special Blu restaurant.

 

 

Hi Fleckle,

 

We are already booked in a Verandah. I do a cruise every year with my Dad and we tend to book early. We only paid $749 CDN, and this cabin is now $1,389 CDN so we got a very good deal. Today, Aqua Class for this cruise is over $1,700CDN. Not worth an extra $1,000 each.

 

But given how cheaply we got our Verandah, I don't mind paying a little extra for serenity and amenties.

 

Your info was appreciated as I'm new to X. Thank you for taking the time to provide it.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

The Canyon Ranch Spa Prices are here, under "Menu of Services": http://www.canyonranch.com/spaclubcelebritycruises/plan-your-spaclub-experiences

 

The pass is $25 for 1 day, $50 for 3 days and $75 for 6 days. I'm not sure if they have a "length of cruise" pass.

 

Many thanks, all!

 

Great info and feedback from all of you. It sounds like the Reflection has some great "free" areas to relax. And the Aqua Pass is pretty reasonable based on what I paid on CCL and NCL. I have chronic soreness in my lower back and get great comfort from those heated tile loungers and a steam. If I can get that free, better still. If I have to pony up $'s for it, well ... $75 for 6 days is a bargain.

 

As usual, there is always someone who comes to your rescue here on CC. Thanks again!

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

Greetings Fellow Cruisers!

 

Am taking my first Celebrity cruise on the Reflection after trying Carnival, NCL and A-Rosa. Really looking forward to it.

 

Can anyone tell me the cost of the Celebrity Aqua Therapy Pass? I always buy the spa pass on CCL and NCL because I love having a quiet place to read, whirpool, sauna etc.

 

I have searched the forums but can't see to find this info. It does appear that overall, Canyon Ranch's prices are pretty steep.

 

Thanks!

HTP

:cool:

Stay in a hotel near FLL and have SAS transport you in the morning. That's going to be your least expensive option.

 

I'm in agreement with MonaCK. I'm staying near FLL upon arrival. SAS picking us up morning of cruise and taking us to MIA CruiseTerminal. Reverse upon debarkation. $15 pp. Given the increase in hotel rates between MIA and FLL it still works out cheaper than staying near CruiseTerminal.

In January 2015, my wife and I are flying to Ft. Lauderdale the afternoon before our Eclipse cruise leaves from Miami (unfortunately, Southwest Airlines does not fly from our hometown to Miami). We will have four large suitcases plus carry-ons. The children of Israel left Egypt with less luggage.

 

Please let me know the easiest and least expensive way to get from the airport in Fr. Lauderdale to our hotel in Miami. Does Celebrity provide shuttle service, and if so, the day before the cruise? If not, what are the alternatives?

 

Thanks.

 

Hi Wiseask,

 

My Dad and I are cruising Reflection January 10 in January. Flying from Buffalo to FLL (direct flight) and need transport to Miami CruisePort. We are going to try these guys.

 

http://www.ridesas.com/sasreserve.php

 

Good Luck!

HTP

:cool:

Dancin85,

 

Your TA should have clear and darn good reasons to prefer one cruise line over another. If your TA knows your familial circumstances, lifestyle preferences, each cruise line's unique offerings, your price range etc. then take your TA's advice.

 

If they can't offer you very clear reasons why they feel one cruise line is better for you than another, then find another TA.

 

Cheers!

HTP

Sailing over the holiday for first time. Wondering how best to acknowledge the holiday to the crew. Thoughts please. Thinking an extra tip might be the best.

 

On a couple of occasions, We've taken a token gift for our cabin steward. Twice it was maple syrup (not that grocery store garbage, but real maple syrup from Quebec), and once we took a Canadian Olympic Team Toque.

 

We always prepay our tips and always leave a little extra. The little gifts mentioned above are extras on top of the tipping and extra gratuities we leave, not in lieu of.

 

So, since you're doing a Christmas cruise, I think a little package for under the Christmas tree (or towel animal) for your cabin stewards is a thoughtful thing, maybe a holiday card with an extra $20?

 

Kindness never goes out of style and it's nice that you are considering something extra for folks who will be a long way from their loved ones over the holidays.

 

Peace,

HTP

:cool:

Great posts so far. I'd also like to know your cabin #. My father and I are cruising on Reflection in January. We're in a Verandah cabin (6196) on Deck 6, apparently with life boats just below. If your views are representative of that deck then I'm pleased. I like the long views, not worried so much about looking down.

 

You seem like a lovely young couple. I hope married life is treating you well.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

Hi. I am planning to do a cruise, but I am debating between celebrity and princess lines. I am single, 40 year old professional female ; not looking for a loud party atmosphere, but don't always want quiet boring evenings either. I was wondering if anyone had thoughts on what might be the best line to sail with (wondering if celebrity may attract an age group older than me ---is princess a younger crowd?). Thanks for any advice! :)

 

MG,

 

I've cruised Med, Carib and River Cruise (French). I cruise every year with my 80 year old Dad, so for obvious reaons it feels like a singles cruise to me, expecially after 10 PM when he calls it a night. I go on whatever cruiseline / itinerary he chooses and we've done CCL, Princess and NCL. I would advise a 40 year old single cruiser to avoid school vacation periods (Christmas, Spring Break, T'giving and Summer) and also Disney and Carnival cruiselines (very kid friendly). NCL caters to solo adults in their Studio cabins but their partnership with Nickleodeon scares me and I'm not sure if I'll go back. I don't like Spongebob Squarepants at the best of times. I sure don't want to bump into him on a cruise.

 

Regardless of the cruise line, the service has always met or exceeded my expectations. I was always able to meet and spend time with fellow adult cruisers be they single or attached. People are good at heart and like to embrace perfect strangers. Find a hot tub or pool with a chatty group. Grab a drink and slide in. You'll be included in the conversation within minutes.

 

Celebrity and Princess have the reputation of being more elegant and adult oriented, but really, on any cruise with over 3000 guests you should be able to find a handful that share your interests. Each ship will have an assortment of adult activities. Bars, comedy, DJ's, casino, dancing etc. The maitre'd or MDR hostess can help seat you with guests of similarly age or circumstance.

 

Make your decision based more on which cruiselines best meet your itinerary / cost / dates / embarkation port expectations. IMHO.

 

Hope you have a great cruise!

 

HTP

:cool:

[quote name='Wiscona']Hi Gang,
My spouse and I planned to go on Solstice (first cruise ever) to try and rekindle our relationship in October this year.

Unfortunately the relationship hasn't made it...

So I have decided to go by myself as I have the time off work and now I totally need this!!

Whilst I'm not looking for a refund as only one person is now going my agent tells me that if my spouse doesn't turn up I will loose all the prepaid items i.e. tours, premium dinners etc and also the 123 deal in this case the bev package (I totally need that too!!!)

Short of inviting my ex along checking her in and then throwing her off the balcony as we pass the Sydney Harbour Bridge (shortest swim to shore) does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do...???

P.s I do have insurance but don't really want to go down that path.

Your help would be greatly appreciated

Adam



Sent from my iPhone using Forums[/quote]

Adam,
Cancel everything you can (excursions, premium restaurants, 123GO, drinks package etc.) What you can't cancel ... view as "sunk" costs and do your best to put them in the rear view mirror. Accept that you are paying double and can't do anything about it. Book a drink's package on boarding.

And then ... and this is the really important part ... go on your cruise alone. Enjoy a cabin to yourself, meet new people, flirt, ask for a seat at a table for 12 and mingle. Who knows, you might strike up a new relationship, or maybe just an ocean romance. There are rarely single men cruising as a group, but there are always single women cruising as a group. Hit the dance floor and boogie til you just can't boogie no more. Do whatever the hell you want to do and wash that girl right out of your hair.

Of course, that's just my opinion.

Cheers!
HTP
:cool:

Thanks all for responding. Panama Canal is on my To Do list but not right now. Dad and I can only do 1 week. Caribbean best option. Fortunately, Celebrity has a number of ports I haven't been to yet. I've stopped in Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman. Looking forward to trying others. St. Barts, St. Maartin, San Juan etc.

Hi Celebs!

I've cruised with Norwegian, Celebrity and Carnival. I cruise every year with my 81 year old Dad and he wants to try Celebrity out of Florida this coming winter.

 

So all you Celebutantes, tell me your favourite ships, ports and onboard experiences please.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

Family of 4 (16, 15, 12 and myself) on Carnival Ecstasy Feb 3 going to Key West and Cozumel (4 days). I plan to put down $1000 cash on my Sign and Sail card. Do you think this will be enough for the trip?

 

Hi Moozie,

$1000 should do it especially given the detailed breakdown provided by another poster. I would go one step further though and set up a S&S account for each child and make sure they know what they have.

 

If all the kids can draw from one master S&S account up to the full amount you're setting yourself up for trouble. Whereas if each child knows that he / she has, say $200 to spend at which point their S&S card gets refused, they'll watch their purchases more carefully.

 

When it comes to young kids on vacation, love them, enjoy them, but don't allow them carte blanche charging privileges on a cruise ship. Just sayin'.

 

I hope you and your kids have a GREAT trip!!

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

We live about 5 -5 1/2 hours from Baltimore. We are looking at the Pride at some point next year, mainly b/c we don't have to worry about airfare. Since we will be parking at the port (I have done a lot of reading that is it in excellent port with ease of parking right next to/near the dock) would you drive it the same day and save the extra $ on hotel and food the night prior? We are early risers...even with school out my DS and DH are up at 6 am. So we could get on the road by 6 am easy and get up there in plenty of time. Just wondering how many other folks do this.

 

Hi 1Day,

I'm about 8 hours from Baltimore. Cruised from there twice. Drove once, flew once. Always go night before and have crab cakes and a seafood dinner.

 

No anxiety and it gets the vacay off on the right foot. Any potential issues with traffic, car or weather and I have time to come up with alternatives.

 

The peace of mind of a hotel room far outweighs the cost to my way of thinking.

 

Whichever you choose, I hope you have a great trip.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

A few years ago when the Pride docked in PC for the day, we took a charter bus from the dock to Cocoa Beach, does anyone know if Carnival still offers this, or if we can purchase bus shuttle tickets that day directly from the charter bus that may be cheaper than going through cruise line?

 

 

2 years ago I stopped in PC. Carnival ran a shuttle and there was also a local shuttle sitting there as we docked. The local shuttle was cheaper and made a number of stops through area. It was one price with on / off privileges.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

We'll be right there with you on the 12th!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad

 

I'm taking my annual cruise with my Dad on the Splendor Jan 12th. My first stop is spa to buy access pass. Best $159 I ever spend.

 

Then I go get my DOD.

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

Another quick question:

 

My fiancé will be sailing for the first time in July. Our itinerary is:

 

Port Canaveral > Grand Turk > San Juan > St. Thomas > St. Maarten > Port C.

 

Am I right in saying we do not need a passport for this as we are both American citizens? I know this has been answered everywhere else, I just can't really nail down a succinct answer on it.

 

CARNIVAL'S answer is ...

 

"Carnival highly recommends all guests travel with a passport. Although a passport is not required for U.S. citizens taking cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port, travelling with a passport may help to expedite your CBP clearance upon return to the U.S. Additionally, passports are required in the event you need to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port should you miss your scheduled port of embarkation, or need to fly back to the U.S. for emergency reasons."

 

Travel without a passport at your peril.

HTP

:cool:

I don't know why but I decided to check my husbands email account today.

 

You read your husband's email?

:eek:

From a recent article on "service charges" in the cruise line industry to support my points above.

 

"Most of the time, tips on cruise ships are really service charges, which is one of the reasons why cruise lines seem to be moving towards adding a flat fee to your onboard account rather than make the tip amount entirely optional. New cruisers should know that most cruise lines do not pay their service staff a living wage, and tips or service charges make up much of their compensation. In order to keep the advertised price down, passengers are expected to subsidize the service staff through these added service charges or tips.

 

All tips used to be given to the stewards and dining room staff on the last night of the cruise. Envelopes were passed out to the passengers and you presented the cash tip envelope directly to the steward in the cabin and handed it to the wait staff at dinner. While some cruise ships may still follow this policy, others (mostly) add a flat fee per day to your onboard account which may or may not be adjusted upwards or downwards, depending on the cruise line. If the fee is required and cannot be adjusted downward, it is a true service charge, and is no different from a port charge. Most cruise lines add the recommended service charge to your account, and you can adjust it if you think necessary. Personally, one of the things I love about cruising is the excellent service and wonderful attitude of the crew. I’ve never understood people who did not think the crew deserved at least the recommended service/tipping charge. But then, that is just me!"

Tips are part of the cruise companies' business model. If you don't like that, don't cruise.

 

Advertising the lowest fares and piling on the cabin upsells, port charges and taxes are part of the cruise companies business model. If you don't like that, don't cruise.

 

The cruise lines will try to pry every last $ out of you they can by selling you jewellery, inflated shore excursions, pictures, drinks and art. If you don't like that, don't cruise.

 

Despite the forgoing, cruising can still be a wonderful cost-effective way to travel and see the world.

 

If you choose to cruise and accept the cruise lines business model, and THEN make the conscious choice to subsidize your vacation at the expense of the lowest paid employees, whose job security is almost non-existent and who work under difficult conditions to improve their station in life, then shame on you.

 

Don't cruise, save your tips and spare us your sermons, hypocrites.

Best. Post. Ever.

 

Great information, and I'm no rookie traveler.

 

Cheers!

HTP

The Pride has a sliding dome over one of its pools also...

 

Thanks for the Info BigDog!

 

I've been on Pride twice out of Baltimore and never noticed!!

 

When I'm cruising my powers of observation take a hiatus as well, it seems!

 

Safe travels!!

HTP

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