Shiba_Lover

I could see them closing part of the Oceanview, but not the entire thing. It is typically not busy. We do the longer cruises and sometimes get tired of being fussed over and the fancier food in Luminae, so like to go to the Oceanview to get just a salad and nobody bothering us much for dinner. It would be a shame if they eliminated it entirely. Sometimes people just want a quick bite or something simple.

Slightly unrelated - one thing to watch for - and this may have changed - is the Retreat sundeck is not accessible except by stairs. This may not be an issue if you would not be using this. It is on deck 16 and is the only public space on deck 16.

We did a TA on the Apex, and it had a lot of art classes. Both formal instructor led and do it yourself "adult coloring" type activities. If offered on your ship, TAKE THEM. Even if you think you may not enjoy it - give it a try. It was very enjoyable. The onboard instructor was really good. The instructor led classes turned out really well. Those of us who thought we could not draw actually wound up with some really nice pieces. The classes were a great way to spend time. You can bring a glass of wine or a drink, and just give it a try. The do it yourself ones were in the grand foyer bar area, and the activities manager put out some pre-made heavy quality papers with really intricate designs. They provided some nice water color pens and then you could just get a drink, and spend some time mindlessly "coloring" the pre-made designs. Quite a few people did this. As it is at your own pace - you just spent the amount of time doing it that you wanted. Even if this is not something you would do under normal circumstances, just give it a try once. Even if you think "I can't do that" - give it a go!

That's good to know about looking at the deck plan. If the TV is same side as doorway. So now how do we know if the tv is in front of the bed or the sofa? It seems sometimes the bed is near the balcony side and sometimes the couch is near the balcony side. Is there a way to tell that? Is it odd/even room? I usually have a tv in front of the sofa, but never sit and watch - Actually only turn it on in the morning to see the ship path or whatever - and like it in front of the bed.

Yes to this!!! Especially if revisiting a port. The crew can give you tips on a good out of the way restaurant or particular place to visit that you may not find on your own. We really enjoy just getting off the ship and having a DIY look around. If re-visiting - the "normal day to day stuff" is good to see instead of the highlights.

If you didn't have a chance to watch the last "power up points" webinar - they did mention one you can string together in Asia to make 3 B2Bs with little overlap. On the website - put in the dates for all of 2025, then look at the Millenium. Feb 19, March 03, March 15 of 2025 on Millenium are all on Millenium in Asia and I think only one overlap port???? Check this one out if interested in a longer Asia B2B2B.

I get tired of all the eating on longer ones too. I basically just get a yogurt at breakfast and a big salad at dinner. Otherwise it is just all too much.

Reading - so many people have downloaded books on a tablet or ipad instead of depending on a library, I think those are going away - but if you want a book in hand, you would probably need to bring more with you or check stores in the ports. Maybe post on your ships roll call here in cruise critic for a real "book swap" on a particular day in a certain lounge. Or maybe a "book club" where you just talk about whatever book you are reading instead of a particular book - and then you could swap the books. Same for a tv or movie - just download something to watch if you want to watch something instead of depending on ship tv. People sit in lounges to listen to music and meet others. We have gotten to be good friends with people who were on a B2B2B cruise and just kept booking the next cruise while onboard because they were having such a good time meeting people onboard. When sitting in a lounge listening to the band - invite someone looking for a table to share with you and start a conversation. Walking on the outdoor walking path is also a good way to meet people - I walk around the same time each day, and notice the same people seem to do that too. Easy to start a conversation. In terms of ports - we tend to DIY things. Once we have done any touristy thing - we do some other things. I like to check out local grocery markets like spice markets, things like that. Even though I often can't purchase (restrictions on bringing on board or back home) - I like to look. It's free, and gives you a look at local things.

If you are going to ask - ask for 100 proof something or maybe Bacardi 151. I think you would need something with a much higher alcohol content to wash them down. I'm always afraid to eat them. Not sure what time you put this raw fish plate out. So no, not going to eat it. 🤑🤪

For independent tours in Tuscany and other places in Italy - I used Rome Cabs. It worked really well as the weather was horrible in Cinque Terre (which we had planned ) on one of the trips (have been 3 times) and the driver gave us 3 options for a better day. We opted for Pisa and Lucca instead. That's the benefit of a private driver. When we spoke with some people back on the ship later - they basically sat on the bus in pouring rain all day and could not see a thing. Felt really bad for them, but we had a nice day. .Shore Excursions - RomeCabs

My husband and I enjoy a drink while getting ready for the evening and and coffee in the morning while getting ready for the day. We have pre-arranged for coffee and espresso in the morning - never an issue. But for the drink - we prefer to stop by a bar prior to going back to the suite and get a drink to take with us. In the evening, prior to bed - we'll stop by the retreat lounge and my husband gets a scotch to enjoy before bed in the room. Just because you have a butler does not mean you HAVE to utilize the butler for everything. I like to think of it as a bit of "if I walk to get the cocktail, I am walking off the cocktail" - yes I know it does not equate, but just give me that illusion.

Note that the "where" may change. You will get a Captain's Club flyer which will inform you on both the place and the time. Our recent cruise it was in Tuscan Grill. I can't remember if it was also shown on the app. Sorry - am trying to edit this to reply to original "where" question, but cannot.

And don't forget - its a limited time! so book NOW. Before they offer it again tomorrow.

Not sure why this would be poor "ethics" on Celebrity's part? The bid is clearly stated, and it is very transparent. You either accept the offer or you do not. It is really a supply and demand pricing. The price you originally paid for your room vs the price for a different room now is meaningless. What was the Aqua class room cost when your originally booked? Also, not everyone bidding paid your same price for the same cabin type. Some paid a lot more, some paid less. For some, this may be a very good offer, and they will choose to bid. I recently got an offer to bid 1,000K per person to move from a Celebrity Suite to a Royal suite. That was on a 4 night cruise. It's not worth it to me as I think it's excessive, so I just ignored it. I did not get upset at Celebrity. Maybe someone else gets the same offer and thinks that is the best thing ever and bids on it. Who knows? If X can make some extra money - good for them. If not - then their bidding algorithm will probably learn to adjust the minimum bids.

Ditto what Jim_Iain says. I would suspect that you are either outside the US and different rules apply or you THOUGHT you were on a refundable, which would not be unusual. Many of us have been told by the booking agent at Celebrity that we are on a refundable then not been booked on that. If that's the case, and you made reservations on the phone - you can have them pull the call log - they just need the date you made the reservation. If they can trace back to you being told you are on a refundable booking by the agent - they will go with that. (speaking from experience here)

I liked the coffee house breakfast for something quick if you have plans and need to be quick. An example - we were staying in the suites, and could do Luminae, but didn't want to take the time. Also didn't want to deal with the buffet or MDR. We had an art tour of the ship that started I think at 9:30 and was meeting just outside of Tuscan. We just grabbed the coffee house breakfast that day as it was super easy to eat and meet the art tour after eating. It's nothing you can't get anywhere else on board - but it is convenient if you want something quick and don't want to deal with the buffet or a restaurant.

That sounds like a great trip!

Celebrity does say on their website they have some adaptability aides that you can request in advance. I wonder if they would have some sort of shower safety step that could be used with this tub in the CS? Seems to be a common problem. On the website, it says you need to call in advance. I did see one of the items was a shower seat - so maybe they have a step or something? We are on the summit in February in a CS. Fortunately, we should not have issues with the tub / shower. I'm glad to read about it in advance though in case we did. Otherwise - I would have to rethink it.

We will be in a suite - it's the Flora, which is why I did the "guarantee". It was 4K cheaper than booking a specific cabin, so I figured that was a good deal given that I don't think there are any "bad" rooms - obstructed views, etc. I'm pretty sure we'll wind up in the veranda room. But I don't think I will book a guarantee again. I don't like the not knowing which room, although I guess for this ship, I don't think it matters that much since I am fine with the regular veranda suite. 😁

Same on Apex in May 2022.

Other options: If you are elite or above in captains club - you could get one free day on a port day. Or if you go to the spa on embarkation day they will give special pricing on a pass, so go then and ask about this. And of course, if you book the Aqua class sky suite - then you do get admission included.

Unfortunately, researching is how many of us do get "the best fares". We check and check again, then have the trip re-priced. Your TA could do this for you, but sometimes they may miss it. We call in and do it ourselves if we have booked direct with Celebrity, or call the TA and have them do it if booked with the TA. We watch for sales, watch these boards and see when someone posts a good deal, etc. Many have a relationship with their TA and the TA knows that they want and when they see a deal, the TA contacts them. Celebrity also has a "last minute" page and if you are able to go then - have a look and jump on those. I would say book the December trip, then you can contact a TA and ask them if there is any benefit to transferring to them (you only have so many days after booking to transfer - I can't remember what it is. I'm sure someone here can advise on that. And the TA will handle the transfer). They may say "I can get you a better fare, or additional OBC". That will start your relationship with the TA. Then, you can go from there. Aks them to watch for re-price opportunities. Or every so often - just have a peek at the same trip and if it is less expensive - ask the TA to re-price. Some can even put a fare watch on it.

Guarantee cabin - how do you find out what you are assigned? Do you have to keep checking the reservation? Do they email you? Find out when you board? Any of the above?

Thanks for the reminder on this. I guess some of us are just thinking that since the cabins are so few, people who need them like to book far ahead since the cabins are difficult to get. But - as you say - important to remember that everyone may not know when they have time to go or might just like to be spontaneous and jump on a last-minute trip.

These surveys should be geared more towards constructive feedback. When I worked in management and had to rank and review employees - I always told them to look at feedback as " opportunity for improvement" - and really, any feedback I received that was just a complaint - I sort of ignored. I did however look at "here's an issue and how it could have been handled better" as that was constructive and something I could coach for the employee's learning. I wish the surveys were really geared towards that. Because really, we all have a different idea of what is a 5 vs what is a 10. We all go in with different expectations. If one person expects the waiter to just take the order and drop off the item vs someone who expects the waiter to check on them every 5 minutes - the score will be vastly different.