Tampa Jim

We choose Celebrity due to the smoking policy. Of course, it is nice that it is a "step above" the majority of the mainstream marketplace. We would be more open to other lines (HAL, RCCL, etc.) if their policies were more stringent.

We live upstate NY and the easiest way for us is to departure from Bayonne, NJ since my parents live in NYC and can give us a lift. Unfortunately, this only leaves us with Bermuda sailing on Explorer of the Sea. I loved our previous cruise experience, and don't mind sailing the same route again. Other vacations require flying and the cost and hassle makes it not even worth it. Should I just hunt for the best bargain searching viciously all the travel websites a few days before the sail date? My job is pretty flexible with vacation schedule, and I'm sure I can schedule a week off within moments notice. We're looking to go this summer: July-August.

If you could go in October, Celebrity has a 7 night to the Caribbean from Bayonne. It is a VERY competitive price AND certain cabins (window and above) qualify for their 1-2-3-Go! promotion. That allows you to pick a $200 OBC or free beverages (including alcohol). Check them out as an alternative.

Folks in the UK get better deals on European cruises than US residents do. IMO, it is everyone's turn eventually ... good and bad.

When they put all those ugly cabanas into place, did that eliminate bocce ball?

We have 7248 on the Silhouette and 7242 on the Equinox. Our TA selected them as "highly stable" (pitch and roll), on the non-smoking side, convenient to elevators but not "too close" and a balcony for "personal fresh air".

Was she incorrect in her assessment?

Would you please post a picture of the location, like you have in other threads.

Thanks!

We got a great deal with the 1-2-3 package on both cruises booked. We qualify for senior and resident rates and they were NOT lower on our choice of cabin (2A). Based on that fact, we are WAY up by booking the promotion. The only thing we missed out on ... shareholder credit of $100 on the first cruise and $200 on the second.

The cruise for next year is being held on a deposit. If things shift, we can cancel and rebook until 12/29/13. Kind of hard to go wrong AND we got exactly the class, position and cabin we wanted.

There are pros and cons to anything, always compare, read the fine print and evaluate your specific needs, before booking.

I can't get my shareholders $ 100.00 a week cabin credit because Celebrity are giving me the drink package.

Us either, but we still feel like it is a fabulous deal overall.

I had my TA upgrade the package during the payment process. X invoices about 10 days after booking. According to X, if the invoice isn't paid before the cruise, it will be added to your onboard account.