wilson83

Even if you bring in cigarettes, you'd have to declare it and pay tax. If you're caught trying to smuggle them in, you'll be given a very hefty fine. Happened to quite a few of us. I'm from Malaysia, and we used to go in Singapore very often. Every person is only allowed to bring in 19 sticks (pack of 20, less 1 stick) of cigarette, or if you bring in a pack of 10, it has to be 9. Nothing more than packet minus 1 stick, and not more than 19 total.

Great review, beautiful Pinnacle Suite, and great itinerary. I'm not as lucky as you, as I could not afford the Pinnacle Suite, the most I could afford is just Verandah Balcony.

I've read through the entire journey of yours, but could not find you mentioning anything about main dining, and the entertainment (main theatre) ?

Do you mind sharing those experiences ?

I'm thinking of doing a similar itinerary, deciding whether to go with HAL Nieuw Amsterdam, or Celebrity Silhouette.

Thanks.

How's entertainment and activities on both ships? My wife and I are in the early 30's, we do tend to stay up a little later, till around 11-12 midnight. We like to participate in group activities during the day, especially on sea days.

For those who have experienced both ships, how's the main theatres ? Do we need to show up 30-45 minutes before show begins in order to get decent seats ?

That's what happened when I was in Independence of the Seas. If I arrive less than 30 minutes before show, we'd have to sit at seats with obstructed views, otherwise my wife and I were forced to sit separately. or on the upper deck.

Planning on taking the Mediterranean cruise. Both these ships offer similar itineraries. I can't decide which one to take.

In terms of pricing, HAL is having a good promo for the Verandah, and it's going for around $1500 per pax + tax for 12 nights. Celebrity is going for about $200 - $500 more depending on date of departure.

I'm not a person who sticks with one cruise liner, I've had great experiences with RCI, HAL, Celebrity, but also had some bad ones.

For eg, Voyager of the Seas was really bad, bad service, waiter was rude, stinky hallway, food at main dining was horrible. But was very happy with Independence of the Seas. When I was on Prinsendam, I experienced the best services possible and best food I could ever imagine, but that ship looked very old. Rotterdam had very bad food on it, but service was pretty good. Celebrity Galaxy was a long time ago, all I could remember was that I had a great time, and that ship was pretty new, food was good.

I wouldn't not avoid a particular cruise liner due to one bad ship. Although I wouldn't want to ever get on a Carnival, NCL, and Star Cruises ever in my life. I've tried those only once and none were my cup of tea.

But I really can't decide which one of these two to get on to.

Please advise.