wineoclock

We went to China for our honeymoon in 1997 as one of the destinations. Beijing, Xian, Guilin & one other stop I think. Glad we’ve done it & wouldn’t ever go back. Loved Hong Kong but that was while still under British lease. Thailand, Singapore & Bali 🎉🎉🎉 My One regret about Celebrity is that they don’t have a world cruise itinerary. That to me would be heaven!

Great to see such enthusiasm- so looking forward to my upcoming cruise on Apex!

And that Rich is a cultural difference. I assume you are from the US? It just wouldn’t occur to most Brits to tip more than the recommended amount; that you regarded it as a minimum, wouldn’t cross our minds to tip more as the staff in the U.K. are on a living/minimum wage. It’s good to ask questions as we wouldn’t know the differences in viewpoints and learn cultural differences. That can only be good thing.

Yes thank you - we did this pre auto gratuities also. I suppose I was just confused as to tipping on top of auto gratuities. It wouldn’t happen in the U.K. you would just pay the recommended amount & no extra. Having said that Gary has told me we have always tipped more than recommended so that’s told me 😂

We have been in PH or equivalent our previous cruises so will be interesting to see the difference with our upcoming CS experience.

I’m so pleased our May cruise is from Southampton- no confusion 😂 And useful to know Celebrity’s actual policy thank you!

Sis in law said she’d never sail NCL haven again as just wasn’t worth it! Still trying to persuade them to sail with us on celebrity.

Thank you that is very helpful & comprehensive. It’s difficult when it’s not your culture & you don’t want to get it wrong. So we will tip extra - that’s cleared up now 😁

So we are meant to tip extra? We don’t want to get it wrong thank you.

But in the U.K. you get the service whether you tip or not which is what I was responding to as to the pp who said about tipping in a pub above. It’s usually good service in the U.K. imo, anyway whether you tip or not! Obviously there are exceptions to the rule.

I was responding to the pp when they tipped in a pub in the U.K. - I should have specified or quoted. I then explained tipping culture in U.K. carrying on from that. I don’t understand US tipping culture as I’m not from there & I don’t understand if tips are included why tip more, if someone can explain please?

The worse that can happen is No I cannot or you’ll be charged. Don’t ask then don’t get!

I have a dilemma for our cruise on Silhouette in May. We are in Aqua however I ideally need a disabled room & none are available. I thought about the suites but all sold out for accessible rooms. If I do move up can I say that only if accessible sky suite becomes available? Does anyone know?

I never understand the US tipping - if tips are included why tip extra? In the U.K. tips are done for meals out between 10% -12.5% usually but are not compulsory unless it says so at the time of booking. You’d never really tip in a pub or bar unless you’d say ‘have one yourself’ & that’s code for a tip. If you had an event there then yes you’d tip most likely but you’d tip around 5%-10% & again it’s not expected. Hairdressers/nail technician/ beautician some tip but not everyone does. I think people don’t realise that in the U.K. we have minimum wage (for most people) which is in line with inflation & counts as a living wage. Cleaners for example- well mine charges way above the hour than the minimum wage so no I don’t tip. I buy her & her family a Christmas present as do her other customers. So basically in the U.K. requirement to tip isn’t really there though some do.

For me I find the M class to small. If I’m cruising on the more luxury lines then I’ll probably feel they are too small as well. I know I should try it one day but for now Retreat will do unless someone can suggest a similar size to S class on a luxury line?

You lose nothing by asking. You have more of a chance of a positive answer by asking than if you don’t ask.

Greece & Turkey are arguing about the Aegean. I’m not particularly worried about it at the moment. Though with Erdogan who knows. Im a U.K. Cypriot so I do get a bit antsy when they argue as that can mean bad news for Cyprus & inevitably my family there.

I usually spend most of October or November in Cyprus & come back browner than I do in August as the temperatures are far more pleasant. Occasionally some rain. Think around 25 rather 40+ But usually a light jacket or cardigan in the evening.

I would imagine the first day is more difficult as everyone trying to clear customs 😬😬

Yes to this!!

I agree with being spoilt by the suite life. Same as I no longer fly economy. Our first cruise we had booked a balcony & were upgraded to a SS. Spoilt ever since usually in PH or equivalent on Disney. We are in a CS (low bathtub) on our next cruise & Aqua for the one after as I couldn’t justify the price for RS or PH & no accessible suites left. I may be a convert to Aqua which will be a win as can cruise more!

Apart from Raw on 5 I’ve booked each of the restaurants on our 12 night cruise on Apex. I know we are paying for Luminae but I still want to try the other restaurants.

I like bed by the bathroom and sofa by the balcony. More natural light as well.

I loved Akrotiri. Oia is a must & we stayed near there for 10 days on a land trip - was about a 10 minute walk. Spectacular. Watch the sunset from Oia if you can. It’s truly magical.

I would imagine it would depend how fill the ship was & the price of upgrade!