lola2013

We recently did the proctored test through Rapid Test and Trace using the free Covid test provided by the government. We paid $20 for the proctor and made the appointment for two days prior to sail date. Using my iPad, the test was easy; the proctor was very helpful as far as following the instructions. Within 15 minutes, she emailed the results. I had the email copied at my hotel so I had a paper copy of the negative result. It is my understanding...and apologies if this is not up to date...that neither CVS nor Walgreens are no longer doing the test for free if it's used for travel. Hope that helps!

Good to know...thanks. I usually sail from Ft. Lauderdale, but if I'm ever back to Port Canaveral.......

We did it early enough to beat the heat. And our groceries were limited to some chips to eat on the ship.

We were in Cocoa Beach last month for two nights pre-cruise. I was a puddle the whole time!!! But I would do it again in a second to be close to a cruiseport.

We had the crew "parade" in the pool area on our Reflection cruise in January. It was the first and only time I saw the captain the entire cruise. Same captain that you have! Skipping to another post...my parents had a place in Naples...dad loved it for the four months they were there...mom couldn't wait to get back to Chicago...she was not a fan of the heat and humidity. They found Naples by visiting relatives that had a place on Marco. That is my idea of paradise!

We just stayed at the Radisson by the Port on Astronaut Boulevard. It's a beautiful property with lots of restaurants and Publix within walking distance. We stayed for two nights last month. I was in a room with two queen beds (as a single)...rate was $155...no resort fee. The shuttle fee to the cruiseport was $6/pp. My friends were in a room with one king bed; they paid a little more because they booked it later than I did...maybe $175.

I was in Bermuda last month (RCCL)...since the time in Bermuda was the purpose of my trip, I was happy to pay the $40. The pre-cruise test, which I had to take once I reached Florida, was much more stressful. But I was happy to do whatever required so that I could spend a few days there. And it was GORGEOUS!

Hopefully you get back with time to spare 😉

We are booked on a Celebrity sunset excursion in Curaçao in February…likely similar to your tour. Beginning at 4:45pm for 3 hours should get us back to the ship with plenty of time for a 11pm departure…unless some timing has changed. Eek…I don’t want to worry about missing the ship!

Celebrity has offered a few deals lately that I have been able to take advantage of as a solo traveler. I booked next February's cruise months ago; when they offered a deal with no single supplement, my travel agent was able to re-book and save me about $2k. They offered another deal for December, 2023, Apex cruise; but I was already paying less than they offered. Just last week, I booked a B2B on Silhouette during the buy 1, get the 2nd guest at 75% off sale. Even though I am travelling with a friend, we were able to book separate cabins at a great rate. I see that sale is still going on...good luck!

We are also doing a five-day (Thursday thru Monday) followed by a ten-day and figured I would do a free bag in each leg. So perhaps a bag on Saturday of the first leg...and then again halfway through the second leg. As a chronic overpacker, I would love to take advantage of this Elite benefit.

Thanks.

Good morning, I have just booked my first (and hopefully not last) B2B on Silhouette for 2024. On the turnaround day, I would like to leave the ship, meet up with relatives who live in Ft. Lauderdale for lunch, and then return to the ship for the second leg of the trip. I presume I will need to do check-in for both legs; once I return to the ship, what can I expect? I presume I will need to stand in line and do the entire check-in process, etc. Anything special I need to know? This cruise will happen (fingers crossed) after Covid testing is just a memory. Thanks, Susan

I've been on Equinox twice and will return in February. Thanks for the tip...I just read about this spot for 2024's Silhouette sailing...now I know it's a great spot for my upcoming sailing. Thanks, Susan

Also following... My first Celebrity cruise was on Equinox in 2013...we visited Dubrovnik, Montenegro and several stops in Italy) and were amazed at the beauty. Followed that cruise with another Med trip a few years later that started with five days in Rome. We also did an ebike excursion on the Appian Way. It was great. I'm sure you will enjoy every minute (our challenge was five hours of rain, but hey, when in Rome...........)

It was Celebrity that I called to ask about the move up to a SV. They advised they were not included but to ask when I boarded. Glad I did since it was a freebie. I typically book a SV; but on this cruise, the difference in cost was substantial which is why I took the regular balcony when I booked. P.S. Go Cubs (well, next year!!!)

I was upgraded on my January Reflection cruise from a standard verandah stateroom to a SV. I was told that category is not included in the MoveUp program because there are so few SVs. Instead I went to guest services when I boarded and got the upgrade. I believe it was because we sailed at about 1/3 capacity.

I will be using them on Friday using my iPad. I am about as non-techie as they come. I mentioned that when I made the appointment and the proctor told me she will assist. Fingers crossed!

THANK YOU for the amazing video. This makes me even more excited (if that's even possible) to sail on this beautiful ship.

We board Mariner this Sunday. After the last two Celebrity sailings at about 30% capacity, I know it will be more like pre-Covid with so many passengers on Mariner...but I'm okay with that!

We got a gratis upgrade from regular verandahs to SVs a few months back on Reflection. I was told the move up didn't apply to SVs because there are so few of them. I asked once on board and Guest Services made it happen. I believe it had a lot to do with the fact that the ship was sailing at about 1/3 capacity. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I said a giant "thank you" and relocated immediately!

Double check port requirements. We are sailing eight nights with a stop in Bermuda; therefore, we still have to test two days prior to boarding.

Iain. Sorry...just having a little fun this morning.

Jim is the taller of the two and the storyteller.😉

Jim is the handsome one...and Iain is the other handsome one!