First Cruise, many questions

[paradiseawaitsme]

Hi all,

My Sister and I will be cruising on Celebrity Reflection on February 7,2015. Since I have never cruised before and have not been to 2 of the 3 ports, I have questions. :o

1. We are flying in from Toronto and our transfers are included, should we expect someone from Celebrity to greet us and get us to the correct bus? The flight is chartered by Celebrity so will be full of cruise passengers.

2. I assume we go through customs at Miami Airport and then again when we check in at the Ship? We usually go through at the Toronto airport before leaving, but we fly out of the much smaller Hamilton airport on the charter flight.

3. When we leave the ship at each port, do we have to go through customs each time even though Peurto Rico and St Thomas are considered part of the US? Also, how long does it usually take for disembarkation when we arrive at the ports? We were hoping to do the Bacardi rum factory in San Juan but don't arrive until 3:30 pm and the last tour is at 4:30.

4. We have a veranda cabin on deck 6 with an unobstructed view. Are they pretty spacious? Is there ample space for two women to put their clothes and store away suitcases?

I will probably come up with more since I like to be prepared, but I appreciate any help you can give me on these.

 

Thank you

[whataboutport]

See my reply in light blue. Have fun!

 

Hi all,

My Sister and I will be cruising on Celebrity Reflection on February 7,2015. Since I have never cruised before and have not been to 2 of the 3 ports, I have questions. :o

1. We are flying in from Toronto and our transfers are included, should we expect someone from Celebrity to greet us and get us to the correct bus? The flight is chartered by Celebrity so will be full of cruise passengers.

Don't count on it. Ask anyone at the airport in any cruiseline uniform where you should be. Even if they aren't from Celebrity, they all know each other.

 

2. I assume we go through customs at Miami Airport and then again when we check in at the Ship? We usually go through at the Toronto airport before leaving, but we fly out of the much smaller Hamilton airport on the charter flight.

You don't go thru customs to board, but you will again when you debark at the end of your cruise.

 

3. When we leave the ship at each port, do we have to go through customs each time even though Peurto Rico and St Thomas are considered part of the US? Also, how long does it usually take for disembarkation when we arrive at the ports? We were hoping to do the Bacardi rum factory in San Juan but don't arrive until 3:30 pm and the last tour is at 4:30.

No you don't have to go thru customs at each port. Take note of the arrival time in your cruise line's newsletter and be ready to go then if you want to be one of the first ones off. Don't know about the Bacardi tour so can't comment. But if it's not a tender port, getting off the ship is pretty fast. Just walk off.

 

 

4. We have a veranda cabin on deck 6 with an unobstructed view. Are they pretty spacious? Is there ample space for two women to put their clothes and store away suitcases?

I will probably come up with more since I like to be prepared, but I appreciate any help you can give me on these.

Plenty of room in the closet, above the bed, and under the bed to stow your luggage.

 

Thank you

Edited August 10, 2014 by whataboutport

[paradiseawaitsme]

Thank you for your quick and helpful reply, whataboutport. Have fun on your cruise in October :)

[dancinman66]

You will only be met by celebrity if you paid for a fly cruise deal or paid for transfers and then yes they would be there with a sign

 

Second yes you will go through two lots if customs at

Miami

 

Getting off at each port is nothing other than take your cruise card and possibly photo id

 

Cabin is spacious by cruise standards nice enough but not like a large hotel room

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[cruisead]

The Celebrity Rep will meet you in the luggage claim area. You will go through US Customs and Immigration at the Miami Airport, but not again when you get on the ship. The next time you'll go through US Immigration and Customs is when you return to Miami at the end of the cruise.

[Guest maddycat]

There will be plenty of storage in the cabin for 2 women. The bathroom also has a good amount of storage. Suitcases can be stored under the bed. I like to put our dirty laundry in the suitcases........items that will not be worn again.

 

Each cabin has an in cabin safe. Put your passports and valuables in the safe. When going ashore bring your cruise card and a government issued photo ID (driver's license). Leave your passports in the safe.

Edited August 10, 2014 by maddycat

[paradiseawaitsme]

Thank you all for quick replies. Can't wait to go. Going to be a long six months

[Treven]

I also store my luggage under the bed. If your bag is too high simply lift the bed frame (they aren't heavy), and slide your bag under. I too leave one bag open under the bed as my "laundry basket".

I tend to do laundry once for every seven day segment of cruise, i.e. Once for a seven day cruise, twice for a 10-15 day cruise, etc. this eliminates having to take three or four "steamer trunks" of clothes. I'm not above doing laundry on board the ship, and from how busy the laundry rooms are, I'm not the only one.

[Cruisin' Chick]

One thing I'm wondering about is if your flight to Miami is the day of your cruise as you don't mention a hotel stay. The only time we don't go in a day early for a cruise is when we're leaving from our home port (which is an hour's drive, and even then we're finishing packing the car around 9:30 am or so). Otherwise, we always arrange to arrive at least a day ahead. And we're not even leaving from a snowy area.

[whataboutport]

Yeah I don't mind doing laundry either. Usually I do it on a sea day. If the line I'm cruising doesn't have laundry rooms, I'll just do it by hand in the sink in my cabin. Hopefully I won't get food or drinks spilled on me. I haven't had that happen yet, but on land I am always getting food on me!

 

I'm too cheap to send the laundry out. LOL

[whataboutport]

One thing I'm wondering about is if your flight to Miami is the day of your cruise as you don't mention a hotel stay. The only time we don't go in a day early for a cruise is when we're leaving from our home port (which is an hour's drive' date=' and even then we're finishing packing the car around 9:30 am or so). Otherwise, we always arrange to arrive at least a day ahead. And we're not even leaving from a snowy area.[/quote']

 

Good catch. I didn't notice that. We fly out from LAX, prob you too Cruisin'? I've flown in on a red eye before twice, and was SO tired. Pretty much the first cruise day was wasted sleeping catching up on lost sleep and jet lag.

[wassup4565]

I just read about this Celebrity initiative for Canadians cruising from some departure cities. It's Celebrity's charter flight, so I don't think you need to worry about whether the plane arrives on time - it's their problem. I also think you will have no problem getting from the plane to the ship - it's their package, so as long as you don't wander off in some bizarre direction, you'll be fine. They'll tell you where to go next.

 

You will only have to clear through US Customs once - wherever they deem you have entered the country. This might be before you board your charter flight, or it might be after you land in the US. Again, the cruise company will have this figured out in advance. Just follow instructions. No Customs before you board the ship - once you're in the US, the cruiseline is copacetic.

 

Two women in a cabin is fine. Done it many times. Verandah good! Bigger!

 

As a Canadian, I completely disagree with the advice about leaving your passport on board. In San Juan, we Canadians were demanded to produce our passports before we could re-board. No Americans were asked.

 

I'm not a fan of putting the dirty clothes into the suitcases that I stuffed under the bed. I never want to see the suitcases (or the laundry) again before I depart, let alone haul them back out every day. Stuff it into a plastic bag. When It's really past it. Otherwise wear it again. Nobody's keeping track.

[Guest maddycat]

I also store my luggage under the bed. If your bag is too high simply lift the bed frame (they aren't heavy), and slide your bag under. I too leave one bag open under the bed as my "laundry basket".

I tend to do laundry once for every seven day segment of cruise, i.e. Once for a seven day cruise, twice for a 10-15 day cruise, etc. this eliminates having to take three or four "steamer trunks" of clothes. I'm not above doing laundry on board the ship, and from how busy the laundry rooms are, I'm not the only one.

 

Celebrity doesn't have self service laundry facilities.

 

I just read about this Celebrity initiative for Canadians cruising from some departure cities. It's Celebrity's charter flight, so I don't think you need to worry about whether the plane arrives on time - it's their problem. I also think you will have no problem getting from the plane to the ship - it's their package, so as long as you don't wander off in some bizarre direction, you'll be fine. They'll tell you where to go next.

 

You will only have to clear through US Customs once - wherever they deem you have entered the country. This might be before you board your charter flight, or it might be after you land in the US. Again, the cruise company will have this figured out in advance. Just follow instructions. No Customs before you board the ship - once you're in the US, the cruiseline is copacetic.

 

Two women in a cabin is fine. Done it many times. Verandah good! Bigger!

 

As a Canadian, I completely disagree with the advice about leaving your passport on board. In San Juan, we Canadians were demanded to produce our passports before we could re-board. No Americans were asked.

 

I'm not a fan of putting the dirty clothes into the suitcases that I stuffed under the bed. I never want to see the suitcases (or the laundry) again before I depart, let alone haul them back out every day. Stuff it into a plastic bag. When It's really past it. Otherwise wear it again. Nobody's keeping track.

 

I didn't know that Canadians were asked for their passports in San Juan.

Edited August 11, 2014 by maddycat

[paradiseawaitsme]

Thanks for all the advice. We are booked on the special Canadian all-inclusive package offered by Celebrity. The chartered flight is out of Hamilton Airport and it is small, therefore we won't be going through US customs on our end the way we do at Pearson Airport. Hopefully weather won't be an issue, but our flight is early and its all through Celebrity.

 

I'm relieved we only have to go through customs once. I usually carry my license with me regardless, but I will take my passport if i am advised to do so when in port.

 

The advice on storing our suitcases and room for our clothing is appreciated. We always pack too much so we have choices, and I'm sure this time won't be any different as we try to follow the dress code. I usually put my dirty clothes in a plastic bag and then store out of the way in my suitcase.

 

I''ve been going through all the reviews, pics and posts about Celebrity ships. This is a great site for someone new to cruising, like me. I'm learning a lot, and enjoying all the stories members share. I will be concentrating on port excursions soon and look forward the hearing from all of the cruise experts here.

 

Thanks again, Angela

[gypsylady]

Hi Angela

 

Three of my friends and I are on the same cruise cruise and we are also leaving out of Hamilton. Lucky for us that we are all from Hamilton. I have been on many cruises, but this is my first Celebrity cruise. Don't worry. There will be a lot of people on the flight heading for the Miami cruise port. We will be met at the Miami airport, probably where we pick up our luggage. From there, we will be directed to the bus going to the cruise port and then it is party time. You will love cruising. I would just caution you about venturing out on your own. You have to make sure that you are back to the ship on time before it sails to the next port. If you are late, you will be left behind. I have seen this too many times over the years. Carrying your passport with you is important because you never know what is going to happen while on an island. Keep it in a safe place. Have you started to count the days yet? Patt

[paradiseawaitsme]

Hi Angela

 

Three of my friends and I are on the same cruise cruise and we are also leaving out of Hamilton. Lucky for us that we are all from Hamilton. I have been on many cruises, but this is my first Celebrity cruise. Don't worry. There will be a lot of people on the flight heading for the Miami cruise port. We will be met at the Miami airport, probably where we pick up our luggage. From there, we will be directed to the bus going to the cruise port and then it is party time. You will love cruising. I would just caution you about venturing out on your own. You have to make sure that you are back to the ship on time before it sails to the next port. If you are late, you will be left behind. I have seen this too many times over the years. Carrying your passport with you is important because you never know what is going to happen while on an island. Keep it in a safe place. Have you started to count the days yet? Patt

Hi Patt

 

It's good to hear from someone who will be on our flight that has been on many cruises. I enjoy doing the research before a trip and always have many questions and no one to ask. I am happy i found cruise critic. Hope I don't ask too many stupid questions. We may seek you out to get your advice on things to do while in port. Though we travel often to AI resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, we won't be venturing too far from the ship if we are not on one of their excursions.

 

I am so excited to be finally going on a cruise. The AI pkg Celebrity offers takes all the worry out of booking a cruise and worry about large bills at the end. Since we are used to AI in the islands this is exactly the pkg we have been waiting for. That and the luxury class of the ship made it easier to convince my Sister, and she is now as excited as I am. I am confident we will both love cruising, and hope it will be the first of many. I have started the countdown, 25 1/2 weeks or 179 days.......but we have only 7 1/2 weeks or 53 days until our trip to Costa Rica. Another first for us.

 

Thank you for your reply. We will definitely be following your advice. Angela

[BlessedAZWife]

In April we did our first cruise to the Eastern Caribbean; and while I can't answer your questions about flights and transport, I do have some other suggestions for you.

It was suggested to us that we make a copy of our passport and carry that with us when we went into port, while leaving your original in the safe in your cabin. Although, that is entirely a personal choice.

We had a balcony room and even though I am a notorious over-packer, hubby and I still had plenty of room. We stored our bags under the bed and never saw them until the night before disembarkation.

As for laundry...I detest that "dirty clothes smell" and refuse to put laundry in a plastic bag which will allow the smell to fester. I bought one of those "spring collapsible mesh" laundry hampers. Here in Arizona, I found it at a Dollar Store; however, they also carry them at our local Walmart, just not for a dollar!! Some clothes we would hang after wearing, to allow them to air out and freshen up. Do this until they cannot be worn again. We kept the small collapsible hamper in the closet next to our shoes. Upon packing to leave, I then collapsed the hamper and packed the clothes in the suitcase.

Another great suggestion...bring one of those plug-in air fresheners. It will keep your cabin smelling lovely.

Finally, we also brought a power, plug-in strip, as there are few outlets that are convenient, in the cabins.

Ooops, one more, don't worry about ensuring that you have a fresh clean outfit for each day and event. Few people are going to remember what you wear, and so long as you don't dirty an outfit, no reason to only wear it once. Lastly, ENJOY!!!!

[paradiseawaitsme]

Thanks for the tips BlessedAZWife. I have a couple of those collapsible hampers. Thats a great idea.

[paradiseawaitsme]

GYPSYLADY, We are planning to take the two bottles of wine allowed. Do you know if the duty free has a decent selection of wine/champagne? And will it be open at 6am? Hoping we won't have to buy ahead of time and store in our suitcase. We have only been to Hamilton airport once, about 7 years ago, and flew afternoon. I know it is very small and I can't remember if we even got duty free.

[gypsylady]

Hi again. Great minds think alike. I asked about that this week. My neighbour works at the airport and she questioned the fellow at duty free for me. Yes, they do carry an assortment of wine there and YES, they will be open before our flight. She couldn't tell me about the variety of wines, but there should be a decent selection. We are also going to take a bottle each onto the ship. She did say that they had some good bargains on other merchandise as well. When we booked the cruise, the travel agent could not give me flight times. She said that they will be available in January. Do you know when the flight times are? Although we live 10 minutes from the airport, we still have to be there 2 hours ahead. Patt

[paradiseawaitsme]

Hi again. Great minds think alike. I asked about that this week. My neighbour works at the airport and she questioned the fellow at duty free for me. Yes, they do carry an assortment of wine there and YES, they will be open before our flight. She couldn't tell me about the variety of wines, but there should be a decent selection. We are also going to take a bottle each onto the ship. She did say that they had some good bargains on other merchandise as well. When we booked the cruise, the travel agent could not give me flight times. She said that they will be available in January. Do you know when the flight times are? Although we live 10 minutes from the airport, we still have to be there 2 hours ahead. Patt

 

That's good news. We got used to having Mimosas with breakfast at the AI resorts we go to, so were hoping to continue the tradition. :D My sister also likes her wine and prefers to have her favourite chilling in our room.

For some reason I am thinking our flight is at 8am. I think my sister sent something to me in that regard after she booked. She is a TA herself but went to her cruise specialist at her agency for advice since she actually never booked a cruise for clients. She booked it by phone through the Celebrity TA contact number. Of course, until we actually get flight confirmation, that is not confirmed. But I am pretty sure that is the approximate time she was given. Hope so, 6am is better than 4am, especially when we are about 1 hour away.

[Bundy Travellers]

Hi

We are first time cruisers and we are wondering what is the protocol of getting off the ship when it docks at port. I am arranging transfer from the port to into the city (Rome) and want to pre book the Vatican tickets but they want to know what time I'll be there and I'm just not sure how long it takes to disembark. Are you told the time you can disembark from the ship??

[Cruisin' Chick]

Good catch. I didn't notice that. We fly out from LAX, prob you too Cruisin'? I've flown in on a red eye before twice, and was SO tired. Pretty much the first cruise day was wasted sleeping catching up on lost sleep and jet lag.

 

Most of the time we have sailed from the Port of LA so no flights necessary there. But when we have flown into Miami for Caribbean cruises, we always get in at least the night before our cruise. In fact, the first time, we had booked cruise air (which was to include a hotel stay). When I got the tickets, I was livid as we were scheduled for a red-eyed flight to get in to Miami the day of our cruise. I called our TA and made them change it to arriving the evening before. Obviously the cruise line was trying to save by giving us that cheap flight as well as booking just a day room for us at the hotel.

 

We got up refreshed from our hotel stay, went to the elevator to get some breakfast. Out came some bleary-eyed people -- they had just arrived and were going to take a nap in their "day rooms."

 

From that time on, I was the one who made our travel arrangements without involving the cruise line. When we took the train up the west coast to Seattle for our Alaskan cruise, I arranged for us to arrive Friday night for a Sunday cruise. Gave us a chance to get a good night's sleep (which I couldn't really do well on a 40-hour -- it was supposed to be a 36-hour -- train trip), do a little shopping for things like wine and soda, and have a nice dinner and a little sightseeing (after the cruise, we spent a few days there post-cruise).

 

We don't want to spend the morning of our cruise freaking out at an airport while our flight could be delayed. We don't want to be rushing to the port, hoping we get on the ship on time. We don't want to be sleeping through the first few hours of our cruise.

[paradiseawaitsme]

Hi again. Great minds think alike. I asked about that this week. My neighbour works at the airport and she questioned the fellow at duty free for me. Yes, they do carry an assortment of wine there and YES, they will be open before our flight. She couldn't tell me about the variety of wines, but there should be a decent selection. We are also going to take a bottle each onto the ship. She did say that they had some good bargains on other merchandise as well. When we booked the cruise, the travel agent could not give me flight times. She said that they will be available in January. Do you know when the flight times are? Although we live 10 minutes from the airport, we still have to be there 2 hours ahead. Patt

Hey there Gypsylady, Celebrity emailed the flight times to my sister. Not sure if you got them too, so I thought I would forward the info to you. SATURDAY DEPARTURES - CELEBRITY REFLECTION FEB. 7 TO APRIL 4, 2015:

 

from Hamilton, Ontario - 07:45 arrival Miami 10:45; departure Miami 12:30 arrival Hamilton 15:30:)

 

 

[wassup4565]

Just on the passport question, this. About a year ago my daughter (both Canadian citizens with Cdn passports) and I got off the ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a day stop. There was a long, slow-moving line-up to get back on the ship, in the hot sun. When we finally got to the gate, the US Customs inspector pulled us aside and demanded our passports. I don't know how he knew we were not Americans (as most people in the line were). Possibly something on our ship cards indicated that. What I do know was that we both had our passports with us, and produced them on demand. No other people in that lineup were asked for their passports.

 

So you will get a lot of advice from Americans on these boards telling you to leave your passport in the safe in your cabin, or to just bring a photocopy. Not me. If I'm in a foreign country and things start to tilt, I want my original passport with me so I can produce it. We are not children. We can keep the passport safe while we are ashore, as we do our cash and our cards. When the man in the uniform demands your passport, it's probably gonna go smoother if you can produce it.