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Currently onboard Solstice

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MicCanberra Holiday Sharing Rare

MicCanberra

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How times have changed .... sadly for the worse for us in Australia. We sailed on Solstice in Feb 2015 and I pre purchased OBC at USD1:AUD1 ie. dollar for dollar parity. This was a very good deal when the exchange rate was about 80cents. Clearly they've closed this little loop hole - it was fun while it lasted.

 

Those were the days, very short lived unfortunately.

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Beanb41

Beanb41

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How times have changed .... sadly for the worse for us in Australia. We sailed on Solstice in Feb 2015 and I pre purchased OBC at USD1:AUD1 ie. dollar for dollar parity. This was a very good deal when the exchange rate was about 80cents. Clearly they've closed this little loop hole - it was fun while it lasted.

 

That dollar for dollar was the end of the period when $A1 was at one stage $US1.18. It is fortunate that on occasion X are slow to react to currency fluctuations but claw back any discrepancies through profit margin on board

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MicCanberra Holiday Sharing Rare

MicCanberra

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That dollar for dollar was the end of the period when $A1 was at one stage $US1.18. It is fortunate that on occasion X are slow to react to currency fluctuations but claw back any discrepancies through profit margin on board

 

Luckily I was able to take advantage of the parity and was able to carry on that advantage for several cruises and will still have some left for next years US trip.:D

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MicCanberra Holiday Sharing Rare

MicCanberra

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Actually, Aqua has standout benefits of its own private restaurant, Blu, and inclusive access to the Spa facilities, both of which can be worthwhile.

 

Apparently Blu is shut on embarkation day for lunch and spa facilities do not interest me or my wife.

Edited by MicCanberra
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The_Big_M

The_Big_M

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Apparently Blu is shut on embarkation day for lunch and spa facilities do not interest me or my wife.

 

It's shut for lunch, but you have it every day for breakfast and dinner. Embarkation lunch is a minor part of the cruise - a fair number don't even have it at all.

 

Fair enough if it's not for you; however, it is a category with distinct benefits, apart from the cabin.

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Larryclaire

Larryclaire

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Hi there. We are currently onboard Solstice. Xmas and NYE cruise. Having an awesome time, beautiful ship. If anyone wants to know anything or I can help with any questions let me know, as everyone was so helpful to us before we left and was such a help. We left Isle of pines today, first time we have been there where it was a bit chilly, windy and a little rain. (Have been 5 or 6 times previously and was so hot) on way to Noumea tomorrow.

Our 2 daughters both have the unlimited internet and I didn't bother, just use theirs from time to time, so if I don't answer straight away, I will check regularly. The internet is great, I heard conflicting info on this, some said, it's slow, others said it was fast etc etc.. it was $299 US and 50% off a second package. We were select so received 25% off both as well, still expensive but not too bad, it is really quite fast, have face time people home, that's clear as, really good. As it's unlimited, you can just stay logged on (no need to log on and off all the time with minutes like we previously did)

Anyway, off to dinner. Yummmmmmmmmmmm.

Fiona

 

Hi,

If you should see Lia,a waitress in dining room,say hello from Larry and Claire. We met her on the Reflection last year and just loved her. She is from Bali and such a sweetheart!

Thanks. Larry

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MicCanberra Holiday Sharing Rare

MicCanberra

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It's shut for lunch, but you have it every day for breakfast and dinner. Embarkation lunch is a minor part of the cruise - a fair number don't even have it at all.

 

Fair enough if it's not for you; however, it is a category with distinct benefits, apart from the cabin.

 

Suite have even better perks.

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MicCanberra Holiday Sharing Rare

MicCanberra

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Of course - but at even more cost.

 

So if you don't want to spend the often tens of thousands on suites, you can still get benefits from Aqua.

 

Or much make it much cheaper just getting a Balcony cabin if Aqua class doesn't suit or offer anything useful for you.

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MicCanberra Holiday Sharing Rare

MicCanberra

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I've got a 24hr hold on an inside gty $900 in March at the moment without any perks - has anyone checked the rates for prepaying OBC in the last couple of days? Trying to do some maths to see if we can afford to squish it in.

 

Any other costs to be aware of? I recall grats are now included in fare?

 

Cruising on Celebrity is a bucket list item before we have kids so would love to make it work!

 

I purchased some between Xmas and New years and it was $0.77. Make sure you have it in writing that the gratuities are included otherwise it may come as a shock.

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The_Big_M

The_Big_M

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I've got a 24hr hold on an inside gty $900 in March at the moment without any perks - has anyone checked the rates for prepaying OBC in the last couple of days? Trying to do some maths to see if we can afford to squish it in.

 

Any other costs to be aware of? I recall grats are now included in fare?

 

Cruising on Celebrity is a bucket list item before we have kids so would love to make it work!

 

Insides don't ever come with the Celebrity perks - just a decision they made for whatever reason.

 

As gratuities are included, the only other expenses are the optional ones; drinks, spa, casino, excursions, photos, shopping... the list goes on!

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MicCanberra Holiday Sharing Rare

MicCanberra

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Great, I know how to avoid all those pitfalls! While the bev package would be nice, the next category up which includes it is obst balc at $1,900+ pp. For my $900 pp fare I will just foot the bill for my daily cocktails instead :)

 

Sounds like a plan that should work. You can always purchase the beverage package after a few days being on board if you think it is worth doing.

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taffy62

taffy62

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I'm sailing in April on a 7 night cruise, first time so excited !

Got an ocean view cabin for $1130 which included the drink package and $300 obc

Received my cabin number and been upgraded to a balcony on deck 8 !

Whoop whoop I can't believe it :)

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tassie cruiser

tassie cruiser

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I'm sailing in April on a 7 night cruise, first time so excited !

Got an ocean view cabin for $1130 which included the drink package and $300 obc

Received my cabin number and been upgraded to a balcony on deck 8 !

Whoop whoop I can't believe it :)

 

Wow, that's awesome, well done. The upgrade fairy strikes again :p

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