Live on Infinity / Panama Canal

[Jane2357]

Update on the dry cleaning issue - they had ruined a Tommy Bahama shirt of my DHs came back with dark dye transferred all over it. Butler was handling and brought the shirt back with the dye removed but the process to remove it took a new bright red shirt to a shirt that looked older and was faded. Mentioned it to Erick in Michael's and he had me fill out a form and within an hour we had a credit to our account for the cost of the shirt!!!! Oh happy day. THAT right there is what an excellent Michael's Club Concierge can do for you.

Erick is doing an excellent job and will often be making drinks, clearing tables, etc. Set up private future cruise appointments in Michael's, etc. I know this will sound over privileged but we are happy to cruise big once a year and have this level of care. Each to their own. Michael's on this cruise is used by many - day and evening people are found there.

Off to take a one of those new excursions - forget what they call them - like a private tour but through the ship which is good for today as we are in Guatemala.

[JaniceB]

Throughly enjoying your cruise report.

[pip43]

We are booked on this same cruise on May 2 followed by pacific coast cruise. Thanks for posting while on your cruise.

[misspuss]

We are also booked for May 2. I believe we are in the same suite as you are in now (6104?). I am so glad you say it is a good cabin. Soooo, is the tub/shower as much of a challenge to get into and out of as I have read about on these boards?:o

[TeeRick]

Update on the dry cleaning issue - they had ruined a Tommy Bahama shirt of my DHs came back with dark dye transferred all over it. Butler was handling and brought the shirt back with the dye removed but the process to remove it took a new bright red shirt to a shirt that looked older and was faded. Mentioned it to Erick in Michael's and he had me fill out a form and within an hour we had a credit to our account for the cost of the shirt!!!! Oh happy day. THAT right there is what an excellent Michael's Club Concierge can do for you.

Erick is doing an excellent job and will often be making drinks, clearing tables, etc. Set up private future cruise appointments in Michael's, etc. I know this will sound over privileged but we are happy to cruise big once a year and have this level of care. Each to their own. Michael's on this cruise is used by many - day and evening people are found there.

Off to take a one of those new excursions - forget what they call them - like a private tour but through the ship which is good for today as we are in Guatemala.

 

Nice to see this resolved quickly. Erick is one of the best.

[lawra09]

How did they manage the drinks for elite passengers on this cruise - coupons or cocktail hour in the Sky Lounge. We're going on the Infinity next week. Thaks.

[cottagemama]

We will be sailing Infinity Oct 9 from LA to Ft Lauderdale. It is our first time with Celebrity but we are diamond Plus with Royal Caribbean. We are looking forward to doing the canal as well as sailing with Celebrity. Is there a lounge for elite cruisers for before dinner drinks?

[Pennstatedj]

We will be sailing Infinity Oct 9 from LA to Ft Lauderdale. It is our first time with Celebrity but we are diamond Plus with Royal Caribbean. We are looking forward to doing the canal as well as sailing with Celebrity. Is there a lounge for elite cruisers for before dinner drinks?

 

 

Yes. Sky lounge usually. 5-7pm. Check times. They will be in a letter from CC host on embarkation.

[Jane2357]

Bob and I are back home - and tired but I wanted to hop on and see if there was anything else I could share that might be of some help to those cruising the PC next.

One BIG thing that happened on disembarkation day - we had been warned that getting off the ship in San Diego was tricky as there is a slight slope up the gangway to the pier and then either a wait for a very small elevator or a walk with carry on down two flight of stairs.

We took the stairs and I cannot describe the horror of hearing a fellow passenger falling down the stairs!!!! We had just stepped off the bottom of the stairs and on the flight up from us - out of view thank God - the sound of the man bouncing down was awful. His wife was screaming and of course the cruise personal were jumping fencing to get up there.

I have prayed this man survived and will recover, I pray he didn't "take out" anyone else in his path. We are all in a hurry to get off the ship and to the airport or on with other plans but PLEASE USE CAUTION when getting off in San Diego. So many elderly on this cruise and to have 1 elevator and a line would cause some to make an unwise choice. This needs addressing.

We had a flight home and as we left the terminal the ambulance was arriving. Tragic way to end a cruise.

While onboard this cruise we decided to postpone our next cruise - N.E./Canada and get to Galapagos while still young enough to do it right. We booked onboard - our first time ever and would not do so again.

For Galapagos you get nothing for booking and the agent caused us more trouble than if I had booked myself at home. Our 5% discount for being Elite was "dropped" and it is taking several phone calls to get this back. :mad:

I've got questions he can't answer so I guess I'll start at the Galapagos board here and try to figure it out myself.

This cruise ended with us staying on the ship in Puerto Vallarta as we had vacationed there many times and the stay was short. Great having the ship to ourselves. We did tender in for Cabo. Walked the marina to the beach and down to The Office for the best margarita in the world! I had been before but not DH. Stopped back in the marina for lunch and then a water taxi back to the tender spot.

One of the funniest things about this trip was the Dancing with the Stripes. I had never seen it and was there to cheer on one of my fellow guests and new friends in Michael's who had asked to do it. I thought is was like Dancing with the Stars a serious dance contest - imagine my surprise when I was asked to join only to find out the truth - that it is a comedy show. I will only close with the reminder that the TV channel replays this over and over and over again. My friend came in 1st and I 2nd and everyone had lots of laughs.

So if anyone has questions please let me know - I'll try to help in any way that I can. We were ready to get off the ship - our longest cruise yet - also our best. Officers, crew, Michael's Club - couldn't have been better.

[Texed]

2357,

Thanks for posting. :)

[FlorenceItaly]

Jane,

 

Welcome home! It's so good to hear from you. I have been trying to get a hold of Roberto at his hotmail2 address and am not getting any response. Any words of wisdom? We have Gio and Dora tours secured. We are doing the Volcano Climb in Guatemala with Celebrity. Did you hear any feedback on this excursion?

THANK YOU! I hope you and Bob came home without any sickness!

[okayokayokay]

My wife and I are going in November, and this will be our first cruise. (Not sure if that was a good choice or not - since it is so long.) I have a couple of newbie questions that I haven't been able to answer with multiple searches. I hope you can help or point me to another post or resource.

• Is there a self-service laundry on board? If so how pricey? We don't want to pack 2 weeks worth of clothes.
  
• It looks like there is an ATM(?). Do most ports also accept U.S. currency or credit cards?
  
• The restaurant situation seems strange. Do you really have to pay extra to eat anywhere besides the main restaurant? (I can see where that may be worth it for special dinners.) What are the breakfast and lunch options that are already paid for? Are coffee and tea available at meals without paying extra? What about generic bottled water? Is it available at times other than meals?
  
• What are the fees for entertainment?
  

Sorry to bother you with newbie questions, but the materials from Celebrity leave a lot of this out.

 

 

 

So if anyone has questions please let me know - I'll try to help in any way that I can. We were ready to get off the ship - our longest cruise yet - also our best. Officers, crew, Michael's Club - couldn't have been better.

 

[Jane2357]

Jane,

 

Welcome home! It's so good to hear from you. I have been trying to get a hold of Roberto at his hotmail2 address and am not getting any response. Any words of wisdom? We have Gio and Dora tours secured. We are doing the Volcano Climb in Guatemala with Celebrity. Did you hear any feedback on this excursion?

THANK YOU! I hope you and Bob came home without any sickness!

 

Roberto from Robtad's may take a while to get back to you. His full time job is working for the port authority and let me caution you - it took him 2.5 years to get us in to the control room. I'd say someone sailing in 2019/2020 MAY have a chance - I doubt any sooner than that will get in. His regular tour is VERY good also.

Did not hear of anyone doing the Volcano Climb - sorry. We did do the Gio Tour in Costa Rica and it was very well done. I've got pictures of me feeding a monkey while it sits on my shoulder from that one. :) The jungle boat ride that is included is WILD!

I am ecstatic to report that this is the first cruise out of the last 3 that I have not gotten sick! I was not going to cruise again if I had as it becomes a real concern. What is different this time - NO BUFFET. I never ever went to the buffet (walked through once) to get anything!!!!!

I carried and used so much hand sanitizer - maybe a physiological boost but hey. Only ate in Luminae or specialty.

[Jane2357]

My wife and I are going in November, and this will be our first cruise. (Not sure if that was a good choice or not - since it is so long.) I have a couple of newbie questions that I haven't been able to answer with multiple searches. I hope you can help or point me to another post or resource.

• Is there a self-service laundry on board? If so how pricey? We don't want to pack 2 weeks worth of clothes.
  
• It looks like there is an ATM(?). Do most ports also accept U.S. currency or credit cards?
  
• The restaurant situation seems strange. Do you really have to pay extra to eat anywhere besides the main restaurant? (I can see where that may be worth it for special dinners.) What are the breakfast and lunch options that are already paid for? Are coffee and tea available at meals without paying extra? What about generic bottled water? Is it available at times other than meals?
  
• What are the fees for entertainment?
  

Sorry to bother you with newbie questions, but the materials from Celebrity leave a lot of this out.

 

There is no self service laundry on any Celebrity ship. We do use laundry for socks, underwear, tee shirts, shorts, etc. Not cheap but not horrid. Some people bring laundry soap and do hand wash in sink. Bring plastic hanger with clips and hang in shower to dry. They do also have dry cleaning for nicer things - sad but for first time they ruined 2 items of ours - won't use them again.

EVERY port takes U.S. money and credit cards without problems. Make sure you take your cash in smaller bills though as the change that they give you will be in local currency. 1's, 5's, 10's mostly will get you through. Make sure to check what of your credit cards do not charge a conversion fee on the foreign currency and use that card of purchases.

Meals outside of your assigned dining room are extra. There are only 2 specialty restaurants Qsine and Tuscan Grille. The up charge is worth it - we love Tuscan - Qsine is fun but once is enough for us. Your breakfast and lunch options are dining room or buffet unless you booked a suite. No extra charge there. Water at the table and coffee are included but not specialty coffees.

Do you have a Beverage Package - bottled water would be included on any of those and are available at any bar.

No fees for entertainment. Casino, bingo, etc. would be the exception.

It is a long cruise - we were ready to get home but it was more than a cruise - it was an ADVENTURE! Get out there and do stuff - take a dance class, water color class, trivia game - all free. Lots of music and dancing around the ship - we are worn out from the fun.

Be up before dawn to be ready for the day going through the locks!!!!! Be out and about - moving around to get the perspective from all over the ship. By mid-afternoon we watch with wine in hand while enjoying our balcony.

[FlorenceItaly]

Jane,

 

I am very happy to hear you are WELL. Thank you for your feedback. Guess what, I received an email from Roberto this morning. Perhaps he is reading your thread. Now, I just have to decide WHICH tour! Thanks again for taking us along on your journey!

[Jane2357]

Jane,

 

I am very happy to hear you are WELL. Thank you for your feedback. Guess what, I received an email from Roberto this morning. Perhaps he is reading your thread. Now, I just have to decide WHICH tour! Thanks again for taking us along on your journey!

 

Please tell Roberto that Jane says "hi". You are in for a wonderful tour!!!!!

[Jane2357]

I hope you have a fantastic cruise. One month from now we too, will be on board. Can't wait.

 

Are you able to find out if they have implemented the new beverage package rules? Specifically, Classic package -- beer, wine and spirits up to $9 and if you'd like something more pricey you only pay the difference? And with that change I suspect there might be new drink menus with new higher pricing? This might not be as obvious but someone might know.

 

Thank you.

 

Sorry, forgot to post this one. They have implemented the new rules. I heard that people were very happy about the change. :)

[MamasNomad]

Well this has to be fast - the internet minutes go to quickly but mostly we has little free time! :) We are docking in Colon, Panama right this minute! We have a tour booked through Robtad's for 10 people that promises to be wonderful. A long day. Dinner tonight with 4 new friends in Qzine.

 

The rough seas we had went through the second sea night - it was too difficult to sleep and many people were not well. Last night leaving Artagena - it was smooth sailing - finally. Beautiful tour in Cartagena with Brayan Munoz through Cartagena Explore. Much more on that after the cruise when I have time.

 

Last night was a nice meeting with the Officers in Luminae - then dinner after and an early night as today is going to be a long one.

 

We did do the Cellar Master's wine/dinner in the Tuscan wine cellar room the night before - expensive but the wine we were drinking was in the 160 bottle price range so worth the money. Watched our first bottle "sabering". Fun.

 

Almost forgot - sail away on helipad from Cartagena yesterday. Not sure how they determined who was invited be as a suite guest and newly elite we were and it was fun but so hot.

 

OK - gotta run.

 

First, thank you so much for posting all the information on your cruise. My husband and I will be on a east bound cruise next year and your experiences have helped us plan out our port excursions.

 

One specific question I have is regarding the Robtad tour. I am in contact with Roberto and he has sent me the list of tour options. So many to chose from !! I know you had the extra special add-on on your tour but I was wondering which tour option you chose. We dock at 6 am and depart at 4 pm. I'm worried about which length tour we should book.

 

Thank you in advance for your input.

[MamasNomad]

Well this has to be fast - the internet minutes go to quickly but mostly we has little free time! :) We are docking in Colon, Panama right this minute! We have a tour booked through Robtad's for 10 people that promises to be wonderful. A long day. Dinner tonight with 4 new friends in Qzine.

 

The rough seas we had went through the second sea night - it was too difficult to sleep and many people were not well. Last night leaving Artagena - it was smooth sailing - finally. Beautiful tour in Cartagena with Brayan Munoz through Cartagena Explore. Much more on that after the cruise when I have time.

 

Last night was a nice meeting with the Officers in Luminae - then dinner after and an early night as today is going to be a long one.

 

We did do the Cellar Master's wine/dinner in the Tuscan wine cellar room the night before - expensive but the wine we were drinking was in the 160 bottle price range so worth the money. Watched our first bottle "sabering". Fun.

 

Almost forgot - sail away on helipad from Cartagena yesterday. Not sure how they determined who was invited be as a suite guest and newly elite we were and it was fun but so hot.

 

OK - gotta run.

 

Oops, sorry...I also have a question regarding your tour with Brayan in Cartagena. I have been in contact with him as well. He was very responsive in the beginning but now he is not. It's been over a week and he promised to send me some information on tour options. What was your experience with him ?

 

Thanks again for your input.

[Jane2357]

Oops, sorry...I also have a question regarding your tour with Brayan in Cartagena. I have been in contact with him as well. He was very responsive in the beginning but now he is not. It's been over a week and he promised to send me some information on tour options. What was your experience with him ?

 

Thanks again for your input.

 

Brayan is FANTASTIC! Please remember when trying to get ahold of these tour guides - this is peak season. They are booked each day and are doing there best to take great care of their guests while also keep moving future bookings along!

Brayan is a young man - a real "go getter" and he will take excellent care to give you the tour that showcases what you want to see. I specified NO shopping - as I had no interest in emeralds or other trash and trinkets as I call them. Most guides wish to take you shopping because they get a kick back for what you purchase but Brayan was fine with my request and it was never discussed.

I wanted to learn about the coffee and boy did he do a bang up job. We had a private tour and he took dh and myself to a coffee shop (which was closed to the public while we were there) for a real education on coffee types - different ways to roast - which we got to do ourselves - grinding, etc. Our favorite coffee was called peasant coffee - made with spices.

We walked to a local corner market and had an ice cold beer with the local police men. Climbed to the top of the fort and took the tunnels underneath.

Figure out what you want to see and do and he will make it happen. He also had us back at my requested time - always 2 hrs before the ship leaves.

[Jane2357]

First, thank you so much for posting all the information on your cruise. My husband and I will be on a east bound cruise next year and your experiences have helped us plan out our port excursions.

 

One specific question I have is regarding the Robtad tour. I am in contact with Roberto and he has sent me the list of tour options. So many to chose from !! I know you had the extra special add-on on your tour but I was wondering which tour option you chose. We dock at 6 am and depart at 4 pm. I'm worried about which length tour we should book.

 

Thank you in advance for your input.

What I did with Roberto - not planning on what happened with us was to maximize the time that we had to see as much as possible. So he took the long day that we had and combined several parts of the different tours to get us as much as possible.

You've gone a long way - why not see as much as you can. If you get off the ship early - maybe take the ride to Panama City in the morning and do those things first, then later in the morning you head back towards the new and old locks and do those observation areas as they are close to the ship.

We never got to do most of what we had planned do to the incredible experience we had but had that not of taken place - our tour would have been great. We ate lunch at a local restaurant at my request - no tourist spot for me - the food was really delicious. Work with him -- he will do everything he can to make it all happen.

[FlorenceItaly]

Please tell Roberto that Jane says "hi". You are in for a wonderful tour!!!!!

 

I have passed along your hello. I also mentioned how much you all enjoyed his tour. I will let you know when I hear back. We have one cruise before this one, the Pacific Coastal on the Infinity next month!

 

Marie

[csalt]

Were the specialty restaurants ever open for lunch?

[lakeliving501]

Jane,

 

Thank you so much for sharing. We are booked eastbound September 2018. Your information is priceless!

 

Ellen

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[hcat]

Any there any rumors or info about Infinity being up for sale? Any info about BLU would be appreciated.

 

We were on her in Oct..ABC Islands and are booked for next Oct Pa Coastal.

 

Enjoy your cruise!