cruisellama

Seems to always be late in the year.   Nov-Dec, so behind much of the competition which I don't understand - I'm sure there's some sort of strategy behind it.   But with all the cancelations, would have though they would want to move the release up to include the back half of '22 and capture some additional deposits.

Skipped the movie, but guilty of watching Invicta watch sales on Home Shopping Network

19 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

Unless we've booked through NextCruise or some promotion, we've always paid $250 per person in deposits.

Found the same - on board bookings were lower than going off-board (included line website)

46 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

Given that Grandeur is still showing her age, do you think they would do any kind of cosmetic updates to keep her appeal, wherever she sails? Right now, if I were going to sail out of Baltimore I'd prefer Enchantment given the "stretch" she was given and the features that allowed to be added. I've read so many comments now about how Grandeur is showing her age, looking "tired", and desperately needing some cosmetic work done that I'd hope Royal will see the need if they now plan to keep her going in the fleet for a few more years.

She'll still have the issue of being the least-upgraded ship of all her siblings, with the fewest amenities, and I highly doubt Royal would do anything to "amplify" her in that regard. But at least give her some fresh carpet and paint, and maybe some new decor and other small updates that would freshen her up a bit.

Prime and paint :)

7 hours ago, Jill said:

Has anyone heard news yet? I read on a Facebook group they had no cases of the virus. No link was given though. 

https://cruiseradio.net/first-major-cruise-lines-emotional-return-to-service-photos/

Success

2 hours ago, JLMoran said:

Brilliant!

59 minutes ago, monctonguy said:

Wouldn't surprise me....Our chief medical office stated it could be 2-3 years before things get back to normal in Canada..till then expect masks, social distancing, business closed, borders closed and travel restricted…...I wouldn't book a damn thing that involves Canada for the next year or two at least...

 

its crazy and insane...but seems like most sheep, I mean people in Canada are on board...…..

Hope it pushes some regulatory/statutory reform on the US side to allow the industry to operate between AK and lower 48.  But the cruise lines are going to need to lobby for it.

Just did a quick search on Celebrity Caribbean cruises for May-Aug 2021.  I'm only seeing Equinox (only 1 Celeb in the Caribbean?).   Wondering if this is reflecting a predicted minimum fleet restart at that time.   Alaska shows as available opportunities with Millennium, Eclipse, and Solstice sailings (normal).  At this time I'm less bullish on Alaska being available due signaling that Canada may not be ready to accept cruise ships in 2021.   Seeing more options in the European region with Apex, Edge, Infinity , Reflection, Constellation, Silhouette still with published sailings (normal).  Is this a sign of  reduced fleet operations for Celebrity in Caribbean next year?  (Of course Royal can carry a much heavier Caribbean demand than Celeb)

13 minutes ago, mjb1127 said:

I just read the article.  The govt official said cruise ships wouldn’t be allowed unless changes were made.  What changes do you think he is referring to and by whom?

In context it sounds like lines processes  and the passengers from other countries (behaviors) are influencing.  (Watching what protocols "they" put in place)  Sensing some mistrust in those making (US and others)  the "pass through" (from Seattle) and fouling VPC can't be controlled and until they change, the port will stay closed to cruise ships.    OK fine - then what about originating cruises from VBC?  Local gov't rules and make protocols for those entering the country through customs.  

 So seemed like a stonewall.  Could they accept a plan, to start, they accept cruises that originate from VBC?  (So they're not the "fill in the square" stop).  I read many of the locals do not like the cruise tourism anyway, so maybe the port authority has a lever to accommodate the local population.   That's their decision.  If the CA stop is sustained,  US cruises to AK will curtailed unless there's reflagging  exceptions to current law based upon special circumstances.  How bad do US lines want to service the AK market?    

Cruise radio had a story noting VBC may be closed to cruise traffic through 2021!  Very bad for cruising - unless ships reflag or exceptions to the Jone's act are solicited and granted.

That's a positive sign, but I'm not seeing access to  Caribbean ports on horizon yet.   Alaska may remain out of play for 2021 as VBC doesn't want to open the port to cruise ships yet.   I think even PR has a quarantine requirement.  

Have read in some travel articles,  4 months prior is the sweet zone; however, I book earlier.  I also find the cruise line sponsored flights can be pretty attractive especially with disruptions.  They really work to re-route and keep schedule if possible.

Even if it were to start in Nov/Dec, can't imagine all the original port calls can be met.  Do not think all the original ports will be open to tourists.   Guessing any itinerary will be greatly abbreviated.  At this point, completed payment process for the FCC.  It will be used.

Was able to check into our (expecting to be cancelled) 22 Nov Edge cruise today.  Printed the boarding passes.

On 8/21/2020 at 2:27 PM, Andrew72681 said:

I’m officially out of the celebrity club. Cancelled our thanksgiving Apex sailing this afternoon. Didn’t seem worth the waiting period to make final payment on something I’m pretty sure isn’t going anywhere. 
They’ve said when cruising resumes it would be shorter cruises and would focus on private islands/destinations. This one doesn’t fit either category, so I bailed before they could cancel it. 

Apex is just meandering off the coast of the ship yard.  2020 is done - probably some short cruises to get a few ships spun up in Q1 of '21.  Kept our Edge reservation - expect FCC bonus and will put against one next year.   Lack of progress is frustrating.

On 7/26/2020 at 1:33 PM, twangster said:

Jewel has a couple Southern Caribbean routes from Galveston including Cartagena and Colon.  I haven't seen Liberty doing these runs.  

Yes - you're correct.   I read some erroneous itineraries on one of my travel sites.  The next day, they were off the list.   Actually wished they were true.  Maybe someday when the terminal gets upgraded in a few years and we see Oasis or other class of ship in Galveston.

42 minutes ago, sk8erguy1978 said:

I'm a Sapphire Reserve guy too and everyone covered all I'd say and more.

Delta & Chase you'd have to book through Chase's travel portal or convert the points to cash.

If you're looking for Delta specific rewards give the American Express cards a look, I believe they will transfer to Delta. They have branded cards too I believe but I'd consider the Platinum, that's American's premium card, like Chase's Sapphire.

What I like about Chase personally is I have a bit of a trifecta: Freedom (5% rotating categories), Freedom Unlimited (1.5% always), Sapphire Reserve (3% travel & dining + perks). I can transfer the points earned on two of the cards to one, making it one large balance of points.

Being close to United EWR and used to be close to JetBlue (SWF) (airlines are pulling out of that small airport and my reason for going to it's main destination FLL is no longer an option -- but they are big in JFK -- ugh) I also got those branded cards for sign up bonus plus Chase transfers to them. They do come with some perks but not sure it's worth the fee for those perks, so once I get a chance to use those points I'll downgrade or cancel them.

AMEX operates the Centurion club in the larger airports also.  If you use all the benefits like Uber credits etc, it dilutes the annual fee.  I live near DFW and have high status with American Airlines so I'm wed to their platinum card.  But if I were to relocated to a non-AA hub, I'd go AMEX.

On 8/19/2020 at 2:10 AM, mattymay said:

Recent news articles suggest Carnival are burning $650 million a month compared to Royal at $290 million. I guess things like this could account for some of the difference. But with similar number of ships what are your thoughts on why it's such a large difference?

Carnival also holds a number of resort properties through Holland and Princess in Alaska.  All the lodges were closed over the summer.  They also have their own trains that are not operating. (under Princess and Holland)

2 hours ago, CJS2766 said:

I'm supposed to sail Nov. 7 on the Oasis. I also don't think it''s gonna happen. I have a better chance of winning the lottery vs this cruise happening. I don't follow any Carnival news, but does anyone know if there cruises are indeed cancelled for December? That is what I heard? If so, I imagine, RCG will be announcing soon aka the end of the month that they will also not be cruising in 2020.

 

Can 2020 be over and done with yet!!!!!!!!!!!

My wife and I keep "guessing" on the cancellation dates.  Will Nov be cancelled and Dec retained?  Is 2020 toast?  Will we see things slip a week or two at a time.   My guess - Nov gets dropped and they keep the Dec folks on the hook for an extra month then cancel Dec.  But end effect is 2020 is toast.

10 hours ago, deep1 said:

Nope... Same thing showing day one and two only...

 

I'm within 91 days of our Edge cruise, the the cruise is actually accessible in the app now, but seeing what you're seeing.

We're within 91 days of our yet to be cancelled Edge cruise.   I went into the app and instead of getting the usual "check back later we're working on your fun", the cruise itinerary partially came up. Doesn't show  the port calls or many activities.   Trying to get our hopes up before pulling the rug out.

8 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I love your new photo !

Arrrrr!

Very nice.   Look forward to seeing it person.

Is the APP working?

On 8/16/2020 at 2:10 PM, Curt From Canada said:

The next "Canary in the Cave" ... watching with great interest:

 "Second star to the right......and straight on till morning" Capt Kirk channeling his inner Peter Pan.

Curt from Canada

 

Bones what's the prognosis?