Wheelchairs on Cruise Ships

 

Wheelchairs are not available on the Celebrity Cruise Ship.

If you would like to ensure you have a wheelchair onboard available, you can bring your own or rent one from an outside vendor who will deliver it to the ship. The following vendors rent wheelchairs to guests with disabilities and have security clearance to get on and off our ships:

·         Special Needs at Sea: 1-800-513-4515 or 1-954-585-0575

·         Scootaround (formerly Care Vacations): 1-888-441-7575 or 1-204-982-0657

I called Special Needs at Sea and found out that the cost is $125 for the rental.  The chair would be delivered to your stateroom and picked up from your stateroom at the end of the cruise.  You can give them a credit card number on the phone as well as your name and stateroom number.

Plan ahead so that you are not surprised.  This tip is for cruising out of Fort Lauderdale.  Ask your cruise ship toll free number about out ports of departure.  

The advantage to this is not having to check a wheel chair on the plane.  Airports provide them.  And Cruise Lines accommodate this.

Seven Mistakes To Avoid When Cruising

My friends Rob & Kerri Stuart recently published a podcast on mistakes to avoid when cruising. They know cruising better than perhaps anyone. Rob & Kerri literally wrote the book on cruising! (And I don’t use the word literally willy-nilly).

1. Not Using A Travel Agent.
2. Not factoring in the total cost of the cruise.
3. Not getting travel insurance.
4. Not planning shore excursions in advance.
5. Picking thewrong cabin.
6. Choosing the wrong ship or cruise line for you.
7. Booking last-minute or not far enough out.

Plus, a bonus tip at the end.

Not Using a Travel Agent

This is mistake number 1. If you don’t make this mistake–if you use a travel agent, the other six mistakes are pretty much moot points. A quality travel advisor will help you make sure you don’t make the other six mistakes.

You’re free to live your life and let your travel advisor take care of the details of your trip.

Can you imagine paying nothing extra for your cruise and someone else waiting on hold to call the cruise company for you?

Using a Travel Agent Costs You Nothing

Travel advisors don’t charge you a fee. The cruise line pays the travel advisor to help ensure you maximize your experience on your cruise.

You DON’T Get a Better Rate Booking Yourself

You’ll see the same prices either way. For the same trip, you won’t get a cheaper price for your vacation, but they’ll help ensure you go at the best time and can take advantage of the best vacation for you.

Not Factoring In the Total Cost of the Cruise

The 2nd of the mistakes to avoid when cruising involves understanding what is included in the fare. This is when you see the cost of the cruise in an ad for the cruise line. It looks like a great price, but you have to be aware of what you get with that price.

That rate will likely include an interior cabin on a lower deck and probably bunk beds. Paying extra for a cabin with a balcony will greatly enrich the quality of your trip experience.

Instead of squeezing out the least amount you can for a vacation experience to spend as little as possible, make the best investment into getting the most out of the month you spend.

Consider the Cost of Getting Off the Ship

The cost you see advertised will be completely different than the bill you receive when you get off the ship. Unless you’re enjoying a truly all-inclusive cruise, you’ll likely have other expenses during your vacation.

• Adult beverages
• Shore excursions
• Specialty dining
• Souvenirs
• Wi-Fi connection

Many cruises with more expensive fares end up costing you less than cheaper cruises because the luxury cruise lines include more items in that fare.  Knowing about these opportunities can greatly enhance your vacation experience and ultimately cost you less money out of pocket.

Not Getting Travel Insurance

Failing to get trip insurance isn’t just one of the mistakes to avoid when cruising, it’s a mistake to avoid for ALL travel.

You never know what’s going to happen. Anything can happen:

• Weather
• Medical emergencies
• Accidents
• Missing transportation
• Airlines losing luggage

Buy trip insurance and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that the unknown incidents will be covered. Furthermore, relish knowing that you’ll know exactly who to contact if you find yourself in an unexpected, unpleasant situation.

Not Planning Shore Excursions in Advance

You don’t have to plan your entire vacation. I recommend planning a few big, important experiences you want and enjoy relaxing, improvising, and being fully present for the rest of your vacation.

For those primary experiences you want, though, book those in advance. Don’t leave it to chance. Excursions will sell out! Get them booked early to ensure they don’t fill up and make sure to maximize your vacation experience.

This will save you time on your cruise. If you book the excursions on your cruise, you’ll likely have to stand in line behind the others who didn’t plan ahead and spend your vacation waiting on them to ask questions and ponder what they want to do.

This also gives you chance to have a good plan for your port days. You can enjoy a fulfilling experience and make great memories instead of getting stuck in a crowded, touristy area.

Picking the Wrong Cabin

This is one of the most common mistakes to avoid when cruising. You just want to be on the ship, right? So you spend the least amount of money you can on the cheapest cabin you can find.

We hear this all the time: “I’m only going to be sleeping in my cabin. I don’t need an ocean view.”

Do you really think that you’re only going to sleep in your cabin? You may need a nap or some chill time. You will spend more time in your cabin than you think.

If you want to see a gorgeous site early in the morning. Do you want to have to get up extra early, navigate to the deck where you can see what you want to see, and try to enjoy it with the rest of the passengers with interior cabins?

Rolling out of bed and onto your balcony with a cup of your favorite beverage to enjoy the view will be a much better experience and magical memory you’ll always treasure.

Newer ships are building few interior cabins for good reasons.

Choosing the Wrong Ship or Cruise Line for You

This is where a travel advisor can really help you enhance the quality of your vacation experience. I have a friend who is a very calm, artsy, contemplative person. His family wanted to try a cruise and they went on a cruise line with more of a younger, partying crowd.

I think those cruises are fun, but that was not the experience he wanted. My friend and his family wasted their time and money on a trip they didn’t enjoy.

A few cruise lines advertise a lot. Their names are household names. It is entirely possible that you’ve never heard of the cruise line that would give you the best experience.

There are a wide variety of cruise experiences:

• cruise themes
• ship sizes
• port sizes
• demographics
• experience types

Don’t simply settle for the names you hear frequently over the experience that will best match your vacation preferences.

Booking Last-Minute or Not Far Enough Out

There are a couple of misconceptions about so-called close-out deals.

Myth: If a Cruise Isn’t Full, the Cruise Line Will Have a Big Sale to Fill the Ship

This is not true. If a ship is undersold, the cruise line will reach out to travel agents first. They’ll give those lower prices to travel agents rather than consumers.

They’ll give the cheaper fares to travel agents so that the travel agents can use that experience to help sell for that cruise line. There is no investment in selling those discounted fares to the consumer for a couple of reasons.

You’re getting what is left. The better cabins, dining reservations, and excursions are already sold out to the passengers who booked earlier. Yes, your fare would be less expensive, but your experience would less quality.

You’d spend more time bragging about the cheap fare than your fantastic experience. If you spend the market rate for our experience you’re more likely to be a spokesperson for the experience and memories, not the money you didn’t spend.

Giving the lower price to the travel agents will more likely result in more cruise sales.

Supply and Demand, But Mostly Supply

Secondly, as the cabins and excursions book up, the diminishing supply increases the demand and thus, increases the price. Book early for the lowest fare and the best selection of experiences.

1. Book early
2. Get the cabins and excursions you want
3. Stay familiar with the cancelation policies

Bonus Mistake to Avoid

Not Coming In a Day Early for Your Cruise

Don’t risk missing your ship. Maritime laws require that the ships leave on time. They can not wait for late passengers for any reason.

Be close to the port the day your ship departs. If you’re flying last minute and your flight is delayed, even if you make it on time and not miss your cruise, the stress is just not worth it.

Fly in a day earlier and enjoy the morning before your cruise.

If you can, fly out a day later after your cruise. Then you can enjoy the last day as well. You can relax and watch all the people not staying an extra day while they stress and rush to not miss their flights.

https://shayne.fun/mistakes-to-avoid-when-cruising/

How does tipping work on Cruises & Excursions?

 

Should you tip on shore excursions?

October 4, 2023 | Travel Pedia

On shore excursions, it's expected that passengers tip tour guides and bus drivers. How much you tip on cruise excursions is entirely up to you, but a suggested starting price is $3 per person for a half-day tour and $6 per person for a full-day tour for the guide and $1 to $2 for the bus driver.

On the Celebrity Cruise we are taking to Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique and St. Kitts, we recommended $5 per half day and $2.50 for the driver.  This is what is built into the the trips we contracted for Antigua and Barbados.  For St. Lucia, Martinique and St. Kitts, our guests need to carry small bills on the excursion in US dollars so they can tip the guide and the driver.  It is not necessary to exchange money into local currency.

Is it better to prepay gratuities on Celebrity?

All guests on the Celebrity Equinox are required to pay the gratuities upfront in their booking fee for cruise.  Guests who have pre-paid their gratuity will not see a daily charge during their cruise. The automatic daily gratuity is based on customary industry standards. Applying this charge automatically helps streamline the recognition process for the crew members that work to enhance your cruise.

Do cruise workers get their tips?

Normally there is a standard rate of about $15–20 per day, which is added to your bill at the end of the cruise, this is divided up to each of the service staff, so cooks, laundry workers etc get a share, and of course, for excellent service you can tip people directly, cabin stewards for example.

Do housekeepers on cruise ships get tips?

Generally speaking, mainstream, U.S.-based cruise lines automatically add gratuities of about $14 to $15 per person, per day, to your onboard bill. These tips are divided among the dining staff (waiters, assistant waiters and head waiters) and housekeeping staff (such as cabin attendants).

Can cruise staff accept cash tip?

Some cruisers believe offering a tip at the start of the cruise helps ensure excellent service, and another tip at the end if they've done an extraordinary job. If you want to tip your attendant, a cash tip at the end of the cruise is appreciated. A tip of $10-20 per guest is appropriate.

What is Celebrity's automatic gratuity program?

(most in our group paid $18/person per day or $180.

A service gratuity will be automatically applied to each guest’s SeaPass® account on a daily basis for sailings*, excluding guests in Excluding Bookings.** Current amounts*** for the daily gratuity are listed below.  The gratuities described above are distributed to the crew, such as dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams, and others who work to enhance the overall cruise experience. 

 

• Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda staterooms:      US$18.00 per guest, per day
• Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms:       US$18.50 per Guest, per day
• An 18% gratuity will be automatically added to spa and salon purchases and a 20% gratuity will also be automatically added to specialty dining, beverage, beverage package, room service and mini bar purchases.
• Gratuities may be adjusted at the guest’s discretion onboard at Guest Relations up until the morning of their departure.

https://lovethemaldives.com/faq/should-you-tip-on-shore-excursions

Cautions About Your Own Private Venturing When On A Cruise

Exploring ports of call on your own during a cruise can be a rewarding and adventurous experience. However, it's essential to take precautions to ensure your safety and maximize your enjoyment. Here are some cautions and tips to consider when going off on your own at cruise ports:

1. **Research and Plan Ahead**:
   - Research each port of call in advance to understand the local culture, attractions, and safety conditions. Plan your day accordingly, including a rough itinerary and a map of the area.

2. **Know the Ship's Schedule**:
   - Be aware of the ship's departure time from each port and ensure you return well in advance to avoid being left behind.

3. **Carry Identification and Contact Information**:
   - Always carry a photocopy of your passport and other identification in case of loss or theft. Also, have the ship's contact information with you.

4. **Use Reliable Transportation**:
   - If you need transportation in the port, use licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing services. Avoid accepting rides from unlicensed or unauthorized individuals.

5. **Beware of Scams and Petty Theft**:
   - Be cautious of scams, pickpocketing, and other tourist-targeted crimes. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.

6. **Respect Local Customs and Laws**:
   - Learn about and respect local customs, traditions, and laws. Dress appropriately for cultural expectations and adhere to local regulations.

7. **Stay in Well-Traveled Areas**:
   - Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially if you're exploring at night. Avoid deserted or poorly lit areas.

8. **Stay Hydrated and Use Sun Protection**:
   - Depending on the destination, it can be hot and sunny. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and protect yourself from the sun's rays.

9. **Use Reputable Tour Operators**:
   - If you plan to book excursions or tours independently, choose reputable tour operators with good reviews and safety records.

10. **Communication**:
    - Ensure you have a working phone with an international plan or a local SIM card to stay connected. Let someone know your plans and whereabouts.

11. **Language Barriers**:
    - Learn a few basic phrases in the local language or have a translation app handy to assist with communication.

12. **Currency and Payment**:
    - Have local currency on hand for small purchases, and be cautious when using credit cards to avoid potential fraud.

13. **Food and Water Safety**:
    - Be mindful of what you eat and drink to avoid foodborne illnesses. Stick to reputable restaurants and drink bottled water when necessary.

14. **Responsible Souvenir Shopping**:
    - Be aware of regulations regarding the purchase and export of souvenirs made from protected or endangered species. Avoid contributing to illegal wildlife trade.

15. **Emergency Contact Information**:
    - Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including the nearest embassy or consulate, local authorities, and the cruise ship's contact information.

By taking these precautions and staying informed, you can enjoy your adventures in cruise ports of call while minimizing risks and ensuring a safe and memorable experience. 

How do you not gain weight on a cruise?

 Cruise vacations are known for their delicious dining options and tempting buffets, which can make it challenging to avoid gaining weight. However, with some mindful choices and strategies, you can enjoy your cruise while managing your weight. Here are some tips:

1. **Balance Your Meals**:
   - Opt for a balanced plate at meals, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid piling on high-calorie, heavy dishes.

2. **Portion Control**:
   - Pay attention to portion sizes, especially at buffets and specialty dining venues. Take smaller portions to avoid overeating.

3. **Choose Healthier Options**:
   - Look for healthier menu items, such as grilled or steamed dishes, salads, and seafood. Many cruise ships offer lighter and vegetarian options.

4. **Limit Sugary and Alcoholic Drinks**:
   - Sugary cocktails and excessive alcohol consumption can add extra calories. Enjoy them in moderation and consider lower-calorie alternatives.

5. **Stay Active**:
   - Take advantage of onboard fitness facilities, participate in onboard fitness classes, and engage in active shore excursions like hiking or snorkeling.

6. **Use Stairs**:
   - Instead of the elevator, use the stairs to get around the ship. It's a simple way to incorporate more physical activity into your day.

7. **Mindful Eating**:
   - Pay attention to hunger cues and eat mindfully. Savor your food, eat slowly, and enjoy the dining experience.

8. **Stay Hydrated**:
   - Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help control your appetite and stay hydrated. Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger.

9. **Limit Late-Night Snacking**:
   - Late-night buffets and room service can be tempting, but try to limit late-night snacking to avoid consuming unnecessary calories before bed.

10. **Plan Active Shore Excursions**:
    - Choose shore excursions that involve physical activity, such as hiking, biking, or walking tours.

11. **Engage in Onboard Activities**:
    - Participate in onboard activities like dance classes, sports, or even the ship's jogging track to stay active during sea days.

12. **Indulge Mindfully**:
    - It's okay to indulge occasionally. If there's a particular dessert or treat you'd like to try, enjoy it in moderation.

13. **Limit Specialty Dining**:
    - While specialty restaurants can offer gourmet experiences, they often come with larger portions and richer dishes. Limit your visits to these venues.

14. **Keep a Food Journal**:
    - Consider keeping a food journal to track what you eat. This can help you stay accountable and make healthier choices.

15. **Support and Accountability**:
    - If you're concerned about overindulging, consider traveling with a friend or family member who shares your health goals. You can help each other make mindful choices.

Remember that a cruise vacation is also about relaxation and enjoyment, so it's okay to indulge occasionally. The key is to strike a balance between savoring the culinary delights and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Are you worried about motion sickness during your upcoming cruise?

Motion sickness, often referred to as seasickness when experienced on a cruise, can be an uncomfortable condition caused by the motion of the ship. To help prevent and alleviate seasickness, consider the following options:

1. Choose Your Cabin Location Wisely:
   - Opt for a cabin in the center of the ship and on a lower deck. These locations tend to experience less motion.

2. Use Over-the-Counter Medications:
   - Over-the-counter medications like Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) and Bonine (meclizine) can help prevent motion sickness. Follow the dosing instructions and take the medication before you start feeling sick.

3. Prescription Medications:
   - If over-the-counter options aren't effective, consult with a healthcare provider who may prescribe stronger anti-motion sickness medications.

4. Wristbands and Acupressure Bands:
   - Wristbands that use acupressure techniques, such as Sea-Bands, can help some people manage motion sickness.

5. Ginger:
   - Ginger, in various forms (ginger candies, ginger tea, ginger pills), is a natural remedy that may alleviate nausea associated with motion sickness.

6. Stay Hydrated:
   - Dehydration can exacerbate motion sickness symptoms. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

7. Avoid Heavy Meals and Alcohol:
   - Overeating and excessive alcohol consumption can make motion sickness worse. Opt for lighter meals and avoid heavy, greasy foods.

8. Fresh Air and Ventilation:
   - Spend time on deck where you can get fresh air and look at the horizon. Staying in well-ventilated areas can also help.

9. Focal Point Fixation:
   - Fixate your gaze on a distant point on the horizon to help your brain adjust to the motion of the ship.

10. Avoid Reading or Staring at Screens:
    - Reading, watching movies, or using electronic devices can worsen motion sickness. Try to limit screen time while onboard.

11. Get Plenty of Rest:
    - Fatigue can increase susceptibility to motion sickness. Ensure you're well-rested before embarking on your cruise.

12. Avoid Strong Odors:
    - Certain odors can trigger nausea. Avoid areas with strong smells or bring along items with pleasant scents like essential oils.

13. Stay Calm and Relaxed:
    - Anxiety and stress can make motion sickness worse. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

14. Stay Close to the Centerline of the Ship:
    - When moving around the ship, stay close to the centerline where the motion is less pronounced.

15. Consider Patch Medications:
    - Some travelers find relief from motion sickness using prescription patches, such as the Scopolamine patch, which is applied behind the ear.

Keep in mind that what works best to prevent or alleviate motion sickness can vary from person to person. It's a good idea to experiment with different strategies to find the one that works best for you. If you're concerned about seasickness, consult with a healthcare provider before your cruise for personalized advice and recommendations.  I find that the Caribbean is much gentler than the Atlantic Ocean, so this would be a good time to experiment with what works best for you.

Celebrity Equinox Facebook Page - Not Official Representation From Celebrity

 

CPAP Machines & Outlets in Staterooms for Cruises

Can I bring my CPAP on the cruise?

Yes, you can bring a CPAP machine on your cruise. This applies to all cruise lines. Please make sure you let your cruise line know in advance (at least 30 days before the sailing date) you will be bringing a CPAP.   On Celebrity, for example, they have a Special Needs department.  They can arrange for you to have an extension cord and distilled water.

This can be done on the cruise line’s website. There is usually a “Special Needs” form that you can fill out online. If no such form exists, you can email or call the Guest Special Needs department. 

People often ask about packing for a cruise when they have CPAP machines and accessibility to outlets in the room.  Are there enough outlets to handle the CPAP machine as well as other devices such as charging phones, ipads and laptop computers.

Here is advice about bringing a CPAP machine:

Traveling lightly on a cruise while bringing a CPAP machine requires careful planning and organization. Here are some steps to help you achieve that:

1. **Pack Strategically:** Focus on versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched, reducing the number of outfits you need. Choose lightweight fabrics that are easy to pack and won't take up much space in your luggage.

2. **Utilize Packing Cubes:** Packing cubes can help you maximize space by compressing your clothing. They also keep your items organized, making it easier to locate what you need without unpacking everything.

3. **Limit Shoes:** Shoes can take up a lot of space, so consider bringing only a couple of pairs that can be worn with multiple outfits.

4. **Toiletries:** Opt for travel-sized toiletries to save space and weight. Many brands offer travel-friendly versions of common products.

5. **CPAP Machine:** Check if your cruise ship provides CPAP machines for guests. If not, consider using a travel-sized CPAP machine that is lighter and more compact. Make sure to carry your prescription and any necessary accessories.

6. **Medications:** Keep medications and essentials in your carry-on bag to ensure you have them easily accessible.

7. **Roll Clothing:** Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space and reduce wrinkles.

8. **Digital Documents:** Store travel documents, such as boarding passes and reservations, on your phone or a tablet to minimize the need for physical copies.

9. **Laundry Facilities:** Check if the cruise ship offers laundry facilities. If so, you can pack fewer clothes and plan to do laundry during the trip.

10. **Layering:** Pack clothes that can be layered to accommodate changing temperatures. This can help you stay warm without packing bulky items.

Remember to check the specific guidelines of the cruise line regarding baggage allowance and any restrictions on bringing medical equipment like CPAP machines. With thoughtful planning and smart choices, you can travel lightly while ensuring you have the necessary items, including your CPAP machine, for a comfortable cruise experience.

Now what about outlets in your stateroom?

Dealing with limited outlets on cruises requires some creative thinking and strategic planning. Here are some tips to help you manage your devices and chargers:

1. **Power Strip or Multi-Outlet Adapter:** Bring a compact power strip or multi-outlet adapter with surge protection. Make sure it's approved by the cruise line and complies with their safety regulations. This will allow you to plug in multiple devices using just one outlet.

2. **USB Chargers:** Many devices, including smartphones, tablets, and some laptops, can be charged via USB cables. Bring USB chargers and cables to charge multiple devices simultaneously using a single outlet or USB hub.

3. **Charge During Off-Peak Times:** Depending on the ship's schedule, you might find that outlets are less crowded during certain times of the day. Take advantage of these off-peak times to charge your devices.

4. **Prioritize Charging:** Determine which devices are essential and need charging the most. Prioritize charging those devices, and consider leaving less critical devices for later.

5. **Battery Packs:** Carry portable battery packs to charge your devices without needing an outlet. This is particularly useful for smartphones and small devices.

6. **Laptop Charging:** If you have a laptop, consider charging it when you're not actively using it. Many laptops have a longer battery life, allowing you to charge them at less crowded times.

7. **Use the TV:** Some cruise ship cabins have USB ports or power outlets near the TV. You can use these to charge your devices while watching a show or before you sleep.

8. **Optimize Power Usage:** Turn off devices that aren't in use, and adjust settings to minimize power consumption. Dim the screen brightness on devices and close unnecessary apps to save battery.

9. **Share with Cabinmates:** If you're traveling with others, coordinate charging times to ensure everyone gets a chance to use the limited outlets.

10. **Contact Guest Services:** If you're struggling with limited outlets, you can inquire at the guest services desk if there are any alternatives or solutions available.

Remember to follow the cruise line's safety guidelines and regulations when using electrical outlets or adapters. By planning ahead and making efficient use of the available outlets, you can keep your devices charged and ready to use throughout your cruise.