Here are some of the subjects we are discussing:
Shore Excursions: We have been to Bermuda at least four or five times. Twice before on a cruise. Hamilton and St. George are interesting to walk around for a day. A beach day sounds good. And the third and last day... maybe a Segway tour of the King's Wharf area.
Celebrity offers tours of the island, but with few exception, I find that the ship's tours are often expensive and of short duration. Public transportation and taxi's are generally the best alternatives. So, at the moment it is Day 1: Hamilton and St. George via ferry. Day 2: Horseshoe Bay Beach. Day 3: A Segway tour.
The Photo Package: I read that Celebrity offers a photo package for $235.00 and includes all photos that we (Ellen and myself) are in. Normally I would run when I see the ship's photographer, because I prefer not to be tempted to buy a 8x10 at $25.00 each. HOWEVER, the package fine print says something about "minor children traveling in a separate cabin would be included". If the broad deffinition of children includes grandchildren, then, this is a deal. I don't care about pictures of myself...but my granddaughters -- that's something else. Best to wait until we get on board before we commit.
Celebrity Summit
Specialty Dining: The Celebrity Summit offers two specialty dining restaurants for an additional charge of $40.00pp. One restaurant, The Normandy, gets rave reviews... we are going. Andrew and Melissa are going on July 11th... their 9th Anniversary, and Ellen, Kristen and I, the night after. I am not sure if the restaurant is a replica of the French Line's, Normandy or if the wood paneling is from the Normandy. In any event, the ambiance and the menu are supposed to be terrific.
The Celebrity Drink Package: At first glance the $385.00 drink package seems a bit steep, but Kristen, the forever accountant, has convinced us that it is a good deal. The package included unlimited alcoholic beverages... up to $12.00 per glass, water, premium coffee, soft drinks, wine and champagnes. At the moment the package is on sale until the 15th of June... must be pre paid, and the fee includes the gratuity as well. Maybe if we purchased each drink as we went along the total would be 10 - 15% higher, but pre paying the alcohol makes for a smaller ship board account at the end of the trip. I am sold.
Wardrobe: This Bermuda cruise is probably the most informal of all of our past cruises. (Sign of the time, I think) Dress is listed as "casual" for five of the nights and "formal" for two. For me, this eliminates the necessity for bringing suits and sports jackets, dress shirts and ties... with the exception of a tux. Ellen, on the other hand, has her own definition of "casual" and sets the bar very high....
The countdown begins.
