FAQ from the Cruise Meet & Greet Brunch...by Alex

Hi Everyone,
It was great to see familiar faces at Sunday's brunch and meet new ones. I have written out the answers to the questions asked at the brunch, see below. If anyone has any additional questions, please feel free to email me and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. I will be out of the office for a couple of days, so my response time may not be immediate. I can't wait to start packing....Alex

Questions asked at the Brunch:
1. Private tour operators verses Cruise Line tours, what's better?
ANSWER:
Unless you’re planning a privately guided tour, I think the Cruise Line offers a good value because of the volume of people they have and they are also responsible for getting you back to the ship on time. Private guides would always be my first choice, but can be very costly.

2. Problem w/ payment for shore excursion, how do we purchase this?
ANSWER:
I called Celebrity and they said to do it this way...log on to www.celebritycruises.com
a. click "Before your cruise"
b. click "Manager my reservation"
c. scroll to bottom and on right side of screen:
d. click "personalize without registration"
e. fill out: Res# Your Name Ship (Summit), Sail Date: Nov 01, 2008
f. click "customize Reservations"
g. click "shore excursions"

3. What is the weather going to be like?
ANSWER:
What a great opportunity to wear your fall clothes. Daytime average temps should be in the
50's -60's depending on the port and time of day. Best to layer and peel off as the day warms up. Unexpected highs and lows can occur so be prepared to add or subtract that sweater.

4. Currency? Which country is not on the Euro? How much to take? When and where to change your money?
ANSWER:
Turkey is on its own currency, the "New Turkish Lire", also Croatia has its own currency. Easiest place to exchange is on board the ship. If you are planning to exchange a large sum of money, you may want to check out currency exchange places off the ship or use the ATM (check with your bank for any surcharges that they charge). Also, alert your credit card company that you will be traveling and using your credit card more frequently than usual and in unusual places....like Istanbul!! If using a credit card you should contact your credit card company for a pin number to the credit card. This will be particularly important if you use it at the ATM. Most of the USA credit cards do not practice the usage of pin numbers for their credit card. Check with your card institution.

5. What are the Customs regulations for bringing spices and other food products into the USA?
ANSWER:
I am investigating a full answer to this question. The website is vague stating that things change if an outbreak occurs. I need to get better clarity on this before I answer. I will respond at a later time.

6. What are the Spa prices on board ship? What is a 5 hour package about?
ANSWER:
For some reason, Celebrity is not listing their spa prices on the website. If you have any questions about this, please give me a call or email me and I will find out the prices. A particular question was asked about the Asian ceremony of stone....5 hours. The cost of this multi level treatment, an all day event, is $330. Sign me up!Specific appointment times cannot be done until you board the ship. I suggest doing it immediately to get the time slot you prefer.

7. When are we getting information on the insurance?
ANSWER:
I will be enclosing an insurance booklet with everyone's documents. Documents will be sent out approx 2-3 weeks prior to departure.

8. For those of us in a Concierge Class Stateroom, what are included in the Concierge Amenities?
ANSWER:
Priority Embarkation And Disembarkation; Priority Luggage Delivery; Welcome Champagne; Fresh Fruit And Flowers In Stateroom; Evening Hors D'oeuvres Nightly In Stateroom; Celebrity Tote Bag, Leather Key Holder; Personalized Stationary; Complimentary Use Of Umbrella And Binoculars; VIP Invite To Events; Pillow-Top Mattress And Pillow Menu; Hansgrohe Massaging Shower Head; Frette Bathrobes To Use During The Cruise; Oversized Egyptian Cotton Towels.

9. What's recommended for tipping?
ANSWER:
Suggested tipping is $11 per day per person. You may prepay your tips prior to your cruise or just set aside some money that you can put into envelopes (that will be provided by the cruise line miraculously on the last night of the cruise). Generally, you tip your waiter, busboy and cabin steward.

10. How many Formal evenings?
ANSWER:
Three (3) Formal Evenings Are Scheduled At This Time. Four (4) Informal (Sport Coat & Tie) noted. Seven (7) Casual Evenings (Nice Casual .Collar Shirt/Polo Type Shirt for the Guys).

11. Is there "do it yourself" laundry?
ANSWER:
No, thank God! You're forced to relax and let someone else do it for you for a change. There is a laundry service on board.