Lesson Learned - Take Only Excursions Offered By Cruise Ship

Absolutely LOVED this cruise, but unfortunately we were stupid enough to purchase a snorkeling trip that was not offered by the cruise line in Barbados. Instead, we arranged a trip thru our travel agent at , which contracted with Shore Excursions, LLC. Upon arriving in port, the ship's announcer stated that ALL water excursions were being canceled due to a Barbados' Government Advisory that watercraft were forbidden out on the seas due to dangerous conditions involving extreme undercurrents. We immediately went to meet with the Glory Tours/Black Pearl Tours representative as mentioned in our confirmation letter. We were scheduled to depart on our Snorkel Excursion at 10:30am, and was told by the bus driver that the 8:30am trip did go out as planned, but that he would check to see if the 10:30am snorkel trip was still going out. I mentioned the fact that the government had issued an advisory forbidding watercraft from going out and in addition, the cruise ship had also canceled all water excursions for its' passengers. After much discussion between the bus driver and his supervisor on the phone, he informed our party that our trip would be canceled and our monies refunded, totalling $174.00. After disembarking at the end of the cruise, I immediately called my travel agent at to ask for assistance in helping us get the refund we were assured would be forthcoming by the Black Pearl Tours supervisor. I'm very disappointed that simply accepted the word of Shore Excursion, LLC who stated to them that their Excursion did still go out on that day and it was my party who canceled. I'm not sure if that Excursion did in fact go out, but shame on them if they did. Apparently, this company cared more for their bottom line than the safety of their customers. And shame on for not disavowing their actions and knowingly allowing them to refuse to acknowledge they did anything wrong and will continue to refuse to refund our $174.00. But, BRAVO to the Celebrity Reflection and all the other cruise ships in port that day (March 6, 2018), for caring more for the safety of your passengers and customers than the profits you would have received at the end of the day.

Wonderful Dinner. Disappointed though, that at the end of the meal, we were presented with a bill/receipt which included the possibility of addicting an "additional tip." We had pre-paid for a four Night Specialty package, which did included all taxes and tips. As this was the first dinner we took as part of that package, we and since we did enjoy the meal and the service, we added sn "additional" $10 tip. BUT, at no time during our next three Specialty dining Dinners, did the waiter bring a bill/receipt which included a space for an "additional tip." At the end of each of the three meals, the waiter simply stated that we had the Specialty Dining Package and thanked us for coming. So...we're not sure why the Atuscan Grill finds it necessary to ask for more. Certainly it was our option to leave or not leave an additional tip, but as I explained earlier, this was our very dinner and did not know it was out of the norm for this restaurant to do so. At this time, however, I would like to mention our waiter "Mi,an," and what a wonderful job he did. BUT, so did all the other waiters in the other three restaurants where we ate

Enjoyed dancing, trivia and a few other

Evening shows we're good. Curry was EXCELLENT

RiKesh - Cabin Steward - Excellent Biverline - Opus Restaurant - Excellent Charlotte - Activities - Excellent Alan - Somlier

Entire ship was spotless EXCEPT base of exercise equipment in Fitness Rrom. It was apparent the equipment was not often cleaned from the day before as they were filled with dust and LOTS of sweat spots. I always sanitize wherever my hands touch on the equipment before using it, but have to admit it was rather disgusting looking down while working out and seeing the filth