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I have for ages had a cruise booked on Celebrity on Millenium in April 2018 around Japan - maybe catch the Cherry Blossoms.
On CCritic there is discussion that Celebrity now requires exit from the cabin at 7am on disembarkation day
as they have cut back on cabin assistants. Great enhancement there - not. This cruise is basically sold out 18 months in advance and I got a gem of a cabin.
So I did a little searching because I am always on the lookout - and there is an excellent 14 night HAL Volendam cruise that has an overnighter in Shanghai and it berths opposite the Tower. Its a little more expensive (mainly because on non inclusions) but has an extra night.
Itinerary current trip: Celebrity

Concierge cabin (doesn't mean much, balcony), 1 less night, touches into Taiwan, a fair bit less expensive as I booked when fares were low. Drinks and tips included. (Now much more expensive.)
Possible itinerary

Vista balcony, Volendam so smaller ship; overnight in Shanghai, deposit non refundable (Vacations to Go, around the same price as first cruise, no tips or drinks included). I could also book direct on HAL, refundable deposit, about $1500 AUD more but with $400USD OBC.
So multiple questions.
Best chance for Cherry Blossoms and other Japan highlights (I know, it's just a taster for future land trips)
Taiwan - not all that interested
Shanghai - just a disappointing experience on QM2 eh love_the_life so need to return and MrP wants to go there.
Mmmmmm?
On CCritic there is discussion that Celebrity now requires exit from the cabin at 7am on disembarkation day

So I did a little searching because I am always on the lookout - and there is an excellent 14 night HAL Volendam cruise that has an overnighter in Shanghai and it berths opposite the Tower. Its a little more expensive (mainly because on non inclusions) but has an extra night.
Itinerary current trip: Celebrity

Concierge cabin (doesn't mean much, balcony), 1 less night, touches into Taiwan, a fair bit less expensive as I booked when fares were low. Drinks and tips included. (Now much more expensive.)
Possible itinerary

Vista balcony, Volendam so smaller ship; overnight in Shanghai, deposit non refundable (Vacations to Go, around the same price as first cruise, no tips or drinks included). I could also book direct on HAL, refundable deposit, about $1500 AUD more but with $400USD OBC.
So multiple questions.
Best chance for Cherry Blossoms and other Japan highlights (I know, it's just a taster for future land trips)
Taiwan - not all that interested
Shanghai - just a disappointing experience on QM2 eh love_the_life so need to return and MrP wants to go there.
Mmmmmm?