ChinchillaGrl

We went on a private tour, leavig around 9am. The guide drove our group of about 7 (i think) to Postonia the massive cave complex, then to Predjama castle, then to Old Town Ljubiana, where we did a little shopping and lunching. Then he returned us to the dock about 3pm. Plenty of time and a really lovely tour!

Thanks for the thread! I'll be bringing agave syrup in straws ( from amazon) for my coffee habit! Lower glycemic index than regular sugar...some bars may have agave syrup for a gourmet sweetner option...there was a Connie Martini Bar -tender from Turkey who was thrilled to know exactly what I wanted!

I also like pistachios, almonds and dried apricots as a snack for the room and pool...

Actually, I suspect that this is deliberate marketing, to get the idea of blending borders. There are photos at the top of the daily bulletins that follow this theme...the Caribbean beach right next to the Roman coliseum.

Although I could defend and genuinely liked their "Marco Polo" campaign, this crosses a line!:loudcry:

.Four cruises with Celebrity, and did one Pacific Coastal on Princess in October - Celebrity better by far. Princess menu has a few nice items, but not every night. Buffet was okay but not stellar. Room service breakfast was not adequate at all. Service was good in Princess, but I have never seen the "wild west" atmosphere attributed to Celebrity.

One place Princess excelled was in beverage and wine service. I was never told that they didn't have all ingrediants stocked for drinks on the menu, and never had to wait while someone ran to a different bar to get something I'd requested! Good by-the-glass selection, and never had to ask to see the wine list in the MDR. Celebrity Infinity has some work to do in that regard. Celebrity is still the preference.

Great to hear. Hoping that everyone sailing Eclipse prior to 1/21 try to help them keep it that way for us.

Wonderful- please keep up the good work for our April cruise!

I usually call the Captain's Club number, or the concierge assigned us early on. After a live call, I then usually receive excellent email service. and followup if needed. If there is a change to an onborad event, print the email and show it to the Shorex team on board...they will adhere to the new terms and are very helpful.

We thought it 'disruptive' in a good way! We like travel experiences that break us out of our comfort zone. The bar scene went on later (like leaving the cover off of a birdcage!) and it looked like 4pm even at 3am. Trippy!

I just bought tix for Book of Mormon, and $25 rebate for dinner. I thought it was a great deal! Orchestra or Balcony seats at discretion of theater, but I think it'll be decent seating. Makes a nice date Night for us!

Really, you will be fine, and will be well taken care of!:)

We've been on Connie twice! Feels like home, and we felt well cared for by staff!

Preferred the bar crew in the Arctic to that in Adriatic, though. Drinks were fine, but too busy to become acquainted.

Our sommelier in the MDR was fantastic- we challenged her to bring us the best she could without bringing us anything from California, where we are from. She did well for most of the trip, but we cut her some slack for the last few days. Good sport!

Not fond of Tuscan. Not only was there some broken crockery in my salad, but the food was not of exceptional quality, and the emphasis was on upselling wine. Probably won't bother next time.

Overall, fantastic!

Three cruises on X, two on Connie, one on Millie, all in Concierge. Coffee just for one, as DH doesn't care for it. Always a pot...Unless there was an apologetic explanation of some shortage or unusual circumstances (broken Dishwasher, noro, etc), I would accept it out of desperation, but would submit attention to detail for galley (not the steward!):eek:

About the elevation of CC to "concierge" level of service, I agree! We also like the large table in the MDR and opportunity to s ocialize. Blu does not appeal to us-we already live in CA.

Thank you for the review and for taking good care of our room for the May 9 Adriatic Cruise! We usually try to get a room further fore , past the library, so I was a little worried about the location and condition of cabins so far aft. We appreciare the reassurance.

We were just on the Equinox. We received the invitation in the Sea Pass card holder booklet. It was a very nice lunch with a selection of salad, entree and dessert. I believe there was a choice of 3 or 4 entrees, choice of 2 salads and 2 desserts. I felt it was a very nice perk for Concierge Class.

 

I mentioned the lunch at the Cruise Critic Connections Party because all too often, we complain about things but forget to compliment and I certainly appreciate the chance to avoid the buffet on embarkation day!

If timing is right and we get the invite (we always go cc) then I'll be sure to let them know it's greatly appreciated, as are all of the considerations we receive as part of the fare. With all of the fuss over AQ and Elite +, we often feel as though we are in steerage on these boards. Crew has never treated us as anything but the most valued of clients, but there is usually a little unwarranted worry ahead of time. Thank you for letting us know!

Be aware that tucking the key card in the cover of your e-book may demagnetize the card so that it won't work. First day of our last cruise a general announcement was made advising all of the issue. Easy to get it reset, but there were MASSES of people at guest services needing attention!

Crisemom42, I'll be visiting in May; would you be so kind?

snapgecko at hotmail dot com

Thanks in advance!

I caught this one on Sundance tv and, again, got a good chuckle and a smile out of it- no, can't claim impartislity, as my first cruise was on Celebrity to Alaska...

http://www.ispot.tv/ad/AOvX/celebrity-cruises-fishmonger

:D

Here's one that shows none of the above and is much more appealing to me and I don't particularly care for the Princess product. Short and sweet and no explanation necessary.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIrOJGTayEc

I did like this one also, but preferred a little bit of a puzzle...:)

There is something to be said for that, especially because, although in their target market, and still a working professional, I am a little older than desired, and not as enamored with exclusivity (eg. Suites, Aqua, etc). And I am already planning a trip, so it isn't an increase in revenue.

On the other hand, perhaps those who are so nose-to-the-grindstone have to be told that they are being invited out to play NEED the invite even more!

How to reach them? Hmmmm....social media? Forums?;)

Bottled Water is offered in retail environments, in salons, in car dealerships to name a few. All of those examples are offered to customers for just looking. -snip- It's quite a contrast to what has been eliminated by the paying customer in AQ and it does not make anyone feel special. I can walk into a Mercedes dealership or an Audi dealership for a look or for a service appointment and they roll out the red carpet. Valet too. Those are luxury brands and that is an example of luxury service.

 

-snip-Yes, I get the welcome champagne at boarding. -snip- either way they think I am great and they give me lots and lots of water -snip- So I don't agree a luxury status exists, it might on other lines where water is freely part of the environment. Maybe Celebrity is Faux Luxury.

America's Tires gives me bottled water when I go in for the free rotation, but is that a luxury brand? :D

I saw the spot and was enchanted, especially because I thought Cpt. Tasos might have been the model for (if not the actual) Captain on the bow. I was struck by the idea that I was being invited away from my stressful, repetative day-to-day experiance to a play date with caring professionals who get to play for a living.

We aren't quite as young or wealthy as the desired demog, but we can take a major vacation every other year, and Celebrity has received our money in the last three. We love the ships (M class only so far), the balcony room (no suite needed) and breakfast in bed, great food, generally good company, and interesting itineraries.

The emphasis of the campaign so far is "come enjoy some time in our world" and the people are their strength. I was tickled by the s pot, wonder if that is Cap'n Tasos, and looking forward to our trip in May more than ever! Though, shouldn't I be calling Marco, and X calling Polo to guide me in their direction?

Discussion is attention, mission accomplished by Venable. :cool:

The forts are walkable, although it is uphill on the outbound trip. Depending on weather and fitness, they are doable, but consider a HOHO shuttle if its running (was free at one time, but may not be available depending on budgetary constraints). That way, most of your time is focused on the forts. Howver, there is lots to see and eat on the way, so maybe a cab out to the farthest point (El Morro), and a thorough walk back is in order. Enjoy!:D

Or, we could restrict Fixed Time dining to those who would sit with others at 4 top or more. Get rid of the small tables, then have those folks who don't want the social contact go to select. And, it isn't a matter for me about when I pay for gratuities. That seems like a petty reason to consume a resource that you don't intend to use!

Thank you for the advice and the conversation, though.:)

Despite the cruiseline CD's attempts to paint a picture of inadequate tourism infrastructure, we were very happy to use more local Hop On Hop Off services in Stavanger to hit the museums, and we were happy just to take the shuttle from the ship to a central point in Bergen and just walk around Old Bryggen, the Castle and concert hall, Hanseatic museum and the Fish Market on our own. We did miss the Leprosy museum, which seemed a shame. We did take a ship tour around Molde, which was pleasant but crowded. All the locals were friendly and kind, and English was widely spoken.

We would love to be in trad seating for sure, and we prefer large tables, nice strangers, and late dinner. These things are part of what makes this a cruise rather than a floating hotel. I can go to restaurants any day.

I would hope that those who do not really want to do trad seating, give up your place to those who want it! We just booked 10nt on Connie , Venice rt in May: 2nd seating was closed, we were automatically put on select.200 days out, 1st seating is only available waitlisted. I begged my CC agent Tony for options. He got them to open second seating for reservation, which he put in, and it is on the docs. Now when I look at the site, it shows only second seating waitlist.

What happens to us if neither seating has room? The buffet and in room options really diminish the value of cruising for us. Select is 3rd place after MDR options exhausted. Realistically, what should we expect?