MisterMet

19 minutes ago, MrBill923 said:

This was our 8th cruise. Second on Celebrity, last cruise April 2018. We are in our mid-60's, and active. We wore masks where ever there were crowds, took the stairs when ever we could, and went to fitness center 4 days out of 10. We did five excursions, one on each island.  

 

Our overall experience was positive. Staff were always friendly. Nice to see cleaning going on everywhere. OVC had plenty of food choices (breakfast and lunch – never went to dinner there), and food was at correct temperature. Morning pastries in OVC were dried out and tasteless. There was also quite a bit of food waste due to people overloading their plates.  

 It was disappointing that the main dining room menu choices were reduced. There were some nights we were limited to only one item we cared for, and did have to repeat a few apptz. Everything we ate was good to very good. Dinner desserts were good, but would like to see more Lava Cakes, and less chocolate cake. Only did one night at specialty dining – Quisine. It was fun, not interested in doing it again. We enjoy the dining room experience with same staff every night (late seating). 

 

We used all Celebrity excursions, and the directions from staff as to where to meet onshore were not completely clear. Each excursion was well planned, and mostly enjoyed. Chair hogs need to be dealt with so other paying passengers can get a chair. Celebrity needs to make a better effort clearing people's stuff. I also suggest going back to checking out and returning towels. This will eliminate towels carelessly left on chairs after people leave. So many people just don't care about anyone but themselves. Most passengers were friendly, but there are always some who have the “me-me-me" attitude. Average age of passengers was 70 plus. There were many carts, walkers and ankle boots around the ship.  

 

Production shows were not interesting to us. The Magician/illusionist was very good. The female singer/impressionist was very good. Silent disco was the most fun. The music around the ship seemed repetitive and needed to be changed more. It would be nice to hear Caribbean music more. We did sit, dance and listen to the music around the deck 3 Foyer and Sky Lounge a few times.

 

We had a balcony cabin on deck 9-hump. Cabin was fine for two people. Stateroom Attendant - Pia - was very friendly and extremely dedicated to doing her job at the highest level. It was a pleasure to see her smiling face every day.  

Dining room Waiter - Kiene - and Assistant waiter - Taka - were very good and we enjoyed our service very much. They were knowledgeable and friendly. 

 

Use of App was fair, sometimes froze, and not always up to date. It was nice to have to pre-view dinner menus and activities. Texting option was not available at beginning of cruise but the next week it started working. We also found out that each person had to have separate email account and PWD on their phone to text each other even though we were in same cabin on same onboard account. We were not aware of that until we visited the help desk on Day 8.  Basic included Wi-Fi was acceptable for emails and some web browsing. Any website that was heavy in graphics or videos would not load (example: msn.com). Cruise Critic loaded but all distorted. Was mostly not able to text with wi-fi calling on and using ship’s wi-fi. It seemed to vary. Sometimes I could send simple text and get a response, sometimes it would just not send. And I could not send text with a picture. I used all CC recommended Android phone settings.  

 

Overall, we would cruise again with Celebrity and did visit Future Cruise Desk and put down a $100 deposit for a South Pacific trip.  

I'll be glad to answer questions. I have pictures but have not organized them yet. 

I hope my comments help others. 

Thank you for your review.  Would it be worth the upgrade to premium Wi-Fi?

On 4/28/2023 at 8:06 PM, MisterMet said:

Love this story.  Graziella (Grazie) is 5 and our second Golden.  We love Goldens so much.  They are wonderful companions.  Would love to figure a way she’d get to cruise with us.

 

 

Jim

Forgot to post a picture of our Graziella.  She looks a lot like Luke

On 5/2/2023 at 1:31 PM, Jim_Iain said:

 

 

Did you have your communion at age 7?  If so did you know that a little Irish girl is the reason you did, and that same Irish child may well be Ireland’s next saint?

 

 

Little Nellie – Ellen Organ was born in Waterford in 1903 but moved to Spike Island with her soldier father and family when he was stationed on Spike Island.  She displayed a precocious spiritual awareness as soon as she could speak, constantly displaying her religious knowledge and spiritual passion.  She adored the walk along Spike Islands shoreline to the village church which she made often with her mother on the way to mass.

 

When her mother tragically died of TB, Ellen was taken into the care of the Sisters of the Good Shepard convent in Sunday’s Well*, Cork.  Here the sisters spotted her religious understanding which was well beyond her years and were devastated to learn that this pious child had contracted TB, the same disease which claimed her mothers life.  Despite her affliction her devotion grew and Ellen would begin to describe visions and conversations with God and Jesus.  She displayed knowledge of the Trinity beyond her years and she could tell without fail whether or not a person had been to mass and received Holy Communion.  In spite of her illness she was always said to be in good spirits and her positivity both inspired and upset the sisters.

 

She began to express her adamant wish that she receive her first Holy Communion.  At the time children received their Holy Communion at the age of 12 and younger that this age was unheard of, let alone at the age of 4.  The sisters were well aware of this but so moved they contacted the local Bishop, who despite there being no precedent was utterly convinced that Ellen was ready to receive Holy Communion.  At age 5 her wish came through and she remains the youngest ever recorded recipient of Holy Communion.

 

 

Great history.  Did not know why it occurred at such a young age.  Thanks for sharing Jim.

On 5/1/2023 at 7:55 AM, Jim_Iain said:

LOL --- I use to have a Webcam and would check in on Luke -   I was in hysterics one day.   He was sacked out at the front door... loved a spot where he would get a bit of cool air from under the door.   The gardner was blowing grass off the front porch and turned the blower at the door... Luke when flying in the air out of surprise.  

Poor boy!  Glad you were able to give him a loving home.

2 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

You should be able to do this on the ship.

Guest services?  Food/Beverage Director?  Captains Club Rep?  Would like to do the same.

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I was curious and didn't look up the speck ---Looks to be no more than 2-4"---   Is it that small?

 

When you consider the sound quality of the Alexa Puck sound comes in small packages.    I've never thought of bringing the puck.  Would be interesting to see if I could set it up on a ship. 

 

Don't get me started or I'll bring my Ring for the front door. 

The JBL is 3 3/4" diameter.  Deep, rich sound.  Not tinny at all.  Really like it.  I have it in blue.  Just added a camera in the living room to our Ring so we can watch Grazie when we're gone.

13 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bluetooth-speaker/

 

While not listed many really small Travel Bluetooth Speakers and better quality by a longshot to a TV.   With Amazon -  buy, try, return  and try again if not of the quality you want... oops don't tell Amazon.  We all know how good they are about returns.

 

For real tiny -

 

 

I have the JBL  It's got great sound, has the clip hook, and is waterproof.  Can clip it to almost anything and bring it with us.

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Luke was a certified Service Dog an I was tempted.... I did on occasion put on his official "Jacket" and bring him to the aiport to pick up someone flying in.    I know I was cheating but would never abuse the well deserved status of a Service Animal that serve their owners so well.

Any Golden could be a service dog if that one and only service is to give love to their owners and all other people.  Enjoy the rest of this adventure.  You've still got a long way to go and your blog has been very informative (thanks for the pic of the info given to you about B2B procedures on turnaround day) and entertaining (where to start, but a great one is the pic "Dancing Cheek to Cheek:).  Will continue to follow along.

Sail on Sailors!

On 4/25/2023 at 8:21 AM, Jim_Iain said:

 

John,    I'm much the same,  in fact due to @GenerationX wonderful food reviews I did something I've never done before and order a steak on the first Lunch instead of either the Luminea burger or Lobster roll.     It was delicious, flavorful and cooked to perfection.

I mostly eat fish on ships for two reason - 

 

First because Luminae has always had Fish Chefs that really know what they are doing

 

Second I have no self control and what lands on my plate ends in my stomach - whether I'm hungry or not... Just like my Golden Retriever -

 

I compare myself to Luke, our retriever because of what the Vet taught me.   We rescued Luke with a police escort.   He was a police dog that the officer was abusing, both physically and emotionally.    His family had 4 little Poodle/Chinaware mix that were indoor dogs.   Luke was banished to the outside and would sit at the window and watch them play.   Out of boredom he was acting out and chewing and destroying the patio furniture -- things dogs do when bored.

 

HIs biggest issue was he was a cadaver searcher BUT he was terrified of Gun Shot and Lightning the officer was trying to beat the fear out of him.  He had stopped eating  and lost most of his hair and was down to 35 pounds.   They brought him out and put him in the back seat of the car - I had the seats down so plenty of space.     I still remember on the 1 hour drive home he put his head on my shoulder and kept it there -    Having hair like a butch cut -  it tickle and he had me laughing. 

 

OK.... as usually I'm getting long winded in my tale.      First day It took me 30 minutes to get him in the house because I guess he had always been beaten if he went into the house.   That's when we learned how much training he was going to need    He peed on the floor and I realized it made sense.   If he had never been allowed in a house how would he know not to.   I hugged him and said -  Luke (his original name) no you do that outside ---- took him out and when he peed I have him a single treat.   He looked at me and said with those sad eye  --- I didn't know.     Done --- he never peed on the floor again. 

 

Finally to the subject of this rambling post.     I took him to the vet as he wasn't eating.    The most wonderful vet in the world.   He taught me a bit about dog psychology.    This is going to sound really counter intuitive.   Put a bowl down with 2 Cups of dry food.   Only leave it for 5 minutes.    If he doesn't eat it pick it up and put on the counter until next meal time.  

 

Dogs when they eat will just cram food quickly and don't know when they are full to stop.   Took two meals until the third disappeared in 30 seconds...  That's how I eat.   What ever  you put in front of me or leave on the counter like snacks...   Hand Mouth without any self control.     That's also why I never ask the butler to leave anything.

 

Finally -  Doc told us to bring him up to 78 pounds - ideal weight for his small boy Golden frame.   We got him their and kept him at his ideal weight his whole life.    I got too close to him and when he died it destroyed me and have never replaced or allowed myself to get that close to a dog again

 

The day I picked him up

Love this story.  Graziella (Grazie) is 5 and our second Golden.  We love Goldens so much.  They are wonderful companions.  Would love to figure a way she’d get to cruise with us.

On 4/24/2023 at 10:42 AM, Jim_Iain said:

I took a double take when I passed the Rooftop grill area.  Thought they had bodies laid out as they had a Star code pool deck just before I passed.   Meditation Class.  
 

I would’ve thought it was one helluva night before!  Lol 😆 

Glad you enjoyed the ABC's.  Our first Equinox cruise was in 2018 to the ABCs and we consider it our best cruise.  Combination of the itinerary and ship.  Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Been on the Equinox twice.  Loved it both times.  Here are some links to one of our reviews:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2684661

Video too

Did the ABC's in Sept of 2018.  Here's a link to my our review.

Celebrity Equinox Sept. 14th 2018 10 Night Southern Caribbean RT From Miami

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2684661

Some video too

3 hours ago, Bimmer09 said:

 

Trip, I'm glad that you found the review and read it to the end. Thanks for the compliments!

I will hope to find a better prepared ship, staffing and training-wise on the Apex in June. The Diamond was on her third sailing I believe, with a lot of new crew. I have a reviewer friend - Marvy Mare from Canada who is on the Silhouette now for a Caribbean Cruise and hope she writes a review when she gets home.

I'll have another opportunity to try Princess in December in the Panama Canal. 

Cruising is still the best value for money way to spend a vacation for us so like you we hope it can improve over time as the ships get better staffed and complaints of cutbacks in food and service get rectified. 

Norris

Even though I did not write a review for our 11 night Reflection cruise through Italy, Turkey, and Greece (for various reasons), I can honestly say that it seemed like things were almost back to normal.  There were some little nuances here and there that we chalked up to cost cutting, but they were few and far between.  I've heard great things about the Apex and am certainly glad you opted for a conventional balcony.  I'm not sure I'd sign up for the IV.  

Be Well

Trip

3 hours ago, Bimmer09 said:

 

 

On 1/16/2023 at 12:36 PM, Bimmer09 said:

Walking the Plank

As many times before, there comes a time when we have to set our feet in motion and walk the zigzag ramp into the Cruise Terminal. It's over. We huddle together and weep for a moment.  Life is not fair! Our luggage is in the Orange section and easily found. In FLL we get a Porter with a dolly to help but none are at hand here in San Diego so we wheel our bags out ourselves. There is already a line of people with their luggage , waiting to board out on the narrow dock.

No wait for a taxi to our hotel which is less than 20 minutes away.

20 minutes is all I need to sum-up our cruise...

 

We had never before booked a cruise at short notice-usually a year in advance but the idea of some sun in December on a ship that we had loved back in 2012 and felt connected with when she became  the poster-child for Covid in Yokohama. Now in a way we were helping her get back on her feet (um, keel) as she was the last Princess ship to do so. The price for 10 days was less than half what our 12 day to Iceland is costing for the cruise portion.

 

We got an unasked-for upgrade to a mini suite and Carol thinks that's what we should book in future. I loved the electronic Japanese toilet. I want one!

We loved the Medallion and what it can do via the App. The Wi-Fi was the best we have had at sea as our needs were simple. We are not movie downloaders or game players. Email, surf a few sights inluding CC.

 

While we criticized some of the food we didn't starve. It was just not what we remembered but it had been 5 years since our last Princess cruise on the Crown and a lot can happen in 5 years-like Covid 19.

I read a lot of CC boards and allow some reviews-at the minute I have a Celebrity one, a Regent 7 Seas and a Silversea open and all of them talk of cutbacks in quality of meats and produce and in dining room service, short staffing and new hires being considered as the cause. So it's not just a Princess thing. Hopefully any negative dining feedback on the Post-Cruise surveys will result in improvements. All the lines fell into a deep financial hole when Covid halted cruising almost 3 years ago now. Many of the staff that were let go chose not to return to a life at sea. The staff that came back are having to train new hires on the job. Some on the Diamond looked like they weren't happy with the workload. Dour faces from many of those hired in African countries like Nigeria and Namibia. Hopefully they will settle in and enjoy their job as much as it is possible.

 

The ship, now 18 years old looked marvelous. Sparkling. Friendly staff, on the whole, particularly the Room Stewards whom we met on our walks down the deck 9 hallway. Smiles. "Have a nice day, Sir!"  Good bar staff and roving servers up at Tradewinds. You can always use the App to summon service to wherever you are sitting-a great feature. The interactive deck boards can show you what is going on at that time and where or in the following hours. Superb! Good technology.

 

There was enough entertainment on board-always a Princess strong point in my experience. While I didn't take full advantage Carol went to her fair share of shows and also enjoyed a daily Spanish class. I never even sat in the Piazza once. The Santa gift giving on Christmas day was something I am glad I was there for. Nice event by Princess!

 

The days flew by and Carol loved the 4 sea days, even though at sea doing 20 knots the Sanctuary was not a cosy place to stretch out on a padded lounger.

 

Was it our best cruise? Only one cruise can get that title and until something more perfect and exciting comes along that title will be held by this....

 

The cat pic wasn't my idea. A new cruise line for us blew our socks off as did the ports, the excursions in 1950s hired cars and the Cuban people we met. Recommended Winter reading!

 

Oh -we are almost at our hotel in this story. We plan a visit to the San Diego Zoo this afternoon followed by dinner in a Middle-Eastern restaurant. A meeting of two College Football marching bands will also feature before we head to the airport on our last morning. There will be a festive parade outside our hotel. A spectacle!

 

Great review, as usual.  The GSJs are always entertaining, honest, and full of awesome pictures.   I always love Carol’s take on things as well.

The pandemic hit the cruise industry hard and your knowledge and appreciation of that fact is spot on.  I’ve seen many reviews griping and moaning about the state of cruising.  Billions and billions of dollars were lost.  It would be unrealistic to think that things would go back to “normal” in such a short amount of time.  I predict a robust rebound in the next year or two.  Cruising is still excellent.  We will continue to cruise as long as we are able. We love it that much.

Thanks to you and Carol for this.  I’m glad I made my way to it.  Always a treat.

Trip

On 1/5/2023 at 5:01 PM, Bimmer09 said:

What we really came for-can one ever have enough wrestling masks? (rhetorical)

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I think of Mexico I think of color

 

 

a beautiful square that leads into a street full of bars and restaurants and then to the Malecon

 

 

Bought a wrestling mask in Costa Maya a few years ago.  Albeit goofy, but I love it 😍 

On 1/1/2023 at 2:20 PM, mchell810 said:

 

Finally all caught up!  I see I am first to get the song reference:  Pass the Dutchie...

 

 

 

Yikes!  37 minutes for Carol's morning latte!

 

Enjoying your GSJ as always.  Happy New Year to you and Carol.

 

jeez

9 hours ago, Bimmer09 said:

Trip, I am glad you found it eventually! Thanks for reading along.

It's been ten weeks since we came home and are 90 days away from our Iceland cruise on Celebrity-final payment tomorrow! We just have to get over the Covid after-effects.

Review on the X board to follow  around June 21 when we get home.

Hope to see you then!

Norris

Iceland sounds very cool.  Can’t wait to read how it went.  Hi to Carol.  Rest up and recover.

Trip

On 12/29/2022 at 8:55 PM, Bimmer09 said:

THE BACKSTORY

It's been 5 years since our last Princess cruise on the Crown to the ABC islands in January 2018. We had booked Sky Princess for the Caribbean in January 2020 but had to cancel last minute due to health reasons. Then Covid crippled the Diamond Princess and the World watched her in Yokohama. She is now back at sea, finally. I will show you pictures of her as we progress.

 

Since January 2018 we have cruised Azamara Journey to Cuba in January 2019 (Best Cruise winner) Celebrity Silhouette to the Norwegian Fjords in September 2019 and Azamara Quest to Italy, France and Spain in November 2021. 

 

This December we were planning on staying in Chicago to freeze but Celebrity, Azamara and Princess bombarded my mailbox with offers. I found a Celebrity 7day from LA to the Baja Peninsula. Hmmm...Mexico and some sun? Check Princess said Carol from the couch. Oh, here's a 10 day to Baja for the same price as the X one! We are Elite on Princess since 2015 and obviously liked the brand and the cut of their jib -nautical term but I am the son of a Sea Captain after all and my dad called us kids "shipmates" and sent us to bed at 8 Bells. 

 

I booked our First Ever Christmas cruise!

Our First Medallion cruise!

Our First Princess Plus cruise including drinks, wi-fi, crew tips etc

Our First West Coast cruise!

Our First visit to San Diego!

Our first cruise to be overloaded with Exclamation Marks!!!!! before we even sailed

 

It's NOT a live review. I don't do those. It's chronological . We've just got back.

There will be photos and video and lots of Food Porn. You will see Santa, I promise but you (a) have to be good and (b) wait.

 

This is another Gentleman's Seafaring Journal (TM) and will be added to every day....please WATCH THIS SPACE

 

NORRIS

 

 

Norris My Good Man!

I’m extremely late for Christmas and this last minute cruise, but glad I stumbled onto this.  You know how much I enjoy your reviews. I hope you and Carol had a great holiday season. I hope a wonderful time was had on the Diamond.   I can’t wait to read on.  Pam and I are OK after  hurricane Ian. We escaped unscathed, but the local area not so much.   I did not write a review of our Celebrity Reflection cruise through the Greek islands this summer. For whatever reason I was just not feeling it I will get back on the horse, though we have back to back celebrity Equinox cruises through the eastern and western Caribbean in August.  Stay tuned. Hope all is well with you and Carol. Thanks again. 

Trip
 

On 12/29/2022 at 8:55 PM, Bimmer09 said:

 

3 hours ago, rmalbers said:

The Tuscan is a great place for it.  This reminds me, I have a good? picture of the ultimate platter.  Someone above said it's for 'two' people, no one has ever told me that?  (The color is off because of the tinted windows.)

Yummy!

14 hours ago, the penguins said:

Plus the croissants and sticky buns - our favourite way to start the day. Usually very quiet on a port day, busier on a sea day and an absolute centre of activity on Transatlantics regularly spilling over into Qisine.

Also for early morning  drinkers wine, mimosas and bloody mary's.

Love croissants and sticky buns!

13 hours ago, chemmo said:

We love the CC breakfast on S class ships.
 

Looking out over the wake of the ship when at sea or looking down of the hustle and bustle of a port when moored up…

 

They do have a good range of platters ranging from fruit, to cold meats, to salmon to the ultimate platter for two which has a bit of everything (our favourite).

 

The coffees are nice and I tend to start the day here with a Bellini, yummy!

 

MisterMet, look out on boarding for a Captains Club letter in your cabin. It has a list of events some of which you need to register for. It can vary owing to cruise length but there is usually a wine tasting and a behind the scenes theatre tour. Sometimes you get reminders of these events but not always so keep checking the list. Also listen to messages on your phone sometimes there may be an invite to something like a helipad sail away.

 

As the penguins said the Cocktail hour is less of an event now. However, the Sky lounge is still a lovely venue for evening pre dinner drinks.

 

Remember the Captain Club host is part of the guest service team so he/she can be another person to offer assistance if you have any difficulties either with issues on board or perhaps with flights home.

 

Sincere best wishes for a fantastic cruise!

Thank you so much for your advice.  Keep forgetting about the CC Host as a resource

13 hours ago, chemmo said:

 

 

Thank you for your replies.  Very helpful.  Looking forward to B2B in August.

Can someone please tell me where the Elite Breakfast Lounge and Cocktail Lounge are on the Equinox?  We finally got to Elite CC level and are looking forward to some of the benefits.  Thanks

LOVE Le Petit Chef.  Would do it every time.  The show is great, the food is quite good too.