ATLgirl15

I guess its all a matter of perspective. I was happy to pay $11 for classes on Celebrity after spending $30 on Royal Caribbean. Most times I work out on my own - the fitness centers are very well equipped - but sometimes its nice to get a little extra push.

That is good to know that they are still honoring it based on booking. I thought the perk was removed when they opened Luminae since you are basically getting "special" dining every night. Luminae is great but I can see needing some variety especially on a 14 day cruise.

Just sailed Infinity in Alaska and was pleasantly surprised. It cannot compare to S-class sophistication but still seemed well maintained and updated. The burger bar was still complimentary - we went there on day 1 because we missed the Oceanview lunch hours.

My favorite spot was the martini bar - not just for drinks because I don't drink that much - but because of the location and view. It has the same floor to ceiling windows as Bacio but one level down. I gave up trying to get a seat at Bacio and just went to the martini bar even when it was closed. There are a bunch of seats along the window and I'd just sit and take in the view. We saw whales from there twice. this was my first time on a cold weather cruise so it was new to me trying to find the good indoor spots vs being out on deck.

Oh I'm so excited-I was hoping we would see eagles on on trip. I hope they are still there in 2 weeks!

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Thanks. Turns out I'm in room 6145-I don't know why I had it swapped. I hope we're as lucky in Michaels. Last cruise we had the drink package so we never went but this time I think we will be using it. I hope the fog cleared for you and you were able to go whale watching!

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Is it tough to get a window seat at Michaels? It looks like there is only one table near the window and the rest is solid wall.

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So excited to follow this. We'll be on this sailing in 2 weeks in suite 6146 (same room, port side). We also have whale watching scheduled in Icy Straight Point and island wings float plane in Ketchikan. Can't wait to hear about it all.

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I had started looking several months ago and the prices were really high so I thought I might have better luck waiting. The prices have been pretty consistent during my checking every few weeks although availability was dwindling. I finally reserved the Marriott last month but continue to check around.

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July 21-23. I believe that is the weekend prior to Celebration of Lights. I wouldn't mind paying premium if we were there for that :)

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I wish those rates were applicable during my visit! I couldn't find anything special going on in town that weekend driving up prices. I guess end of July is just popular in general.

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Our butler was able to bring us Luminae pastries for breakfast. We didn't realize until mid cruise that they were so much better so we had the standard ones for most of the cruise. Our butler checked in on us every day and we mentioned the pastries. He said yes, just write it on the form that we hang on the door each night. When we came home, we found he had already profiled the form for us in case we forgot. On our next cruise we plan on asking our butler on day 1 and hope he is as accommodating.

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I've sailed in both and would definitely say with a 3rd person the loft is the way to go-more privacy and separate bathrooms! Downstairs is not crowded at all. I did feel that upstairs was a little cramped in the vanity area but not enough to bother me. We always loved the grand suite but now that the lounge and CK are upstairs, it's just not convenient. Our next sailing is once again in the loft suite. And I agree on ocean view being a must.

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I used the medical facility on Anthem last summer and was impressed with the service. We were at the beach and it was a very windy day. Sand blew into my eye and I couldn't blink it out. We had gone for a walk so we were far from the lifeguard stand when it happened. It became more and more irritated but I did flush it with water once I did each the lifeguard. It didn't improve so when we got back to the ship I went straight to the medical facility. They tested to make sure the sand didn't scratch my cornea (luckily it didn't). They gave me medicated drops and an eye patch and made sure to have me follow up the next day.

The only issue I had was with the paperwork. They were very clear about charges the first day and I did get a copy of the bill sent to my stateroom. But not on the follow up and when I went to get a copy I had to wait in line with all the patients just to get my invoice because it's handled by the check in nurse.

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Another vote for Giovanni's. in addition to the good food, we love the atmosphere. Get an outside table and you won't even know you are on a ship. There is usually live music outside too. Very relaxing and satisfying dinner.

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I don't think there is an equivalent to a grand suite. That's what we typically stay in on RC and have done both a sky suite and celebrity suite on celebrity. The sky suite is about equal to a junior suite in size but it includes all the suite perks. The celebrity suite is much more spacious-not sure if it's actually bigger than a grand suite or just different because the bedroom actually has a door.

Celebrity is more refined than royal but certainly not stuffy or boring. I love them both but they are different experiences. I haven't seen many kids on board but I have sailed while school is in session so I'm sure there are more during summer and holidays.

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Don't forget the MDR-it's not just for dinner. I think it's only open on sea days but it's worth adding to the list. We were on Oasis in December and ate some place different every day for free.

The new room service policy is disappointing :(

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Glad to see this policy instituted. I had no idea about the OBC scam but I know people "hold" suite reservations just in case and then cancel later. It seems like the only way to get a suite is a year in advance or 60 days from sailing. It's ridiculous for those of us who seriously want to book a cruise.

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I don't like the new CS layout at all. I would definitely go with the S1 with the larger balcony. But I'm having a hard time understanding the bathroom-it looks like there is a giant tub but no shower.

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He was on Reflection in January too. Not sure how long their contracts run. He told us he was on solstice last summer and emphatically said he's not going back to Alaska!

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The celebrity price per class is pretty cheap (about $12-15) so it's not so imperative to get a package. But do go to the gym on day one to check the schedule and sign up for classes. Comparatively, I took boot camp on Royal and it was $35/class. I saved a dollar by signing up for the series.

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We just returned from Reflection and dined in Luminae almost every night without any problems. We went for lunch the first day and they asked what time we wanted to come for dinner. They do not take reservations between 6:30 and 8:00 because they want to be able to do 2 seatings. But if there is availability they will seat you if you just walk up. we showed up at about 7 or 7:30 and there were always a table without a wait. We did not have the same seat/server each night but weren't concerned about that. It's a small venue so you pretty much get to interact with all the staff anyway.

Incidentally we had a similar experience at Tuscan Grill-we were told absolutely nothing available before 9. We went there at 7 and the restaurant wasn't even half full. We were seated right away.

So don't get discouraged if you aren't able to reservations when you want them. Chances are you will still be able to eat when you want.

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The Promenade is another favorite about Royal. I thought I would miss it on Celebrity but honestly there is so much else I didn't even think about it.

Celebrity food is definitely better but royal is still fine. Entertainment on royal is the best although there won't be as much live music around the ship. Towels at the pool have to be checked out on your sea pass card. Pool chairs are not all all padded like celebrity. Lots more family and kids on royal. Entertainment staff is more animated-parades and parties with crew dressed up in themes. And of course the characters from Madagascar, kung fu panda. They are different but I love them both.

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Another vote for Trellis. I love everything about Central Park!

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The main shows in the theater are at 7 and 9 to accommodate early and late dinner seating. They usually run about 45-60 minutes. We always did select dining at around 7 or 7:30 and never had a problem making the 9 PM show but we often skipped dessert and went to il bacio after the show instead.

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