Spif Barwunkel

I received the most recent e-mail with power-up point information one week after I sent a scathing complaint letter to X executives. My letter was enclosed in a Rolex gift box containing an Oyster Perpetual Datejust Stainless Steel/18ct Gold watch. I'm sure that had nothing to do with me receiving the e-mail and the subsequent 250 Captain's Club points. After watching the webinar, I received another 250 points. Go figure. Celebrity execs are certainly not sensitive to negative feedback, and they're always on time, so I don't understand your situation. All I can say is, keep that feedback comin'.

I stand corrected, there are now three sensible posts on this thread. Ferry_Watcher has 'em all, #'s 159, 173, and 200. Except to empathize with the OP and family, I'll not attempt to get into anyone's head and speculate on the whys and wherefores. I'm not that smart. The reason(s) for this unfortunate circumstance, whether justified or not, remains with those employees who were involved. At the time, and to them, it seemed the right thing to do. The "dark world", in its insidious existence, is very sophisticated in its attempts to further advance the various methods of heinous, unlawful acts. To those people who at any given time are charged with assuring that nothing wrong happens on their watch, in my space, I realize the difficulty in that effort. From another person's perspective, it is sometimes hard to understand the rationale behind what one does. In that same vein, perhaps the benefit of the doubt is best given.

Only sensible post on this entire thread.

Once again, as in many threads past, opposing views on tipping are untenable at best, and yet folks continue to seek common ground on the topic. There is none. As it states in some tour descriptions, continuous walking over uneven and rough surfaces may be encountered. In other words, watch where you step. Folks, it’s simple. For those who exclaim, tipping is for services rendered not a prequel to services intended, I would ask. Do you not prepay for the cruise, the taxes, the fees and any ship’s tours you may desire? The additional pre-paid gratuities won’t break you. For those who claim cultural norms I would say, in this case cultural norms be damned. There’s a lot more involved here than just driving on the other side of the road. Your little part of the world should not determine what is proper elsewhere. For those who remove their pre-paid gratuities under the guise of not caring about services they do not personally experience, that’s a rather harsh way of saying that certain crew members really don’t matter. Additional self-serving requires you to say that the company is responsible for providing adequate pay. No additional income is necessary. Now, it is certainly your right to include yourself in any or all of these activities. As for being a cheapskate, a miser, a skinflint, there are many cruisers of that same ilk with the same all-about-me attitude. They are entitled to play the cruising game just as much as anyone but I, for one, totally disagree with their desire not to include everyone.

Too many experts proselytizing too many if's and's or but's for me. I can't keep up anymore. Not that I want to, mind you. What started out as a Celebrity thread has devolved into a nonsensical mishmash of one-upmanship, with no winner in sight. A Carnival forum, indeed. Bring on the Merry-Go-Round. We've already got the clowns.

billc23's post #51 fits perfectly with your above post. Continuing confidence in the product, despite the occasional issues, is most important.

Very important to mention "confidence" in the experience. So many variables make up that quoted word, do they not? As a cruising couple, DW and I have yet to feel our X costs diminishing our X experience. Noticeable increases, no doubt. But therein lies one of those threshold variables that will continue to affect the cruising population.

This sounds like you answered your own question. But here you are asking for "other" solutions when there is only one answer, and always has been for that matter. Personal choice. When one feels disappointed, swindled, betrayed or priced out, get out. Why keep soliciting reasons for or solutions to not leaving, if leaving is what you really want to do? I experienced some of these circumstances onboard the Ascent during her maiden voyage. Common sense told me that some things might be different. No problem, I can adjust mentally, physically and financially. A truly enjoyable cruising experience, in all respects. Therefore, my future options include continued Celebrity cruising. How 'bout that.

There you go. We have got 'em all covered.

An "inaugural" cruise is the first time a ship sails with paying passengers. If I am not mistaken, that would be November 22, 2023. What is a ship's second paying passenger cruise called? I'll take a wild guess, the second paying passenger cruise. Unless it's the first intended duty cruise.

Yes, it is. And I will firmly reiterate, in the total scheme of all things cruising, "those are not important." Perhaps if "some booked" knowing what was what, instead of thinking what was what, we would not be having this discussion. Of course, the easy way to put off one's mis-guided disappointment is to blame others. Not applicable in this case.

Don't tell me this is going to become a thing. Look up the definition of maiden voyage of a ship or other craft. "The first journey made by the craft in its intended duty." Seven-day cruises are the intended duty for Celebrity Ascent. December 3rd is the first scheduled seven-day cruise, hence, the "maiden voyage." We are not concerned with carpet off-gassing, celebrations, memorabilia, disappointed passengers etc. Those are not important. We will just have an enjoyable time on a new ship, period. I know, how boring.

You know JackE, I did read that, and plumb forgot. Dumb on me. I can't figure the "official" maiden thing either. We are actually the third cruise, not counting the TA from Europe. Go figure. I'm thinking, the three-and-four-day cruises will officially remain in Port Everglades, thus the "not official" cruises. They will not go anywhere. Hence, a maiden voyage on a second sailing. I'm getting a headache. Everyone have a good time, no matter what. Mr. & Mrs. Peaches, Happy Anniversary.

Thank you, JackE. Might have to give YOLO a try. Enjoy your cruise as well. Same time, same place, or are you cruising another time?

Hello Kevin - I assume all is well with you and the lovely Ms. Barbie as you both are about to begin your winter cruising sojourns from South Florida. Living in such close proximity to Port Canaveral, we seldom go south to FLL to cruise to the Caribbean. We are fortunate to have many choices and will add more in 2024/25 when Celebrity and Princess take up residence. We have already booked Equinox for January 2025, just because. When we have traveled south to cruise from Port Everglades, we have left the day before and mostly stayed overnight in a Courtyard, Residence Inn or something similar, located west of I-95 around Tamarac. Not fancy but adequate and cheaper than getting closer to the city and the port. This time, however, the maiden voyage on Ascent requires we get a bit fancier. We are staying the night of 12/2 at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas BL. The Hyatt Centric is located on Las Olas west of the Riverside. The area is very nice and a stroll along the riverwalk, before or after dinner, adds to the ambience necessary to support pre-cruise anticipation. You are in a good spot and if you can ignore the crowds that South Florida is known for, it will serve your purpose quite well.

Have to agree with Jim on this. Eden is a special venue. Add another "first" to your resumes. Unlike the original Garden of Eden, you do have to dress for dinner. Fig leaves are not acceptable. Don't even think about it.

I appreciate the brief cameo in your initial thread post, and I am confident that your excited anticipation of the Edge Class ship experience will indeed be fulfilled. As previous Celebrity cruisers, you are comfortable with what the X product is all about and how it is presented. On Ascent, that same comfortable feeling will still be present, but encased in an entirely different packaging. That’s where the excitement comes in, the opportunity to enjoy unfamiliar familiarity, while at the same time expanding and testing your personal boundaries regarding change and the subsequent degree of satisfaction from those changes. Celebrity’s Edge Class ships are not for everyone. I am a fan. Given the opportunity, approach Ascent with no pre-conceived notions, no desire to compare the minutest of details. That is the only way to assure she gets a fair shot to impress, and you get an unbiased opportunity to decide for yourself.

You can rest assured that spending your birthday with Celebrity, as a guest of Ascent, will indeed offer the special cruise experience that you hope for. The newest, most contemporary versions of the Celebrity fleet, Edge Class presents the same X quality in a totally different presentation. Enjoy Ascent for the reasons that you expressed, exploring her ultra-modern expanse while letting her nuances come to you. You must take time to admire her from the shore. She cuts quite a striking figure of strength, confidence and welcoming anticipation of what's to come. Her entire crew, of course, represents the best and only adds to the overall pleasant acquaintance that you will come to enjoy with Celebrity.

Jim - your good luck with the Azores, is it because you were cruising at a particular time of year, or are those stops spread out over the entire calendar?

Good idea, Denny01. It is nice to follow the lady as she elegantly makes her way across the ocean to her initial place of residence. For those of you who will enjoy Ascent's first two paying passenger cruises, please do so to the best of your ability. I would ask that you ensure our stateroom-to-be on the maiden voyage shows no signs of occupancy, especially from greasy Thanksgiving turkey fingers on the arm of our sofa. For those of you cruising after the maiden voyage, I can't promise anything. To all who are scheduled to enjoy her hospitality, I am sure that we will have that enjoyment in common.

Ascent is not even delivered yet and your raggin' on Xcel. Obviously, you've a sour taste in your mouth for Edge Class. Nothing the matter with that. But, like others of your ilk, why not forget about IV vessels and enjoy the cruising life much more. Delve into other more important IV issues. There are so many out there and they have nothing to do with balconies.

Based on the latest RCG earnings report, and considering a continuing similar positive trend, is there a reasonable timeframe in which RCG can attain and maintain solvency, more so than just being able to pay the bills? When factoring in a build of ten new ships across the Brand, are these new vessels necessary to continuing the upward trend? I would certainly like to see all things successful. The numbers and calculations are too much for me. Any prognostications from the learned ones?

okay

Did not take long for the "boo birds" to come out. It's human nature that for some folks, anything is not enough. Not the right venue, not the right time, not the right amount of time, not the right food, not the right drink, not the right presentation, not the right lighting, not the right deck, not the right temperature..........I'm sure I missed some. Probably the best alternative, is not to attend.

We can choose to venture no further than right outside our front door, although that safe space is no longer guaranteed. Any farther out and the variables become greater which can add trepidation to our comfort zone. If allowed, we have got some lengthy travel plans over the next several years. I will remain keen on caution and awareness, rather than be intimidated by fear and uncertainty.