tartana

17 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

Playa Azul Beach Club is the small beach club location AT Playa Azul Hotel. It is a restaurant/bar area to the right (looking at the ocean) side of the property. We visited one afternoon while staying in the island, it was fine for relaxing, having a drink/snack, snorkeling, people watching but nothing much for kids to do. Seats/ loungers appeared to be in short supply unless you sat in the main restaurant palapa. We found some suitable loungers so maybe we didn’t investigate far enough but most appeared to be for hotel guests.

 

Keep in mind we went to Buccanos before Island Beach was opened. We enjoyed loungers above the ocean on a terrace  - I am not sure that area is even there anymore - but I see recent photos with various seating areas including the beach. One of the downsides of Buccanos, apart from my dislike of their previous discriminatory pricing policy for cruisers, was the fact that they used to be the destination for various cruise ship excursions so you got big groups coming and going. I suspect that has stopped now and they go next door (unless they still have snorkeling/ diving groups) and I would be quite happy to revisit under their current policy. They have a good reputation on the island for food, especially at night and Sunday brunch. Menu is probably online and prices are definitely tourist prices. The restrooms are (or at least were) some of the best on the island!

 

We have never actually made it to either of the beach bars at Punta Sur. There have been various owners over the years so quality and service has varied. the sand looks really nice but keep in mind it is a long way down the road from the entrance. It is a considerable distance  between the ruins, the light house, sea water crocodiles area, lagoon and bars. We went there on one of our early tours around the island and only did the lighthouse and crocodiles. We have always promised ourselves we would go back for the day but have never done it yet.

Yes, the facilities, washrooms are very nice - just like a nice hotel. The food was very good - reasonable tourist pricing IMO. The main beach entrance is rocky/coral but was so pretty for snorkeling right near shore. There is lots of different seating. The beach toward the north seemed very sunny and empty. There were 2 “cabanas” in that direction that I saw. The pool was lovely. I have quite a few pics if anyone wants to see anything specifically. 

On 4/24/2023 at 11:10 AM, lolawpb said:

This seems to be the deciding factor as we took a quick 5 night Summit cruise the week after Easter and not only was the ship over normal capacity due to the large number of children but many were running loose around the ship, banging on cabin doors and such. It was a sharp contrast to the Beyond cruise we took in February so, since relaxation is our goal, we have learned our lesson as well.

We were on the 5 day Summit Easter weekend cruise (8-13) and did not see any of this. I was surprised there weren’t more kids onboard. All seemed normal to me- and the ship was apparently full. 

There did seem to be a “noisier” park next door. Buccanos itself was peaceful and lovely. They don’t even know who is there from a ship. It seems all “pay the same” and it comes off your balance of food and drink. 

Keep an eye on your cruise planner.  I have seen as much as 20% discount in the past.  You just never know. 

We were a family of 6, including a 2 year old and 7 month old.  After much research, we decided to rent one of the 6 seater golf carts from Sunshine Scooters (which included 2 car seats).  It is only a couple of blocks from the port for pick up.  The rules are basically the same as driving a car...seat belts; car seats; pay for parking; etc. We just took our time driving around and seeing the sites and the beach.  Then we planned on taking our little ones the Truman Splash Park along the water.  There is lots of pay parking there - a lovely, large, green space where we all could "cool off" a bit.  More shaded seating would be a good idea there, but many of us just sat on our towels on the grass.  A picnic lunch was ideal.  We could even see our cruise ship docked closeby. It was a good few hours on our own in port. 

Our family of 6, including a 2 year old and 7 month old had a great "relaxing" half day at Buccanos Beach Club - north of the port- about 15 minutes drive.  We had no issues getting a taxi from the port, and there were some waiting to take people back as well. Taxi for 6 was $32US each way (I believe $22 for 5 people).  Buccanos was the perfect spot for our family.  There are lots of palm trees and areas for shade; the aqua ocean had bright, beautiful fish even quite near shore - you could see them even without a snorkel;  the food was excellent; the entry fee is $20US each adult, but they take the full value off the price of your food and drinks; there is a nice pool as well; the facility is lovely.  We were very pleased with everything.  It was a truly relaxing "beach" day for our bunch.  

On 4/12/2023 at 11:40 PM, BeachTunes said:

We boarded the Millennium in San Juan on March 25th. No sparkling wine was offered to us when boarding. We weren't bothered as we had the premium drink package and knew we could grab a bevy easily in no time. (We eventually enjoyed a few TOO many on embarkation day! LOL!)

 

What I LOVED about embarkation is that upon walking onto the ship, we were swiftly directed to our muster station where we confirmed with a crew member that we'd completed watching the safety video, answered about two questions and moved on! We then dropped our carryons in our stateroom and then grabbed lunch in the buffet! Easiest embarkation afternoon EVER! 

 

To answer the OP's question, all of this is to say that if one has a drink package, you'll be able to find a glass of bubbly very easily and quickly all the while checking off the formerly mundane tasks of embarkation day! 🙂

I agree...We were on Summit last week and had the same experience...took us directly to our muster station...did a very fast briefing...and DONE! I didn't notice any drinks given out anywhere, but it's possible they could have been somewhere. We headed to our room then up to the pool deck. 

We were on Summit last week.  I thought the Buffet food was very good.  We mostly just ate breakfast there, but I grabbed a few things one evenings and a couple "sides" midday.  There always seems to be good selections - although during the off hours, most of the open food stations are way down at the end. 

Great review! We had a similar experience on Millennium in November and have a booking on Summit in April.  We've always had positive reports and hope to continue to do so :). I'm glad to know about switching the sides around with the MDR menu items... that would be helpful some evenings - thanks again!

thanks - I will make sure I pay attention lol. 

I've posted in the port of call forum as well but since I'm sailing Celebrity, I thought I'd post here as well for the most accurate info.  I've never been on a ship where the ship time did not become the port time when docked.  I have been reading about the possibility of ships keeping their own time and not changing to Cozumel's time due to the fact that Mexico (or parts of Mexico anyway) don't change for Daylight Savings TIme.  Is this something that is the norm?  Don't worry, I will make sure before we leave the ship; however, I just was wondering if anyone has any experience with this? 

I've never been on a ship where the ship time did not become the port time when docked.  I have been reading about the possibility of ships keeping their own time and not changing to Cozumel's time.  Is this something that is the norm?  Don't worry, I will make sure before we leave the ship; however, I just was wondering if anyone has any experience with this? 

2 hours ago, NaplesKnitter said:

Hi, I’m a seasoned cruiser as well and asking for somebody else-  what waters and is soda included on the Classic drink package?  And specialty coffees?   Thanks. For your help. 

https://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Celebrity/General_Info/CEL_Beverage_Package_FAQs.pdf

This 2023 document says yes; however, the website descriptions do not mention some of them.  All I know is I sure hope the Cafe is still included like it has been in the past. 

bahahahahahahahahaha

16 minutes ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

I hope so.  From my perspective the worst promotion is "Kids Sail Free."   The last thing I want onboard is more kids.  

we have two little grandbabies and have been considering a short "family" cruise later in the spring. It may make it more feasible if there's a promo.  Kind of daunting to pay regular price for and AI cabin for an 8 month old baby and 2 year old lol....and we like Celebrity. 

1 minute ago, luv4cruises said:

I don’t recall Cekebrity ever offering “kids sail free. “ Royal dies often but the price reduction promos are somewhat suspect as each new promo often ends up with the same fare or higher. One has to be vigilant and check prices often to get a better price. 

It does seem that many promos do just mean a higher price somewhere else lol. 

I see Princess has a promo on currently for 3/4th guests free, and I wondered if any of you regular cruisers would have any idea of the possibility of Celebrity doing the same anytime soon? Just curious....thanks in advance. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see that canned sodas are still included on the classic package.  Not that we drink many of them, but I was kind of surprised they still offer them.  Also, the Cafe el Bacio is one of my favourites morning and evening, and it's kind of part of the deal breaker for me in making sure I have at least the Classic. 

The aluminum bottled water is included on Classic. (if that's what you meant)

11 minutes ago, RichYak said:

Just clarifying that it's premium bottled water that isn't covered by the classic package. The aluminum bottled water does not apply.

I signed twice on our recent cruise for a chocolate martini at the martini bar (which I didn't specify anything and went expecting to pay the difference..it was around $4 I think in total. My husband also got Bailey's a couple times and it was $1 extra...it was kind of annoying having to sign...but I'm sure if we sat in one area and ordered a few during an evening, they would just combine them on one bill...if it was the bar tenders who knew you... We had no problems with the Classic...I do wish they'd have a better amber rum choice though.  I drank the Kraken although it's not my favourite...They even have Brugal on the Premium package, and it's cheap...Rum is so cheap in the Caribbean...there's no reason they can't have an offering or two that aren't "spiced" on the Classic IMO. I bought Mount Gay for only $10 a quart in one of the ports....and it's probably even cheaper in the regular stores in Barbados. (although not at the port of course LOL) 

We had an extremely quiet roll call for our recent Millennium cruise.  I tried over and over to engage with Port ideas, etc....but very little activity on CC and FB groups. Good luck! 

I started a new post with the pics showing.... I just dragged them over and it worked but much better!

I found a better way to post them by dragging them over....we had no issues finding some good meals on Millennium, a couple weeks ago....I did miss the Blue Cheese Fondue appetizer that had been posted for one of the evening in the MDR but never did appear on the menu :(. We only saw cheesecake in the MDR. We didn't do any specialty dining as we do enjoy the MDR. The only food item we would say wasn't up to par to us was the Caesar salad (probably due to the lettuce shortage). The breadsticks and baguette are as yummy as ever! The choc and almond croissants at Cafe el Bacio are still great with early morning coffee! I even got them to make me an alfogatto one evening although it doesn't seem to be on the menu anymore. 

No complaints from us on the dining. 

they don't seem to be posting...I will try again later....sorry 

Since many are talking about recent food on Celebrity, here are some November pics of various meals all at the included restaurants on Millennium out of San Juan...We had no trouble finding great meals.....I will try to answer questions if anyone has any. (and sorry if a few of the pics are a bit messy LOL)...And hopefully, they will post okay.

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