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We were in 1022 on the Millennium in May and loved it!  The location was ideal, very convenient!  No noise issues at all, very quiet.  But, we were one of the last in the hallway (think just 10 cabins) so not directly under the sky lounge.  If in one of the more forward cabins noise could possibly be an issue.  When we booked there were no veranda cabins left so we got it on a move-up, so didn’t have a lot of choice.  I originally did have concerns regarding noise and movement but concerns quickly disappeared.   If booking that class would definitely book same cabin.  Since M class Aqua and Concierge are a bit larger than veranda I can see why it was reclassified. 

Millennium , sailing  May 3, 2022

CABIN #:  1022

DECK #:  10

CLASS:  2C Deluxe OV Veranda

AREA:  Starboard forward

BED NEAR:  bathroom

QUIET?:  yes

BALCONY VIEW:  unobstructed 

BALCONY SIZE:  normal

WIND A PROBLEM?:  No 

SOOT A PROBLEM?:  No

PROBLEMS/COMMENTS:

No problems.  We loved it!   Was a move-up so didn’t have a lot of choice, at first a bit concerned as forward and high deck, but was just 2 cabins before mid.  Felt some movement on one rougher sea day, but when went down to deck 5 just about the same and not really an issue.  The location was great …. Very quiet, and only really 10 cabins in this hallway, the other side was the spa.  These cabins were originally Aqua but recently reclassified to verandas.  Very close to the solarium, main pool deck, ocean view buffet, sunset bar, and elevator.   We loved the renovation, especially the cabins.  We would book again and same cabin if booking that category.  

54 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

One downside of Flights by Celebrity that I'm experiencing and a number of others are reporting.   Prices dropped over the weekend (after final payment).   Celebrity has been rejecting application for price match "due to reservation including air reservation".      

 

My agent is still working with Celebrity to resolve.    If so will be the last time i use them.   My fare is the same as I could have purchased direct with airlines.  

Jim,  have read your difficulty in getting the Best Price Guarantee.  I am booked through Celebrity and Flights by Celebrity.  I contacted my CVP but he was out until today,  but was able to speak to another agent on Saturday and she processed the Best Price Guarantee and the OBC showed up on Sunday.  My CVP sent updated booking confirmation showing the OBC this morning.   Never was any mention of not being able to process “due to reservation including air reservation.”  I did not make the flight reservations at the same time as the cruise booking, but the flights were included in the FP.  Hope your agent is able to straighten it out for you.  

We did this exact cruise in April 2019 and loved it!  One of our very favorites and would consider it again.  We too were concerned of all the sea days but they seemed to fly by with plenty to do.  We flew into Vancouver several days ahead so filled every moment sight seeing.  Boarding the ship, nice to have just relaxing time and also time to just enjoy the ship, but plenty to keep us busy ….. honestly never felt bored.  There were so many different venues and things to do never felt crowded.  The first few days were a bit on the cooler side, cut the closer to Hawaii the warmer it got.  Once we got to Hawaii it was go, go, go again so really appreciated the sea days and the chance to just really enjoy the ship before.  Any questions or if can be of any help …. ask away.  But go for it …. Was a great cruise!

On 10/23/2021 at 1:06 PM, KellyMcB said:

 

3 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

I just checked the dates and it looks like we had the same original CVP as you. We were always very impressed with his commitment to providing exceptional service. He will be missed. 

Yes, he was exceptional, that is why I was so surprised when kept getting same message.  He will certainly be missed.  The new one assigned so far is very good so 🤞

On 10/19/2021 at 11:52 AM, Ken the cruiser said:

About a little over a month ago, our long time CVP left a voicemail on his extension saying he'll be back in the office on Friday and then never returned. When we eventually contacted one of his designated backups the following week, she said he's moved on (with no details) and she would be happy to help. Then about a week later, we received an =X= email saying she was now our official Vacation Planner. Great! Then about 2 weeks later, we got another =X= email saying this new person was now going to be our new VP. Then, this past Friday we called and his VM said "I've left the office for the day and will be back in the office on Friday, Oct 15th." You guessed it, today is Tuesday, Oct 19, and the same VM notice as of last Thursday is still being played when we call his extension.

 

Anyone know what's going on in the Celebrity Vacation Planner department? It wouldn't be such a big deal, but we have 8 future cruise bookings with =X= that are all past the cut-off date for transferring to a TA. And, yes, all of our "to be booked" cruises will be going through our existing TA which will make her very happy.

Also experienced something similar.  The CVP we had used for some time and was excellent, VM said was Thursday Sept 9, this was on Sept 10th so left a message and no return call.  This was during the 20% off sale so waited until Sept 15th and after getting same message, called the general number and agent was able to reprice and all was good, except in process messed up booked excursions and OBC.  Another call, another agent, tried to correct but only made it worse.  The cruise sometime out so decided to wait and we were going out of town anyway.  About a week later I called, same message so left message through the general number and within an hour call was returned by another CVP advising that our previous one had left the company and he would be taking over.  Inquired  as to why and he said during the pandemic pursued other avenues and moved on.  The new CVP was quite knowledgeable and corrected the excursion / OBC issue.  He is in Miami.  He emailed his contact information following our conversation.  We recently decided to book another cruise, called our new CVP, left message and he returned the call within an hour, very knowledgeable and new cruise was booked.  Also have emailed him and he has responded,  So far everything is good.  Hopefully he will be around for awhile.   Do feel the frustration though, would be nice when something like that happens to have another extension to reach out to. 
 

I was able to upgrade ours for our Apex April 16, 2022 cruise.  I just called our CVP and he did it for me, used OBC.  Obviously way before final payment.  Was $12 per day to upgrade, 

Received email Tuesday at 7:09 a.m. MST (we are in Arizona), registered approx 7:20 a.m. and received confirmation at 7:23 a.m.

Dec 9 webinar 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. MST.   
 

Did receive the the email inviting me to sign up for the Galapagos webinar ..... but also just received September Captains Club Newsletter and the link to register is in that.  

We do like Concierge and what we book.  Better cabin locations and depending on class larger.  We do like the more relaxed boarding day lunch.... not fond of buffets anyway and boarding day usually very crowded and hectic ... also able to leave carry on luggage (though now can drop off in cabin I guess).  We switch out the bottle of bubbly for Prosecco.  The little canapés are kinda fun and generally get them right about the time we return to the cabin.  We also really like having the expanded room service menu for breakfast as found we prefer to have breakfast on our balcony .... nice way to start the day and we don’t need to rush getting dressed and out.  The double points and other little perks are nice as well, but not the main draw.  
 

Aqua does not appeal to us mainly because most cabin locations are not desirable.  Persian Gardens and the other perks over concierge not a draw.  Know many people love Blu but for us menu just not real appealing and though the dinning room may be smaller it is still crowded and tables very close together.   We get a specialty dinning package and break up MDR with that  ..... far more enjoyable.  

FYI .... my points have posted correctly but not transferring to DH.  Just called Captains Club and was told that this is a new program and they are aware of issues and points not transferring over.  There is an email address you can send to providing activities you participated in and they will look into it.  But if CC accounts are linked both should receive the points (so only one needs to do them) and if not to wait awhile and then they can copy them over.  

I thought the last activity was fun. 😄  And think Celebrity accomplished what they intended ...... though we have been to Greece and Italy, not the ports in the trivia ..... peaked our interest and just may book a cruise with these ports included ...  I enjoyed reading about ports really weren’t aware of.  

Just did a Concierge mock booking for Summit May 2020 ......this is what showed up:

We had booked a future cruise for March 18, 2021 Singapore to Dubai...... really just as a place holder while on a Hawaiian cruise in April,   Heard yesterday about the cancellation / redeployment through CC, but since really weren’t planning on cruise booked, just decided to wait and see.  We were contacted today by our CVP and advised and given options.  Since really not sure we just booked another place holder but with additional OBC due to cancellation..... fine with us.  We were impressed that we heard from celebrity today, we have a great CVP.  Know many are disappointed in the redeployment and feel bad for those who had b2b planned.  

It is a rainbow cocktail,  also will make it as a martini.  From what we can find out what is in it: (But not sure if this is the exact same recipe used on Eclipse ..... the trick is pouring the blue curaçao so it layers on the top.  

TASTE THE RAINBOW
1 oz. (30ml) Grenadine
1/2 oz. (15ml) Peach Schnapps
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Pineapple Juice
1 oz. (30ml) Vodka
1/2 oz. (15ml) Blue Curaçao
Garnish: Orange Slice, Cherry

PREPARATION
1. Pour some Grenadine into the base of a glass and slowly spoon in some ice cubes. Set aside.
2. In a shaking glass with ice, combine peach schnapps and pineapple juice. Shake well.
3. Slowly pour over grenadine, filling almost to the top.
4. In a separate shaking glass with ice, combine vodka and blue curaçao. Shake well and carefully layer on top.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

I ordered these a lot at the Martini Bar on our recent Eclipse Cruise. It was not on the menu.  Saw someone with one and asked.  Not all the bartenders can make them ..... so usually had to ask for “Superman” aka Terry.  Though he was teaching others to make them, but never were quite as good as his.  They are yummy 😋.  I generally had mine on the rocks .... quite refreshing.

We had select dining on Eclipse April 17 - 29 and made reservations through cruise planner for 7:00 each night, except for the first night.  The first night we decided to skip the MDR as usually hectic, went to Sushi on Five instead.  Our experience was there was one line, when I inquired about having reservations we were advised one line, just those with reservations have priority.  We rarely waited more than 5 - 10 minutes and that was mainly because we requested to not be seated in walkways.  We were always at a table for two, or four but not with anyone else. We went to specialty dining two other nights,  so let them know.  We did not have the same servers each night, seemed to be seated in three different sections, next or close to a window, so did have the same servers several times.  The tables are very close together so often enjoyed conversations with those next to us.  This was our second time with select or my time dining and for us it works.  Though we do make reservations, can easily change if desired.  I do think you loose some of the personalization of servers getting to know you and the fun of that, especially if good servers.  Though on our RCL we had asked for a window table and were seated at the same table, same servers most of the time.  Fixed dining found times either too early or too late and being assigned to a table for 6 or 8, with all the other dining options often only one other couple or no others and felt awkward. 

30 minutes ago, Fishkillbill said:

 

I'm disappointed too. We will be in Concierge class in two weeks. I wanted V8 juice for breakfast, like I did in Aqua class.   

‘We were in Concierge class on Eclipse last month and had the same menu posted for Aqua, maybe different on other ships.  If V8 not on menu, write it in, you will most likely get it. 

On the Eclipse April 17 Concierge and had the expanded menu, exact one shown for Aqua and above.  Believe it is for Concierge and above.   Also requested eggs Benedict several time and got it. 😊👍

9 hours ago, AlibearNS said:

I'm glad this thread was dragged up again because I haven't been on the boards just lately and I just want to say we were on the Eclipse 17th April sailing and LOVED the food in the MDR. We've been telling everybody how good it was. I guess you would call us pescatarians, we mostly eat vegetables dishes and occasionally fish. Now, either we have low standards (and I don't think we do - DH is very fussy) or the problem was with the red meat and chicken, which we don't eat anymore.

We were in anytime dining, and everyone around us seemed  happy with their meals. I never saw anyone complaining.

Please people, don't be put off sailing the Eclipse because of this thread. We had a fabulous cruise, best cruise director ever (Alejandro), best captain ever (Captain Leo), best crew ever, and in our opinion, after 26 cruises, best service & food we've ever had on a cruise!

We also were on this cruise and totally agree ..... we had a fabulous time!  Found the food in MDR very good, had select dining,  and tried a variety of seafood, lamb, beef, chicken.  Some dishes we enjoyed more than others,  but all were quite good, nothing was bad.  Also went to Sushi on Five for dinner and lunch, Murano and le Petite Chef for dinner and all were excellent.  Didn’t care for the buffet, not so much about the food, but seating during peak times quite scarce,  never tried it during dinner hours, also we aren’t buffet fans, but did enjoy the ice cream a few afternoons and pizza one afternoon, bar service was good, though we sat on the bar side.   Cruise director Alejandro, Captain Leo, and the crew were all great 👍.  We very much enjoyed the entertainment and the several matinee shows on sea days. Plenty to do to keep busy.    Ship is very nice, in good condition, and for the number of people on it really never felt crowded.  

So if you’re booked on Eclipse or contemplating it .... don’t be put off by the negative views ..... go in with an open mind and enjoy your cruise .... we certainly did!😊

On 5/15/2019 at 11:19 AM, cruisingdelt said:

Sometimes these threads decay into flame wars and I am not trying to do that but would like to put things in perspective.  DW and I started cruising in 2001 and have pent most of our cruises on a Celebrity ship.  Have things changed in 18 years, absolutely!  Many of us miss the elegance of the cruises 20 years ago.  The food quality is not what is once was but considering they are cooking for 2000+ people it is really not bad.  We now also have Martini Bars, some great specialty restaurants, internet service, sometimes good internet service, and drink packages.  One thing that hasn't changed is the level of service on Celebrity.  You are still treated as an honored guest by all the crew.  No company gets this correct 100% of the time but Celebrity is close.  Celebrity is a business and must turn a profit or they will not be a business.  They drive people to packages because they make more money.  We all have the option of not getting the packages.  They make changes to draw a younger crowd.  Some of these changes may not make people of my age happy but Celebrity needs to attract people to replace us when we can't cruise any longer (may that day never come!).  In the end, when the line no longer serves our needs we should walk away and try another one.  I tried RCL last year and did not like it but that is me.  We will try it again this year and also do some Celebrity trips.  One last item, cruising is still a bargain even with the nickel and diming and increases.    To everyone, make the best of things and just enjoy cruising on whatever line you like.  Life is too short to argue! Bon voyage.

Well said ..... thank you!😊👍

On 5/10/2019 at 2:31 PM, Wendy The Wanderer said:

How do you figure out how many you need to buy to fill a specific suitcase.  Like a standard 25 incher, for instance.  Or a 20" rollaboard.  Do you have to measure it all and see what will fit, do it trial and error by buying a few to start, or what?

 

I was wondering about men's shirts.

I am a firm believer in packing cubes ........ have been using for 5 years and has simplified my packing tremendously.  It is amazing just how much can get in them and I am an over-packer.  Have many and different sizes, what I use depends on the trip and luggage size we are taking.  For the most part the medium and slims work the best (as well as a packing folder), the large don’t work as well, though did use on our last cruise.  A lot depends on size of luggage and what we are taking.  We have 21” spinners ..... I fill in the space between the handle rails with flat shoes or whatever will fit, then usually 2 - 4 mediums and then slims in sides and empty spaces.  Sometimes find 2 small will work better ..... just have to try it to find what works best and every trip not always the same.   Then place the packing folder on top. The large really don’t work real well in the 21”.  We also have 24” spinners.    The large will work well in those,  I used 2 and then filled in with medium, slims and small.  Also, have found that in the 24” can use medium on end with handle up, rather than laying flat, and can fit quite a few medium this way and makes for really easy unpacking and finding things if not unpacking. Also use under-seater bags for things we want to keep with us and always use a medium size with several outfits in case luggage is lost, or what will need when going in day before.   I generally fold pants, capris, shorts, skirts in the bottom and roll tops, blouses, shirts, and place on top.  For men’s shirts .... polo or golf type roll and place on top of pants and shorts in bottom of cube, dress shirts usually use packing folder. 

I have many different brands of packing cubes, but like the eBags brand the best.  Though have found other brands at Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx that work okay.  Have gotten most of my friends using packing cubes and they all just rave about how great they are.

Recently off the Eclipse and very much enjoyed our dinner at Murano’s.  Food, presentation and service was excellent.  Also, a more quiet experience.  We purchased a trio package pre-cruise using OBC, so if that is possible suggest doing that. Once we were on-board selected the restaurants and days we wanted.  Depending on the length of cruise, it is a nice break from the other dining options. There were always offerings of discounts for specialty restaurants so would be another option, but days and times may be limited.  

3 hours ago, Ktuluorion said:

Folks - just got on the eclipse a couple hours ago in Honolulu,  and figured I'd report back.   Observations so far:

 

Absolutely stunning ship.  Crew seems nice,  many nice greetings.  AQ room has nice balcony with footstools.  Buffet was fine, well laid out,  choices were just ok in my book.  

 

The two concerns I've seen so far:  1) for whatever reason my go best promotion doesnt seem to have registered properly,  so we are spending too much time at guest relations 2) I'm reference to above notes about things running out- i ordered a mai tai (we ARE in Hawaii!) and the server came back with them and mumbles something about no more pineapple juice.   i ran into him again and he said something about "we may get some more,  we may not".  A little weird, and I'm hoping it's not a sign of things to come in terms of availability based on what has been previously mentioned.  

 

So - based on everything mentioned above, i'd grade it a B- with a lot of upward potential if things go well. 

Hmmmmmm........  our experience quite different. I ordered Mai Tai’s several times and no problem with being out of anything ... might just be the bar ordered from ... I ordered from Martini Bar and theater before a show.    

We only went to the Buffet for breakfast once and lunch twice and then for a late afternoon snack and got pizza.   Buffet is laid our well but during peak times people going every which way and no where to sit.  Food choices were fine for buffet, but varied everyday so can only judge by our few times there.  

We did have issues with wine selection in MDR but after a few days found wines we liked.  

Sorry to hear you had issues with your go best .... we experienced none.  Everything went as expected.   We had purchased a trio specialty which was 2 dinners, 1 lunch.  I checked with guest services as we had no notification of it other than purchase confirmation and they assured it was there.  First night for diner went to Sushi on Five at 30% off they were offering and we went another day for lunch, assuming we would be credited for the lunch, but were credited for the dinner which was more.  The other 2 specialty dinners they never even brought us a bill, we had to ask to be able to add a gratuity.  

Ship in great shape, crew all friendly and attentive, though a few in MDR (we had select) did seem a bit stressed and hurried.  All in all we had a great experience, enjoyed our cruise very much and have booked something way out until we decide exactly where and when.