AC Stew

In my experience, asking the cabin steward/ess if they need anything from a port stop, I'll usually get a polite "No thank-you." I suspect even if they could use toothpaste or shampoo, they would be reluctant to appear "demanding." (Although, well into the cruise after they get to know you, perhaps they'd feel more comfortable to respond.) And yes, we tip $20 on the first day when the steward pays his/her first visit to the cabin. I joke that this "this isn't a bribe, just a little something to put to good use if/when they get some shore time." It's always been graciously accepted. We will continue this practice.

Yeah, I know. "No one stopped them." That's my point. Going to and from the theater, that smoke cloud is nasty. Over the years, there's been much discussion about this matter. But I do agree with you ... love the mid-sized Radiance class ships! Not too big, not too small ... just right.

Casino smoke polluting the Centrum should be an easy fix. According to RCI policy, casino smoking is only permitted if one is actively playing in the casino. The venue is not an ashtray for the convenience of non-gambling smokers. Well, that's the theory. Policing and enforcing the rule is another matter entirely. It just doesn't happen. And I suppose if I was casino staff, I wouldn't want to spend my shift confronting self-entitled rule breakers either!

Jetdriver787: Where have you been all these years?! Brilliant humour and even better writing. Cruise Critic should be paying you!

September 17 night Arctic crossing on the Jewel with My Time Dining: We've done My Time Dining for years, always with an advance reservation for around 6:00 to 6:30. Always a good experience with little or no wait time, and usually the same table and servers. For this cruise, we had 6:45 reservations for every night of the sailing, the earliest time slot offered. It was a nightmare. As previously reported in other threads, MTD now opens later, and only when the traditional early diners vacate the dining room. Consequently, well before 6:45, the line ups have formed. Both on the "Reservations" line and the separate "No Reservations" line. There were always delays be seated; never got in before 7:00. It took time to process those line ups! Lots of grumbling and frustration could be heard. Especially when "No Reservations" folks were regularly seated ahead of the "Reservations" line. Service with different waiters/assists was hit or miss. After a few nights, we gave up and ate dinner in the Windjammer. In point of fact, a great many cruisers did the same. The WJ was packed every night. We found that the food choices were actually better than what we'd experienced in the MDR. And it was more relaxing to eat at our leisure. Never a worry about making the show. Honestly, we were quite happy there! Unless MTD is returned to its original format of using a separate restaurant level and starting earlier, it will remain inefficient and increasingly unpopular.

Curious: Did you hear the "Oscar - Oscar - Oscar" (person overboard) crew announcement?

We didn't mind the 1 x day service, recently experienced on the Jewel Transatlantic. We're early risers, and we opted for morning service. And honestly, I didn't mind not having the evening visit. I agree with the poster who liked not having to tidy up a bit, in anticipation of the steward/ess coming in at night. If I had "dainties" hanging up to dry, I would always hide them away prior to leaving for dinner, then hang them up again when we returned. Now, I don't have to worry about that. One point though, our steward told me that the majority of his guests had requested morning service and that was a little challenging for him. But not for us, we were the first cabin he cleaned, and his timing was impeccable. However, I can understand the discussion about gratuities and reduced service.

Yes, there are free classes for Aqua. Recent posters have stated 3. But I can't seem to find anything from Celebrity in order to substantiate this. Nevertheless, over the past year and a half, I have received complimentary classes, but only when I identified myself as Aqua and I asked for them. On another sailing (when I didn't advise that I was in Aqua), I didn't get the classes. Another poster said that they received one free class as Elite +. Makes me wonder if we could get the 3 for Aqua and another for Elite+? Has anyone tried?

Unless you have incredibly quiet and considerate neighbours on the other side of an interior connecting door, YES, you will be disturbed by noise. We never take an adjoining hotel room or ship's cabin.

One of my email responses from The Executive Office included a call back phone number. I did make that call. I reiterated some of the points made in my emails and added a few more from notes that I had in front of me. I pointed out that not all vape streams are odorous/visible, and you might not know when you're walking through exhaled toxic residues. Cigarette smoke is bad enough, but at least you can see it. I was advised that there are about ten individuals in the Executive Office taking calls. The number is 305-614-1343.

Apparently ... a majority of "one." From a non-Celebrity cruiser? Not exactly overwhelming. BTW, I responded to the initial stock email note from Celebrity. This time however, I added my phone number. Got a phone call the next day. Whatever that's worth.

On a past sailing, I did collect the charms for the locket necklace. Not for me. I'd asked my cabin steward, and he said that his young daughter would love it.

It's beyond astonishing that we're being forced to have this conversation! Email address for the new CEO?

Uh ... gotta disagree. A beach is no longer beautiful when it must be shared with 2000 (or more) of my new best friends!

Re: Small ship subject: We also prefer the Radiance Class size. Not too big ... not too small ... just right. Large enough to offer an acceptable selection of amenities and venues, but small enough to remind you that you're actually at sea. If we had kids, perhaps we'd feel differently ... something for everyone. As for even smaller new ships? It would be awesome to open up to new destinations that can accommodate only those smaller ships.

Fine looking young guys! I'm guessing that this pic was taken on the formerly formal, now "dressier" night? It's painfully obvious that a whole lot of grown-up boys could/should take a lesson here!

There is already a lengthy thread on this subject.

Hey there Miched, I totally agree! I was only quoting the pickleballers in my community! Their #1 argument to support more pickleball courts is the (perceived) mushrooming popularity of the sport. Going back in time to the aerobics craze of the 80's, I remember all too well the worldwide popularity of that fitness phenomenon. Yeah, my knees are paying the price for those years of "high impact" pounding in my cute little Reebok Princess sneaks. Sensibly, aerobics evolved into numerous low impact offshoots. Pickleball too, will see an inevitable demise. Just not anytime soon. For now, the folks who play the game, love the game. And I can tell you that the "older" participants in my community are fierce. The frequency of injuries, apparently, won't stop them.

Over the last several years, pickleball (in my retirement community) has morphed from a casual fun game to a competitive, cultish obsession. The converts have taken over tennis courts, basketball courts, and still want more. Exercise is clearly a good thing, but the incessant "thunk thunk" (especially at night) is infuriating. Yeah, the HOA gave in to the endless demands for night lights. We constantly hear that "pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world" and it probably is (for now). True, there are international competitions. But whenever we see an ambulance racing through the development, it's often headed to the pickleball court. Another senior reminded that they're not 21 anymore. As for the drum beat to put more pickleball courts on ships, it's happening. I would caution participants of all ages to be extra careful and wary of Caribbean heat, sun, and intermittent rains. And depending on the location of the courts, keep in mind that the "thunk thunk" can be really annoying.

As long as they wear a clean shirt of some description and leave the baseball caps in the cabin, they would probably be just fine. Especially if your sailing is a more relaxed Caribbean cruise. But if it's Europe ... they might want to invest in a pair or two of khakis or even black jeans. No need to get fancy, just a step up from what they'd wear during the day.

If nothing has recently changed, Aqua guests are entitled to 3 freebie specialty classes. (Make sure that you identify yourself as Aqua.) Normal cost for Yoga/Pilates is around $20 and they now add an 18% gratuity. If you take more than 3 classes, you'll incur the full charge. If you go to the Fitness Center after boarding, the Fitness Instructor(s) "should" be available. They'll sign you up for your desired classes. True, Yoga numbers are restricted, but spots are reserved based on the order of sign-up. Aqua guests using their freebies are treated no differently than other passengers.

Love, love, love this cabin! Super quiet, since you're at the end of the hall in a corner and nobody walks by. No neighbouring cabin on your port side. The layout of this large balcony is just a little funky (longer than wider) as you can see on the specs and the excellent video. Still enough space for chairs and loungers. Great aft views enhanced by some port side views if you can squeeze into that narrow corner for a look-see. Sufficient shade, and that's a priority for me. Sure, there are some extra steps to get around, but we never found that to be an inconvenience. Another plus ... as I recall, there's an aft staircase (elevator?) not far away. It goes right up to the Windjammer so you can grab snacks to enjoy on your balcony. If quiet, privacy, and fabulous aft views are important to you, this cabin choice is a no-brainer!

If in Aqua, the primary reason (for us) to choose MDR, would be to join Non-Aqua friends for a dinner or two. Never had a problem doing this. The reverse is true. Aqua friends have joined us in the MDR when we were in a regular balcony.

Davekathy: Thank-you. That I Spy video was pathetic. Nutsaboutgolf: Thanks very much for your input. The couple on that 747 who perished because they were "frozen in their seats" is a classic example of "negative panic." Just another term related to the "fight or flight" mechanism. If they'd watched the safety demonstration ... who knows. As I stated earlier in my post, even after watching a live muster drill/ briefing, I acknowledged that I hope I remember! As Idubs stated in his last post, emergency situations rarely go according to a set plan. And paying attention to a safety briefing is no guarantee; humans never know how we'll actually react. All I've been trying to say is that a live muster/ briefing (if one watches it), could possibly increase chances of dealing with a situation. Even if it's a small chance, we should make it available. Because ... I think that many of us are guilty of running that safety video without even looking at it. But if our physical presence is required, something might stick. Bottom line though, this has been an interesting and useful conversation for all of us.

Davekathy: You're highly experienced cruisers and travelers. Not to mention, well-respected contributors to these boards. My above post was to support the OP (my prerogative), as well as provide a related perspective to the topic. I'm quite taken aback that you think people dying in an emergency evacuation is funny.