llwccc

Just now, llwccc said:

On 2/11/2024 at 6:10 PM, willdra said:

As we walked in, they gave us all a wine flight with 4 wines. Since this wasn't a "formal" tasting, they had the wine bottles lined up on the counter, so we could see which ones we had. We were basically on our own. Solo dolo. They gave us chips, salsa, guacamole, bread, and pizza. It was giving “everybody’s so creative”. We weren't really told much about the wine or "winery" at all.

 

In my most humble opinion, the second winery should’ve been first. We would’ve had no (or very low) expectations of L.A. Cetto, had we visited them last. They would've blown us away after visiting La Casa de Dona Lupe, and it wouldn't have been hard. There was no competition between the two places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I did this excursion with NCL and we did it in the correct order. We loved the Dona winery it was beautiful and there was live music but the wine was not great. But I was with my family and we just laughed and enjoyed the day. We loved LA Cetto and I wish I would have bought more of their temporillo (sp) red wine. 
 

thanks for this and all of your amazing hilarious and informative trip reports. I actually got a little excited to see that you were in So Cal I guess I’ve become a bit of a fan girl. 

On 2/11/2024 at 6:10 PM, willdra said:

As we walked in, they gave us all a wine flight with 4 wines. Since this wasn't a "formal" tasting, they had the wine bottles lined up on the counter, so we could see which ones we had. We were basically on our own. Solo dolo. They gave us chips, salsa, guacamole, bread, and pizza. It was giving “everybody’s so creative”. We weren't really told much about the wine or "winery" at all.

 

In my most humble opinion, the second winery should’ve been first. We would’ve had no (or very low) expectations of L.A. Cetto, had we visited them last. They would've blown us away after visiting La Casa de Dona Lupe, and it wouldn't have been hard. There was no competition between the two places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

55 minutes ago, prmssk said:

Specialty coffees (also called premium coffees) are included in the classic package.  Red Bull is not.

 

Here is a nice comparison of the classic and premium drink packages (scroll to the bottom of the non-alcohol inclusions):  https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages/compare-packages

 

I believe they can make an exception to the rule about both people having the same drink package in some scenarios, if you call.  That said, do the math first.  It may be cheaper to get the All Included cruise fare (especially if you also want Wi-fi) and just pay for the Red Bulls a la carte (depending on how many he will drink).  Both passengers do need to have the same cruise fare.

Thanks for that link -- yes that makes it very clear. I don't want to change the cruise fare, but i want my husband to have access to the better non-alcholic drinks. I'd imagine since the cost of the zero drinks package is a lot lower than the classic beverage package we may be OK. 

1 hour ago, wrk2cruise said:

The zero proof premium selections are NOT included in the Classic package.  Yes if you call and declare one is sober they will downgrade the classic package to a zero proof package for that person.

 

Thanks -- I'll try to do this. I appreciate your response.

I'm glad I found this thread, I have the same question. We have the all inclusive package. My husband does not drink alcohol but does drink red bull and speciality coffees. It makes sense that the classic package would include the zero proof package, since it's almost twice the price, but I don't want to assume anything.

I know both people in the same cabin need to get the same package, but if the zero proof package is not included in the classic beverage package, does Celebrity make exceptions if someone is sober individual, so I could get the classic package and my husband could get zero proof?  

I'm also on this cruise. Do you know for sure he ship is full? I know we'll have a great time either way but we'll never have the experience we had on the Majestic last year at 40%! My husband actually thought it was too quiet!

Can we all take up a collection so that you guys can take a third cruise per year? It would be worth it to get to read your hilarious travel logs! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your adventures with us. You have the best attitude and sense of humor.

I don't think this is "working the system" or in any way a self centered act. You are only asking for an accommodation if it is available. I can assure you there are times when it is not and that is fine. I think people get all worked up because they think you may be getting something at their expense. On our last cruise we did not get TD and ended up in ATD. The very first night we ate the late seating and had very good servers. After the meal we thanked them for the remarkable service and commented how nice it would be to have them all the time. We have had marginal service in ATD. They told us to check with the MD to see if we could make a standing reservation which we did. He was very helpful and did his best to make it happen. The trade off was that we had to wait, sometimes, for the first seating to finish. That was fine. We were given a pager and we waited while some behind us went in to their seating. It can be a trade-off. That said, if this is scamming the system, we are, clearly, not very good at it. :p I hope you are successful and enjoy your cruise.

Thanks Larry -- this helps a lot.

Sorry, I don’t agree. IMO the OP asked a genuine question based on a recent diagnosis of a digestive condition where timing of her/his evening meal is important. Sure there are people with more serious conditions on board but they probably don’t relate to timing of a meal - which is the OP’s issue. They state they are unlikely to get on early fixed dining so are genuinely trying to find an acceptable solution. That solution is probably to move over to ATD and have a chat with the MD.

How about offering a bit of compassion and contribute a helpful comment instead of berating them?

Thanks -- I don't think I have a serious medical condition, my friend does but that's a different story. I'm not asking for special treatment.

Don’t worry about the snarky remarks from some folk on this site - they seem to get high on it, hiding behind their computer screens. Little people with little minds. I hope they never have to manage a condition like GERD - they would soon change their tune if they did.

Thanks so much -- I was surprised how much this bothered me when I first read it!

Thanks everyone so much for the advice! It was really helpful to hear first hand experience. It looks like we'll switch to ATD, speak with the MD and all will be great.

For the people who said we're trying to "work the system" and that "it's all about me!", we're not, we were just trying to figure out how best to dine and I don't think asking for a reservation, and wanting to have the same wait staff is working the system.

Finally, if you knew my best friend, you'd know it hasn't been about her for about 21 years.

Why not just show up at the door when you want to eat like all the rest of the people?

That's what anytime dining is supposed to be - Anytime your ready.

I liked the idea of knowing we'd have the same serving team, I've heard that they'll work with my friend about her strict dietary issues.

Four of us are sailing on the Ruby to Alaska on 9/1. When we made our reservations, we chose traditional dining, 8:15 seating. My friend has celiac disease so I felt this was the best way to get her dietary needs met. Just this week I've been diagnosed with GERD, (yay aging!) and my husband reminded me I'm not supposed to eat that late. There's a long waiting list for the earlier TD. I've read, but searched and can not find any info, that you can get a standing reservation with ATD, and have the same table and serving crew.

Is this true? Has anyone done this?

I've used ATD on my last cruises but always sat at different stations and I'd rather not have that this time.

Thanks for any help!