cruzeluver

Without questions, the food on Celebrity has been the best we have had. We have also sailed on Royal, Norwegian and Carnival. None of them have been bad, but Celebrity stands head and shoulders above.

On our recent Celebrity Mercury cruise we had an opportunity to chat with the executive chef. He told us that he came to Celebrity after a lot of years working in restaurants and thought a cruise ship would be a great alternative. Several lines made him offers, but he accepted Celebrity's offer as they were the only one that prepares everything from scratch on board. Nothing comes on prepared, frozen or pre-packaged. We were quite impressed.

We went to Jamaica on the QM2 back in '06. Grand Caiman,too. As to Jamaica, if we go on a cruise & it goes there we'll just stay on board & do the spa!. Grand Caiman, we had no problems. I feel they just want you to buy. I know they protest the RSVP/Atlantis ships. That's when you just boycott these islands.

Good thought. but, even if you stay on the ship you are still paying port charges to that port, so not a true boycott. But I do get where you are coming from.

This is good to know since I've seen many people talking about the welcome aboard mimosas offered and just assumed they were complimentary as you might expect at a 4-5 star hotel/resort we've stayed at before.

Depends on the cruise line. Celebrity offers a complimentary glass of champagne, a mimosa or fruit juice to all passengers at embarkation.

For the Caribbean: The week after Thanksgiving is good,as kids are in school and parents are less likely to pull them. We've cruised that week twice an there were minimal kids on board. Late April and May are good as well. Also, the longer the cruise, the fewer the children.

We have 7002 booked for next year on the Constellation (same class as Infinity). Huge cabin (comparable to some suites) with great views over the bow. We had 8004 on the Mercury which was similar and loved it.

I agree that shorts are inappropriate in the dining rooms, but Carnival states otherwise, and theirs is the only opinion that matters.

Not a problem. They will be fine.

A co-worker of mine just returned from her first cruise.

In St. Kitts they stepped off the ship, looked around, and determined there is nothing to see or do there.:rolleyes:

I just never understand the "nothing to do" response.

Ok, am I the only one who thinks we should be given cruise credits for following this thread? :p Almost feels like I've been along for the ride.

Thanks Radio. I always follow your Live posts and the never disappoint.

belize. 3rd world. i have heard so many bad things about it i wonder why the cruiselines still stop there. i would stay on the ship if i had a port stop there. and easy way to save money on a tour and have the pool almost too myself. :D

Someone lied to you. Belize is most certainly not a "3rd world" country. That phrase seems to get used to describe anywhere that poor people are in evidence.

Belize is a modern country in every way and is quite beautiful with warm, welcoming people. Shame you'll never find that out.

For a long as I've been cruising (early 1980's) and probably beyond, lobster night has always been considered a highlight of the trip. When I was a kid, it was always offered on the most formal night of the cruise. So I believe it has become a very strong cruising tradition, and like any traditions, people get upset when they change or go away.

I agree the lobster served today is not of the highest quality, but darned if I don't order it and enjoy it every time!! :D

Once Jamaica cleans up their act I'll be game for anywhere.

Ok, I'm laughing my butt off right now!

My DH also does the feet thing! (What are the odds?) In every port we visit, and at least once on the ship, he takes a pic of his feet with either the ocean, part of a deck or some beach in the background.

A tradition we started about three cruises ago is as soon as we set foot on the ship, we look at each other and say "savour". This is our reminder to savour every possible moment of our vacation, because they always seem to fly by.

We also get pics each day with whatever towel animal we get.

I have been reading this thread with great interest. Thanks for bringing back so many fond memories. (And yes, Sitmar was the best cruise line! Was so sorry to see it go.)

I miss a lot of the things that others have mentioned, however, the cruise lines are just giving people what they want. How many threads get started here about ways to "stick it to the man", i.e. sneaking on booze, getting free upgrades, avoiding certain fees etc.? The masses seem to be saying that they are quite willing to give up an awful lot to keep the base prices low. It sucks, but its how it is.

He was there two months ago when we sailed.

We don't buy pictures. I have a camera, thanks.

Don't get spa treatments. Too tickelish for a massage, and I'm pretty enough already.:p

My partner does not drink at all. At most I will have a couple of glasses of wine over the course of the cruise.

Usually book tours independently. Better prices and smaller groups to boot.

Will do maybe one night in a specialty restaurant if one really appeals to us.

Never felt like we were skimping on anything.

Gotta give it up for the Blonde Giraffe as well. A little slice of heaven!! :D