RobertybobUK

Thank you so much for this. It answers my questions perfectly.

We're booked on an August 2022 European cruise on Silhouette and recently received an email to Upgrade our stateroom with Celebrity MoveUp. We’re currently in a “Deluxe Ocean View Veranda - 1B” on Deck 9 which we’re happy with to be honest – we've no problems with the MDR, but may well try some of the speciality dining options. Also, and importantly, because we’re travelling with our daughters who are in an adjacent cabin, I’m conscious of the risk that even if we bid for the same upgrade for the same bid amounts, bids are decided individually and the two pairs could end up in different classes of cabin with incompatible dining venues. Specifically if we bid for suites, a successful pair could be dining in Luminae with the other two in the MDR, which would not be a good outcome, so for us, on this cruise, it's not really an option. However, for future reference, for when we cruise just as a couple, could anyone answer a few queries, specifically about MoveUp to a suite? If a bid is accepted to MoveUp to a suite, what ‘perks’ or benefits are you entitled to? From the X website it says benefits are:- • Dining at Luminae • The Retreat Sundeck • The Retreat Lounge (Michael’s Club on non-revolutionized ships) Then - “As a guest of The Retreat, you’ll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with five newly added perks”. • A shore excursion credit (No mention of how much) • Premium drinks • Premium Wi-Fi • Tips (which I thought were Always Included) • An onboard credit to spend almost any way you like (Again, no mention of how much) Do any of these come with an accepted MoveUp bid? Although not mentioned on the page of the X website I was on, did I read on the forums that Suite guests can also dine in restaurants other than Luminae and the MDR? So, can suite guests dine (subject to seating availability) in Blu and at no extra charge in the Speciality Restaurants (Murano, Tuscan Grille, Lawn Club Grill, Le Petit Chef and Sushi on Five)? I think I also read on the forums that some benefits only apply to certain categories of suite. Is that correct? The MoveUp suite options being offered to us are Royal Suite; Celebrity Suite; Sky Suite and Sunset Suite. The starting bids for the letter two are tempting, especially if they come with some of the above benefits / perks. I've noticed in the General Terms on the X website it says, “The Upgrade will not be eligible to receive any promotions or benefits that are applicable to the stateroom had it been originally booked at that stateroom category”. This could be read that you just get the benefit of a bigger room, but I’m unclear as to what is regarded as a promotion or benefit with regards to a MoveUp to a suite. If someone could confirm what is / isn't included with reference to the above, that would be great.

Thanks again @JamieLogical for your very informative and entertaining posts and pictures. Safe travels and looking forward to your next cruise reports.

After a bit more research through the forums, I think you’re correct @killsport. The cruise originates from Southampton in the UK. A $12 drink would come out at $15.60 with the 20% gratuity and guess they have rounded to show it as “$15.5” in the App. Many thanks for clarifying and clearing up my confusion and concern. 🍹🙂

Yes, it does leave from England.

Hi Jamie, Lovin' the blog. Great style and very informative. Thank you for taking the time and effort to do this. Like you, our drinks of choice, in the bars, are cocktails. We are booked on a Silhouette cruise to the Baltic in just over 2 months. We have the Premium package. Going onto the X App and selecting Dining - Bars & Lounges - individual venue and then the menu, as you helpfully mentioned earlier, we've noticed that in the Martini Bar, all the cocktails are priced at $15.50, which is obviously over the Premium price limit of $15. (Interestingly cocktails in the WCB are priced at $14.50 on the App - so still less than the limit in that venue). Looking back at previously posted pictures online of menus from the Martini Bar, Martini Cocktails were priced at $13. (Equinox 2021 Menus (thepreismans.com). I've seen threads reporting that the cost of the Premium package has increased (I think from $69 to $84 per day or from $12 to $16.80 per day as an upgrade from Classic), but I haven't seen anything suggesting that the single drinks cost limit has increased accordingly. Looking just now on the X website it still says "Includes drinks up to $15" it also says, with regard to Cocktails and the Premium package it includes "Craft cocktails, large martinis, and long drinks, all made with Premium Beverage Package spirits", so arguable that they shouldn't charge any extra on that basis. Have your noticed these $15.50 charges on your cruise and if so were you charged any extra?

We are booked on Silhouette, August 2022. Going into the Cruise Planner, (UK Celebrity website) we also noticed that the cost of prepaid speciality dining packages has increased by 18%, this being done sometime between 23rd and 29th April 2022. That this is to cover gratuities makes some sense, however, selecting a package it states:- "Important details and advisements Additional items such as beverages, menu supplements, food and wine pairings and gratuities are not included. (My underlining). Dining Packages Specialty Dining Package pricing include restaurant cover charges only." So, on the face of it, according to the Cruise Planner, there's been an 18% increase in cost and gratuities are still to pay for. I remain uncertain on this one.