RobertybobUK

51 minutes ago, jelayne said:

The OBC, premium beverage package, premium wi-fi are not included with a Move Up bid to a Suite.  You retain the beverage package and wi-fi  if any that you had with your original booking.  You do have Luminae as your dining room and have access to the Retreat Sundeck  and Retreat Lounge. 

 

Unlimited  complimentary specialty dining is for those in Royal Suites and above. Sky Suites, Sunset Suites, Aqua Sky Suites and Celebrity Suites do not have complimentart specialty dining.   
Suite guests can dine in Blu on a space available basis and should be arranged with the Retreat Concierge.

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.

20 hours ago, killsport said:

@RobertybobUK does it leave from England? If so, my belief is that includes gratuity. The premium limit would be adjusted to include this, if that is the reason ($15 -> $18)

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. 🍹🙂

4 minutes ago, killsport said:

@RobertybobUK does it leave from England? If so, my belief is that includes gratuity. The premium limit would be adjusted to include this, if that is the reason ($15 -> $18)

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? 

6 hours ago, albi said:

We booked Eden yesterday and were also charged the gratuity.  Called Captain’s Club and agent said this charge started end of April fleet wide.  So anyone booking before the change date would be charged $55 and the rest of us will pay the extra gratuity.  Always thought the gratuity was included and tipped extra for the excellent service we alway received in the speciality restaurants on board.

Hope  the wonderful servers see the gratuity now!

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.

39 minutes ago, Purplsmurf said:

Yes, if you have the booster it is qualified as “up to date” regardless of when it was received. 
 

The letter of recovery is a letter from your doctor or even health department stating that you had Covid, isolated, recovered and are fit to travel. If you had Covid it has to be between 11 and 180 days ago (which is great because in the US it’s only 90 days). You also have to have a copy of the positive test proving that you had it. Those 2 items, along with vaccine proof means you don’t have to test before boarding…..hope that all made sense! 

Thanks Purplsmurf, you have confirmed our interpretation perfectly.

We are quite surprised at the 180 days - that is potentially a sizable number of people who may be able to board without the need for a test - it was estimated that about 1 in 13 people in the UK were infected last week alone, although community testing has now ended and so the ability to obtain a Certificate of Recovery via the UK's national health service (NHS) is now restricted.  I'm not sure how much less likely you are to test positive at the point of embarkation having tested positive up to 6 months previously, but there you go. There are lots of people out there who are much more knowledgeable about these things than me.

As ever, the rules may well change again before we cruise in August, so we are aware of that too.  

Thanks again for your prompt and informative reply. Much appreciated.

Hi everyone,

A couple of questions, just for clarification.

Looking at the latest published advice from Celebrity for cruises from Southampton Travel Requirements for Southampton Cruises | Celebrity Cruises, under the section 

Sailing Testing Requirements:

Pre-Arrival/Embarkation Covid-19 Test

it says

"Guests who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may present a Certificate of Recovery and proof of the positive PCR test result taken between 11 and less than 180 days prior to the sail date in order to board. The Certificate of Recovery can be presented as an NHS COVID Pass, EU Certificate of Recovery or as a letter from a healthcare provider. In addition, you must still present a vaccination card. Please be aware that some ports of call do not accept a Certificate of Recovery for the purposes of debarking and enjoying the destination. We will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in place of a vaccination record.***"

I'm confused as to what the effect of the inclusion of this statement is and what the presentation of a Certificate of Recovery at the terminal will be.

I've checked the NHS app and this, for us, now includes on the NHS Covid Pass for travel, confirmation that we have both recovered following a positive PCR test (which will be less than 180 days before the end of our cruise), as well as confirmation of our vaccination status (2 primary doses + booster). I've also checked the .gov.uk website and this confirms that the Proof of recovery will be held on the record for 180 days.

So, my question is, is Celebrity saying that if you have a valid Certificate of Recovery, this means that you don't need to have a pre-cruise Covid-19 test?

A second question - can I also ask if it is also now understood / agreed that, with regard to vaccination status, 2 primary doses + booster, no matter when the booster was received (i.e. the booster could be more than 270 days before the end of the cruise), this qualifies as Up to Date?

"*European definition of Up to Date: vaccinated within 9 months (270 days) of final dose in primary series OR boosted. The 270 days must extend to the final day of the cruise. The last primary dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to embarkation."

The reason I ask is that I've seen some posts referring to discussions with Celebrity Customer Services that say 270 days is a cut off for the booster as well, but this isn't what the website says  (although the wording could be clearer).

2 hours ago, JeanieC,Aston said:

Hi

Does it say when they are suspended to….?

I am booked on the 11th Aug sailing had no e mail yet.

FP due on 15th June,,,,I will cancel before then if they don’t.

 

After yesterday’s announcement by the UK government travel is not advised to any European country at the moment.

Hi, 

We are booked on this cruise too.

Celebrity have now cancelled all Reflection cruises departing up to 30th July 2021, so including the 12 night British Isles cruise immediately proceeding this one. Ours is not cancelled at this time. 

The updated list from Celebrity is here Voluntary Suspension on Sailings | Celebrity Cruises

SHIP NAME: Summit

CABIN #:1136

DECK #:11

CLASS: AQ1

AREA: Starboard, Aft

BED NEAR: Wall Facing next to bathroom

QUIET?: Yes

BALCONY VIEW: Good, Unobstructed

BALCONY SIZE: Standard

WIND A PROBLEM?:No

SOOT A PROBLEM?: No

PROBLEMS/COMMENTS: Problem with balcony door and heating but both fixed promptly. 

DATE OF CRUISE: March 2018

Hi,

We stayed in 1136 on Summit in March 2018.

Whilst we also had an issue with the balcony door and also the heating, both were fixed promptly once we reported them.

We had no problems with noise, smells or vibrations. 

Covid: Summer holidays abroad 'unlikely', warns government adviser - BBC News

This is in respect of people from the UK taking vacations this summer.

Just an update.

I called Captain's Club this morning and have had the 10% Captain's Club Classic tier benefits discount applied and have purchased it over the phone.

Slightly concerning that when I had called Celebrity at the weekend, the representative was insistent that the price seen in the Cruise Planner already reflected the discount. That call was routed to the US and was with a regular Celebrity agent, but still wrong advise given.

Anyway, thanks to Cruise Critic members, everything is clarified and sorted out now.

On 2/29/2020 at 8:44 PM, Ergates The Ant said:

I was also wondering about this.

I e mailed Captains Club about another matter, and they gave me this freephone number, which may be useful to you. ( as a UK resident)

0800 441 4053

Thanks for this Ergates The Ant. Good to know.

I know it's not one of the most expensive call tariffs out there, but I find it irksome that Celebrity (and others) publicise their premium rate telephone numbers to contact them in the UK, when I've already spent a small fortune with them on the booking already. 

Now to chill out and look forward to our upcoming cruise! Just need to get all my work done first...

Thanks Gimpy and Oneput for clarifying.

I’ll call CC on Monday.

Hi

Another internet question I'm afraid, but one I can't readily find an answer to.

We are booked onto a 10 night Reflection cruise departing 13 March 2020.

We have only cruised once before, with Celebrity, and so have Classic Captain's Club status.

The benefits with regard to internet packages appear to be "10% discount on the first Internet package purchased"

We are in the UK. Here's a link to the Celebrity UK website showing CC benefits https://www.celebritycruises.co.uk/getmedia/c03b62a1-8231-4475-b859-b490169d9a1f/loyaltymemberbenefits2018.pdf

I think this has changed over time - I have a flyer that also says "10% discount on the first Internet Package purchased, plus if you purchase your Unlimited Package by calling us before you set sail receive an additional 10% discount" but that particular document isn't the one that is currently posted on the Celebrity website. I've attached a copy of it though.

That flyer suggests calling CC to obtain the discount.

We are looking at the Unlimited Internet Package - Single Device.

In the Cruise Planner, it says "Enjoy a discounted daily rate for your entire voyage". My understanding is that this is referring to a general 10% discount available to anyone who books the package before sailing.

The cost being quoted in our Cruise Planner is  £227.24

So the question is - If I call Captains Club will I be able to receive the 10% CC discount, or has this already been taken into account in the price shown in Cruise Planner?

CC aren't open at weekends (in the UK at least) so I can't call them at the moment. I've spoken to a regular Celebrity representative, and they suggested the price shown in Cruise Planner has the discount. Just a bit confusing.

I can't find a 'standard' cost, so haven't got anything to compare it with.

Thanks in anticipation.

captains-club-membership-benefits.pdf

14 hours ago, nomad098 said:

For those that booked in the UK/EU I would point out this 

 

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/regulation/11/made

 

Alteration of other package travel contract terms

11.—(1) The provisions of this regulation are implied as a term in every package travel contract.

(2) The organiser must not unilaterally change the terms of a package travel contract before the start of the package, other than the price in accordance with regulation 10, unless—

(a)the contract allows the organiser to make such changes;

(b)the change is insignificant; and

(c)the organiser informs the traveller of the change in a clear, comprehensible and prominent manner on a durable medium.

(3) Paragraphs (4) to (11) apply where, before the start of the package, the organiser—

(a)is constrained by circumstances beyond the control of the organiser to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services specified in paragraphs 1 to 10 of Schedule 1;

(b)cannot fulfil the special requirements specified in paragraph 1 of Schedule 5; or

(c)proposes to increase the price of the package by more than 8% in accordance with regulation 10(4).

(4) The organiser must, without undue delay, inform the traveller in a clear, comprehensible and prominent manner on a durable medium, of—

(a)the proposed changes referred to in paragraph (3) and, where appropriate, in accordance with paragraph (7), their impact on the price of the package;

(b)a reasonable period within which the traveller must inform the organiser of the decision pursuant to paragraph (5);

(c)the consequences of the traveller’s failure to respond within the period referred to in sub-paragraph (b); and

(d)any substitute package, of an equivalent or higher quality, if possible, offered to the traveller and its price.

(5) The traveller may, within a reasonable period specified by the organiser—

(a)accept the proposed changes; or

(b)terminate the contract without paying a termination fee.

(6) Where the traveller terminates the contract pursuant to paragraph (5)(b), the traveller may accept a substitute package, where this is offered by the organiser.

(7) Where—

(a)the changes to the package travel contract referred to in paragraph (3), or

(b)the substitute package referred to in paragraph (6),

result in a package of lower quality or cost, the traveller is entitled to an appropriate price reduction.

(8) Where—

(a)the traveller terminates the contract pursuant to paragraph (5)(b), and

(b)the traveller does not accept a substitute package,

the organiser must refund all payments made by or on behalf of the traveller without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days after the contract is terminated.

(9) Where paragraph (8) applies, regulation 16(2) to (10) applies.

(10) Where the traveller does not confirm, within the period specified in paragraph (5), whether the traveller wishes to—

(a)accept the proposed change, or

(b)terminate the contract,

in accordance with that paragraph, the organiser must notify the traveller, a second time, of the matters in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of paragraph (4).

(11) If, having been notified under paragraph (10), the traveller fails to respond, the organiser may terminate the contract and refund all payments made by or on behalf of the traveller without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days after the contract is terminated.

 

Would probably be worth a call to Celebrity to point this out and if you booked in the UK stating your next call would be to ABTA as per your cruise contract to lodge a formal complaint. In the EU I believe it is the EU Online Dispute Resolution ( ODR )

 

 

 

Hi

This is a very difficult and I'm sure stressful situation for all those that it affects, and my sympathies go out to them all.

Whilst a very useful post, just a slight word of caution though.

As stated at the beginning of the quote above, what followed relates to package travel.

A package is when a consumer buys more than one element of a holiday together, e.g. flights + accommodation, or in this case flights + cruise, but it could be other elements, not including the flights that make it a package. (e.g. Cruise + excursions - see What is a Package Holiday? below). 

In this case, Celebrity appears to be offering alternative arrangements for those who have booked flights and the cruise directly with them, so not an immediate issue there. The issue and point of some of the discussion here has been where the flights have been booked independently and here it becomes a bit more complicated.

The above link and quote comes from The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. 

These came about because of changes in the way people book their holidays, going away from a traditional 'package' and moving to, for example, situations where you may use an online travel service (e.g. Expedia -  many others are available), to book the separate elements from different providers and combine them as one booking. 

ABTA, the UK travel trade association has an article that provides a bit more of a user friendly explanation here https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/is-my-holiday-protected/new-package-travel-regulations

Some quotes here though:-

• The new regulations only apply to holiday travel arrangements booked on or after 1 July [2018]. If you have booked a package holiday before 1 July, your package holiday will be covered by previous regulation. Package holidays that are for less than 24 hours, or are for business travel, may not be covered by the regulations.
• More holiday travel arrangements will be classified as packages. A ‘ready-made’ holiday (this is usually where you book through one company and pay one price) will still be classed as a package holiday. But so too will holidays sold in other ways – for example, many tailor-made trips and shopping basket type sales on websites (where you select the different elements such as flight and hotel). 
• Package holidays offer the best form of protection. Financial protection means you are entitled to a refund or to be brought home if necessary should the travel company organising your package go out of business. You’re also protected if elements of the holiday aren’t provided as required, for example the right to a refund if bad weather means your holiday can’t go ahead.
• Linked travel arrangement is a new arrangement under the Package Travel Regulations. This is not a package and the level of protection is significantly lower than if you bought a package holiday. It comes with limited financial protection in case the company that sold it goes bust, but complaints about each holiday service will have to be taken up with the individual suppliers.
• If you have booked your travel arrangements separately (eg – a flight directly with an airline and a hotel through an accommodation booking website), these are unlikely to have any financial or legal protection under the 2018 Package Travel Regulations. However, you might have certain protection for the individual services in other ways – either through travel insurance or through booking with your debit or credit card. Please check with your providers as levels of protection vary.

What is a Package Holiday?

A package holiday is a combination of at least two different types of travel services, which are listed below: 

• transport (such as a flight, coach or train but not transfers from an airport)
• accommodation (such as a hotel, villa or apartment)
• car rental 
• a tourist service (such as a tour guide or a trip to a historical attraction) where this is a significant part of the holiday either because of its value or because it is an essential part of the trip.

It counts as a package holiday if your travel company:

• Has asked you to pay a single price through a single payment 
• Has let you select a combination of services – such as a flight and accommodation – before you agreed to pay for them
• Charged you an inclusive or total price for all the services you bought
• Advertised or sold the travel services to you as a package or similar term
• Sold you one travel service; and then transferred your details, including your payment details to another company which you then booked another travel service through within the space of 24 hours.

I'm not a travel or legal expert and the advice given by nomad098 is good "Would probably be worth a call to Celebrity to point this out and if you booked in the UK stating your next call would be to ABTA".

Thanks for the quick reply.

This is our first cruise, so we're on a bit of a learning curve, so this is helpful.

Thanks again.

(N.B. We're coming down to Bristol next week to visit our daughter who's at the Uni there. Small world :))

CC - ClassBeveragePackage.pdf

CC - PremiumDrinkpackage.pdf

We have the classic package.

Question 2. Can anyone confirm that they have successfully used these menus whilst on board and they are accepted by the bar staff without any problems.

I appreciate that these may be based upon the use of 'Generic' or Non Branded spirits and liquors, in order to keep the price below the $9 per serving, which we don't have a problem with.

Question 3. We like the odd Baileys Irish Crème, either on its own or as part of a cocktail. I know that Baileys is now included as part of the Premium package, so would attract the extra charge of the difference in cost only, which I believe is $1 + 18% gratuity, so again, no great problem with this, but do they have a Baileys substitute that doesn't attract the charge. I'd like to try the Mudslide and Buttery Nipple - already a fan of the one called a Screaming Or**sm (why do my favourite drinks have such embarrassing names! :rolleyes:).

Thanks