LB_NJ

At the prices they charge they really should make what people want. Even if they have to cook special meals for individuals.

I didn’t have a ruler but on Constellation I don’t think the tables in Blu were that much closer than the tables in the Italian restaurant. You can very easily order off the MDR menu although I don’t eat lobster so there is always a chance that might be an issue if it was on the MDR menu and not on Blu that day. So if the price is about the same I would definitely book Aqua, try for deck 11. One thing though is that there is no fixed seatings and NO reservations. On my cruise there was definitely a wait at certain times. Like right after shows let out. If we got seated at 6:30 we would make the second show.

I like the Summit, it is a good M class ship.

On Constellation Blu is narrow and long so you are closer to a window then likely in the MDR. Also, don’t forget breakfast and the nice smoothies. More likely to get a window table.

Fyi, while we loved dining in Blu on Constellation (the fillet was wonderful) the service is relatively slow. You will be there awhile.

What if there is only one sea day between the last port of call and the home port?

I have sailed Constellation a few times. Last time a few weeks ago, in Aqua I have sailed in both Aqua (dining in Blu) and regular cabins (dining in MDR). Food is very subjective. Personally, we prefer dining in Blu because we think the food is better. On Constellation they were handing out both Blu and MDR menus in case you wanted something from the MDR. There is an overlap on some items. Also, depending on timing there can be a 30 to 45 minute wait to get seated in Blu on Constellation. Therefore in general we would prefer Aqua over regular cabins EXCEPT that on Constellation most of the Aqua cabins are on deck 9. This is under a very LARGE overhang with struts. Having sailed on deck 9 I consider these obstructed view cabins. Not sure I would book a cabin on deck 9 ever again. If you want to sail in Aqua on Constellation, consider deck 11.

What about on Solstice or M class? I don't like large ships.

I understand that. The Celebrity web site was a little cryptic about which suites included free dining in the specialty restaurants.

I booked a future cruise onboard and got the $150 on board credit. If I decide to upgrade my cabin on the cruise I booked (same ship, same date) do I loose the $150 OBC?

I mean it is a major part of the suite cost. If you don't like the food options then a suite doesn't really make sense on Celebrity.

So Sky suites and Aqua suites No.

I understand that however I look at one of the major benefits of Retreat is a better restaurant.

According to Celebrity’s website only select suites have free access to the specialty restaurants. Also, Wi-Fi and premium drinks don’t apply to move-up. Which I understand. Finally, I looked at the Luminae restaurant menu and it looks a bit eclectic. It is always this way? What if you don't like any of the offerings?

I posted here by accident:

According to Celebrity’s website only select suites have free access to the specialty restaurants. Also, Wi-Fi and premium drinks don’t apply to move-up. Finally, I looked at the Luminae restaurant menu and it looks a bit eclectic.

It depends on the ship. On Constellation the majority of Aqua cabins are on deck 9 below the pool deck. There may be one or two veranda cabins that are at a worse location, but I can’t think of them off the top my head.

I have heard the laundry service referred to as "Boil and Bake" which seems pretty accurate. I would not send anything that can't stand a hot water wash and drying at the hottest temperature. Personally, I prefer ships that have a small laundry that guests can use.

There is a welcome bottle of sparkling wine. You also get a small number of classes (eg Yoga) free. While we loved Blu, the location of Aqua cabins on some ships is not that good.

Not sure what 2A is however in Aqua it is a door.

One of the things we really like about Summit and Constellation are outdoor movies. Does Eclipse have outdoor movies?

Should have. Decided to keep the La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir. They were supposed to deliver Sonoma but delivered the cheaper version.

Warning!! Bait and switch on wine. We ordered 2 bottles of a red and they delivered a different red wine. Lower quality of course. So they may NOT deliver what you ordered.

I am on Constellation at the moment, first time in Aqua and yes just below the pool deck. The room is quite however on the Veranda you do here noise from the pool deck. However, our biggest complaint is the overhang. You really can’t look up. We much prefer the food and service in Blu, although a little slower, than the MDR. We are struggling to decide if we will travel in Aqua again due to the overhang. We are looking at Eclipse. One expensive option is stay where you are and spend for specialty restaurants.

It has happened to me many times. It is unfortunate.