Jump to content

phoenix_dream

Members
  • Posts

    10,427
  • Joined

Everything posted by phoenix_dream

  1. However if you ask they will adjust it when you dine. Be firm about it as most people don't know to ask so the waiters may have never had to do it before. We've done that multiple times as we have a Zenith discount and don't want to miss out on that. Ridiculous that the systems can't be programmed to automatically apply it. That is, they could be but they don't bother.
  2. It all depends on the ship and current Maitre'd or maybe restaurant manager. This sailing in Blu on Equinox we always could.
  3. Decoy is back in premium package on Equinox. Conundrum is still overpriced.
  4. We got it on a side to side cruise sailing next month. Same day disembarkation and boarding another Celebrity ship. I didn't think so either but we thought it wouldn't hurt to ask and lo and behold the answer was yes.
  5. To me true loyalty is how many days you've sailed Celebrity. I get tired of sitting in CC gatherings where they announce with great fanfare the amount of cruises taken and 90% of the time its fewer than I have, but I earned my level (Zenith) from booking more than 70 cruises, not sailing in high level suites. To me true loyalty means number of days, not how many cruises, and not how rich you are. It used to be that way, after the initial debacle of number of cruises which had Florida people gaining status so fast with 3 and 4 nighters they could jump on for a long weekend. Now it's all about $$ spent, period. Frustrating.
  6. I found a lot of truth in your last sentence. I've been attacked (directly and indirectly) here on CC, interestingly as both a Celebrity cheer leader and a complainer. Don't know how I can be both lol. But other sites like FB can be so much more vicious. I've probably blocked at least a dozen or more people. Just blocked someone today who literally argued with everything I've ever posted on a site of which we both belong. First I got roped into defending myself until I asked myself the question, "why???". A person who obviously just wants to cause trouble is just not worth the effort. There are a couple good sites moderated well. But sometimes the "roll call" type can really get out of hand.
  7. Have done ABCs 12 times on Celebrity. Always switch to local time, including the cruise I am currently on
  8. 95% of the time no problem. I have had a couple cruises start disembarkation as late as 9:30, so delays can and do happen. Have a backup plan
  9. I have changed from being a huge, very loyal fan to being someone who will enjoy the parts of Celebrity that are still awesome, like the staff, but for the first time in around 30 years will consider other lines as well when choosing a cruise.
  10. If you haven't cruised lately things have changed. Not tons of kids but a lot more than there used to be for sure, especially cruises 7 days or less
  11. Hope they are positive changes for real. Unfortunately doesn't help me much on my upcoming b2b.
  12. So my question is- how come when the prices went up they were miraculously able to raise them all immediately, but in lowering them (at least some of them) it has to roll out slowly and inconsistently across the fleet? And of course first on the newest ship.
  13. Yes, and I have. Cheaper by the glass at high end Chicago steakhouses.
  14. Not from what I've researched. I can get several of the upcharged wines for less per glass at high end Chicago steakhouses.
  15. I think you are being unfair with your comment about perspective. I can speak for myself here. I always board with a positive expectation to have a good time, which I always do. I also consider myself lucky to be in a position to cruise, but that doesn't mean I have to be happy about all the cuts and downgrading that was done, especially with no notice, no announcement, and after payment. That's just not right. If you ordered a Rolls Royce would you be happy to be delivered a Chevy just because you're able to own a car? I think not. I do 100% agree that once you're onboard relax, enjoy, and be happy. But don't put people down for reporting all the changes adverse to customers who expected a promised value for the price paid. If not for these sites, we would never have heard about these changes until we were shocked with them onboard. That would kill a good vibe pretty quick.
  16. I love the Retreat on Apex. The lounge is a nice size and has good service and nice snacks. On the deck there is a small bar and dining area where you can get a quick lunch. I am not into lounging in the sun, but they have a small pool and a nice sunning area. If you want shade you won't be as lucky- not much to be found. I frankly did not care for the Luminae experience as far as design. It is one big room so when crowded, which it usually is, it gets very, very loud. Service and food, however, were very good.
  17. I am a loyal cruiser - my upcoming will be my 80th Celebrity cruise. I have, this past year, posted my share of negative comments. Those of us loyal to Celebrity have seen so many cuts and detrimental changes, generally with no notice and no recourse for people already booked and fully paid. In so many ways, these negative posts have been very helpful as pre-boarding we would never have heard about the changes any other way than social media as Celebrity certainly will not advertise cutbacks. And some changes were so crazy that all the complaining done here resulted in many emails to head office to the point where the changes were rolled back. That said, despite these changes I am very much looking forward to my 4 upcoming cruises. I have never had anything but a great cruise on Celebrity. The staff is outstanding. The food is generally good to very good. Entertainment is not their strongest point, but is usually still quite good. Overall I always have a good time. As a new cruiser, you will not even notice or know about what has changed so it won't bother you. I would definitely not cancel. Honestly all the changes have caused us, for the first time in 20+ years, to consider other options but I still will consider Celebrity as well when booking future cruises.
  18. I have sailed Alaska on Celebrity many times. In general people are more casual on these cruises. not unusual to see jean, hoodies, and hiking boots in the dining room for dinner. Usually chic nights are a little dressier, but in general still more casual than other itineraries. As to food, unfortunately I have never known them to locally source any of the food. Disappointing. So unlike our usual Caribbean itineraries we will often go for some local food onshore. I have never seen the casino or stores open while in port regardless of the time it departs. Enjoy. You will love it! Some of my very favorite cruises.
  19. I wonder if the lowering of Roll Call participation has to do with the changing demographic on the cruises. I think many of us "old timers" found it pleasant and useful to chat with our fellow travelers. These days cruises are full of younger people, as well as many people new to Celebrity (also usually younger) who maybe don't even know about Cruise Critic let alone Roll Calls and/or couldn't care less.
  20. Definitely useful advice. If not for posts here and on FB we would never know about some of the adverse changes until after we had boarded, or after we had paid in full. Celebrity, like all businesses, will shout loud and clear about positive changes, but sneak bad changes in and hope no one notices.
  21. Let's face it folks Keno is a game favored by the AARP crowd. Celebrity doesn't care about what we want, they want to attract the younger crowd. I am also a 90% Keno only player and find this very frustrating. Even the ships that do have it only have 2, and they are often taken by poker players.
  22. Exactly! I'm not denying the OPs experience, but it is certainly an exception! I've sailed 9 times on Celebrity last year including a b2b on Equinox and I had ZERO issues of the type described. Anyone canceling because a few people experienced issues like this is making a big mistake IMHO. But go ahead- it will make the ships less crowded on my 4 upcoming cruises! (Including 2 on Equinox)
  23. So if she just washed her hands in the cabin and literally did not touch anything before entering the buffet or dining room, exactly why does she need to re-wash her hands? Geez. I am very careful about cleanliness for the record, I wash hands, carry and use hand sanitizer, etc., but this judgment is a bit much.
  24. I often visit the ladies room immediately before entering the buffet or dining room. Don't use my hands to open the door. My hands are clean so no need to wash again or use hand sanitizer. Just saying know the facts before judging.
×
×
  • Create New...