saminina

4 hours ago, Mahogany said:

Does anyone know how the Gratuities Included part of the cruise fare works? Do the behind-the-scenes staff benefit? And I read that the Crew Fund provides parties, not cash.

Reading responses to your questions on the internet might not produce accurate information.

I believe in crew fund.  I believe in tossing an occasional crew party while on board for more than thirty days.  For a few reasons,  I just plain do not buy into gratuities for individuals. 

On 6/4/2024 at 3:12 PM, commodoredave said:

 Therefore, if you wish to provide an extra reward to a few specific individuals such as a room steward, waiter or bartender, you can do so directly -- that is what I do on all the luxury lines.

I have never/would ever extend a gratuity to an individual.   Today, anything goes obviously.

Occupants of top suites/residences on Explora have reason to be disappointed.  It might be the only line that offers so little in the way of perks.   There could be published benefits and there should be the discreet unpublished benefits not uncommon on other lines.  Stuff that goes unnoticed by majority of guests on all inclusive lines.

2 hours ago, JYDCruise said:

It seemed odd that they wouldn't stock a $150+ bottle of liquor specially for him? Was the expectation that this would be included in his fare, or did he want it available for purchase at the ship's bar?

There was a time when such a request would have been no big deal to fulfill for a top suite guest paying rack rate.  Or even a regular customer in lower suite.  If it was not in stock, they would purchase in port.  This was common practice on SS and SB, though it's likely to have been on the shelf so no big deal.  Yes, they were expecting it to be a no charge item for one bottle. 

And yes, there is an expectation that fellow passengers on a so called luxury ship know how to dress and act to a higher standard than what you might see at the local pro wrestling event.

Edit to add....conversation with bar manager on Crystal about whisky and my favorite brand was missing.  Next port, he went ashore and purchased a bottle.  It was just a simple comment.  Not a complaint and told him I was happy enough with what was on the shelf.  A total unexpected surprise that the bottle would appear.  

It began prior to the cruise.  Asked for bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue and was told it probably could not be supplied.  No surprise, it was not.  He purchased at first port stop.   This is not a complaint, just seemed odd that such a request could not be met.   Suite decor too brownish for the lady.  Their favorite evening dining venue was Emporium outdoors.  No problem until their butler invited himself to sit at their table.  Also, attempted same on final evening.  By then, they knew how to say NO to him.   While sitting in their suite, butler came in and did not remove tray of dirty dishes.  Also, butler in suite going thru drawers looking for his keys when occupants walked in.  Disappointed in lack of (zero) perks.  The little niceties one sees when residing in top suites on land or at sea.

About same age as Whip.....90.

Wonder if our view looking up from  OGT might be different than looking down from OT   It is a privacy issue for the non exhibitionists.  

Perhaps more importantly, cabins above have a view down.

Good to plant the seed.   Leave cultivation others.  "Hey boss....listen to this great idea and this is how we'll do it."   Reply from boss, "sounds great!  Now go find that guy on cruise critic.  And give your office key to him"

Close enough that you will be happy.  At least one of three will be open.  Have not seen more than two open for lunch and Sakura is least comfortable for leisurely lunch.  IME, likelihood of being open in this order.  Sakura, Med Yacht, Fil Rouge.  Fil Rouge is only non charge restaurant with cloth covered tables.  All have nice cloth napkins.  I'll guarantee you will be served better meals than what you are having on SS.  Well, at least 90% of the time.  In our case it has been 100% of the time. 

So a Zenith from Celebrity coming on SS for first time will get free laundry.   But you will miss the free Budweiser happy hour.

Ten, two hundred, six hundred.  It is possible up to 629 fellow passengers could have, and probably do have a list much different than yours. 

Almost everyone has issues with this line.  It's new and different.  Figure it out for yourself.  It either fits, or not. 

Thanks for listing what is bothersome to you.  It has nothing to do with what would make my list.  And two hundred others.  I'd list mine, but most would find it irrelevant to theirs.

You need help......and this is not the place to find it.

2 hours ago, Sidney68 said:

I am trying to keep an open mind but my near perfect ship has changed, the new clientele are younger and brasher than we had previously I am guessing a large population being influencers and TAs.

You are being far too kind with your description of newly boarded clientele.   In a way, I'm happy you are bearing witness to the atrocity upon us.  But, saddened you will spend a week with such slop.  I've spent the day in cabin and not a big deal to do same until Friday. 

Have written previously.  If the company chooses to pack the ship with influencers without qualifying them, they deserve to reap every benefit these people can bestow upon them.

Seriously, this current crop will yield a negative.   635 is passenger count.

I do not think talking with neighbor is such an obvious first step.  Certainly not my choice.  And drinking a glass of wine is not going to help.  

58 minutes ago, broker1217 said:

I am puzzled by this issue as we never watch television on a cruise! Prefer to sit on the verandah or go listen to music.

You would be a great neighbor.    A not so great neighbor to you would be one that blasts noise into your cabin....or verandah.  See how you like it, then figure the remedy.

It's a drag to change cabins, but 22 days to go would have had me packing based on officer's story..  OTOH, you suffered much shorter time than expected.  Hardly worth writing about on here.

On 5/18/2024 at 2:13 PM, Sidney68 said:

One of the bar staff has just informed me that they are expecting a high number of passengers embarking in Panama, taking the ships passenger level to around 700. It will be interesting to see how this changes the service (if at all) and ambiance. I will try and get a more accurate figure 

You will not see a noticeable difference.   Reason being no noticeable difference in passenger count.  Source: one of the bar staff.   Oh, and common sense.

Not knocking Glenmorangie.   Not a fan of poured shots, so watching a barman ever using a shot glass is the first obstacle to overcome when paying for a premium whisky.   You forgot Ballantine's as being on the included list.  A distant second choice.  It's nice to have Ardbeg, but it's beyond my pallet.

Looking at included red wines on the list, average retail is $9. USD.   If they retailed for $20, it would not change my opinion.  The premium wines that could tempt me are grossly overpriced.

It's not a big deal to supply my own.  As I do with bathroom paper products and (first time this cruise) butter.  

Any average room attendant will supply a card in slot before you even notice it is needed.

If I knew how to write, I would have written what johng75370 wrote.  Adding included wines are worse than any cruise line we've sailed.  Even Seabourn has something drinkable for a meal or two.  And such limited whisky selection.  An upward adjustment should have been made by now.  

Next bookings will go to Crystal.  If you have never tried Explora, it is totally worth checking out.  Three Explora cruises totaling 59 days when we depart in Miami.  No more SS or SB.  H-L and Explora still in the mix for future.

Whoa......looking at the Yacht website, it is 5 points per dollar spent when booking thru their own channel.  True Marriott form.....gotta read the fine print.

On 5/10/2024 at 1:21 PM, Mahogany said:

Wow! I know you used to get 10 points/US$ but thought it was only 1:1 now. Tell me your 11-day cruise wasn't $127,000!

10 points per dollar if staying in RC hotel and would assume it's same for their boat.   Depending on Marriott status and co branded credit card used 26.5 points per dollar is attainable.

At 10x per dollar, I'd say OP got a very good deal. 

Interesting review......

8 hours ago, MomC said:

I now need to decide if I still remain with Crystal—which has always been a favorite of mine—.

Why worry?     Do you really think an ad will change the Crystal demographic?  

"Honey, look what we received from Crystal today.  Maybe we should take the kids on our next cruise."   If it happens, it ain't because of a recent ad campaign.

Maitre 'd or restaurant manager.   Just identify as man or woman will suffice.  Thank you....

Since questions are popular.  Who is running the show in Sakura?