Pinboy

8 minutes ago, gvgseg said:

On another note, I saw that the specialty restaurants had a children's price. Does that require them to order from a kids menu or can we have them order off the regular menu?

They can order off either menu--- 

For a " special treat " try Murano if it is on that ship.

Excellent food--- French service--- nice memory

Go Chiefs !!!

Ok, here goes :

Years ago we visited a banana plantation in Limon Costa Rica---- Talk about " agony " !!

The cruise lasted about 8 hrs ( ?? ) because it was far from the port--

Anyway---- On the way back our Guide stopped the bus a few miles from the port--- took out a handkerchief , wiped his eyes, and said " I have to tell you, You are THE nicest group I have ever had "---- then proceeded through the bus showing pictures of his kids ( the women looked, the men looked out the window )----- I had a " feeling " of what was coming.

When we got back to the port, a few men ( me included ) tried to get off through the back door ----- the bum had it locked !!  Guess why ??

Correct---- That hug/handshake cost me another few $$US !!

Absolutely true story !!

That's called " Marketing 611 "---- sure beats the "1 Free scoop of gelato" when you become Elite !!

6 hours ago, gvgseg said:

1--Our kids are experienced cruisers, who love a good buffet and typically enjoy cruising,

2--Should we be worried that they are going to be bored on this ship?

1---LOL--- There's the answer--- 

Save losing the $1000---and forever " guessing " whether you did the right thing.

Also, your question is impossible for anyone on CC because I doubt anyone knows your children.

Most likely there will be other children on board---- somehow, they will find each other and have a great time.

2---( Been there, done that )----So, If they are bored --- LOL----" Find something to do " !!

How ya feelin now ???

17 hours ago, Cruisegirl6 said:

Last year I brought cat toys for Bug didn't see her at all so ended up bringing them home to my cats.  I hear Captain Leo is very nice too.

Is that " really " true ?? You brought cat toys " hoping " to meet Captain Kate and her cat??

About " Captains "--- Met many--- Every one was very approachable when walking around the ship. Their " public relations " (IMO) is excellent. 

One day the Captain ( forgot who ) was walking by our Stateroom and we had a little chat--

" How many cruises with Celebrity, where are you from "--- all the standard chit chat ---and finished with " As Captain, I am ordering you to continue enjoying the cruise --- and, eat as much as you want ". 

3 hours ago, astrocat said:

 Can we still arrive earlier b/c of suite? 

As long as you are " sweet " you can board at anytime ---

On our last two cruises ( February--- Equinox and March---Silhouette ) we were not in a suite.

They didn't even check our scheduled arrival time.

Perhaps it was because we looked hungry ???

1 hour ago, TeeRick said:

Here is what it means I think.  Over and Above, Above and Beyond (service, not the ship!), anything describing service, like food, is in the subjective category.  And it comes from an individual's personal expectations.

“ personal expectations “ :

I was making a snarky remark because while it’s none of my business, it bothers me that people ( too many) look for excuses not to tip .

Service “over and above “ is an excuse to not tip a few $$ extra and/ or remove the Gratuities completely.

We spend $$$$$ to go on a cruise—a few $$ extra is no “ big deal “.

( We’ve been on many cruises— never once had poor/ bad/ less than personal expectations service ).

C’est tout— that’s all .

15 minutes ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Here we go.... buckle up!

 

You got it --- " And, Away We Go "--- Remember who ??---He won the "Safest Bus Driver of the Year Award" !!!

LOL---- We don't stay in no sweet---We always tip our Stateroom Attendant, Assistant Waiter and our Waiter ( even though the Bum forgot to bring my 3 shrimp cocktails at the same time back in 2013 ) a few $$(US) extra--- 

LOL--- When CCers post " I tip depending on the " over and above " service"--- What does that mean, " over and above what ??

Come to think of it---- Who them people in the long line at GR on the last night of the cruise?

1 hour ago, DaKahuna said:

My DW loves Luminae

LOL----Don't even think about it .

Enjoy all your future Celebrity cruises in a suite.

1 hour ago, hcat said:

they usually know their guests...or politely check once

Correct--- and follow up with a chat from time to time.

2 hours ago, hcat said:

We have never been asked to show our Sea Pass at the Elite breakfast. 

However, Not a " big deal "------

On our recent Silhouette cruise ( March 11-21 ) there were 3 Captains Club Hostesses rotating at the Elite breakfast and I was asked a few times throughout the cruise for our " Proof of Elite Status " ( Room Key ).

Anyone else on the same cruise that had the same experience ?

1 hour ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 Normal for me -- eggs dish, meat dish, toast, coffee, and orange juice.

 

 

 I hear that -- seen a lot of that on cruises.  I learned early on to make multiple trips vs piling a plate so full I had to worry about food falling off. 

 

 

 None of the items you would have me eating under most circumstances.  

 

Toasted bagel with cream cheese - check; toasted bagel with peanut butter (preferably crunchy) - check; smoked salmon, danish, cappuccino's - I'll pass.  

 

 

Much toooo healthy—

Don’t ya realize on a cruise ya gotta “ stick it to ‘em “ and eat enough to cover 3 times the price of your cruise?

Lucky for us, we are not suite passengers .

( I always enjoy reading your posts )

On 3/26/2024 at 5:10 PM, DaKahuna said:

Have a normal breakfast in the MDR / buffet and then head to the Elite Breakfast and have a cappuccino or mimosa.

"normal breakfast" ??

Hey, Have you seen what a " normal breakfast " is to some people ??

In a million years they wouldn't have the strength to walk " all the way " to the Elite breakfast in the Tuscan Grill.

And, bye the way---you forgot to add 2 smoked salmon/bagel plates,6 Danish pastries, and 3 cappuccinos ( the Canadian way )--LOL 

2 hours ago, 1Virgo said:

This comes up a bit. So new change. Even in Retreat, you  get 1 fresh water lobster tail and upcharge for additional. Was told this onboard,  a few days ago

I can't comment about Retreat --- Here's how it worked in the MDR on the Silhouette March 11-21:

Each person is entitled to one lobster tail-- $19.00 each after that.

If you don't want your tail ( oops, my bad--- lobster tail ) you can assign it to anyone ( the highest bidder ) at your table at no charge.

Now, let's say you are a party of two and neither want a lobster tail, you can offer yours to a table beside you at no charge to them from the Celebrity even if they already had one. 

Your Server must place the plate on your table and you pass it over to the other table.

Your Waiter is not permitted to place the plate on their table.

( That's exactly what we did--- Our Waiter placed the plates on our table and we passed on-- oops, passed the plates on ).

8 hours ago, Miaminice said:

My experience is that if you stay calm, don’t be pushy and express a know it all attitude they will help.

Generally speaking--- People don't know how to complain.

It appears that did not happen---

It appears that there was an over-reaction---

It appears that there was a " What ya gonna do for us now " attitude.

Perhaps a good hot shower, laundering the clothes, and a complimentary dinner in Murano  would have solved the issue. Throw in a plate of chocolate covered strawberries ---- done !!

Bye the way---re:  "I called home and talked to someone what to do". 

Why call home to see what to do ? The Housekeeping and Medical Staff on board would know because it wasn't the first time a toilet line backed up.

1 minute ago, Queenmom1947 said:

We were 8247.

please beawarethatam not complaining but just certain an awareness of what we observed.    We, in retrospect, should have used our alcohol wipes to sanitize like we did handles and knobs in rest of room.

LOL--- That's very close to us 8253 ---Stateroom Attendant Jose ??

22 minutes ago, Queenmom1947 said:

On Silhouette beginning March11.    I posted comments earlier but wish to add that the ship was wiped clean but not scrubbed!   Our balcony was only cleaned once.   Our toilet stool always had a black ring around water edge…even though it had been freshly cleaned by  steward.  When glanced from across the room, closet and exterior door.   Carpet stain by trash can in main cabin.

Attendant had to do 19 rooms each day.   Not enough time to wipe down let alone freshen linens, check bathroom, remake bed.    Celebrity needs a “ detail team” to go thru the ship once in a while.   
we opted for this ship as it had gone thru a recent refurbishment.  But that must mean new carpet and tv and LED lights but not a lot more in cabins.    

We were on the same cruise ( see post 119 )--

What was your stateroom number ?

Our Stateroom Attendant also had 19 cabins to service--- perhaps we were lucky, but, nothing to complain about .

15 hours ago, jelayne said:

If you don’t see the 1st night discount it is because they often sell out. 

That reminds me----

They hold back a few tables for suite passengers-- so, a suggestion :

On our recent cruise on the Silhouette we checked the daily reservation status at the Specialty restaurants we were interested in as soon as we boarded ( slow nights they offer discounts ). The Maitre'd took our cabin number and said they would contact us when available.

Sure enough there were discounts available at Murano and Lawn Club Grill on the first night.

12 hours ago, Pugster4 said:

I’m really appreciating all the feedback, so thank you everyone. 
 

So is Celebrity a cruise line that really caters to suite guests or at least this ship or are regular stateroom guests able to purchase access to the spa area, some of the restaurants and other stuff?

On CC it appears that most people are suite passengers--- but, who cares.

However, Celebrity caters to everyone-- excellent service throughout-- 

33 yrs old--- you don't need to pay for a suite--- you won't miss anything except access to their private dining room, wait for someone from the Butler " Team " (not your own dedicated Butler ) for service or have access to the Retreat ( private area for suites only).

We had a Butler once, "years " ago, but, didn't really need any service--- ( Non-drinkers, limited wifi use, and prefer to make our own reservations for "whatever" instead of waiting for call-backs, etc).

Anyone can purchase access to the Spa area, Specialty Restaurants, etc--- 

Again, no worries, you don't need a suite to enjoy your cruise and receive excellent service.

44 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

They did this on the Connie with a lot warning that is was going to be over the top 

nobody was force to go 

What's the purpose of these X rated adult only shows anyway ??

A bunch of " sicko's " laughing their asses off at some half-wit comedian or is it a " Register here for Swingers Meat and Treat " ?

Christmas cruises will be packed with kids---

That being said, if you can afford it, select an S or E Class ship which are probably more expensive, but, with less kids.

( Very important )----- Both the E Class and I believe some of the S Class ships have a Solarium pool which is restricted to Adults Only. The area is air conditioned, nice lounges with thick cushions, lots of towels, no pool games, Zumba dancing, etc and much more relaxing.

( Reminder--- Off topic ) If you have a balcony and like to sit there, be sure to check out the Infinite Verandahs on the E Class ships---- they are not a balcony at all-- just an extension to the cabin with a window that opens.

As an aside--- We were recently on the March 11-21 sailing on the Silhouette with several kids onboard---- Never noticed any misbehavior anywhere from any. 

We just retired from a 10 day cruise ( March 11-21 ) on the Silhouette--- absolutely perfect cruise --- nothing, zero to complain about. The food, service, cleanliness , entertainment, all very good.

As a matter of fact ,there were 800+Abraham Hicks followers onboard.

( Made it very easy to get a seat in the Solarium pool while they were attending Seminars )

 As on all cruises rumors are bound to circulate :

Here's our example---

" Ya hear that there are lots of " Swingers " on board ? A guy was talking to another guy whose wife overheard two other passengers who said they thought someone 3 lounge chair over said, etc, etc ----- so, it's gotta be true (LOL).

( maybe that's why they served pineapple upside down cake in the OVC )??

LOL--- Don't even ask !!  NO, I can't confirm !!!

I’ve posted a few times of my “ experience “ from the FREE 5 minute message.

She finally let me go (  Over $350 later) with all kinds of crap—

Holy S—t , I never knew my back was, my shoulders were, and my skin was etc, etc.

I was in terrible shape— UNTIL, She said she could “ fix “me up !

Yup, when I left the Spa I felt great!! A new man !! I smelled like a peach and had a bag with “ stuff “ guaranteed to make me feel great and look 20 years younger.

The “ feeling “ went away within about 4 minutes after I returned to our cabin—— Guess who “ expressed an opinion “ on the $350 ($US) , the peach fragrance , and the 20 years younger “ guarantee “.

Somehow I didn’t have an appetite that night for dinner and kept trying to change the subject— 

Is it nice to call someone an “ Idiot “ over and over again??

12 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

I think it has been mentioned many times that they have a private security force. 
 

 

Yup— A “ private “ security force!! That’ll do it!!  
” Hey, anyone seen the Security staff ?? When ? They were seen leaving 3 hours ago ?? But , they are supposed to keep the tourists safe “

The answer: 3 minutes 

The question: How long will it take for the CD to get back onto the ship after the “ Welcome to Haiti “ reception as the “ They ain’t gonna scare me “ passengers head for a bbq ?

The answer:  That’s a “ Good One “ !
The question:  Where would we be during our visit (?) to Haiti?

7 hours ago, crazyank said:

and again,  ROFL!

Thanks- I didn’t realize it was that funny-Appreciate it

LOL— you and I would have a great time sharing cruise stories !!!

Your sense of humour reminds me of my late MIL.

Ya shoulda been there the time—etc etc

Now, stop removing tips— You will feel better.

7 hours ago, crazyank said:

ROFL! 

ROLF ??
Good for you!

I’ll bet you remove the tips on the last night instead of the first.
Question: When you remove your gratuities do you make eye contact with the GR staff person or just mumble “ The service wasn’t up to our standards”.
 

A great game show that they don’t have would be What’s My Line .

Would be interesting to see what some of our fellow passengers do/did in the “ real “ world.

22 minutes ago, crazyank said:

 

there is no time-consuming process to remove the daily gratuities.  5 minutes at Guest services is all it takes

That’s what you think!

The line on the last night at GR is long, like “real” long with @#$&@# removing gratuities— the first night is not as long because the #$&#$ know that their Room Attendant will be notified.

For those of you that remove gratuities, just think of the $$ you saved and whether it was worth “stiffing “ Staff that bust their butt for you to have a good time.