Gatordad1967

17 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

You will often hear that tipping is a personal choice and it is.   Basic tips are indeed included in most packages or added to your bill.

 

Our attitude is that if a person just does their job we do not feel compelled to tip additional.   If a staff member in any capacity goes above and beyond to make our vacation special we always tip extra.

 

On this trip, our Room Attendant will definitely get a nice tip.  He immediately learned our schedule and would clean our room the moment we left so it was back to perfection when we returned.   When he wold see me coming down the hall he would unlock our door for us.    I also sent a letter to the Hotel Director saying he would make a great butler in his next career move.

Perfectly said.  You are always spot on.

I think we got a text in the app showing that our cabin was ready.

if you can eat the slop on Carnival, you will enjoy MSC.  European flair.

that is what my agent is for.

Just got off Solstice.  Only place to get food after 9pm was at buffet.... and it was half the buffet.  Not a lot going on late there.

Only Carnival and Royal have more ships.  Most of Carnival's are not seaworthy.

My $$ is on MSC longterm.

MSC gives lots to do.  If you don't want to go to bed at 10, don't cruise Celebrity.

3 hours ago, Nunagoras said:

Ha, ha!... Actually MSC may have same or even some less options that their competitors (less ships, different destinations), but the wording is sort of strange for many, giving such the sensation or far more!... Let me to just try again to get that wording in place by explaining their experience levels and such:

 

Bella - Base line guaranteed cabin in a no frills business level (like a low cost European airline ticket).

Fantastica - Similar to other companies mainstream ticket, sometimes with a drinks package added.

Aurea - Yeah, that "zombie" category that is like a Junior or "part" suite of sorts product...

YC - A ship within the ship concept that gives you some exclusivity.

 

And I could go on. All things considered it's not that different from the competitors. Their drinks packages are also less valuable now than what they used to be...

 

That said; you made my day, sir!... Huh!... Have a nice day too!...

lol less ships.

9 hours ago, techteach said:

We are in Concierge level stateroom, not a suite. Is there a blanket provided for use on our veranda? Are there binoculars?  Thanks!

just got off Friday.  No binoculars.  Thankfully, we brought our own.

formal night was an excuse to sell overpriced photos.

6 hours ago, jakebloke said:

On my recent Summit cruise it was called LGBTQ+ gathering. (I think they did away with Friends of Dorothy ages ago).   It was at 8:00 every night at the martini bar.  Nothing organized, just a show up kind of thing. Some nights were quite busy with gay men mostly, and some nights we were the only couple.  8:00 was difficult since we had 8:30 dining so we always went around 7:00.   I like the idea of different times tho.

 

As for the upside down pineapple.  I just heard about this last week.  Too funny.  

I thought we had friends of Dorothy last week on Solstice, but could be mistaken.

They are lucky for the nice person.  I'm guessing they didn't utilize a TA, and almost paid dearly for it.

being that our safety briefing spot was the Tuscan Restaurant, I'd say no.   But YMMV.

On 8/11/2022 at 7:31 AM, shipgeeks said:

SAS Transportation (rideSAS) does pickups at various hotels around FL.  Check their website before choosing a hotel.  We have found them reliable and inexpensive.

I heartily agree.  SAS is very very awesome.  Reasonable, and reliable.  

1.  You can upgrade the drink package.

2.  Just got off Solstice, the food was ok.  I call the food a draw.  

3.  The shows are pretty equal on both.

4.  Did not like on Solstice that if you were hungry after 9pm, you had very limited options (like the buffet, but not a lot out there)

My conclusion,  I would sail Celebrity again, but only if the price was right.  Not worth a premium.

great post.  Unfortunately, most of the folks that need to hear your message won't.

We got a nice aft cabin. Not sure of perks, or upcharge. I guess I am 50/50

On 7/31/2022 at 8:13 PM, Jim_Iain said:

Wow a bit of stereo typing for sure.    I guess all the straights like to eat early.   Lots of them will even drink with us gays that choose not to drink at the Martini bar. 

 

OK..no insult intended - just got carried away.

 

I'll never forget walking into a large restaurant in Queensland, Au  with a big sign -  No Fags this side  (meaning of course cigarettes)  it did catch my attention.

Some of us like to eat all the time......

4 hours ago, hawkesbaynz said:

@Gatordad1967 Virgin are offfering their third opportunity to book a weeks cruise this Summer for 115,000 virgin points. Mainly Med. But Carib. too. I am wondering if that is a reflection of how well they are selling the cruises for cash.  Is the Adult Only concept working for them? 
 

There is a small cruise line in the UK called Saga which are offer over 50s cruises. The new small ships look great and itineraries good too. However Saga is a brand historically synonymous with old folks holidays and my 62 yr old wife will not countenance giving them a try. My friends elderly mother had a great cruise with them in a solo room of which they have many. 
 

We love Celebrity and rarely see children causing an issue. Never travel during school holidays. The Retreat obsession with X is irksome tho.
 

What really annoys me is travelling Business Class and having a noisy child adjacent to me. All that cash for a comfortable flight spoilt by crying and tantrums. 

Not sure.  I want to try out one of their 3 nighters...... just to see.  Because it is truly all inclusive, the higher price may be scaring off people.  Hopefully the concept stays, as I like the idea.

I would have gone to Guest Services.  They have power to make something happen.

11 minutes ago, ivanidea said:

As much as I like the idea of adults only, I don't like how adult only resorts are full of noisy party folk (remembering the 18-30 holidays from the 80s).

 

We enjoy a quiet cruise, and so far not experienced any issues on any Celebrity cruise, but as others have said, we do plan our trips during term time.

 

Although, it would be appropriate for Celebrity to go adult only, after all they are the only cruise line who are 'X Rated' (just look at the funnel 😉  ).

I do want to try Virgin...... Their concept seems cool.

when I die, I want to come back as your suitcase, lol.... enjoy.

18 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

Back tracking is very weak and unbecoming because you certainly implied it.  JUST OWN IT AND MOVE ALONG!

Uh, no.  and I quote myself "never happen.... and shame on that person that suggested it."

go stir someone else's pot.

8 minutes ago, Denny01 said:

Wow

‘They’, the OP, did not suggest Celebrity become adult only, they asked what CC readers think about the idea, and even in the title strongly infers the OP doesn’t think its a great idea and even had ‘is it even possible?’. 

Ashamed?? Again…..Wow. 

 

den

 

 

 

 

I will say it again SHAME ON THE PERSON WHO SUGGESTED IT.  I never referred to the OP.  Maybe reading comprehension eludes you.

14 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

I can't resist..... Why not just plug in a telemarketing program to call all our rooms -

"Hello -  Your Automobile warranty is about to expire"

wanna buy a watch?