drakes2

15 minutes ago, MAGSMFC said:

Does anyone know the cost of a bottle of Jack Daniels and a bottle of Baileys in the shops on Celebrity Ascent.  I can then decide whether to purchase them at the airport or wait until we board the ship.

 

Many thanks 

I wouldn't buy either at the airport much better prices onboard the ship or in ports of call. Even better pricing if you buy 2 usually additional 20% off. 

3 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

we are going to stop by Publix before the cruise and carry on a couple of 12-packs of sodas.

I think a small bottle water 2 or 3 bucks plus gratuities. I stock up on water during HH. 

7 minutes ago, Overlandandsea said:

It depends what you're used to .. many European cities are charging that kind of rate for cocktails.

Yeah you may be right. Last year I had a glass of Kim Crawford SB in a restaurant that was $17 but I still think $19 is too high.  Is that with gratuities?

On 3/5/2024 at 3:16 PM, fliprcruiser said:

Beer starts at $9, drinks $11-12.  premium drinks start at $15, most are in $17 range. World class bar are $19

That's absurd for WCB to charge $19 for a cocktail. Most are quite good but certainly do not warrant that type of change. That's too bad as I was planning to go there on the beyond next week but will not bother now 

1 hour ago, keesar said:

There is no fancy 'spread'.  Servers were in the area up the stairs behind the bar on the upper level.  I ran into that by accident when I was playing Trivia when talking to a Captain's Club greeter.  There were drinks servers and those carrying appetizers.  Not well attended and I could see why due to location.

Pre covid HH was held in the Sky lounge on S class ships and was well attended every night. I remember on one sailing they had tons of great appetizers even mini crab cakes and they were delicious. Real crab not the imitation garbage

3 hours ago, Lena11033 said:

I noticed last Tuesday the points from my last cruise were incorrect (should have had double). I called Wednesday morning and they confirmed it should be doubled and would 'email to have it fixed' but it's been a week.

For others that have had this happen how long does it take to fix? I'd like it fixed because it's 144 points missing which is quite a bit and would put me into elite but I don't want to waste my time on a call if I haven't given it long enough

Thats happened to me as well give it another week and then call captains club. I was missing double points from 3 cruises and they were quick to add them

53 minutes ago, keesar said:

We had her as a speaker on a Celebrity ship about 10 years ago.  She was very informative and entertaining.  

 

 

Melinda Bates was a speaker on my TA last April on the Apex.  I thought she was excellent 

1 minute ago, CNSfromHI said:

Sorry for the tardy reply, @drakes2!

 

Yes, just samples (see photo) for the various wines involved. But that's not a criticism; it only takes a bit of an olive, or chocolate, or cheese to totally change the way you perceive the taste of a particular style of wine. I found it very interesting how a morsel of something could transform a wine style I didn't care for into "Yes, please!" 😄

 

The entire event was led by a professional who guided each sip/taste. I took many notes and recommend this experience.

 

cjr

Glad your experience was better than the one I recently had on Princess. It was a cheap champagne (prosecco)  and three wines with a few bites for $35 plus gratuities. Very small pours and the sommelier kept rambling on;  one wine was Caymus and I would have liked a bit more but they didn't offer it at the end as we were leaving I asked and he said you could have requested another pour. Why don't they just tell you that?

3 minutes ago, catsmit said:

Ok, here’s the Nutella croissant. The Nutella was very good, the croissant was a little chewy for my taste. 
 

I guess I'm spoiled with the European croissants and now won't eat anything else. 

2 hours ago, RmwG78 said:

We did it on Silhouette last year when it was held in Tuscan. The sommeliers are stationed in the entrance with a wine (think it was 6 white and 6 red) and you basically wandered around tasting the wines (and you could go back and have more of your preferred wines). Lots of cheese and breads also available in the centre. If you've got a good deal I would certainly do it. 

For the price I paid I thought it was worth it plus it will kill part of the afternoon on 8 long sea days. I've only done it on S class ships in Cellar Masters and it was never crowded. This time I will be on the Ascent. On the Beyond for the March 22nd sailing so if I fancy whats being offered I will probably try it but I do like to see what they're serving. 

2 hours ago, Galaxy2004 said:

Never had a direct from France croissant. Would love to if they're better than these.

I buy them frozen from my local grocery store 4 in a bag says right on the bag: Product of France. 

17 minutes ago, Galaxy2004 said:

Those croissants!!! Every. Single. Morning, 

Not a fan of their croissants I find them tough. I buy my croissants frozen and bake myself.   They are made in France. 

1 hour ago, catsmit said:

I’ll look tomorrow morning but I asked a floating attendant in the buffet at breakfast & was told without a beverage package, I could not have tomato juice. I even told him, I don’t want a Bloody Mary, just tomato juice. 🤣

There was a guest at the Elite breakfast one morning that wanted Tomato juice separate from his vodka and waiter said it was pre mixed. He raised hell but finally got his tomato juice. 

58 minutes ago, hcat said:

pic above was mine...Here are a  few more from website/ internet

 

 

 

I'm wondering how much use we can get from it during a TA in April perhaps first couple days then when in Spain and Portugal. Last year on Apex it was cold and windy during our crossing.

11 hours ago, hcat said:

and . .the expanded Sunset Bar area is a great spot to try on the ASCENT!

Popular but  very nice!

Is sunset bar different on Ascent from Edge and Apex? I will be on both ships within the next month.

11 hours ago, critterchick said:

How do you get 2 bottles of wine from X? We are also Elite + and haven’t heard of that perk….

I use a CVP and have given him lots of business over the years also brought him new customers so I guess thats the reason. 

29 minutes ago, Minorhawk said:

Maybe it's a good sign that I haven't received notification yet...or maybe they're still laughing at my offer!!

Well if they're laughing at you then they are at me as well as I put in the minimum just haven't heard yet. 

1 hour ago, catsmit said:

I just got my “bid unsuccessful” e-mail. I’m shocked, I tell you! 🤣 

 

Good luck on yours!

I didn't realize they let you know if you don't win your bid. I've also bid on a SV but haven't received notification 

Just now, Galaxy2004 said:

No such creature on Celebrity. Your only option would be the free coffee at the buffet or the zero proof/non alcoholic package that gives you specialty coffees, etc. 

If you are Elite plus specialty coffees teas are included or if not just pay as you go. 

4 minutes ago, Beachlover1989 said:

Have fun! Can't wait to follow along! Would also love to hear a comparison with HAL!

Will be on Ascent April 14th 13 night TA. 

1 minute ago, lesliew said:

No big expectations other than to have a few glasses of wine and meet some people

Thats a great way to look at it.  

6 minutes ago, LB_NJ said:

I recently paid $32 per person, which included the gratuity.

 

We don’t have the beverage package. If we did I  might skip.

 

At that price I think it is worth it.  We’ve done it before so we have an idea of what to expect. I don’t think I would spend much more.

 

As others have said it can be a bit of a zoo. You get to try several OK wines and talk to other passengers about wine and the wine stewards who sometimes know what they are talking about.

 

DO NOT expect expensive wines.  Probably all below $15 - $20 at your local wine shop.

 

To put things into perspective, I have never spent over $100 for a bottle of wine (except ports), and maybe buy 5 bottles a year over $40.  So I like wine and going to wineries for tasting but tend to buy in the $15 to $35 range at wine shops/wineries. I guess that translates to $60-$150 shipboard prices.

I don't buy the package either. Celebrity gives me 2 bottles and I bring 1 from home.  I am Elite plus so take advantage of the HH and that works for me. I usually purchase fairly pricey wines at home but wait until they get discounted at 20 to 30 off.  Last week scored a Belle Glos pinot which had 2 markdowns due to overstock from xmas. Usually retails for $70 but would never pay that. Bought 6 bottles at $39 each. CAD.

9 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

Just booked this for our upcoming May cruise.   

 

We have done this before and my plan is to talk to the Cellar Master a day or two before the event and find out what the offerings are going to be and cancel if I do not like what I hear. 

 

The last time was in 2021 on Reflection and I enjoyed it.  Most of the wines we had were available via bottle only.  

 

When I was on the Apex TA last spring I went to Eden where it was held but didn't care for most of the wines and others I had already tried so I just left. This time I have already committed myself for the Ascent TA in April at 29% off. I tried to book it for my Beyond sailing this month but only 10% off. I called and girl on phone asked supervisor and she said no. Oh well I give her credit for trying.  And who knows if I fancy the wines I'll probably sign up on board but asking sommelier in advance is a great idea.

21 minutes ago, zitsky said:

What's the sale price? I'd pay $30 for it, not more than that.  I'm the kind of wine drinker in the middle.  Not new to drinking wine and not a snob, usually, but I still found the World Wine Tour fun if you go in with the right expectations.  No, you will not be drinking $200 a bottle wine.  But you might get to talk to a more knowledgeable sommelier.  And it's kind of fun even if you're not trying to drink as much as possible.  It can be kind of a zoo, but in a fun way.

I paid $43 CAD which is around $31 US pretty good price; wouldn't get it for that onboard. 

12 minutes ago, markeb said:

 

I would have hoped if they were doing one red and one white from Argentina the red would have been a Malbec. It's kind of the national wine of Argentina...

No it definitely was a cab and a pretty good one although I also enjoy malbecs even carmenere.