TGfromTX

The sale has over 37 hours to go. I think they recover some of the sale money on the alcohol package by keeping the soda package higher when it's on sale. Everyone in the room has to have a package, so if someone doesn't drink, they'll pay a higher price for the zero package.

I could definitely see them being helpful for cooler weather cruising where no one wants to be on the upper deck or on a traditional balcony. I've heard the public hangouts are over run with people trying to find a window to look out of. I don't think I'll see any of these sailing through Alaska though. I want to take a transatlantic someday. I think one of these rooms might be a perfect option since those tend to happen in between the hot & cold seasons. I was never aware of any room beside me able to cut my AC off in past. That is good information to know.

Oh, I did think of a tip. It's pretty easy to meet people by offering to take their photo. You can chat enough where neither of you aren't committed and you'll get a first impression fairly quickly. Also you'll recognize each other afterward so at least you can say hi in passing. I usually try to say hi in passing anyone I've spoken to on the trip. I'm pretty sure I met the couple at the bar just outside of a port by taking their photo - it helped that we were seated outside where the background was great for a photo. Plus you'll get someone to take your photo on vacation out of the deal.

I joined my roll call on here but it looks like there are only handful of people that joined. Unless things pick up in the next 8 weeks I don't think that silent group is going to meet up. I've never met anyone from any rollcall so far. Does someone usually just start asking to meet up out of the blue? My experience is limited because I've only done 4 cruises. The people I've met onboard where we've hung out with after initially meeting. It has happened at group tables for breakfast or lunch. Never dinner for some reason. Once at a bar at one port also - mainly because we were all from Texas and sailed out of Florida. I don't really enjoy sitting in the bar - I take my drink and go do stuff and those people appear to enjoy sitting at the bar more than I do. I've met people on excursions where we recognize each other afterward, but never hung out. I do wonder if food and beverage make me look like more fun to hang out with. Group tables may not be a thing now though - my last cruise they never provided that option when being sat.

Retreat sky? I wish I were your friend. Ha ha. I can provide no info, but I'm doing my first solo cruise ever due to my travel buddy having a work issue come up - I could have probably rebooked, but they offered me an upgrade from window to a single balcony for no extra - so I jumped.

Was it due to room getting hot? I have one booked in July and I feel like it'll be similar to sitting on a porch vs patio. Some reviews suggested the issues with heat vs heat being on balcony were exaggerated, so it's hard to tell what I'll think. I know the chairs I see in photos look uncomfortable.

As someone that decorates my door minimally, the response came across overly blunt to me too. But I laughed and thought "well, Scott asked what everyone thought." And I doubt it was written with the tone I added to it when I initially read it. I am curious if this is more a Canadian impression of what cruising should be like. I find Celebrity ships are caught between different passenger types they are targeting - classic cruisers that want a refined, elegant cruise, and dress to the 9s; and those that are after a much more casual cruise & starting to target families with kids. I think this is more apparent when asking opinions about dressing up for dinner in the MDR or not. I like to be able to wear jeans into main dining, but I know this affects the ambiance of the dinner for those that are dressed up. That policy is very vague and leaves different ships enforcing differently - a much bigger issue with this line. In either case, I enjoyed reading everyone's opinions. And I think the themed magnets would make me smile if I saw them. It makes me smile when I find a duck too - but I've only found 1 ever. But I think I'm on the cruise lines that don't do that as much.

So that was only available after you are on the ship? Do you know if bottles of liqueur are discounted the same way?

Did you find having a concierge provided much benefit over just using the app? Just trying to validate my impression from reviews I've read. Although I think there is a dedicated number you can call to speak to them, it sounds like they only greet you and possibly show up to tell you goodbye and remind you to do your survey. One seemed to indicate they are going to redirect you to your cabin steward in most instances.

Too funny - I tried to figure that out before I booked too. Hopefully someone who purchased it can elaborate. All I found was a special meal for those passengers (I think on first day) and an assigned host so you didn't have to go to the different desks for complaints, to request things like reserving dining rooms or adding excursions. It might give you reserved seating in the theater, but I can't remember off hand. With the app doing much of that, I don't feel like it adds much value.

I can't find wine at all except where you send a gift to someone on a cruise. https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-gifts/SPIRIT/collections Cheapest white is Corte Giara Pino Grigio at $36. Cheapest red is La Crema Sonoma Pinot Noir at $54. I feel like it's better to buy by the glass than pay that. Remember you can bring 2 bottles aboard per cabin during embarkation (any from the ports you visit will be held til departure). There is corkage fee to drink in dining room.

For my cruise the lowest bid is higher than what I could have gotten for by purchasing it upfront. I can say that if you have a room number assigned, know that upgrades are sort of hit and miss. You are agreeing to whatever they give you and you can't really back out. We were upgraded once on Carnival to the same room type (balcony) that was on a higher deck (was told that higher decks are upgrades). When we checked out the room online, the room was listed with an obstructed view. Luckily once onboard the obstruction was minimal - just a pole. We still loved the room, but I feel like I was downgraded. Since that, I've noticed much debate about these upgrades being a way to sell cabins near elevators, stairwells, above dance floors, or below the pool - places with noise. Of course inside or window cabin to balcony might be worth the noise. My 2 cents.

Recognize I'm interpreting their response as another passenger. I specifically asked about clean nice sneakers, jeans, and button/collared polo shirt. They did not say any were an issue, but they didn't exactly answer the question with yes or no. I think they are saying sneakers are okay but I'm holding onto the email in case they disagree onboard. I can let you know for sure when I return - August. Can't tell if your response was "Sneakers only, good" or "Sneakers only, darn." If the latter, you may be happier on another cruise line if sneakers are too dressy and the buffet isn't okay with you. But I think this policy is similar on NCL also. Not sure about other lines. I doubt any of the other mid-premium tier cruise lines (Holland America & Princess) will be more lax. I'm trying to figure out how to do a Caribbean cruise with flops and only 1 other pair of shoes - that are highly walkable for my old feet. The Celebrity buffets are supposed to be really good so I'd actually do that on chic night, but I feel like that's the night they'll serve lobster.

Asking here because this might help OP also, does anyone know if I can request complementary higher tier liqueurs when playing in the casino? Some of my thoughts... To make the classic drink package break even, you have to drink about 6+ drinks daily - including on port days. If you are going to be drinking a brand that isn't on the classic package, the difference for the premium package is $9 per day right now (on my cruise). You will likely be at that price if you order 6 drinks with upcharges - assuming it's at least $1.50 - I feel like it'll be $2 or $3. If you decide classic still works out, be sure to tell each bartender you want a 'classic package' alcohol in your drinks if they aren't listed that way on menu.

The rules are VERY lax on embarkation day since many do not have their luggage yet. Be prepared for some judgmental looks from other passengers if you are underdressed. I usually take 1 button down shirt, black jeans or slacks - but I may only take polos, jeans and sneakers this trip. If I do, I'll eat VERY early on chic night to try to avoid those that care. I contacted Celebrity via email in reference to my future cruise. I asked specifically about polo, jeans, and nice walking shoes - to limit how many suitcases I needed to pay extra for on my flight. They (Customer Xperience Center) responded 2 days ago: Smart Casual attire is required for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the Celebrity Theatre. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants, or jean, and stylish top or button-down. Shorts and flip flops are not considered Smart Casual.... If you do not wish to participate in Evening Chic, Smart Casual attire is acceptable for dining and theater.

Adieu! !Adios! Bye-bye. Cheerio! Farewell! Gluckliche Reise! Godspeed! Goodbye. Happy landing! Pleasant journey. Tsetchem leshalom.

Enjoy your trip! Envious

Even if they won't price match (or even if they do), I'd call and ask the question if there is any perk they might offer instead. I'm always very very nice to whoever I'm talking to. You might score a free or discounted add-on you are on the fence about or get into a higher grade cabin. If you call, frame the question suggesting the sort of alternatives you'd be interested in - flexibility seems to be key to better offers. I contacted them due to an issue (not pricing related but expected it to cost extra to resolve), and let them know I could switch ships & dates if they could help me address it - I was offered a class upgrade in my room - and nothing I could have possibly gotten online for same invested price. I was asked if I'd take the offer on the spot if a supervisor would authorize the change because they likely wouldn't be able to offer it later. I called mainly because I didn't want to wade through the instructions how to deal with my issue & I ended up with something much better than I could have done on my own. I don't entirely understand what triggered the offer, but the agents have access to upgrades and perks they don't publish online. I am a first time cruiser with the line, so I don't know if making a good first impression played into it. Best of luck.

Log out of celebrity site. Go to this spreadsheet & enter your cruise info - it will populate a link to see drink prices without your account. It also shows current excursion prices, dining packages, wifi, etc. I use it for comparing prices when selecting between cruises before I have purchased. It only works for Royal C and Celebration. For my current cruise logging into my account has not shown any prices that differ from what is displayed without logging in. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ukT6gOPcu7coL92LuDcyDaWXQfO88u5kN9FEdHRj5bM/edit#gid=0

Flash sale right now for 35% off - at least for my booking.

I do similar every cruise - but not for decorating - it's so I can easily find my room. I don't do anything elaborate - just a couple of butterflies once, but it's so much easier than trying to remember room numbers - especially if that drink package is purchased.