Chip and Dale

1 hour ago, stevea36 said:

 

The pizza and pasta is open until midnight or so, cafe al bacio serves (heavenly) desserts till really late (and really early).   The equivalent to coconut ranger cookies imho is the oatmeal raisin ones they serve.

 

btw, I have been on both EQ and RF and, for the most part, they are the same.   RF has an additional deck and the lawn club, EQ has the glass blowing classes (you can pay and make your own blown glass piece (albeit really done under the strict guidance of the pros).  You will be on EQ after the revolution so there will a few changes (i.e., silk harvest will be gone, replaced by petit chef),  still unknown to the masses (EQ will be the first S class ship that undergoes this revolution, to be completed by June 1, 2019).

 

I don't think you guys will starve !!!  and NO RESERVING POOL LOUNGERS... be like me... reserve a bar stool instead (Just kidding !!!)

 

You're safe with the loungers with us !  We sit on the balcony and read.  We loved sitting at the one cafe on the Promenade on Adventure etc. to drink a coffee and people watch.  Looking forward to checking out the layout of the EQ and RF.  I read something on these boards about the changes, but it won't really make sense to us till we are on a ship to see the layout.

Speaking of reserving loungers.  Are the loungers on the deck with the track?  On sea days especially we use the track (I could never get Den to work out on a machine) and on Royal the loungers are all around the track with people getting up or walking slooooooooowly exactly when you need to get by.  They used to put the loungers in the middle of the track.  Many many accidents.  Now the loungers are tied to the rails, so a little better.

We usually book 5 nights or a week at the Marriott Pompano Beach Resort and Spa prior to a cruise out of Fort lauderdale.  There have been major complaints every year in January/February who maintains a spot by the pool and would leave her book, towel or whatever to hold her spot.  If someone took the spot she would give them the evil eye.  We aren't sure if she is there just during the winter or if she lives at the hotel.  Originally she would give people a hard time if they took her spot.  The next year the staff would put towels on the chairs around the table to reserve it.  This year it cracked me up to see a reserved sticker on the top of the table so that NO ONE could invade her space unless invited.  She acts like a queen holding court.  It's pretty funny.  Talk about a chair/table hog.  We go for the beach so no worries.  You walk out the back gate of the resort and voila.......beautiful beach.  We walk the beach each day for 1 - 2 hours and often walk down again and go for dinner along the strip.  Heaven!

The beverage package opens up many options for us since we can go to the Happy Hour or not if we choose.  We like wine or a drink prior to dinner, wine with dinner and then maybe a nightcap or wine after dinner.  Me I love my champagne!

Dee

1 hour ago, davekathy said:

We enjoy Quest on RC and wish Celebrity would do a Qiuest or something similar. 

We loved Quest before it became a crazy free for all.  We won many times years ago with friends we travelled with.  So much fun.  Not a fan of it in the Ice Rink!  Too large, too impersonal and now with the beverage packages helping with sooooo many inebriated pax, too crazy.

Don't get me wrong, we have the pkg on Celebrity, it came with the price of admission though, so we don't feel like we need to drink X amount per day to get our moneys worth.  Yes I do realize it is included in the cost of the cruise, but it is small compared to paid gratuities or a $300 obc. 

Dennis Looooooooves the Love and Marriage show, he never wants to miss it.  Our first week in January on Adventure the man of the older couple (65 years married) started an argument with the CD.  It looked like he might hit the CD.  It was wild.  It wasn't a great show, but the one the next week was incredible.  Absolutely hilarious and full of good clean fun!

Dee

12 hours ago, helen haywood said:

I have heard people say they ordered the steak off the Kids’ Menu in the MDR.  Anyone have a photo?  Did you just order it as “I’d like the steak off the Kids’ Menu?”

 

 

 

 

 

This is absolutely brilliant!!!  We are new to Celebrity so new to the menus as well.  Sometimes mac and cheese or tomato soup is exactly what the Dr. ordered!!!

Thanks for this!

Dee

52 minutes ago, stevea36 said:

Only one announcement a day (at 10am), no belly flop contest, no quest, but there is a love and marriage game !!

 

the pizza is in the buffet, on the starboard side.   You go past the ice cream and it is right there on the corner.   They will even make special pies for you if you ask (I have a problem with lactose so they made me a pie without cheese).

 

as Sam said there is also the pasta bar.   And, if I remember correctly, both of these areas are open late for a late night snack (but, sadly, the ice cream is not 😞 )

 

Sounds great!  What time is the buffet open till? Are there other places open for a dessert or snack later at night, if so what time?  We will be on Equinox and Reflection. 

Dee

9 hours ago, Sam.Seattle said:

Overall.... Celebrity is the adult version of Royal with some more class.

No waterslides... etc.

We don’t use the water slides 😉. We absolutely love kids! We have grandchildren and will cruise with one of them in 2021.  BUT when traveling on our own it is no fun to be on a collision course with strollers 😳. Our last cruise had 500 children and I swear that most were on our deck!  The young parents don’t always have a good handle on discipline yikes. 

People on scooters were grabbing officers to help them get on elevators because they were clogged with pushy parents with HUGE strollers. I’ve never seen so many young babies on a ship in my life!  So many times the elevator doors would open and people on-board would say “no room” or “get the next one”. We waited, but others piled on. A lot of grumpy people that week. 

Thanks so much for the information. Greatly appreciated. 

Dee

8 hours ago, Sam.Seattle said:

Pizza is in the Buffet all day and into the night!  The pizza is much better than you find on Royal.  The crust is thin and there is a nice variety.  Next to the Pizza is a pasta bar..  You select veggies other goodies that are cooked and then added to the pasta with your choice of sauce.

 

We love pizza! Dennis loves when they have the pasta bar in the MDR for lunch so this will be nice. I can never have the tutti salad or the pasta bar because they always have shrimp and use the same pans etc.

Options are good. We don’t always like going to the dining room. We’re not always that hungry after eating in port. The food has been so disappointing in the MDR on Royal that we started eating more in ports. Pretty sad when i feel safer eating in the islands than on the ship! 

What time is the buffet restaurant open till?

Dee

1 hour ago, davekathy said:

Another difference about the CC HH is instead of having a buffet style setup like RC has in the DL, Celebrity has servers roaming around serving petit fours. Everything from savory to sweet. 

Sadly that’s usually a deal breaker for me. They always put a variety on the tray and ultimately there is either mushrooms or seafood of some kind on the tray so I’m out of luck. That’s ok. I usually stick with wings or cheese and fruit in the lounge. I don’t eat anything on nights when they have shrimp available. 

9 minutes ago, davekathy said:

I really believe you are going to enjoy Celebrity. The daily you receive each evening I your stateroom is called "Celebrity Today". 

It’s sounding better and better. Thanks so much!

Dee

2 hours ago, CardRock said:

DW takes an every other day self-injectible medication.  Looking for advice on packing..She has not flown since going on this med, so not sure how to handle with TSA.  We are on a direct flight so we would like to pack in checked luggage to avoid that screening altogether.  Will we have any problem with bringing them on the ship, and will they provide a sharps disposal container?  If so, do we request in advance or after we board?  TIA...love this board!   

I’m Canadian but travel a lot to the US. US and Canada.  I have a ziplock bag with my epipen and any other meds I need with me. You put the bag (whatever size needed to hold the meds, mine is the large freezer bag) in one of the plastic bins like your quart bag with allowed liquids. I have never had a problem in the US or Canada. Always leave everything in original packaging and with the pharmacy sticker on whatever you can. If you are really concerned ask the pharmacy for help. 

You don’t need to pull out the meds at the port but if you’re concerned then no worries put the bag in a little bin. Sometimes they are rough at security at the port. I’m never beyond saying be careful my prescription medication is in there. 

Please don’t stress. It is completely normal to put your meds in your carryon. Never put them in your checked. If luggage is lost you may have a problem. 

Dee

Just now, davekathy said:

Also when you first board you are greeted and handed a flute of welcome aboard sparkling wine. 🥂

I have goosebumps 😍🍾

1 minute ago, If only said:

Chip and Dale

Since your allergy is the Anaphylactic type you should advise Special Services to have it put on your file.  The first night you may have to advise your waiter but every night after that the Maître ‘D will arrive at your table so you can decide what you want for the next nights dinner.  I know first hand what a pain in the neck that is as I am allergic to shellfish get very ill but not to the point of Anaphylactic that was Kiwi for me.   I have been on enough cruises with Celebrity to basically know that you have to check out what is in the sauce as obviously you would not choose shellfish, mushrooms or tarragon, but they could be lurking in sauces or salad dressing.

i have to say they have always been very careful but of course I was always vigilant as well.  I know it’s very scary to let someone else make you meals.  I found them to go out of their way to help.  If you have any problem the person to talk to is the Food & Beverage Manager.

 

 

 

I cannot thank you enough! That’s exactly what I needed to hear. My poor husband was getting so sick of the problems on Royal.  He’s seen me have reactions too many times. That’s why we’re trying celebrity. We can put up with other annoyances and inconsistencies but food safety needs to be taken seriously. 

We are Canadian as well. Georgian Bay. 

Thanks again

Dee

10 minutes ago, stevea36 said:

ok, one last tidbit of info before i sign off for the evening...

 

You will find that the staff on X (celebrity) is very diligent about not letting "children" into late night adult only entertainment !!!  not like RCI where they announce that shows are adults only and parents take their kids anyhow and then complain to RCI about the content not being suitable for their kids 🙂

 

have a good night...    

 

I'll be on again in the morning (I'm a part time TA so I am online most of the day)....

 

Steve

You have been so very helpful. Thank you!

I’m on the computer or tablet most days. I’m an insurance broker. And sadly really busy right now. 

Dee

10 minutes ago, stevea36 said:

oh no... I made the mistake of mentioning to a waiter on a cruise (I think it was Explorer of the seas) that my DW liked whipped cream.   well, every day at dinner she got her dessert and a big bowl of homemade whipped cream.   I am no longer allowed to mention that fact to the wait staff (so I have others that I am cruising with do it for me 🙂 )

 

the classic package should be good as long as you are not stuck on the big name liquors.   If you are satisfied with well brands or first level brands (absolut, smirnoff are first level), classic covers them 100%.   If you go for something above(grey goose) you only pay the difference plus 18%....  (I mentioned vodkas as that is what I drink)

I like Sauvignon Blanc so fingers crossed or sparkling. Dennis loves Malbecs and rum punch or pina coladas. We both like good black dark roast coffee. 

I’ll try my gelato coupon sample and get my fill of ice cream 😁

11 minutes ago, stevea36 said:

At least now you know where to find him  (unless he is at the martini bar (a great place to hang out), the sunset bar (another one), or getting a slice of pizza that is made from scratch and decent (this coming from someone who grew up with NY pizza).

 

BTW, I dont recall if anyone addressed you allergy issues...   Contact special needs at celebrity (I believe their email address is special_needs@celebritycruises.com.   Make them aware.   Send a second email about 6 weeks prior to them and celebrity_dining@celebritycruises.com.  and, once you are onboard, go to see the maitr'd to make sure they got the message.  They are pretty good with allergies...  (just dont let the waiter in the MDR know that dennis likes ice cream or he will have it with everything !!!

 

Steve

You are wonderful! Exactly what I was looking for!!!

I have always done the emails on Royal. I gave up on the maître d (they were usually too busy rearranging tables) years ago and dealt with the head waiter. 

Pizza ooooooooh pizza 😍

5 minutes ago, stevea36 said:

not to be confused with the gelato on deck 5 near cafe al bacio (which btw, has the best coffee drinks at sea and takes the drink pkg to pay for it).  Desserts there are free for everyone !!

My hope is I can get the coffee and a shot of Khalua and tia Maria and make my favourite boozy coffee. Maybe they’ll put whipcream on top for me 😁. We have the classic beverage pkg. Den is so happy 😀 because from what we’ve read it includes pina coladas. Fingers crossed!

it will be fun comparing the ice cream to the gelato. 

Keep coming back with the info. I’m loving this!

Dee

1 minute ago, stevea36 said:

RCI had gone back to only one person needs to buy but too many people didn't understand and just went back to the old "sharing" habits...  so they had no choice...

 

I am amazed at how people can post here and on that other unmentioned site of how they can or will beat the system..  I guess they don't know that RCI and all other cruise lines have people patrolling these sites...

I know. It boggles the mind doesn’t it!

Just now, stevea36 said:

The reason RCI started charging at all times is that people would order the food and either not be in the stateroom when it arrived or just barely eat it and throw most of it out.  waste...

 

same sort of reasoning behind everyone in the cabin needing to get the drinks package.   abuse of the system..(in that case people were sharing the package)..

 

I know. It’s sad. It punishes people like us who don’t abuse the system. 

Just now, stevea36 said:

I see that davekathy replied...  If you do go to the buffet, be sure to check out the ice cream.  The hard ice cream is all made onboard, from scratch !!!

SERIOUSLY???? 😍. That’s a perfect reason to cruise! Dennis will be overjoyed!

Thank you!

Dee

2 minutes ago, NantahalaCruiser said:

The reason there is no Elite HH on the evening of the Captain's event is that the Captain's event is a cocktail party! No reason to duplicate.

I understand. We rarely go to those events or the top tier events on Royal. 

19 minutes ago, davekathy said:

Hats are not allowed (at least for men) in the  MDR at anytime. There is a charge for room service of $4.95 between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM. 

So no charge for room service during the day or evening?  Royal used to be no charge during the day but now it’s $7.95 all of the time. The only exception is the continental room service breakfast. 

2 hours ago, stevea36 said:

The clothing options you described for yourself and DH will work well within Celebrity's guidelines.  Be aware that they do enforce no shorts for dinner, no caps, and men's tops must have sleeves (sometimes no t-shirts as well).  otherwise slacks or dressy jeans are fine.

 

Steve

Thanks Steve. Very helpful. We would go to the buffet if we didn’t have time to change and were wearing shorts at night. 

Are hats ok at breakfast or lunch? Also, does Celebrity charge for room service?

Thanks in advance 

Dee

1 hour ago, davekathy said:

We sail both Celebrity and RC. We like both lines and like they are different in some ways. Variety.

 

There is no dedicated lounge for the CC HH. On both ships you're cruising on the CC HH will be held in the Sky Lounge, deck 14. Like RC you will receive a letter in your stateroom outlining all your Elite perks, events, time and places. 

 

Celebrity no longer does formal evening. It's now called evening chic. Celebrity's website has the definition of the different suggested dress guidelines. IMO, a lot of options for all. 

 

We always have plenty of storage in our staterooms. Just the two of us. 

 

Embarkation and disembarkation can very from port to port and ship to ship. We've never had a bad experience on either end. Like RC your stateroom will not be ready until 1:00PM. 

 

Have you contacted the Captains Club (1-800-760-0654) and provided them with your C&A numbers? Enjoy your first Celebrity cruise. 

 

 

 

Thanks. I had a Captains Club number the day I called in the reservations. 

I’ve seen the website. I’m looking for personal experiences. What happens on Royal definitely is not what it states on the website. Things have changed dramatically on-board. 

Thanks again

Dee

Hi

We are D+ on Royal so Elite on Celebrity. We are booked on Reflection in January 2020 (b2b) and a 12 night on Equinox in February 2021 (after a week with kids and grandkids on Oasis.) 

We have the Classic Beverage pkg on all 3 cruises. We use the lounge on Royal so never get a beverage pkg. I know that the “Happy Hour” is not available on embarkation day (dumb!) and the Captains event night (again dumb!). It is also only between 5 pm and 7 pm (not great for dining hours).  We enjoy meeting people in the Diamond Lounge. I know that Celebrity is rolling out unlimited drinks in any bar except two, on-board starting this month for Elites. 

I’m looking for information regarding the dress expected on Celebrity. We have done formal nights on Royal but don’t love them. DH usually wears khakis and a shirt or polo most nights, I typically wear capris and a dressy top, a dress or slacks and a dressy top. We honestly don’t care what others wear! Lots of shorts and T-shirts in the dining room and lounge but we couldn’t care less. We are NOT the fashion police!  I’m looking for your preferences and experience with dress on Celebrity. 

I have deadly seafood, mushroom and tarragon allergies. There was a time years ago when Royal handled this well with diligence and extreme care and concern. This has become more and more problematic on their ships and serious mistakes have been made with my food. With a deadly seafood allergy I’ve had poorly trained waiters and head waiters suggest seafood entrees for my dinner. We did a b2b on Adventure in January. The first week was fine in the dining room till the last formal night so we stopped eating in the dining room for my safety. The second week the waiter laughed at me having so many allergies. We reported it to guest services and the Food Services Manager did his best to resolve the issue but it meant moving us to my time dining in a lousy location and we felt uncomfortable so did not return to the MDR. There is much more to the situation but I won’t waste your time.  From almost the beginning of our time on Royal I have emailed Royal dining about my allergies and requested a table for two prior to sailing. I have always had the emails acknowledged with confirmation of a table for two and instructions. 

My question is for those with severe allergies. Do you find that Celebrity is good at honouring your needs and making sure you are safe? I know that they have a separate allergy kitchen and so does Royal BUT I have been served other people’s food by accident and also food that should have been prepared for me but obviously wasn’t since it had a grilled mushroom on it that looked like grilled onions.  Yup I trusted them and took a bite. Fortunately I knew what to do and survived (obviously 😉).  

We  are in a veranda cabin....7356 on Celebrity and 7354 on Equinox. They both show larger balconies. Did I choose well? We are unaccustomed to the cabins on Celebrity. Is there good storage? How do they compare to balcony cabins on Royal? 

Lastly, embarkation and disembarkation. We don’t typically arrive till between noon and one pm. Royal has been pretty good. We do get some priority when boarding. Disembarkation off of Adventure was a nightmare! It is handled poorly with the goal being “get out!!!”  Is Celebrity any better?  

I’m sure I will come up with more questions as I see responses. Thanks in advance for your patience! It is greatly appreciated. 

Dee

2 minutes ago, davekathy said:

You're welcome. Our most recent Celebrity cruises were a B2B on the Equinox March/April 2018 and on the Infinity September 2018. Our go to wine is always Sauvignon Blanc and we were able to get it with the CBP (at no additional cost) at the bars and the MDR. Can't remember the different brand names offered. Like with RC sometimes not all drinks associated with the BPs are listed on the cruise lines websites.  

That’s great to know. Thanks. DH deals much better with change than I do. They never had Sauvignon blanc in the lounge but the hotel director sent me two bottles on our last cruise. Very nice. 

10 minutes ago, davekathy said:

We also like that the DL is open all day. Also that you can get unlimited drinks in the DL as well as the three drinks that are loaded on our Seapass cards during the 3.5 hours each evening. Celebrity dose not have a dedicated lounge like RC does. The lounge (name depends on the ship you are cruising) is only open from (typically) 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. They will have snacks but the servers serve them. Not buffet style like in the DL.  Another bummer is there is no CC HH during the Senior Offers party that is held later during the cruise. Like always check your Elite letter that will be in your stateroom for times, location and all associated perks. We always have the CBP and are cool with the drinks offered. If you want a drink that isn't covered by the CBP you will pay the difference of the drink plus 18% gratuity. 

Thanks so much for the information!  We do have classic beverage on these two cruises in January. I drink champagne and Sauvignon blanc.  Doesn’t look like there is Sauvignon blanc but I think there is a Malbec for dh. Considering the bigger cost I was hoping for better. We’ll have to see if it all evens out. I’m not interested in paying more considering the cost of the cruises. We’ll give it a try. If we aren’t impressed we will try other lines and river cruising. 

Thanks again

Dee