CruisinShips

I have no idea what you're talking about. 😉

Don't get all sassy with me, Dawg! Post #2 "Priority boarding went away with the introduction of assigned check-in times" That was what we Gators call an unqualified statement...and I asked for claification!

Thought so, thanks.

No priority for suites either?

I get that some of us are wired to more cynical than are others...but I watched that video and I actually saw sincerity. I believe they went on the Equinox with the intent of examining the actual passenger experience, and they saw the things that many here have seen....and that's why I also think it's possible that more good will come out of their field trip than was discussed in the video. I'm referring to tweaks in food preparation (quality) that were recognized as needed, but not publicly called out. With 19 X reps going on the trip, it's probably safe to assume they all returned with their own notes and lists, and that those lists will be reviewed, evaluated and decisions will be made as to what changes will be implemented. All that said, it will be interesting to see if things do change. What will remain constant is that for some, the good old days will always seem unattainable and cruising will continue to be a disappointment, and some will just enjoy their cruising with lower expectations. Perception is ones reality!

Speaking of move-up bids, is it consistent that they become available (for bidding) exactly 90 days prior to embarkation date?

Good review, thank you. But being the child at heart that I am, I did chuckle at this bit of TMI: "Everything in the bathroom was spotless and worked great, although the rainfall shower head was surprisingly short over the tub and my 6" husband had to duck to fit underneath!"

Big fan of Grgich Hills as well (their whites, especially the Fume Blanc). I've remained a member of their wine club since my last visit to their winery a few years ago. I didn't even know they had been available on Celebrity...but I will be checking from now on!

I’m a gentleman. I don’t sail and tell.

I assumed it would have been obvious I was joking….guess not.

That was funny. Let me ask you a question. Let’s say you’re attending a concert or some other event. The tickets say “Doors open at Noon”. You happen to arrive early because you encounter less traffic than expected, say, at 11:20, and you see the doors are open and everyone is going in. What do you do? Do you wait until noon because that’s what the ticket said, or do you enter early because they are happy to take your ticket and allow you entry? if you do go in early, I give you my word I won’t judge you like you’ve judged me. I won’t ask if you leave the toilets unflushed or if you intentionally take too long to order your snacks at the concession stand.

I like to go as early as I can so I can ensure I get my money's worth on my drink package.

We were on the 10/1 sailing and had a great experience as well. It was our first X cruise (Diamonds on Royal and have sailed several other lines)...and we now have two more booked with Celebrity. I'm sorry for all of those people who have sworn Celebrity off...as I posted in my own mini-review, sometimes it's better to go in with lower expectations.

I'm just here to comment on the interesting use of exclamation points! 😉

sadly, I think the cabin issues are just "luck of the draw". We were on the Eclipse earlier this month and thankfully had no issues (except the "premium Wi-Fi" in our cabin was horrible).

Then it sounds like they can implement that when they feel the need, and those who show up too early can wait.

That's when it's time to pull out the "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" card! 😉

As I said, if I (along with the hundred(s) of others that arrive when they choose) am asked to wait, I will wait. Since check-in isn't based on the honor system, and there are people checking you in, it's up to them to enforce it. If those people who do the checking in aren't instructed to enforce boarding times, then it becomes a suggestion, and not a mandate. Have you ever been on a cruise where boarding times were enforced? I have not.

I'm sure they are and I respectfully urge you to abide by yours if that's how you feel. But when they aren't enforced, that reason seems to be of less importance. As I have said...I prefer to show up when I am ready to show up. If they make me wait, that's fine and the wait time is on me. If they let me on, then my cruise begins earlier.

I guess perhaps they think my pointing and laughing at the color of their seapass card while I have my suite colored card taped to my forehead is bragging?

Someone posted about this email on a Celebrity FB page I follow, and much of the discussion turned into talk started by one poster about how they will no longer sail Celebrity because of how the Elites and above onboard would always rub everyone's noses in their status and they were tired of being made to feel less than. I've certainly never seen anything like that myself...curious if anyone here has experienced it. Frankly it came across to me as that posters' own insecurity, but maybe I am in the minority...

If you don't want to pay for premium wifi on the ship, perhaps your best plan is to wait until you're in port and go on cellular (most cellular providers have day passes).

The moral to the story:

It happens. Usually people show up when they choose and there are no real issues in my experience.

Show up when you want...you will be far from alone in that...either they let you board, or you wait a little while.