cruisestitch

Given the OP's expectations, I urge him to look carefully at the fine print on his potenetial new cruise lines' loyalty programs and make sure that their language includes a statement about grandfathering all members to their current program's T&C. And please come back here to let us know what line's loyalty rewards system has such language after you have chosen it. :rolleyes:

Meanwhile, try to have a Happy Thanksgiving, even though Celebrity has made you miserable.

Right -- I was just hoping that maybe the Host on board, Graeme, could let him have a look so he could share the info with us when he gets back.

But perhaps someone on a cruise that has the new coupons will let us know soon. That's the last piece of the puzzle, as far as I can see so far.

Wonder if there were any other tidbits of information there?

Another poster referenced the Celebrity Facebook page for some discussion of this. Not on Facebook so I can't see it, but if you are, try looking there.

No one seems to know for sure if all cruises will use vouchers. My best guess is no, only the ones where the number of Elites and Elite Plus passengers exceeds some magic threshold.

There have been no changes announced to the Captain's Club coffee break, (the continental breakfast)

With luck, someone will be able to scan the new coupon sheet and post it here. Host Andy is on board now, and while he wouldn't have a scanner, perhaps he can get a look at the sheet for us. Wonder if Elite Plus will get a different set of coupons from Elite, which seems likely.

I was once bumped from a stateroom after final payment. I didn't find out until I checked in at the terminal. I believe that what happened was that my original stateroom, which was adjacent to the Family Verandah with a connecting door, got taken by a large family which booked both the FV and my OV, and I was bumped up to a verandah. So yes, it can happen that you get moved after final payment. It was a surprise to both me and my travel agent.

Guest Relations claimed that it was in the record that Reservations had sent a fax to my travel agent a few days before the cruise started, which was impossible as his fax machine had broken about a week before. No one from Celebrity ever phoned me or the agent. It was a complete surprise to me, and caused a bit of a delay for my suitcase which had the original room on the luggage tag, so they had to chase around looking for the bag, since the people in that room told the steward that the suitcase didn't belong to them and he took it away. A few hours' delay and a verandah, neither of which I would have chosen if asked.:)

Adults only unless there is inclement weather. Then the Master may open it to children for all or part of the day. No fee.

chamima, where did you see that the espresso-based beverages are not available in the dining room?

I have seen this on the website:

"In recognition of our most devoted Elite members, we have created Elite Plus—delivering a high level of recognition with greater benefits including; discounts on beverages and specialty dining, unlimited complimentary cappuccinos and lattes, 200 free Internet minutes and much more."

So that is line with what I was told on the phone -- there is no limit on the number of beverages, but I wonder about any other limitations (other than no room service) as to locations where you can order them.

Give this agency a chance -- they may (and probably will) turn out to be honest and reliable and it will all come out OK. If one particular location went rogue, and the parent company is aware and has dealt with it, give them a little time to go over all your paperwork and make it right for you. When is your cruise?

But of course the waiter will still have to go over to Cafe Al Bacio to get it -- and the wait may be, well, let's say extended, during busy hours. Same with ordering from the dining room -- someone has to go there to get it and that will mean some delays, possibly.

When I called to ask about the difference between "complimentary gelato" and "complimentary cappuccino" I was told that the gelato would be one coupon, but that the cappuccino would be connected to the SeaPass card -- it was unclear whether there would be a sticker, or embedded into the data strip that gets swiped, or whether just the designation Elite Plus on the card would be sufficient but yes, it appears to be unlimited Cappuccino, Caffe Latte, etc. for Elite Plus, and yes, it's going to be an incredible hassle. She also said that it would not be valid for room service. I don't think they realize what pressure that's going to put on the venues that serve the special espresso-based coffees.

There is a dedicated check-in line for Concierge Class. It might be shorter or longer than the other lines.

As for getting off the ship, you will be asked to fill out a form during the cruise, indicating your disembarkation requests. If you want to be first off, ask for the Self-disembark option.

However, to do this, you must be able to move all your luggage with no assistance, possibly down a flight or two of stairs. It is not suitable for anyone with a lot of luggage or any mobility problems.

If you can't do Self-Disembark, ask for the earliest possible disembarkation time and you will usually be accommodated.

Concierge Class has no special status when it comes to disembarkation priorities.

You can't get achieve a new status during a cruise -- you don't get any points until after the cruise is over. Your new benefits will start on the next cruise.

Ocean goer, did you get a letter attached to your sheet of coupons ? That's where all info about captains Club events and locations is published.

Captains Club rep says the gelato perk is one coupon.

The cappuccino perk is unlimited.

Wish I could have taken that bet!

Captains Club rep says it is a coupon for one free gelato.

When the bins are in use, they can't charge you. When the bins aren't in use and you don't return the towels, the might charge you for them. Since you won't know which situation is in effect on any given day, don't leave the towels at the beach!

Alert the Captains Club host/hostess during cruise 1, and with his/her help the change to the new status should be implemented in time for cruise 2.

Gelato is way back under the Classic Benefits.

Frankly,I'm underwhelmed at the Elite Plus list.

Sure, the 200 minutes of internet and the laundry perks will be nice.

Otherwise where are the other things we had hoped for/requested/suggested/wished over the years? Things like --

Double points for singles booking at the 200% rate

Discount coupons for hair salon, manicures, pedicures

Those two came to mind first, but there have been lots of others suggested over the years.

Still no description of the perks associated with the new levels, and Captains Club terms and conditions hasn't been updated. In fact, it doesn't even reference the new Preview level, which has been in effect for some weeks now.

Possibly. It has been observed in the past. Also we have seen gentlemen be handed a jacket by the MaitreD. It's best to follow the Dress Code and avoid complications.

Nearly everyone who tries to use it has trouble at one time or another.

We wish we knew what the heck was going on and why they can't fix it.

Sometimes waiting a couple of days helps, or calling Captain's Club (if you are a past cruiser on Celebrity). If you used a travel agent, sometimes they can get printouts when the website is uncooperative.

We feel your pain.

Do you mean, can you board on Thursday and then leave the ship that same day to explore the city? Yes, you can. There may even be shore excursions that first day as an option for you.