DSJ28

I cruise frequently with Celebrity - typically with friends, and I don't spend very much when I do so because most of my time is spent enjoying my friends.  But, I'm embarking on my first solo cruise soon and I've planned to spend far more than I normally would, especially in the casino, since my friends don't gamble much.  I've booked specialty dining as well, and I'll get a few massages that I don't typically get to enjoy. I have a premium drink package, but i'm certain I'll drink less on my own.  

All that is to say - 200% + pricing is an excessive surcharge. If I find I enjoy the solo cruise - I'll definitely try NCL or other solo friendly lines, or consider an all inclusive resort in future.  I don't want to be somewhere I'm not wanted - which is what this pricing communicates. 

I'll certainly be sending Celebrity my feedback following the cruise. 

3 minutes ago, NMTraveller said:

The Celebrity ships are understaffed.  Forget the niceties.  Just getting a cup of coffee in Blu can be a chore…

Hmm... i've never experienced this on a Celebrity cruise. Though - I've only been in AQ once. I guess I'll have to pack my patience. 

5 hours ago, Mike981 said:

@DSJ28 I think we might be on the same cruise. 1/15-1/25/24?

 

Forgive me if we have chatted about this before, I have a good memory, it's just short.

Hi Mike - I wish! I have a short 4 day 1/11 to 1/15 coming up on the Silhouette.  I'm looking forward to it all the same.  My upcoming trips are in my signature.  I hope you have a wonderful time!

3 hours ago, Bead Pirate said:

We cruise the ultimate Carribean cruise every Holiday season. The cruises are relaxing, and we enjoy talking to all of the friends (old and new) that tend to sail this itinerary each year.

 

While sitting at the Martini bar I had a thought. It became apparent about midway through the cruise that the bar staff had not made a single "bar napkin rose" for any of the patrons. This has been a common practice on the small ships at the Martini Bar over the years. I will admit I have never seen one made on the big ships and of course I did not expect to see one.

 

I asked the bar manager about it in casual conversation. He said that those days are long gone with the current staff "right sizing". The staff is way too busy slinging drinks and cleaning. I again explained that it was not a big deal and shared that it was just a noticed absence. 

 

He said that if he had the two bodies he used to have on the team that it would have never gone by the wayside.

 

Just a sign of the little things that fall by the wayside as Celebrity adjusts to customer demand I suppose.

That's disappointing.  I'm traveling on Silhouette in just over a week - I'd love to hear anything else you'd like to share about the experience.  I had friends on that cruise who are fairly particular about bar service, meals, entertainment, etc... they had a fantastic time and thought the bar service and drinks were particularly good. 

Yes, it's outrageous! Book the cabin only and buy the drink package separately. 

While I enjoy Edge, Solstice is my preferred size/class of ship. I hope Celebrity doesn't follow the trend if going bigger.

But, I do think there's a market fir a floating island at sea experience and I don't think people who may like that are steeple. There are/coyld be valid reasons for vacationing this way. Sure, it's not the cultural experience you get visiting various countries, but if it's safe, cost effective, and enjoyable... those who elect the experience shouldn't be frowned on for doing so.

I just hope some new ships, by Celebrity in particular, are scaled down a little and they focus on refining the products and services rather than expanding. Im very eager to see what comes after Edge class.

Would these need to be cash tips since there is no bill? 

On 12/27/2022 at 1:06 PM, phe8800 said:

I’ve just put in an order for these, using some of our OBC. Would be nice to know how many there are? If no one knows .. I’ll know on March 27th 2023 .. 

Looking forward to hearing about your experience.  Enjoy your trip!

On 12/27/2022 at 1:47 PM, gfkcruiser said:

I was on Solstice recently and did the Galley tour.  Saw the Macarons being plated and asked about them.  Was told it was for Suite passengers.  Disappointed!

Did you notice how many were on the plate?  Were they in a sleeve, a flat plate, something else? Did there appear to be an assortment or one flavor?  I'm considering these as a gift to friends sailing with us. They are on sale for my June cruise $21.99 - I'd be happy with 10 perfectly executed treats for that price. But, the presentation would need to be nice. 

2 hours ago, sad549s said:

Each cruise will vary but you can go to carnival.com and do a mock booking to see how many cabins are available.  Just note if there are 10 cabins shown for a particular category there are likely more than 10 cabins are available….carnival just limits the results to 10 for each category 

Good suggestion.  I check and I see that my cruise isn't showing up?  Our sail date is 10/29/22 on the Mardi Gras.  I thought maybe it was just so close to the sail date that they are no longer selling cabins.  But - I do see shorter trips available under the 14 day mark - so that's not it.  I'm guessing this is a good indication that my cruise is sold out - right? ☹️

Interesting discussion.  I've tried both cruise line and private insurance for cruising.  I've been fortunate enough to not have a claim in all my years of travel (knock on wood).  I had the idea (not sure what prompted this notion) that the primary benefit of getting insurance through the cruise line is there are no out of pocket expenses for onboard medical care - whereas I'd have file a claim for reimbursement with private insurance.  Of course, all medical needs may not be addressed by the on-ship team, in which case I'd have to file a claim for reimbursement. But, for those less serious ailments that do require attention - I had hoped buying through the cruise line simplifies the process for me.  I'll have to review all of this again based on the information shared here...thanks for the great discussion!

I've enjoyed Carnival's CT three times - the last was I believe in 2017.  The portions are small but they seem to never end!  I've not ever been able to finish everything.  I'm looking forward to this new menu and the new venue.  I'm accustomed to dining in the library - it will be interesting to see if the kitchen venue aboard the Mardi Gras seems as special.  

On 9/22/2022 at 12:20 PM, wanman said:

I am wanting to surprise my girlfriend with a massage on our cruise. I was wondering, what level of undress do they do? I am assuming that there is some clothing required, but want to make sure (she perfers that).  Reason I ask is our local spa here allows you to be naked for the massages or furnish's coverups.

I agree with @cruisinqt - you're never fully exposed, and they are very professional & discreet.  But, if she's not comfortable with that, you might consider gifting her with a day pass to the spa so that she can enjoy heated loungers and various types of saunas depending on the ship.  

It's thoughtful of you to consider her preferences like this - enjoy your cruise 🙂

On 9/14/2022 at 1:35 AM, WKUTopperFan said:

The Cucumber Sunrise st Alchemy is my favorite drink at Sea on all lines I've been on.

Same - these are so refreshing. I have one or two nightly after dinner at Alchemy. 

Are these restaurants considered specialty?  I can't seem to reserve them online.  Are we only able to reserve once we get on the ship - or - are no reservations needed?  

On 8/31/2022 at 6:52 PM, KaLeeTee said:

I also must add - while on the Apex, be sure to also make a dinner reservation at Eden. It was amazing!

Agreed - Eden was outstanding!

On 1/30/2022 at 12:43 AM, DSJ28 said:

Following. 

 

We booked Chef's table on Apex in March - very interested in responses. 

This is an overdue follow up ...Our Chef's table was cancelled - no reason given. 

We were disappointed with how it was handled because initially, the experience was rescheduled from Day 1 to Day 2 with no notice until we arrived for dinner. We arrived and actually waited about 5 minutes before we were told the CT was moved to Day 2. This was unfortunate because we left another event to be at Chef's table on time.  The staff also did nothing to help us make reservations elsewhere for the evening - which would have been a nice gesture. 

On Day 2, we received an automated call informing us that the Chef's table was cancelled, so we didn't have an opportunity to ask the reason for cancelation. This was a March 2022 cruise, and I believe the ship was only at 50% capacity or so. I imagine the cancelation was because there were not enough participants. I'll try again in future. 

On 4/2/2022 at 3:04 PM, WestLakeGirl said:

Standard fare, but know that you won’t have a balcony to enjoy it on

I'm one of the possibly rare bread who enjoys the infinite verandah.  I enjoyed breakfast on the verandah/balcony/whatever anyone wants to call it - every morning on my recent Apex cruise.  I'm happy to know I can do the same next year when I'm not expecting to be in CC.  

1 hour ago, Keys Kathy said:

Concierge class has a special in room menu

Thank you - i thought that might be the case.  Any idea of what the standard in-room menu looks like for breakfast? 

We recently returned from an Apex voyage in CC - the in-room breakfast was lovely.  Our next Celebrity cruise will be in a standard Infinite Veranda on Edge.  Will we have the same in-room breakfast menu? Or is the menu more limited than CC?  Please share the menu if you have it.  

Many thanks!

Following. 

We booked Chef's table on Apex in March - very interested in responses. 

Found this link in another thread from a wonderful CC'er who's name I didn't make note of - but it seems I wasn't mistaken after all - the Drinks and More upgrade includes everything in Classic and Premium packages as well as the additional perks ($50 casino credit, wine tasting, and mini bar).  

I'll have to bring this with me to make sure I get premium drink benefits! 

https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/pdf/05_07_SP_Beverage-Package-Flyer_051721.pdf

Yikes!  We upgraded from Classic to Drinks & More for our March Apex cruise.  I had the idea that this added premium plus a few perks (casino, wine tasting, and mini bar).  I see now that's not the experience people have had - and this is going to be awfully confusing when we board and the crew knows nothing about it. 

I'm tempted to cancel and just upgrade to premium to avoid the headache. 

Here's how my reservations shows the package:

3 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

They have a pretty nice tea in the afternoon at Ocean View  on all cruises.   We often grab a couple finger sandwiches and scones when returning from a  late excursion and missed lunch. 

 

For those in suites they  have a afternoon tea service (plated self service for the sandwiches and sweets and tea or drink of choice served to you.   They use to have the butlers serving pre-covid but last cruises after resumption they had them on the chill and heat tables.

Thank you for this helpful information - sounds great!

4 minutes ago, cruisestitch said:

High tea (supper) or cream tea (afternoon tea)?

Is high tea available on Apex?