Cruise a holic

Ok so for our upcoming cruise my dh and I are thinking of trying Chops. We've not done any specialty dining before so is it best to make reservations now or is it safe to do it onboard? I would prefer to wait b/c my thought is to check out the MDR menu and if we aren't that excited about it then go to Chops but don't want to miss out on not getting in. So am I safe waiting or should I go ahead and book. We will be on Seranade in January. Thanks!

I suggest you book now. When on board, if you care about the time/day, you might not get what you want.

Enjoy your cruise

What is your Favorite Celebrity ship and why

We love the Reflection and will be sailing on her sister ship the Silhouette soon. We enjoy this class of ship because of all of the choices for dining, drinking and entertainment. While we enjoy the M class ships and they have been "solstisized"

they lack the molecular bar, some of the speciality restaurants and other activities including the lawn club.

Having said all of the above, we have never had a bad Celebrity Cruise.

Thanks for all your help. Being Cdn, we are going to Buffalo Friday and getting a park and fly hotel for the nite since our flight is so early (5:38 am). I will put the luggage tags on when we arrive in San Juan before we get to the pier. The reason I asked about the deck we will embark on is: our cabin is on Deck 3 (sorry, just an ordinary outside cabin) and I was worried that it could become quite conjested in and around our door. Also, we were thinking about self-disembarking and wondered how far we would have to lug our luggage.

Here's another question for you all: Do I need to take insect repellent? I know there are no mozzies when at sea, but what are they like on the islands during the day? We are doing the Barbados, St. Lucia etc itinerary. Thanks

Definately bring deet or another insect repellent. We sailed from ny to Bermuda on the summit in August, and the ship had many small flies around the adult pool area. The staff sprayed and they managed to finally to remove the problem after three days. I suggest you bring it!

On deck three, remember you cannot enter your cabin until about two, and the cabin hallway is closed. By the time you are allowed to enter your cabin, the crowds will thin out. You can decide to disembark once on board. If you do not have much luggage and the luggage has wheels , people do self disembark

Enjoy you cruise

Okay everyone, I'll do my best to give you the info on the package. Just got off Reflection. In a nutshell, you pay $29 per person per day. This gets you unlimited dinners at any specialty restaurant. We chose 2 at Murano, 2 at Qsine, 2 at Tuscan Grill and 1 at Lawn Club Grill. You can mix that up to any number of times at any restaurant. If you want to eat all 7 nights at Murano you can. You also get unlimited breakfast, lunch or dinner at Bistro on 5 and The Porch (The Porch was great, more later,) access to the Champagne High Tea in Murano, and lunch on the final sea day in either Murano or Tuscan Grill (sorry didn't get a pic of those menus.) We chose Murano for the lunch. Here is the kicker, you can only get this package on the ship on the first day. When we got onboard at around 11:45 a.m., I went straight to Murano to make my reservations. That's the other kicker, no pre-cruise reservations for this package. With that said, we had a FULL ship during spring break, yet I was able to get EVERY reservation time I wanted on every day. I do have to say I was a little stressed about getting the times I wanted, but making a beeline for Murano helped! Staight from Murano for reservations, we went up to The Porch to get some lunch ($5 cover without our package,) There were 2 other tables and us. No crazy mob scene like at Ocean View. The Porch has a great panini menu (breakfast and lunch paninis,) as well as some great salads. They also offer a nice wine list and regular beverages (we had the premium alcohol package.) Dinner that night was at Tuscan Grill. A table for 2 by the window for sunset: Awesome. Service from Sasha was perfect (she also serves at The Porch during lunch). Start to finish the food was great, only issue I had was the Rib eye was very thin, the pic you see of the rib eye on Celebrity's website is not accurate. Day 2 breakfast/lunch at Bistro on 5, a crepe restaurant. They have a nice selection of salads, beverages and wine. Service and food were great from start to finish. Oh, BTW, it was just us initially, then 1 other table the entire time we were in the restaurant. I guess that $5 cover charge was too much for some folks...LOL. Dinner at Murano (formal night). Don't know what else to say except INCREDIBLE!!! Imagine the best 5 star restaurant you've eaten at. This is Murano, I'll say the best restaurant at sea, bar none. Did not get any of the waiters names because it seemed like the entire staff was taking care of every table--just fantastic! We ate breakfast and lunch at The Porch and Bistro on 5 the entire cruise, except for debarkation day. Then we ate at The Oceanview Cafe, which had a very nice selection and presentation for that last day. The Lawn Club Grill is basically what it says: a grill. Good selection of meat and fish which you can pick out yourself and cook if you wish. I chose not to! The flatbread pizzas are very good. They have a salad bar which has limited offerings but is fresh and well maintained. The steaks here are a nice size, I got a Filet (cooked perfectly) and a side of Red Snapper (very moist and tender). Service from Oscar was perfect (Oscar also works lunch at The Porch). Qsine the following night. This place is a nice change from any restaurant where I've eaten. The food is very good, however the dining experience within Qsine focuses on the presentation-- ESPECIALLY if you have Arthur as your waiter. :D He made the entire evening fun and enjoyable. Becasue we were Concierge Class, we were not allowed to eat in Blu :mad:...LOL . I was told by some folks it was good, but always crowded and noise level was very high. Sort of like General Mess as you Navy folks mentioned! I'll leave the ship review to someone else. All in all a fantastic cruise for a Foodie and Winey like me! Any questions on the package just give a shout back and I'll try to answer them in a timely manner. As they say in Murano while lifting the cover to reveal your entree...VOILA!!!..Bon Appetit! :)

Thanks for the information. We will be sailing on the Silhouette in a few weeks and will reserve this package. We also truly enjoyed the speciality restaurants- our favorite was the lawn grill- we also will not make our own food- but like the grilled offerings, salad and pizza bread! All the other speciality restaurants were also great! We also like the porch and the Bistro on Five for lunch! When I was on the Reflection, you could also reserve this packages at any kiosk by the buffet area.

I can't believe that the matre'd would turn someone away from the mdr or blu if they in their opinion were not dressed formal on formal night. They work on tips and are not going to risk upsetting a guest, who in then will cut their tips. I have been on 8 cruises and I have never seen it happen. In fact, I remember on a few cruises back on X that a whole group of men wore the black t shirts that look like a tuxedo and no chased them from the mdr, but rather everyone commented to them about how nice and comfortable they looked while dressed up.

Howard

I never witnessed it either- but I assume anything can happen. I wouldn't penalize the waiters who work so hard and reduce the tip however. I also saw a man wearing that silly t-shirt- good if you are under ten- but not so if you are middle aged

We were seated pretty close to the entrance in Blu and did not see anyone being turned away on formal night or hear any complaints.

 

Most passengers there were dressed much the same way they dressed on other nights. Only a small minority were formally dressed, even fewer on the second formal night than on the first formal night.

 

But we were there early, around 7. It could be that more of the later diners were the ones who dressed formally in Blu.

 

I would imagine dress varies. On our last Summit cruise to Bermuda, 80-85% of guest dressed formally. Last winter, on our Reflection cruise, more. When I say formally, the men wore jackets and ties and ladies cocktail or evening dress.

On Royal Caribbean, a lower percent of guests dressed up. I believe you should wear what you are comfortable in. We enjoy dressing up on a cruise as we seldom do at home. Makes the evening more special and we enjoy the pictures that we take reminding us of a very special celebration. But to each his own. Enjoy your cruise.

We leave next weekend and have a few questions.

1. When do you put on your baggage tags? TA says put them on at the pier, Celebrity says put them on before you leave home.

2. Does anyone know anything about the Buffalo Airport? Never flown out of here. We have an early (5:30 am) flight and was told can't even get into the airport until 4:30. Doesn't seem right to me but .....

3.What floor of the Summit do you board/disembark on?

Thanks.

1. If you are using Celebrity transportation, I would put them on at home. We put them on before we arrive at the pier- either at the airport- or in a hotel if we stay overnight.

2. no idea about the buffalo airport.

3. You typically board on the 3rd level (if I remember correctly) But PR might be different then New Jersey.

Enjoy your cruise!

Can anyone tell me where you go or whom you see to book the unlimited dinner package on the ship:confused:

 

Joe

Usually the dining room people have kiosks setup just outside the entrance to the buffet. In addition, sometimes one of the speciality restaurants has a manager at that location. Best to ask a greeter when you board the ship as they will direct you.

I've read one poster who said that when staying in Aqua cabins and dining in Blu that you don't have to wear formal attire such as suits and gowns and that every night is "smart casual" Is this accurate information?

On formal nights, when we sailed in Aqua Class, people did dress up. The same as in the main dining room. Of course some people didn't dress up, but the majority did. Every other night- people did dress in smart casual and above.

I've read one poster who said that when staying in Aqua cabins and dining in Blu that you don't have to wear formal attire such as suits and gowns and that every night is "smart casual" Is this accurate information?

On formal nights, when we sailed in Aqua Class, people did dress up. The same as in the main dining room. Of course some people didn't dress up, but the majority did.

Marketing aspects ("Broadway Quality") aside, the shows really are what they are and to expect more isn't realistic.

 

While they are truly amazing feats of technology, the theaters on the ships simply don't have the space needed nor can they do some of the things that land based theaters do routinely. You can't have a full sized pit orchestra. You can't have full sets. You can't do certain choreography on a stage that is randomly pitching and rolling.

 

The "Broadway" shows are sliced to ribbons to bring them in at 90 minutes or less, I'm not surprised that people are having trouble following the plots.

 

Also (and this is absolutely not meant to be a slam in any way) bear in mind that apart from a scant few that have made a lifestyle of it, most of the performers and technicians use work on cruise ships as a stepping stone on the way to something else. Some will continue on, for others you may be truly seeing the limitations of their ability. Fluke chances aside, you aren't seeing Broadway quality performers... or at least they aren't Broadway quality yet.

Having seen the shows: Hairspray and Chicago, on broadway, the movies and on the Oasis and the Allure- I must say that the quality of the performers and the show is very similiar to the broadway versions. I was amazed as they did capture the essence of the show. The ship shows were truly an unexpected joy. The music and performers were excellent.

Personally, I love Hairspray more then Chicago, but each show was great. I look forward to seeing Chicago again.

Living in NY, I frequent Broadway often and must respectfully disagree with the above post.

Enjoy the cruise

Leaving on the Summit in two weeks. A few last minute questions. Do you still get a "beach bag" in your cabin? Saves bringing one if you do. How are the hair dryers? Can I bring my own and a curling iron or straightener?

Yes they give you a thin open beach bag. A better zippered one in the suites and I think perhaps CC and Aqua class. They may give it to you the second or third day. The hair dryers do not have much power. So you should consider bringing your own. I bring a curling iron with me and plug it in by the desk vanity.

The only fresh squeezed juice is orange and you can get that in the MDR, for a charge.

 

Smoothies are available in the buffet, at the bar area. Again, there is a charge.

 

No, you cannot use your credit card to get cash from the casino. They only accept your sign and sail card and travelers checks.

 

Bistro on 5 is the crepe restaurant. It's open all day and for part of the evening.

 

The desserts and sandwiches can be found at the buffet and at Cafe al Bacchio.

 

If you open your kid's account with cash, rather than a credit card, you can put any amount on their account and tell the kids once they spend that, no more money.

 

Ice cream is located in the buffet. They have hard pack and soft serve ice cream.

Just to add, the gelato which is better icecream is available at the Ice Cream parlor across from Cafe Baccio. Their is a charge for this ice cream- unlike the ice cream serviced at the buffet. It is much better and worth the splurge

Enjoy your cruise.

I keep reading references to the shows and entertainment on Royal to be great "in comparison to other lines". We sailed our first Royal cruise earlier this month on Jewel and found the shows horrendous. Singers were pitchy, arrangements were questionable, "live band" was small and hardly a draw, and the plots (if you could call them that) confused the heck out of me. Not sure if the Radiance class is not known for its stage presentations or if this is what I should expect across the fleet. Swear I have seen better in community theater.

 

Was it just me? Will I find better on Royal? Will only Oasis or Allure be an improvement? Was this particular company a weak one? I've waited a few weeks to process and swear that this isn't a knee-jerk reaction.

 

Cannot remember the last time I walked out of a theater before a performance was over.

 

 

Yes, I filled out my comment card. This is not an attempt to complain but really am trying to gauge if this should be what we should expect if we sail Royal again.

As one poster responded, the Allure and Oasis shows will knock your socks off! You will see a true broadway quality show, an aqua show, and ice show, an adult comedy show and a production show. I have also sailed on the Liberty of the Seas and the Freedom of the Seas. While the shows were good- nothing like the Oasis class. I will also be sailing on the newest ship the Quantum , when she is launched and "assume" the shows will be high quality.

I have never sailed on the older ships- but suspect the shows compare to Celebrity which are also hit and miss.

with the ultimate dining package, do you have to select all your restaurant choices when you sign up, or can you call for reservations on the day you want to go?

Typically, you book all dinners the first day of the cruise when you book the package. This will ensure you get the times and days that you want. Also you would book the special lunches. Agents are in the restaurant and outside the lunch buffet area.

Bistro on Five and the lawn club informal restaurant do not require any reservations.

I was referring to the following attributes of an "all inclusive" experience

- Pay upfront

- Enjoy all the dining and bar venues, including any Restaurant of choice for dinner. Well, except for Blu but that's just fine with us ;)

 

The Ultimate Dining Package is one way to do it. This is our preferred way :)[/quote

 

My DH and I agree. Looking forward to enjoying the dining and alcohol packages on our upcoming reflection cruise. We also purchase the unlimited DVD with all of our professional pictures

So if we book now with celebrity and the price drops will we get the lower price? Do I have to keep checking and let them know? How does it work?

 

Thank you

Yes- as long as the cruise isn't paid in full. If you booked directly from Celebrity call them as soon as you see the price has dropped. They will adjust. If a TA, call also immediately and they will contact celebrity and get the discount. I have never used a "wholesaler" alledged cruise discount company- so I am not sure if you are locked into the rate with them.

I changed on an upcoming RC cruise when I noticed that the Central Park Balcony price dropped significantly about two weeks ago.

thanks for info - we might just do this on our Dec 1st TA on the Silhouette - looks like we would definitely get our money's worth out of the package.

 

Marianne

No wine. However if you booked your cruise and got a free drink package, it is!

Sounds like one heck of a deal. The food and service in these restaurants is impeccable. On the Silhouette, we so enjoyed having lunch at "The Porch." The views of the ocean while dining at the Tuscan Grille are beautiful -- the ambiance of the Murano -- what can I say -- unbelieveable. The champagne high tea at Murano is not to be missed! And Bistro on Five is a great place for breakfast, lunch or just a snack. We did not try the Lawn Club Grille and have regretted it ever since. But the most enjoyable part of any of these restaurants is avoiding the large crowds of people -- so worth the extra money.

 

I read this online -- at a cost of $203 pp, the “Ultimate Specialty Package,” which can only be purchased onboard, features unlimited dinners in specialty restaurants of guests’ choice, at least one specialty restaurant lunch, one admission to Champagne high tea, and unlimited breakfasts, lunches and dinners in Bistro on Five and, on Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Silhouette, also at The Porch.

My DH and I will book this package on the Silhouette in January. Sounds great and we also enjoy dining at the Porch and Bistro on Five.

I was wondering at what point before a cruise do most prices come down to the lowest. We can cruise last minute and are flexible. Would it be around the 6 week mark? Or would they be cheaper closer to sailing? :confused: Is is better to go directly to the cruise ship website, or check another source?

Thanks.

This was an old post, but I am awaiting to upgrade to a suite guarantee for a celebrity Jan cruise. The sailing appears to have many empty sky suites now. Possibly will have more before the final payment is due in October.

Any informed guesses as to when the prices for a guarantee suite might drop?

I will watch the site daily beginning October to book if the price drops.

I was going thru some pics I found online and in this pic there is a glass bathroom scale at the bottom. Whoever heard of a scale on a cruise ship, it is like a clock in Las Vegas

 

They also had a scale in the last Celebrity suite we were in! But it truly kept me "honest"!

Thanks, but it will not let me see a price until 4-6wks out and we do not leave until Feb.

Anyone do this recently

and have a price :)

Was $249 for all prints on a CD. But that was a few months ago- If you want the prints and the CD price is more- but we got the CD only.

Perhaps somebody has more recent information. Remember also that the price in February may be different.

We've been trying to find our next cruise (#22) for a few weeks of frustration. We were ready to book Reflection's Med cruise in 5/14 until we discovered that the airfare would have been at least $4,200 for sardine seats. We found good itineraries on old ships or undesirables or newer ships going where we didn't want to go. We finally concluded we wanted a relaxing get-away so who cared if the ports where places we had already visited.

 

We looked at Allure and then saw that Reflection was also in the Caribbean thru 4/15. Then we figured that being on Allure with 6,000 pax might not be as laid back and relaxing as Reflection. So we're looking at an Aqua balcony as opposed to regular balcony or sunset veranda, thinking it might be a little more calming.

 

All that leads to this: are the perks in Aqua class, including Blu worth the price difference or just some pricey hype? We would really appreciate any feedback in helping us with this decision.

In answer to your question regarding Blu, the first few Celebrity AQ cruises we took we found it really worth it. We loved the small restaurant feel of blu vs. a huge banquet dining hall. However, we are now tired of the same old same old and now opt for a less expensive balcony cabin and take a dinner package and dine at 5 or more specialty restaurants every evening. If this is your first AQ experience you will enjoy Blu. In addition, sometimes the actual price of AQ is less then CC. Watch the prices as they tend to deviate from week to week.

You shouldn't be afraid of the Allure. They have mastered crowd control. At each elevator bank you can see an electronic sign that is not only a GPS, but also tells you the wait at each restaurant. You also can pre reserve all evening shows which is wonderful. So many choices! You should give it a try someday- read some of the threads of "satisfied" sailers!.

Enjoy your cruise.

4 night enchantment cruise for Feb. Trying to find prices for photo package:confused:

Go to mycruisephotos.com an enter the requested information regarding your upcoming sailing. You will get the price when you enter the date of your sailing and the ship you are sailing on. However, it is too soon. Typically it is listed about 4-6 weeks before the sailing. We always order before the sailing as we have noticed it is about $50 cheaper- hopefully things haven't changed.

Enjoy your cruise

Didn't read through all the threads, but we brought a French press on Princess and it worked great! online you can get a nice plastic one for a good price...

Since Celebrity is again offering the 123 special (effective today), why not enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee served with a biscotti at the Cafe? When on vacation we enjoy the royal treatment!