OldDECie

1 hour ago, cruisestitch said:

There is nothing that can be done about it. Parkwest has paid for and reserved the Sky Lounge during many hours of the cruise and they can’t be changed mid-cruise.  
 

Strong letters of complaint and poor ratings for the ship might get the company’s attention and keep them from doing it again, but I doubt it

Been following this discussion ... what I find it interesting in reviewing the marketing information for Eclipse; it presents the Sky Observation Lounge as a general use location for the cruise ... no limitations to its use:

A unique music venue with spectacular ocean views.
The perfect daytime spot to gaze over the sea with a cocktail in hand. At night, the space comes alive with live music and dancing. Featuring twelve signature Zodiac cocktails based on your astrological sign, all prepared by flaring mixologists.

Other areas of the ship that do have limitations or extra charges are clearly detailed (Retreat, specialty restaurants etc.)

The Retreat Lounge
Michael's Club is exclusive to guests of The Retreat®. This warmly inviting lounge offers a fully stocked and expertly staffed bar, gourmet bites and live entertainment.

Many times in this thread it is mentioned that Celebrity was compensated for Parkwest's use of the room ... shouldn't it be the passengers that were compensated?? OBC??

Just an observation.

1 hour ago, mrgabriel said:

You do not make reservations for Blu nor do they accept them unless you have a big party (6, 8), just show up when you want to eat. You can request to have the same servers for dinner.

 

Blu also has sit-down breakfast which is nice, although you normally don't have your evening server.

 

You aren't seated with others unless you specifically ask - like if you're in a group of 4 or 5 or whatever.

 

The tables are fairly close together although we have found that almost everyone is respectful and doesn't eavesdrop or join in conversations. I normally can't hear other conversations unless the person speaking is very loud.

 

You can always order the everyday favourites if you don't like the menu (grilled chicken breast, broiled salmon, caesar salad, onion soup, etc. I think there's a steak in there) but on some ships, Blu is a long way from the main dining room so they do not allow you to order from the MDR menu.

 

Your beverage package is accepted - same as every other venue on the ship except the mini bar in your cabin.

 

The main pro for AQ is Blu. If you like the spa, you'll enjoy access to the Persian Garden. For us, it's all about not eating in MDR.

 

We would definitely book AQ again and have probably sailed in AQ about 15 times in the past few years as it's our preferred cabin class. (We choose to not book Suites.) But we now watch the pricing and if AQ is priced WAY higher than a verandah cabin, we book the verandah. If AQ is $1k more per person, we can eat in specialty dining every night. 

I concur, we tend to book AQ and that decision has been driven by the smaller Blu experience. We are also looking at verandah options in the future with a specialty focused meal plan if AQ prices rise too high. 

1 minute ago, thebutlerdidit said:

I know. My husband’s pockets were very handy, but now a lanyard is a necessity. Ladies’ clothes don’t tend to have functional pockets.

My wife uses one as well for the same reason 🙂

2 hours ago, thebutlerdidit said:

I don’t get comments like this. I use a lanyard because things slide out of my pockets. It would never occur to me that someone would be trying to flaunt their cabin or status, probably because I’ve never paid attention to anyone else’s (beyond admiring the actual lanyard). It makes me feel bad that people are thinking that about me. 

Don’t feel bad … it was a joke! 

11 minutes ago, Oville said:

Nor I, but apparently it does for quite a few therefore none of my business to be critical.

To each their own ... just not for me ... not critical.

Got to tell you, I never quite got the alignment between sailing on a beautiful ship, to wonderful destinations eating excellent food and drinking smartly prepared cocktails ... and ... the sale of overpriced "Art".  It just does not work for me.

1 hour ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

8 am is time for second breakfast 🤣

We start early as well … hit Elite asa they open … slide into Blu/Mdr. Need to get an omelette or Eggs Benedict … something I don’t do at home (vacation.. right?)

We tend to start at Elite, have a Cappuccino and something sweet for a slow start ... then head to Blu for the full breakfast.  There is time in the morning for both!