leaveitallbehind

They are similar. They both suggest a more formal attire on two similar nights but neither enforces it as it is only a recommendation. The true "formal nights" with both lines ended a number of years ago. Dress options - from casual to formal - are solely at the discretion of the guest with both RCCL and Celebrity. So from a significant amount of direct experience from both, each line is similarly casual or formal.

Given the information provided on this tread it would seem to me that the frustration with the free luggage issue is not with Celebrity, but with United and their policy regarding you having to make a direct booking with United using their sponsored CC in order to enjoy that benefit. And it would seem that would be the case with any third part flight bookings. Celebrity has no say in the matter or ability to override that T&C. But as mentioned, hopefully the other benefits of booking through them - including the possibility of a lower fare - will offset that. 🙂

Agree. The benefit, as you described, would only apply to flights using that card booked directly by the cardholder with United. No third party involvement.

You are correct and I was referring with my comment of "lifeboat positions on deck 5" to those forward of the hump as possibly being responsible for what is designated on Ovation, for one, with the deck 6 starboard GS as "obstructed". I didn't mean to imply that they were at the hump location - sorry if that was the interpretation. I also don't think, IMO, other than with a forward downward view that the lifeboats would pose much of a concern with that particular GS.

I guess that would be because as it is a payment to Celebrity it is not a direct purchase with the card to United, which seems to be the United CC T&C with the luggage benefit per @RichYak

We were on Oasis in October (but in a standard balcony, so no direct reference for for the OP) and just got off Anthem 4/17, and they are completely different. Anthem's are currently as you describe and are very nice. Oasis (and Allure from December) are not and are just the chair and table. They definitely need upgraded. But specific to the OP's question, per the video I attached previously the larger Oasis balconies likely do not have the recliners or larger lounge chairs.

According to this YouTube video from 12/19, there are no loungers on the larger balcony - just the two chairs and a table. (Scroll through and near the beginning and at the end she shows the balcony). Maybe google other searches to see if there is anything more updated (that's all I did) but with the pandemic and the recent restart, I doubt anything has changed.

I, too, am the keeper of the keys. But that usually is easiest as anything I wear has pockets in convenient locations so it works for the best. Besides, she wouldn't have it any other way! 😉

So with United, that benefit is tied specifically to the use of their sponsored credit card when booking flights directly through them, (while other airlines may have it tied into mileage status)? Good to know - I was not aware of that with United. (I fly with them very little). Maybe the fare arrangement they have with Celebrity negates that benefit even when using their card for the purchase. Based on that the OP may not be able to exercise that benefit. I still think that is a relatively small concern v the total booking benefits provided - especially if the fare is more attractive. Again, just my opinion.

As best as I can tell, on deck six there may be a partial view obstruction on the hump GS's based on position of the lifeboats located on deck 5. But that is not indicated consistently on all Quantum class ship GS's, and specifically not on Quantum. If that is the case on those ships, however, it would only be on the one or two locations on deck six. All other GS would not be obstructed.

As others have suggested, try directly at check in at the airport. We have had success with that as mentioned by @terrydtx with other airlines. But if not successful, you have to weigh the advantages of no money required at the time of booking, no penalties for changing or canceling the flights prior to cruise final payment, typically lower fares than purchasing directly from the airlines, ability to rebook should a lower fare exist, payment for the tickets not due until final payment with the cruise, and support by Celebrity with rescheduling and getting to the ship should a delay or cancelation occur with the flights against the possibility of no free luggage. Seems to me, if that would end up being the case, that might be a small issue in comparison. We prefer booking flights through Celebrity (and RCCL) for those reasons. Just my opinion.

Agree with that completely. The only time we have every done the UDP was on Symphony because of the number of SR choices available. Other wise the 3 SR package is typically more than enough for us. (We also have a Diamond+ BOGO benefit which we have to take into consideration as well). And also agree that $249 on Voyager is a lot and not a great value IMO.

They are not used as ID, such as your passport, etc., and only to verify your vaccine record. First and last name to match who you are is all that matters, along with the proper vaccinations and timing.

Solo cruisers do get an extra point per night as standard for booking as such.

In my pocket in a SeaPass card holder provided several years ago as a stateroom gift by Celebrity. Has a front and back sleeve to hold two cards and a center pocket perfect for bartender $ gratuities. Unfortunately you would have to cruise with Celebrity to get one. Or perhaps I could sell you one of my extra ones.....LOL. Other than that I would just keep my SeaPass cards in my pocket by themselves.

Are you referring to the one in the Schooner bar? If so, while they usually have a repertoire of songs the come prepared to play, they typically will take requests. They like to engage the audience so playing requested songs is one way to do that.

That, as you likely are aware, has been the policy for a number of years. And while it is true that you are already paying gratuities for the wait staff, that typically covers those in the MDR, Windjammer, and other similar included venues. The specialty restaurants have their own wait staff that in my understanding, do not participate in the standard daily gratuity program. I was told that the specialty restaurant gratuity that is added is to cover the staff at the various SR venues. And as it is your choice to dine there, it is your option that the gratuity is charged.

As mentioned there is no longer a double C&A points promotion, but upgrading to at least a JS would accomplish that. But that would have to be done by a booking change and not a Royal Up bid as C&A point values remain with the original booking category with RU. The decorations will be nice and there will be a party for NYE. (Have been on two Christmas sailings and two NYE sailings). And hopefully by next years' Holiday sailings things will be completely opened up and back to "normal" for the parties. Agree with @paross4that the NYE party this year (on Allure), which was outdoors at the Aqua Theater, was a bit more reserved than in pre-pandemic years, but was still very nice.

Typically the standard arrangement is a double sofa for the 3rd and 4th guest. It's been several years, but when we traveled with our grandson, upon request they can provide a pack and play for the 1 tear old, but not a crib. I'm not sure if that has changed. You (or your TA) can request that through special services. Also as that is a balcony stateroom, when young children are involved the stateroom attendant will typically engage the child lock on the balcony door, which is about 3/4 of the way up the inside door frame, and can only be reached by an adult. You can lock and unlock this as needed.

Very nice that you have those three together! But I would suggest asking your stateroom attendant as that is the protocol and not open them on your own with a tool. There are sometimes reasons why they may not do it and it is their responsibility to check for permission first, and then they will open it.

Agree with @Biker19. But to add, it is a bid, therefore staterooms are awarded by highest bid down, based on availability. The lowest recommended bid by each category is usually the lowest that would be considered, but it usually is not awarded at that bid. What you bid in each respective category is up to you. If your bid is accepted your credit card will automatically be charged and your reservation revised to reflect the new stateroom. You are then notified of your successful bid. Typically you will find out by 3 days prior to boarding. We did it once several years ago and we based our bid on (but not equal to) the last fare offered for general bookings for the category on which we bid. But basically its a crap shoot.

The time it takes to upload and be "checked" can vary, but it actually is somewhat moot as you are still required to show the vax cards at check in. So if for some reason it still shows as being processed it wont interfere with your ability to board as they will see it then. As to the boarding time, if you want to change it and can, then go for it. It could just be that some of those time slots have not filled up. Not everyone wants - or can make - an early check in. I wouldn't worry about it and if the ship has fewer bookings, then great - enjoy that on board as well!

It can be a reasonable way to try a couple of the specialties on board if interested. But with current upcharges seemingly on the increase, the value - even at 50% off - is getting more strained. 🤥

Oasis's Portside BBQ addresses that concept better IMO and is great! Unfortunately it is not a fleet wide option.

Yeah and I'm just saying if you look at retail prices at the grocery stores today, etc., and the fact that there has been $0 revenue for so long with the cruise lines, increases in on board add-ons are likely to show an increase to help generate more immediate on board revenue. It seems thus far as though in general the stateroom fares have been relatively stable, but that IMO is likely to change as well with demand - as you indicate - increasing now. 🙂