Oceangoer2

To be covered in this 'toilet matter' would be enough for me to get off at the next port and ensure there was a report to the US board of health, if they didn't move my cabin, clean or wash my clothing carefully, insist I see the doctor before I had to do this myself, apologize, and try to compensate in some way to at least show empathy.  Disgusting even if it was an unexpected break in the line.  Although a poster here said they had 'water level' issues onboard the prior cruise so SOMEONE had to know there was a sewer problem.

8 minutes ago, indy406 said:

We did while checking in on the app. It was painless.

And kind of fun...when you get to do retake after retake until you think you look 'a few' years younger....😇

On 3/1/2024 at 1:14 PM, Club Eleven said:

Coming at this topic from perhaps a different direction than many! 😎

 

I totally understand that some don't like to go formal, or chafe at being required to do so, but I dig dressing up and rarely have occasion to nowadays. I'm on Equinix on a TA in April, and think it would be fun to dress formally on Evening Chic nights. I'm sailing solo, so it's just my own dressing preferences I need to consider (not a spouse, partner, etc). How many guys dress in a tux/dinner jacket on Evening Chic nights? How out of place would I be? 

 

I'm inclined to dress to the nines no matter what, just for the fun. But still interested to know how many other passengers do.

You do what you do and enjoy the attention you'll get from other 'solos'.....😉.

32 minutes ago, jean87510 said:

Yep, beats the Nassau, CocoCay itinerary definitely!  

 

We decided recently to just pick active cruises based on itinerary moving forward (Alaska, French Polynesian/Australia, the ABCs, and unique places once my husband finally retires).  

Good for you both!  Do IT before age gets in the way.

14 hours ago, jean87510 said:

Yes.  I think it's new to Caribbean.  Only has 2 yachts.  Our trip will visit Anegada, Anguilla, St Bart, Saba, Virgin Gorda, Norman Islands, Jost Van dyke.  Leaves from Saint Martin.  It doesn't dock.  They anchor offshore.  It's perfect for us as we just like active stuff, don't gamble, don't go to shows.  They take you on the rubber boats to shore.

Those 'rubber boats' were scary at first then I found my balance...some of the ports have names I haven't heard before...not the 'same old, same old'.  I think I could conduct tours on most of those we visit...😊.  Your cruise sounds lovely...enjoy!

2 minutes ago, Pinboy said:

The difference in size would be negligible- grab any one that is available— and, book early.

They go faster than complimentary appetizers at HH , hot pizza in the OVC , or people heading to GR to remove their gratuities !

Good afternoon Pinboy........there IS a difference in size and noticeable....we book the hump when available in booking Concierge class...however....they are not as wide as some, a little narrower, but longer.  Accommodate furniture (and footstools...haha) quite nicely.

1 hour ago, CathyCruises said:

Can someone please remind me, which of the four midship slanted cabins (on Solstice specifically but I don't think it matters) have the largest balconies? I know the first and third are similar and the second and fourth are similar but I can't remember which ones are larger.  Trying to help a friend book.

 

Thanks! 

1st and 3rd are larger on S class usually...but I think it's different on the Reflection. Edit:  no difference on deck 10 between Equinox and Reflection.

Equinox, deck 10:

Reflection is the same:

18 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

'm guess Red Sea has been pulled.

Good guess!  I'd be cautious anywhere in that vicinity and somewhat beyond.  I've friends who sailed Emerald and loved it....a European river cruise which I've never done.  A rather long bucket list left to life after retirement.......time might be of the essence.....LOL?

16 hours ago, jean87510 said:

Have you looked into Emerald cruises at all?  We actually just booked with them the other day for December 2025 Holiday cruise.  Although your Oceania room is probably the size of the Emerald ship!

I've looked at Emerald but I thought they were small ship European river cruises?  Do they sail in the Caribbean or have larger ships?

1 minute ago, Lois R said:

Thank you😀 I have been sailing with Silversea these past few years, along with 1 cruise on Azamara and also a couple of river cruises. (one on AMA and the other on Uniworld). But the majority have been on SS. 

SS has a great reputation...have been looking into their cruises so maybe one day.  Only thing is DH likes a bigger ship and thinks he'll be bored on one so small.

6 hours ago, Boatharbour said:

We’ve eaten at Tuscan Grill  twice on S class but won’t repeat. The first time we had a table next to the wake view and this made up for lacklustre food and patchy service. The second  occasion was booked especially for our wedding anniversary and was noted. We arrived to find our table for two was next to a very large, very loud group who seemed to monopolise the waitstaff. The service was very slow and indifferent, so much so that we decided to leave after the main course. We let the maître d know of our displeasure as we left. An hour later an anniversary cake was delivered to our door. 

Usually the celebration is noted on your reservation and the 'cake' is usually served with, or as, your dessert choice.  It was thoughtful of them to send it to your room.  It was unfortunate you had the large group next to your table;  that would certainly put the evening's enjoyment off for me.  Maybe the room was full and you couldn't be moved to another table? 

On 3/3/2024 at 11:16 AM, Lois R said:

It has been 7 years since I last sailed with Celebrity.....this thread is interesting. I am booked on Eclipse to Bermuda at the end of May in a Sky Suite. Actually got a great price (and I sail solo).

 

I sailed Eclipse a very long time ago........I think it was 2011 or 2012.  I am planning to have a good time and will just go with the flo....after all, someone else is cooking my food, making my drinks and cleaning my room😀 Hoping I enjoy Luminae too.

Welcome back....I remember when you posted you were changing to other lines.  Which did you settle on and were you happy with the switch?  We sailed Eclipse in 2011, '16, and '17;  going on her again this Nov.  Saw no difference in her 'condition' from '11-'17 so  after reading most comments here, she'll no doubt be well maintained.  I wonder what updates they'll make...no doubt not a full refurbishment.  Enjoy your May end sailing.  After the 'alert' was posted I looked at booking it as well but timing is off for us.  Enjoy your suite and time aboard!

1 hour ago, Oxo said:

Celebrity drinks are some of the highest on any Cruise Line. So is their packages. Don't forget the Specialty Restaurants are, too! 

Agree....the spec. restaurants have increased so much over the past year (Cdn. funds) and that isn't all in the exchange.  *Can't remember, but I may have been lucky in a sale price.

Nov. '22    Murano        $151.92

Nov. '23     Murano       $147.26*

Mar. '24     Murano       $176.48

Nov. '22     Tuscan       $136.72

Nov. '23     Tuscan       $140.31*

Mar. '24     Tuscan       $166.56

17 hours ago, leaveitallbehind said:

Typically you would need to consume about 6+ beverages daily to break even on including that in your fare. 

We did the calculations and at first decided we didn't need the package.  Then included bottled water and juices, special teas and coffees and knew we'd meet the 6 bev. per day each.  Also, it was cheaper by a few hundred (Cdn $) to purchase the classic bev. pkg. than paying for each as we go considering the avg. charge per drink. 

1 hour ago, hasentreelake said:

Hmmm.  I guess you got me on that one😁

Oddly enough....in our home and at that price, the club would move  back and forth from his golf bag to mine when it's our pertinent golf days.

1 hour ago, hasentreelake said:

Thank you for posting!
We are scheduled for Bermuda late May '24.
Curently in a SV.  We looked at the upgrade this a.m. and it is 'only' about $1800 total to switch to the Sky SV.  I'm almost tempted to pull the trigger - but we don't particularly care for Luminae.  So, other than a larger cabin we don't see the value on Eclipse.  We'll eat dinner in Bermuda two nights and probably book 2 Murano and 2 Tuscan, which leaves one night in MDR.  Save the $ for a new Callaway AI Smoke driver 🙂 

Will you both use the driver....😉?

1 minute ago, Jim_Iain said:

Have to agree..   I apologize if I came on too strong.  

 

All so often people want to debate and criticize in lieu of providing constructive criticism.   One of the problems with forums is that written text is often absent facial expression and smirks and smiles.  

Guess that's what emoji's are for...some people hate them but IMO they do soften the text or drive home the point if that's the intention.    I'll try to find one that smirks....LOL.....maybe the zipper mouth one is more appropriate in my case.   🤐

23 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

I was sure that anything posted would fire up someone.   Congratulations. 

I was in no way not respectful to the OP but pointing out that people like you to flame any response.  "One-Up-Manship" may not be a word but I think most readers understand an extra hyphen was put into One- Upmanship.

 

My response was to the statement that most of the posters were ignoring the OP's original statement she booked with an agent not on Celebrity direct.    Which is a valid statement.

Mea culpa....I did not intend to be taking a shot at you.  As you are usually one who posts in an informative manner,  I am surprised that your goal was to fire up someone and that it would be 'fun' to see the reaction to another's post.  The back and forth 'debate' re this topic doesn't seem to be helpful IMHO.  Re extra hyphen...I should slow down in my responses as I know they are vulnerable to dissection by some on CC.    I look the other way usually to anyone's quickly written posts...we all have somewhat different ways of communicating.  BTW, the sarcasm wasn't lost on me, but I could pick a little at the grammar in your last few posts if I was that kind of person....😇.

My Eclipse Nov. cruise dropped substantially in some categories, but the Retreat only seems to ⬆️.

14 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

You are so logical.   LOL.       Will be fun to see how many want to debate your quote.

Really not fun at all....IMO.  And debate isn't the word actually...it's one-up-manship.  Bet the OP isn't having fun with the hits on his legitimate concern.

5 hours ago, sciencegrrl said:

Why is there such a visceral need to savagely refute or gaslight the OP? This happens frequently across the different cruise line threads. Our experiences are our own and cruise lines are consistently inconsistent. Just because an issue was handled one way last month doesn't mean it will be handled the same way today. Same with service, food, etc.

 

I don't post much but I've been on here a while and I love the valuable information and trip reports, but sincerely dislike some of the uncivil, nasty stuff.

 

PLEASE, love each other and be nice.

There are those who love the 'right fight' game.  Back and forth on CC seems to fill their day...😉.  Some of it is actually helpful but mostly I just read and pass....nothing to see here.

11 minutes ago, stevenr597 said:

Like I said, my comments stand, there is no problem in scrolling past the page in which they mention that there are two classes of deposits, and you can indeed put down a deposit and not learn it is non-refundable until "AFTER" you commit. 

If booking online, the final 'pay page' says whether the deposit is fully refundable  or there will be a 'NR' against the price of the cruise. 

Trip Total                         $5,342.10 CAD

Refundable Deposit       $960.00 CAD

Also, the option for refundable is evident (to me).  When booking with  a TA trusting them to inform you the deposit is non-refundable is very chancy.

Who knew this would become such a discussion...must be a slow CC news day....😉

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

 

What most people don't know is the reason that cruise ships sometimes use Grand Marnier as a palate cleanser.  It was originally called Grand MARINER and cruise ship sommeliers thought it fit well with the whole ocean theme.  It wasn't until later that the liqueur was renamed to Grand MARNIER when they started to sell it in the French market.

I found this original name interesting...guess the 'Grand Mariner' name was a legend.

"The Marnier family distillery has been family owned and operated since 1827. The orange flavored Cognac liqueur was created by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle, who learned how to distill from his father, a wine and spirt merchant.

2. It can only be made in one place in the world: Cognac, France.

3. Its original name, Curaçao Marnier, didn't sit well with César Ritz, owner of the famed Ritz hotel in Paris. He recommended that it be changed to Grand Marnier."

25 minutes ago, thebutlerdidit said:

In 2015 when Luminae was launched they did serve a palate cleanser as well as an amuse-bouche. They still serve the amuse-bouche, setting it on the charger and then removing the charger when you’ve finished the amuse-bouche.
 

When LLP launched the Luminae dining rooms she had big plans. I remember there being mention of artisanal chocolates, a different flavor each day. She threw all sorts of things at the wall, and it was interesting to see what stuck. 

Guess the chocolates didn't make the wall....😄