rotaryscotty

I agree with 95 percent of everything written.

I did find it a little odd about the avoidance of mentioning Cruise Critic.:confused:

I've been involved in M&G (or Meet & Mingle) on 5 different cruise lines over the years. I always tell them we are CRUISE CRITIC. We have received nothing but respect. Many times they have gone out of their way for us BECAUSE we WERE CRUISE CRITIC. We've had fabulous prizes given to us and many times have had the Captain and officers attend to welcome us.:o

As a matter of courtesy, always drop of a formal invitation for each officer you would like to attend your M&M at the Purser's Desk. You will have all the info you need before boarding to put on the invitation....time, location, etc.:rolleyes:

We've ALWAYS had the Cruise Director attend. On one occasion they pointed me out to the Cruiser Director as the organizer. He immediately came over, put his arm around me, and said, "This is my best buddy for the rest of the cruise. And please remember THAT if you write any reviews.":eek:

My point being that by representing Cruise Critic our groups have, in my opinion, gotten more respect than merely a group of cruisers partying together.

They know we have a "forum" to tell the good AND the bad about any cruise.

Thanks...;)

Perhaps the Cruise lines might consider FOV, Friends of Veterans. :rolleyes:

I'm seeing a de-emphasis on recent cruises of gettogethers of this group who have special life-changing experiences in common.

...The ships are not US ships - they are all registered in foreign countries, and while on some cruises the majority of passengers are from the US that is not always the case and there are always a certain contingent of passengers from other countries....I think they should certainly allow the parties and should post them wherever they post other gatherings, but I am honestly not sure why anyone would expect the cruiseline to be 'patriotic'?

Well that's all true....oh, wait a minute. Perhaps I don't know my history. Exactly what part of the world HAS NOT BEEN PROTECTED BY VETERANS??:confused:

And how many cruise lines is it that don't depend on Americans as their primary customer base??:rolleyes:

How many cruise lines use English as their primary language? I wonder if it has anything to do with American influence??

I'm always amazed there are people who, when told 1 plus 1 is 2, will respond, "not necessarily".

Vets, they aren't disrespecting us, they are setting a rule that groups not directlty assocaited with the Cruise Line won't have their meetings listed. Den

Sorry to correct you...your statement is inaccurate. Are you familiar with, "Friends of Bill"? Are you familiar with "Friends of Dorothy"?

Two groups, have nothing to do with being directly associated with the Cruise Line (your statement), yet are scheduled and listed.

I have no problem with either the gay group or the lesbian group meeting on the ship. In fact I fully support their finding people of similar nature in an organized fashion. Just as I support SINGLES meeting, another group "not directly associated with the Cruise Line", yet "listed".

I'm simply pointing out the error in your statement.

As a vietnam veteran, we're used to being forgotten. Apparently the beat goes on.

To all my fellow veterans, "Welcome Home".

Around the world! We hope to do it again this time out.

I've seen more positive comments about the "around the world tasting". I've yet to see one negative on this tasting, regardless of ship. Sounds like the one to recommend to everyone on Celebrity.:rolleyes:

Even though I will be doing a 15 day TA in April with the Premium Liquor Package, everyone's comments are a good reminder that it's not just the alcohol, it's the socializing that makes life fun.

Pretty much sums up what what so many of us like about cruising.!!:o

"YOU KNOW YOU'VE HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK ON A CRUISE WHEN YOUR SPOUSE TAKES YOUR KEYS AWAY":p

I second Jborosara's opinion on this tasting. In fact we've done it twice. Absolutely no smoke or mirrors when tasting the appropriate varietal in the appropriate glass. Amazing. The cost is well worth it since you can take home the 4 different Riedel glasses (or have them shipped home) at a cheaper cost than actually buying them say at Macy's.

 

2MC

Do you (or anyone) happen to know what level of Riedel glasses are included? It would seem that 8 glasses (if you and spouse did it) would be a pain to mess with. Your suggestion of shipping is certainly a possibility. Do they give you any kind of protective package that 4 different glasses fit in? If they are the Vinum series (machine made) I probably wouldn't be interested. I'm not trying to be a snob...I just appreciate quality wineglasses.:rolleyes:

The Murano wine paring dinner is a standard on their menu. We've gone several times. The last time we did not care for either of the main courses and were told we could order something else from the menu. What they did not tell us was that the wine choice could not be changed/paired with what we ordered. That was a big disappointment as the wine did not pair well at all with our entree.

 

We've done most of the other offerings over the years and enjoyed them all. Our last cruise was two 7 days b2b on an S class ship and most of the items posted by wineluvr were offered. We also enjoyed the Premium Wine Tasting and Walk Around the World tasting.

 

Mary Lou

Thanks, Mary Lou....good information.

These were the wine events offered on our last Celebrity Cruise a few months ago:

 

Wine Appreciation 101 - $10

Wine Tasting with Jazz on the Lawn Club - wine available for purchase by the glass

Art of Food & Wine Pairing - $15

Connoisseur Cheese & Wine Pairing - $15

Walk Around the World - $20 (our favorite!)

Premium Wine Tasting - $40

Riedel Comparative Wine Workshop - $87 (included four Riedel Stemware - outstanding wine tasting seminar!)

Murano Wine Pairing Dinner $100

Very interesting...thanks for the list. How long was your cruise? We are on the Eclipse in April for a 14 day TA cruise. When did you find out about the Murano Wine Pairing Dinner. Did you go? If so, how was it?? As I give wine classes and wife is a caterer we like to compare.

These were the wine events offered on our last Celebrity Cruise a few months ago:

 

Wine Appreciation 101 - $10

Wine Tasting with Jazz on the Lawn Club - wine available for purchase by the glass

Art of Food & Wine Pairing - $15

Connoisseur Cheese & Wine Pairing - $15

Walk Around the World - $20 (our favorite!)

Premium Wine Tasting - $40

Riedel Comparative Wine Workshop - $87 (included four Riedel Stemware - outstanding wine tasting seminar!)

Murano Wine Pairing Dinner $100

Very interesting...thanks for the list. How long was your cruise? We are on the Eclipse in April for a 14 day TA cruise. When did you find out about the Murano Wine Pairing Dinner. Did you go? If so, how was it?? As I give wine classes and wife is a caterer we like to compare.

However, the sommelier spent (in my not so humble opinion) much too much time talking about the wine. I believe that it is appropriate to spend two to four minutes discussing the aromas and flavors that the presenter experiences, and to discuss food pairings. More than that, I feel that the presenter just loves the sound of his own voice.

 

I was taught that only a very few can captivate an audience for longer than 20 minutes. For the rest of us, say what you need to say, and shut up!

You are so right, Jim. Years ago I used to bring in a rep from the wineries to do wine tastings for my customers. When they started talking "residual sugar" I would see eyes glaze over. That's when I decided I could do better wine tastings than the "professionals".

In public speaking of all kinds I've learned one rule: "THE MIND CAN ONLY ABSORB WHAT THE REAR END CAN ENDURE.":rolleyes:

We did one at Cellar Masters on Solstice during a Mediterranean cruise last year. We were 3 couples and we had a great time.

There were about 6 or 7 Countries represented and about a dozen wines. Each Country had a sommelier (or server) which described the wines and gave information. They gave us a "score" sheet to mark your impressions of the wines your were tasting. It was interesting to note that the score sheets had all sorts of numbers and profound statements for the first 5 or 6 wines and then the comments resorted to just happy faces LOL.

It was a fun afternoon (we made it last that long LOL).

Pete- Do you remember how much they charged for the Cellar Masters tasting?

Wine-O- I know exactly what you are saying. Having taught many wine classes over the years I tell people never to judge wines by price. Wine is one of the few commodities that has a price based simply on "what will the market pay" rather the cost of production, or proven quality.:rolleyes:I prided myself on finding wines for my customers that were of high quality in relation to their price whether it be $10/bottle, or $30/bottle. I can find plenty of $100 winners (and losers), there's no excitement in that.:rolleyes:

I've asked about the Celebrity tastings to determine if they are worth it, even if you already have a premium liquor/wine package. The interaction of a good tasting is worth it. I actually was embarassed at a wine tasting on a Carnival cruise as I heard the "trainer" giving misinformation to 50 people.:(

Thanks to everyone who has already responded on this thread.:)

I've haven't seen much on Celebrity threads about tastings aboard ships.

I'm not talking about the ones in the sales shops. I'm talking about a formal wine tasting, or scotch tasting. I've been on ships that charge $10 or $20 per person to attend an educational tasting.

And that brings to mind another question: For example, if you have a Premium Liquor Package would you have to pay for a tasting of wine or scotches that fall into the under $12 range?

I can see a tasting of say Macallan 18 year that's price above the $12 ceiling of the package. But if they're below that level it would almost be silly to pay additional money after you've already paid $56/day.

How nice to find a thread who's visitors are all friendly and helpful.:rolleyes:

Whatever you do, don't bring up dress code or smoking.:eek:

We will be on the Oosterdam November 21st.:o