kearney

As you get closer to sailing the app may have "Beyond the Podium" events listed... I would be surprised if they did not have a naturalist doing the lectures... but the calendar may not be updated for a while..but check periodically.

I always checkin online with my home computer.... later I check the app and add the vaccine photos. I just find it a lot easier to do this on the computer. Everything you do on one ends up on the other. My eyesight is not what it used to be..even with glasses.

I am old school... I like to have a backup in paper... just in case something happens to my phone. And that I do from the website..

On 4/6/2022 at 8:49 AM, miched said:

 

I attended a parochial school.  The girls had to wear uniforms and the boys had to wear white shirts and a dark tie.      If you forgot your tie you were sent to the office to rent one for the day.    It was 50 cents and a clown style.     They were  about 8 inches wide and about 5 ft long.   No matter how you tied it it would hang down past your crotch and had the most outrageous designs on them and really loud.  I think the nuns made them.    I never forgot to wear a tie because  I always left a spare black tie in my locker

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

This made me laugh. I always felt that my class was the end of an era. I attended public school and there were strict dress codes right up to 1970. Girls could not wear pants and jeans were a no no for boys. I had to go to the Dean of women or girls (can't recall her exact title)... I got in trouble for wearing culottes... the dean called them shorts... I ask her who in their right mind would wear plaid woolen shorts. I pointed out that it was difficult to maintain a nice pleat. I did talk her out of whatever punishment she planned. After graduation... I came back the next year and all hell had broken out... kids were wearing jeans and so were the girls... it was as if I had been assigned a different generation... and had no say

From what I can tell all the beds are by the bathroom. The deck plan does not really help you and I recall looking into this a few years ago. The reason is that we usually park a scooter in the cabin and so need the bed to be on the other end of the cabin, to allow more room to park it in the cabin. I am about 90% sure I am correct.  If you look at the deck plan you can see a lot of cabins with sofa bed... those, I believe, are always by the veranda... so unlike S class they don't alternate bed by window/bed by bathrool. 

I don't know how much they actually enforce the code... but I have seen people asked to come back wearing something other than flip flops and shorts (not dressier type but sloppy looking type).. but this was before Covid.. so not sure about now.

I suspect that they don't want to loosed protocols now only to reinstate them a few weeks later for this new even more contagious variant. So I would assume that they will keep them longer than the April 30 day. We are sailing April 29 and our protocols are the same as they have been for months...  I had hoped that they would back off the testing to 3 days before instead of 2... that would help travelers a lot and I don't believe it would have a noticeable impact on positive results...but it looks like they plan on keeping the 2 day requirement..

never mind

On 4/2/2022 at 11:39 AM, floralscent said:

One of the biggest mysteries to me is the observation lounge in the front of the ship. I see this large open space with comfy chairs and absolutely amazing views but what is it really used for and is it only for certain levels for Captains Club or cabin level? 
 

I have sat in this area with a book on a sea day a time or two and am wondering what types of events , if any, are held in the area. 
 

Thank you!

On our last cruise they were using the Sky Lounge for art auctions, and trivia games... but even when that was going on.. the place is still large enough that you can sit by the windows, enjoy the view and not have to participate...

Here is the brand availability for classic vs premium 

Consider taking public transportation... from Dockyard you can take a ferry into Hamilton..and you can take one out to St George on the other end of this island... you can take a bus back... perhaps stop at the Swizzle Inn and walk to one of the Caves... then bus back to Hamilton, and either take ferry back to Dockyard or change buses for one going along the South shore road and back to Dockyard... Probably too much for one day... but you should try to see either horseshoe beach or one of the other south shore beaches....  You do not need a Celebrity excursion... safe island worth exploring on your own.. but do some google searching to find out about public transportation.

7 minutes ago, floralscent said:

For me, the Edge class is a disappointment altogether. As much as I tried to like/love that class of ship…I just can’t. IMO a lot of the private lounges and spaces are gone. No Ensemble lounge, etc. For some reason someone had the idea to put specialty restaurants a level above the martini bar and open to that crowded evening time area. Tragic disappointment if you ask me…but you really didn’t ask. 

I agree, I found that there were more places to explore on S class than E class... I like the library and Earth/Hideaway areas... just to sit and read...Not being a sun person... it is nice to find quiet places indoors... the game room is also nice.... Edge was beautiful..but seemed smaller in terms of places to explore... perhaps it is the impact of the retreat.. since that seems to take up more space than on S class. I did like the bigger elevators... I liked the multiple dining options (DH did not like this)... Eden seating was uncomfortable so we seldom stayed there...

14 minutes ago, RichYak said:

 

Don't shoot the messenger. All I did was answer a question that specified ocean views, not forward ocean views.

Sorry, no slam intended....  the view out back in Eden is nice... I just wish they also had one out front... But some may prefer the later....

I would also let Celebrity know that you will need wheelchair assistance when you arrive at port and for the end of the cruise. When you get to port... if you are in Ft Lauderdale... look for teal shirted port staff for a wheelchair or you can ask the porter who takes your bags..they probably know everyone there and can help you. The wheelchair assistant will guide you through check in and take you to the gangway.. from there a member of the crew will it from there. It can be a long steep climb without the benefit of the wheelchair. At the end of the cruise... depending upon the ship and if you are in a suite... you generally go to Sushi on 5 to get assistance off the ship.. again the crew will take you off and a member of port staff will help you through to the outside. So let Celebrity know if you want this assistance. We generally tip both the member of the crew and port assistant.. and the amount depends upon how much effort or time they spent... sometimes getting off the ship and finding porter for bags results in the person spending a lot of time with you....   We have used the special needs group and have had great luck with them.

As a side note... if you choose to get a scooter instead of a wheelchair... you should consider getting an accessible cabin or a suite. While you can fit them in a regular cabin... you will need one with the bed by the window/veranda.. and it can be a bit tricky parking it in such a way that you can still get easy access to the bathroom.... we do this and are used to the parking tricks.

14 minutes ago, RichYak said:

There are plenty of spots like that in Eden. Cafe al Bacio comes to mind as well.

I prefer a view of where we are headed vs where we have been...  view from Cafe al Bacio on E class is not that different than the cafe view on S class.. more out the side.  The lack of forward views was a real disappointment when we were on Edge...  I really like the Sky lounge for it's large windows and expansive views... reminds me of the old Viking lounge on Royal's older ships

14 hours ago, Von & John said:

 

Good Afternoon  --  we are just off the Connie...

The above mentioned practice may vary by ship

This cruise we had the Classic Beverage Package

I requested a regular size martini w/ Absolut to be covered under the classic plan

& I was informed they only carried premium alcohols & served the large martinis...

Not a problem - simply paid the upcharge...

Well at least that is good to know... we never had that issue before...perhaps given inflation and supply chain issues they are tweaking things. We go on Equinox in a few weeks and will try it there. We actually prefer the Passport bar anyway... the seating in the Martini Bar are too difficult for DH to get out of...two bad knees....  There are easier seats to get out of down in the Passport Bar and it is a bit quieter too.

1 minute ago, SandyR5 said:

Thanks for answering. Just the regular Celebrity site. Looking to check prices for another trip. I’ll give it a break for a few hours and try again. Not like I’m new to the site. We’re Elite Plus!  

Well, I think one sale just ended...perhaps IT is updating to their latest 'deal'

If you look early on in the list of topics, you will see a thread for reviews on M class cabins..you might search there to see if there are any photos. I have a link that should at least help you get an idea on what an obstructed view is like. http://thecelebritycommitment.com/360_Millennium_Class.html 

The cabins generally look a like except bed placement. I believe, and perhaps someone else can confirm..that the beds are generally by the bathroom... on S class they alternate, but I am not sure that is the case with Summit or other M class

We have not sailed the M class, but I prefer the S class over the E class. Unless you are in a suite there is no place in an E class to look out the front... the top decks towards the bow are for suite passengers. On S class you can go up to the Sky Lounge have a drink (indoors) and watch the ship pull out of the various ports. S class seems to have more bars with different characters.. on E class the Martini Bar is basically it unless you don't mind or prefer going on the top deck in the sun and breeze. The regular cabins on S class seem a tiny bit bigger than E class.. I think that is because they took a bit of space out of the cabin for the bathrooms...which are fabulous, in my opinion. I liked the IV cabin, DH hated it. I think this type of cabin would be great on a cruise where there is a lot to see...like Alaska... Now I am not a sun person, so I liked the IV concept...DH likes to sit out on the veranda and he was frustrated then they kept locking the windows while in port to clean the windows. I liked the multiple dining rooms on E class, DH preferred having one and developing a relationship with the same wait staff. Eden was interesting to visit... but the seating was very uncomfortable and we seldom visited there... and on S class the Sky Lounge gives you a nice 180 degree view out front (except Reflection which took some of the space for suites).. I prefer looking out to where we are going and am less interested in a view out aft. S class just seemed to have more public spaces where you could just sit and read and frankly are not revenue producing spaces.... however more and more of these spaces are being turned into cabins. I hear nice things about M class... one reason we have not tried them is because DH uses a scooter and it appears the beds are all by the bath..making parking in a regular cabin difficult... I think the cabins might also be a tiny bit smaller.

We too sailed almost exclusively Royal until 2018 when we sailed on our first Equinox cruise. This may be misinterpreted but as soon as we boarded it was like putting on the most comfortable pair of shoes you own..the ones you won't toss out because they are so comfortable. It just felt right... we have only sailed on Royal once since. And that is not to know Royal... I love the Oasis and Radiance class ships. But the service, food, length of cruise and itinerary choices just keep us going back to Celebrity. Now I do like the entertainment on Royal more, but if they have a few comedians and some good music groups performing, then I am happy.

Now if you like flow riders and zip lines etc... Celebrity will be a disappointment... but I have to admit the small number of children is kind of nice. Kids never bothered me, but the cruise takes on a more adult and a tad more sophisticated feel to it without a ton of kids.  Now when you come on board as a Diamond plus..you will get the benefits of Elite..which is the essentially the same as Diamond. You should let the Celebrity know that you are Royal Diamond Plus and get set up on Celebrity's loyalty program. Now your points are not additive to your Royal points... but you can begin to build status. Alas we have now reached Elite via our recent travels..but have a long way to go to the next level.

One thing I really like about the S class vs the E class are the variety of bars... you get a different feel in each...  On Edge... the only real bar was the Martini bar... there are the bars outside...but once I am dressed for dinner...I really don't want to get blown around out on deck. I like Sky Lounge or PassPort bar before dinner and Ensemble Lounge after dinner. The Masters Cellar or Craft Beer bar never did anything for me...not sure why...

Ensemble Lounge near Murano usually has a trio playing nice music... and you can talk. I also like the Sky Lounge as the ship leaves various ports..so in the 5-6 timeframe.  Martini Bar and World Class are much too loud for any talk... the Passport Bar is  less noisy than Martini Bar and if you like the live music is also nice..if you sit back near the windows it is a bit quieter... but Ensemble is probably best for what you want..but I would try different ones... 

I agree with the poster who said to avoid being right next to a big empty spot... that is where the crew either has a staircase or has laundry and other service items.  Many years ago we had that type of cabin on a different cruise line and the noised from crew going up and down the stairs was a problem..and they start early. 

3 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

FWIW here's the CDC posting regarding this.

 

Cruise Ship Travel During COVID-19 | CDC

 

As far as CDC testing requirements, nothing has changed from what I can tell.

Testing

• If you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you must get tested with a viral test no more than 3 days before boarding a cruise ship ^[3].
• If you are fully vaccinated ^[4] for COVID-19, you must get tested with a viral test no more than 2 days before boarding a cruise ship.
• If you are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19, you must get tested with a viral test no more than 3 days before boarding a cruise ship. You will be tested again by the cruise ship personnel on embarkation day before boarding. One of your two tests must be a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) such as RT-PCR.
  • Check COVID-19 testing locations near youexternal icon.
• Check with your cruise line to see if they require a certain type of COVID-19 test.
• If you or your travel companions test positive at embarkation, the cruise ship may deny you from boarding.
  • If you are allowed to board after testing positive, you will be required to isolate. Your travel companions who did not test positive will be required to quarantine.
• Check if your cruise line has other testing requirements.
• If traveling to the U.S. by air all passengers ages 2 years and older, regardless of their vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 viral test taken no more than 1 day before air travel to the United States, or documentation that they recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight.
  • Depending on your travel itinerary, your COVID-19 test result used for air travel may also be used for boarding the cruise ship.
  • Children under 2 years of age are not exempt from the preboarding testing requirement for cruise ships participating in CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships.

I wish Celebrity went with the 3 day testing instead of 2... would make things easier for those traveling to Florida or other ports..from long distances... It would be nice to know if you had an issue BEFORE you boarded a flight or started your drive.

1 hour ago, cruiser61262 said:

Thank you!  I have seen that video.  Unfortunately, I wish that had shown the actual entrance into the room so that we could get an idea of turning radius.  She is in room 7143 which is an accessible room. It is larger than the standard room.  This is her first cruise since my Dad passed away and he used to take care of things like this for her.  She just worries about EVERYTHING, so I was hoping to show her a picture of how other people parked/charged their scooters to put her at ease.

I understand... I am a bit of a belt and suspenders person... now that my husband needs the scooter... I am always trying to think ahead of exactly what to expect so that there are no surprises... a do not handle stress that well...so the more I can anticipate things the better... 

1 hour ago, LGW59 said:

You liked sitting with folks who were forced to join your table?

I probably didn't phrase that properly... but when sitting in, say, the Passport Bar where the seating groupings are usually for 4-5... people tend to go to empty seating areas.. and spread out until all the seating is taken and then they fill in at the remaining seats.  Have you ever been in an elevator where people naturally spread out.. I don't think I have ever seen everyone crowd onto on side of the elevator ... same is true in the bar areas... people don't all sit together leaving half the place empty..unless they know one another. I wasn't referring to dinning room. So when the ship is full it is actually easier to meet people as they take those open seats...