kearney

When we were on one of the inaugural Edge sailings. My husband noticed that when I was off on an excursion the captain kept the windows locked..for quite a while as the various windows on the ship were cleaned. The washer is a lot like a car wash ...with a high intensity spray, so you can see why they want the windows up. He thought that they were locked for an hour or more. I am not sure they do this every time they are in port, but it did annoy him at the time. 

The comment about determining if you will like an IV based upon how much time you spend on the balconies in past cruises.. seems to be a good tool. I burn just thinking about the sun, so I am not a big balcony user and having the cabin go right up to the edge of the ship, was nice. For my husband, he prefers a regular, real balcony. I think this type of cabin would be great if sailing someplace like Alaska or Scandinavian fjords.. where you could get a great view regardless of weather staying in the comfort of your cabin.

I have never seen behavior like that described ..on Celebrity... but combining spring break and St Patricks day is a deadly combination. In the past I search out when various colleges were having their spring break and then avoided those weeks...plus if sailing in the spring.. I stick with longer itineraries... 10-12 day cruise will weed out a lot of younger folks...although now with remote working..I suppose that strategy may no longer work. 

We usually schedule cruises more than 90 days apart. In the past I have bought an annual plan which is better for medical coverage and lighter on trip cancelation. My thought process was that if something happened and I needed to use the insurance... I could still cancel my next cruise before final payment. I have only had to use insurance once and it more than paid for itself...  And since I am now 70+, I would never cruise without it.

51 minutes ago, wanderlust58 said:

Since I wasn't helpful in suggesting Luggage Free, perhaps someone can explain what exactly Luggage Valet is/was. 

Luggage valet is a service where, at the end of the cruise, they take your bag directly to the airport and it is checked in..so the next time you see your bag is when you get off the plane. I only works when you are leaving the ship... but for a nominal fee you can avoid taking your suitcase with you to the airport.  Isn't the service you were talking about one where you can ship your luggage straight from your home to the ship and I assume back again at the end?

7 hours ago, RichYak said:

The port agent. 

I just saw this discussed in a video blog... I never noticed this..but apparently they usually put the port agent contact info in the daily schedule... and the video blogger suggested taking the info along when you go into port. Great suggestion.

5 minutes ago, fedexretiree said:

I do use email but I turn off the data so that way as you say the roaming charges don't kill my phone bill.  If I do that I can text or call and no problems it's just sometimes out at sea for 2 days you run into areas that don't have any cell service at all.  On a previous trip we were with friends who's husband is a VIP with a huge company and has a cell phone that can work all over the world he was without service for 2 evenings while out at sea.  My luck is that's when stuff happens...lol

Understood... I have back up plans for my back up plan....:)  We started cruising back in the olden days..in part as a way of being able to tell bosses..that they couldn't reach us. I had one boss who was called on the ski slope to come back... and after flying home..his boss couldn't recall what the emergency was... sad but true.

My observation is that longer cruises and those during school season will have fewer kids... We have sailed a lot in the fall and there were maybe a dozen kids... but during an easter cruise..which was a two week one.. I was surprised that there were 100 or more... but since most of the passengers seemed to be British I assumed that their break was longer.  We prefer the more relaxing feel of Celebrity..but don't mind  an occasional activity packed cruise on Royal. But sometimes the packed schedule..I find stressful..and requiring planning...which I like to avoid on vacation

Be careful leaving your phone on cell service while at sea.. the roaming charges will kill you. Set to airplane mode... so I have been told. I usually provide the info listed earlier and then check email periodically for important messages.

I see you don't use email... you might consider setting up a free email on something like gmail and practice logging on..  to get comfortable with it and then perhaps get wifi for a day or two.. so you can check. If you are Elite you get 90 minutes...and this can be split up over several days. I use the computer onboard and log in periodically to check gmail.. only spend a few minutes... that way you can make it last... and you can always buy a day of wifi.. late in the cruise.

My brother in-law once suggested to a niece that she pack boxed wine... without the box in her luggage.. the idea being that it would not show up in X-rays. The thought of a leak... would give me pause.. 🙂 

2 hours ago, C4HCG said:

Not sure this will work but here is the thread when I was told Martinique only on a Sunday. A more regular and reliable poster than me was told this by a crew member it seems. Proved to be wrong but now another poster here may stop having a dig at me and insinuating I was trying to deflect blame. Post 12 on that thread.

I was told that as well... and I recently was looking at a similar cruise and you guessed it.. it stopped on a Sunday. Perhaps it has something to do with number of ships at one time and not a fast rule. but a member of the crew told me that as well.

On 2/23/2023 at 9:25 AM, baggal said:

Celebrity is not known for varied and interesting itineraries. 

 

We were very recently on a 11 day Southern Caribbean cruise on the Holland America Rotterdam.  With the exception of St. Marten and St. Thomas  which we had previously visited multiple times, all the other ports were new and interesting to us:  St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Barbados, and Martinique.  We took the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John for a day at the beach there.  And then finally, a stop at Half Moon Cay, HAL's private island (which Celebrity doesn't have).

 

My advise to you is to look at other cruise lines.

We started sailing Celebrity because of its longer itineraries.... up to 14 days... this allowed you to get down to the southern Caribbean and spend some time. Now they don't have the 14 day trips anymore or very few..but we have done a number of 11 and 12 day cruises... hitting a number of islands including the more infrequent stops in Martinique, Dominica, Cartagena. We have been to the ABCs a number of times along with St Lucia, St Kitts, Barbados, Antiqua, Barbados, St Thomas, BVI, St Croix, and the usual Mexican stops. There have been other cruises which stop along various countries in Central America..but those did not fit into our timeline. Now with Covid there have been a number of islands reconsidering cruise ships.. including Grand Cayman.. I hear Bermuda has some additional fee. I do think ship size is a factor. I heard that Martinique allows the ships on Sundays to avoid impacting their normal business activity...  I have not checked itineraries out in the future... but I suspect there are reasons that some of these other places are not showing up... beyond ship size. Tendering can be an issue... we have missed several stops in Grand Cayman because of high winds and seas..and same for Cozumel...before they built additional pier.   I think there may have also been a cruise that stopped in St Vincent...but it was a one off..as I recall... they was before the volcano blew. So I don't know what this poster is talking about

One problem I see with the changes..will be the reaction of people who haven't been on Celebrity since before the Pandemic.... we sailed in '20 just before and twice in '22. There were so many changes during that period due to health protocols.. reduced capacity and staffing as a result... that like the frog in a pot of slowing heated water... we pretty much went with the flow. So these new changes, while annoying are part of the pattern and we understand the pressure businesses are under with inflation and past supply issues. But I think it would be more of a shock if we hadn't cruised during this period... and suddenly the experience is not what we remembered.  I have to be honest.. the room service changes and extra charge for additional lobster and other similar changes don't really bother me... but dropping Beef Wellington and prime rib along with dining room service issues... bother me more... along with the significantly higher fares... I hope the executive office is following CC.. Candidly I don't think I have seen so many comments on service and quality before...

2 minutes ago, jean87510 said:

Probably.  But then they shouldn't offer that deal for the 1st night.

Other thought is that the reason for the deal is not enough interest in first night... although we prefer it... I like a sunset reservation... table by the window as you sail past the Florida coast.

On 2/19/2023 at 3:32 PM, jean87510 said:

Husband and I went down to the 5th floor to hang out on the Promenade outside.  We love these types of areas as they are shaded and quiet.  We both commented how much we missed Celebrity.  Just a better overall experience than Royal or Carnival.  Better food, drinks, people, workers...etc...  It really is apparent especially when you normally do one line.  So far we have been really happy with our experience.

This is why I love the S class ship.. there are lots of places to choose.. quite tucked away areas and the noisier more party type spots... Also I like the different bar options each with a different feel

On 2/18/2023 at 4:25 PM, jean87510 said:

Did notice that mysteriously all these first night reservations are suddenly available at the Tuscan Grille where for months nothing was available with the sale price.  Just an observation.  We will try Blu or the OVC.  Or both!  Going forward, I would call to book the 1st night reservation instead for the specialty.  We were given 2 metal bottles of water that our room steward K said he would replace at least once daily.  Getting ready to head to gym to either jog or elliptical for an hour and also check out the Persian garden thermal area.  Plus checking out some of the classes as well.  I like Yoga but not a fan unless we are in calm waters which never seems to happen when doing the balance poses.

I think if you get a specialty package ... not the first night deal... that you can't make reservations in advance until you are on the ship. So they may hold some for those who plan on using the multinight package

On 2/15/2023 at 4:27 PM, NorthStarStateCruiser said:

Here's my question for Mr. Liberty:

 

In regards to Infinite Veranda staterooms, is the plan to continue to install these types of verandas in such a large proportion for future Celebrity ships?  I'm aware that there is a reduced ratio of infinite verandas to traditional balconies on the upcoming Icon of the Seas versus the Celebrity Edge class ships. I'm curious whether mixed feedback from passengers who sailed on the Celebrity Edge class ships in these infinite veranda staterooms had an impact on the decision to install a lower ratio for Icon of the Seas.  Some people have even go so far as to avoid the Edge class ships due to the fact that the only traditional balconies available are aft-view sunset verandas and retreat level suites which are both more expensive staterooms.  How have you and your design teams responded to this feedback and what actions have taken place?

 

 

I thought only Celebrity had IV cabins... surprised Icon of the Seas (RCL ship) would have any

33 minutes ago, cwayne said:

TeeRick, I'm with you.  The value of something is in how happy it makes me and a suite and its amenities would really make me happy.   I don't care if anyone else thinks it's worth it or not. It's my opinion and my money that count.   We haven't booked a suite yet, but it is on our list and I intend to enjoy every minute of it and every benefit that goes with it when we get it.  We've got the b2b and now on to the suite!  I love all the extras! 

Candidly, I like the fact that there are people who find value and are willing to pay for the suite experience. Those higher fees allow some of us to cruise more often in a cheaper cabin. I don't mind the added benefits you get for that either. The one thing I don't care for..on E class ships... is the lack of forward view.. like the Sky Lounge... Since that space is taken for Retreat but that is it. I am very disappointed in recent changes and really hoped that post major covid..that things were get better...but that doesn't appear to be the case.

Out of curiosity I did a mock booking for a cruise... matching (as close as I can) the S class cruise we took last April 25.. Equinox.. similar length cruise..but this year fewer ports. Last year our 1A cabin was $4678 for two with port fees and the AI package. This year the cruise only fare is $4507 and with the AI package the fare is now $6157.. significantly higher (31%) and to hear of small portions, elimination of some favorites and continues short staffed situation. I think we will sit this year out. I can understand short staff when you are running at less than 50% occupancy...but once things opened up.. I hoped that they would have this addressed. I do wonder if all the remote staffing in Govt... might also impact visas or whatever documents crew need. I have hear issues with passports.. I hope Lisa's staff is monitoring CC... cause I have never seen such negative comments....

53 minutes ago, luckyinpa said:

i never was on celebrity but i had no idea the captain controls the balconies. amazing. has anyone gotten injured or had their head chopped off when they were closing?

They have sensors to help prevent accidents. But when in port... if they are planning on washing the windows, the bridge can close and lock the windows. Note that there are no drains on the 'veranda' and imagine being in the cabin with spray like a car wash coming in the open window. During one of the two maiden voyages of Edge, DH was not pleased that they kept the window locked while in port for hours.. because of window cleaning. I hope that they learned to unlock after washing to shorten the time period.

17 hours ago, Galaxy2004 said:

We were on this same sailing and can confirm seeing servers walking around selling the pre-made drinks the last 2 sea days. I even said to my cruise mate that I wasn't used to seeing that on Celebrity (15 cruises). We didn't hang out around the pool so can report on that, but lounging in the solarium and chairs leading on both sides to the Sunset Bar we had servers coming around regularly to take orders, especially near the Sunset Bar. Almost impossible to get servers during lunchtime for us so I always picked up something on the way in or at the Oceanview Bar. Maybe repositioning some of the servers would help. Definitely agree with there being staffing problems in the main dining room during dinner, at least the anytime dining section. Staff always friendly but definitely rushed, rushed, rushed.

I have not seen that before either...but now that they have done away with the Always Included..for virtually everyone... they may be pushing drinks... targeting the 'cruise only' crowd.

If you really like to enjoy the art on a ship... the E class is the way to go. But we prefer the S class. There seem to be more places to enjoy a drink and different live music. S class has the Martini bar in the atrium and the Passport bar..tucked a bit back on a lower deck in the atrium (louder music and sometimes dancing). Ensemble lounge on 5 is quite with usually a trio.. near the specialty restaurants. The world Class Bar... a bit further away from the atrium and the Sky Lounge in the bow with large windows with a view out front (Edge has no forward view like this)...and the Sunset bar on the top deck aft. Edge main indoor bar is the Martini bar... which is in the atrium. What I don't like on Edge is that the atrium has a mall feel...with the specialty restaurants opening to the atrium and the loud music... not the nice quiet feel of the various specialty restaurants on S class (except Sushi on 5..which is on the atrium). Eden is nice to visit..but seats were so uncomfortable that we spent little time there... and while you have no view out the front of E class.. Eden does have a nice view out back with three story bank of windows. the hallways in the public areas and elevators on E class are better if you have a scooter.. but if your cabin is forward and you want to head to the Martini bar.. you either need to change elevators on 4 or drive down the passenger cabin to get to the aft elevators. I liked the 4 dining room options on Edge, but DH didn't care for it... because we had a different wait staff each time. DH did not like the IV cabin... since he likes to sit outside... I always burn so actually liked the IV. I would sail Edge again...but not at a premium to S class. Another thing about S class... if you want a quiet place to read... someplace outside your cabin..there are lots of places... from the library, card room... to Sky Lounge in the afternoon (except perhaps during trivia). E Class ships are worth trying but if you are just going to do one to try Celebrity.. I would go with S class. One more thing... if you want to purchase a Tiffany or Cartier product... E class is the way to go.. BUT be warned.. prices..at least for Cartier are the same as in the US...and when you arrive back in US port... the crew will likely take you to customs so that you can pay duty on your ship board purchase... so if you think you will save a lot... I think the duty limit is about $800. So keep that in mind.

I like ParknGo as well... my husband has mobility issues... can't walk long distances... so it is nice to just pull in to their lot..go right on a shuttle and head off to port... and at the end of the cruise their vans are there waiting for us... quick and easy. however, you need to leave your keys... which has not been a problem..but it would be nice if we could park it ourselves. However the lot is not that large and it would not be nearly as fast as the system they have. I just leave an AirTag in the car.. 🙂  If you pay in advance it is cheaper... and if you have to cancel. they will return the fee.

What type of cabin and is the pricing PP?

16 minutes ago, SRQbeachgirl said:

It's Day 2 and I can happily report that our "first impressions" have held true so far. We are having a great time and are delighted with the "feel" of this cruise.

 

We have seen a few children--and by "few" I mean seven total--but they were welll behaved and being supervised by parents and grandparents. The median age of passengers is definitely higher than we've experienced before and it makes for a much more relaxed cruise. 

 

We had dinner in the MDR last night and service was excellent. I would consider the food quality to be fairly standard banquet fare, with the standout being the French onion soup...YUM!

 

We went to a comedy show that was really good and thankfully lacked the crudeness of some of the recent shows we've seen on Carnival. The 80's party was a lot of fun as well, with it being pretty obvious which party goers have already had hip or knee replacement and which of us would likely need one of them soon (raises hand). 

 

We are in Nassau today with three other ships--two MSC ships and the Carnival Mardi Gras, which we were on last summer. After roaming around the port I can't tell you how happy we were to come back to the Reflection, where we were greeted with a refreshment station, rather than to the Mardi Gras.

 

As for those two future Carnival cruises listed down there in my signature...well, if the rest of this week is on par with our experience so far, those are likely to get canceled when we get home. 😉

We now have sailed Celebrity for the past 5 years or so..almost exclusively. We never had an issue with children on Royal.. but our Celebrity trips have had very few children...even a 2 week Easter cruise one year had perhaps 100..but like the other sailings all well behaved and hardly noticed. Try going to Sky Lounge as the ship pulls out of various ports.. great views out of the front of the ship... and in the late afternoon a nice quiet place to relax with a drink... Also.. Tuscan grill around sunset is a nice place to go for dinner.

2 minutes ago, horseymike said:

You would be surprised. At the end of the day $$$$$ always matters.

What I meant was..that they don't really care if it upsets anyone... they know that they can get it $.. and if they lose a few tourists..no matter... Back in the day tourism was about 90% of the economy..last I heard it was closer to 10%

3 minutes ago, cruisestitch said:

A prime example is Bermuda. A lot of people became very angry at Bermuda’s imposition of a $40 fee for every passenger visiting there, whether you got off the ship or not. I know several who had vowed never to visit Bermuda in the future.   Is it enough to make a difference, that is will the numbers show? I doubt it.

 

There are several transatlantic each year. Some visit Bermuda, some don’t. I’ll be choosing the one that doesn’t. But it’s a drop in the bucket and I don’t think it’ll make a wicked of difference to anyone but me that I am making that choice.

 

There are plenty of Caribbean cruises that don’t visit Grand Cayman. Will there be enough people mad at Grand Cayman to show in any sort of statistical fashion? I don’t think so

Was this in addition to whatever port fees Bermuda charges? I had not heard this..but having traveled to Bermuda a number of times..it does not surprise me. Now that they are a global financial center (after Hong Kong went back to the Chinese)..tourism is not of top priority.