natshala

You may have said and I missed it…Do you how many pax onboard?

Long time X  and Crystal cruiser, I am about to bite the bullet and book my first Oceania cruise. I’m a little nervous as this is a big jump into the unknown.

I travel solo.

I’m about to pull the trigger on a September 2023 cruise on Insignia (I know nothing about O ships) New York to Montreal. 10 days. I think I’m going to use O Air for the flights from/to MCO.

Is Insignia a nice ship?

As far as the O choices, I’m thinking —excursions and —wine & champagne. I do not like cheap wines. Issues there? Would I be better off with the $300 OBC? I don’t drink a lot but enjoy quality.

I would appreciate any advice, cautions. I need to make this decision tomorrow.

I tend to overthink. Am I missing anything?

Thanks, all, for your insights!

Wow. So sorry to hear about this. I hope your friend recovers quickly and all is well with her eyes. At the very least, I’d expect a full credit from the spa for the medical costs as well as the spa service.

Does anyone know whether the Apex 2/18 cruise is one of the BCC offered cruises? The reason I ask is that a few weeks ago, there were numerous cabins available. A lot. Now, the ship is virtually maxed out. 

Looks lovely. Thanks for posting.

9 minutes ago, tfred said:

prices are run by revenue management based on bookings placed and time to sail.  Why lower prices when you dont have to ?

This is capitalism—the law of supply and demand. There is nothing wrong with it. Cruise prices are like a game. You need to watch them often if looking for a deal. 

All included buy one get one free. Don’t know about the 75. Might that be an OBC?

Thank you. Seems strange.

9 minutes ago, mom says said:

Some people still do this, and of course, your steward would graciously accept it, since being courteous  is part of their job. But realize that not everyone likes or can eat chocolate or sweets, and souvenir trinkets from your home will likely go directly in the nearest bin once out of your cabin. 

 

The best gifts are courtesy, a positive comment card delivered to Guest Relations, and/or an extra tip at the end of your cruise. However on port calls we will usually ask our steward if there is anything we can pick up for them while we are ashore.

This. Some people treat crew as if they’re pets or little children. They are adult professionals. Be positive and kind but not condescending.

What does that mean?  “$30 credit toward food items”.  I really don’t understand what they’re saying.

can someone please ‘splain?

Just now, Steve H said:

Just a quick question if you’re in  Aqua do you have to eat in Blu or can you eat in the MDR?

Either.

1 hour ago, mariners said:

My plans of writing a live thread for this segment won't work.  I have not paid for the upgrade for the internet and I cannot even get CC to load, let alone sign in and post.  I also cannot access any of our e-mail accounts, airline information, or even the Celebrity website to look at future cruises.  I tried multiple times in the middle of the night, and I still couldn't get the service.  I can, however, get and send text messages, access news websites all over the world, access a different cruise site of which I am a member, and a variety of weather, weekly shopping flyers at home, and some other sites that I really don't care about but wanted to see if they worked.

 

This segment has a totally different vibe than the previous segment.  The passenger count is about 80% of full occupancy according to the crew and officer with whom I spoke.  It’s also a very lively group, and the bars are hopping, and lots of people are enjoying a variety of entertainment.  

 

The crew have been struggling with the massive increase in passengers, but I have already noticed that they are settling into new routines, and I think the frenetic pace and stress levels should improve over the week.  It's unfortunate that there are not more crew onboard as they really do have too large a number of passengers to provide service to and some passengers are very unhappy and are quite vocal.  I have no issue with people vocalizing issues, but I really dislike it when passengers are rude to the crew.  Although I can't stop it from happening, I do let the crew know that they are welcome to have a supervisor speak with me if that is their choice.

 

Food has been hit and miss.  Even though the menu is the same as last week, the presentation, and flavours are different.  Hopefully, the kitchen will also adjust to the larger dining groups.  

 

We are still having a great time.  

 

On a side note, we had a fabulous display of dolphins, and whales (including breaching) on the sail in to Cabos at lunch time today.  What a fabulous welcome!

Very interesting perspective. Thanks for your post.

10 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 Yes, the Premium Package covers any beverage on the Premium Package list.  I am not sure what "after dinner liquors" are would order.  The drinks from the package cannot be shared.  

 

 Here is the list of beverages covered by the package.  Cannot guarantee all are available onboard.  

 

 https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages/compare-packages

 

 

Thanks for the link. I hadn’t seen that before.

Just curious…what does Zero proof give you?

I think all you’re trying to do is swap classic alcohol for premium water/smoothies/juices. It should be doable but X has some strange rules. I wonder whether they’d just cancel and refund your classic package? Then you could buy drinks you enjoy ala carte.

I wouldn’t present it as “downgrading.” Keep it simple. Good luck.

On 1/23/2023 at 11:50 AM, marieps said:

Until the "somebodies" include China and India, these tiny contributions to sustainability are meaningless, IMO.

And Brazil and Russia. Why do so few understand this?

I was on a B2B on Beyond in Nov-Dec in AQ 9282. I loved the room. It was a good walk from the aft elevators but I always consider that part of my daily exercise. My room was always very quiet. I chose AQ because I got a great deal and I really like Blu.
 

To be honest, Blu has gone downhill food wise but the staff and ambience was wonderful. The spa thermal suite, for me, got old quickly so it’s no longer a draw. I have a B2B coming up soon on Apex. For this one, I didn’t even consider AQ. 
 

Have a wonderful cruise! Beyond is magnificent.

4 minutes ago, mahdnc said:

Nice to be that prepared. I hope your sailing doesn't get chartered.....

What do you mean by that?

2 hours ago, robtulipe said:

That lobster like items is most likely made with pollock fish which is much lower cost fish than cod. 😉

Like fake crab in sushi.

I board Apex 2/11. Looking at the app, I’m seeing a lot of salads and pasta with a protein like lobster or sirloin. Looks like the protein is an afterthought. And what’s with all the short ribs? Is that a thing now? I don’t think I’ve ever had them but admit I’m not a big beef fan. And how about oxtail? Lots of beans, too.

another thing: I notice on the menu for LeGrand Bistro, the cover charge increased from $20 to $30 plus gratuity, of course.

it also states “a 20% gratuity will be automatically added to all beverages,” Even if you have the premium beverage package?  does anyone know for sure?

isn’t the gratuity already baked into the drink package?

I assume drinks themselves come out of the beverage package? I hope that’s correct.

This all adds up to a very pricey lunch if true. I was thinking I’d eat lunch there rather than OVC.

Thanks for any insights.
 

39 minutes ago, miched said:

When you walk into a restaurant they ask your cabin number ( some will know it after the first day or so)  and  check you off on their computer.  They will probably deny you a seating 
 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

I think that would be so unusual that they wouldn’t bother.

5 hours ago, cruzfiend said:

I was just able to get the single supplement taken off for my Alaska cruise from Princess. Saved over $1100. 😃

Tell us more! Please.

10 hours ago, njsmom said:

Millennium

6 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 My Celebrity App shows Sushi on Five open for lunch on Day 1. 

 

 As @terrydtxsaid, dining there is not free.  The Menu shows a la carte dining. 

 

9 hours ago, cruisestitch said:

Spa cafe MIGHT be open….sometimes it is, sometimes not

Mostly not.

5 hours ago, loecki1976 said:

Sorry, that it is wrong that you generally have 75 days, maybe in the US. But I booked at german official Celebrity website, and my booking confirmation says final payment due 30 days before sailing.

And my Online Check In already starts earlier than that.

 

Beside that, I called Celebrity hotline, answer was "Maybe you can check in, maybe not, I don't know...". Okaaaayyyy....

I am sorry if I asked something stupid, that was honestly not my intention, but I didn't find any answer yesterday, so I asked (which is in MY opinion ok in CC Board....). Maybe my bad english, I am sorry for that.

 

Your English is fine and your question is reasonable. I hope you have a wonderful cruise.

No. Blu is never open for lunch.