Dunelm

My husband and I have always "dressed up" for formal nights but, frankly, we are getting tired of hauling formal attire around the world, and renting a tux seems hardly worth the effort. Before we retired we had to go to black tie events and so "dressing up" is not really a novelty for us. On the other hand, there are folk who absolutely love the formal nights and that is fine. I think most people conform with what I think is smart attire on those nights. The fact of the matter is, though, that cultural norms have changed and that even the best restaurants on land do not seem to have a dress code anymore. The "casual" trend happens to be across all classes and I, for one, think that is not a bad thing. In fact, it is interesting to me that the most expensive cruises tend not to have formal nights. So, I think we have to ask the question: Is it classy or pretentious to expect everyone to dress formally?

We prefer either a table for two or one with 8 to 10 people. On one fourteen-day cruise (over the holidays), we were at a table for six and the other two couples complained the whole of the time. We should have asked for another table after the first night, but we felt sorry for the waiters and so stuck it out.

Skip the Lido Buffet. BISTRO ON 5 for a great lunch that is relaxing and UNCROWDED!

 

Absolutely agree! On a recent cruise, we met our friends at Bistro on 5. It was quiet, and our lunch was delicious!

It appears that I have hit upon a cultural nerve. Which was most certainly not my intention. I know only too well from these boards that Americans do not appreciate criticism of their ways and customs.

 

It only takes a "few minutes" for my food to get cold while you are sitting there not eating.

 

At times the Windjammer is extraordinarily busy - I appreciate that it is clearly acceptable in your culture, it is quite rude in ours.

 

Compman: I am a Brit. I live in both cultures and I think you are being a tad rude yourself with your comment above. Again, I disagree with you re, your take on cultural norms. There are rude people in all cultures. One more point: If I am in a different culture, I do not expect that culture to change for me. I try to adapt. I suggest you do the same.

I am fascinated by this. It is obviously a cultural thing, but in the UK in many of our self service restaurants you line up first then find your table.

 

This is probably why I find it it most annoying that people feel it right to sit at a table they are not using while I am standing with a plate full of food.

 

I think of it as no different to deckchair hogging - keeping something you are not using.

 

Interesting. We spend summer months in the UK, and in coffee shops and department store cafes have seen men, women, the elderly, and people with children secure a table while someone else ordered the food. But, perhaps Kent is different.

Last week, I tried twice to get someone and gave up after waiting so long! Today, though, I had to hold for ten minutes, and I wish I had got the assistant's name because she was so efficient and nice to boot. I guess I was lucky.

As a matter of fact, I've had precisely NO experience with Celebrity or cruising at all for that matter. Hence the importance to me of being able to come here and read balanced reviews. Time and time again I see Celebrity fans jump on posters who dare to voice their dissatisfaction and offer all manner of excuses for the shortfall in meeting expectations (reminds me of the Apple forums - "that's not a problem, it's a feature"). This is not helpful to me.

 

Celebrity surely cannot be perfect. Not every expectation will be met. I for one, question claims to the contrary. I find it very helpful to understand areas where Celebrity may have difficulty meeting even basic expectations (e.g. eggs should be hot or at least very warm if they're not deviled or between two slices of whole wheat with mayo) and will plan accordingly - I'm VERY much looking forward to croissants and jam or bagels and smoked salmon on my balcony for my first ever cruise breakfast.

 

And as for the suggestion that below standard service should be expected on shorter cruises, I can't help but wonder how my employer would react if I suggested it was OK for the customer to be dissatisfied " 'cuz it was only a short engagement anyway... "

 

I imagine that some of the "apologists" recognize that, for a lot of folk, cruising is one of the best value vacations around. Having cruised since the early 90's, I know that the price of cruising has not risen very much, if at all. We cannot expect everything to be first class when we are paying these prices for board, food, entertainment, and travel. We just have to look at international airfares to know that most cruising is a bargain.

Thanks so much for your reviews! It is interesting that the bars and the casino are quiet (am I getting it right here?). I have noticed some cultural differences when on cruises with either mainly Brits or mainly Americans. When there are mainly Brits, the bars tend to be heaving with people, and when mainly Americans, the casinos are that way. Perhaps the more expensive cruises have people from all countries trying to lessen their expense. I guess I am just a curious person.

We ate one meal in the MDR last March on the Reflection. Overall the food ranged from good to very good. The issue that I have with the MDR is the large room, noise and servers rushing to take care of too many guests. Not a nice atmosphere.

 

You make a good point. Perhaps Celebrity needs to re-think the dining experience for all cruisers.

Reading some of the comments above about the quality (or lack thereof) of MDR food, I figure I must be one easily satisfied person. I have never had a meal that I could not eat in the MDR, and most meals were very enjoyable. Actually, I enjoy all food that I do not have to cook myself. Even suite guests must concede that taking a cruise is much cheaper than flying first class these days, and just think of the food served on airlines.;)

Sorry those comments were an addendum to the previous posts I made. Essentially, I am looking to book 2 adjoining cabins for Summer 2015. One cabin will be a Royal Suite and my choice of adjoining cabin is either an Aqua, a Celebrity Suite or another Royal Suite.

 

Prior to the new amenities announcement, if we booked a RS and Aqua, we faced the RS occupants only being able to eat dinner with the Aqua occupants in Blu on a space available basis. This is despite spending at least twice as much on the RS than the Aqua. I do not think is reasonable. We could instead book an adjoining CS or RS but the pre-change amenities simply did not justify the additional spend as we would not get enough bang for our buck. Celebrity offers suite guess less than its sister line, Royal Caribbean. I am pleased with the proposed changes that have been announced and we have decided to book an RS and adjoining CS as soon as the booking season opens. I hope that makes some sense.

 

Yup! It does.

Just to clarify. We wanted two cabins next to each other and the choice is either a Royal Suite and Aqua, a Royal Suite and Royal Suite or Royal Suite and Celebrity Suite on the Eclipse.

 

 

Not sure I understand the point you are making.

We have not cruised with Cunard because of the two tier system, certain restaurants only available to guests in the top class cabins, etc, etc

We like Celebrity because they do not do that. We have found the passengers on Celebrity are a great mixed bunch. If, however, the suite guests were only to eat and drink in their defined areas then the mix of the ship changes.

 

We also spent a large part of our last cruise in Michael's club. So would be unhappy at this venue being taken from us.

 

Will it stop of choosing Celebrity? Possibly not but it does make us look around at other lines with more interest.

 

Quote from the Celebrity web site-:

"From one hemisphere to the other, there is a world of luxury aboard a Celebrity Cruise – and it is all yours to enjoy. "

 

They might have to change that to - "And some of it is yours to enjoy" !!!!

 

Great comments. Thanks. My husband and I have sailed in suites on Princess, Holland America, and Celebrity and, frankly, I think there are more than enough perks on Celebrity without introducing more.

After reading all the comments on this forum, I think if having their "special areas" set aside makes them happy, what a tragedy. Often times the people in the world I admire the most and respect would not be in the "special area" and what a loss that would be. Just think what joy may be missed when isolated in our Ivory Towers, Just MHO

 

I agree with you! Actually, some of the happiest and wealthiest people I know are also the most unassuming and the least pretentious. On the other hand, I have met very wealthy people who were miserable and pretentious AND I have met not very wealthy people who were also miserable and pretentious. I guess I am glad that I know and am friends with people from all kinds of backgrounds. That's what makes life so interesting and "rich."

Your post really makes sense to me. I knew there was more about this that was bugging me (not crazy mad, but uncomfortable) and this gets to some of the heart of it. One thing that rubbed me the wrong way was simply the way Celebrity announced it. Ok, call me oversensitive. But some of the wording was rather insulting to the 'common class 'in my opinion. I can't recall the exact words, but something about being discerning in their food choices and wine choices and things of that type. Who is Celebrity to say that we wouldn't all prefer (as well as appreciate the quality of) better food and drink? Just because we can't afford to satisfy those tastes does not mean we don't have them as well. It's not exactly to your point of 'our own kind' but it sure smacked of it. The wording could have been better IMHO. But perhaps the wording was meant to entice those who do feel that it is better to avoid mingling with the common folk. Let's be honest, there are a good number of people in this world like that. I certainly do not believe all 'suite people' fit that category (and to be honest I could afford to sail in suites if I really wanted to, at least sometimes), but I have certainly met some who do. It would be a shame if that is who Celebrity wants to attract.

 

I do not think you are being over-sensitive at all about the wording of Celebrity's news release. I have always believed that words matter, that we use words and words use us. Actually, I don't like the wording of "elitist level" either. It is too bad that companies and people have to appeal to pride and prejudice--now that's a phrase I've heard before:).

Sounds like the free enterprise system to me. I don't spend one minute worrying about what others may have as long as I have the "opportunity" to have it as well. I don't expect to be given the same things as others who have paid for them. It's not a private club...anyone can join.

 

Actually, not everyone can join. As someone who often travels in suites, I have to remind myself that there would not be the experience of being on a large ship if it was not for the great majority of passengers who are not in suites. Obviously, most passengers do not expect to have the same perks as those who pay a lot more. I do think the majority have a right, though, to feel as valued.

I have to say that this news makes me sigh even though I have been in suites on Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America. I understand that there will always be some form of hierarchy wherever we go, and that in most cases we get what we pay for; however, I think one of the many problems with our world is a regression into tribalism. The kind of culture in which we only mix with, only go to school with, and now only travel and eat with what some refer to as "our own kind"--whatever that really means. Frankly, I think that those of us who choose to go the suite route have enough perks, but I know that I may be in the minority with that attitude. Ah, well . . .

I absolutely loved your post. Thanks!!! I have never been on a cruise that I did not enjoy. I am not perfect, life is not perfect, and cruises are not always perfect; however, I just feel so very fortunate to be able to go on them and to be alive!!

I am from Britain originally; however, I want to defend the USA. Last year, I flew from Nice, to London Heathrow, to Manchester. LHR was an absolute nightmare with numerous checkpoints even though we had gone through checking in Nice, were flying with British Airways, and did not have to change terminals. So, these "hiccups" happen everywhere!

After ten continuous days at sea involving five days of storms and force 10 winds Queen Victoria finally berthed at dawn today at Fort Lauderdale.

However, due to incompetence at Customs and Immigration, hundreds of passengers (many of them elderly and some infirm) were forced to queue for around two hours before finally being given permission to proceed ashore.

This meant that despite arriving at dawn many passengers were unable to leave the port buildings until the early afternoon !!

Immigration officials offered a variety of excuses including 'slow computers', 'Queen Victoria only comes here once a year so needs extra checking' etc. All this regardless of the fact that all these passengers were in possession of the ESTA document already checked and approved by the authorities.

Apparently this sort of thing happens regularly at Fort Lauderdale and in view of the anger of hundreds of passengers it would be no surprise if Cunard were to omit Fort Lauderdale from its future itineraries.

 

I doubt that it was "incompetence." Most likely, Customs and Immigration have had staff cuts as have most government institutions in the USA. So, the perceived incompetence may have been due to too few people having to deal with so many passengers.

[quote name='bigreckster']Just returned from the Summit in a Royal Suite and opted to eat in the Normandie spec. dining every night because the noise and bedlam of the MDR is just not for us. I don't want to sit at a large table with strangers, I want a level of service like fine restaurants provide and I paid handsomely for that, in addition to the suite cost! We never saw but a few people in Bistro on 5 during the entire week which makes me wonder whether this venue is really as popular as some have indicated. I'd definitely be in favor of an alternative venue for dinner for suite passengers because that's what you're paying the extra fee for...same as airline seats, seats at a Broadway show or any other facet of vacation experience. Seems that there has to be a way to alleviate the strain on Blu dining facility and they are looking for ways to address that. As for those who decry the alleged move toward a "Cunard class system", you get what you pay for in this life...in the end, it's all about business and profitability on the part of any cruise line...just check the prices on the all- inclusives like Regents and Silverseas for a comparison.[/quote]

You make an interesting argument. Perhaps suites are getting harder to sell because people with that kind of money are looking to other lines that offer a more all inclusive cruise. I must admit that I have looked at Oceania very closely. My husband, though, prefers larger ships. I enjoyed cruising with Azamara, but I thought the main dining room was very crowded. I did like the fact that there were no formal nights, though. You are right, we usually get what we pay for; however, have you read some of the threads on Cunard? Cunard's class system (at least to me) seems to encourage the snobs. At least on Oceania, Crystal, Regent, and so on, a passenger in an inside cabin is not sent symbolically to a lower class dining facility.

[quote name='kitty9']As someone who cruises about 80% of the time in a suite, I would be opposed to this change. I'm sorry, but say what you will, it will be perceived as a class distinction, regardless of how many of you say it won't. Since those who post here are a very small percentage of actual cruisers, I have the feeling that most others will view this as nothing more than separating the haves and have nots, which is a class system.

One of the great things about cruising on Crystal is you can book an E category cabin (lowest) or the Crystal Penthouse, and there's no distinction between any of their guests. There is no separate dining room for those who would spend 5 figures for the CP, and that's how it should be.

If Celebrity had kept to their original concept for Blu, that being, a healthier menu than the MDR, there would be no argument that AQ is a class distinction. But X went away from their concept, so people see AQ as a separate "class".

I also can't see how Bistro on 5 could handle all suite guests. It's a tiny restaurant with a kitchen that would have to greatly improved to prepare these supposedly fancier meals.[/quote]


Beautifully said!!

[quote name='nihaobao']As a suite guest, I would be quite happy to have free access to specialty restaurants for dinner and perhaps breakfast/lunch in an existing specialty spot. No need to take Bistro on 5 away from the many who clearly appreciate it.[/quote]

I am in complete agreement with you. As a frequent suite guest, I do not think I need any additional perks; the biggest perk for me is being able to afford the accommodation.

Perks for suite guests are nice and I must say I enjoy Blu (when I've had the opportunity) and Bistro on 5. That said, I'd hate to see X move to a class sytem like Cunard.

 

 

I am in complete agreement with you. I hope Celebrity does not go the way of Cunard.

As a person who has been in suites on Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America ships, I am unsettled by this idea. In fact, I am hesitating about going on a Cunard cruise because they have such a blatant class system with separate dining rooms for Queen and Princess suites. I understand that even being in a suite is elitist to some extent, as is travelling first class or business. I am not against hierarchies and I am not against people getting what they pay for; but I am against pretention. I actually felt a tad uncomfortable using the Concierge Lounge on Holland America ships. Please, Celebrity do not emulate Cunard that, to me, has a very outdated British class system. I can understand giving suite guests the option of eating in the specialty restaurants, but I am uncomfortable with what amounts to a caste system. Just my opinion.