lacody

Thank you for your review.

My husband and I have been on Royal C., Princess and Celebrity. But, the last 13 cruises were with Celebrity. This time we were traveling with 4 other couples who have all cruised before, in varying degrees, on lots of different cruise lines.

Since the inception of the Solstice class, we have always gotten an Aqua Class cabin...just so we can dine at Blu. I will never understand why the powers that be did not think to make Blu restaurant big enough to hold not just Aqua Class, but Concierge and Suite class as well. Makes no sense. We never liked the huge impersonal experience of the main dining room....no matter how beautiful it is made.

We love the layout and elegant decor of Celebrity. The Solarium pool is wonderful as is the Persian Garden.

I agree with the op that Brent Nixon was a highlight. I wonder what coffee he drinks? He has so much energy! I also agree that there were many rude passengers on board, but that is not the fault of the cruise line. Many cultures seem to be rude. In Rome, I was hit with an umbrella by a little old Italian lady, wearing a babushka, as she pushed in front of me. Americans are just so nice!

I agree that the entertainment is hit or miss. We only went to 2 shows.

We had all watched the Liberace movie on HBO a couple weeks ago, so we decided to go to see the pianist, who was mentored by Liberace at a young age. Normally, we wouldn't go to see a pianist...even too boring for us old farts. Turns out he was unbelievably great! He did everything from classical to Lady GaGa and did it very well. He was funny and high energy...a great show. The other show was the juggler. I liked him, my husband, not so much. Hit or miss.

We like the Oceanview Cafe and use it a lot. It gets busy at times, but it seemed to me that some of the staff has been cut or they are working them too many hours. I remember the days, when someone took your tray (yes, there were trays) and carried it to your table...set your food out on the table for you and took the tray away.

Another area that we noticed that they were spread thin, was in the Martini Bar. Twice, we had to go to the bar to get our own drinks. Wow! That has never happened before. Also, I think the room attendants are doing more rooms that they used to do. Although, the room is always clean as can be...we never saw them unless we had a problem. Used to see them all the time and chatted with them.

Juneau disembarkation? As an Elite member, we got off right away, but, our friends did not. It needs to be addressed.

We would rate this cruise a 7 out of 10...Alaska itself was awesome! We've been thinking that we need to check out maybe a different cruise line. Regency? Crystal? They are pricey, so we would have to go every 2 years instead of every year. Anyone? We would not ever go on RC or Carnival, since we are past the rock climbing stage of our lives! ;)

I found another cute bagallini cross body bag today that will be perfect for excursions that don't require a big tote bag! It was at the mall for 49.99, but I got it from ebags for 31.99! I like to support local merchants if they're close in price, but this wasn't even in the ballpark! http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/bon-voyage-bagg-crinkle-nylon/107671?sourceid=adwp366602&couponid=55583734 I love all the little compartments! One pocket for each country's currency!:D

Jan, I hope you are more organized than I!! I have that purse and there are so many compartments that I could never find anything. I tried to keep certain things in the same compartment all the time, but that didn't last long. I would need something and would go crazy unzipping until I could find what I needed. If you have a system, let me know, because other than that....it's a great purse. What color did you get?

Indiana....I'm glad you posted about getting your red Baggallini. Let us know how you like it after you've put it to work.

We've also vacationed in Rehoboth, Bethany and Ocean City.... but, IMHO, none can compare to my hometown or the Outer Banks of NC!:D

I grew up in MD and spent many summers at Rehoboth. DH and I also went there for vacations until moving to the NC coast (near the SC border), so we don't get there anymore. :( The restaurants are wonderful and not only do they have great little shops and boutiques, but there is a huge fashion outlet located there....shopping heaven.

Indiana...you'll love your tomato/mango Baggelini. Great price! I think I may just have to buy one. Did you order from www.ebags.com, the website that Jan gave in her original post?

I finally found my perfect personal carry-on. It's perfect because it has a flap that will go onto the handle of my regular carry-on, and it's big enough to hold my small purse and other necessities of long travel... dvd player, book, etc. http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/a-la-carte-bagg-medium-crinkle-nylon/107617?productid=1283454

Long time reader of this thread...finally jumping in because I have had this bag for at least 4 years and love it! I've used it for every trip and have used it as a regular purse on occasion. It never wears out. Mine is a khaki color....I didn't notice if that is one of the colors offered now. Since someone has said that it washes well, I'll have to give it a whirl, since it must be really yucky by now, but it certainly doesn't look dirty at all. My favorite thing about this bag is that it slips over the handle of your carryon. Baggelini's were 1st designed by flight attendants, but I'm not sure if that's who is designing them now. I love all their bags....I have several other styles also. Hmmm...might be time to buy a new one of these for my next cruise!! :rolleyes:

I want to thank everyone on this thread....especially Indiana, for helping to get us organized, so we can relax and enjoy our cruising without sweating about how, what, why, when of fashion. My next cruise is in Oct....a transatlantic! So, excited...I can't wait and have already started my excell spreadsheet!:)