san diego spartan

Yes just off the Solstice and they were included.

From someone in a non suite or retreat the disembarkation for us was also super quick and easy. It may have taken a max of 5 minutes if that. They use the facial recognition so you do not need to have your passports out which is nice. We left our cabin about 7:45am and went to the MDR for one last relaxing breakfast. Finished up about an hour later and our number was called as we were heading to deck 5. So perfect! Luggage was easy to find. Agree a bit chaotic once you exited the port building. We had a pick up from my brother and had to wait about 15 minutes since I had anticipated a longer time to disembark. The curb area was crazy. Uber pick up was not clearly defined from what I saw.

Dinner in the MDR was very good. We both had the branzino and it was so good. We had the most amazing waiter and asked to be assigned to his section every night.

Quickest embarkation I can remember! And I've had some short ones ....beautiful day. Thanks for your posting.

Ok thanks for the info.

Will be sailing with you on the 8th as well. Does anyone know how full the ship will be? I know it is Easter and lots of schools still having spring break - but I'm hoping that it won't be too crazy.

I have sailed with Celebrity since 2017 and we were able to eat in the MDR on embarkation day. As I stated this is always our POA when we get on board.

I understand those feelings. We have not sailed Celebrity since the pandemic and was really looking to returning since we really always thought they were (are?) a great cruise line - probably our favorite or close to it. However, now in hearing/reading about the changes I'm starting to have some doubts about Celebrity. I'm not a fan of the changes to the classic beverage package option (or lack thereof) and the prices for the packages have really increased. Having to go to the lunch buffet with all the embarkation crowds is not appealing. Yes the sushi place is an option - but it is an extra charge. I believe the Mast Grill will be open - but there is another thread going on that says the food offered there is not great. Now that being said - I am looking forward to enjoying myself and keeping an open mind.

Hi - thanks for taking these questions. I'll be on the ship 4/8 and would also like to know if there are separate shampoo, condition and body wash containers and also if there is liquid hand soap or bar hand soap. Thank you.

Oh bummer. That is our traditional dining option when we 1st board.

Is the MDR lunch on embarkation day only for the concierge and suites??🙁

ok thank you.

I have a couple of questions about the drinks in the casino: 1. Are they free if you are gambling? 2. If they are "free" if you are gambling - can you order anything to drink (i.e. something that would fall under the Premium Drink Package)? 3. We are on a blue chip offer and were told that drinks in the casino are "free" - is that anything different if drinks are "free" while gambling or can I just go to teh casino bar and get a free drink without gambling? Thanks.

I agree, not a hard dress code to abide by. Casual pants or jeans and a shirt with a collar (polo etc) are pretty easy to follow. We did run into a couple on our last cruise (HAL) that unfortunately did not have their luggage make it with them (maybe the 4th night it caught up?) - they told us they were on a transfer from the airport to the ship via HAL and all the people on the bus - 30-40 of them, had their luggage left behind. so they were given a tshirt and a few other things, but only had their casual clothes. So if you do see someone in the MDR that is dressed very casual, it could potentially be a case that their luggage has not caught up with them yet. Yes I realize this would be an extremely small percentage - but just something to consider.

Enjoying your review and wanted to add a comment about Princess Alaska cruises since we were just on one in September 2022 and did a HAL one in May 2019. I much preferred the HAL cruise since they had the ability on their ships to close the pool area roof in case the weather is too chilly/inclement. The Princess ship we were on (Discovery Princess) did not. While the Princess pool area was lovely, it was rarely used on our cruise because of the weather. You may have great weather on your cruise, but you never know in Alaska. Just something to think about if that would be a concern for you. I did like the ability to order drinks and food to where ever you are on the ship on Princess via their Medallion App - it worked almost all of the time for us. I heard it was hit or miss for others - but it is a nice concept Princess offers. Also I would highly recommend the inside passage itinerary - it is much more scenic.