Lastdance

1 minute ago, Mark_K said:

I’m not quite clear, if your cabin wasn’t yet assigned why did you want to move? And if GTY was the only class available what non-GTY cabin were you expecting to move to?

I found a cabin I loved, so wanted to book it and pay the difference…usually not an issue.  Supervisor said she would do it.  Corporate said I should be able to do it too.  I booked a GTY because that was only available and was told again that I could move and pay extra.  However, I was not allowed to, so I am posting just to make people aware.  The ship is almost totally full and is not past the 90 days either…I am sure it will eventually work out, but no one up the ladder could tell me why.  It is sometimes a royal pain to be a why person that just wants to understand.  I hope this explains it to you.  Thanks for asking me to explain too!

26 minutes ago, Sam.Seattle said:

I have been on phone with Celebrity twice this morning.  And, I have to say they were very nice, helpful and polite. This will be our suite and won't change.

 

The devil 🥵 is in the details for the guaranteed Sky Suite.  To change rooms at no charge the occupancy needs to be the same.  In my case 2.  The only other Sky Suites not sold are 4-person occupancy and they won't change to them.

 

I am so unwilling to take the suite right next to the Magic Carpet WALL.  We just ended up paying more for a different suite.

 

Again, I am not upset with Celebrity as I understood the risk booking a guarantee.  

 

Now it's time to look forward to an amazing cruise.

 

Cheers!

🍷

I am glad it worked out for you!  This is the way it is suppose to happen.  I have been able  to change any cabin/suite in the same class, or pay a fee if upgrade,as I always book suites and choose my preferred suite, but wasn’t paying 50,000 pp for a suite on Ascent. My cruise is on Ascent, so a complexly different situation.  You got someone who played by their rules. You were lucky that it worked way it should work.  Had you gotten newbies  on the phone, who knows what would have happened.  I have been with Celebrity for decades and use a TA; you did not have a TA involved, so sometimes easier, like in your case and most likely you were past the 90 day mark too?  Not apples to apples at all.  Yes, enjoy and keep booking suites!

In my case, Celebrity tried for 30 min with my TA on the phone with no luck, so just another twist in Celebrity, not even allowing a change when paying more.  I talked with corporate and was told this should not have happened to me, but it did several times.

I booked a GTY concierge class cabin, then wanted to pay extra and move to another non-GTY cabin.  GTY was the only cabin class available!  My cabin was not assigned yet.  The supervisor tried for 30 minutes to make the change with my TA, but it would not allow me to move.  There is no reason why this should happen, but for some unknown reason it did.  You should be able to change suites in the same category, or pay to move to a different category at the prevailing price.  I will not ever book a GTY gain due to my personal experience.  You have always been able to stay in the same category and make a change, so this “should not” be an issue.

Looks like you have gorgeous weather to begin another experience with the Queen.  I was never able to cruise with my Mom, but I know she would have loved it!🤗👩‍❤️‍👩💖Safe travels and lots of fun with your wallet open just a little.  Your reviews are so refreshing with a touch of humor and reality.

5 minutes ago, paulh84 said:

Some group rates come with classic beverage package, basic WiFi and are refundable at a price that is almost always less than the cruise only rate you would get booking direct with Celebrity. Our next cruise had about $3,200 price difference and one for 2026 had a $2,000 price difference. And the prices don’t go up and down so there is no need to monitor prices after you book. 

Are these in Europe or Caribbean?  I have been checking so many sites for great pricing, but none include gratuities and bev package for the refundable price.  We usually book suites, that come with everything except gratuities and OBC until I send to my TA.  However, I will continue to look and take note of a variety of companies.  I got burned with a big box company and actually Celebrity came to my defense during Covid.  Of course this was back when, IMHO, they cared about you in a suite or non-suite.

21 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

Not comparing depth and bottom composition at all.  NCL's ships were operating on the edge as far as whether we could keep the lights on, and hence propulsion to keep us off the shore.  If the engines had overheated, there would not have been any "restarting" power, as the cooling system is common to all engines, and once overheated, and without power to run the pumps, not circulating, it will take hours to cool off enough to run an engine again.

So, a very delicate balance...Thank you!

What can I say...so excited for another adventure with you and the queen.  By the way, I love the expression that your wallet is closed.  My DH said you are a very intelligent woman, not to mention a very sweet daughter!

18 minutes ago, Arizona Wildcat said:

Very strange.  DW and I have many cruises on X.  Always book with our TA. Have gotten group fares that are effectively less than internet from X with additional OBC and REFUNDABLE deposits.   Had a $100pp once from X and once from Princess.   Booking on the website would have had higher deposits.  And yes at final payment the regular refund rules apply.

Elaborate on Refundable deposits.  Do you get the non-refundable price with a refundable deposit?  Sorry if I am unclear.  Maybe a group rate with refundable?

I have been with my TA for 10 years and she spends hours on the phone with Celebrity nowadays.  Her OBC is excellent and I have a great relationship with her, but maybe I do need to look for a new one because her frustration level is extremely high.

Even Viking has a deposit of $25.  Just be very careful and read the fine print.  I have had newbies with Celebrity create havoc for me due to a cancelation, even before the 90 days where they wanted to charge me 25%.  It took my TA and myself to straighten things out and months to get my money. I lost my deposit + my $200 certificate money.  My cruise was after the 12 months.  Unfortunately, things like this happen too frequently now, where in the past things were(IMHO)much simpler. Good luck with whatever you decide!

dalmoradie  I will never, ever book a GTY cabin again.  Each and every time a cabin became available where I would need to pay more, the supervisor could never book that cabin for me, as the system would not all it.  This happened several times in a row, so wasn’t just a coincidence at all.  You are always allowed to upgrade and pay more for a GTY, but if the system doesn’t like you...yep, you guessed it; not going to happen!  Love and Hate technology!  I cannot wait until MoveUp!  Unfortunately, this was all I could book at the time, but can’t pay more either...four different cabins; all concierge.  I suppose the revenue department is the cause???

I hope something opens up for you!  I guess Celebrity is saving the Iconic suite for me🙄

I know some people enjoy jumping to conclusions, but wait...be patient and let the facts/evidence speak.  Actually, I was supposed to be on this cruise, so that’s why this caught my attention.  I am definitely happy that Edge didn’t run aground.  The hiking back into this area is amazing, with gorgeous views. Makeb is right!  I know that Jim is on a different ship, but interesting to hear is take on this if he is aware of this incident...

I would pick my own cabin, unless you love taking risks and know in your heart that it will be okay...🤷‍♀️

I have tried to upgrade with a GTY Concierge cabin, paying the difference, but Celebrity said that cabin on the deck plan is not available.  Even speaking with a supervisor, the cabin was showing available, yet not for me to book.  I was told it was all about revenue.  Well, isn’t everything?  I would rather be safe than sorry, knowing what I am getting.  when you give Celebrity the reins, you give up all control!

I loved the representative who called me twice to say the price I saw on the web site was no longer available...the price stayed that way for a week.  Now I just get funny emails!  Just wondering why the price on the web site is not honored, or is it?  Anyway, I am so happy with what I paid on Vista, as it is such a great price when compared to other TA’s in suites, so a little annoyances from O are not too bad.  I will remember that great price when I board next year, as my DH will remind me if I forget...At least I was told that the sound-proofing, or lack there of was being fixed and Allura will sail with already have it.

We also loved Lake Bled.  It reminds me of a part of Lake Tahoe called Emerald Bay.  Yes, the people are so warm and friendly in Slovenia.  Disembarking is alway more exciting when beginning a land vacation!

On 4/30/2024 at 9:03 AM, Stockjock said:

I'm taking the GF on Oceania Sirena for a milestone birthday.  I'm really concerned that it might be too boring for us, and especially for her.  Frequent Oceania cruisers mentioned entertainment which included shuffleboard, lectures, hanging out in the library and "curling up with a Kindle."  In other words, the sort of things I want to avoid on a cruise.

I also hear that their food is going downhill.  I'll probably try it anyway, but it's not a cheap birthday gift (I'm covering the cruise, hotel and cross-country air), but I have been second-guessing my decision to try them.

I have also had the same thoughts with Vista, but have been told that the noise issues are being dealt with, so that is at least a positive if true.  I know it will be a little boring, but that’s fine as we stay busy with the gym, relaxation, reading and walking the entire ship.  

On 4/29/2024 at 8:53 AM, REDSTRIPETYPE said:

Thanks for your detailed review and humor. We just got off our first Oceania and we are back to Celebrity for good.

Could you elaborate and name the ship/itinerary?  We are booked on vista’s TA next May, but chose it for price and itinerary, as we want to stay in Portugal.

Kotor has been one of my favorite ports because there is so much beauty.  Even though I have been there twice, I would be disappointed to miss it, but that’s life!

Kotor is like looking at 100’s of beautiful paintings.

Victory!

If I book a veranda, can I upgrade after final payment to a concierge class?  It all depends what is available after final payment, not to mention price differential.  The stateroom is the same size with lunch the first day, but if you tend to be later, you’ll miss it; not really worth it unless you dislike eating in the OVC(Ocean view Cafe.)  Location can also be better, or possibly not.  You can also put in an offer for MoveUp.  

SV’s are wonderful with lager real balconies: Sunset Suites even more so.  These suites have huge balconies and are fabulous, IMHO, for TA’s; however, these have become anything but cost effective!  Both require an extra long walk to many places, yet are great for burning off more calories too. Ascent will be a great first ship...booking Europe? 

1 hour ago, kabmab said:

We got off the Ascent TA today.  Our transit had very calm seas -- most was swells of a bit over six feet.  We were in 8186 and had no noise but noticed three shims in closet.  No noise complaints from fellow cruisers.  What a great cruise!  Hope to do a post trip review thread this week.

I do hope you share your TA; I just put a cabin on hold for the fall TA on Ascent, so now checking on flights for biz class and hotels too.  I used to always say that a nickel more and you go first class, but not anymore.  There is no way I am paying $16,000 for a suite either, but will on airfare for an 11 hour flight!  

1 hour ago, bigbenboys said:

See aft Solstice photo in post #3. 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/topic/2738416-celebrity-solstice-aft-alaska-cabin-6311/

I couldn’t find the photo with the much smaller balcony, but when I saw it, it made a huge impression...do you think it was just the angle of the photo?

Stay away from deck 6 on S class(tiny balcony)...I would check on where the spider is located too.  Personally, decks 11 and 10 are my favorite, depending on the window-washer; no worries about it on E class, but I still prefer 10 and 11.

I always try and write a lot of information down in my C C notebook. After all these years, it has quite a few dividers.  Even with all of this, I tend to forget a few things, not to mention go back and revisit, along with updating some information.  I am very thankful for all those people who have taught me so much!  

When I bought my RCCL shares, 100 were for me and 100 for my DH, but in my account; I did sell half of them due to my nature of profit-taking.  aAl of us have our own ways of using CC, not to mention have all been newbies.

~Many Thanks!

7 minutes ago, Arizona Wildcat said:

With a huge turnover and Celebrity has exactly the same issues as every other company (probably more with the international crews who mostly have no experience).  Instead of getting upset I was told to gang up and redial if on the phone, walk away and ask someone else if in person, and forget chat as it is usually hopeless.

I forgot to add...just don’t make up the answer, as seasoned cruisers do have an extensive knowledge base about cruising.  Yes, there are so many companies where customer service is a huge issue, not just cruise lines.  Well, hopefully things will improve with customer service, leaving us with fewer issues to resolve.

11 hours ago, jelayne said:

Just randomly ran across your post.  We are on the Edge 6 days out from Honolulu. 😘

Just now, Lastdance said:

Well...what a nice thing to do for your family!

How is your TP?  Had to cancel this and the following.

8 minutes ago, awhfy said:

Thanks for the many food locations in Honolulu. We’re taking the entire (14) family in June to Oahu. Most haven’t been so Arizona, Mighty Mo, Punchbowl are required trips. 

Well...what a nice thing to do for your family!