thorntor

You may have already noted that the excursions have now been posted and the Nijmegen port includes a tour of Arnhem, the bridge too far. Nijmegen is 13 miles from Arnhem.

We're from Alabama. Premium water is anything that doesn't come out of a garden hose. 🙃🙃🙃

I called Celebrity Guest Services this week on this exact question. Yes they will exchange the Classic package if desired. At least according to the Rep I talked with. However, the only benefit was premium water, so we stayed with the Classic package.

Absolutely understand. Thank you. Forgot about the “take a seat and wait phase.” Actually, I normally get a salad upon boarding, so the OVC should be fine if delayed.

We checked in the morning checkin opened and we applied for the earliest checkin time available and they assigned us 12:30. I called our TA who contacted Celebrity who told him that it is possible to checkin up to an hour early. Not sure if that is accurate, but we have slid in early on RCCL so we will definitely give it a go. If questioned, I will tell the gate attendant that if we have to wait, we will miss our special lunch. That should do it.

Everyone, thanks for the help. I was a bit confused by some posts discussing a "welcome lunch" being on different days and didn't want to wander aimlessly. 🙃

Yes, we are Concierge and it is our first X cruise, so we are learning the new system.

We board Equinox in two weeks and after doing the Safety Brief and making specialty dining reservation, we will go for lunch. I am trying to figure out what "sit down" dining venues will be will be available to Concierge and below guests. Best I have been able to figure out is that the Ocean View Cafe is the only free full service option. Am I missing something? 🙄

This observation seems to a universal truth. I wonder if anyone ever shares this opinion while on board with the pastry chef or the executive chef. If enough of us started sharing this while on board, perhaps they would make improvements ? 🙄 🙄 🙄

It will be a cold day when I pay $ 0.40 to hand me a cookie. Guess those staff members don’t get a piece of the gratuities pie? The desserts in the buffet look beautiful, but have less flavor than library paste. So we normally walk out with a couple of cookies. Guess we will have to forage for free cookies in three weeks and if found, fill a zip lock. NO SHAME !

First a few demographics: mid 70's; 15 years of cruising, last 11yr on Royal; last five yrs (excluding ~19 months for pandemic) on Oasis class; 10 grandkids, 6 greats + 2 coming; love time spent with family. The basic issue is that cruisers our age probably have about 5 - 8 more years of cruising left, God willing, due to potential health and mobility considerations. Consequently, we no longer represent a viable target audience for the travel industry. For many, health care takes much of our previously "disposable income." Consequently, travel companies will be looking for younger clientele. For RCCL this is their "Kids Under 12 Sail Free" initiative. A prime example of the clash between old and young cruisers materialized during our last cruise when two families with two wagons (3 children in one and two in another), a wheelchair guest and spouse, and other guests tried to board an elevator without much success. In the past, guests desiring a more sedate cruise could simply book their travel around school schedules to attain their previous cruise experiences. However, "Playgrounds at Sea/ Kids Sail Free" have removed the sedate cruise option, leaving many wishing for past experiences. As the saying goes, "That ship has sailed."

I appreciate all of the feedback. It helps to manage expectations. I asked the question on Celebrity concierge benefits as on our last two Royal cruises the concierge in the Diamond Lounge was outstanding and performed all of the services I asked about here. She even spoke with the maitre d to arrange our table for six in the MDR. The consensus seems to be "don't expect much from the Celebrity concierge and better to arrange whatever you can before boarding." 😐

First time on Celebrity with Concierge class cabin and not sure what the benefit actually is nor how/when/where to take advantage of the benefit? Specifically: - where do I make contact with the concierge - can the concierge make specialty dining reservations - can the concierge make show reservations - can the concierge make excursion reservations Final question, am I better off doing these things myself once on board, assuming that meeting up with the concierge may take a while? Thanks for responses.

Saved $92 on four night dining package. 😁

I confess. I dropped my napkin and had barbecue sauce on my hands, so I wiped them on the curtain. I am so ashamed! 🤢