curtsfan

30 minutes ago, orville99 said:

Is your daughter in West Palm? That really complicates everything. It might make the most sense for her to Uber directly to the port from there.

Yes she is in west Palm, 

7 minutes ago, CruiseMrB said:

Quick Calculation:

MIA Shuttle to Brightline - 30 minutes or less

Brightline to MCO - 3 hours, 40 minutes

MCO to Port Canaveral - 45 to 60 minutes, plus connection and waiting for shuttle. 

 

All told, allow 5 to 6 hours. Uber for MCO to PC could cut that down a bit.

 

Brightline is about $80 per person each way (kids cheaper), with options for upgrade service at $150 pp each way.

Thanks.  I’ve looked into flights from Wedt palm to Orlando & there is nothing direct.  It’s crazy because they go from West Palm to another state before going yo Orlando,  But I’ll check Brightline at your suggest.  

5 minutes ago, orville99 said:

Unless I’m missing something, this makes no sense if you are sailing out of Port Canaveral. While it may be easier to get flights into Miami, it is a 3-4 hour journey from there to Port Canaveral regardless of how you choose to do that. PC is a 45 minute shuttle ride from MCO.

Thanks!  

On 9/19/2023 at 1:35 PM, young_k92 said:

First, this topic is not intended to start a verbal war. I'm honestly asking, because I do not have unlimited funds to spend on trying new cruise lines in an attempt to find one that doesn't make me, to be honest, hate cruising. And we're trying to decide if we should try Celebrity or move on to HAL.

 

Background: My husband and I are almost-50 Gen Xers who cruise exclusively as a couple and have only cruised Carnival. We usually average about one cruise every 5 years. We started in 2005. We started on a 5-day on the smallest ship in the fleet, and have done 8-day as well as a 14-day Journeys cruise. Each time, we've cruised a bit larger class of ship, but we will never book a cruise on a mega ship. Just not for us. Our next cruise is in October on MSC (not YC).

 

Our last cruise on Carnival was on the Magic in the Caribbean last January. For various reasons, it became apparent to us that, post-Covid, Carnival would not be receiving any more of our hard-earned dollars. It was so bad, that we were booked on a B2B and chose to get off the ship after our first leg, even with it costing us some of those dollars. We are stuck on a previously-booked 14-day Journeys cruise to Alaska next year, praying that the length, itinerary, and sailing month makes the other passengers at least semi well behaved. We're not snobs. Before Covid, we considered Carnival people to be "our people," but post-Covid, it seems to be a different cruise line.

 

So, I've been reading a lot of the posts here on the Celebrity forum. It almost sounds like RCI is turning a once premium line into what Carnival was like pre-Covid. Anyone that can elaborate on this possibility? Honestly, I wouldn't mind trying a line that was like Carnival 18 years ago. We rather enjoyed our pre-Covid cruises. But I want to be prepared not to expect "premium" when it isn't anymore.

 

And, if someone with experience could elaborate on the difference between Celebrity and HAL post-Covid, I would appreciate it. The plan was to try MSC first, then Celebrity, then HAL. But after reading these reviews, I'm wondering if moving straight to HAL might be a better option for us.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

We’ve sailed on Carnival, Princess, Royal, Disney, NCL & Celebrity.   We have sailed numerous times with Celebrity & in no way does it compare to Carnival. At least that’s my opinion.  Celebrity is a step above the lines that we have sailed with.  The service, food & entertainment are wonderful.  
That being said, we have seen some significant changes in the cruise industry since Covid.  We recently found out that Royal is making changes to their menus & even Celebrity is now offering specialties on their dining menus for an up charge.  Once one line does it, the others will probably follow.  But in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with Celebrity.  

Hi everyone

looking for suggestions on how to get my daughter from Miami Airport to the Cruise Port in Orlando.  We are sailing in April & can get to Miami easier then Orlando & was hoping someone knew an easy way for her to get to the ship.  Any ideas would be helpful.  
 

On 6/21/2023 at 1:07 PM, cw2go said:

This is how many felt including myself at the beginning of the year. I booked with a full buffet offering which was not available on my sailing and with a no fee room service menu. I understand the economics behind some of his but to what end? Cruisers book and pay deposits based on a product that no longer exists once they set sail. 

 

I'm at a loss.... Enjoy many aspects of the new Celebrity, am becoming agitated by so many changes but I love being on the water! I have to decide if these changes will bother me once on board or only now from home. 

 

Patty 

I agree.  Celebrity seems to be taking more away & charging more.  I know that other lines are doing the same thing, but we have been very faithful to Celebrity & are wondering if we should start sailing with other lines.  We have a sailing on the Equinox in August, in Nov we are on the Silhouette & in the Spring we are on the Edge.  Depending on what happens on the Aug sailing, we might be looking for a new line for future cruises.  

I just got the email!  Wonder what it is!

On 6/19/2023 at 10:06 AM, thebutlerdidit said:

I see this on the main dining menu for Equinox via the app.

 

 

It seems like Celebrity is taking more away & charging more.  If I’m going to spend extra on Filet Mignon, I’ll book one of the speciality restaurants.  

8 minutes ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

OK, I know reviews are mixed on the whole thing. And I know if you opt for "The Other Menu" the animation won't match up.

 

But...

 

I'm pondering it for the final night of my upcoming cruise, but I'd definitely be doing "The Other Menu" as the primary one is very seafood heavy and that's a nope for me. Do you just tell your server you want "The Other Menu" at the start? (I may opt to not do it...just pondering options here.)

I’m curious about the same thing.  I want to try Le Petit Chef, but do not like seafood. 

On 6/11/2023 at 12:39 PM, md80fan said:

My family will be new to Celebrity and trying to decide between two different itineraries. I know they are of the same class of ship but any thoughts on Equinox vs Silhouette. Also being new to this class of ship for a balcony cabin is there a floor or floors that are better than others. Trying to avoid obstructed views and loud noises.Also In one review ( not sure how old it is) there was a mention of a show called rock baby rock on Silhouette that was mostly 1950 and 1960 music. I am curious if they still have this show as my parents might enjoy it. These would be 2024 in the Caribbean itineraries

 

Thanks

We have sailed on both ships.  They are both awesome.  I prefer a concierge balcony in a prime location.  They are in perfect locations.  Try to avoid decks that are over public areas bars, lounges & dining rooms.  They could be noisy.  I also don’t like having the pool deck above me.  

On 6/4/2023 at 9:49 PM, Hawkstar33 said:

Seems like a lot of griping mainly about cost, cutbacks, refurbishments on quite a few ships, and sadly about overall quality of the product.  I imagine that Celebrity has eyes on this site, as well as others.  But are they listening?  Nobody paying the higher price of cruising these days, wants to hear about pandemic losses, anymore. Cruise lines, according to what I see, and read,  are banging us with increases for every possible thing associated with each cruise. So with price increases, you think there should be no crappy chairs, cushions with stains, tired mattresses,  chipped rusted verandas, or worn musty smelling carpets, as I myself have also seen these past 2 years.  Just read about Eclipse, and how she needs some much needed attention in many areas.  I'm booked next June, and now I've gotta watch for further reviews, as I'm already not happy with the current poor reviews.  Hopefully Celebrity is watching and reading.  And wondering if they care, or just in it for the $$$$$$$$$..  What used to be is no more

We were on the Eclipse this past January.  And it was a beautiful ship!  I can’t say that we thought it needed a lot of attention.  But I can say that the crew was fantastic & the service was incredible.  We have sailed on the Summit, Solstice, Reflection ( a number of times) Equinox, Millie, Connie & the Edge as well.  Each ship has its own personality. And each trip was great.  Don’t let a few less than stellar reviews throw you.  

On 5/31/2023 at 4:51 PM, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

They did allow you order off the MDR (on the beyond it was the classics only, not the rotational) yet I was trying to get any kind of steak other than the classic sirloin on a night it wasn't on the MDR menu...Was told no, on multiple occasions every time

 

Who knows, maybe you can still request and receive the desserts

It seems ridiculous to eliminate two of these easiest desserts.  Every cruise I’ve been on since they returned from Covid, seems like they are taking more & more away.  

14 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

Yes, that is what makes sense to me. Part of the cost of cruising. I don’t give an additional tip to someone for just doing their job. But I will for something special. That something special could just be their attitude. 

I will tip if the service is exceptional.  We are big pool people & I will tip the bar service well at the end of the trip if they are given really good service.  Same with stateroom attendances & servers in the dining room. 

9 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

It's been confirmed by multiple sources that it will be moved from the every night Classic dessert section to rotational dessert section.  If it remains on the room service menu (some guess it will be removed) perhaps you can get it in the MDR by requesting it

 

I learned from a neighboring table at Blu that if there's a dish you like that night you can ask that they hold one for you so you can have it at dinner tomorrow.  Otherwise, every other "off menu" dish Blu/MDR request I have made (I have asked for a filet, prime rib or ribeye on a night its not on the menu) has been denied, this includes requesting an off menu steak a day or two in advance...lol

Wow!  Things certainly have changed.  We are in Aqua Class on the Equinox this August.  I’m hoping that they still allow us to order off the MDR menu if we do t line what’s in their menu. We were on the Equinox recently & cheesecake & chocolate cake was offered every night.  And on the X app it shows them being offered in August.  But I am not surprised because things are always being removed😀

On 5/24/2023 at 7:44 PM, fstuff1 said:

When i was onboard the Apex last year in Aquaclass, i had a choice of 3 items from a list in my acct.

 

I'm onboard the Summit this Aug and I don't see that list anywhere in my acct.

Does aquaclass on M class not give out these workout items?

We are sailing on the Equinox on Aug 5th & just received an email about the choice of 3 items this morning.  

On 5/27/2023 at 10:28 PM, phoenix_dream said:

Someone on another online forum has posted that chocolate cake and cheesecake are being eliminated from the Classics menu.  Please say it ain’t so!  Has anyone else heard of this?   With all the (to my taste) weird desserts on dining room menus DH and I often order chocolate cake as our dessert go-to. Our other favorite is crème brûlée. They take that away and it’s time to jump ship. Ok I’m kidding about that. Then again, maybe I’m not!

We were on the Equinox recently & they definitely had Cheesecake & chocolate cake on the menu every night.  

3 hours ago, Los_Pepes said:

I am inclined to agree with you on most points. I will add however that customer loyalty/retention is a KPI that these lines care deeply about. 

I totally agree with you.  

8 hours ago, luv4cruises said:

With more than 50 cruises on 6 different cruise lines Celebrity had become my favorite! As cruising resumed we have experienced cutbacks on Celebrity and other cruise lines. On Celebrity - no welcome aboard champagne, no cabin tote bags, reduced MDR menu, smaller portions, most recently 9.95 + gratuities charge for room service, reduced classics’ menu, discontinuing of Blu option to order from full MDR menu, elimination of canapés for Aqua guests, charge for second lobster, reduced dinner offerings in Ocean View cafe, minimal bathroom products. Add to that  rapidly escalating prices- a$1,000.00increase in 1 month for a 6 day 2024 cruise we were planning to book after Thanksgiving and tried to book after Christmas!  None of the cutbacks alone is any big deal but the TREND is!!!!
Most importantly the manner in which these changes are being rolled  out feels like an ambush to me. No prior notification We have 3 future cruises booked. What Celebrity is delivering is NOT the product we purchased. We are not being treated as valued, loyal guests.  I’m sure if I read the contract  there will be clauses that justify their changes and charges. That is not the point. I always felt Celebrity was classy, a step above Princess and HAL. Modern luxury is on its way out as Celebrity joins the nickel and dime cruise lines. What is next?  Read the boards - your main source of info. 

Like you, we are avid cruisers & have settled on Celebrity as our favorite.  I haven’t seen a lot of the changes that you mentioned.  We started back cruising last August on the Edge.  We were upgraded from Concierge to AquaClass without charge.  We were able to order off the MDR menu in Blu anytime we wanted. Our next cruise was in Nov onboard the Reflection & got a free upgrade up AquaClass again.  No problem ordering off the MDR on that cruise either.  We then cruised in March of this year on the Connie.  They did have lobster night onboard ( same on the previous cruises).  We had delivered canapés every evening on each of those cruises.  We did notice a reduced menu in the Oceanview, but attributed it to not having a full ship.  The welcome aboard champagne wasn’t available because of Covid.  And because we we AquaClass & Concierge on the last cruise, we had a full room service menu & we’re not charged a fee.  
We are sailing on the Silhouette at the end of the month & will be curious to see if these things are no longer available.  We did an NCL cruise in July & they no longer have Lobster night.  Which was ironic, since one of our stops was in Maine😂.

On 11/7/2022 at 7:05 PM, kydems said:

I noticed this when trying a booking for a cruise from Australia. Inside cabin Always included was around $1000 more p.p. extra but with balcony cabin was only $400 p.p. extra. Made the price for a balcony all included very attractive

I had a similar experience.  I booked a concierge balcony for my husband & I on the Nov 6 2023 sailing aboard the Silhouette.  I then booked a solo concierge room for my friend & it was only $100 less than ours.  It doesn’t make sense.  He travels with us a lot & usually his room is about $1000 less than ours.  I tried calling Celebrity & ttt he ey went through the whole process & it still doesn’t make sense.  

We were on the Equinox 2 weeks ago.  Eddy wasn’t the cruise director.  It was Pete who was onboard.  He was awesome.  He did a tribute to the Beatles & a comedy show of his own & he was really a lot of fun.  

On 9/15/2022 at 8:24 AM, cangelmd said:

I’m bumping this back up because I haven’t seen many people posting what is actually happening at the pier.

Maybe there just haven’t been enough post Sept 5 cruises to know.

I think your right.  Plus it’s for cruises 9 days or more.  So mostly those sailing from the 5th on may still be cruising. 

On 9/13/2022 at 3:57 PM, Empehi said:

Has anyone taken a non-proctored COVID test and submitted the results on boarding day?

If you did .... what did you show at check-in / or did you upload a picture of the test to the Celebrity app?

 

Needless to say .... I am totally baffled by this!

 

e

We are sailing this coming Monday on the Equinox.  I have talked to Celebrity several times about reservations for restaurants, excursions etc.  I’ve asked the same question as you.  I’ve been told to take a clear picture of both my husband’s & my tests results.  That’s what I’m going to do.

Hi 

I was wondering if anyone has actually cruised since the new self testing rules have been in place.  If so, is just a picture of the negative test enough?  Or should I just go & get a test done at CVS?

17 hours ago, hcat said:

We managed  with an IV on EDGE...but the cabin was too small overall and  never had the feel of a balcony.  Would not book again! 

We had an IV cabin aboard the Edge & loved it.  We felt it was an extension of the room, but could use the balcony as well

17 hours ago, dlh015 said:

I think you're missing my point. I completely agree that the current guidelines are absolutely useless.

It's time to just plain stop the testing.

 

I'm just getting tired of people not using a little common sense. In fact, they are putting obstacles in their own way. 

 

"Any at-home antigen test"   Yet someone asks about if that means no PCR test.

 

"How do you prove what date you took the test?"   Nowhere does it say you need to prove anything.

 

And ever more of the same. Ugh.

 

I'm waiting for the day when Celebrity  states "No testing of any kind is required to board any of our ships".

 

And then someone will post: "Does this mean I don't have to take a test to board the ship?" 

Totally agree with what your saying.  It’s quite clear that you can use ANY at home self test.  And the 3 day thing is self explanatory.  People are driving themselves crazy by overthinking it.