CairnsCruiser1
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Posts posted by CairnsCruiser1
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I think you'll be happy with your choice.
We’ve done one sailing on Viking Star, have another one booked for Fall, and are also soon to be Elite Plus on Celebrity, though that will be achieved on an Azamara cruise coming up in November.
We had wandered away from Celebrity (despite being devoted) several years ago after an overcrowded cruise on a new Reflection where everyone had drink packages yet most of the bars were closed during the day, and everything from dining to elevators to putting your feet up with a drink seemed like a struggle. We were in a suite on that cruise, but it was before the current ‘suite experience’ so I can’t really speak to that. That suite was on the stern, and the walk seemed endless if you had to pop back to the cabin for something. I wouldn’t stay back there again.
My first cruise back on Celebrity since then was a recent Norway cruise on Eclipse with my sister in a 2C balcony, and it was great for that because the itinerary was wonderful and the price was right. We weren’t really there for the food, it was more of a casual girls trip. We did feel like we had to eat in the specialty restaurants for a really good meal though, and it was annoying that we couldn't just pop into the spa for a quick steam not being in Aqua Class. It also seems like they’re getting very ‘class divided’ and I didn’t love that. Just knowing I couldn’t go into Michael’s Club like I had always done before was kind of irritating.
I think I'm more concerned with the comfort of my cabin than a lot of people. In my endless searching for itineraries and prices on the internet, it seems to me that the categories on the three lines I mentioned that generally compare in PRICING are a V1 or V2 on Viking (the cheapest cabins) a balcony cabin on Azamara, or a Sky Suite on Celebrity.
As far as COMFORT goes, the cheapest cabin on Viking is quite a bit more comfortable than that balcony on Azamara, more comparable to their Club Continent Suites. It has less storage and walking around space than a Sky Suite on Celebrity, but a more comfortable and larger bed and better location choices. The balcony cabins on Viking have their drawbacks - the closet next to the bed is a struggle (like some S class balconies on X) and drawer space is limited. It’s the best bathroom in any standard cabin at sea though, and if you don’t like a bathtub, it’s better than the X Sky Suite.
As for the ships, the Viking ships are (to me) breathtakingly beautiful. Every area I walked into I looked around, sighed, and said to myself “Isn’t this nice.” There’s a lot to be said also for the smaller number of passengers, and the fact that nothing is very far away from wherever you happen to be. The no child policy and the fact that the cabins only hold two people also might make holiday and Summer travel more palatable.
I thought the food on Viking was quite a step up from Celebrity and just a bit less than Azamara, though IMO their Italian specialty restaurant Manfredi's was better than Azamara's Aqualina.
I realize that Azamara wasn't really mentioned in the OP, but with reciprocal Celebrity Elite benefits, they probably should figure into the equation.
What do you mean you couldn’t go into Michael’s Club!!!!!!?????
I’m taking my parents on a cruise next year and it’s my dads favourite hang out!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
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Miss out on this 123 promotion. Booked our sky suite over 12 months ago and dont qualify for this. But would not of got this great suite if we left booking to last minute. Leave on 3rd March Singapore to Hong Kong on the Millenium. Stillll got fingers crossed for a drinks package reduction / discount before we sail, can only hope.:rolleyes:
I booked a while go too, but I rang and they allowed me to have the 123 :). You can only ask!
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I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone on these boards that have posted their advice. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Following your advice, I have contacted our US travel agent regarding our 10th December cruise around New Zealand (we are in AUS by the way).
I have fought and fought and..... we now have the beverage packages on both our suite and my parents stateroom, and we retained our OBC :)
I also fought VERY hard to get my 18 year old her package, as they wouldn't give me one as she was not 21, and we are sharing a cabin.
However, I provided a lovely picture of the terms and conditions in the Aussie Celebrity brochure where it states, quite clearly, that in Australia and New Zealand waters, 18-20 may drink alcohol as long as their parent signs a waiver!
It must be said, I am quite exhausted by all this wrangling, but I've done it!!!!
Rachelle
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CairnsCruiser,
I'm sorry - I fear I may have told you the wrong thing. Others are getting the package after changing their booking to the current rate, even after final payment. It may mean giving up some OBC or paying extra.
Why not give your US TA a call tonight and see what they can do? They are usually pretty helpful...
Tjar, did you book through Celebrity Australia?
Hi, and thank you for your response.
We booked through a US travel agent, and whilst they been OK, they certainly haven't been upfront when it comes to coming up with special deals.....
I will give them a ring and see what they say!
Thanks so much :)
Rachelle
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Please could someone tell me if our cruise is an eligible one, because I'm as confused as un- conditioned hair!
We are sailing on December 10th 2013, on Solstice from Auckland to Sydney.
We have booked months ago, but I'm happy to ask for the promotion to be applied if its an eligible cruise.
I'm so confused after reading all the different posts.......
We are in Australia, but booked with US travel agent
I apologies if this has already been asked and answered....
Rachelle
Is anyone having any luck with a good contact email with Celebrity?
in Celebrity Cruises
Posted
I emailed the President when I was getting no-where with our FCC and it got sorted within 24 hours. Highly recommend!