DingoMom

@hcat I use cash. I want my server to get it. If s/he ends up having to pool it, I can’t control that. We also tip the sommeliers in the specialty restaurant in cash when they are excellent (which they Usually) are.

@Newdoc2002, thank you for the information!

So glad it worked out for you! Enjoy your family trip!

@wallysdtr, I understand completely. However, $13.99 at this point does seem like a great deal. Maybe consider purchasing the upgrade now, as you can always cancel and rebook if the price goes down in the future. More paperwork to keep track of, but I have saved a lot of 💰 using this method!

@Married90, please let me weigh in on something @bigbenboys stated, but his message seems to have been a bit hijacked, I think. You are correct that when you put the 2 ‘upgrades’ for your Aug 28 cruise, your cart doesn’t say anything about a 20% gratuity. It very likely shows a charge of $119.70 for each person (which is $17.10 per person per day for a 7-night cruise.) BUT, after that, when you hit ‘check out’, the cost increases to $143.60 per person, because it is for this screen that they add the additional 20% gratuity to the upgrade. Hope this helps!

And, oh boy, the extra storage!!

@rM3panno, yikes! From what I understand, the Move Up contract is separate from both Celebrity and the Blue Chip club. It is an independent vendor, so Celebrity shoreside is — once again — (ahem) worthless. Keeping my fingers crossed for you, and please do let us know how this works out. Best of luck!

@floralscent, so glad you are feeling better!! I am Very sorry that you cannot drink wine! I promise to do my best to consume your wine! As I lay on my bed at home with a triple ankle fracture (while I was supposed to be on the Reflection transatlantic right now) I am glad to hear that you got (relatively) promptly seen and treated. Maybe they can refund you the remaining days of your beverage package if you cannot drink? @WatchHill, thank you also for the information! Hope DH feels better. I appreciate from all of you the new knowledge that I have gleaned from this thread!!

For the current sale, I found the upgrade price to be only $6.99 (+20%) per person per day. Best price I have ever seen. I was able to upgrade one of my cruises in February (Ascent) but the sale price was not offered on my December (also Ascent) cruise. The upgrade for the December cruise is $20 per person per day (+ 20%).

I love sunset verandas. I don’t care for infinite verandas. For me, a sunset veranda would be the choice!

Just remember that the Ascent ‘balcony’ would be, in fact, an infinite veranda and not a ‘balcony’ at all.

@cruisestitch, sorry that they are doing that on your TA. Maybe it has to do with the # of nights onboard? I really would not like 3 (or more)!!

And Santa will be on board on Christmas!

Absolutely!

I have not yet been on a Japan cruise, but I lived in Japan for three years. I can’t remember exactly what it is called, but Japan does have a version of Diet Coke (that is NOT Coke Zero). It will be in the ‘traditional’ red and white can / bottle. Also, on Celebrity, I have never had a problem getting Diet Coke. Hopefully someone here can help you with your ‘Japan’ cruise question. Have a wonderful cruise; Japan is beautiful!

Same! @Mark_UK, you did a great job! Your parents (and you) look terrific and happy! I am your Mom’s age (or more!) but you are a very handsome young man! More importantly, you are a great son and I know your parents are very proud of you!

@cruisestitch, I am also interested in @someguyfl’s question. Why do you suppose that is?

Although I understand the title of this thread, I was much more entertained by the Stags Leap and Caymus discussion @RedIguana@drakes2@Whinenowine and you other fun, er, fine, folks!! 🍷🍷🍷

@Jim_Iain I had NO idea the Retreat had breakfast! Thank you for this tip!!

This! Mark, I totally agree and for the same reason. Spent 30 years in a military uniform as a commissioned officer. Officers are salaried professionals. IMHO, their job IS to go the extra mile and always do their best. (But I do like @Jim_Iain’s thought of a special gift for special people that I see repeatedly!) Next, when I eat in the MDR and the ‘head waiter’ comes over (usually the last night or two of the cruise) to inquire how the service has been, why would I tip him? I take care of my service personnel. In the 4 MDRs on E-class ships, I take a small gratuity for the sommelier and the server. I hand that to them if there is great service…as when the Sommelier doesn’t let my wine glass stay empty (too long!) and takes the initiative to also bring my husband’s beer. Alternatively, I have also picked a favorite MDR and asked for the same sever and tip them (and the sommelier) later in the cruise based on the number of nights we have been their guests.

It is interesting to read the differing thoughts and philosophies! I also try to tip as I go in Al Bacio. And I have been told that in Luminae and other restaurants that the Sommelier does NOT share in the restaurant tip pool, so I always tip that person separately.

Sooo sorry to hear the child’s filet in Luminae is gone. It has been my go-to on many occasions! A strip steak is just not the same. Agree that Sanjay is outstanding and we also enjoyed Jamie in the Retreat Lounge!

What is an IGLU, please?

The first sign that you have won the bid is when your credit card has been charged. After that, Celebrity should notify you via email.

Hi, NMT! When you successfully move up, you keep ALL of the perks that you had with your old room. In your example, you would keep your included grats. Note that if you moved up to a ‘higher’ category (such as Suites, not sure about AQ or CC) where the grats are more, you would get ‘credit’ for the grats you prepaid and would be charged for the additional grats. Group rate does not affect this. If you are successful with your move up, you will get any amenities that come with your cabin. Hope this helps, and good luck on your move up!