Redking

I agree that it seems many of us on this forum are no longer in X's target demographic. In our case the once 55+ parents travelling with their teenage/young adult children have "matured". Time for a change and let our adult children take our places 😀

As a lurker on the Regent, Seabourne and Siverseaas forums I've noticed a few familiar Celebrity forum names. I agree it's helpful to make the comparison.

🥂

Falling standards on other Cruise Lines? I'm lurking on here because we've been considering a change to the ultra luxury lines for the past few years. We weren't however sure that we would enjoy the feel of a smaller ship. Our recent experience in a top end suite and soaring suite prices on Celebrity have been the impetus to make the change. We're prepared to pay more for a better experience, including a decent G&T 😀.

This from Diffords Guide which a CC member kindly recommended: https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/835/gin-and-tonic The proportion of gin to tonic is what I would follow. From memory the Fever Tree slogan goes something like ... when 3/4 of your drink .. We have some fabulous cocktail bars on this side of the world, some specialising in gin. I would once have been served my gin with the tonic on the side in a Collins or even and Old Fashioned glass. These days we have our G&T in a gin glass which I believe they use on Regent: In a bar, I like how they match the garnish with the botanicals in the gin. I used to do it at home, but find it too much of a faff! Harris Gin (from the Scottish Island) is my current favourite with FT elderflower. It's 9.23am here, too early for gin 🤔 Loving your review, thank you.

Why is the quest for a decent G&T so challenging? I think you've summed it up perfectly. Surprised that even Regent fall short. Pictures of their glassware are impressive. Keep up the good work 👏

What an amazing attitude. Sending best wishes and thanks for reminding us to count our blessings!

Thank you Alexandra, always love following your adventures. Next stop the Edge to Singapore?

I think that's a good idea Jim. Seems like many of us Celebrity loyalists are considering other options and itineraries. We're on the point of joining friends on a Scenic Eclipse Antarctica cruise out of Dunedin. I cant even find a Scenic Ocean Cruise forum on CC. Look forward to your Ponant adventure.

Thank you once again Jim (and Iain) for taking us along on another wonderful trip. Really appreciate the time you give to doing this, especially after my somewhat faltering first attempt! Safe if somewhat delayed travels home. Looking forward to your next Live, will that be your Ponant cruise?

I concur. I can't believe those sinks in the ladies and gents toilets near the Ensemble Lounge are still out of order. We sailed back in January and they were out of order back then. There was also really bad smell in Micheal’s Club by the bar. I've seen a few questions regarding the condition of the Eclipse. Giving an objective response is challenging given we all have differing "thresholds". It's a bit like the subjectivity around food reviews. Best I can say is if you're familiar with S class as new (this was our 3rd time on the Eclipse) you'll likely be disappointed compared with say the Silhouette and Reflection that have be updated - I haven't been on either so solely based on reviews. Conversely, the condition of the ship is reflected in the price. Our suite on the Eclipse was approximately 1/3 the price we'll be paying for an equivalent suite on the Edge. This might therefore be worth considering if the itinerary is priority? For us and yes it's a personal thing, we won't sail on an "unrevolutionised" Solstice Class ship.

Coincidence, I did first year Zoology but a wee while before you!

You're correct Jim. We paid $100pp for the certificate. You have to pay the additional suite deposit when you lock in your cruise.

BSc Psychology. Class of 1984 at the then only varsity, Aberdeen 😉. I think Robert Gordons is now also a university? Piper was a terrible, terrible disaster.

Agree! And several other variations on that theme.

Wow oil rigs near Invergordon. Clearly a long time since I lived in Scotland. I only ever knew them when I was a student in Aberdeen and they were out in the North Sea half way to Norway. It would have been around the time of the terrible Piper Alpha disaster.

A windy night and a Sunami warning! Otherwise all good thank you.

Ken, can't thank you enough for taking us on your travels. I can't believe it's nearly over. Seems like it was just yesterday you left Sydney. Wishing you safe onward travels and look forward to your next adventure. Kim.

I've always pondered on what is the point of Concierge? Not sure this answers the question but at least they get some nibbles that you don't in Aqua. Meanwhile ...... there us Blu!

We could start an Okra and Beets thread just for Jim. I nearly posted a photo of the roasted Beet Hummus that I made the other day.

Oops forgot ti hit quote! Pjays on Reflection? Interesting, I thought that was only on Edge Class. Not that I really need them, but X sure are consistent in their inconsistency 🤣 Didn't get any on the Eclipse back in January.

Another one for the arch list! May even be the one another member posted on your Solstice live? Looks stunning.

Whatever you decide I'm sure it will be wonderful and you'll "make it count". Please come back and share with us. Xx

There was much talk about slipping a pair of those shakers into my handbag during our last cruise. I behaved! Maybe that's why you have to ask for them? Too many have taken a walk 🤔