the penguins

2 hours ago, WestLakeGirl said:

Are there not discounts on specialty dining? Free spa days while the ship is in port? Discounts in the spa? Priority tendering?  Casino match plays?  I think the Penguins are forgetting a few things…..

All for Elite so spend another 150 days in a balcony to get to Elite + and the extra benefit is 1 bag of laundry)

3 hours ago, rachiem said:

Strange as if you go through the link they state that UK, you can. It was updated yesterday I believe...I'm hoping that the UK have yet to update their site???

The cruise that sailed today is still Celebrity tours only. We are on the next sailing and despite having a specific email from the Port Authority in Orkney saying we can get off independently Celebrity say we can't. We are treating the cruise as a Transatlantic I.e. no ports.

3 minutes ago, HskrCrsr said:

On 7/28/2021, X posted a new Captain's Club benefits brochure:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/new-images/Captain's Club Benefit Brochure_072821.pdf

 

At first I did not notice anything new or different. Today I noticed that they changed the wording on the complimentary stream minutes to suggest that these minutes for Elite and higher are included even when you have Always Included rather than what was suggested previously: "Discount on internet packages and upgrades—and complimentary stream minutes for those without internet included".

 

And I believe they also changed the wording on the Program Updates page (https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/program-changes😞

"We’ve adjusted the previous Captain’s Club internet discount of 10%-35% to reflect these changes and provide exclusive value. Now,  if you sail with Always Included, you can apply this discount to upgrade from the Surf to Stream package. If you do not sail with Always Included, you can apply the 10% - 35% discount to any internet package. And if you book pre-cruise, your discount is combinable with the additional 10% pre-cruise advantage.  Elite and Elite Plus members will receive 90 and 240 complimentary stream minutes respectively in both scenarios. Zenith members will continue to enjoy a complimentary Stream internet package for one device in both scenarios. Zenith members sailing with the Indulge rate will enjoy a complimentary stream internet package for two devices."

 

Perhaps there were other changes I failed to notice?

 

I hope this helps some of us to enjoy Captain's Club a little more.

To put it another way. As Elite and above we used to get free minutes which were way more than we needed. If we wanted a larger package we could buy it at a discount. Now we are paying for a package that we don't need and if we pay extra we can get an even bigger package that we don't need. The old system was perfect and offered real choice and value to loyal passengers. Basically if you don't drink alcohol and don't need unlimited Internet then all Elite+ and above get for their loyalty is 1 free bag of laundry.

8 hours ago, mayleeman said:

The ice adds a bit of chilling effect, especially with a small fan blowing over the top, if one of you likes a cool breeze.

Oh dear, that would mean I have to add a fan to my packing list - hopefully the boss won't see this post.

On 7/22/2021 at 12:20 AM, groryjm said:

OK so Silhouette is in the UK and likely to stay here until the end of Septrember. The passenger demographic is basicaly Brits. All of us on these staycations have prepaid our gatuities ( included or not) . Any extra tips one might want to give to an attentive barman or butler who has gone above and beyond' I am absolutely sure wil be gratefully recieved. But in what currancy? I have sterling in my wallet and if I bring a couple of hundred on board in cash and give to staff who I feel deserve it then great. If however I feel the service has not quite reached the Xtra level then I can take that cash home. No problem. If however I buy a couple of hundred dollars, in the first instant I pay a commission and in the event I don't feel it is deserved I pay again to convert it back. 

So UK staycations tips in US or UK currancy? Any thoughts? Please don't bring the pros and cons of tipping into this thread.........Please

Any currency. On multi country cruises we give all our loose change , odd notes etc to the cabin steward or if we are lucky to our favorite coffee shop girl (Olesia). The ship will even convert coins for the crew even though they won't for us.

24 minutes ago, canderson said:

As you can't argue with the boss, see if you can get her to fill the ice bucket, with ice, with water.  That will speed up the necessary first step of turning the ice to water.

I haven't survived 50 years of marriage by making suggestions like that. The ice melts slowly  overnight and in the morning I empty the water ready for a repeat performance. Now if you brave enough if we get to cruise together I will happily introduce you.

12 minutes ago, canderson said:

It's the water evaporating that adds humidity to the air.  Starting as ice and having it go from solid to liquid phase before going to gas phase just slows the process down.

 

In fact, though it is minor, the moisture that condenses on the outside of the extra cold bucket serves to remove a very small amount of humidity from the air - though it too will eventually evaporate.

Thanks - all I know is that "the boss" says it works and if she happy then that's good enough for me. Geoff

5 hours ago, DCPIV said:

 

Many sailings offer a "simply sail" option at a lower price and that does not include AI.  There are other ways to sail without AI, as well (such as casino comps).

Very very few now and almost only guarantee cabins. In addition the savings are minute on one Equinox cruise $4 per person per day. The average saving on a 7 night cruise, once you have allowed for paying the tips,  is $117. If, like us , you are Elite+ and don't drink alcohol it has dramatically increased the price of a cruise. In 2019 we paid £207 per night on a transatlantic on Silhouette, the cost this year, same cabin, is £307 a night an increase of over 80%. Regretably, unless this system changes, our days of cruising Celebrity may well be coming to an end.

4 hours ago, DCPIV said:

 

I don't mean to be fussy (which means I'm about to be fussy 😉), but you could put some water in your ice bucket at night for the same effect and not trouble your steward.  Of course, that's if you don't like that iced water in the morning, which you might.  In that case, go nuts! 🙂

From one Texan to another (ok we are English but our grandson is a born and bred Texan living in Dallas that makes us honorary Texans) It's the ice melting that helps to dampen the air

22 minutes ago, FLsunshinegal said:

Does anyone know if Celebrity still gives an onboard credit to stockholders?  And if so, how do you apply for it?  

 

We have ours for 6 August sailing on Silhouette 

On 7/25/2021 at 3:54 AM, jg51 said:

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If you do not make a request for separate twin beds, the "default" arrangement is "together."

.

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If you wish to request twins (as we do), but you cannot find a place to do this online, it can definitely be done over the phone -- by you or through a travel agent, if you use one.

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Unfortunately, "micheleata," what you said about the beds has been true in at least 75% of our cruises.  Sometimes the message does not get from "X" to the ship ... but sometimes the steward "overlooks" the request to separate [accidentally or on purpose?] and leaves the beds together from the previous cruise.  (It was "spooky" to read how much we think alike -- regarding the beds, the mini-bar, and the hangers!)

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Good tips would add 1 other. When the steward does the nightly turn down ask for a large bucket of ice. As you go to bed take the lid off the ice it helps keep the air moist - works really well.

OK, one more. Steward works to a very precise "formular" and get into trouble if they deviate. If you like something different for example we hate the way the sheets are tucked in so tight you can't move, we not only request the steward to leave the sheets loose but we offer to write it down so they don't get in trouble. This particularly helps new Stewards and has been much appreciated.

6 hours ago, davekathy said:

Only limited CC benefits/perks per covid cruises and probably nothing post covid. 👍Cabinmate shouldn't have been given any CC benefits/perks and even less going forward. 👍 Now there is the AI for most bookings and currently the evening CC HH in the Sky Lounge is not happening for any of us.  

About the only benefit we have left is the Elite breakfast and the free bag or for reaching Elite+ 2 bags of laundry - not much reward for loyalty.

11 hours ago, downsmead said:

@the penguins - do you mean you personally cannot do the TA due to U.K. restrictions or that the TA itself is a no go? I presume the former as others can now come to the U.K. to pick up the TA.

Sorry for any confusion hope this clarifies the position:

1) no UK citizen can take the cruise until the US lifts it's ban on us entering the USA. The ban is unlikely to be lifted before October or if you prefer how it was reported in the US "in September or later".

3) I speculated if Celebrity would operate the cruise purely for Americans.

4) in the meantime the exact rules for allowing double vaccinated Americans to visit the UK without quarantining have been published and the rules are not quite as simple as the headlines suggested:

1) proof of double vaccination required.

2) proof of US residency required.

3) negative test before flying

4) another test within 2 days of arrival (lateral flow or PCR)

5) another PCR test 48 to 72 hours before sailing to meet Celebrity's requirements.

These uncertainties have already caused some to cancel.

Unless the price drops substantially (for us it is 80% higher than the 2019 crossing with no extra benefits) then we will cancel before final payment is due.

11 hours ago, excitedofharpenden said:

That's good to know. Thank you for coming back to advise. 

 

Phil 

You can but apart from comparing like with like on pricing you should:

1) allow for currency fluctuations as your final payment could be months away.

2) if you cancel what was a great rate when buying is a terrible rate when refunding.

3) if you have a complaint you will have to fight in the US. Much easier and better protection in the UK - I have years if experience in this sector.

27 minutes ago, Esprit said:

Well I'll be packing a qtr zip pullover and leather jacket so I can stand comfortable on my balcony next week!

First cruise in my life that I had to think about warm clothing. Around the ship's public areas, I'll wear short sleeved golf tops.

Thought we hadn't seen you in the Antarctic or the Northern Atkantic route.🤣

8 hours ago, chemmo said:

 

Agree...needs further clarification.

Just read on another post cruise lines saying that from the UK they will only go to countries on the Green list and it will take time to restart  - Iceland anyone

1 hour ago, Faival said:

TEMPERATURE ON BOARD?

Can anyone tell me if it feels cold on board in the public areas, particularly on the current cruise where the outside weather has not been great.

Thinking about what to pack for our cruise on 6 August.

Thanks.

Layers, always layers especially as the air onboard will not be recirculated - I think the figures were air in public spaces changed 12 times an hour and 8 times in cabins.

Finally there is no such thing as bad weather only the wrong clothing. 🙃

12 hours ago, maggie.1008 said:

Will USA passengers be allowed on Southampton sailings ? 

If you mean the summer around the UK sailings - no

16 hours ago, Merly said:

Also double vaccinated travellers from  the US won’t have to isolate when arriving in the UK. Although they will still have to take the required tests.  Pity the US still won’t let UK travellers in. 

True.

16 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Thanks for posting.

Not as clear as it seems. The FO's advice now is that we still have to obey the restrictions from the Amber or Red list in every port the ship docks even if we don't get off. What that means in practice I have no idea it needs rapid clarification. Our TA is still a no go.

13 hours ago, chemmo said:

 

Do you think this means the as yet uncancelled September and October Canary Island cruises will run?

Be careful the FO's actual advice now says you still have to abide by the restrictions as per the Amber/Red list even if you don't get off the ship. Have no idea what this means in practice 

24 minutes ago, little britain said:

Just been changed. 

Looks promising. Just need the FO to formally lift it's advice as it hasn't always been in step with the transport department. 

12 hours ago, isdoo said:

 

Yes 3 tests required. 

 

Jack is pretty good if on duty on social media. I am sure he will reply., 

The same "Jack" who posted the confusing and contradictory replies earlier? 

36 minutes ago, tfg said:

Hi the cruise is BCN to vce in may.

The med can be rough at any time. Personally we would never go that far forward especially as you say you have an elderly person with you - my wife uses a 4 wheeled rollator. On 'S" class we love the slanting, rear facing balconies on the hump decks 6 and 7 - out of the wind, protected from the rain, good deck space.

20 hours ago, woodards said:

Hi,

Read a lot about the differences between the Retreat on the Edge vs Silhouette but does it feel over crowded? I know that is pretty subjective but I have read conflicting reports about Luminae being very busy and queues are frequent, what about Retreat Lounge (old Michaels club) and sun deck? 
 

Would really appreciate peoples thoughts, especially those that have experienced the product first hand. Toiling on booking CS or a land holiday but really looking for peace and quiet - hoping the Retreat can deliver this for us. 

 

Haven’t sailed on Celebrity for a few years after a bad experience on the Reflection…….so a little scarred - very much at full occupancy cruise in all staterooms with a constant battle to get a seat anywhere and huge family groups monopolising bars etc.
 

I know things are different with current capacities on the ships but I am guessing Celebrity are still pretty much selling all the suites on every sailing. 

Recent cruises have all been on Azamara but that isn’t an option for us this year. 
 

Thanks in advance🙂

 

Go back to page 2 round Britain cruisestaycations - lots of reviews there covering your questions

3 hours ago, CoatRackOfDoom said:

On deck 8, there are 8 cabins on each side that have balconies that are double the normal size. Here's a photo I found on Pinterest... not sure if this photo is of Infinity - I traveled on Millennium. 

Great balconies for depth. Terrible position if the sea is bad - we have had 90 mph and 60 foot waves on Infinity but not where you are planning to cruise.