PatC

Hi Andrew

As Larry said, the Cellar wines are not included but to be honest, they were so expensive we wouldn't have tried them anyway.

We had the premium package in March and have purchased it again for next March and the following March. We loved the convenience. When we figured out the amount we spent we did come out ahead and I got to try a lot of things I never would have even thought about. The specialty coffees kept us pretty busy also. That was wonderful.

We don't use the mini bar in the cabin so that was not an issue for us and, if we wanted drinks in the cabin, we just brought them with us from the bars. We also had our allotted 2 bottles of wine with us so that worked.

The convenience also of having specialty waters at dinner was nice. We like Pelligrino so that worked and we also used bottled water a lot.

The funniest thing for us, and I've said this before, is that our bill at the end of the cruise was 7 pages long:eek: BUT, all zeros. Not having to sign for every drink, wait for our bills before heading to the dining room or having to have the waiter chase us down to sign was even better.

All that being said, it's all a matter of convenience or taste. It worked so well for our friends we've all purchased the packages again. Fortunately for us many of the wines we do like are on that list and, rest assured, your glass was NEVER empty. In fact, we usually finished quite a few "bottles'.

Hope this answers a few questions.

Pat C

We are on the same cruise as Lucy & Phil and got a call this morning with the offer from 7203 to 8183 and we jumped on it. We don't like the canapes, and usually aren't even in the cabin when they arrive, don't drink the "sparkling wine" they provide and the fruit is fine if they bring one. We like the extra space.

Check out the deck plans and you'll notice that the balcony might be larger on all afts but the cabin size in the FV's is also larger. My kids had 9199 on Summit and it was huge. The only thing I didn't like about that cabin was the back of the balcony is totally enclosed. We like to be able to sit at the far end, on the rail, and watch the wake. Yes, it has the larger side view but that's up to your individual likes and dislikes. We're Elite so we get the Elite perks and those are the only ones we usually use so it was a no brainer.

Whichever cabin you choose, enjoy your trip.

Pat C

The bottom line is that there is a great deal of discrepancy on this subject. Has anyone had a written confirmation from Celebrity that you can buy the package on board a few days after you board???? The web site says yes but you must purchase for the price of the entire package! They also say you can purchase with 2 days left on the trip but pay the entire price????

I'd love to have written confirmation that you can purchase on board and not pay the entire price. Their answers don't specifically detail anything and, as usual, when you call you get several different answers.

Hope someone can confirm exactly what they've been told.

Thanks for any info. We sail in March and are still reading and evaluating what we want to do.

Pat C

I can answer some of your questions.

The stateroom setup is according to the alcohol you order. Check out the choices. It includes the liquor and 6 cans of soda of your choice. Your room steward will ask which ones you would like and bring them to you. You also receive a package with a variety of nuts.

The 15% is added when you pay for the package and that's it. You can tip the waiter if you wish but it's not required. You will or won't get a slip. We've received slips on some ships with 0 on them and then we've received none.

If you read the info carefully you will see that either the premium or classic includes your sodas and waters. That might make it worthwhile.

We sail in March on Connie and are considering 1 package. Still hoping some changes might be made but it's still a good deal for some, not for others.

Pat C

Don't worry - we've been in 9192, 8185 and deck 7 also. Love the aft cabins. We never had problems with trash and, as said, the music from above was great. It's a great location and you'll love it, especially if you like some sun and a lot more shade.

Yes Lois I did. Sorry it's taken so long to respond. He's always been such a gentleman and so friendly. It's just great when you see someone that YOU recognize and they recognize you immediately and ask about your life. Sure wish he'd switch to Mercury next March. That would be a surprise for us and pleasure.

Pat

Captain Manetas is very nice. He seemed personable enough. We had the bridge tour and he came out to explain things and talk to us. That's the first time

That's the first time the Captain has joined us on the bridge.

He also had dinner one night, very discreetly, at the table next to us with a couple who looked like friends of his. No big deal, he came in, sat down and no one bothered him.

Truthfully, unless the Captain of a ship is not visible or doesn't do the daily report when at sea, they all have been extremely nice, available and present on most, if not all, of our Celebrity cruises.

Enjoy Constellation. We sailed in this past March and had a great time.

Pat C

What wonderful memories for you all.

Our first cruise was not on Chandris but Dolphin (now that was a real tub but one of the best trips, food was outstanding). I remember sailing our first Celebrity cruise and everyone asking what the X meant:)

Our first Celebrity was on Zenith and it was the end for us. We sailed her, our favorite small ship, 3 times, Horizon 3 times (we were on the famous Legionaires Disease cruise in 1995 out of NY), loved Century (saw her when she 1st sailed to NY and Captain's Club members (we paid back then) we were invited to preview her, had lunch aboard and booked her the minute we got home. Sailed Century 3 times (prior to rehab).

Now we're M class snobs - all except Infinity.

We love Celebrity and miss Michele Roux. Loved the special feeling you got when you entered the dining room, the wonderful presentation of your meals, and the Greek crew. I don't know, we still love Celebrity, but as has been said, times change. The bottom line is the almighty dollar, how sad.

Wish they'd come up with a re-vamp of the Captain's Club. Guess times change but memories live on.

Pat C

Yes, he's tall, grey and from Poland with a moustache. He's wonderful.

I didn't mean he'd opened ALL the ships, but he has served on almost all of them in some for or other. He's not been on the Solstice and I don't know if he'd like the larger class. He's been on most of the M class and I know for a fact he served on all the Century class and Horizon & Zenith.

We teased him about retiring and he said he has 1 more to get through college, then the granchildren keep him going.

If you see him, say hi. He's great.

Pat

Romuald runs a tight ship so this experience should be wonderful. We've sailed with him many times since 1992 on many ships, last one on Summit last year. He is such a gentleman and personable. He's professional and approachable and we love him. He actually remembered us, remembered our sons and enjoyed meeting our grandchildren. Last I heard he was on Infinity but I guess he's moving around again.

Sure wish we'd have him on Mercury next year!!! But, being the old hand that he is, he might be moved to a new ship. He told us that he's opened almost all of the new ships in the fleet and has served on them also. He was an ass't. maitre 'd when we first met him.

Enjoy your cruise

Pat

FYI - just got off Constellation - Jeff Potts is CD, Stuart is the ass't. CD (and he's crazy BTW), Lisa is the Captain's Club hostess. All were really nice.

Wish they would upgrade Connie though.

I'm not crazy???? I saw the light also. No kidding. Thought maybe it was from "down below". Seriously, I don't know what it was either but it definitely was there. Anyone know why or where it comes from?

Dolphin - 1990

Horizon - 1994, 1995, 1995

Century - 1997, 2000, 2001

Galaxy - 1998

Zenith - 1992, 1999, 2002

Millennium - 2003

Summit 2004

Summit 2005

Countdown to Summit 2005