ckelly14

We have status with Marriott, I wonder if there is any chance for an upgraded room?

I’m thinking the Xpedition with only 48 people and less money, seems like a winning combo


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Pulled the trigger and booked on Xpedition with Quito extension for Dec 2021 for wife’s 50 birthday. Thanks for all the responses.

Went with the suite #503 as my wife wants the floor to ceiling windows. I noticed that the extension is also priced a little higher for that room. Do you get a better room in Quito?



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I’m thinking the Xpedition with only 48 people and less money, seems like a winning combo


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5 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

 

I went with Xpedition and enjoyed very much. Take a look at the excellent roll call link provided in post #2 above.

 

Another useful link for Flora --

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/832-celebrity-flora-roll-calls/

 

and for Xperience ....

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/2452-celebrity-xperience-roll-calls/

  

I'm not sure what the Xperience is but I was talking about the Xploration, the 16 passenger cat.  

 

I agree with the other poster that the Flora may be a bit over the top and we may want to stick with something smaller.  

 

Really not able to find much posted about the Xploration online, not surprising as there are only 16 passengers.  I assume that most tours are only 16 people there is only one tour offered per stop on the Xploration?  How about the Xpedition?

 

Thanks

In the same boat as the OP.  Heading to Galapagos for my wife's 50th November or December 2021.  Settled on Celebrity but not sure which size ship, Xpedition, Xploration or Flora.  Any suggesting on where to go to find an overview or comparison?

In July, I saw all manners of dress in the main dining room.

 

However, I did notice that the dress was certainly up a notch in Europe compared to the US. I would say the average dress was pants and a button down or golf shirt for men and my 13 year old son. I never wore a jacket out but the family next to us had blazers each night. Did not go to during formal night, but noticed a number of tuxedos walking around afterwards.

We booked out of Rome as well and did’t realize it wasn’t the start of the cruise either. We go in September.

 

Off the Symphony a few weeks ago and, while annoying, Rome embarkation has it's perks. Embarkation and disembarkation was a breeze. Staying in Rome for 4 days prior was one of our highlights. I really didn't find it as bad as others. I wouldn't change!

Had dinner on Hooked and just wanted to get back to this thread with my experience.

 

Overall, I really enjoyed Hooked and would happily go again for a small upcharge (I think $25-35 would work for me). I think $40 is too steep, and there's no much replay value in the menu. I highly recommend that you do it once if you like seafood.

 

Most of the dishes were outstanding, but there were occasional misses.

 

Appetizers: The raw oysters were local Mediterranean oyster- briny and very fresh- excellent. Included a red wine mignonette, horseradish and cocktail sauce. Drunken mussels were very tasty served with some crunchy bread. Fried calamari were somewhat traditional but much better than average. Misses: New England Clam Chowder and baked oysters.

 

Entrees: 2 of us had halibut (fish of the day) freshly grilled and very tasty. Messy fish sandwich was out of this world. They gave my daughter the lobster mac and cheese as a main course (typically a side) and she loved it.

 

Whoopie pie was hands down the best dessert (they brought us one of each). Skip the Boston Cream Pie.

 

Symphony was awesome and would love to go back!

Just off the Symphony out of Rome. There are selling dining packages, 3 dinners for about $116 plus gratuity.

 

I pre-booked 2 dinners for 6 people prior to sailing. I was able to keep those reservations and book an addition dinner with the package.

 

Bonus: They credited me for the meals I already booked. When they charged the package to my account, they didn't charge for my children (although one was older than 12) and they never billed my parents. Bottom line- I paid just over $300 for 3 specialty meals for 6 people! Ate at Central Park, Chops and Hooked.

 

Food was great, even in the MDR. Would love to be going back...

I booked the 3 day dining package on board, essentially adding Hooked for free since we already had Chops and 150 Central Park booked. Dining there on the 15th so I’ll let you know how it is.

 

First night went to the MDR and found it surprisingly good. Excellent coq au vin and escargot. Desserts were pretty bad for the whole table except my son’s cheesecake.

 

 

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Love seafood but thinking I'll be disappointed...same, will wait until returning to Boston!!

 

On the Symphony in 2 days, may give Hooked a try if we get a dining package while on board.

Joe:

 

I assume the formal nights are based out of Barcelona, day #2 and #6; i.e. Palma and Naples?

Getting on in Rome Thursday. I assume the formal nights are day 2 and day 6 from the Barcelona departure, correct?

Starbucks on the Oasis class ships is not covered under any package.

Were all of the packages available?

 

I have only seen 2,3,and 4 day packages offered so far.

I purchased the deluxe beverage package but my parents, who are in another stateroom, did not. If I bought a bottle of wine for my parents, would I still get the wine bottle discount?

Anyone successful at getting 2 coffee drinks/ person at a time? I drink a bunch of coffee and want to save on multiple trips to to the cafe....

Following, departing Rome on the July 12th.

 

I had a reservation at Central Park but canceled it looking for 3 dinner package on board to save a few bucks (I'm paying for 6 people). What is the specialty restaurant availability like on board?

I’m embarking from Rome in 10 days. Thanks for the info. Did you go to any specialty restaurants? Were packages available?

 

 

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Thanks for the specialty dining info.

 

Perhaps if they were priced reasonably to begin with, they could drop the hard sell tactics!

 

 

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I saw that post.. Cancelled my 150 Central Park dinner- hope to get a 3 or 4 day dinner package on board.

 

 

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Joe:

 

Will be with you briefly as I am embarking in Rome on the 12th.

 

Let me know if they are still offering specialty dining packages when you get on board.

 

Keep posting and I'll buy you a beer if I see you!

I cancelled my dinner and will (hopefully) book a package when I get on board. Thanks for the replies!

Sailing on the Symphony in 2 weeks. I have a dining reservation for 4 at 150 Central Park on our Sea day (day 3). I just found out that they recently started offering 3-5 night dining packages on board at a fairly robust discount (they were not offering these previously).

 

If I purchase a 3 day dining package, will they allow me to keep my current reservation and use it for one of the nights? If not, will I be able to get a refund for my currently booked dinner?

 

Thanks

Rachel:

 

Awesome posts so far, thank you!

 

We are traveling in 3 weeks, embarking in Rome. Traveling with my kids and parents (wish me luck).

 

2 years ago we all cruised on the Radiance and splurged for the dining package since it was well worth it. However, I've been reluctant to book us all for dining ahead of time since it is currently so expensive.

 

Can you let me know what they were offering for the dining packages? This is the first I am hearing of dining packages being offered this summer.

 

Thanks again!

 

Chuck