laslomas

I had this exact same advertising in an email from Celebrity along with other current offers - it is definitely from Celebrity, not an agency. I wonder how long I must wait for the exciting news!!

Thanks for your input, I am trying not to worry too much. I sailed in May on a half full Reflection and service was reasonable, but still a bit hit and miss. Hoping to be able to get drinks without too much effort on Silhouette in a couple of weeks 🍹🍸🥂🍷

There are not many 14 nighters on Celebrity now, mainly the repositioning. For 2023 there are only 10 x 14 nighters in the whole year and another 8 longer than that. For anyone looking for 2 weeks plus holiday there is not much choice. HAL certainly offer some longer itineraries.

Tests are still required for entry to some countries for unvaccinated.

Until 5th September the only un-vaxxed on board were children.

I am with you on this, if I pay more I do not expect less. Looking ahead to 2023 the prices are way higher than pre pandemic and the latest online Celebrity Brochure 2023/24 states: Unrivalled Service - with an almost 2:1 guest to staff ratio. They also boast the "most awarded wine collection at sea". This is what they are selling, so it is not wrong to expect at least that. Plus, I have read in this forum of disappointment that many wines are unavailable. I will be onboard in a couple of weeks and at least have now been pre-warned of the lack of bar service. I am not looking forward to the prospect of possibly waiting a long time for service or having to go to a bar to get a drink. Many bars have seating around them and being on the short side, I often get overlooked, and people become queue jumpers without even realising it sometimes. I am hoping, fingers crossed, I will be pleasantly surprised and it will not be as bad as I fear.

I absolutely love an Affogato. Shocked to see it is no longer on the Al Bacio menu 😕

Definitely agree with that. Virtually impossible to carry 2 full martinis without a tray. I would have to take a few sips to make it easier. 🍸😁

With Select dining you can try any time you like, but due to the reservations already made, if there is no space you will be given a pager and called back once there is availability. If you discover on the first attempt that there is a long wait, then factor that in and go earlier in future and take the pager to a bar and get your pre-dinner drinks. I sometimes wonder if Select would work better if reservations were not a thing, and if was just 'turn up'

Thank you, I think that is possibly the difference in prices quoted.

OMG 🤯

I have noticed that the exchange rate used by Celebrity seems, currently, to disfavour UK cruisers when purchasing a beverage package. Or maybe it is another IT blip??!! While we suffered with the latest log on problems with the website and trying to find a way into my Booking, I ended up on the US website and items were priced in dollars. When I logged in they changed to GB Pounds. I noticed the cost of the Premium beverage package, currently reduced by 9% is shown as £80.20. When it is shown in dollars (also -9%) it is $75.99, which at current exchange rates would be nearer £70 than £80. The other items in the Planner seemed to be more correct. What really shocked me most was the thought of paying £80 a day for drinks. This must be the most expensive package in the industry.

I have not stayed in an IV, but really think, in fact know, they are not for me. I enjoy time on my 'real' balcony rather than fighting for a lounger on the pool deck and believe the lack of the feeling of being outside would be missing with an IV. I would hate to plan a cruise and look forward to it for months, only to be disappointed. Maybe if I had several cruises a year I would book an IV as a tester and decide then. But, as I save for and look forward to my cruise for many months, or years in advance I think it is not something I would chance. Yes, there are lots of ships to choose from. I have tried other cruise lines but really love Celebrity and as I choose my trips for itinerary my search for a cruise I want in a regular balcony cabin is becoming more difficult. I am all for innovation but I think new ships should include both types of balcony. That would satisfy both sides of the argument.

I am confused by your post. It seems the Sommelier was just doing his job, but not very well, and you still tipped him extra! I assume this was over and above the regular included gratuities? I am an easily confused Brit trying to understand the extra tipping subject.

One major difference is that Reflection has one extra passenger accommodation deck, so more passengers overall. I have recently sailed both ships and as far as I remember the Speciality restaurants were the same. The Sky Lounge is smaller on Reflection as they added more staterooms, otherwise I did not really notice much difference between the two ships.

The Concierge balcony cabins are larger on the M Class ships. Another little extra for Concierge Class is the footstools on the balcony - M & S Class ships.

I am also keen to know what champagnes are available by the glass. Sailing in October and love a nice champagne.

When I upgraded a couple of weeks ago I worked out the price before phoning. The price shown in my Cruise Planner showed a 9% reduction then I took off 15% (Elite) and waited to hear what I was offered by Celebrity. The cost was slightly less than I had worked out, by a few pounds for the 11 nights, so I did not argue and upgraded. I just wanted to be prepared. If the cost had been higher I was prepared to fight it out!!

Thanks, yes I remember now.

The 9% is a SALE price, available to everyone at the moment. The Captain's Club discount is on top of this. The price comes out differently depending on which they take off first 🤫😕

Sailings from Southampton have a Classic Beverage Package limit of $11 and Premium is $18. It is different due to either VAT or tax, no idea why, but it is!!

It was held on embarkation day on my cruise in May. But last year, with low occupancy and strict COVID testing guidelines, and mask wearing, it was on a sea day and held on a different level in the MDR to the general MDR lunch.

First off, the ships have got bigger. I have not sailed Edge Class yet, and may not, as I like a regular balcony and they are now out of my budget as most on the Edge Class are the new Infinite Veranda. The Equinox has been 'revolutionised' so is looking good and has refurbished areas. I usually book Concierge. They are the same size as balcony cabins on S Class ships, but larger on M Class ships. Some of the little extras are nice, but that is subjective and dependant on the difference in price to the regular balcony cabins. The location suits me, and the extra Captain's Club points. I like the relaxing Embarkation lunch which is a great way to start a cruise. As you have previously sailed with Celebrity you will have points in the Captain's Club. It may be worth checking this out as the scheme changed some years ago and the points you have will convert to the new scheme and may help with discounts and also you will be eligible for a category upgrade of cabin when booking. This upgrade is within category of cabin. The food in MDR is good, but I think the standard has slipped a bit over the last couple of years. Saying that I still enjoy the MDR and have only booked Speciality a few times. A New York Sirloin Steak is available in the MDR on the Timeless menu (available daily) and sometimes there is Steak Diane. For a succulent steak of any other kind you really need to look at Speciality Restaurants. One of the main changes over the last few years is that Formal Nights have been dumbed down a bit and are now Evening Chic. Still a chance to dress up, and many still do. The guidelines are available on the website. Saying that, the Celebrity website is not the best and I expect you may discover that for yourself.

As you say, may not be worthwhile if they do not have the drinks you want. I considered paying the difference, but decided to upgrade with the sale price, and Elite discount as I enjoy sparkling water so that pushes it a bit more towards the worthwhile for me.

I love the Sky Lounge. I hope it is open early evening - the attached daily planner shows it opening at 9pm.