bikerunner

I book way in advance and always refundable fare. I have had to cxl a bunch of travel/cruises/all inclusive because of work commitments that come up. I also use a travel agent whose many times his group rate refundable fare is cheaper than celebrity's nr fare published. Work is the main reason as things happen, if when I retire, still many years away it might be a different story on how I travel. I usually have my cruises booked right when they are released overall for room selection.

After I finish up my 2 maybe one Celebrity cruises early next year I already have booked out Oceana and Azamara as I am done with Celebrity. I have done NCL, Princess in the past and did not care much for them overall. I did like startup going on cruises as others pointed out they where empty overall, or around 1/2. Figure with Azamara Ill be good with a full ship of 700ppl. I like the option of the itinerary's that are givein with the overnights etc.

Im usually with a TA who has a really good group rates that include the Ai and as much as I compare, I will do much better with a move up offer to AQ. I also do get the premium as many of my drinks thru out the day are the sparkling waters, which are not covered by the Classic drink package. Yes do have to look and compare but I also know when I am getting a Concierge at 30-40% less than Celebrity's rate with AI included, pricing out the AQ, unless its under the group rate, which has happened many times Ill just do Concierge and bid to move up.

I always default to AI, as I know I will use the drink package, tips thrown in and I do need wifi to do my 20 min of cleaning out the 100 a day work emails, or more I get a day. It comes out by far much cheaper on the cruises I have done with Celebrity.

Do a search, lots of info out there.

There is no included wifi, it's either part of the All Inclusive, which you get when you book, or you pay for it. If you just have the AI, that usually is not good for sending any kind of pic/video uploads. Might get lucky at some points but most likely nt.

That definitely is one bonus overall, I tend to lose weight on cruises as I never take the elevator either.

I completely agree, I also attended culinary school, and now bake and cook for fun Celebrity deserts in general are just terrible. Well that might be over emphasizing, they definitely are not something I would bother trying again. For others they might like them but I am fine the couple days the pistachio ice cream is around.

Agree suites are usually rarely in the group rate. I don’t do suites as it’s not needed for me at this point. Room is storage and sleeping but balcony Ie important for those 15-30 minutes a day away from everyone. I do get group rates under aq at times but usually fine if TA only offers concierge and I bid up to aq. It’s not a jig box TA I use. But one I have been dealing with for many years tied into American Express.

Kind of disagree, they are doing what is needed for their stakeholders, ie stock holder. Will pricing hit an apex, eventually but like many pointed out they are still selling so no reason to pause. So they lose loyal, they might gain new ones. Yes we were all spoiled with the prices right after and right before covid. It's a market adjustment. There are still good deals to be found, just not as straightforward anymore. I use a TA for mine and the pricing is fine, 25-30% min off of published rates with extra obc.

You have to call cannot be done online

I have never seen bidding open up before final payment is due. I have seen before 21 days open up on a few of my cabins I have booked. Really depends probably on demand and availability of rooms on the ship. I have seen many times right before final payment lots of rooms open up because of group holds released.

That will be all I need then, The room showers would not be an issue, but I would probably be using the gym ones more after workouts. Thanks for the response

Will be going on my first Azamara cruise soon, do the gym locker rooms, if they have them, have showers in them. On lots of my cruises I usually worked out and then just took a shower there.

I see this as a very true statement. For me I started sailing Celebrity in 2001, late 20s first cruise I think. I pretty much have always ignored advertising and marketing, If anything Ill go the opposite way on trends. My main consideration was what works for me, I never cared for gimmicks, ie rock wall, bumper cars, water slides etc, I was told multiple times on my first few cruises that I would enjoy Royal/Carnival more by people onboard. Kind of laughed as many people just assume based on age what I would like and not like My main focus always has been on service given, and quality not quantity.

About the only thing know is the ship floats as its not even gone on sea trials yet.

The TA should be able to supply you the information, only they can tell you. I have direct contact with my individual TA and only get him when I call and get very clear information, on what is/is not included in anything I sign up for.

This was changed before she became the head of Celebrity.

You wish you can get some of the Travel Agent rates offered to the TA's. Like mentioned very deeply discounted and only available to employees of high volume Travel Agencies many times, you would gladly give up your points for these special rates. The rates the Travel Agencies offer mostly are ones that are discounted group rates, ie block of rooms that they have contracted to sell. These are usually really good deals with pricing much lower than the Celebrity's standard rates from there website.

Do not see that coming as the room is barely big enough for the aqua class rooms. This would be the same thinking that guests can pay an extra fee and it at luminae. Or guests paying for access to Retreat lounge etc. That I dont think they will ever try,

This is the first time I have ever seen this, not that I drink any sodas besides sparkling water types. Is this a change or its pretty much just usual Celebrity misinformation

I would stay, the main thing you would get is access to Luminae and the Retreat lounge, if this was an E class ship would be a different story since you would also gain access to Retreat pool area. If your happy with location you have now I would stay, Blu is great dining and you already have access to the Persian Gardens being in Aqua. Think of it this way, the money not spent on the upgrade can do some specialty dinners if wanted, even the chefs table etc.

Agree, mostly try to do this with my cruises overall. Much better deals smaller groups etc overall.

Basic drinks Manhattan martini all are available within the classic, the main thing to understand classic vs premium it usually relates to what brand is used that s all. The double order is really depending on the server and bartender how they want to charge, it should count as an extra charge but many times its not. Depends on how much they are cracking down on this on board. I have had it with no issues at times, but others would be charged. You can order any drink you want from the dining rooms, how fast you get it is a whole different story. But if you make contact with the Sommelier and beverage waiter the first night, it usually is very smooth I have discovered

I’m guessing elevated menus are things with a cost for blu. Why they partnered with whiskey pig is interesting. It’s pure rye, the distillery stupidly is not open to the public, I pass it once a month. There is a whistle pig tasting room nearby and it’s good but I think much better choices out there. But it’s personal thought on that.