Cirque de Soleil off the Summit?

[Lois R]

There you go, I did misunderstand. So Cirque is being removed from Constellation in November.

 

Dawn, sorry you are disappointed. I sailed Constellation last December and

had a fantastic week. I would recommend her without Cirque anyway.

 

Hope you are able to find something to your liking:)

[pennstater]

Thanks to everyone for the info and to Lois for the kind words - I know that many didn't like the Cirque experience and others were indifferent, but for my first cruise...this is a major blow. We chose this over a Las Vegas trip to see the other great Cirque shows. And it is stretching our budget more! For a couple of working stiffs, and one HUGE Cirque fan, it's going to take a lot to make me feel like I got my money's worth...hmmm...open bar throughout the cruise?...that would work! ;)

[Blazerboy]

Hey Lois, HAPPY CRUISING!

 

Dawn, I'm a big fan of Cirque du Soleil, but haven't felt like that was the same experience being offered on board. I'm wondering whether a little dissapointment now, and, with Lois's sage advice, a good cruise later, won't be MUCH better than having the experience not live up to what you might expect on land. At any rate, I, too like the ship a lot, so hope you have a good cruise!

 

Andrew

[AFT_LOVER]

as a bar with folks dressed in white with videos playing on them as they danced to the Cirque music which folks in the majority unknowledgeable about what they are listening to. I love their music, other just were dumbfounded with it.

 

So we will see what is up next.

 

As far as Connie she is a Grand Dame of M Class, with grace from the staircases to the glass elevator to ride at least once to see from top to bottom. You have shows, movies, lounges with great bands to dance to or a pianist to sit back & enjoy. A Martini Bar with fabulous bar tenders who can pour 6 martinis at once! Sudi is no longer on Connie, yet he may be on vacaqtion for 2 months & he is #1 of Martini's..... And of the excursion that day wore you out, and you lucked out with a CC AFT cabin, then the padded lounger watching the world go behind you is SO relaxing. If the sea is playing games the artwork comes to life. There is just SO MUCH to talk about.

[Ma Bell]

If you are a great Cirque fan ,as I am, you would be very disappointed in the "experience". As has been said before, it's not a show, just an interaction with a few strange characters. It's not that it's horrible, it's just nothing special. The lounge could still be used for observation during the day. The problem is that when the room is being used on days when the "White Nights" experience is not on, the music is too strange for just normal dancing. You really are not missing anything wonderful.

 

As far as compensation for missing Cirque, I can't imagine it. They had to beg people to even go see what was there. If you actually booked this cruise for this experience, I'd say you didn't understand the concept to begin with.

[pennstater]

Blazerboy, MACOP, and Ma Bell - thanks for your thoughts and suggestions - and to clear up any misunderstanding, I actually understood that this was an 'experience' not a show, and I was truly looking forward to it - that level of interaction is normally reserved for only the 1-2 folks that are chosen randomly at the regular shows. This was a chance for me to experience something different, in terms of Cirque. I'll never get that kind of personal interaction with the characters at the shows. Additionally, my musical taste is quite varied - some of what I listen to would probably be considered 'strange' by most :) so I really saw this as a nice fit.

 

I realize the chances of getting anything from Celebrity, including a notice of the change, are slim to none (and that really isn't my driving goal here) - it's just that Celebrity has advertised this as a "Unique Getaway" and now that is gone.

 

I also realize, according to the posts on these message boards, that most people were unimpressed - and certainly, they would want to make the majority of their customers happy. My concern is that they chose to end the 'experience' before the advertised cruises were completed - they could have chosen to phase it out of any new itineraries and simply continued it for those that had been advertised as so. And, if they are working on replacing it with a re-vamped experience, at least keep the existing one until the new one is ready.

 

That being said, I will certainly make the most of my vacation and have a good time with my hubby and friends. I've never really thought about choosing a vacation for the ship, but from all I hear about Connie, I think I will be impressed.

 

Again, thanks to all for listening! And happy sails to all!

[Lois R]

Hi Dawn, they are ending it waaaayyyyy before the original finishing date.

When they started it the contract was for 6 years.

I guess they are doing what they feel is best for the majority. Again, sorry

you are disappointed. The point I am trying to make is, when you say it would

be nice for them to continue this until the "newer version" (whatever that

ends up being) is ready. They probably feel like that would not do much good.

Example, lets say 2 out of 10 pax are enjoying it. Well, the 8 that are not

probably have more weight in the decision.

But you sound quite optomisitc about your vacation:).

 

We are all so different. I always consider the ship first and

the entertainment is secondary for me. Give me friends

and a fun Martini Bar in the evenings...I am happy:D

[Blazerboy]

And I'm right there with Lois in the Martini Bar (well the virtual Martini Bar, until we meet on a cruise sometime!) but totally understand that you'd be dissapointed, and maybe in our trying to cheer you up, we ignored the fact that your dissapointment is valid.:o

 

Still hope you have a great time.

 

Andrew

[pennstater]

I totally agree, Lois. It would be very poor judgement for them to keep it going for a handful of folks. However, I also think it is poor judgement to end it so abruptly - Celebrity did major marketing for this and up until yesterday, their website made a big deal out of this itinerary as a "Cirque du Soleil" cruise and a "Unique Celebrity Getaway". I'm sure I'm not the only person out there that wanted a Cirque cruise and will be disappointed to not get it. This could serve as a black eye for Celebrity.

 

But c'est la vie! My world will not end over this, but Celebrity probably won't see my money again. Lots of cruise companies are out there to try, and Celebrity isn't doing so hot in my book! :rolleyes:

 

And, Lois, friends and martinis sound fabulous to me! I hope the bartender knows how to make a great French martini! :D I'll be frequenting the martini bar quite a bit more now, I'm sure!

 

And, thanks Blazerboy - everyone's cheering up is greatly appreciated but so is the validation.

 

If I haven't said it before, you Cruise Critic folks are great! Where would I be without such nice thoughts and encouraging words...probably crying in my French martini! :o

[pennstater]

Blazerboy - your wonderdog, Hubble, is adorable!

[jennbill]

Pennstater,

 

Do yourself a favor and start exploring other cruise options. You sound a lot like us and frankly, Celebrity isn't for me. If you read thoroughly read the posts on this forum and then carefully observe the passengers onboard, you'll realize what I mean. Way too much attitude from a lot of passengers.

 

Our cruise experience was good but certainly not what Celebrity and its faithful make it out to be.

[AFT_LOVER]

as they have done for years. The first we attended was at the grand opening of Biloxi MS Beau Rivage hotel/casino with the show "Allegria". We were front & center with tix they sent us, and I was to write a review since the creator couldn't be in 2 countries at once. IT STUNK! Folks falling off each others backs, even the trapeze artist missed the person he was to catch. Folks were walking out & getting refunds. I called my friend Ann in the PR Dept to tell her what we had seen, next day the show was gone. 2 years later it is up & running as a great show................

 

So maybe they pulled out of the "Bar" idea which didn't sound like anything we partied at in Montreal. We walked thru monograms to the bar, the characters such as the "dream maker" gave presents to the folks. Another had fortunes he's read & gave to you. Not pulling folks on a dance floor......... 4 others were bartenders with weird concoctions of colors & glowing items that people had to buy. None on "X". Beds & sheets? They had seats that were long & thick, they had draperies on the walls flowing in fans blowing in them with CDS movies on them also. There was something to watch at all times either movie or live.

 

"X" bar at the edge didn't sound like the one we were at that even had a discription published on CDS web site. Not even close to what was told to us here.

 

So hope for a retooling for bigger & better.

[AFT_LOVER]

You want to goto TI for the best CDS show for the cheapest price. MYSTERE. This is the show to see to be hooked on CDS. A little added item: The Pre-show that start 1 hour before the show time, has a french butler who harrasses folks in the audience. They mark folks walking in to be part of the show. So if you want to do it & get some very nice gifts, buy a large popcorn & large drink. We did when we were guests of CDS with their PR gal Annie. The butler walked up to us, grabbed my popcorn & throught it all over the audience. Then he guzzled my pop. I just stood there in shock & told the person seating us to get the Manager, and she did getting us a visit & a free week at the hotel for our next visit. Every person in the pre-show got something. I was SO embarrased but it worked to give folks a great laugh. And wait til you meet the BABY!

 

 

 

Thanks to everyone for the info and to Lois for the kind words - I know that many didn't like the Cirque experience and others were indifferent, but for my first cruise...this is a major blow. We chose this over a Las Vegas trip to see the other great Cirque shows. And it is stretching our budget more! For a couple of working stiffs, and one HUGE Cirque fan, it's going to take a lot to make me feel like I got my money's worth...hmmm...open bar throughout the cruise?...that would work! ;)

[C 2 C]

Pennstater,

 

Do yourself a favor and start exploring other cruise options. You sound a lot like us and frankly, Celebrity isn't for me. If you read thoroughly read the posts on this forum and then carefully observe the passengers onboard, you'll realize what I mean. Way too much attitude from a lot of passengers.

 

Our cruise experience was good but certainly not what Celebrity and its faithful make it out to be.

 

I usually end my posts with two quotes:

 

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."— H. Jackson Browne

 

"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same."

~ Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828)

 

Some people love Celebrity some love the other cruise lines. When posting on the Celebrity site you must expect to get attitudes different from your own. I hope you find the cruise line that offers the experience you seek. I look forward to cruising on X because most of the people we cruise with share our high regard for the Celebrity experience. It's not perfect but it's better than any other line in it's price class...

[pennstater]

jennbill - thanks for the pointer. Frankly, at this point, I'm don't think we would ever consider Celebrity again, anyway. I wouldn't feel confident that we would get the vacation we booked, because we certainly won't this time. But maybe this is just the prelude to a mis-match with us and Celebrity anyway - we'll have to wait and see. Right now, our concern is that we aren't getting what we paid for from Celebrity - a "Unique Getaway".

 

MACOP - Boy, that sounds like a stinker of a show! We saw Allegria here in Philly and loved it - they must have worked out the kinks. My thought: I'm sure they refunded the tickets for the shows that were cancelled after the disastrous premiere...My cruise and airfare can't be refunded now. I'd really just like some sort of show of consideration from Celebrity - I'm usually pretty quick to forgive if apologies/reasons are given.

 

C 2 C - Very well said. It takes all kinds to make the world go round. Maybe we aren't right for Celebrity and vice versa - but you have to admit that my first experience with them hasn't been the most promising! :rolleyes:

 

Again, thanks to all for the thoughts and suggestions.

[Ma Bell]

Dawn,

 

It's usually a good idea to reserve judgment til after the cruise. We've been on lots of cruises and many with Celebrity and I really have never noticed any more "attitude" with Celebrity cruisers than any other cruiseline. In fact, we find the people to be very considerate for the most part. As far as a really unique cruise experience, you would probably need to go to a small, really upscale cruiseship to find this. The mainstream cruiselines are basically the same with the exception of the difference in quality, for example, service, food & entertainment.

 

Independent ratings have shown Celebrity to be at the top of the mainstream cruiselines. If you're looking for a loud free for all, you won't find it on Celebrity. If you're looking for good service and food, decent entertainment and a relaxing getaway with plenty of choices, you should love your cruise.

[robsvacation]

I'm sad this didn't work out: Ship discos tend to seem more like a bad scene from a typical wedding than any decent club I've been to in the last few years.

 

Hope CdS takes over a main show or two. It's really not that unheard of: Celebrity already has several "cirque style" shows on their ships, NCL has them on their ships, Princess years ago had "Mystique" and "Odysea", both of which were rumored pretty good, Ocean Village Cruises out of the UK has a series of "comtemporary circus" shows that thread together over the week. I think with the CdS creative development team and talent pool they could easily move cruise shows up a knotch, even without acrobatics. It's just CdS has refocused solely on the big ticket shows and anything they did on a ship would fall short, they may not want to water down the brand.

 

Oh well, more creative minds than mine work at CdS and Celebrity. It's just that cruise ship entertainment is so corny and there is so much really interesting stuff out there, why do we have to suffer through so much "lowest common denominator, gotta sing, gotta dance stuff?"

[kitty9]

Dawn, being this is your first cruise experience, believe me that no matter what cruise line you chose, be it Carnival, RCCI, Celebrity or HAL, there is always going to be something that pops up that will change the things you expected. I've been on 41 cruises on almost every line out there and I can tell you that something has happened on at least 20 of those cruises that changed what we were expecting from the cruise. No, not every one had a canceled port, but there were things like shortening the time we had in ports, stopping in a port but not being able to leave the ship because of terrible thunderstorms, top name performers who's shows were canceled because the seas were too rough or because the performer had to cancel his/her appearance on board the ship or canceled ports because of bad weather, but we never let these things ruin our cruises and we never would declare that a particular cruise line was off our preferred list because of things like this---bad food and service have caused us to stop cruising some lines, but not changes in entertainment or itinerary. Sometimes the ship has to change or cancel ports (this happens on EVERY line). I was on a Crystal cruise (a very expensive 30 day cruise) and they made a last minute cancelation of a 2 day stop in Bali, a place I was looking forward to with much anticipation. Many of us were disappointed but the cruise line seemed to know best because a couple of days after we were to be there, a terrorist attack happened at a Bali nightclub killing many innocent people. But in the end, overall it was one of the best cruises I've ever taken. I'm not in any way saying that Celebrity canceled your stop because of a terrorist threat, but you must realize that there are good reasons for changing a port of call. These things you're concerned about could have happened on any ship, and to indict Celebrity because of this really isn't fair. No one on these boards knows why X canceled Grenada, but there must have been some reason or they would not have done it---they realize they're going to hack off a lot of people.

 

One thing I must caution you about---if you go into this trip with a major chip on your shoulder, angry at Celebrity for changing things you expected, and not receiving everything you paid for, you're going to have a bad overall cruise experience---believe me, it's easy to nit pick a lot of things if you do anything when you're angry or upset--just ask my ex husband about that LOL. Go on this cruise with the idea that you're going to have the trip of a lifetime, and if things on board the ship such as food and service aren't what you like, then find another cruise line to give your hard earned money to. But if you can put aside your disappointment, you just might realize that your money wasn't wasted and you had the best vacation you've ever had.

[phtktz3]

Pennstater,

 

Do yourself a favor and start exploring other cruise options. You sound a lot like us and frankly, Celebrity isn't for me. If you read thoroughly read the posts on this forum and then carefully observe the passengers onboard, you'll realize what I mean. Way too much attitude from a lot of passengers.

 

Our cruise experience was good but certainly not what Celebrity and its faithful make it out to be.

Jennbill,

I know this doesn't have to do with Cirque experience , but one of the other things I was very insensed about was while we were going thru Hubbard Glacier....why on earth would Celebrity choose to blast Caribbean music all thru the pool deck that could be heard all around outside. I don't know if you noticed the Hal ship that was close by but we could hear their naturalist speaking while we were on our balcony, which was refreshing since our ship was blasting music on the pool deck. For me part of the ambiance of the Glaciers is the complete quiet all around with only the sounds of the calving. Celebrity prides themselves on the no announcement policy and then went and ruined the whole atmosphere that morning with the music.

[Ma Bell]

I can only imagine that it was a mistake. On all our Celebrity cruises to Alaska, I've never heard anything except the naturalist.

[jennbill]

Forgot all about that. You're right, kinda disappointing. As a matter of fact, Alaska would be a destination that would lend itself to a discontinuation of their no announcement policy just so you could get a heads-up from the naturalist on certain things. We were just lucky to have our tv on the ship cam view to hear Dirk give us the orca sightings the last afternoon. We were on the balcony and just happened to walk into the cabin when he started with his alerts.

 

Dirk was pretty cool though as I enjoyed talking with him while we were looking for whales from The Edge as we sailed into Juneau. He was then with us and Captain Larry on our tour in Juneau and was incredibly informative.

 

Were you lucky enough to see the group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins we ran with around lunchtime on our last sea day? We saw them from our table in the dining room and I'm glad I had my camera with me. I skipped desert and went outside for some great pictures. I'm thinking that this sighting was something out of the ordinary from the number of crew members out taking pictures and the way the photo staff was proud of the photos they captured. For me, it was one of the most memorable moments on our cruise. Jennifer was her normal polite self and felt obligated to finish desert with our tablemates. She's still kicking herself.

[Schplinky]

Jennbill,

I know this doesn't have to do with Cirque experience , but one of the other things I was very insensed about was while we were going thru Hubbard Glacier....why on earth would Celebrity choose to blast Caribbean music all thru the pool deck that could be heard all around outside. I don't know if you noticed the Hal ship that was close by but we could hear their naturalist speaking while we were on our balcony, which was refreshing since our ship was blasting music on the pool deck. For me part of the ambiance of the Glaciers is the complete quiet all around with only the sounds of the calving. Celebrity prides themselves on the no announcement policy and then went and ruined the whole atmosphere that morning with the music.

 

At least they didn't play the theme from Titanic over and over. I was a bit stunned how often you hear that one onboard.

[phtktz3]

At least they didn't play the theme from Titanic over and over. I was a bit stunned how often you hear that one onboard.

As a matter of fact yes they did! Every night at dinner the little band at the top of the staricase played it over and over!

[phtktz3]

Forgot all about that. You're right, kinda disappointing. As a matter of fact, Alaska would be a destination that would lend itself to a discontinuation of their no announcement policy just so you could get a heads-up from the naturalist on certain things. We were just lucky to have our tv on the ship cam view to hear Dirk give us the orca sightings the last afternoon. We were on the balcony and just happened to walk into the cabin when he started with his alerts.

 

Dirk was pretty cool though as I enjoyed talking with him while we were looking for whales from The Edge as we sailed into Juneau. He was then with us and Captain Larry on our tour in Juneau and was incredibly informative.

 

Were you lucky enough to see the group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins we ran with around lunchtime on our last sea day? We saw them from our table in the dining room and I'm glad I had my camera with me. I skipped desert and went outside for some great pictures. I'm thinking that this sighting was something out of the ordinary from the number of crew members out taking pictures and the way the photo staff was proud of the photos they captured. For me, it was one of the most memorable moments on our cruise. Jennifer was her normal polite self and felt obligated to finish desert with our tablemates. She's still kicking herself.

No unfortunetly I did not see the dolphins! I did see whales on a few occasions during this cruise once from my balcony and once during my breakfast in the buffet. If you can post a link to the pics of the dolphins that would be great or if you can email the pics to me @ phtktz3@aol I would love to see them.

[trcori]

fwiw, the no-announcements policy did not prevent the naturalist on our 8/26/05 Mercury cruise from Seattle from coming on the loudspeaker at key points BESIDES Hubbard Glacier day. One thing I did notice, however -- her announcements were heard in open areas and observation lounge only, not necessarily other areas such as bars. She did give some advance warning at her scheduled talks -- for example, on the first sea day, during her first presentation, she let us know that the next morning, on our way to Juneau, she would be on the bridge around 9 am as we entered a humpback-favored area, so she could "lead us in whale watching." As a result, we made plans to snag a front-row seat in the Navigator Club that morning, and were rewarded with whale sightings that I suspect rival those pricey excursions :) -- TR