tassie cruiser Posted January 6, 2017 Author #76 Share Posted January 6, 2017 I always think of Aqua of having the same benefits as concierge, plus the Spa/Blu. But in this case they have Blu anyway, so don't need the Concierge facilities. Yes, but they couldn't go to Blu for lunch., not open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 9, 2017 #77 Share Posted January 9, 2017 How times have changed .... sadly for the worse for us in Australia. We sailed on Solstice in Feb 2015 and I pre purchased OBC at USD1:AUD1 ie. dollar for dollar parity. This was a very good deal when the exchange rate was about 80cents. Clearly they've closed this little loop hole - it was fun while it lasted. Those were the days, very short lived unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 9, 2017 #78 Share Posted January 9, 2017 Yes, but they couldn't go to Blu for lunch., not open. Luminae is open for the suite guests though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beanb41 Posted January 9, 2017 #79 Share Posted January 9, 2017 How times have changed .... sadly for the worse for us in Australia. We sailed on Solstice in Feb 2015 and I pre purchased OBC at USD1:AUD1 ie. dollar for dollar parity. This was a very good deal when the exchange rate was about 80cents. Clearly they've closed this little loop hole - it was fun while it lasted. That dollar for dollar was the end of the period when $A1 was at one stage $US1.18. It is fortunate that on occasion X are slow to react to currency fluctuations but claw back any discrepancies through profit margin on board Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 9, 2017 #80 Share Posted January 9, 2017 That dollar for dollar was the end of the period when $A1 was at one stage $US1.18. It is fortunate that on occasion X are slow to react to currency fluctuations but claw back any discrepancies through profit margin on board Luckily I was able to take advantage of the parity and was able to carry on that advantage for several cruises and will still have some left for next years US trip.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tassie cruiser Posted January 9, 2017 Author #81 Share Posted January 9, 2017 Luminae is open for the suite guests though. Yes it is , but nothing for Aqua. (or should I say, nothing especially designated to Aqua) like concierge and suites, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 9, 2017 #82 Share Posted January 9, 2017 Yes it is , but nothing for Aqua. (or should I say, nothing especially designated to Aqua) like concierge and suites, Another reason not to bother with Aqua class IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted January 10, 2017 #83 Share Posted January 10, 2017 Another reason not to bother with Aqua class IMO. Actually, Aqua has standout benefits of its own private restaurant, Blu, and inclusive access to the Spa facilities, both of which can be worthwhile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 10, 2017 #84 Share Posted January 10, 2017 (edited) Actually, Aqua has standout benefits of its own private restaurant, Blu, and inclusive access to the Spa facilities, both of which can be worthwhile. Apparently Blu is shut on embarkation day for lunch and spa facilities do not interest me or my wife. Edited January 10, 2017 by MicCanberra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted January 10, 2017 #85 Share Posted January 10, 2017 Apparently Blu is shut on embarkation day for lunch and spa facilities do not interest me or my wife. It's shut for lunch, but you have it every day for breakfast and dinner. Embarkation lunch is a minor part of the cruise - a fair number don't even have it at all. Fair enough if it's not for you; however, it is a category with distinct benefits, apart from the cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryclaire Posted January 10, 2017 #86 Share Posted January 10, 2017 Hi, If you should see Lia,a waitress in dining room,say hello from Larry and Claire. We met her on the Reflection last year and just loved her. She is from Bali and such a sweetheart! Thanks. Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryclaire Posted January 10, 2017 #87 Share Posted January 10, 2017 Hi there. We are currently onboard Solstice. Xmas and NYE cruise. Having an awesome time, beautiful ship. If anyone wants to know anything or I can help with any questions let me know, as everyone was so helpful to us before we left and was such a help. We left Isle of pines today, first time we have been there where it was a bit chilly, windy and a little rain. (Have been 5 or 6 times previously and was so hot) on way to Noumea tomorrow. Our 2 daughters both have the unlimited internet and I didn't bother, just use theirs from time to time, so if I don't answer straight away, I will check regularly. The internet is great, I heard conflicting info on this, some said, it's slow, others said it was fast etc etc.. it was $299 US and 50% off a second package. We were select so received 25% off both as well, still expensive but not too bad, it is really quite fast, have face time people home, that's clear as, really good. As it's unlimited, you can just stay logged on (no need to log on and off all the time with minutes like we previously did) Anyway, off to dinner. Yummmmmmmmmmmm. Fiona Hi, If you should see Lia,a waitress in dining room,say hello from Larry and Claire. We met her on the Reflection last year and just loved her. She is from Bali and such a sweetheart! Thanks. Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 10, 2017 #88 Share Posted January 10, 2017 It's shut for lunch, but you have it every day for breakfast and dinner. Embarkation lunch is a minor part of the cruise - a fair number don't even have it at all. Fair enough if it's not for you; however, it is a category with distinct benefits, apart from the cabin. Suite have even better perks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted January 11, 2017 #89 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Suite have even better perks. Of course - but at even more cost. So if you don't want to spend the often tens of thousands on suites, you can still get benefits from Aqua. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 11, 2017 #90 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Of course - but at even more cost. So if you don't want to spend the often tens of thousands on suites, you can still get benefits from Aqua. Or much make it much cheaper just getting a Balcony cabin if Aqua class doesn't suit or offer anything useful for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 11, 2017 #91 Share Posted January 11, 2017 I've got a 24hr hold on an inside gty $900 in March at the moment without any perks - has anyone checked the rates for prepaying OBC in the last couple of days? Trying to do some maths to see if we can afford to squish it in. Any other costs to be aware of? I recall grats are now included in fare? Cruising on Celebrity is a bucket list item before we have kids so would love to make it work! I purchased some between Xmas and New years and it was $0.77. Make sure you have it in writing that the gratuities are included otherwise it may come as a shock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted January 11, 2017 #92 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Or much make it much cheaper just getting a Balcony cabin if Aqua class doesn't suit or offer anything useful for you. Of course. But doesn't mean that Aqua has no benefits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted January 11, 2017 #93 Share Posted January 11, 2017 I've got a 24hr hold on an inside gty $900 in March at the moment without any perks - has anyone checked the rates for prepaying OBC in the last couple of days? Trying to do some maths to see if we can afford to squish it in. Any other costs to be aware of? I recall grats are now included in fare? Cruising on Celebrity is a bucket list item before we have kids so would love to make it work! Insides don't ever come with the Celebrity perks - just a decision they made for whatever reason. As gratuities are included, the only other expenses are the optional ones; drinks, spa, casino, excursions, photos, shopping... the list goes on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 11, 2017 #94 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Great, I know how to avoid all those pitfalls! While the bev package would be nice, the next category up which includes it is obst balc at $1,900+ pp. For my $900 pp fare I will just foot the bill for my daily cocktails instead :) Sounds like a plan that should work. You can always purchase the beverage package after a few days being on board if you think it is worth doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 12, 2017 #95 Share Posted January 12, 2017 All booked in :D We'll see how much I can squirrel away in the next 73 days. Very excited to try Celebrity! It is still my favourite ship.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayde43 Posted January 12, 2017 #96 Share Posted January 12, 2017 So excited to sail on her next January..... This year is going so quickly already so the cruise will be here in no time. hehehe :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted January 12, 2017 #97 Share Posted January 12, 2017 So excited to sail on her next January..... This year is going so quickly already so the cruise will be here in no time. hehehe :) Flying by, I am sure you will love the Solstice as well.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taffy62 Posted January 16, 2017 #98 Share Posted January 16, 2017 I'm sailing in April on a 7 night cruise, first time so excited ! Got an ocean view cabin for $1130 which included the drink package and $300 obc Received my cabin number and been upgraded to a balcony on deck 8 ! Whoop whoop I can't believe it :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr&MrsCookie Posted January 16, 2017 #99 Share Posted January 16, 2017 Wow that is cheap and a great location. Lucky you:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tassie cruiser Posted January 16, 2017 Author #100 Share Posted January 16, 2017 I'm sailing in April on a 7 night cruise, first time so excited ! Got an ocean view cabin for $1130 which included the drink package and $300 obc Received my cabin number and been upgraded to a balcony on deck 8 ! Whoop whoop I can't believe it :) Wow, that's awesome, well done. The upgrade fairy strikes again :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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