michaels club

[helen haywood]

I'm thrilled people in suites love hanging out in Michael's Club! Less crowded at my beloved Sunset Bar!

 

 

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[misspuss]

We wil be able to go to Michals club for the first time this May, I will be using a scooter. Will I be able to drive it into the club? Or will I have to leave it ouside? This will be on the Infinity.

Thank you.

[dgparent]

The three nights we ate in Luminae we looked at both menus. The first night I ordered the fish from the L menu. It was nasty. It was not fresh and it was mushy. I sent it back and they brought me the pasta. I didn't like that either. So the next two times I ordered from the MDR menu. One other person ordered from the MDR menu all three times. The 3rd person ordered from L twice and MDR once. She liked what she had. I also have to add that ordering from the MRD menu seemed to be an inconvenience to the wait staff. They didn't encourage it, that's for sure. In fact, they were not at all friendly. If you're someone who doesn't look up and say thank you when they put something on the table for you then you'd like it there. Because they didn't look at you, either.

 

Other than the food... we found the service exceedingly slow, even after we said we preferred not to wait so long between courses.

 

It was quiet, that's for sure. Too quiet. Boringly quiet.

 

And this may seem picky... but not ONCE did any of our water glasses get refilled without having to ask. And we like ice in our water. Asking for it nearly got an eye roll from the waitress one night.

 

Overall, it was not an inviting place to eat a meal. We were uncomfortable and didn't want to eat there.

 

I will add that on the 2nd or 3rd night in a row that we ate in the MRD someone came to talk to us at our table to inquire as to why we were not choosing to eat at Luminae. It was an uncomfortable conversation to have there. I wish they contacted differently. Basically I said, look at our waiter... look at the guests beside us. They're all smiling and laughing and talking. They're having a good time. Our waiter here is exceptional (we had the same wait staff in Select every time). We haven't had to ask to have our water filled. He asked if we would be willing to come back one more time and I said no, not for dinner, but we would try breakfast. That was a bust for the same reasons and we never went back again.

 

Personally... I don't think the food was better at Luminae. I think it may have been "fancier". If you're into that sort of thing, then you may like it. The general atmosphere was depressing. Lots of couples dining and not talking. No interaction between passengers and wait staff... their method of not assigning one or two staff members to a table (they all take care of all the tables) seemed very impersonal to me and didn't work well, either.

 

Finally, the M'd was brand new. First ship, first assignment. She was way in over her head and only yessed us to death when we voiced our concerns.

 

Looking at booking a Celebrity suite for next January. We'll request Select dining and see what they say.

 

Weird we were on the reflection a couple of weeks ago and except for the 1st dinner all our meals were excellent. We are a couple in our 40's we had excellent service, waiters etc were all wonderful, we interacted with the tables next to us, other couples etc. So we had the complete opposite experience that you did.

 

As for MC I thought it was a great place. The casino bar was a zoo, took forever to get a beer, and if the Assembly Bar was not open I would zing into MC grab a beer out of the fridge and head to the smoking area on 5 then back to the casino. My wife and I also ate quite a few little sandwhiches at tea time, they were a good filler to hold you over till dinner. Would I sit in there all day drinking ? No, but it was convenient for grabbing a drink or water etc.

[Westyone]

We wil be able to go to Michals club for the first time this May, I will be using a scooter. Will I be able to drive it into the club? Or will I have to leave it ouside? This will be on the Infinity.

Thank you.

 

My husband was able to easily get into MC on Summit (same as Infinity) and on S ships. It's easier if you are with someone who will hold the door open for you, but he could manage on his own if he went in by himself. Once inside there is more than enough room to 'park' near a chair should you choose not to transfer.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

The three nights we ate in Luminae we looked at both menus. The first night I ordered the fish from the L menu. It was nasty. It was not fresh and it was mushy. I sent it back and they brought me the pasta. I didn't like that either. So the next two times I ordered from the MDR menu. One other person ordered from the MDR menu all three times. The 3rd person ordered from L twice and MDR once. She liked what she had. I also have to add that ordering from the MRD menu seemed to be an inconvenience to the wait staff. They didn't encourage it, that's for sure. In fact, they were not at all friendly. If you're someone who doesn't look up and say thank you when they put something on the table for you then you'd like it there. Because they didn't look at you, either.

 

Other than the food... we found the service exceedingly slow, even after we said we preferred not to wait so long between courses.

 

It was quiet, that's for sure. Too quiet. Boringly quiet.

 

And this may seem picky... but not ONCE did any of our water glasses get refilled without having to ask. And we like ice in our water. Asking for it nearly got an eye roll from the waitress one night.

 

Overall, it was not an inviting place to eat a meal. We were uncomfortable and didn't want to eat there.

 

I will add that on the 2nd or 3rd night in a row that we ate in the MRD someone came to talk to us at our table to inquire as to why we were not choosing to eat at Luminae. It was an uncomfortable conversation to have there. I wish they contacted differently. Basically I said, look at our waiter... look at the guests beside us. They're all smiling and laughing and talking. They're having a good time. Our waiter here is exceptional (we had the same wait staff in Select every time). We haven't had to ask to have our water filled. He asked if we would be willing to come back one more time and I said no, not for dinner, but we would try breakfast. That was a bust for the same reasons and we never went back again.

 

Personally... I don't think the food was better at Luminae. I think it may have been "fancier". If you're into that sort of thing, then you may like it. The general atmosphere was depressing. Lots of couples dining and not talking. No interaction between passengers and wait staff... their method of not assigning one or two staff members to a table (they all take care of all the tables) seemed very impersonal to me and didn't work well, either.

 

Finally, the M'd was brand new. First ship, first assignment. She was way in over her head and only yessed us to death when we voiced our concerns.

 

Looking at booking a Celebrity suite for next January. We'll request Select dining and see what they say.

 

Wow, that's so different from my experiences in Luminae! We had fabulous waiters, a 5* maitre d', and the best sommelier I've ever experienced. They brought the MDR menus to the table every night. We met lots of interesting people in there. Here's just one example: one night, my friend was on a catamaran cruise and wouldn't be back until later. I had looked in Michael's but didn't see any of my other friends. Went to the maitre d' in Luminae and asked if any of my friends had showed up for dinner. She said no, so I returned to my cabin, thinking I would check back later. Ten minutes later, my phone rang. It was Maria saying that my friends were there for dinner and I should come down and join them! Service like that is what keeps me coming back to Celebrity.

[Jim_Iain]

We wil be able to go to Michals club for the first time this May, I will be using a scooter. Will I be able to drive it into the club? Or will I have to leave it ouside? This will be on the Infinity.

Thank you.

 

You will have no trouble using a scooter in Michael's club. On the S-Class ship it can be a little tight in some of the seating section but I have seen the staff move things around and make sure the mobility challenged were able to comfortable enjoy the place.

[cruisestitch]

The doors are a little heavy but with you along there will be no problem and there is plenty of room inside on Infinity. Erick, the Michaels Club concierge will take good care of you.

[Orator]

People are different. Every cruise is different. Some love Luminae based on their particular tastes and experiences. Some would rather go to the MDR. Same with MC. I happen to enjoy it and have had some stimulating conversations, especially on TAs. Be on SIL soon.

[TeeRick]

I much prefer the space that Michael's Club occupies on M-Class ships. I agree that MC on S-Class is small and dark but the service is still excellent. This will all be solved on Edge class where the suite lounge will get a great ocean view. As for those who don't like Luminae - that is usually a minority opinion on these boards but it is your right to express it of course. We have always found Luminae to be exceptional.

[sparty1]

Hi. Our first time in a suite, and I can't seem to find where Michael's Club is on the Summit deck plan. Does Summit have it for suite guests, or something in place of it? Or do they not show it in drawings? Thank you for the information.

[Orator]

Hi. Our first time in a suite, and I can't seem to find where Michael's Club is on the Summit deck plan. Does Summit have it for suite guests, or something in place of it? Or do they not show it in drawings? Thank you for the information.

 

Check Deck 4. Go through Casino and it's on the left as you approach Photo Gallery.

[rumpelstiltskin]

Would you really want to sit in a rather dark, usually empty, interior space and drink by yourself all day?

Yes, as opposed to purchasing an expensive beverage package that is not included in the fare.

 

Suites generally come with the Premium beverage package.

Not for this sailing (Trans-Atlantic)...which is why MC is important to me.

...

[bEwAbG]

I’m fine with minority opinions on Luminae but writing off the whole restaurant because of one bad experience seems a bit extreme. All cruises are different and staffing is different, and I’ve had some misses in Luminae as well. Knowing that, even if the staffing in Luminae on a particular sailing was bad, I would not refuse to go back on future sailings. That’s the definition of cutting off your nose to spite your face, particularly when you’re paying a sizable premium to be assigned to that dining room.

 

My experience in Luminae is that everyone let us know that we could order off the MDR menu and even brought the menu with the Luminae menu on a few nights. When having a hard time deciding, I found that the waiters’ recommendation for the evening was always spot on. One even encouraged us to not get a particular dish. They’ve also all been uniformly nice to us. For the few times I've had disappointments in service or food, they have been quick to respond and correct the deficiencies.

[sparty1]

Check Deck 4. Go through Casino and it's on the left as you approach Photo Gallery.

 

Thank you! appreciate it.

[TeeRick]

I’m fine with minority opinions on Luminae but writing off the whole restaurant because of one bad experience seems a bit extreme. All cruises are different and staffing is different, and I’ve had some misses in Luminae as well. Knowing that, even if the staffing in Luminae on a particular sailing was bad, I would not refuse to go back on future sailings. That’s the definition of cutting off your nose to spite your face, particularly when you’re paying a sizable premium to be assigned to that dining room.

 

My experience in Luminae is that everyone let us know that we could order off the MDR menu and even brought the menu with the Luminae menu on a few nights. When having a hard time deciding, I found that the waiters’ recommendation for the evening was always spot on. One even encouraged us to not get a particular dish. They’ve also all been uniformly nice to us. For the few times I've had disappointments in service or food, they have been quick to respond and correct the deficiencies.

 

I absolutely agree about Luminae - it is a primary reason to try Celebrity suite class. Better than most of the specialty dining options IMO.

[downundermatt]

First time in a suite on Millie, and although we are Elite we will have the nightly drinks but no drinks package for our upcoming Transpacific.

 

Is it acceptable/common to take drinks from Michaels Club ? For example I know it's next door to the theatre so it would save queuing with the masses before the show.

 

 

Appreciate some advice, TIA

[bigbenboys]

First time in a suite on Millie, and although we are Elite we will have the nightly drinks but no drinks package for our upcoming Transpacific.

 

Is it acceptable/common to take drinks from Michaels Club ? For example I know it's next door to the theatre so it would save queuing with the masses before the show.

 

 

Appreciate some advice, TIA

 

Yes you can take water, soda and other non alcohol products out of MC. I'm sure it happens but the rules say no alcohol products removed from MC.

[Ex-vogue model]

We first booked a suite a couple of years ago and my DH would find it difficult to now give up Luminae for its ambience, service and delicious food. I loved Michaels club as it was a very relaxing place to read a book, meet people and have the best Singapore Slings and afternoon teas - made with real tea not bags!

 

 

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[TeeRick]

First time in a suite on Millie, and although we are Elite we will have the nightly drinks but no drinks package for our upcoming Transpacific.

 

Is it acceptable/common to take drinks from Michaels Club ? For example I know it's next door to the theatre so it would save queuing with the masses before the show.

 

 

Appreciate some advice, TIA

 

A lot of people take their drinks from Michael's Club to dinner or wherever in my experience. I have never seen anybody have an issue including us.

[njaloha]

Wow, that's so different from my experiences in Luminae! We had fabulous waiters, a 5* maitre d', and the best sommelier I've ever experienced. They brought the MDR menus to the table every night. We met lots of interesting people in there. Here's just one example: one night, my friend was on a catamaran cruise and wouldn't be back until later. I had looked in Michael's but didn't see any of my other friends. Went to the maitre d' in Luminae and asked if any of my friends had showed up for dinner. She said no, so I returned to my cabin, thinking I would check back later. Ten minutes later, my phone rang. It was Maria saying that my friends were there for dinner and I should come down and join them! Service like that is what keeps me coming back to Celebrity.

 

 

 

 

Maria was the best!!. That cruise was the best! What a great experience in Luminae on Infinity. We met many couples on day one in Luminae that we will stay connected to for life.

 

I loved the peace and quiet away from the noise and chaos of the mdr.

 

Some don't like the tables so close but that's how you meet people.

 

Food and service were wonderful. I didn't need the mdr menu and mentioned that it didn't need to be brought to our table.

 

 

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[Muushka]

We first booked a suite a couple of years ago and my DH would find it difficult to now give up Luminae for its ambience, service and delicious food. I loved Michaels club as it was a very relaxing place to read a book, meet people and have the best Singapore Slings and afternoon teas - made with real tea not bags!

 

 

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Oh crud. Now you went and mentioned Singapore Slings being great at MC. Trying to avoid sugar, I stay away from mixed drinks. But....isn't there always a but! I may have to splurge on the LAST day at sea and try one. We didn't eat anything at MC on our last cruise. We may have to try some of their food this time too.

 

About Luminae. My husband is a very picky eater. Think child-like picky (not to insult him, but he really doesn't enjoy complex, interesting food). I was stunned as was he that he loved Luminae. I think the major draw was the ambiance-so peaceful and quiet and less crowded, the service-we felt that the waiters and maitre d' were great. We both thought the food was good, not quite as good as the specialty restaurants. With specialty dining being included with our suite we still chose to eat at Luminae 3 out of 7 nights, so that's pretty good! I wasn't thrilled with the wine choices, but given the choice between wine and great soups, I'll pick soup! I loved the presentation of the soup and look forward to our next 'suite experience'!

[vtcruising]

First time in a suite on Millie, and although we are Elite we will have the nightly drinks but no drinks package for our upcoming Transpacific.

 

Is it acceptable/common to take drinks from Michaels Club ? For example I know it's next door to the theatre so it would save queuing with the masses before the show.

 

 

Appreciate some advice, TIA

Definitely a plus on M class ships to have MC close to the theatre - On Connie last year we would have a drink before the show in MC and get a fresh drink for the show. The drink service in the theatre was a bit inconsistent (sometimes easy to get a drink, other times had to wait a while) - it was nice to have a drink in hand and not have to catch the attention of a cocktail waiter/waitress in the theatre and then wait for them to return after taking several orders. Also, the drinks in MC are top shelf and made to order (they got to know our likes and dislikes and made superb cocktails).

 

We also would take drinks from MC to Luminae (nice wines or cocktails) as well as take drinks to the stateroom to have on the balcony.

[jules815]

Off Reflection a few weeks ago and had an absolutely lovely experience in both Michael's Club and Luminae.

[Straughn]

Another Luminae/MC lover here. The SO is not a fan of the more gourmet offerings in Luminae and ordered his main course off the dining room menu almost every night. He never had a problem getting a steak cooked the way he wanted. The staff/servers could not have been nicer or more accommodating.

 

We, too, prefer Michael's for the pre dinner drink and socializing. To be fair, sometimes the place is full, but never crowded and other times it is practically empty. It seems to vary more by cruise than night to night. A year ago, on Equinox, it was a lively bunch. Busy after dinner as well.

 

 

This year, on Silhouette, it was much quieter. There were still folks to talk to, but most people sat at the bar. Granted the Silhouette bar layout is more conducive to conversation than Equinox. There were just fewer people overall. Not busy at all after dinner.

[bigbenboys]

A lot of people take their drinks from Michael's Club to dinner or wherever in my experience. I have never seen anybody have an issue including us.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=2530

 

While no one will really stop you from leaving drink in hand, bar staff encourage you to consume your complimentary beverages within the club.