Jump to content

Exclusive luggage drop off Southampton


amcwaterfalls
 Share

Recommended Posts

Can someone who has used the ‘exclusive luggage drop’ for RS and PS at Southampton let us know what they thought of it and did it work as it’s supposed to please. We are parking at the terminal with ABP who would normally collect the cases and drop them at the ship for you. With the new luggage drop from Celebrity, did you hand over your luggage and then park your car, or park and then take your own cases to the drop off point? Any advice or info appreciated, thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can someone who has used the ‘exclusive luggage drop’ for RS and PS at Southampton let us know what they thought of it and did it work as it’s supposed to please. We are parking at the terminal with ABP who would normally collect the cases and drop them at the ship for you. With the new luggage drop from Celebrity, did you hand over your luggage and then park your car, or park and then take your own cases to the drop off point? Any advice or info appreciated, thanks.

 

So far we have only experienced this in Fort Lauderdale March this year. It was not available in Southampton last year. Have you been told this is specifically available in Southampton now? In Southampton we did as you said, left our luggage as we parked up then headed for the suite line. They did offer to ‘escort’ us to Michael’s on both occasions asking us to wait in a seating area. We chose, however, to head up on our own...we know our way!

 

In Fort Lauderdale we had been told to look for the ‘Special Delivery’ sign. We dragged our luggage from where the taxi dropped us to a very nice lady near the entrance holding up a sign. She then called over a porter who took our bags, she then escorted through security to the suite line. By the time we were checked in the future cruises manager was stood waiting to escort us to Michael’s. Very quick and efficient. Our luggage was taken directly to our suite and was waiting for us when we walked up from Luminae.

 

We cruise from Barcelona next month, we were not expecting the ‘Special Delivery’ service....Something else to ask the shoreside concierge when they phone up.

 

Sorry my answer probably has added to your queries rather than answered them. Very interested to hear if this service is being offered in all ports...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are sailing on Saturday 18 August 2018 from Southampton. Written details of the service was provided by the Shoreside concierge. The details included a photograph of the door we should use and a contact phone number if no one is there on arrival. The door is next to the Departures carousel door entrance.

 

Funnily enough, we were discussing how to deal with the logistics of the Special Delivery service and parking the car via the Meet and Greet parking service we have booked. We have decided to drop our son off with the luggage near to the entrance and then park the car and walk back to him to check in.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Chemmo and Yorkshire-pudding. Thanks for your replies.

 

Chemmo, as Yorkshire-pudding says, they are now offering the luggage drop in Southampton. Shoreside concierge Carrie rang yesterday and emailed details including a photo. I asked her if they had received any feedback yet and she said that it is working well.

 

Yorkshire-pudding, you’re right, it’s the logistics side of it that we were wondering about. We don’t sail until mid September so when you return can you post on here to let us know how it went? In the meantime, have a great cruise!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Chemmo and Yorkshire-pudding. Thanks for your replies.

 

Chemmo, as Yorkshire-pudding says, they are now offering the luggage drop in Southampton. Shoreside concierge Carrie rang yesterday and emailed details including a photo. I asked her if they had received any feedback yet and she said that it is working well.

 

Yorkshire-pudding, you’re right, it’s the logistics side of it that we were wondering about. We don’t sail until mid September so when you return can you post on here to let us know how it went? In the meantime, have a great cruise!

 

Yorkshire Pudding and amcwaterfalls Hope you both have great Cruises!

 

So nice to see they are making this available in more ports. It was really smooth in Fort Lauderdale. Much as we don’t need escorting by a staff member to find Michael’s it is a very nice personal touch.

 

I will wait to see if the shoreside concierge mentions anything re Barcelona for our next cruise....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Chemmo and Yorkshire-pudding. Thanks for your replies.

 

Chemmo, as Yorkshire-pudding says, they are now offering the luggage drop in Southampton. Shoreside concierge Carrie rang yesterday and emailed details including a photo. I asked her if they had received any feedback yet and she said that it is working well.

 

Yorkshire-pudding, you’re right, it’s the logistics side of it that we were wondering about. We don’t sail until mid September so when you return can you post on here to let us know how it went? In the meantime, have a great cruise!

 

Morning to you both.

 

Tell me about logistics. How it works in my family is that I plan everything regardless of where we travel. Clothes, eating, tours. I had read Chemmo last trip to the US and did wonder whether they were going to do the luggage service here. I had been planning on using a luggage delivery services to ship everything to Southampton when I received details of the new service so I am hoping that it will work well. Several years ago we had a land holiday in Japan and travelled up and down the country on the Shinkansen which does not really accommodate lots of luggage. It was so liberating just travelling with a handbag and tickets knowing your luggage is waiting at your next hotel. Now I try to use this type of service on all holidays now but have not tried it on a cruise.

 

I am glad to hear that Carrie has contacted you already. She is delightful and very accommodating. The photograph is really useful. Of course I will let you know how it goes. I may get a chance early next week as I will have technology with me on the ship and I staying on board for the first couple of days.

 

Everything is ready except that I am still pondering about my own packing as I find the whole Evening Chic difficult. It was so much easier with formal black tie, everyone knew what to wear, but hey that is just me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Morning to you both.

 

Tell me about logistics. How it works in my family is that I plan everything regardless of where we travel. Clothes, eating, tours. I had read Chemmo last trip to the US and did wonder whether they were going to do the luggage service here. I had been planning on using a luggage delivery services to ship everything to Southampton when I received details of the new service so I am hoping that it will work well. Several years ago we had a land holiday in Japan and travelled up and down the country on the Shinkansen which does not really accommodate lots of luggage. It was so liberating just travelling with a handbag and tickets knowing your luggage is waiting at your next hotel. Now I try to use this type of service on all holidays now but have not tried it on a cruise.

 

I am glad to hear that Carrie has contacted you already. She is delightful and very accommodating. The photograph is really useful. Of course I will let you know how it goes. I may get a chance early next week as I will have technology with me on the ship and I staying on board for the first couple of days.

 

Everything is ready except that I am still pondering about my own packing as I find the whole Evening Chic difficult. It was so much easier with formal black tie, everyone knew what to wear, but hey that is just me.

I would also be very interested in how it worked for you. We will be on a coach transfer from the airport in October.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When we sailed from Southampton in May, I parked the car and got out to find the standard luggage handlers already standing at the back of the car with their van alongside. No special arrangements required, they lifted our bags out and into their truck in seconds. If you use the meet and greet and luggage drop off services, you might actually have more work to do.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So far we have only experienced this in Fort Lauderdale March this year. It was not available in Southampton last year. Have you been told this is specifically available in Southampton now? In Southampton we did as you said, left our luggage as we parked up then headed for the suite line. They did offer to ‘escort’ us to Michael’s on both occasions asking us to wait in a seating area. We chose, however, to head up on our own...we know our way!

 

In Fort Lauderdale we had been told to look for the ‘Special Delivery’ sign. We dragged our luggage from where the taxi dropped us to a very nice lady near the entrance holding up a sign. She then called over a porter who took our bags, she then escorted through security to the suite line. By the time we were checked in the future cruises manager was stood waiting to escort us to Michael’s. Very quick and efficient. Our luggage was taken directly to our suite and was waiting for us when we walked up from Luminae.

 

We cruise from Barcelona next month, we were not expecting the ‘Special Delivery’ service....Something else to ask the shoreside concierge when they phone up.

 

Sorry my answer probably has added to your queries rather than answered them. Very interested to hear if this service is being offered in all ports...

Are you on the Eclipse by any chance leaving 11 Sept? If so we will be on board with you. We are in our first RS and were kind of hoping the Special Delivery service would be available in Barcelona, but I guess it probably won't be.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are you on the Eclipse by any chance leaving 11 Sept? If so we will be on board with you. We are in our first RS and were kind of hoping the Special Delivery service would be available in Barcelona, but I guess it probably won't be.

 

No, we are the cruise after, please post and let us know!

 

On the positive side being in a suite it will not take long to board anyway....Our luggage has always arrived in time to be unpacked pre muster. Just focus on that first glass of fizz in Michael’s followed by lunch in Luminae!

 

Hope you have a great time in your RS, only problem is they are addictive!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, we are the cruise after, please post and let us know!

 

On the positive side being in a suite it will not take long to board anyway....Our luggage has always arrived in time to be unpacked pre muster. Just focus on that first glass of fizz in Michael’s followed by lunch in Luminae!

 

Hope you have a great time in your RS, only problem is they are addictive!

I'll try and put some posts on whilst we're on board!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

With parking at the ABP lot, I’m not sure what special service you would need.

 

The wonderful, secure parking lot is IMMEDIATELY beside the ship. When you park there are vans that almost follow you as cars are parking. You remove your luggage from your car and they load them into the truck and the next time you see it is in your cabin. I really don’t know how or where it could be easier or “special.”

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

With parking at the ABP lot, I’m not sure what special service you would need.

 

 

 

The wonderful, secure parking lot is IMMEDIATELY beside the ship. When you park there are vans that almost follow you as cars are parking. You remove your luggage from your car and they load them into the truck and the next time you see it is in your cabin. I really don’t know how or where it could be easier or “special.”

 

 

 

My thoughts too

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi wendychloecruiser and fizzy1. The reason I asked is because the shoreside concierge contacted me by phone and email to explain the new ‘perk/benefit’ that Celebrity are now providing for RS and PS. You hand over your bags at a separate entrance to the cruise terminal where they are taken directly to your suite so that they are waiting for you when you get there - if it works Because we have sailed from Southampton and used the cruise terminal parking before, I do know how easy it is, so just wondered about the experience of anyone who has already used this new perk.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We will be sailing on Silhoueet on 23td September and will be interested to hear how it works. We had a phone call from Carrie this week but only received part of the email, no instructions on what to do. Looking forward to RS.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi rainy4stu. I’ve just tried to attach a copy of the email I received so you could read it in full but don’t know how to. It basically said that the drop off area is located just outside the terminal entrance for departures - it looks to be the green doors to the left of the departures door. A large special delivery sign will be displayed so that you know you are in the right place. It also includes a phone number, only valid on the day, in case the person accepting your bags is already assisting another guest. I’m sure Carrie could resend the email to you if you phone her. Hope this helps.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did promise to update you on the delivery service. Let's just say it has not lived up to the hype.

 

When we arrived by car at Southampton at about 9.30am and parked near the designated entrance to drop off our luggage. We met an officious member of port staff that was quite rude and insisted no such luggage service existed. We were told to leave. We next drove to the luggage drop off. Fortunately we chanced by a supervisor who was aware of the service. A lovely gentleman, he walked back to where we had initially parked to explain to the staff member that we were permitted to drop off our luggage. When he returned, we were directed to drive back to our intial stop and again met with the first staff member who was a bit more conciliatory the second time around. It seems that if you explain that you are a VIP and I would strongly advise you to say you are a VIP not a suite passenger, there is a written list with all the names of the 10 PH and RS cabin occupants. Once inside the terminal, we were met by another member of staff and our name checked off the list and our bags given another label. The bags were loaded onto a separate trolley. However once on board we found that the luggage arrival was poor. My MiL is travelling in a Sky suite on this cruise and received her bags 3 hours before we did even though we had checked in 90 minutes before her. I did wonder if our experience was an isolated occurence until I met a lovely couple in Michaels who I belive are sailing in a PH. They similarly had problems and met a very rude female staff member inside the terminal who was very unhelpful to them. They also received their luggage some time after muster.

 

We first sailed with Celebrity when Suite Class was launched and were very impressed by the product which exceeded that of other comparative lines. For a number of reasons after just 2 days, we feel so far that the suite experience seems to have been downgraded and costs reduced, which is a real shame. The crew are lovely but you can sense the corporate direction has changed since we last sailed.

 

Sent from my SM-G930F using Forums mobile app

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi wendychloecruiser and fizzy1. The reason I asked is because the shoreside concierge contacted me by phone and email to explain the new ‘perk/benefit’ that Celebrity are now providing for RS and PS. You hand over your bags at a separate entrance to the cruise terminal where they are taken directly to your suite so that they are waiting for you when you get there - if it works Because we have sailed from Southampton and used the cruise terminal parking before, I do know how easy it is, so just wondered about the experience of anyone who has already used this new perk.

 

 

 

Thats fab to do !!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yorkshire-Pudding, thanks for taking the time out of your holiday to post.

 

I now feel like we have a dilemma. Unless some else who cruises in the next few weeks can add an update to say that the delivery service has improved, we will probably give it a miss and just use the normal luggage drop. I know ABP used to collect bags as they were unloaded from your vehicle in the car park but the website no longer mentions that, it just says that porters or luggage trollies are available.

 

I’m glad that you can still say the crew are lovely - are you port or starboard and who is your butler - I know that’s no guarantee that we would have the same one - and who is the MCC and maitre d’ in Luminae? Sorry to hear that some aspects of your cruise are disappointing though. Hope things improve and you can come back on here and tell us that it was brilliant in the end.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yorkshire-Pudding, thanks for taking the time out of your holiday to post.

 

I now feel like we have a dilemma. Unless some else who cruises in the next few weeks can add an update to say that the delivery service has improved, we will probably give it a miss and just use the normal luggage drop. I know ABP used to collect bags as they were unloaded from your vehicle in the car park but the website no longer mentions that, it just says that porters or luggage trollies are available.

 

I’m glad that you can still say the crew are lovely - are you port or starboard and who is your butler - I know that’s no guarantee that we would have the same one - and who is the MCC and maitre d’ in Luminae? Sorry to hear that some aspects of your cruise are disappointing though. Hope things improve and you can come back on here and tell us that it was brilliant in the end.

Hi Amc,

 

We are in 1612 so not sure which side it is on. Right now my DH and I are having a lazy morning in Cafe al Bacio. Hopefully the luggage situation will improve by your sailing in September. I will certainly report back to Carrie when we return home. I think the issue is the port staff are not from Celebrity. I won't get into it on this forum but we have had some issues but they have been well managed on board. As I mentioned previously, it is not due to the crew but corporate decisions.

 

Our butler is Darma (incorrect spelling). He is efficient and very amenable. We had a family breakfast for 5 in our cabin this morning. He set the table yesterday evening and brought breakfast very promptly this morning. My husband and I have a standing order of coffee from Bacio and the dulce croissants from Luminae every morning and this arrives on time.

 

Niko is the MCC. Always smiling, very accommodating and helpful. The suite manager is Lucy, again helpful. The Luminae maitre d', I can't remember his name but he did introduce himself. He was very helpful with my MiL when in a wheelchair so top marks as far as I am concerned. We have only eaten in Luminae on embarkation and one breakfast. They were very professional.

 

Do book Lawn Club Grill. We had not tried it before but the food and service was great. The flatbread is so good we won't eat pizza anywhere else on the ship. The lamb chops were beyond tender only better slightly by some we had in Oman.

 

We had a great meal in Murano last night. We challenged the sommelier to pair wines for each of our individual courses which was good fun. I have put him on notice that we would like to repeat the challenge on our other 3 scheduled visits. My DH drinks very little but said the red wine he was presented was very good. It was over the limit but worked well with the beef. The foie gras was worth the up charge as if is difficult to get in UK restaurants because of the ethical issues with its production.

 

If you have anymore questions let me know.

Best wishes.

YP

 

Sent from my SM-T810 using Forums mobile app

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi again Yorkshire-Pudding

 

I emailed Carrie late yesterday to say that I had heard from someone currently onboard and said that the luggage delivery service from Southampton doesn’t seem to be working as she described it but I haven’t had a reply. I will let you know if I hear from her.

 

We haven’t eaten at Lawn Club Grill before either so looking forward to trying it this time. We have booked Tuscan Grill for the first night then Murano for evening 3. On past cruises we’ve mainly eaten in the specialty restaurants but want to try and eat in Luminae a bit more this time.

 

Take care, Amc

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...