Infinity 8th Jan - What we thought....

[Aussie Cruisers]

G'day everyone,

 

Katy and I arrived back from our trip last week, and we wanted to write a very short summary of our trip.

 

Overall it was a great cruise, and we would recommend to our family and friends to go on the Infinity. the best staff we thought onboard were the staff in the Aqua-Spa. Sally from Sth Africa was a star, and Sally from Australia was lovely too. We bought the Persian Gardens pass and it seemed as though we were the olny two on the whole ship who did, as we never encountered anyone else in there with us at all over the whole 7 days. We thought it was great!

 

We had a few small problems and wanted to tell people that our one shore excursion in Antigua was terrible, and not to do it. It was the catamaran and snorkel trip, it was around $80 from memory per person. The ship was overbooked so when it rained those who did not have a seat got very wet (it was us with a few others), the 'reef' was infact dead coral over sand, not a reef at all - there were a few fish to look at. The captain, Mango, was not too friendly, and at the end wanted tips and said if you did not enjoy it to shut up. So, obviously it needed a bit of work. To be fair to Celebrity, we told them at the Shore Excursion desk and they did give us a small refund for the problems.

 

Our waiter was very nice, and he tried very hard, but I don't think he was very skilled. We didn't notice until we were having dinner with friends at their table and the contrast was huge. Still, he was a nice man and we did get to know him, and I think he was very shy too. The Assistant waiter was great.

 

We were registered for a CC party, but there were no invitations sent - so you need to look at the daily to see if it is on a particular day. This was disappointing as we had 40 people signed up, and only a few of us saw the daily, so many missed out.

 

As I said, very small things which in the scheme of things are not a problem. Oh, one thing. We bought a medium $100 bag in NYC for the trip, and when we got it at the pier one bottom corner was completely ripped off. The steel cable had been severed, and the wheel off too. for a brand new bag, which was not a flimsy one, I was not happy. the customer service at the peir was horrible - the lady was very nice, but there was nothing she could do. As the contents were exposed, and we had three flights home to Sydney, I explained that our things would be ruined, so she was able to get some tape that was not adequate. She was very sorry, and she wished she could do more, but explained that was it. I filled in a report and have not heard anything yet - three weeks later. That really sucks. I tried the number on the bottom of the form but no answer. Yay Celebrity baggage porters!!!

 

Apart from that, we loved it all, and will be cruising again. Hope you all find it helpful.

 

Mark.

[annski]

Hi Mark,

thanks for your info, we are Aussies also cruising on Infinity to Alaska May 8th Our query is re informal Is a tie always necessary (husbands aversion) and the on board entertainment ? type ? variety as we have 3 days at sea Also what was the cost of the Pass you mentioned Thanks ann

[Aussie Cruisers]

Hi Annski,

 

I always wore a tie as I was confused as the daily suggested a tie, whereas the guys at our table wore a jacket with jeans and were never spoken to. I am sure that tie is only needed on the formal, as I saw men with nice dress shirts.

 

If you want to go to afternoon tea (only twice on the 7 day cruise) - and it is a MUST, you have to wear a jacket and tie - ie, suit. I was in a suit but left jacket in the room as was turned away, and had to get my jacket. As it was hot, I just draped it over my arm and it was okay. I guess they are more strict when it has to be formal, rather than informal.

 

I forgot to mention that the avtivities, such as trivia, were PATHETIC. We went to three, and for the "Friendly Fued" there were only a few prizes, and for "Pictionary" we were told that Celebrity did not supply prizes for all the activities, so there were none for that one. Parents went on Princess and they gave them away like they were going out of style. They had great ones too. So, for me I was disappointed to not have small things like luggage tags and pens to remember the cruise by, as we went along thinking that they would have a few good prizes for participating.

 

The Persian Gardens cost $109 (inclu tip), for unlimited use for the seven days. We loved the mint shower and the aromatherapy sauna. Remember to tell noone! The fewer who know the better!

 

Hope that helps!

 

Mark.

[Ghost40]

First of all, hello Mark and Katy! Glad you made it home safely.

My husband and I were also on the Infinity and had a great time.

One of the best parts of the cruise, was meeting such wonderful people such as you and Katy. I agree it was a wonderful cruise. My only complaints were that the casino tables were limited to one $5 table, so there was always a wait to get on no matter what time of day or night. You'd think that with so made empty tables they would open another $5 one! The other complaint was after the room steward had gotten his tip, he was terrible! WE woke up early on the last day, so we decided to go for breakfast but wanted to come back and shower etc after. We left for breakfast alittle after 6:00 and left the do not disturb sign up, however when we got back the room was all cleaned up ready for the new passengers to come on board. I realize the room stewards have a short turn-around time, and we had every intention of being out of the room by 8am, but felt that once he got his tip he could of cared less about us (which was a shame because we gave him far above what was suggested).Other than that we liked X, better than the past RCCL cruises we have been on. There is not a lot of differences, except the food is better on X.

Carole

[LovetheSea]

Hi I am glad you had fun despite the few snags in your cruise. It would have really bugged me when the room steward came into the room with the do not disturb sign. We had a female cabin steward on the Infinity a few years back that was terrible about coming in when the sign was on. Several times she walked in when we were in the cabin. What was the name of your steward?

We have cruised all the major lines and think Celebrity is very weak in the activities onboard area. We will be on the Infinity on Saturday. Did you go to the shows? Any good? I heard the menus are new on the Infinity. Any favorites?

Did you find something fun to do in St. Maarten?

Marisa

[MEcruzr]

If possible, could you tell me which nights were formal, informal and casual? I'm especially interested in knowing if the second formal is the next to the last night when we are in port, or if they have it the last night at sea.

 

Thank you SO much in advance. I sail on 2/19 and we're trying to plan which night to eat in the alternative dining room so I would really appreciate and help with this.

 

ME

[LovetheSea]

Me Cruzer.. If you get no answer from anyone else before then, I will post it when we get back from our Feb. 5 cruise on the Infinity. :)

[Holly2]

On the Jan 2 Infiinity it was on the next to last night -- the last night people are packing so it was casual.

[MEcruzr]

Thanks, Holly! I just looked up the intinerary (should have double checked that before I posted!!) and now I see that we leave St. Maarten at 1:00 in the morning, so that day is really a sea day, not a port day. I was thinking it was a port day and couldn't figure out how they would make it a formal night and get anyone to participate!

 

Thanks for the offer, LovetheSea... seems we have our answer!

 

Stacy

[mafig]

Was Flagger on the same cruise as you?

 

It must have been such fun to have someone from Australia on the same cruise as you (were).

[F5Loar]

On our Jan.15th sailing of Inf. the formal nights (2) had a good 96% that complied to the dress code. Mostly dark suits but many tuxes and other nonsuits with ties. On the one informal night(the book guide said 2 but we had only 1) it was only 50/50 on the men who wore a jacket as required. No tie needed but a jacket is plainly stated before you go information, in your daily paper and at the sign at the door yet 50% of the men didn't get it.

I asked the Matri'de why they allow such violation of their dress code and got no answer. She only said many are confused by the label "informal" as meaning "casual" Yeah well what ever. I wore a sport coat and felt overdressd in my area. If X thinks it's confusing then change it to "semi-formal" or "country Club casual" and quit saying it's "Informal" and then enforce it! That's why the have the buffet up top deck for those that want it "their way"!

[canderson]

We loved the mint shower and the aromatherapy sauna.

Mint shower???:eek: They're BACK??? It's been ages since we'd heard of any mint -- they'd dropped this feature in the Persian Gardens for some time. There was some lame explanation related to environmental concerns or somesuch. Great to hear they've returned to this particular custom! We won't tell!

[F5Loar]

That reminds me to say that whomever posted here that you get a free time in the Persian Gardens if you got a massage is not correct anymore. I begged for one after a massage and no dice. Acted like they never heard of giving such a thing. Sounds like a good thing as it might have you sign up for more days at the $30. Also don't expect half prices in the spa on the last day. They run specials like 3 things for $99 but they cut the times down. No half price specials all week. They did however provide shrimp cocktails every night if you ask nicely!

[Aussie Cruisers]

Thanks everyone for adding interesting things....

 

For "ME" who wanted advice about the specialty restaurant, we went with Flagger and Mrs Flagger (they are the most charming couple, and we feel so blessed to have them as friends now) invited us to come with them on the Thursday night - I think it was casual, but I am sure it was not formal. I forgot to say that it was a wonderful dinner, and the company was great too. One thing, it is now $30 per person, not $25. Still worth it, but for us who only get 70 cents to the dollar, it worked out very expensive, considering the food in the main dining was wonderful too. Still, I would do it again, actually, I think I would do it a few times next time - just need to save more!

 

Um, what else? We found the jewellery very expensive on board.

 

We found that the art in the public areas in some places were very dirty, and a few had been defaced deliberately (people scratching parts etc). The rest was clean and very spotless.

 

I think X has wonderful food, and the amenties are great, but the entertainment (not the shows, I mean the activities) has a lot to improve. Simply having staff who are a little more mature, and able to talk to people from all parts of the world, not just Nth America, and perhaps trying to involve people more, would be a step in the right direction. Every single question was related to America... which is okay, as we have travelled a lot, and love America 100%, but to be fair, add some other questions!!!

 

I found that if you are a cruiser and spend some time on Cruise Critic, that you will meet the most wonderful and genuine people, and it will really make your cruise sooooo much better than if you knew noone. I want to thank everyone here for giving us a lot of insight, and adding to the pleasure of the cruise.

 

Mark.