Jim_Iain - Solstice LIVE Mexico Riveria B2B - December 3 and 11

[LouChamp]

4 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

With the exception of the Captain's Toast and Top Cruiser there have been ZERO events or recognition of Zenith's.    I was rather put off that we received a not to show up 15 minutes early and no one even came out to bring us in.   By the time we got in other CC members had taken all the reserved spots.   

 

I'm not usually one to complain but felt compelled to write Andrea and let her know my feelings about the liquidation of Zenith recognition.   Within 30 minutes the CC host called me acting like she hadn't heard from Andrea.   She acting like a white elephant in the room and was apologetic saying she couldn't find us.   She is on her second cruise and is new to Celebrity.   She told me they only have lunches and events if there are 16 Zenith's or more.    I told her she needs to check with other ships as many of us have been to lunches with as few as 6.

 

Andrea did respond with a nice letter of apology and a nice bottle of wine and strawberries to the room.  

 

After that suddenly the Excursion Manager Called me and personally greeted us on our first excursion, The Hotel Director dropped by Luminae to welcome us aboard, followed by the Restaurant Manager and the Maitre' d.     It was very uncomfortable as no one mentioned the issue and just pretend like I had not written her.  

 

I didn't expect anything but felt they should have just acknowledged their mix up and move on.

 

As usual I wrote to Mario, HD and complimented crew members that made our trip memorable.   That night he again dropped by with a parade of the other management team but again nothing mentioned.   Happily when I returned to our room there was yet another bottle Mum's and a nice hand written note from Mario thanking us for our compliments an apology for the missteps and hoped he could win us back as a valued loyal guest.   It was nicely done.

 

With the changes in the Zenith program we have decided after 22 years to try some  other cruise Luxury cruise lines.     We of course have about 9 cruises already booked with Celebrity but right now unless we cancel will be trying out Ponant.

Aloha. If we stayed with one cruise line we would also have top billing same with hotels although as with both cruise lines and hotels we do have high tiers. That said I personally don't need recognition just outstanding service.  I enjoy variety be it cruise lines, ships, hotels, etc. But if you expect to be recognized and you are not then it is time to move on. They owe you for the recognition not the other way around. 

[Lastdance]

I am sorry, Jim, but totally agree that trying other cruise ships is not a bad idea at all.  Celebrity needs to step up to the plate!

[Northern Aurora]

5 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

With the exception of the Captain's Toast and Top Cruiser there have been ZERO events or recognition of Zenith's.    I was rather put off that we received a not to show up 15 minutes early and no one even came out to bring us in.   By the time we got in other CC members had taken all the reserved spots.   

 

......

 

The Captain's Club hostess currently onboard was in training when we were B2B in September.  On the first leg in September there were (if my memory is correct -- I haven't pulled out our group Zenith photo) 19 (or was it 17?)  Zeniths on board.  On that leg there was a cocktail gathering for Zeniths in Cellar Masters.

 

On the second leg there were 12 Zeniths onboard and absolutely nothing was done.  No lunch nor cocktail gathering.  On disembarkation day the head CC hostess saw us sitting in Michael's Club and came in to chat.  I asked why nothing was done as one couple had just become Zenith and were looking forward to some event of some sort.  The CC hostess said something to the effect that she was interested in hosting something, had contacted Miami and Miami didn't approve anything.  I am wondering if there is now a policy that requires a minimum number of Zeniths before a gathering is held.  Just speculation.

 

Gerry

[silkismom]

You have the same rank with Azamara, can't remember if you've done them or not. We prefer the smaller ships and the officers and crew are very friendly.

[Cruising89143]

One of the easiest debarkations ever. We were on the elevator down from deck eleven at 7:00 AM. As soon as we hit deck five we were in line to leave the ship. In our car by 7:20 and pulled into our garage at 9:15. Unfortunately we saw about ten accidents on the interstate this morning. One major. People refuse to slow down in the rain. Glad to be home but it was a great cruise. 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

18 minutes ago, Northern Aurora said:

 

The Captain's Club hostess currently onboard was in training when we were B2B in September.  On the first leg in September there were (if my memory is correct -- I haven't pulled out our group Zenith photo) 19 (or was it 17?)  Zeniths on board.  On that leg there was a cocktail gathering for Zeniths in Cellar Masters.

 

On the second leg there were 12 Zeniths onboard and absolutely nothing was done.  No lunch nor cocktail gathering.  On disembarkation day the head CC hostess saw us sitting in Michael's Club and came in to chat.  I asked why nothing was done as one couple had just become Zenith and were looking forward to some event of some sort.  The CC hostess said something to the effect that she was interested in hosting something, had contacted Miami and Miami didn't approve anything.  I am wondering if there is now a policy that requires a minimum number of Zeniths before a gathering is held.  Just speculation.

 

Gerry

 

I call BS.  If they can't make these decisions on board, what's the point of having these people on board?

[Northern Aurora]

16 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

I call BS.  If they can't make these decisions on board, what's the point of having these people on board?

 

The response surprised me too.  And that particular CC hostess has been with the company a long time.  

[LouChamp]

Aloha. It is sad but little things matter to me. For example the yum yum man. Chocolates every night at turn down. These are things that while valueless in reality make a voyage special and each line special. I feel the same way in a restaurant, hotel, etc. I don’t need special recognition and in reality whether I am elite, zenith or gold etc on a ship, hotel, etc but the point is the bean counters need to realize how important it is because our money can be moved elsewhere.  I will stand in line at a bank and don't care if they know I am private bank but the little things matter a lot to me.

Unfortunately the world has changed. Sad 

[LouChamp]

It is me again! I seriously feel upset at what HAL is doing with the lack of recognition for Jim and fellow Zeniths. Just like the yum yum man. When we receive certain service and then it is removed, it is frustrating. it means they don't care. My parents were world travelers on another unnamed cruise line.  The Captain would actually arrange to visit certain passengers like my parents and recognize their loyalty as well as comp certain amenities. If Celebrity doesn’t have their internal requisite minimum for a reception then let the Captain personally and perhaps privately recognize them.  Sorry for the rant. Smooth sailing to all

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, Lastdance said:

Enjoy cruise #2.  We are in the Tahoe area and the snow is crazy here; beautiful to look at, but lots of shoveling too!  We need the precip, so snow is good.  Would I rather be cruising?  You bet I would!

I can only imagine. Just remember the Donner Party. LOL

[lakegirl16]

We are onboard for a B2B starting today.   Check in was quick and easy.  We were on the ship by 11:00.  I'd read quite a few comments over the past few months that had me questioning our decision to sail on this ship.  Just confirming what Jim said earlier, no need to question!  The ship is beautiful, I've yet to see any signs of wear.  I'm guessing you have to look and I am too busy enjoying myself to look for things to be unhappy about!  The staff has been so friendly.  Lunch in Luminea was delicious and Abdula our waiter outstanding.  The sun it out and we are so looking forward to our first cruise since May '19.

Edited December 11, 2022 by lakegirl16

[lakegirl16]

@Jim_Iain curious when you hook up your Firestick, what do you use for power?

 

 

[BEAV]

4 hours ago, Lastdance said:

Enjoy cruise #2.  We are in the Tahoe area and the snow is crazy here; beautiful to look at, but lots of shoveling too!  We need the precip, so snow is good.  Would I rather be cruising?  You bet I would!

Reno this morning ❄️

 

 

[Cruising89143]

54 minutes ago, lakegirl16 said:

We are onboard for a B2B starting today.   Check in was quick and easy.  We were on the ship by 11:00.  I'd read quite a few comments over the past few months that had me questioning our decision to sail on this ship.  Just confirming what Jim said earlier, no need to question!  The ship is beautiful, I've yet to see any signs of wear.  I'm guessing you have to look and I am too busy enjoying myself to look for things to be unhappy about!  The staff has been so friendly.  Lunch in Luminea was delicious and Abdula our waiter outstanding.  The sun it out and we are so looking forward to our first cruise since May '19.

I suggest not missing this show. She was outstanding. 
https://www.heathersullivan.com

We only went to two shows last week. The one last night was bad. Very disjointed. It was supposedly based on Amadeus. Very talented cast and I was embarrassed that they had to perform it. 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Jim, do you frequent the Martini Bar or other bars?  Someone is asking elsewhere on Cruise Critic whether or not Celebrity has alcohol-free gin.  I'd be interested to know as well.  Monday is an excellent brand.

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, Northern Aurora said:

 

The Captain's Club hostess currently onboard was in training when we were B2B in September.  On the first leg in September there were (if my memory is correct -- I haven't pulled out our group Zenith photo) 19 (or was it 17?)  Zeniths on board.  On that leg there was a cocktail gathering for Zeniths in Cellar Masters.

 

On the second leg there were 12 Zeniths onboard and absolutely nothing was done.  No lunch nor cocktail gathering.  On disembarkation day the head CC hostess saw us sitting in Michael's Club and came in to chat.  I asked why nothing was done as one couple had just become Zenith and were looking forward to some event of some sort.  The CC hostess said something to the effect that she was interested in hosting something, had contacted Miami and Miami didn't approve anything.  I am wondering if there is now a policy that requires a minimum number of Zeniths before a gathering is held.  Just speculation.

 

Gerry

Not expecting anything on this cruise.  There are only 4 Zeniths this cruise. 

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, silkismom said:

You have the same rank with Azamara, can't remember if you've done them or not. We prefer the smaller ships and the officers and crew are very friendly.

That relationships ends on February 1,  2023. 
 

Azamara was sold off in 2020

 

Celebrity acquired Silver Seas but haven’t heard of any reciprocal arrangements. 

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, LouChamp said:

Aloha. It is sad but little things matter to me. For example the yum yum man. Chocolates every night at turn down. These are things that while valueless in reality make a voyage special and each line special. I feel the same way in a restaurant, hotel, etc. I don’t need special recognition and in reality whether I am elite, zenith or gold etc on a ship, hotel, etc but the point is the bean counters need to realize how important it is because our money can be moved elsewhere.  I will stand in line at a bank and don't care if they know I am private bank but the little things matter a lot to me.

Unfortunately the world has changed. Sad 

So true.   Loyalty is a double edged sword.  

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, LouChamp said:

It is me again! I seriously feel upset at what HAL is doing with the lack of recognition for Jim and fellow Zeniths. Just like the yum yum man. When we receive certain service and then it is removed, it is frustrating. it means they don't care. My parents were world travelers on another unnamed cruise line.  The Captain would actually arrange to visit certain passengers like my parents and recognize their loyalty as well as comp certain amenities. If Celebrity doesn’t have their internal requisite minimum for a reception then let the Captain personally and perhaps privately recognize them.  Sorry for the rant. Smooth sailing to all

No problem ranting.    Feels good to get out.  
 

They did make our B2B beyond easy.   Mar I. The retreat checked us in while we sipped coffee in Michaels.    The documentation officer brought us our new cards then escorted us to the terminal for immigrations. 
 

Things were a bit slow and took about an hour.   When returning to the ship our cards didn’t work and security had to hand enter our details and retake photo.  

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, lakegirl16 said:

We are onboard for a B2B starting today.   Check in was quick and easy.  We were on the ship by 11:00.  I'd read quite a few comments over the past few months that had me questioning our decision to sail on this ship.  Just confirming what Jim said earlier, no need to question!  The ship is beautiful, I've yet to see any signs of wear.  I'm guessing you have to look and I am too busy enjoying myself to look for things to be unhappy about!  The staff has been so friendly.  Lunch in Luminea was delicious and Abdula our waiter outstanding.  The sun it out and we are so looking forward to our first cruise since May '19.

Welcome aboard.    You must have brought the sun with you.  Been a cool but beautiful sunny afternoon. 
 

Abdule has been wonderful.   You will enjoy having him.  Just ask for him tonight and he will stay with you for the rest of the cruise. 

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, lakegirl16 said:

@Jim_Iain curious when you hook up your Firestick, what do you use for power?

 

 

One of two ways.  Depends on location of tv.  Our last room the tv was on wall next to the desk.  I have extension USB M-F cables some as long as 10 feet.  I also have used a Battery Pack.   They need recharging about once a day

 

Another alternative is to use the USB port on the TV. 

I currently have a Roku and Firestick on both TV.  Ok. Ok.  I’m BBC a tech nerd.  
 

the bedroom was easy but LR TV was tough  as the TV is in a frame and ports about a foot in from right edge.  

 

In Sky Suite the TV swiveled out.  

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, BEAV said:

Reno this morning ❄️

 

 

Absolutely beautiful , Beav

[Jim_Iain]

 

the sun is setting as we set sail at 4:30. 

[Jim_Iain]

 

 

A tribute to all those brave men who served and gave their lives so we could enjoy freedom. 
 

 

[Jim_Iain]

6 hours ago, phoenix_dream said:

It's really sad how these organizations take advantage of people! I remember last year we took an Uber from our hotel to the port in Lauderdale.  Before they implemented surge pricing it cost about $20-$25. With surge we had to pay $80. Highway robbery. 

 

I hope I didn't post too many picture of the rates.  I was amazed by how they were changing.   

 

@jelayne took the ships transfer and said she would come back and let us know the cost and how fast it was.