Buckeye94 as LIVE as I can be: Infinity 2 Jan 2023 Patagonia and Argentina

[gizmodog]

Thank you for the review of dining. Ocean view at dinner it is being said has been cut back to hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza  and salad bar, wondering what you observed.

also do you feel the ship is looking old? Thoughts on your cabin.

glad you are having fun, really enjoying your post.

[asnaleah]

We did this sailing on Infinity in 2017. Bucket list indeed! We loved it!!

[chilliano]

Loving your reports!  
 

dang, if you are a Buckeye fan, it was a tough loss the other night.  They dominated the game but lost by a point.  😞. 
 

back to better, more interesting cruise talk!

 

enjoy!

Edited January 5, 2023 by chilliano

[Buckeye94]

9 hours ago, chilliano said:

Loving your reports!  
 

dang, if you are a Buckeye fan, it was a tough loss the other night.  They dominated the game but lost by a point.  😞. 
 

back to better, more interesting cruise talk!

 

enjoy!

Heartbreaker of a loss, but at least xichigan lost. 😜 I'm an alumni of Georgia, too, so Go Dawgs!  

[Buckeye94]

Well, I can't access my notes from last night...or was it the Cattier? Anywho, room and service notes.

 

I've seen glimpses of the Celebrity service I know and love, but a few missteps (see last night's dinner). Nothing that really takes away from my experience. I'll always try to find the bright side, and a day at sea in the fog (more on that later) is still better than a day at the office. And that is my first bright side observation. I often lament that I wish I was retired so I could travel whenever I wanted and do the B2Bs. But, working in a home office with a limited view or at the actual office in a windowless room makes even the "worst" vacation day wonderful. Would I like to see the fjords we've been sailing through for 6 hours? Sure, but fog. 🤷 Am I enjoying the few breaks of clear views? You bet! And sitting at the Sunset Bar listening to the wake is 100x "better than a day at the office." My new vacation mantra.

 

Oh wait, I'm supposed to be sharing my notes! It's almost not fair because my last sailing was on Beyond in Nov, and I haven't been on M-class since my first cruise on Infinity in 2009. 

 

A lot has changed, and I hope more changes when she's Edgeified. 

 

They still have signage for Crush. Wasn't that the long gone Champagne Bar? Luckily, Martini Bar is still here and is the rocking place to be. Gede is Sr. Flair Artist, or something like that. I met him on my first post-covid cruise on Reflection on Dec 2021. I love the ice bar that Edge-class is missing and the views of the ocean, another thing missing from E-class.

 

Love that they added a Cellar Masters, and it feels kind of like the S-class Ensemble Lounge - dark, lots of seating, nightly entertainment, on the way to dining. Great spot to people watch and quieter than Rendezvous.

 

The ship is showing some wear and tear. Obvious rust and feeble attempts to paint over the wear. There was gum or something pink stick to the carpet in my cabin, and the table was not very clean. The linens need a refresh as the bath towels are scratchy, and the sheets and towels have stains. The blue and white tile looks very, very dated and dirty (remember I just came from the marble glory of Beyond), and the attacking shower curtain is ever present. 

 

Of bigger concern to me was that when I got to my room there were no papers. No Captains Club event and benefit listing, none of my shore excursion tickets, no tote bag, nothing. At first, I thought maybe they delivered excursion tickets the night before the event since times could change, as they did yesterday, and maybe the CC events were cut. But, no. The helpful shorex people printed all my tickets for me. Guest relations was able to find the CC events.

 

At dinner night two, a woman said that she found half a bottle of open wine in the fridge, the bath was out of shower gel, and she discovered a pack of condoms in the nightstand. Service has slipped.

 

Service issues (at least mine) have been minor inconveniences that have been resolved. As a ship, she's just showing her age, but aren't we all? I've gained knowledge and stories over my years, and oh, the stories Infinity could tell. Maybe it is best to just paint over some of those and carry on. 

[AstoriaPreppy]

33 minutes ago, Buckeye94 said:

Well, I can't access my notes from last night...or was it the Cattier? Anywho, room and service notes.

 

I've seen glimpses of the Celebrity service I know and love, but a few missteps (see last night's dinner). Nothing that really takes away from my experience. I'll always try to find the bright side, and a day at sea in the fog (more on that later) is still better than a day at the office. And that is my first bright side observation. I often lament that I wish I was retired so I could travel whenever I wanted and do the B2Bs. But, working in a home office with a limited view or at the actual office in a windowless room makes even the "worst" vacation day wonderful. Would I like to see the fjords we've been sailing through for 6 hours? Sure, but fog. 🤷 Am I enjoying the few breaks of clear views? You bet! And sitting at the Sunset Bar listening to the wake is 100x "better than a day at the office." My new vacation mantra.

 

Oh wait, I'm supposed to be sharing my notes! It's almost not fair because my last sailing was on Beyond in Nov, and I haven't been on M-class since my first cruise on Infinity in 2009. 

 

A lot has changed, and I hope more changes when she's Edgeified. 

 

They still have signage for Crush. Wasn't that the long gone Champagne Bar? Luckily, Martini Bar is still here and is the rocking place to be. Gede is Sr. Flair Artist, or something like that. I met him on my first post-covid cruise on Reflection on Dec 2021. I love the ice bar that Edge-class is missing and the views of the ocean, another thing missing from E-class.

 

Love that they added a Cellar Masters, and it feels kind of like the S-class Ensemble Lounge - dark, lots of seating, nightly entertainment, on the way to dining. Great spot to people watch and quieter than Rendezvous.

 

The ship is showing some wear and tear. Obvious rust and feeble attempts to paint over the wear. There was gum or something pink stick to the carpet in my cabin, and the table was not very clean. The linens need a refresh as the bath towels are scratchy, and the sheets and towels have stains. The blue and white tile looks very, very dated and dirty (remember I just came from the marble glory of Beyond), and the attacking shower curtain is ever present. 

 

Of bigger concern to me was that when I got to my room there were no papers. No Captains Club event and benefit listing, none of my shore excursion tickets, no tote bag, nothing. At first, I thought maybe they delivered excursion tickets the night before the event since times could change, as they did yesterday, and maybe the CC events were cut. But, no. The helpful shorex people printed all my tickets for me. Guest relations was able to find the CC events.

 

At dinner night two, a woman said that she found half a bottle of open wine in the fridge, the bath was out of shower gel, and she discovered a pack of condoms in the nightstand. Service has slipped.

 

Service issues (at least mine) have been minor inconveniences that have been resolved. As a ship, she's just showing her age, but aren't we all? I've gained knowledge and stories over my years, and oh, the stories Infinity could tell. Maybe it is best to just paint over some of those and carry on. 

 

Loving your review... I'll be on this sailing in March (along with many others), so you're basically acting as a surrogate vacation planner for all of us right now.

 

Re: Crush. That's actually the vodka bar/high top to the left of the Martini Bar. There's a big wall display that they usually fill up with crushed ice and bottles of vodka and gin. Picture below of a chic night display from a recent Summit sailing. 

 

 

Also, thanks for your fair assessment of the ship. Booking a non-revolutionized M-class ship was absolutely a concern for us, when we're only done Millennium and Summit lately. It's disappointing that Infinity never got the refit, but we'll make the best of it. 

 

Any thoughts on the passenger mix on the cruise? Curious to know the vibe on board.

 

Edited January 5, 2023 by AstoriaPreppy

[gizmodog]

Agree, rather nervous as I think this has been my most expensive cruise to date with airfare and sailing. Hate to pay so much for a disappointing cruise, although seeing Antartica is my husbands dream. I will try to think positive, we do have a sunset veranda so that is a plus if the cabin is not too shabby, hate shower curtains, but they’re better then no shower at all!

[Buckeye94]

5 minutes ago, AstoriaPreppy said:

 

Loving your review... I'll be on this sailing in March (along with many others), so you're basically acting as a surrogate vacation planner for all of us right now.

 

Re: Crush. That's actually the vodka bar/high top to the left of the Martini Bar. There's a big wall display that they usually fill up with crushed ice and bottles of vodka and gin. Picture below of a chic night display from a recent Summit sailing. 

 

 

Also, thanks for your fair assessment of the ship. Booking a non-revolutionized M-class ship was absolutely a concern for us, when we're only done Millennium and Summit lately. It's disappointing that Infinity never got the refit, but we'll make the best of it. 

Ah yes, the high top table with the bottles of vodka that are never opened. I seem to recall a vodka  and caviar testing there in the past, but it seems like an odd use of space now.

 

Since I forget what changes are coming as part of the revolutionizing, I guess can't miss anything! See, bright side! 😀

 

When I'm sitting on my balcony with a glass of wine watching the sunset listening to the sound of the sea, I am oblivious to a little rust, honestly. As long as she gets us where we're going, I'm good. 😊

[Sadebud]

Loving your review so far!  We did the SA/Cape Horn/Glacier Alley in January of 2017 (but on Princess) and Glacier Alley was the highlight of the trip as we had BEAUTIFUL weather. Very cold but clear!  Can't wait to read more.  Enjoy your vacation!

[kathynorth]

What a beautiful way to end the day! So sad that you had all that fog in Glacier Alley. Hopefully all will go your way for the rest of the cruise. If you find yourself at Guest Services at some point, would you mind asking how many Mahjong kits that they have for passenger use? 

[Buckeye94]

21 hours ago, kathynorth said:

What a beautiful way to end the day! So sad that you had all that fog in Glacier Alley. Hopefully all will go your way for the rest of the cruise. If you find yourself at Guest Services at some point, would you mind asking how many Mahjong kits that they have for passenger use? 

I asked tonight, and they have 1-2 Mahjong sets on board for passengers and only one was checked out at the time.

[Buckeye94]

On 1/5/2023 at 12:28 PM, gizmodog said:

Agree, rather nervous as I think this has been my most expensive cruise to date with airfare and sailing. Hate to pay so much for a disappointing cruise, although seeing Antartica is my husbands dream. I will try to think positive, we do have a sunset veranda so that is a plus if the cabin is not too shabby, hate shower curtains, but they’re better then no shower at all!

Oh dear, not a disappointing cruise at all! I'm sorry if my comments have leaned negative. These are all things to be expected on an older ship. The crew is fantastic! The entertainers have been wonderful, and that's all icing because I'm here for the itinerary. The scenery has been amazing! 

[Redking]

16 minutes ago, Buckeye94 said:

Oh dear, not a disappointing cruise at all! I'm sorry if my comments have leaned negative. These are all things to be expected on an older ship. The crew is fantastic! The entertainers have been wonderful, and that's all icing because I'm here for the itinerary. The scenery has been amazing! 

Hard to put a cost on a cruise that leaves so many wonderful memories. Enjoy!

[kathynorth]

53 minutes ago, Buckeye94 said:

I asked tonight, and they have 1-2 Mahjong sets on board for passengers and only one was checked out at the time.

 

I appreciate your taking the time out of your vacation to ask about this! Your feedback regarding your current experience is much appreciated! 

[Jim_Iain]

I'm sure that it was a disappointment to have so much fog but your photos are amazing and capture mother nature in actions.  

 

We were lucky in that when we went through the Fjord's it was clear skies and no fog.    You just never know how the weather will cooperate.

 

Would really love to cruise with you.   I love your attitude. 

[Buckeye94]

Day 2 through the fjords and into the Strait of Magellan was cloudy but not foggy! Hoping for good weather when we get to the glaciers! 

 

Today I joined my new friend from Roll Call to attend the Seafood Lunch at Tuscan ($35+20% gratuity). It made up for the chewy calamari the other night! 

 

Ended my night sitting on my balcony sipping a scotch taking in the late sunset (10:20). This is the life! 

 

 

 

Julie

Edited January 7, 2023 by Buckeye94
Remove extra pics and I hate typos

[Buckeye94]

Good morning from Punta Arenas! 

 

Gorgeous morning (I'm running out of superlatives) to enjoy my Belgian waffles with orange butter and sausage. I could eat this every day...wait, I have! 😀 But, my porch in Ohio in January does not compare to the aft deck! 

 

[jimbri]

Great pictures!

[vickykay]

Good morning.   Was the lunch at Tuscan a set menu?  Thanks.

Enjoying your amazing photos!

Edited January 7, 2023 by vickykay
Addition

[Buckeye94]

5 hours ago, vickykay said:

Good morning.   Was the lunch at Tuscan a set menu?  Thanks.

Enjoying your amazing photos!

There were two main options seafood platter or surf and turf. All of the listed sides were on the platter. I didn't see anyone ordering the turf. You also got lobster bisque. While it was very tasty, it was not the Murano version with pieces of lobster which I kind of expected for a specialty lunch. Dessert was your choice, or both, of a flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce or mango tiramisu.

 

Here's a pic of the menu. It appeared in the app a couple days before sailing.

[Grandmaanne7]

1 hour ago, Buckeye94 said:

There were two main options seafood platter or surf and turf. All of the listed sides were on the platter. I didn't see anyone ordering the turf. You also got lobster bisque. While it was very tasty, it was not the Murano version with pieces of lobster which I kind of expected for a specialty lunch. Dessert was your choice, or both, of a flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce or mango tiramisu.

 

Here's a pic of the menu. It appeared in the app a couple days before sailing.

I had to go back and look at your photo because of the lobster tail on the menu.  When I had originally viewed the photo, I mistook it for a shrimp.  It looks rather small.  Was it tasty at least?  Would you recommend the Seafood lunch?

 

I am really enjoying your review and thank you very much for taking us along.

[vickykay]

Thanks for posting.

[radarcruiser]

Hi and thanks for the review.  We get on in Buenos Aires Saturday.   We love Gede and also Adi, another bartender at Martini Bar. If you get a chance can you ask Gede and Adi if they will still be on for the next cruise??  Thanks in advance!!

[kathynorth]

Looking forward to hearing more. Have there been any guest speakers specific to this itinerary? Any special events that have made this trip a unique cruise?

[hcat]

following this excellent review..thanks for sharing.

 

The Tuscan seafood lunch plate seems a bit skimpy for the price but seafood costs are high....sometimes way more than Prime beef.

 

 

We had the tiny lobsters in Luminae on BEYOND ... they were surprisingly quite tasty!

 

hope you continue to enjoy!