New to Celebrity: A few questions

[CruisingGator96]

Thinking of trying Celebrity for the first time and have a few questions.  Background on us is we are a family of three; me, my wife and 15 year old daughter.  We are platinum on NCL and looking to try something new with some new ports we haven’t been too yet on a cruise.  We are looking at a 9 night cruise and I have a few questions on the extras.

 

when booking the cruise it gives me the option to add drinks, Wi-Fi and tips for approximately $700 each or $2,100 total. Seems like a lot for two adults drinking and the extra charges especially when I think they limited the drink prices to $10 and tips are $473 total. Maybe it’s a good deal and I’m just a not a power drinker anymore.
 

 My questions as follows:

1) What is the price to get Wi-Fi on Celebrity? Typically I just get one device for one person (me) but have the ability to use my phone or iPad just not at the same time. Are there options for just one person or does everyone need to be added to Wi-Fi. My wife completely shuts the world off and my daughter would love it but we would prefer she stay off her devices. I need emails for work.

2) There is an option to have your deposit refundable. I believe that means the deposit is forfeited if you cancel after you book correct? NCL seems to be more lenient in refunding if it’s before final payment. Not really a big deal but want to know.

3) Can you add some specialty restaurants when booking? How soon can you make reservations?

4) Dining: do you sit with other people or can we just sit alone (Table of 3).

5) For anyone that cruises NCL and Celebrity: Any big differences between the cruise lines or tips that would help a Celebrity newbie not feel like a newbie?

 

Appreciate any responses. This board has always been such a wealth of knowledge. Thanks to all that contribute.

 

[aml3679]

The only question I can answer is about dining

you do not have to eat with others

[marys350]

https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/internet-and-phone-packages/compare-wifi-packages

[rodndonna]

5 hours ago, CruisingGator96 said:

Thinking of trying Celebrity for the first time and have a few questions.  Background on us is we are a family of three; me, my wife and 15 year old daughter.  We are platinum on NCL and looking to try something new with some new ports we haven’t been too yet on a cruise.  We are looking at a 9 night cruise and I have a few questions on the extras.

 

when booking the cruise it gives me the option to add drinks, Wi-Fi and tips for approximately $700 each or $2,100 total. Seems like a lot for two adults drinking and the extra charges especially when I think they limited the drink prices to $10 and tips are $473 total. Maybe it’s a good deal and I’m just a not a power drinker anymore.

 

 

 

As your daughter is only 15 but looks like she is being charged at the included rate for alcohol for sure I would say not a good deal. Do you really have to pay the full rate for her? Do they give her the much cheaper Zero Proof package (which is better for the non-alcohol options offering smoothies and such) 

[DaKahuna]

6 hours ago, CruisingGator96 said:

Thinking of trying Celebrity for the first time and have a few questions.  Background on us is we are a family of three; me, my wife and 15 year old daughter.  We are platinum on NCL and looking to try something new with some new ports we haven’t been too yet on a cruise.  We are looking at a 9 night cruise and I have a few questions on the extras.

 

when booking the cruise it gives me the option to add drinks, Wi-Fi and tips for approximately $700 each or $2,100 total. Seems like a lot for two adults drinking and the extra charges especially when I think they limited the drink prices to $10 and tips are $473 total. Maybe it’s a good deal and I’m just a not a power drinker anymore.
 

 My questions as follows:

1) What is the price to get Wi-Fi on Celebrity? Typically I just get one device for one person (me) but have the ability to use my phone or iPad just not at the same time. Are there options for just one person or does everyone need to be added to Wi-Fi. My wife completely shuts the world off and my daughter would love it but we would prefer she stay off her devices. I need emails for work.

2) There is an option to have your deposit refundable. I believe that means the deposit is forfeited if you cancel after you book correct? NCL seems to be more lenient in refunding if it’s before final payment. Not really a big deal but want to know.

3) Can you add some specialty restaurants when booking? How soon can you make reservations?

4) Dining: do you sit with other people or can we just sit alone (Table of 3).

5) For anyone that cruises NCL and Celebrity: Any big differences between the cruise lines or tips that would help a Celebrity newbie not feel like a newbie?

 

Appreciate any responses. This board has always been such a wealth of knowledge. Thanks to all that contribute.

 

 

1.  Yes, you can buy WiFi for one device and it works the way you say you are use to doing, one device at any given time. It runs around $35 a day for Premium and $20 a day for Basic.  If you need video calls or streaming media, you will need the premium.

2.  Yes, that is the difference between refundable and non-refundable. 

3.  Yes, you can add them and book them when you purchase them if you do them individually.  I am not sure how the multiple night package works as we have never done that. 

4.  You can choose to dine alone by asking for a table for three.  I recommend you go to the MDR maintre'd when you first board, unless you are in Aqua, then you would go to Blu, or in a Suite, which means Luminae is your restaurant, and let them know your desired arrangements. 

5. We have never sailed on NCL. 

 

[cruisinfly]

I've sailed NCL multiple times starting with the SS Norway when I was 13 and my latest on the Norwegian Sun a couple of years before COVID. While I've enjoyed my NCL cruises, it's not likely that I will go on NCL again. Here are some of the reasons I prefer Celebrity over NCL:

 

1. Prepare to enjoy more open spaces, less crowds, and fewer lines on Celebrity. My experience on NCL is that they pack their ships with people leading to crowding and long lines. I've never felt this way on Celebrity (pool deck during peak hours excluded). This makes Celebrity a more relaxed environment.

 

2. I've always been able to walk into the theater 15 minutes before a show and find a great seat on Celebrity. On NCL, I had to get in line an hour before the show and wait in a line if I wanted a decent seat (while putting up with entitled line-cutters).

 

3. Food and service on Celebrity is really good to excellent in the main dining rooms, buffet, and across the ship (except burgers at Mast Bar, not that good). The only excellent food/dining service on NCL was in specialty restaurants that cost extra. The food and service in the NCL main dining room were poor and some meals were inedible...and I'm not very picky. I remember the bacon served all over the NCL Sun was disgusting and inedible. I asked the Chef what was going on and he finally fessed up and admitted they care about cost over quality.

 

4. Celebrity ships are cleaner and better maintained.

 

The newer NCL ships have a lot of family activities like slides, go-cart tracks, etc. to compete with RCL and Carnival. Celebrity does not have these family activities. Celebrity is more adult oriented. That being said, my teenage daughters prefer Celebrity over other cruise lines (NCL, RCL).

 

Once again, I enjoyed my NCL cruises but Celebrity provides a more relaxed, upscale cruise. That's been my experience but may not be everybody's.

[39august]

Let's look at the OP's question #2. It looks like he is asking if refundable deposit is refundable and he has concluded that it is NOT. That is wrong. NONREFUNDABBLE deposit is just that, NON refundable. His wording says he has a refundable deposit. A refundable deposit is just that...refundable up until final payment is due. 

[CruisingGator96]

10 hours ago, marys350 said:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/internet-and-phone-packages/compare-wifi-packages

Thanks this is very helpful.

[CruisingGator96]

9 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

1.  Yes, you can buy WiFi for one device and it works the way you say you are use to doing, one device at any given time. It runs around $35 a day for Premium and $20 a day for Basic.  If you need video calls or streaming media, you will need the premium.

2.  Yes, that is the difference between refundable and non-refundable. 

3.  Yes, you can add them and book them when you purchase them if you do them individually.  I am not sure how the multiple night package works as we have never done that. 

4.  You can choose to dine alone by asking for a table for three.  I recommend you go to the MDR maintre'd when you first board, unless you are in Aqua, then you would go to Blu, or in a Suite, which means Luminae is your restaurant, and let them know your desired arrangements. 

5. We have never sailed on NCL. 

 

Thanks for your reply. 

[CruisingGator96]

10 hours ago, rodndonna said:

 

As your daughter is only 15 but looks like she is being charged at the included rate for alcohol for sure I would say not a good deal. Do you really have to pay the full rate for her? Do they give her the much cheaper Zero Proof package (which is better for the non-alcohol options offering smoothies and such) 

I’m going to call and confirm. The pricing I provided was based on booking thru the website.  Looks like the drink package also includes coffee. Need to research that a little more to understand the cost benefit.

[CruisingGator96]

7 hours ago, cruisinfly said:

I've sailed NCL multiple times starting with the SS Norway when I was 13 and my latest on the Norwegian Sun a couple of years before COVID. While I've enjoyed my NCL cruises, it's not likely that I will go on NCL again. Here are some of the reasons I prefer Celebrity over NCL:

 

1. Prepare to enjoy more open spaces, less crowds, and fewer lines on Celebrity. My experience on NCL is that they pack their ships with people leading to crowding and long lines. I've never felt this way on Celebrity (pool deck during peak hours excluded). This makes Celebrity a more relaxed environment.

 

2. I've always been able to walk into the theater 15 minutes before a show and find a great seat on Celebrity. On NCL, I had to get in line an hour before the show and wait in a line if I wanted a decent seat (while putting up with entitled line-cutters).

 

3. Food and service on Celebrity is really good to excellent in the main dining rooms, buffet, and across the ship (except burgers at Mast Bar, not that good). The only excellent food/dining service on NCL was in specialty restaurants that cost extra. The food and service in the NCL main dining room were poor and some meals were inedible...and I'm not very picky. I remember the bacon served all over the NCL Sun was disgusting and inedible. I asked the Chef what was going on and he finally fessed up and admitted they care about cost over quality.

 

4. Celebrity ships are cleaner and better maintained.

 

The newer NCL ships have a lot of family activities like slides, go-cart tracks, etc. to compete with RCL and Carnival. Celebrity does not have these family activities. Celebrity is more adult oriented. That being said, my teenage daughters prefer Celebrity over other cruise lines (NCL, RCL).

 

Once again, I enjoyed my NCL cruises but Celebrity provides a more relaxed, upscale cruise. That's been my experience but may not be everybody's.

Thanks. We have been using NCL for a few reasons but one important reason was the water slides for our daughter. Now that she is 15 that really isn’t a major factor anymore as she is more mature and can finally appreciate some relaxation time.  I’m tired of getting up at the crack of dawn to secure a chair so if celebrity is just a little less crowded in that area that would be a big win. Also, I hear celebrity’s food overall is better which is important to me.  On NCL we always ate in the specialty restaurants and avoided the main dining room so I’m curious how celebrity will be better in both areas (Speciality and Main).  

[mauimary]

We have canceled several non refundable deposits.  The way it was explained and happened is that Celebrity kept 100$ per person and the rest came back to us to use in a future cruise credit.    The last time our non refundable deposit with some talking with a supervisor we were able to move it to another cruise so we did not loose any of it.  This of course was all done prior to making final payment.  
It is only non refundable in the way you do not get the credit back in cash to your credit card for it. 

[Treasure Hunter]

The reason you have to reserve the main show on NCL and get to the theater early for a good seat is that their entertainment is terrific. Just got off the Edge 11 days and only two nights were good. Celebrity theater shows are a ridiculous mash up put together in LA that we have tried to like but have repeatedly walked out of. NCL ( just did 8 days in February) are Million Dollar Quartet, Jersey Boys, Footloose etc. and the NCL comedy club is terrific. That being said, unless you are in the Haven on NCL , food goes to Celebrity. Some of the Celebrity specialty restaurants are excellent especially Raw on Five and Eden. And Celebrity casinos are nonsmoking 👍

[WebberGirl]

we're new to Celebrity - cruise is in November on the Equinox.
What time do they start serving dinner? Its it the same in all the restaurants?

[WebberGirl]

another question....is there a charge for room service?

[WestLakeGirl]

Dinner in the main dining room usually starts around 530, the buffet opens around 6:00.

 

There is a charge for room service delivered with the exception that you can get coffee and pastries (Continental breakfast) For no charge

[TMLAalum]

@CruisingGator96

You and your husband can each bring 2 bottles of wine aboard without a corkage fee (unless you bring the bottle to the MDR).

if you chose to purchase drinks without the beverage package a gratuity will be added-unsure if it's been raised from 18%.

If there are more sea days than port days a beverage package might be worth it. 

[Pickels]

On 4/19/2023 at 1:27 AM, CruisingGator96 said:

Thinking of trying Celebrity for the first time and have a few questions.  Background on us is we are a family of three; me, my wife and 15 year old daughter.  We are platinum on NCL and looking to try something new with some new ports we haven’t been too yet on a cruise.  We are looking at a 9 night cruise and I have a few questions on the extras.

 

when booking the cruise it gives me the option to add drinks, Wi-Fi and tips for approximately $700 each or $2,100 total. Seems like a lot for two adults drinking and the extra charges especially when I think they limited the drink prices to $10 and tips are $473 total. Maybe it’s a good deal and I’m just a not a power drinker anymore.
 

 My questions as follows:

1) What is the price to get Wi-Fi on Celebrity? Typically I just get one device for one person (me) but have the ability to use my phone or iPad just not at the same time. Are there options for just one person or does everyone need to be added to Wi-Fi. My wife completely shuts the world off and my daughter would love it but we would prefer she stay off her devices. I need emails for work.

2) There is an option to have your deposit refundable. I believe that means the deposit is forfeited if you cancel after you book correct? NCL seems to be more lenient in refunding if it’s before final payment. Not really a big deal but want to know.

3) Can you add some specialty restaurants when booking? How soon can you make reservations?

4) Dining: do you sit with other people or can we just sit alone (Table of 3).

5) For anyone that cruises NCL and Celebrity: Any big differences between the cruise lines or tips that would help a Celebrity newbie not feel like a newbie?

 

Appreciate any responses. This board has always been such a wealth of knowledge. Thanks to all that contribute.

 

I can address Question 4:  

We sailed on the Reflection this past February and first day went to the MDR and spoke to the Matri'D, requested a table for two by a window and they accommodated us for  the entire cruise.  Same great staff each night!

Way to go Celebrity!

[pyffii]

we are new to celebrity and was wondering about the wifi...cost per day seems high and is per person....can you share devices ?....we are a family of 11 ( 6 adults and 5 teenagers )so seeking advice as to how to keep everyone happy without breaking the bank

[NutsAboutGolf]

16 minutes ago, pyffii said:

we are new to celebrity and was wondering about the wifi...cost per day seems high and is per person....can you share devices ?....we are a family of 11 ( 6 adults and 5 teenagers )so seeking advice as to how to keep everyone happy without breaking the bank

 

You're brave for taking 5 teens on, if you wouldn't lose any money I'd seriously recommend cancelling and booking carnival, faster internet far cheaper, more to do, far better entertainment along with multiple differing shows per night and I'd argue the food is only slightly better on X as even Admins on this forum have complained about the decrease in food quality on X

 

With the wifi on X, one device at a time...Certain android phones like the Pixel (unfortunately not the iPhone) and a Windows PC can share the wifi signal yet the wifi speed gets split over all devices.  Lastly, if one wants to save money, you can wait a few nights before purchasing you'd only pay the prorated amount...For example, if one premium device is $35/night and the sailing is 7 nights that would be $245 all sailing but if you can wait until the day after embarkation, you'd save $35.  Same with upgrading from Basic to Premium and/or adding additional devices, you only pay the prorated amount