Newbie on Celebrity Questions

[PacnGoNow]

We are new to Celebrity and I need your expert advice.

 

Can I pre order a bottle of vodka for our room?  If so, where would I see that on the website or App?

 

Is there a way to advise the MDR Maitre’d about a special diet ahead of the cruise?  Or, do you just have to see them once OB? 
 

We are listed as open seating WL early.  We want TD fixed seating early. Is that what we are WL for?  What’s the best way to get a private table for 5 early seating?

 

How is the kid’s club?  They are 10 & 11 at the time of sailing.  Do they have video games, crafts or many things to keep them busy?

 

Any other tips you could give on X would be highly appreciated.  TIA

[tserface]

33 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

 

Is there a way to advise the MDR Maitre’d about a special diet ahead of the cruise?  Or, do you just have to see them once OB? 
 

We are listed as open seating WL early.  We want TD fixed seating early. Is that what we are WL for?  What’s the best way to get a private table for 5 early seating?

 

How is the kid’s club?  They are 10 & 11 at the time of sailing.  Do they have video games, crafts or many things to keep them busy?

 

Any other tips you could give on X would be highly appreciated.  TIA

 

1. I have never heard of them allowing people to buy liquor on the ship without them storing it until the end of the journey.  I don't know for sure that this is possible, especially maybe in a suite, I've just never seen it offered in the many cruises we've done.
2. Yes.  We usually go to the dining room right after boarding and have always been able to make last minute adjustments.
3. Our grand kids love the kids club.  They have all kinds of activities and games.  When our kids were younger it was all we could do to get them to go on excursions with us and they just wanted to stay on the ship.  A lot depends on how many kids are on the sailing and Celebrity doesn't attract as many families with kids as other lines like Royal Caribbean.  When we sail with our grand kids we mostly go on RCL ships.
4. If you've gone on high energy cruises (like RCL) then expect X to be more docile and low key. There are no rock climbing walls, surfing machines, zip lines, or any of that kind of stuff.  It's more of a quiet cruise while on ship. Of course, when on shore you can plan whatever you want.  People on Celebrity often comment about how they don't l ike kids  That's not true of everyone of course, but other lines (like RCL) cater to them better.  We like both RCL and Celebrity.  When we went with our grandkids last time we went on Symphony with them for a week (they had a blast) and then on Edge the next week by ourselves.

 

[horseymike]

51 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

We are new to Celebrity and I need your expert advice.

 

Can I pre order a bottle of vodka for our room?  If so, where would I see that on the website or App?

 

Is there a way to advise the MDR Maitre’d about a special diet ahead of the cruise?  Or, do you just have to see them once OB? 
 

We are listed as open seating WL early.  We want TD fixed seating early. Is that what we are WL for?  What’s the best way to get a private table for 5 early seating?

 

How is the kid’s club?  They are 10 & 11 at the time of sailing.  Do they have video games, crafts or many things to keep them busy?

 

Any other tips you could give on X would be highly appreciated.  TIA

There are state room set ups available in the cruise planner on the X website.

[PacnGoNow]

6 minutes ago, horseymike said:

There are state room set ups available in the cruise planner on the X website.

That’s great.  I just booked, so will have to check the cruise planner now.

Thanks!

[PacnGoNow]

23 minutes ago, tserface said:

 

1. I have never heard of them allowing people to buy liquor on the ship without them storing it until the end of the journey.  I don't know for sure that this is possible, especially maybe in a suite, I've just never seen it offered in the many cruises we've done.
2. Yes.  We usually go to the dining room right after boarding and have always been able to make last minute adjustments.
3. Our grand kids love the kids club.  They have all kinds of activities and games.  When our kids were younger it was all we could do to get them to go on excursions with us and they just wanted to stay on the ship.  A lot depends on how many kids are on the sailing and Celebrity doesn't attract as many families with kids as other lines like Royal Caribbean.  When we sail with our grand kids we mostly go on RCL ships.
4. If you've gone on high energy cruises (like RCL) then expect X to be more docile and low key. There are no rock climbing walls, surfing machines, zip lines, or any of that kind of stuff.  It's more of a quiet cruise while on ship. Of course, when on shore you can plan whatever you want.  People on Celebrity often comment about how they don't l ike kids  That's not true of everyone of course, but other lines (like RCL) cater to them better.  We like both RCL and Celebrity.  When we went with our grandkids last time we went on Symphony with them for a week (they had a blast) and then on Edge the next week by ourselves.

 

Thank you for the info!  

[PacnGoNow]

1 hour ago, tserface said:

 

1. I have never heard of them allowing people to buy liquor on the ship without them storing it until the end of the journey.  I don't know for sure that this is possible, especially maybe in a suite, I've just never seen it offered in the many cruises we've done.
2. Yes.  We usually go to the dining room right after boarding and have always been able to make last minute adjustments.
3. Our grand kids love the kids club.  They have all kinds of activities and games.  When our kids were younger it was all we could do to get them to go on excursions with us and they just wanted to stay on the ship.  A lot depends on how many kids are on the sailing and Celebrity doesn't attract as many families with kids as other lines like Royal Caribbean.  When we sail with our grand kids we mostly go on RCL ships.
4. If you've gone on high energy cruises (like RCL) then expect X to be more docile and low key. There are no rock climbing walls, surfing machines, zip lines, or any of that kind of stuff.  It's more of a quiet cruise while on ship. Of course, when on shore you can plan whatever you want.  People on Celebrity often comment about how they don't l ike kids  That's not true of everyone of course, but other lines (like RCL) cater to them better.  We like both RCL and Celebrity.  When we went with our grandkids last time we went on Symphony with them for a week (they had a blast) and then on Edge the next week by ourselves.

 

Do they serve lunch in one of the MDR’s on embarkation day?

[bjahil47]

28 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

Do they serve lunch in one of the MDR’s on embarkation day?

Only if you are in a Concierge Cabin.  

[PacnGoNow]

37 minutes ago, bjahil47 said:

Only if you are in a Concierge Cabin.  

It says category C1 and on the website shows that is Prime Concierge Class.

 

Will X send us information about the lunch and dining, or do we just find out when we board?

 

Sorry, never been on X.

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

Your experience may depend upon ship you choose to sail and type of stateroom (at least if you read enough threads, you'll get the drift).

 

If on the Edge class, they're very appealing.

[Mark_K]

55 minutes ago, bjahil47 said:

Only if you are in a Concierge Cabin.  

Or a suite

[Northern Aurora]

18 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

It says category C1 and on the website shows that is Prime Concierge Class.

 

Will X send us information about the lunch and dining, or do we just find out when we board?

 

Sorry, never been on X.

 

Concierge Class offers an embarkation lunch in the MDR.  It is a limited menu, but also nice to not have to deal with first day busy ness of the Ocean View Cafe.  There should be information in your stateroom regarding the MDR location (which floor and which side of the ship).  If for some reason there is not an info sheet in your stateroom then go to Guest Relations (or just check the MDR decks).

 

Post covid Celebrity has really streamlined their boarding process.  You will not receive your sea pass cards in the cruise terminal.  They will be in the mail slot outside of your stateroom.  After you board you can go directly to your stateroom, put valuables in your safe and drop off the carryon bags.  If the stateroom is not totally ready there will be a sign on the door with wording something to the effect of "perfection in progress."  But still leave the carryons and put valuables in the safe.  

 

I am a frequent Celebrity cruiser, and am not aware of comments that folks on Celebrity don't like kids.

[bjahil47]

21 minutes ago, Mark_K said:

Or a suite

I would think one would rather go to Luminae on Embarktion Day if in a suite. 🤷‍♀️

[mahdnc]

4 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

We are new to Celebrity and I need your expert advice.

 

Can I pre order a bottle of vodka for our room?  If so, where would I see that on the website or App?

 

Is there a way to advise the MDR Maitre’d about a special diet ahead of the cruise?  Or, do you just have to see them once OB? 
 

We are listed as open seating WL early.  We want TD fixed seating early. Is that what we are WL for?  What’s the best way to get a private table for 5 early seating?

 

How is the kid’s club?  They are 10 & 11 at the time of sailing.  Do they have video games, crafts or many things to keep them busy?

 

Any other tips you could give on X would be highly appreciated.  TIA

 

You should be able to wait until you get on board to advise the dining room of your special dietary needs.

 

Your dining reservations are worded in a confusing way to me.  It is not clear to me what you are waitlisted for.  Celebrity offers Traditional Dining with a Early (sometimes called Main) and Late Seating time.  They also offer Select Dining (sometimes called Anytime).  Open seating is a term that would be more associated with Select Dining to me. Here is a link to Celebrity's FAQs on Select Dining published this year which may help you decipher what you have: link.  When I glanced at the flyer, the terminology in it suggests that you may be wait listed for Celebrity Select Early Dining which is not traditional dining. You should call your travel agent (if you used one) or Celebrity to get some clarification.  

 

 

If you want a private table for 5 for Traditional Dining, you cannot arrange for it ahead of time.  Because you are a group of 5, there is a good chance that you will be assigned to a table by yourself although this would not be true if you end up with a large table for 8 or 10.  You will need to go to the Main Dining Room immediately after you board to see your table assignment and ask for a change if it is not to your liking.

 

For 10 and 11 year old kids, the children's program is excellent.  The facilities are very good and you will find the counselors to be enthusiastically awesome.  There are video games available and on many ships, there is an old fashioned game arcade.  There is a full schedule of organized and planned activities for the kids.  You will be pleased because your kids will be pleased.

 

If you want more tips from members on this board, it will be helpful if you tell us what ship and what itinerary you are sailing.

[jelayne]

2 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

It says category C1 and on the website shows that is Prime Concierge Class.

 

Will X send us information about the lunch and dining, or do we just find out when we board?

 

Sorry, never been on X.

C1 is a Concierge class cabin and offers lunch on embarkation day in the MDR.  You should download the Celebrity app as you can check in for your cruise on the app (easy) or the website 45 days pre cruise.  When you check in you will select a boarding time.  In order to make the lunch you will need to select a boarding time between 11-12:30.  The early times can book up quickly so checking in around the 45 days is important.  
 

You will not be sent info on the lunch, just ask when you board. 

[mister pizza]

Sorry, I asked this in the wrong place the first time. Want to know, what's the pizza situation on Celebrity?

[Treasure Hunter]

We are currently on the Constellation in Greece with a family group of six. Definitely arrange for your dining table in advance. We have fixed dining , our own round table at 6:00 every night. Same servers. I’m booked through the casino and they did it at booking but I’m sure you can CALL and get it planned out that way. Why worry if it can be set up now. 

[PacnGoNow]

9 hours ago, Northern Aurora said:

 

Concierge Class offers an embarkation lunch in the MDR.  It is a limited menu, but also nice to not have to deal with first day busy ness of the Ocean View Cafe.  There should be information in your stateroom regarding the MDR location (which floor and which side of the ship).  If for some reason there is not an info sheet in your stateroom then go to Guest Relations (or just check the MDR decks).

 

Post covid Celebrity has really streamlined their boarding process.  You will not receive your sea pass cards in the cruise terminal.  They will be in the mail slot outside of your stateroom.  After you board you can go directly to your stateroom, put valuables in your safe and drop off the carryon bags.  If the stateroom is not totally ready there will be a sign on the door with wording something to the effect of "perfection in progress."  But still leave the carryons and put valuables in the safe.  

 

I am a frequent Celebrity cruiser, and am not aware of comments that folks on Celebrity don't like kids.

So helpful! Appreciate the info.

[PacnGoNow]

8 hours ago, mahdnc said:

 

You should be able to wait until you get on board to advise the dining room of your special dietary needs.

 

Your dining reservations are worded in a confusing way to me.  It is not clear to me what you are waitlisted for.  Celebrity offers Traditional Dining with a Early (sometimes called Main) and Late Seating time.  They also offer Select Dining (sometimes called Anytime).  Open seating is a term that would be more associated with Select Dining to me. Here is a link to Celebrity's FAQs on Select Dining published this year which may help you decipher what you have: link.  When I glanced at the flyer, the terminology in it suggests that you may be wait listed for Celebrity Select Early Dining which is not traditional dining. You should call your travel agent (if you used one) or Celebrity to get some clarification.  

 

 

If you want a private table for 5 for Traditional Dining, you cannot arrange for it ahead of time.  Because you are a group of 5, there is a good chance that you will be assigned to a table by yourself although this would not be true if you end up with a large table for 8 or 10.  You will need to go to the Main Dining Room immediately after you board to see your table assignment and ask for a change if it is not to your liking.

 

For 10 and 11 year old kids, the children's program is excellent.  The facilities are very good and you will find the counselors to be enthusiastically awesome.  There are video games available and on many ships, there is an old fashioned game arcade.  There is a full schedule of organized and planned activities for the kids.  You will be pleased because your kids will be pleased.

 

If you want more tips from members on this board, it will be helpful if you tell us what ship and what itinerary you are sailing.

Great information. Thank you.

Summit ship, Caribbean.

[PacnGoNow]

7 hours ago, jelayne said:

C1 is a Concierge class cabin and offers lunch on embarkation day in the MDR.  You should download the Celebrity app as you can check in for your cruise on the app (easy) or the website 45 days pre cruise.  When you check in you will select a boarding time.  In order to make the lunch you will need to select a boarding time between 11-12:30.  The early times can book up quickly so checking in around the 45 days is important.  
 

You will not be sent info on the lunch, just ask when you board. 

Awesome, thank you.

[shellunderwater]

If I may jump on with a question.... sailing Equinox soon, first time with Celebrity but Diamond on RCL.

 

We bought the 4 night dining package for an 8 night cruise.  We are in a Concierge Balcony.  Do we contact the concierge for our dining reservations or do we hit a restaurant to make the reservations?  Never had a concierge before.  And, don't know where I'd find the concierge to have them make reservations. 

 

We have preferences for our dining times and restaurants, so prefer to get them booked efficiently when boarding.  But maybe the concierge means we don't have to worry so much about it.

Thanks.

[mahdnc]

7 minutes ago, shellunderwater said:

If I may jump on with a question.... sailing Equinox soon, first time with Celebrity but Diamond on RCL.

 

We bought the 4 night dining package for an 8 night cruise.  We are in a Concierge Balcony.  Do we contact the concierge for our dining reservations or do we hit a restaurant to make the reservations?  Never had a concierge before.  And, don't know where I'd find the concierge to have them make reservations. 

 

We have preferences for our dining times and restaurants, so prefer to get them booked efficiently when boarding.  But maybe the concierge means we don't have to worry so much about it.

Thanks.

 

Your best bet is to make the time/date reservation yourself by going directly to one of the specialty restaurants as soon as you board.  To my knowledge, there is no advantage to getting the Concierge to making the booking for you and they may be difficult to locate on embarkation day.

 

If you haven't seen it already, you may want to read this recent related thread: link

Edited June 7, 2023 by mahdnc

[TeeRick]

10 hours ago, mister pizza said:

Sorry, I asked this in the wrong place the first time. Want to know, what's the pizza situation on Celebrity?

Pizza served by the slice in the Oceanview Cafe (buffet) on all ships.  Several types of traditional toppings.  It is decent but not gourmet.

[PacnGoNow]

On 6/6/2023 at 6:42 PM, PacnGoNow said:

I have never heard of them allowing people to buy liquor on the ship without them storing it until the end of the journey.  I don't know for sure that this is possible, especially maybe in a suite, I've just never seen it offered in the many cruises we've done.

I do see the Stateroom Bar Setup, which we would like.  So, for a 5 night cruise, we will order 1 bottle of liquor, I assume it’s 750ml, and that comes with 6 mixers and nuts?   We would just want one setup. Is the total precruise around $134.95 plus 20% gratuity?

 

Seems the most reasonable alternative to the beverage packages, as we don’t drink very much.

 

 

[dreamer321]

1 hour ago, PacnGoNow said:

Seems the most reasonable alternative to the beverage packages, as we don’t drink very much.

If you don't drink much, don't buy a beverage package and just charge each drink separately to your SeaPass.  Depending on what you drink and how much you drink it may be cheaper.  You can look in the app for the price per glass for wine, beer, mixed cocktails, etc estimate your total consumption and how much it will cost you.  Paying $134.95 + 20% gratuity for a bottle of alcohol that I can buy for $20 - $30 at home (plus a six pack of mixers) just rubs me the wrong way.

 

I'm right at the borderline between the package being worthwhile or not and I'm passing because I tend to over-drink if I buy the package.  (Always trying to maximize the value of what I buy)

[PacnGoNow]

7 hours ago, dreamer321 said:

If you don't drink much, don't buy a beverage package and just charge each drink separately to your SeaPass.  Depending on what you drink and how much you drink it may be cheaper.  You can look in the app for the price per glass for wine, beer, mixed cocktails, etc estimate your total consumption and how much it will cost you.  Paying $134.95 + 20% gratuity for a bottle of alcohol that I can buy for $20 - $30 at home (plus a six pack of mixers) just rubs me the wrong way.

 

I'm right at the borderline between the package being worthwhile or not and I'm passing because I tend to over-drink if I buy the package.  (Always trying to maximize the value of what I buy)

So true.  Thanks for the input.