Booking a Med Cruise for 2024 - Been Away since Covid

[Elusive_Cruiser]

Hi All Celebrity Lovers!

 

Cruising once per winter, we've done a dozen Caribbean Cruises on Celebrity (reached Elite!) and have LOVED this product.  Our last cruise, we disembarked in early February 2020, and all hell broke out with Covid and shutdowns only days later.

 

We have not cruised since then.  Nor have I followed followed the CC posts, as it saddened me 😞

 

Now, a few years later, we're fully retired, and are able to do a Mediterranean cruise so are excited to start the planning. 

 

Looking at the Fall 2024.

 

My question is mostly directed about the changes that have occurred, post-Covid?  The ships are now again sailing at full capacity, but are there some things that are now permanently different?  I understand I can read the numerous threads on this, but looking for current and thoughtful responses.

 

Thanks!

Patricia

 

 

 

[jelayne]

There is an app that can be very useful on the ship and before sailing.  You can check in on the app.  Muster drill is not a large group meeting, you watch a video on the app day of sailing then check in at the muster station- very easy.   Menus and daily activities are on the app.

 

Overall food quality is not as good as it was pre Covid

.

The E class ships are beautiful and the theater and the production shows on those ships are excellent.

 

Cruise Critic Roll Call Connections meetings are gone.

 

Prices have gone through the roof. 
 

Crew is still excellent, friendly and helpful.

 

Pricing is Cruise Only ( no perks) or Al (All Included) which is the Classic Beverage package and basic Wi-Fi.

Suites can only be booked with AI.

 

The beverage package upgrade, which was $10 pd + gratuity is now $20 pd 

 

The specialty dining prices no longer include the gratuity.  When you book there will be an automatic 20% gratuity added. 
 

Sky Suites no long have the services of a Butler.

 

I ‘m sure others will add other changes.