Thanksgiving on Summit

[Sailing12Away]

Room service menus for @oteixeira Premium drink package includes stuff up to $17. @oteixeira

[oteixeira]

Thanks for the photos!  Not really anything exciting there.  

[Sailing12Away]

Celebrity Ascent just passed us by lit up like it was nobody's business. My phone photos don't even do it justice how bright it was, they're partying like rock stars on that magic carpet.

[SouKnoMe]

11 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Celebrity Ascent just passed us by lit up like it was nobody's business. My phone photos don't even do it justice how bright it was, they're partying like rock stars on that magic carpet.

😂💃🏽🕺🏽

 

Loved your phrasing! 

[bEwAbG]

13 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Another question for the Celebrity regulars.... I've now come to know that not all suites are considered equal in terms of what you get, but I guess I had incorrectly assumed that even the lowest Sky suite was still given butler service and some snacks and things. Was that an incorrect assumption?

 

Sky Suites now get assigned a "team" overseen by a "head butler" instead of an individual butler.  This was a change made this past summer.  Lots of brouhaha about it on Cruise Critic echoing your MIL's experience (not ever seeing the butler or only seeing them once and never again).  You should express your displeasure that what you bought was not what was advertised, IMO.  That type of feedback is what will hopefully reverse the trend of downgrading the product despite the sky-high pricing.  I'd also make a big fuss about the broken elevator to the suite area, personally.

 

She should hopefully get whatever else she needs by contacting the concierge in the lounge. 

[Sailing12Away]

Chose to do the salsa making and salsa dancing class today in Cozumel. Great experience, small group of only 11 of us. First stop was in a local market to grab the ingredients, then to Playa Mia resort. Made two salsas and a guac, had a sampling of snacks, endless margaritas and tequila shots, now relaxing in the pool. We have access to the lunch buffet too and more cocktails if needed.

 

I took a dip in the pool to cool off, drying off now then going for a free tequila tasting to try out chocolate and cinnamon versions. I'm sure a bottle or three will come home with us. Access to the beach and pools and non motorized sports is included. So a great little trip and we'll be back at the port around 1:30 with a 5:30 all aboard. So time to check out the shops near port too.

[Sailing12Away]

Lots of tequila. We overpaid for what we bought, but it was one of only a small single handful of tequila bottles that don't burn at all and at home we only have Don Julio 1942. So now we're adding a chocolate, coffee, mango and 10 year aged to our collection.

 

Was expecting them to take the bottles from us when we got in board but they didn't say a word.

 

Docked next to RCC Navigator of the Seas with three carnival ships at the other beth today. RCC crew is doing touch ups on the balcony while guests are at senior frogs. Celebrity should take note as I sit here and stare at the rust on our ship. Nearly every cabin on their ship is a balcony, whereas the carnival ship that came in first this morning only had a handful of balcony cabins. 

 

Got the official invite for a bridge tour tomorrow morning so that will be interesting. Have a friend in our cruising group that would have loved it before he passed away last year, so going in honor of him and will be sure to ask about the rat guards.

[Sailing12Away]

RCC crew at work, vs the touch ups needed on Summit.

[oteixeira]

He would have loved it, and flirted with any nice woman working the bridge....I still laugh thinking back to when he realized they could hear us in the bridge on that cruise.

[Sailing12Away]

Voyager of the seas, not sure why I called it Navigator. The name is on every life boat in front of my face.

 

Bartender in the Retreat lounge is accommodating to funky requests, they just have low or no stock on some spirits.

[Sailing12Away]

Dinner in Luminae tonight. Not the best filet I've had but not the worst either. A bit too purple in the center for my liking but I was full anyway at that point.

 

Flagged down the concierge in the lounge and she confirmed in a sky suite there is no butler. Your "retreat host" acts as your butler, and if you want something you have to ask for it. She's saying they removed the regular snacks (she kept referring to it as the tea time snacks) because of food waste.

 

I tried existing to her though that when we booked 6 months ago that was not their policy and no one told us it had changed, so how was my MIL supposed to know what she needs to ask for when she doesn't know even what is available to ask for?

 

Few minutes later the head butler visited us to say she absolutely can order eggs Benedict for breakfast (we were told no), so now they're being extra accommodating to her to make up for no snacks or anything in her room the last two days.

 

So still confused, and will find a polite way to let them know how they missed the mark with someone unfamiliar with the suite life on celebrity.

[doghog]

8 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

So still confused, and will find a polite way to let them know how they missed the mark with someone unfamiliar with the suite life on celebrity.

I would do it on the Post Cruise Survey. 

[oteixeira]

Sorry but a suite without butler service is not a suite (in a ship within a ship concept), and they can spin it however they want, you had no butler service in the Sky Suite.  The fact that they are now over compensating shows they probably know it.  Sadly, if you are new (as you are), this is how to NOT have a repeat customer.  

[Sailing12Away]

So again, for ourselves we're fine. Have sailed in suites on other lines (90% on NCL) so knew a general ballpark of what to expect, when to speak up, what was within reason to ask for. For MIL it's her first time, so reminds me of our first Haven experience on the Jade which was horrible. Not saying Mom's trip has been horrible, but it's just the "you don't know what you don't know until you know it" that in retrospect makes you feel like you missed out on what could have been amazing with just a little more knowledge or better communication.

 

The reason this is such a big deal for us is that this is probably Mom's last vacation. Her health continues to rapidly decline from a degenerative disorder, she's no longer able to be as independent as she was just a year ago, and without the electric wheelchair there's no way she would have been able to do anything at all. So those little touches of her not having to go wheel herself to so many different areas just for a light snack or bottle of water are a big deal for someone who can't move around as easy as the rest of us. Having a quiet place to just sit and relax was important, but there's no working elevator to get there for her.

 

I laugh because people on CC love to fault NCL for nickel and dimeing, yet with celebrity the water bottles and cans of coke in my room are at a charge but if I can carry them myself from deck 4 to restock the fridge on my own they're free. As I said originally, I've found most cruise lines to be more similar than different depending on what is important to you.

 

So my fault for not realizing the butler service had changed from when we booked originally and that mom would specifically have to request snacks in the room to save her a trip down. My fault for not communicating better to my own butler that when I said I enjoy BLTs, chips and cookies that it didn't mean I wanted all three of them together every single day (he must think we're the most annoying typical fat American gluttons - we've been skipping lunch though). My fault for not pushing the issue more with MIL that she should call them to get some meals in her room. And my fault for not clarifying with the concierge sooner.

 

Traveling with someone in a wheelchair is just a very different experience for those who have not had to do it. Trying to navigate the walk (drive) even from the elevator to the retreat lounge when the casino is hopping is sometimes daunting. Not every guest is patient or kind when it comes to elevator etiquette.

 

To celebrity's credit, MIL had a great excursion yesterday on her own. She booked an accessible Mayan experience and ended up being the only passenger. We thought they would cancel it, but they let her go. Had a van with a wheelchair lift like her Access-a-Ride back home. Crew helped her get off the ship with the wheelchair. And she had a great day exploring Cozumel which made us happy. At first she was going to just stay on the ship but we kept telling her to call celebrity to ask about accessible options and they came through. So I think that alone made the whole trip worth it where she can officially cross Cozumel off her list of places she's been.

 

We're skipping breakfast today to try out some lunch options instead. Running out of options to try for drinks though... No more decoy wine on board, no more Chambord, and the amaretto bottle was getting pretty low. So challenge accepted that we can kill that off today. Have the blendique wine experience later this afternoon, but for now just enjoy the sunrise.

[1Virgo]

I m glad Celebrity came though for your MIL and  at least she will have her excursion as a pleasant memory.   

 

I m disappointed that knowing your MIL is mobility challenged,more wasn’t automatically done to help her.  In the past, your Butler would have.

 

As a previous poster mentioned, there have been a lot of talk about the cutbacks, beyond Butlers,and those affect us when all is added up.  

[Sailing12Away]

Another small gripe (complaint) - pants. Everything requires pants. This is a short 4 day cruise to Mexico. I brought a single pair of yoga pants that I wore on the flight down from NY and planned to wear on the flight home. Had to put them on last night to eat in Luminae because no shorts allowed. Have to put them on this morning before the bridge tour as long long pants are mandatory.

 

In my quest to try and pack light I only brought 2 sun dresses and the single yoga pants from the plane. So my yoga pants will be getting another wear today for the bridge tour before I can switch into my shorts. Had to save the 2nd sundress for chic night tonight (verrrrry tempted to skip it completely and just eat in our room, but have been told we can only order from basic room service menu - so less tempting). 

 

This alone is why we don't even consider cruising on true luxury lines. If I'm on vacation somewhere hot I want to wear shorts and flip flops everywhere. I get it, a behind the scenes tour, safety, yada yada yada.... but why the pants for just a bridge tour?

[Sailing12Away]

35 minutes ago, 1Vigo said:

I m glad Celebrity came though for your MIL and  at least she will have her excursion as a pleasant memory.   

 

I m disappointed that knowing your MIL is mobility challenged,more wasn’t automatically done to help her.  In the past, your Butler would have.

 

As a previous poster mentioned, there have been a lot of talk about the cutbacks, beyond Butlers,and those affect us when all is added up.  

That's the part I'm disappointed in as well. It's not like she's in a regular cabin and just has bad knees and they would have no idea. She's in a handicap accessible cabin. She has wheelchair portside assistance documented on her account for embarkation and debarkation. She's booked an accessible excursion. She's had to coordinate with them to have the wheelchair brought onto the ship.

 

So they know. I'm not expecting someone to cowtow to her every minute of the day. But despite the cutbacks or whatever they're trying, taking an extra (literally) 5 mins of time to connect with her and acknowledge she may have some extra needs that 90%+ of the rest of us won't have would have made a world of difference. Given the choice of getting dressed and scooting to breakfast and lunch - vs being able to stay in her nightgown and munch in the room, she would have opted for the latter. Not every day, but at least knowing she had the option for when she was too tired.

 

Yes, we told her to call them and get food delivered. But she's even worse than us in the "I don't want to bother anyone" category. They didn't make her feel like it was no big deal, so she didn't feel comfortable asking for it. There's folks from all walks of life from those who want personal escorts to things, fancy food and drinks brought to them wherever they are... and those of us who are excited to see a brownie waiting for us when we get back on board after an excursion and need nothing more than that. 

 

For complete contrast - we were fortunate enough to be in a 3br garden villa on NCL twice. It was like that commercial they play here for the Secrets resort.... "everything's included". Of course to be fair, if we were in the Iconic suite I presume it would have been the same. But even the lowest suite on NCL they still say 'yes' to your basic requests way more times than they say 'no'. Or if they have to say no, they tell you other options that would be a yes.

 

Trying to stop myself from constantly comparing the two cruise lines but it's hard not to. But it has definitely made us rethink the March 2025 trip we were thinking of doing now that we know a Sky Suite is more akin to a junior suite on RCC. Yeah... technically it's a suite, but not really. Suite pricing and some perks, but not really. If it keeps moving in that direction it will be almost as bad as NCL calling their Club Balcony Suites "suites". It's a balcony with free laundry and chocolate covered strawberries.... that's it. They do it on purpose to trick people into thinking they're getting a suite experience when they won't.

[SouKnoMe]

I’ve enjoyed your review and the comparison with NCL. So sorry that the lack of staff, and service changes left much to be desired for you MIL’s trip. I’m saddened, but hope that overall she enjoyed her vacation. Safe travels home!

[HBCcruiser]

17 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Voyager of the seas, not sure why I called it Navigator. The name is on every life boat in front of my face

LOL when I saw your posting about the NOS on FB I got so confused and thought you were back in LA. 😂😂

[1Virgo]

2 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Another small gripe (complaint) - pants. Everything requires pants. This is a short 4 day cruise to Mexico. I brought a single pair of yoga pants that I wore on the flight down from NY and planned to wear on the flight home. Had to put them on last night to eat in Luminae because no shorts allowed. Have to put them on this morning before the bridge tour as long long pants are mandatory.

 

In my quest to try and pack light I only brought 2 sun dresses and the single yoga pants from the plane. So my yoga pants will be getting another wear today for the bridge tour before I can switch into my shorts. Had to save the 2nd sundress for chic night tonight (verrrrry tempted to skip it completely and just eat in our room, but have been told we can only order from basic room service menu - so less tempting). 

 

This alone is why we don't even consider cruising on true luxury lines. If I'm on vacation somewhere hot I want to wear shorts and flip flops everywhere. I get it, a behind the scenes tour, safety, yada yada yada.... but why the pants for just a bridge tour?

 

Unfortunately, there is a need for a dress code.  Any of the  4/5 star resorts in the Caribbean that we know, have a dress code of long pants at the restaurants, not so much buffets.  However,  We have seen people told no swimsuits at breakfast buffets, at resorts.   No dress code people push the  limits. We ve seen people come in to eat, wearing clothes/swimsuits more appropriate for a day at the beach.   

 

Shorts.  everyone has a different acceptance and idea.  Golf shorts, Bermuda shorts,  khakis are quite different from gym/workout shorts.    Dress codes are sort of an equalizer 

 

 

[Sailing12Away]

2 hours ago, 1Vigo said:

 

Unfortunately, there is a need for a dress code.  Any of the  4/5 star resorts in the Caribbean that we know, have a dress code of long pants at the restaurants, not so much buffets.  However,  We have seen people told no swimsuits at breakfast buffets, at resorts.   No dress code people push the  limits. We ve seen people come in to eat, wearing clothes/swimsuits more appropriate for a day at the beach.   

 

Shorts.  everyone has a different acceptance and idea.  Golf shorts, Bermuda shorts,  khakis are quite different from gym/workout shorts.    Dress codes are sort of an equalizer 

 

 

I get it, but my shorts are much nicer looking than my yoga pants. Just find it funny that there's a dress code for your bottom but not your top. People on the bridge tour were in pants with bras. Not sure what else to call them. It was a bra, complete Sue Ellen Mischey. So that's ok, but canvas shorts that go to my knees are not 

[Sailing12Away]

Photos from this morning. Wine tasting was another miss, even the Somaliere said the Merlot was undrinkable. 

 

Definitely a fan of the alcoholic coffee creations at Cafe bacio. But not worth more than a 3 person wait and lines are usually long.

 

Hubby said the burger at Luminae was one of the best he's had. Service there has been spot on and top notch, and I love that they bring you the MDR menu with their menu. I've mostly been eating off that one because I'm more simple.

[Georgia_Peaches]

On 11/23/2023 at 3:06 PM, Sailing12Away said:

the martini bar and if I want two drinks I need to bring two room cards with me

We have routinely been asked for 2 cards as well. Most times asked, few times not. 

[doghog]

5 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Another small gripe (complaint) - pants. Everything requires pants. This is a short 4 day cruise to Mexico.

Your fault. You should have read the simple published dress code recommendation's on  Celebrity's website for the dining venues. Yoga pants are great for the gym and buffet. Length of cruise and itinerary has nothing to do with it.  

Edited November 26, 2023 by doghog

[Sailing12Away]

1 hour ago, doghog said:

Your fault. You should have read the simple published dress code recommendation's on  Celebrity's website for the dining venues. Yoga pants are great for the gym and buffet. Length of cruise and itinerary has nothing to do with it.  

I did, hence the two dresses I brought for the two nights I planned to eat dinner in restaurants that required them. But plans change, invitations pop up to unplanned activities, etc.

 

Length of cruise and itinerary have everything to do with the type of clothes I pack. If yours doesn't then you must be one of those people that bring 2+ cases with you. You do you, but when I need to roll a case for someone in a wheelchair I need to pack light as I only have two arms.