Rare cruisestitch Posted December 15, 2023 #26 Share Posted December 15, 2023 32 minutes ago, DaKahuna said: One minor nit - It has been our experience that the free drinks between 5 and 7 pm from the Elite Happy Hour are restricted to Elite and above, just like access to the Sky Lounge was in the past. I simply meant that an elite member and a non elite member can both sit side by side in a bar. The elite member would get their drink free, the others there would not. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PTC DAWG Posted December 15, 2023 #27 Share Posted December 15, 2023 16 hours ago, asctony said: Thanks for your info. The Diamond Lounge, now called the Crown Lounge, is open all day for coffee & tea, plus Happy Hour with food from 5 - 8pm. I can use my 5 drinks per day at anytime for that day at any bar, MDR & Specialty Restaurant. This works much better for us. Oh, I almost forgot. All kind of free food all day on Promenade Deck. Pizza, wraps, sandwichs, etc. Royal has ships available to book, I’m sure of it. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the penguins Posted December 15, 2023 #28 Share Posted December 15, 2023 2 hours ago, cruisestitch said: When some people speak of the happy hour, they mean the event that was held in the sky lounge, with passed hors d’oeuvres, and restricted access. The Captains Club host or hostess stood at the door and checked your card. There was a dress code. others use the term happy hour to mean that from 5 to 7 on most nights you can have unlimited drinks at most bars. These are non-hosted events and are not restricted to elite and above. You simply show your card and order one of the drinks from the menu and there is no charge. what celebrity has now said, is that a couple of times a cruise, they will bring back the original model. As far as I know, this has not been implemented yet. so, for the time being, if you are elite, and above, every night, except for the first night, you can order unlimited drinks from 5 to 7 from the elite happy hour menu. Not in the dining room and not room service. On the nights when there is the "special lounge" you will also still be able to get the free drinks at all the other bars that are included in the current system. So a win win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles4515 Posted December 15, 2023 #29 Share Posted December 15, 2023 17 hours ago, asctony said: Thanks for your info. The Diamond Lounge, now called the Crown Lounge, is open all day for coffee & tea, plus Happy Hour with food from 5 - 8pm. I can use my 5 drinks per day at anytime for that day at any bar, MDR & Specialty Restaurant. This works much better for us. Oh, I almost forgot. All kind of free food all day on Promenade Deck. Pizza, wraps, sandwichs, etc. So book RCI if their program works better for you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asctony Posted December 15, 2023 Author #30 Share Posted December 15, 2023 44 minutes ago, Charles4515 said: So book RCI if their program works better for you. Since you are telling me to book RCI, want to pay for it? You must be a X Cheerleader. Apparently, you don't read before you post. I cruise most of the lines, NOT just X or RCI. Do you cruise more than X? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asctony Posted December 15, 2023 Author #31 Share Posted December 15, 2023 1 hour ago, PTC DAWG said: Royal has ships available to book, I’m sure of it. If you are sure, book one! I do and will continue to book RCI, X, MSC, NCL, Princess, too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asctony Posted December 15, 2023 Author #32 Share Posted December 15, 2023 Why is it when someone suggests a change to any cruise line people get bent out of shape? You really don't need to tell anyone to go and cruise that line because it is not your favorite. They already do. I have made a suggestion to try to improve the current perk. My suggestion is based on what I experience on other cruise lines. Things that I think may improve our experiences. If you don't drink, then why say you want it to remain as it is? It doesn't affect you. We all have opinions. If you only cruise one cruise line, you maybe missing out on some other valuable options or experiences. This forum is for information. Information is obtain by experiences. Information is past on through these forums. If you have an idea or opinion, share it. It is always easy to find fault with something you don't like, have not experienced or are fixed in your ways. Just because you have not done it, or suggested it, or use it, doesn't make it a bad suggestion. We are truly divided in many ways. Cruising is enjoyment, meeting people. Lets keep it that way. Happy Cruising! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles4515 Posted December 15, 2023 #33 Share Posted December 15, 2023 4 hours ago, asctony said: Since you are telling me to book RCI, want to pay for it? You must be a X Cheerleader. Apparently, you don't read before you post. I cruise most of the lines, NOT just X or RCI. Do you cruise more than X? I have been on over 60 cruises and I don't book for the loyalty programs. Been on Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, NCL, Princess,RCI and Oceania. I don't expect each line to match RCI'S program. The programs are nice but I just see them as a gift not an entitlement. I won't whine because Celebrity does not give me what I get on another line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asctony Posted December 15, 2023 Author #34 Share Posted December 15, 2023 34 minutes ago, Charles4515 said: I have been on over 60 cruises and I don't book for the loyalty programs. Been on Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, NCL, Princess,RCI and Oceania. I don't expect each line to match RCI'S program. The programs are nice but I just see them as a gift not an entitlement. I won't whine because Celebrity does not give me what I get on another line. Well I have been on over 150 cruises. I am NOT WHINING! I am just trying to inform others of what is available on other lines that maybe of value to them. FYI - there are no gifts! You are paying for everything you get. What do you think of X eliminating the tips from the upgrade packages? Now the package only includes drinks & Wi-Fi. Like you said, I don't book for the perks. Have you ever posted about any improvements or suggested any changes? So, would you be satisfied with X making no improvements that would benefit all of us? Would or do you feel completely satisfied with all the cut backs the cruise lines are making? I posted my recommendations and you posted your opinions to them. You cruise your choice and I will cruise mine. OBTW, I have a B2B on Beyond in July 2024. I'll have a drink for you! Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaKahuna Posted December 15, 2023 #35 Share Posted December 15, 2023 6 hours ago, cruisestitch said: I simply meant that an elite member and a non elite member can both sit side by side in a bar. The elite member would get their drink free, the others there would not. I did not read it that way -- sorry. That is correct. Although I do not mind change, that is one thing I wish that had not changed. I liked the old Elite gathering. I would go up and grab a couple of glasses of wine while the DW was getting ready for dinner. We have only sailed on E-class ships once, Edge in Feb 2020, and I do not recall where the Elite Happy Hour was held, if it was held, if it was held as there is no Sky Lounge or equivalent on E-class ships iirc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles4515 Posted December 15, 2023 #36 Share Posted December 15, 2023 4 minutes ago, asctony said: What do you think of X eliminating the tips from the upgrade packages? Now the package only includes drinks & Wi-Fi. Like you said, I don't book for the perks. Have you ever posted about any improvements or suggested any changes? So, would you be satisfied with X making no improvements that would benefit all of us? Would or do you feel completely satisfied with all the cut backs the cruise lines are making? I don't book the packages but I think it is par for the course Celebrity is on pay more and give less. No problem with complaints about that. As far as improvements and changes I don't see suggesting changes in the perks as being the most productive changes to make. I would rather suggest they improve the food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwokpot Posted December 15, 2023 #37 Share Posted December 15, 2023 9 minutes ago, DaKahuna said: I did not read it that way -- sorry. That is correct. Although I do not mind change, that is one thing I wish that had not changed. I liked the old Elite gathering. I would go up and grab a couple of glasses of wine while the DW was getting ready for dinner. We have only sailed on E-class ships once, Edge in Feb 2020, and I do not recall where the Elite Happy Hour was held, if it was held, if it was held as there is no Sky Lounge or equivalent on E-class ships iirc. Before the change to any bar the Elite HH was located in The Club on E-Class ships. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the penguins Posted December 15, 2023 #38 Share Posted December 15, 2023 4 hours ago, asctony said: Why is it when someone suggests a change to any cruise line people get bent out of shape? You really don't need to tell anyone to go and cruise that line because it is not your favorite. They already do. I have made a suggestion to try to improve the current perk. My suggestion is based on what I experience on other cruise lines. Things that I think may improve our experiences. If you don't drink, then why say you want it to remain as it is? It doesn't affect you. We all have opinions. If you only cruise one cruise line, you maybe missing out on some other valuable options or experiences. This forum is for information. Information is obtain by experiences. Information is past on through these forums. If you have an idea or opinion, share it. It is always easy to find fault with something you don't like, have not experienced or are fixed in your ways. Just because you have not done it, or suggested it, or use it, doesn't make it a bad suggestion. We are truly divided in many ways. Cruising is enjoyment, meeting people. Lets keep it that way. Happy Cruising! i wish you would make up your mind. Are you commenting or making suggestions. Just because you believe something doesn't make it true. Changing the Elite+ drinks to match those of X may be an improvement for you but it would be a retrograde step for us. Equally we dont expect Royal to change to match X . As to your comment that if we don't drink (I assume you mean don't drink alcohol) you are not affected this is totally incorrect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asctony Posted December 15, 2023 Author #39 Share Posted December 15, 2023 24 minutes ago, the penguins said: i wish you would make up your mind. Are you commenting or making suggestions. Just because you believe something doesn't make it true. Changing the Elite+ drinks to match those of X may be an improvement for you but it would be a retrograde step for us. Equally we dont expect Royal to change to match X . As to your comment that if we don't drink (I assume you mean don't drink alcohol) you are not affected this is totally incorrect. What is your point on commenting or suggesting? Explain your retrograde? Yes, I mean don't drink alcohol. Why is that totally incorrect? Don't make statements that are not explanatory. I'm open to your opinion. Just clarify what you mean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 81Zoomie Posted December 16, 2023 #40 Share Posted December 16, 2023 Just noticed the Elite HH menu excludes tequila. Has anyone had any success with tequila being included? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the penguins Posted December 16, 2023 #41 Share Posted December 16, 2023 7 hours ago, asctony said: What is your point on commenting or suggesting? Explain your retrograde? Yes, I mean don't drink alcohol. Why is that totally incorrect? Don't make statements that are not explanatory. I'm open to your opinion. Just clarify what you mean. Diamond + gives me 5 drinks per day: Elite+ unlimited specialty teas/coffee/hot chocolate (for me that averages 7 Lattes) and iced versions of the same. In addition on average 3 cans of water and 1 soda collected during Happy Hour and 1 juice collected from the Passport Bar on way to Dinner. My first point was to clarify your insistence that X should change to Royals system because it is better - maybe for you but not for us. Just in case you think that makes me a Cheerleader for X I along with many others fought/complained against X 's move to compulsory AI (now applies only to Suites) and the introduction of smoking in the Casinos (now dropped). We have cruised: Royal, Celebrity, HAL, Princess, Cunard and Hurtigruten plus 2 River cruises. Incidentally for us (we never cruise for less than 12 days) X's 240 minutes of premium WiFi is far better and more flexible than Royals 2 days. We also get 2 free bags of laundry each. It's all about choice . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cublet Posted December 16, 2023 #42 Share Posted December 16, 2023 17 hours ago, doghog said: Are you talking about the current (post covid) CC HH that is at most bars from 5 to 7 PM fleetwide? For clarification my post you quoted I was talking about the latest news from the CC where they are bringing back the CC HH from 5 to 7PM two nights during the cruise in a lounge fleetwide (name of lounge will be ship specific) like it was pre covid. Hello, I was talking about 'current' - or at least June this year. I was writing countering the statement "....with the exception of the first night of the cruise and the night of the senior offers gathering" as my experience in June was that the night of the senior officers' gathering was not an exception. Regards, Cublet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asctony Posted December 16, 2023 Author #43 Share Posted December 16, 2023 6 hours ago, the penguins said: Diamond + gives me 5 drinks per day: Elite+ unlimited specialty teas/coffee/hot chocolate (for me that averages 7 Lattes) and iced versions of the same. In addition on average 3 cans of water and 1 soda collected during Happy Hour and 1 juice collected from the Passport Bar on way to Dinner. My first point was to clarify your insistence that X should change to Royals system because it is better - maybe for you but not for us. Just in case you think that makes me a Cheerleader for X I along with many others fought/complained against X 's move to compulsory AI (now applies only to Suites) and the introduction of smoking in the Casinos (now dropped). We have cruised: Royal, Celebrity, HAL, Princess, Cunard and Hurtigruten plus 2 River cruises. Incidentally for us (we never cruise for less than 12 days) X's 240 minutes of premium WiFi is far better and more flexible than Royals 2 days. We also get 2 free bags of laundry each. It's all about choice . Yes, choice. You have yours. I have mine. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torfamm Posted December 17, 2023 #44 Share Posted December 17, 2023 On 12/15/2023 at 5:12 PM, DaKahuna said: I did not read it that way -- sorry. That is correct. Although I do not mind change, that is one thing I wish that had not changed. I liked the old Elite gathering. I would go up and grab a couple of glasses of wine while the DW was getting ready for dinner. I’m one of the people who thought the change was a huge improvement. I appreciate having choices, being able to enjoy sitting outdoors, be with traveling companions who are not elite, listen to music in the venue I pick, or even stay out by the pool all make me happier than an assigned location, especially when traveling with friends. Hopefully the new plan will appeal to everyone. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-Airbalancer Posted December 17, 2023 #45 Share Posted December 17, 2023 2 minutes ago, Torfamm said: I’m one of the people who thought the change was a huge improvement. I appreciate having choices, being able to enjoy sitting outdoors, be with traveling companions who are not elite, listen to music in the venue I pick, or even stay out by the pool all make me happier than an assigned location, especially when traveling with friends. Hopefully the new plan will appeal to everyone. HH at the Sunset Bar is fantastic 😁 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dleahy4444 Posted December 17, 2023 #46 Share Posted December 17, 2023 2 hours ago, Ex-Airbalancer said: HH at the Sunset Bar is fantastic 😁 Does anyone know if any bars are excluded from the Elite HH, where you can get certain drinks off a specific menu? I’m reading this as if you can go to the sunset bar for those HH drinks. I love that bar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHIP TRAVELER Posted December 17, 2023 #47 Share Posted December 17, 2023 Since I think the OP is wanting discussion about the availability of "free" drinks without the downgraded AI package, I wanted to add that sometimes complimentary drinks are available to player in the Casino regardless of CC status or Blue Chip Status. We found this helpful for an after the show night cap the last time we sailed without a drink package. This hit a sweet spot because we don't usually drink alcohol at the morning Coffee House event or before 5:00 PM most days but we like a drink later in the evening before or after the show. A vote for El Bacio, the coffee there is hotter and better than at the Coffee House event if you are E+.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-Airbalancer Posted December 17, 2023 #48 Share Posted December 17, 2023 20 minutes ago, dleahy4444 said: Does anyone know if any bars are excluded from the Elite HH, where you can get certain drinks off a specific menu? I’m reading this as if you can go to the sunset bar for those HH drinks. I love that bar! it was that way before the shut down and since the restart we always had a package I believe it is any bar except for Martini bar and MDR , HH during a blackout in the Red Sea , looking for pirates 😁 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaKahuna Posted December 17, 2023 #49 Share Posted December 17, 2023 1 hour ago, dleahy4444 said: Does anyone know if any bars are excluded from the Elite HH, where you can get certain drinks off a specific menu? I’m reading this as if you can go to the sunset bar for those HH drinks. I love that bar! The Elite Happy Hour drinks are not available at the World Class bar and some have reported not being able to get them from time to time at the Martini Bar. The Elite Happy Hour drinks are available at the sunset bar. 3 hours ago, Torfamm said: I’m one of the people who thought the change was a huge improvement. I appreciate having choices, being able to enjoy sitting outdoors, be with traveling companions who are not elite, listen to music in the venue I pick, or even stay out by the pool all make me happier than an assigned location, especially when traveling with friends. Hopefully the new plan will appeal to everyone. The Elite Happy Hour in the Sky View lounge was only for two hours. Also 5 - 7 PM was the time my wife was usually getting ready for dinner, we try to eat around 6:30 pm, so I would get ready, go up and have a couple of glasses of wine and then go pick my DW up and proceed to dinner. We have not sailed on Celebrity since they put the latest change in place, where there is a specific location for the Elite Happy Hour a few times on a cruise. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upwarduk Posted December 17, 2023 #50 Share Posted December 17, 2023 3 hours ago, Ex-Airbalancer said: believe it is any bar except for Martini bar and MDR , World Class bar as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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