What has changed?

[1Virgo]

On 3/10/2024 at 12:05 PM, Lastdance said:

I had a call from Celebrity stating that all loungers were being removed from balconies, both cabins and suites for safety reasons, so hope that is not important to you.  

all loungers being removed!!!    the chairs are *#*#& uncomfortable without a footstool which we hear are gone. But loungers too. ?

[Lastdance]

14 hours ago, 1Virgo said:

all loungers being removed!!!    the chairs are *#*#& uncomfortable without a footstool which we hear are gone. But loungers too. ?

 

[dabear]

Nice to see you back. Apart from multiple cancelations due to covid, we've also been cruising  on other lines with more upscale, smaller ships, great food & service. While we often are itinerary driven, we're planning an end of summer European cruise on an X S class ship . E class ships have too many negatives for our taste. Reading recent posts has reduced my expectations sadly.

 

[Lois R]

On 3/12/2024 at 5:41 PM, vickykay said:

Hi Lois,

 

Where have you been? Always enjoyed your live from reviews.  Please let us know on this thread when you do a live from a other line.

 We were on the Eclipse last May, Hawaii and back to Vancouver.  Had a wonderful time!

Hi Vicky,😃 I just realized I never replied to you. I have been around.....I have been sailing SIlversea for the last several years. 

Not sure I will be doing a live from while I am on Eclipse or not.......I leave 2 weeks from tomorrow.

[Lois R]

I do have a question about tipping......I paid my tips up front when I made final payment.........is more $$ expected these days on top of that? Not trying to bring up a touchy subject truly. Just wondering. 

[markeb]

32 minutes ago, Lois R said:

I do have a question about tipping......I paid my tips up front when I made final payment.........is more $$ expected these days on top of that? Not trying to bring up a touchy subject truly. Just wondering. 

 

It's a touchy subject...

 

I'd say no. Not expected. More correct to say appreciated. Probably not unusual but by no means universal. And I won't WAG at an amount as people on the board have been all over the place on that. If you feel someone has really done something special for you or been outstanding, then a little extra (however you define that) is fine.

Edited May 10 by markeb

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Since you have  pre paid your tip ,no more is expected 😁

[Oceangoer2]

15 hours ago, Lois R said:

I do have a question about tipping......I paid my tips up front when I made final payment.........is more $$ expected these days on top of that? Not trying to bring up a touchy subject truly. Just wondering. 

Up to you...since the gratuity is spread among 'other' staff, we give a little more to our room attendant, specialty restaurant servers if service warrants, and room service.  From experience it's not expected but truly appreciated. 

[Lois R]

Well, I can see how the replies have varied.......I guess I should have not been too surprised😁

I will bring some extra $$$ for anything I think would be warranted.

 

Thanks for the input.. 

[PTC DAWG]

Tip extra who you want as much as you want.  No one really cares.

 

 

[C 2 C]

Lois, nothing has changed.  Bring up a tip topic and the the responses will be the same.  It's just that the popcorn has become more expensive.

[Lois R]

10 minutes ago, C 2 C said:

Lois, nothing has changed.  Bring up a tip topic and the the responses will be the same.  It's just that the popcorn has become more expensive.

Hi Arno, good to see you again. Tell Joanne hi from me too. And yes, I can see what you mean. I probably shouldn't even have brought up the subject and I will use my own judgement. 

[Host Anne]

LOIS !!!!  How wonderful to see your name pop up again.  I'll be very anxious to hear how your cruise goes and what you think of Bermuda.  We're doing the same sailing in July.

 

I have no doubt that you'll have a wonderful cruise.  First, I know you are a positive, glass half-full kind of person. There have definitely been changes but like everything else in life today, much has changed after the pandemic.  You pay more for less and that applies to cruising as well. But I've always said it's about expectations. After reading through this thread, I think your expectations will be in good shape. I think you are in the best spot on the ship....a Sunset Sky Suite.  I could stay there for a week and be VERY happy!

 

Many of the things posted on this thread are true but as you know, food is subjective and I've been reading that the quality has been improving since a really low spot not long ago. Food isn't a determining factor for us. We had some terrific food years ago on some sailings. It's good to remember that every sailing and peoples opinions vary. 

 

We haven't sailed Celebrity in over a year but do have several other Celebrity cruises booked.  We have been on multiple lines since cruising returned to service back in 2021.  Our favorite (by far) is Windstar.  We've sailed with them twice and both times were outstanding and are sailing Queen Anne in August to the Norwegian Fjords.  I think we all know things have changed and have to determine how much the changes bother us personally if continuing to cruise.

 

What I don't care for is when there are nasty posts here on Cruise Critic.  Apologies that your first post back in awhile here on Celebrity had some less than pleasant responses.

 

As for everyone else, there will be no additional discussion on tipping in this thread. I think Lois has gotten sufficient responses.

 

Wishing you a wonderful cruise, Lois.  Thanks for coming back to the Celebrity board.

[Lois R]

Hi Anne🙂 First, Happy Mothers Day! Hope you have a great one and that the family is doing well.

I looked at Windstar multiple times over the few years but never booked with them. Your post has given me reason to check them out again.

As for this upcoming sailing on Eclipse, I plan on having a relaxing week. I didn't book any tours at all.

Thanks for posting and really good to see you again.

Oh, I have been to Bermuda 3 or 4 previous times.

[Queen of Oakville]

Following

 

are the celebrity ships still mostly non-smoking?  I hope that hasn't changed, especially the casino.

 

has the entertainment gotten better or same?

 

 

[mahdnc]

17 minutes ago, Queen of Oakville said:

Following

 

are the celebrity ships still mostly non-smoking?  I hope that hasn't changed, especially the casino.

 

has the entertainment gotten better or same?

 

 

 

Here is the smoking policy that was issued during our Apr 20 Summit sailing.  It is largely unchanged from the past: