Journey Drydock

[long_shot45]

Anyone have any information on Journey drydock?

[jumponboard]

Anyone have any information on Journey drydock?

 

I also am hungry for info. Hope that someone has info soon

[elktoncruiser]

I waiting for info to as I am booked on her in Sept

[pilewski]

with all the resources on these boards, it seems odd that nobody has seen or heard anything about the journey or quest. they realy are the best kept secrets ever discussed on these threads. i'm booked for early augist 2007 and none of my e-mails to celebrity have been answered regarding the rooms, size of the deck, or whether there will be a childrens' program on board. i know there are plenty of posters here who say no kids' programs on hjourney or quest, but i need to hear it from celebtiry. why have a cruise ship out of new york to a popular resort island during summer vacation without a kids' program. if no program, i bet there will be a lot of disappointed people; both parents with no time to relax and those with no kids having to deal with the unsupervised hoards. someone from celebrity, please let us know!!!

[Spender Nui]

Information on the Journey and Quest is hard to come by.

 

Spoke with the cruise consultant on a recent cruise and was told there would be no kids program. There would be casual dress and open dining. This seems to be the general consensus. That said, she was confused about the size of the cabins.

 

I've sailed on these ships and can state that they are not kid friendly. When they were built they were designed for adult only cruises. Kids were not allowed.

[jumponboard]

Does anyone know where the Journey modifications are taking place?

[gkm]

I've heard that there will be Freestyle dining, the dress will be country club casual and there will be no formal nights -- This information came from a TA.

 

We're booked on the Quest for her April 12 transatlantic. Is anyone else?

 

Garry

[Rev22:17]

Garry,

 

I've heard that there will be Freestyle dining, the dress will be country club casual and there will be no formal nights -- This information came from a TA.

 

Hate to break the news to you, but your travel agent was wrong with regard to at least one detail. MV Celebrity Journey cannot offer "Freestyle Dining" because "Freestyle Dining" is a Norwegian Cruise Line designation, undoubtedly protected as either a trade mark or a service mark.

 

According to Celebrity's press release, MV Celebrity Journey and MV Celebrity Quest will join MV Celebrity Xpedition to form the "Celebrity Expeditions" fleet. There will be several significant differences between the "Celebrity Cruises" product and the "Celebrity Expeditions" product. Among these differences:

 

>> 1. The dress code will be "casual" every evening aboard all three "Celebrity Expeditions" vessels.

 

>> 2. The main dining room will be "open seating" for dinner aboard all three "Celebrity Expeditions" vessels.

 

>> 3. The "Celebrity Expeditions" vessels will NOT have dedicated children's, youth, and teen centers.

 

>> 4. The "Celebrity Expeditions" vessels will NOT have shows as elaborate as those aboard the "Celebrity Cruises" vessels.

 

But unlike their smaller fleetmate, MV Celebrity Journey and MV Celebrity Quest will have many of Celebrity's "signature" elements including AquaSpa by Elemis, Michael's Club, Cova Cafe di Milano, Celebrity@Sea, a Martini Bar, and the new Boutique C. These ships also will have two specialty restaurants named Aqualina (apparently Italian) and Prime C (apparently a steak house).

 

Norm.

[gkm]

Well, maybe the Journey won't have freestyle dining, but the Quest does, or at least that's what it says on my booking confirmation statement. Maybe you'd like to explain to me what the difference is between Open Seating and Freestyle seating.

 

Garry

[RodPat]

Just off Infinity last week and picked up some paper on Journey and Quest.

 

Here are the room sizes

PS 603 sq. ft and there are 6 of them

RS 538 sq. ft and there are 4 of them

SS 323 sq. ft and there are 32 of them

Veranda

SV 215sq.ft and there are 10 of them

1A 215 sq.ft and there are 96 of them

2A 215 sq.ft and there are 91 of them

2A accessible 323 sq.ft and there are 2 of them

Oceanview

04 161 sq.ft and there are 36 of them

05 161 sq.ft and there are 16 of them

06 161 sq.ft and there are 4 of them

07 161 sq. ft and there are 18 of them

08 161 sq. ft and there are 12 of them

08 Accessible242 sq. ft and there are 2 of them

Inside

09 151 sq.ft and there are 8 of them

10 151 sq.ft and there are10 of them

11 151 sq. ft and there are 4 of them

12 151 sq.ft and there are 2 of them

12 Accessible 227 sq. ft and there are 2 of them.

 

It seems to be the same for both ships. Hope this helps.

Pat

[pilewski]

if celebrity intends to change the ways things are done on boad, then why would their website say the following:

Discover a comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experience aboard Celebrity’s enchanting new ship, Celebrity Journey. With slightly more than 700 guests, Celebrity Journey offers a traditional Celebrity cruise experience in a more intimate environment.

 

to me, a traditional cruise experience means casual, semi-formal and formal dining, all at a set time.

[mari10]

if celebrity intends to change the ways things are done on boad, then why would their website say the following:

Discover a comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experience aboard Celebrity’s enchanting new ship, Celebrity Journey. With slightly more than 700 guests, Celebrity Journey offers a traditional Celebrity cruise experience in a more intimate environment.

 

to me, a traditional cruise experience means casual, semi-formal and formal dining, all at a set time.

 

Hi,

Do you have the Celebrity 07/08 Expeditions brochure?

The brochure goes into detail as to what you should expect on a Journey, Quest or Xpedition ships.

If you are using a travel agent, that should also be your source for more in depth information.

There will not be traditional dining dining, nor casual, semi formal or formal dining at set times. Nor will there be dedicated children's play centers.

I have taken the course on Celebrity Expeditions, and know that this is the way it is going to be.

Mari

[LMKohler]

Just out of curiosity -- what "course" did you take;) Inquiring minds want to know. FYI, my travel agent told me we would find out more after Journey's first sailing. Then all questions would be answered, but until then and since Celebrity isn't confirming anything, it's up in the air. It's new and different, that much we do know.

 

Also, I'm sure "casual" dining and "freestyle" dining are basically one in the same, just a matter of semantics and feel certain that is what Garry meant:)

 

Lucy

[dkjretired]

Just out of curiosity -- what "course" did you take;) Inquiring minds want to know. FYI, my travel agent told me we would find out more after Journey's first sailing. Then all questions would be answered, but until then and since Celebrity isn't confirming anything, it's up in the air. It's new and different, that much we do know.

 

Also, I'm sure "casual" dining and "freestyle" dining are basically one in the same, just a matter of semantics and feel certain that is what Garry meant:)

 

Lucy

 

They are basically the same, just a matter of semantics. We often see people using the name of another cruise lines trademark products or items to refer to things Celebrity has on board. It just makes things easier for everyone. Most common would be the card used to charge things on board. Has many different names on various cruise lines.

 

All of these things about the dining have been announced by Celebrity several months ago. There will not be the formal, informal or casual dining and there will be no dedicated childrens spaces.

 

I think they may have an obligation to provide some type of childrens programs this summer since so many people booked thinking they were going on the Zenith and then had their bookings changed but thats just my opinion.

[Mr. Tucker]

Just reviewed the deck plans from the Celebrity site for this ship. It is a shame as it appears that they have removed some of the nicer areas that the R class ships were originally constructed with.

 

For example:

 

1. The beautiful library is gone and replaced with Michaels Club/Cigar Bar.

 

2. The lounge/martini bar by the casino with all the overstuffed chairs is gone and replaced with a larger casino. The present casino, albeit a little small, certainly was capable of serving the much smaller number of passengers and is frequently empty.

 

3. The casual quiet lounge outside the dining room has been replaced with a Martini Bar. This undoubtedly will add to the noise level in the dining room as they are not separated by full height walls.

 

4. The nice open area with comfortable seating at the top of the grand staircase has been replaced with the cova cafe with no seating.

 

5. The main reception area which was once spacious with overstuffed chairs has been made smaller with the addition of a boutique store. The grand staircase will probably not look so grand anymore.

 

6. The card/games room has been removed and the spa has been expanded into that area with an acupunture room. They now have absolutely no facilities for people to play bridge or other table games other than going to the buffet dining area.

 

I think the biggest losses are the library, card room and the original martini bar. Large open public spaces have been replaced with money making venues which, in my opinion, is not necessary for this small population ship as there are many areas that currently go unused most of the day. There is also a clear absence of any childrens facility.

 

To me, a big fan of the R class ships, this is truly a very dissapointing move on the part of Celebrity to destroy some of the beautiful ambience that was originally a design feature and selling factor of these ships. It appears the almighty bottom line dollar has taken over the management of this ship. Unfortunate for the future passengers that they are not going to see this ship in what was its true glory.

[Spender Nui]

Just off Infinity last week and picked up some paper on Journey and Quest.

 

Here are the room sizes

PS 603 sq. ft and there are 6 of them

RS 538 sq. ft and there are 4 of them

SS 323 sq. ft and there are 32 of them

Veranda

SV 215sq.ft and there are 10 of them

1A 215 sq.ft and there are 96 of them

2A 215 sq.ft and there are 91 of them

2A accessible 323 sq.ft and there are 2 of them

Oceanview

04 161 sq.ft and there are 36 of them

05 161 sq.ft and there are 16 of them

06 161 sq.ft and there are 4 of them

07 161 sq. ft and there are 18 of them

08 161 sq. ft and there are 12 of them

08 Accessible242 sq. ft and there are 2 of them

Inside

09 151 sq.ft and there are 8 of them

10 151 sq.ft and there are10 of them

11 151 sq. ft and there are 4 of them

12 151 sq.ft and there are 2 of them

12 Accessible 227 sq. ft and there are 2 of them.

 

It seems to be the same for both ships. Hope this helps.

Pat

 

 

It should be noted that square footage includes balcony area where applicable.

[kelmac]

Since there will be open seating and casual dress, this must require everyone to do "automatic" tipping charged to their onboard account?

 

Anyone have answers to these questions?

 

--where is the Journey being dry docked?

--will a visit to the alternative restaurants require an additional fee?

--if you find a table/waiter/time you like, can you request it each night?

--how will the entertainment differ?

--has the new crew already joined the Journey?

 

With the first Journey cruise leaving in 17 days, you would think Celebrity would release some additional info.

 

:) Kel

[dabear]

I think I can answer a few of your questions.X indicates there will be an xtra fee for specialty restaurants. Following is based upon our xperience on Regatta which x is trying to copy. You should be able to reqest the same waiter if you are willin g to get there early or willing to wait. Entertainment is similiar but sized down (eg no "big" production shows.

[Charles4515]

Just reviewed the deck plans from the Celebrity site for this ship. It is a shame as it appears that they have removed some of the nicer areas that the R class ships were originally constructed with.

 

For example:

 

1. The beautiful library is gone and replaced with Michaels Club/Cigar Bar.

 

 

Michaels Club has been turned into a Piano Bar on the Celebrity ships I have been on the last few years so I would guess it will be piano bar on Journey. I might add a mostly empty piano bar on the sailings I have been on.

[mari10]

Just out of curiosity -- what "course" did you take;) Inquiring minds want to know. FYI, my travel agent told me we would find out more after Journey's first sailing. Then all questions would be answered, but until then and since Celebrity isn't confirming anything, it's up in the air. It's new and different, that much we do know.

Lucy

 

Hi Lucy,

I took a TA online course from Celebrity. Everyone that passed received tee shirts that say"Celebrity Special Agent Expeditions" They'll be great for working out.

Mari:)

[bbcstt]

my cuz in Franklin will extend my gratitude.

[alohavictoria]

I just pulled up the deck plans on X's site tonight. If you try to pull them up by selecting a room, it doesn't work, but if select a particular cruise and select the details button, the deck plans come up

[bob278]

It should be noted that square footage includes balcony area where applicable.

I truly hope you are incorrect. When I go to the Celebrity website, pick "plan a cruise/ships/quest/deckplans" and select one of the SVs, it says the stateroom area is 215 sq ft and the balcony area is 54 (same for all the veranda cabins). I'd hate to think one of their premium cabins is only 161 sq ft, but that seems to be the size of the ocean views and most of the interiors. I'm holding on to the idea that stateroom area does not include the balcony. Time will tell.

[Rev22:17]

Garry,

 

Well, maybe the Journey won't have freestyle dining, but the Quest does, or at least that's what it says on my booking confirmation statement. Maybe you'd like to explain to me what the difference is between Open Seating and Freestyle seating.

 

I think that I did. It's a question of legal entity called a "trade mark" or "service mark" that companies use to gain exclusive rights to names of brands, products, or services. For example, anybody can manufacture "in-line skates" but you can't call them "Roller Blades" because "Roller Blade" is a trade mark of another manufacturer. In the same way, Norwegian Cruise Line has exclusive right to the terms "Freestyle Cruising" and "Freestyle Dining" but any cruise line can have a dining room that offers open seating.

 

Splitting hairs, though, it appears that there are at least a couple differences. In Norwegian Cruise Line's "Freestyle Dining" concept, there are many restaurants with fixed menus aboard the ship and any passenger can go to any restaurant any time, as often as he or she wishes, at any time during the cruise. IOW, the ship's restaurants operate completely like restaurants ashore. So far, Celebrity has indicated that MV Celebrity Journey and MV Celebrity Quest will have a main dining room, a buffet area (which might not always operate as a buffet), and two specialty restaruants that apparently will require reservations.

 

Norm.

[LMKohler]

Again, I think you are "splitting" hairs and it isn't necessary. "Casual" dining or "freesyle" equals one in the same or very close. We'll have to see what the exact dining options are when we are on board or when the first Journey cruise returns.

 

Also, I agree with Bob -- the way I read the deck plans for Quest, the square footage for the SV cabins did not include the balcony, in fact, they have the square footage separated between the two.

 

Mari -- I had no idea there was such a course - what fun and I'm sure you got a lot of information:) Thanks for letting me know;)

 

In any event, we are very excited about these new smaller ships and they should provide us with a unique experience.

 

Lucy