jewopaho

We've been sailing out of Galveston ever since Radiance ... and Captain James has always somehow managed to work his way to the helm of every ship. We'll be on Harmony in March, and look forward to renewing our friendship with this terrific commander.

We're fortunate to be D+, and take advantage of the BOGO perk ... supposedly for the first two nights only, but they've always made accommodations for us if we have a conflict with, for example, a show reservation. What we're doing now is booking reservations in advance using our OBC when checking in online, taking advantage of the discounted prices. Once aboard, we use the BOGO benefit, so all our dinners end up complimentary. It's also great for the waitstaff, since we tip very generously ... again using our OBC. Such a deal!!!

Also understand that the two lines do not offer perk-for-perk amenities. For example, we're D+ on Royal, Elite On Celebrity. Ironically, the C&A benefits are far greater than those with Captain's Club. We get two days of Internet service on Royal, only ninety minutes on Celebrity. The types of complimentary drinks are virtually unlimited (five per day) on RCI, but only basic cocktails are available on Celebrity ... and for just two hours daily. There's no free photo on X and no Diamond Club-type hangout, although Celebrity will now make a specific bar available for Captain's Club members, but only for a couple of days per cruise. If there are similar itineraries offered by both lines, we choose Royal every time, largely for the perks.

An absolutely incredible experience. In addition to the wondrous fjords, Norwegians and Danes are fabulous people. Just about everyone speaks English, and are anxious to ensure that you enjoy your visit. One caveat, though ... stay out of the bicycle lanes (they're pretty wide, since everyone owns a bike). Riders won't slow down or stop, but are adept at working around you. Congratulations on a terrific choice.

We were on the Celebrity Beyond out of FLL, and TNF was shown on ESPN2 along with the "traditonal" games.

For the umpteenth time, this thread has demonstrated in spades that food is a highly personal matter. Multiply that by the number of ships in the fleet, and we must come to the conclusion that nothing here will change. We've cruised Royal/Celebrity dozens of times, and have had varying experiences. Our December Allure sailing was excellent in all respects, while the food on our February Beyond trip was disappointing. We're booked on the Harmony in March and the Edge in September. We plan to eat on both cruises.

We've never had an issue booking our two BOGO's, although we did have to move one to another night on a single occasion (we've used it at least a dozen times) ... not a big deal. One staff member told me that the number of full-price reservations precludes the BOGO's. Night two is generally the busiest, especially at Chops. Whatever ... it's worth it, no matter what.

All bets (and perks) are generally off on holiday "specials". You've got a better shot talking to your Diamond Concierge than any F&B people or Guest Services personnel. Best of luck. Let us know how you fare.

Chops is now $65, and has been for a while. We're D+ and take advantage of the BOGO perk. Otherwise, we wouldn't dine there. $100pp is considerably overpriced (as is the "normal" upcharge). So are all aspects of a holiday cruise, for that matter. But ye pays yer money and ye takes yers cherce, so enjoy!