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Concerned and worried for lifetime holiday.


aaronandanna04
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Hi, I have recently booked our first ever cruise with celebrity X cruise, this will be on the Equinox in November, this will be for our honeymoon and is something that we are looking forward to and will be counting this as a holiday of a lifetime, with the obvious expense of a wedding prior to this we will be doing this on something of a budget but all looks good when considering the package and cruise plan. However I am a little concerned as the celebrity website is by far the worst I have ever had the misfortune to use where we can not see our account information such as bill and balance, what we have included in our package etc, this has been confirmed over the phone and via e-mail but with as little information as they can give, I have also been trying to find out what restaurants carry any additional charge as we do not want to have any surprise bills at the end, I spoke with the customer services, one of which was a very rude operator and all have given me different answers of where we can dine free as part of the package or where there will be an additional charge I therefore had to send another e-mail to confirm. The website offers no information or help and makes me worried that they do not have the information as I had to request the itinerary and travel information separately to confirm the booking and details, although it is early before out honeymoon we want to make sure we have it all ready and not hit with any surprises. Is there anybody who has been experiencing any similar problems or who can put our minds at rest? Is there information onboard that indicates this?

 

 

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Hi, I have recently booked our first ever cruise with celebrity X cruise, this will be on the Equinox in November, this will be for our honeymoon and is something that we are looking forward to and will be counting this as a holiday of a lifetime, with the obvious expense of a wedding prior to this we will be doing this on something of a budget but all looks good when considering the package and cruise plan. However I am a little concerned as the celebrity website is by far the worst I have ever had the misfortune to use where we can not see our account information such as bill and balance, what we have included in our package etc, this has been confirmed over the phone and via e-mail but with as little information as they can give, I have also been trying to find out what restaurants carry any additional charge as we do not want to have any surprise bills at the end, I spoke with the customer services, one of which was a very rude operator and all have given me different answers of where we can dine free as part of the package or where there will be an additional charge I therefore had to send another e-mail to confirm. The website offers no information or help and makes me worried that they do not have the information as I had to request the itinerary and travel information separately to confirm the booking and details, although it is early before out honeymoon we want to make sure we have it all ready and not hit with any surprises. Is there anybody who has been experiencing any similar problems or who can put our minds at rest? Is there information onboard that indicates this?

 

 

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Currently there are multiple threads on Cruise Critic about the myriad of problems with the new site. Try this link to the old website, which still works and offers a lot more functionality than the new one does currently. http://www.celebritycruises.com/?celebrityWR=oldsite.

On the Equinox you can dine in the MDR, OVC (Buffet), Aqua Spa Café (in the Solarium), Mast Grill (near the pool serving hot dogs, hamburgers, etc.) You can eat in Murano ( French food $50 @person), Tuscan Grille (Italian Steakhouse $45 @person), Qsine (quirky presentations $45 @person) Silk Harvest (not sure of the price), Sushi on 5 (a la carte). The specialty coffees and teas are extra at Café al Baccio, but the pastries and desserts there are complimentary. Room service is also included with no additional charges except for late night. The items on the room service menu with charges listed involve an additional charge. The mini bar and bottle of water you will find in your cabin are NOT included. Water, coffee, tea, juices, iced tea are available at the buffet and are complimentary. They are also available in the MDR. Often, once aboard, there are discounts offered for the specialty restaurants. Don't be shy about making an offer, we've been pleasantly surprised sometimes. There is usually a greater discount available on the first evening of the cruise and if you are not too picky about your dining time. Enjoy your honeymoon.

Edited by Luvcrusn
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I started sailing when most of the online information didn't exist.

 

Never had a problem with unexpected charges, it was, and still is, made abundantly clear what attracts charges and what doesn't.

 

And if, once on board, you are still not certain, .... ask.... yet to see anyone abused on a ship for asking.

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Welcome to Cruise Critic and Celebrity. And congratulations! You came to the right place for info. Also, you should join your roll call for more info and to get to know your fellow cruisers.

 

Pay restaurants on Equinox are Tuscan Grille, Murano, Silk Harvest, Qsine, Sushi on Five. No fee restaurants are Oceanview (buffet)' Mast Grille (burgers and hot dogs), Main dining room (don't remember the name), and Aqua Spa Cafe. Luminae is for suites. Blu is for Aqua class. What "package" are you referring to? If you purchased a dining pkg you can go to any of the added fee restaurants without any additional charge.

 

Inconsistent info from operators and crappy websites are a hallmark of X land service. Don't let that discourage you, though. Service onboard is night and day better than their land service. Once you've taken your first cruise with X you will be a Captain's Club member. Use them for any info from then on. Much more helpful than the avg customer service rep.

 

You'll love the Equinox.

 

 

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Aaron - first off, have no fear. You will receive more replies to your questions and concerns on this thread that you ever thought possible - LOL!. Yes. The X (Celebrity) website sucks - it is their biggest Achilles heel. Additionally, their customer service center is hit and miss. Sometimes you get a good, knowledgeable person and sometimes you get a "clunker" (who has no idea what the hell they are talking about and just says whatever comes into their mind). So, you have come to the right place. Luvcrusn has given you all the info for your dining options (OVC is Oceanview Cafe, the buffet, btw). X also offers dining packages to book beforehand but I think most will agree that if you wait until you get onboard you will get last minute deals on all of them and save a lot of money (weddings can be brutally expensive). Tell them (X), tell them, and tell them AGAIN (via phone) that this is your honeymoon. They will do something special (usually) but remember you are one of 2000 people on the ship and it's easy to get lost in the shuffle.

 

MOST IMPORTANT - have a good time. If you overhear people complaining about this and that - IGNORE THEM! It's your honeymoon - don't let anyone spoil it. Enjoy every second and tell all your servers that you are on your honeymoon. Everyone on the staff wants to make your vacation special, and if they know this is a VERY special vacation they will usually go out of their way to recognize it.

 

Have an amazing time! If you have any questions, hit me back - I'm happy to help. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH!

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Enjoy your honeymoon and trip. You will have a wonderful cruise. You can usually get a discount at the speciality restaurants by asking ( ie 25%) but we enjoy the MDR so no need really to go elsewhere. If you have a beverage package, coffees at the Cafe Bacio are included. Enjoy!

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Congratulations..

Equinox is a great ship. Good choice for your honeymoon.

 

We dine in BLU as part of Aquaclass but also enjoy extra pay venues Tuscan Grille and Silk Harvest. For a very special meal you can book Murano. We do not eat sushi but I believe there's an a la carte sushi on 5.. Some pre- buy dining packages or book indiv dining ahead on the website, but you can also wait til you board and look at the venues and menus. & bargain for a good price.

 

It is sad that the website does give a terrible impression esp now. It will be sorted out before your cruise so I 'd give it time.

 

As for phoning cruise planning dept if you booked direct with X, keep trying until u get someone who can give you answers and is not rude.

 

You can also switch over to a trvl agent who may be able to help you.

 

Take all paperwork and confirmations on board...just in case. And most of all have a great cruise!

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First off - congratulations! You will love your cruise honeymoon, as we did 10 years ago.

 

Can I make a suggestion? Get a cruise travel agent. I can recommend mine, as can many people on these boards. They can help calm all your worries and answer all your questions.

 

We're also here to answer all the questions you may have. I haven't cruised with Celebrity in a few years and was shocked to try and navigate the new site. But don't let it get you down. Once you're on board, as others have said, it will be very clear what has a charge and what doesn't. If you're confused about anything, ask.

 

Most importantly, as others have said, relax and have fun!!

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Many people cruise, spend little or no extra, and have a great time, so don't worry. I'm not sure what cruise package you have, many include a beverage package and/or free gratuities, but if you don't have that you will pay for alcoholic drinks and sodas and fancy coffees, and each of you will have a daily gratuity charge added to your account (I think that is about $12 pp, per day but might be a little off, this covers dining room and buffet staff as well as your cabin stewards.) Optional charges include gift shop purchases, shore excursions, gambling, spa services, bingo, specialty restaurants, and art auctions. All of these will be clearly marked with prices in the Celebrity Today daily program. But you can avoid these and have a minimal bill at the end of your cruise, so don't worry.

 

Come here, to these boards , with any questions, and you will get lots of accurate information . Much more productive than dealing with the website or customer service. And luckily, the service once onboard is much superior to what you are seeing now!

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Aaron and Anna ~ congratulations on your upcoming marriage, honeymoon and cruise. I can't think of a better way to start your lifetime adventure together.

 

As others have mentioned, you can get nearly all your questions answered here on Cruise Critic. We have many members who have sailed all of the S-class ships who love to share their experiences. Feel free to ask any questions that you'd like.

 

I, too, was going to recommend transferring your reservation to a travel agent if you booked directly with Celebrity. Travel agents are usually very knowledgeable and responsive to questions.

 

It sounds as if you booked directly with Celebrity. They should have sent you a detailed confirmation that outlines what is covered with your cruise fare, if you received any perks that were available when you booked (such as a complimentary drink package). For example, if you booked now, you would get two free perks. If you didn't get any free perks, I'd recommend cancelling and rebooking since you are well before final payment. The perks can save you quite a bit of money on board. The current perks are a complimentary drink package, pre-paid gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi or $150 per person onboard credit. If you received perks, they should be detailed on your confirmation.

 

I do check my onboard account every other day (you can do it on the TV in your cabin) to ensure all the charges on my account are correct. It's rare that I've had a problem with any surprise charges on our account.

 

Again, congratulations ... you don't have anything to be concerned about. I think you'll be able to get most of your questions answered here.

 

Oh...and I don't know if anyone already mentioned this but most room service items are free of charge as well.

 

ENJOY planning...it's half the fun!

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I don't know how you booked your cruise but there are promos that include two perks. One is for the classic drink pack that you can get plastered on with what they consider low end drinks or for and additional $11.80 pp/day you get the premium drinks and you can upgrade on board. The other perks you can choose is $150 pp ship board credit that can be used to pay your gratuities, prepaid gratuities, or unlimited internet.

 

 

For 7 days it is smart to get the ship board credit, and drink pack unless you don't drink.

 

 

There are the auto gratuities that range from $13.50/ day pp to I think $15 if you have a suite.

 

 

If you have a suite everything is basically covered. You get the premium drink pack, gratuities, shipboard credit and unlimited internet included in your fare.

 

 

Tours are extra. Alcohol and soft drinks along with the coffee in the special Coffee shop are extra unless you have the drink pack. Casino, cheap crap bought in the shops, bingo, photos, and it goes on and on. There are many opportunities to spend more. It depends on you. You aren't forced to purchase anything and you can have a great time on the basic cruise fare.

 

 

Basically If you have to sign for something you will be charged. There are some exceptions like if you have a drink pack and get water getting off the ship.

 

 

To a long and loving marriage, congratulations 🎉🎊💌

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If for some reason you do not have a beverage package included in your cruise fare, unless you consume a lot of alcohol, soft drinks, specialty coffees, etc., you really don't need one. If it is part of your total cruise fare, bar servers will be sure to inform you of what is included in your package and what will be an extra charge.

 

With a package, wine is served by the glass but you can have as many glasses as you want. If you don't have a package, buying wine by the bottle can be a good deal. You do not need to finish the bottle at one meal, the server will save it for another time. If you are sharing a table with others, don't worry about giving your table mates any of your wine, everyone knows that it's just for the two of you.

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Also remember that there is plenty of good food available without having to go to the extra-charge specialty restaurants. (We almost never do.) The main dining room (often referred to here as the MDR) is excellent, and so is the buffet (the Oceanview Cafe).

 

In the dining room, you can ask to be seated alone or with other people, so don't be shy if you want to avoid a big table of strangers. If you have what is called select dining, you can eat whenever you want in the main dining room, just by showing up, or make reservations ahead of time for any time you choose. Otherwise, you will be assigned to eat either at 6 or at 8:30 every night. My choice is select, but others prefer the set dining times. It's up to you.

 

 

 

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Hi all, Thank you all for your advice and thank you for you're well well wishes for our upcoming wedding and honeymoon. Just to confirm we did book direct with celebrity as we found there was a massive saving and we also received the drinks package. The when it comes to dining my last email informed me that the only restaurants that had a additional charge was Tuscan Grill, Silk Harvest and Muranos, this was different to what I was verbally told but at least I have something in writing now. My main concern was that we would unknowingly be building a large bill that we would be given at the end of the trip, and that the website even when logged in under our own password there was very little account information this was made more worrying that I had to request confirmation of the booking that included travel dates and times. Thank you all again for your help and kind words, I do feel much better now only slightly worried that it all works out.

 

 

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Hi all, Thank you all for your advice and thank you for you're well well wishes for our upcoming wedding and honeymoon. Just to confirm we did book direct with celebrity as we found there was a massive saving and we also received the drinks package. The when it comes to dining my last email informed me that the only restaurants that had a additional charge was Tuscan Grill, Silk Harvest and Muranos, this was different to what I was verbally told but at least I have something in writing now. My main concern was that we would unknowingly be building a large bill that we would be given at the end of the trip, and that the website even when logged in under our own password there was very little account information this was made more worrying that I had to request confirmation of the booking that included travel dates and times. Thank you all again for your help and kind words, I do feel much better now only slightly worried that it all works out.

 

 

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Sushi on 5 is also extra, as are the specialty coffee/tea at Café al Baccio, unless you have a beverage package. You can check your account as often as you wish on your interactive cabin TV. We always do. It's very uncommon that there are any erroneous charges, but we check daily while things are fresh in our minds. Again, have a wonderful time!

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Try this link

 

Luvcrusn, thanks for including the link in your post. Been searching on the 'new' site over and over again for how to order flowers for my DW for her birthday cruise to no avail. So easy to find it on this old site.

 

Happy sailings.

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Luvcrusn, thanks for including the link in your post. Been searching on the 'new' site over and over again for how to order flowers for my DW for her birthday cruise to no avail. So easy to find it on this old site.

 

Happy sailings.

You're welcome! I'm glad it helped. You may want to bookmark it. I spoke with IT last week and they said it'll be usable at least to the end of June when they hope to have the new site working (previously they said the end of May.) I have it bookmarked and changed my browser setting to delete cookies and cache and not check for new versions of websites on IE and only access the old site on there. I access the new site to check if it's operational only on Edge or Chrome.
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FWIW, on our first cruise, we spent a total of around $60 on board; mainly "bargains" from the shops. No need to spend anything at all. But do remember that gratuities are added each day to your account, unless you've pre-paid them.

 

Stuart

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You will be given a slip to sign for things that cost extra, except gratuities. So you should know when a dinner, drink, spa, or item costs you extra. For the drink package, the slip will say 0, but allow you tip if you like. If in doubt, ask.

 

Enjoy your trip of lifetime :). Don't stress about it, it probably will have a bump or two, you are doing well to research to minimize the bumps. Remember there are things outside of anyone's control. The ship may miss ports, the weather may be bad, etc. Hope you have many many trips of a lifetime ahead of you. We jokingly call every trip - The Trip of a Lifetime so we know to appreciate every minute. If there is bump, we say that gives us reason to do over.

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[quote name='aaronandanna04;5319244

 

Just to confirm we did book direct with celebrity as we found there was a massive saving and we also received the drinks package.

 

 

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If you have booked in the last 60 days' date=' transfer to an online or discount TA and you should get further savings or onboard credit.

 

You didn't say which cabin type you booked but you should have two perks (not one), and the outside agent should give you either an additional discount or OBC. An outside agent may have a group rate or if not a standard discount would be 7-8% off of the Celebrity fare (before taxes and port fees or other non commissionable fees). The exception would be if you booked an interline rate.

 

 

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aaronandanna04:

 

As many have said here, you can transfer your booking to a TA as long as 60 days has not lapsed from the time you originally booked. This can often result in a "rebate" from the TA in the form of OBC, or sometimes even cash. It will not affect your booking in any way and not cost you anything. The only caveat is you must now deal with your TA if any "issues" arise in you booking.

 

Another point to remember is that you can change your booking anytime up to the date final payment is due, without penalty. This means if a better deal is offered before that time you can get that deal just by calling Celebrity (or your TA is you have one). A recent example is my July trip where I called Celebrity five days before final payment thinking I could save $100. When i was done, I netted $200 in fare savings and $450 more in OBC ($300 added perk and another $150 for some other reason). Celebrity reps are very helpsul in getting you the best deal available and it is worth it to price it out every now and then.

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A daily planner will be left in your cabin during the evening for the next day. Specialty restaurants which require a fee will be listed with their hours and something like $ or * fee applies. Same goes for certain charge events like a mixology or spinning class - it will state that a fee will apply.

 

Do ask the stateroom attendant to remove the contents of the mini-fridge and don't drink the Evian on the desk. Neither are free. If there's wine in the stateroom, do check with your attendant if it is complimentary before enjoying.

 

You can check your current charges on the stateroom tv or go to Guest Services to get a print out. It is worth checking every few days so you can take care of any erroneous charges before it becomes an issue. I also find that being aware of current charges keeps my spending in moderation, as I've overheard some cruisers lamenting about the surprisingly large bill at the end of the cruise. They must prefer the "out of sight, out of mind" approach.

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