KW Cruisers

We have always sailed in Aqua class and have only eaten in the MDR once throughout our past three Celebrity cruises. We enjoy BLU and the specialty restaurants (we usually book a package of 5 for our cruises). We have now booked an RS and a CS for our next two cruises. We are really looking forward to Michael's and the new suite dining room! At first we loved Aqua class for the Spa and the Turkish Bath, so much so that we had one built in our home; we now don't feel the need to go to the Spa, so larger suites win out over Aqua class.

I don't know why the topic of this thread is an issue - if you want the perks of a suite, then book a suite. It's that simple. If you don't want to pay for a CS or above, then don't complain about what they are being offered. Many people can't afford to go on cruises at all, never mind booking into a suite class. We should all be thankful for what our situations allow us. I'd love to try a top suite on Crystal, yet that likely won't happen-- but I don't begrudge those who can afford it.

Shawn

Quick question - which nights were the formal ones?

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We were on this exact same July 4th 10 night cruise. I believe the formal nights were on the 2nd night (or was it possibly the 3rd night???) and the 2nd last night of the cruise.

Shawn

Not really a matter of opinion, it's Celebrity's dress code which is Smart Casual. IF he'd have switched the shorts for pants, he'd have been following the dress code

If you follow the bare minimum of the dress code, there in lies the difference. I would never go to many of our Toronto fine dining restaurants wearing sandals and a polo shirt. There is a difference.

It's true I can't argue it though. People will still try to only meet the bare minimum...he however, was not even doing that.

In short, Celebrity should enforce their established codes in order to maintain a fine dining atmosphere (especially in Murano etc.).

Shawn

Interesting. Very surprised they let him in wearing shorts. Nothing wrong with the sandals and polo though

In a fine dining restaurant? That's a matter of opinion.

Shawn

Was it the first night of the cruise by any chance? I avoided shorts in Tuscan Grill by about 2 minutes as my luggage hadn't been delivered yet

NOPE. Second last formal night onboard. Guess he didn't want to dress up in the MDR, so figured he come to Murano.

Shawn

We just came off of the Reflection (Eastern Mediterranean) last week. We love dining in the specialty restaurants or BLU (never eat in the MDR). We were SHOCKED to have another man seated next to us in Murano (fine dining venue) in shorts, sandals and a polo shirt. This should not be allowed. I think it's wrong for Celebrity to allow him in the restaurant, and for the man to even try to go in. Go somewhere else if you don't want to respect what a dress code "should be" in a fine dining restaurant. If I was him, or his partner--I would be embarrassed beyond belief to dine there in that attire.

This might sound harsh--but the word "trashy" might be warranted.

Shawn

What exactly are the Persian Gardens on the Summit? I know that they are 'inside' and there is no ocean view.

 

TIA.

You also have a dry sauna and a Turkish Bath. We loved the Turkish Bath so much that we had a steam room built into our house! Now that we have this at home, we don't feel the need to go the Persian Garden as often when onboard...Try it out though, it's great!

Shawn

I just returned from a 10 night mediterranean cruise on Reflection...Michael's was often occupied by suite guests. I also remember it being quite empty prior to this new suite program. I applaud Celebrity for the new perks for suite guests. The bottom line is, if you want the perks, book a higher end suite (just as if you want perks on a flight, you usually need to book something beyond economy class).

The only reason I use a t/a is for more OBC and that is an online agent not a full service agent. If you feel comfortable and have the knowledge to do it yourself you do not need a travel agent. It is easier to deal with the cruise line directly. I used a full service t/a once and would never do it again.

I completely agree! We used to use a TA, but now we book directly with X. I much prefer being able to control my booking myself. Before I would call X, and they would tell me to contact my TA--of course it was always a weekend, or my TA was out of the office for a few days. It also bugged me that I was calling my TA to inform them of price drops in our categories etc. MUCH easier to do it yourself directly with X.

Having a TA was helpful when we were "cruising virgins", but totally unnecessary now, IMHO.

Shawn

I've never been impressed by the selection (or lack there) of sushi on board. I don't like the fact that it's only available at certain times of the day in the buffet (we rarely even go to the buffet). I would love to see a good sushi restaurant on each ship (including sashimi which is a must for any sushi restaurant). I'm surprised that X doesn't offer a better option on all ships considering they are known to cater to "foodies".

I guess I'll just have to settle for quality sushi back home...

Shawn

We have played with the idea of trying a Haven Suite on NCL Breakaway. I actually booked one for next year, but decided to cancel it and book a Royal Suite on X. We LOVE X and are afraid to try something different.

The idea of these large boats with rock climbing walls and water slides doesn't appeal to us at all (we also think this would attract many more young families with young children--not that I dislike children...I just prefer fewer when I'm on vacation). I noticed that many of NCL's cabins accommodate 3 - 4 guests...the majority on X seem to be a maximum on 2.

The smoking policy on NCL is also a con for us...I'm never around 2nd hand at work, home or public places here...why would I want to be breathing it in on vacation??? I'm sure a stricter policy will come eventually to NCL...it is happening everywhere (thank goodness).

Maybe I'm "missing the boat" with NCL...but if we enjoy X so much, why mess with a good thing??

Shawn

I agree...I was using Safari and receiving the dreaded message...then I tried opening the page with Chrome, and it worked. Give it a try if you encounter issues and don't want to clear the cache of your "go to" browser.

Shawn

I have ordered luggage tags twice on the website for past cruises...I have never received any of them (still waiting for my July cruise tags). Maybe it's just me...

Don't hold your breath if you do order some.

Shawn

I assume they are worth turning up to for the free bubbly or is that sub par as well

You can get "bubbly" somewhere else on the ship without having to listen to the incessant ramblings of the auctioneers...I find it to be more like a game show than an art auction...but I guess handing out free sparkling wine to the passengers makes it easier to swindle them into buying something...

Just my two cents on these auctions. ;)

This being said, I will still go and check out the art pre-auction on my next cruise.

Shawn

WE LOVE ART!! We have a great collection at home...too bad most of the art on the ship is sub-par. The auctions on board are conducted NOTHING like a real art auction. If their art was better and more diverse, we would support the auctions. Unfortunately, they are appealing to the masses...

Shawn

Can anyone tell me what the specialty restaurants are on the Connie?

Think I only see Tuscan for dinner? Is this the only choice?

In addition to Tuscan Grille (Italian Steak House),there is also Ocean Liners (fine dining), BLU (Aqua class & suites if space permits) and Bistro on 5 (crêperie).

Check out this link:

http://www.celebritycruises.com/onboard-celebrity/cruise-restaurants

Shawn

We aren't really into staying up until 2 AM drinking but at the same time, I'd hate to find out that everything is closed by 10 PM every night. We have never been on any other cruise line than RCCL so we are used to being able to go to the Schooner Bar or Boleros at anytime during the evening and hearing some great music. I am mostly concerned about food - I really appreciate the help!

The food on X is wonderful (we are definite foodies who love to dress-up for dinner). I have yet to have a bad dining experience - that being said, we have only dined in the MDR once. We prefer BLU or the specialty restaurants.

The ship-wide casual environment of NCL is a bit of a turn-off for us. We prefer a little more style and sophistication. - I don't mean for that to sound "snobby" at all--it's just the environment that we prefer - X delivers that more than NCL.

We are in our late 30's and mid 40's--we always find something to do on X. There are always things planned for late in the evening. I usually plan to go to the DJ parties that are scheduled after 11:30 PM, but I'm usually tired from the day...however, there are things planned for those who wish to stay up late!

I also debated between NCL (Haven) and X -- X won out. I find the atmosphere of X to be more suited to us (two professionals). We don't want to be on a "party boat", and we don't complain when the # of children is lower (as it is on X). You'll notice that much of the staterooms on X have max occupancy of 2 - NCL is quite the opposite (they cater to families much more).

Hope that helps - Enjoy your cruise!

Shawn

 

Check-In process: Grade - A

 

Finally, after security, there were Celebrity representatives to look at our Xpress passes, and who directed us to the suite check-in. We walked right up and were taken care of efficiently. Rose, the Captain's Club hostess, then escorted us directly to the ship and brought us to Michael's Club, the private lounge for guests in Celebrity, Royal, and Penthouse suites, as well as guests who are Zenith in Captain's Club. Samantha, the Michael's Club concierge, was there to greet us and invited us to partake of the appetizers and beverages that were available.

 

Michael's Club Lounge: Grade A +++

 

Open bar. Need I say more? A happy ending to the security process, and good beginning to the cruise, which was excellent.

I'm very happy to hear this! We have booked a Royal Suite on the Constellation for next year (March/15), too bad it's a month before the whole "suite program" with the added benefits goes into effect :-(

We are really looking forward to it!

I have one additional question, that I would love to hear opinions on:

Since we will be in a RS (that comes with a bar set up I believe), and have access to Michael's (where drinks are complimentary)- Is it worth it selecting the drink package on 123 GO?

Cheers,

Shawn

People who are unhappy and want to complain, will definitely make an effort to have their voice heard. Those who had a wonderful time, are relaxed and less likely to post anything...

Just like at work...it always seems we hear more bad stuff, but I'm convinced that the good stuff would far outweigh it, it just isn't expressed :-)

My two cents...

Hello,

We rented one of the cabanas on our last Reflection Cruise in December. We weren't very impressed. The services that they promised were non-existent (e.g., no iPad offered, and we NEVER saw the attendant after he showed us to our cabana in the morning). If you are looking for a quiet place to relax outside, then it does provide for that (especially on a sea day when the decks are busy). I just don't think it was worth the extra money. We won't be doing it again.

Hope that helps!

SHIP: Celebrity Reflection

CABIN #: 1646

DECK #: 11

CLASS: A2

AREA: AFT

BED NEAR: Bath

QUIET?: Yes

BALCONY VIEW: Unobstructed

BALCONY SIZE: Standard (2 chairs, 2 stools, table)

WIND A PROBLEM?: NO

SOOT A PROBLEM?: N/A

PROBLEMS/COMMENTS: During rougher seas the metal frame above the balcony squeaked a lot at the boat swayed. This issue was not encountered when seas were calmer.