The OBC is dependant on the length of the cruise and the type of stateroom. There is a range of days so maybe that's why you saw the same amount of OBC when you changed the sailing.
If you make specialty dining reservations on line you will need to pay for them. There are always reservations available for PH guests through the Shore Side Concierge. Even in a RS on a New Year's cruise we did not have a problem. We heard from our SSC about a month ago for our September sailing. Just sent our requests and are waiting to hear back from her.
There is an expanded room service menu for suites for breakfast and lunch. Rumor has it that they stopped offering dinner from the MDR in your cabin but this might not apply to upper suites.
When you hear from the SSC you will be able to make your beverage choices. We don't drink spirits so always request champagne instead of alcohol & mixers.
We did not bid at the rate you are suggesting and got a move up to a PH from a RS on Edge. The only other bidding opportunity we had was from a RS to PH or Reflection Suite on Reflection and neither of these suites became available pre cruise.
We had over $2500 in NR OBC due to a price reduction when they resumed cruises after Covid. We managed to spend all but $400 and gave that to our butler and cabin attendant.
@WrittenOnYourHeart We lived in NJ for 7 years but sailing past the Statue of Liberty was a treat. I was a special ed teacher and have 3 cats. Seems like we have a few things in common. We sailed to Bermuda on our 1st cruise and did 2 or 3 more. Really liked it when they docked in Hamilton and Saint Georges. Enjoy your cruise.
Yes, butlers are included in the gratuities for suites. Refer to this post with a breakdown from guest services. Although it is an older post with different gratuity amounts, you will note the butler is included.
Gratuity for Cabin Steward not included for Retreat Guests? - Celebrity Cruises - Cruise Critic Community
We got one about 10 days ago for our September 2 cruise. I replied I would give specifics after we check in on the 19th. Got a follow up email that she is waiting happily to assist us. Except for one cruise our requests and dining reservations were all in place when we boarded. The exception was quickly remedied.
I've been watching prices and looking to see if a higher level suite opened up. Occasionally the IC suite or a SS became available. All categories except inside & ocean view have been fully booked for a few weeks and there were very little of them left. I suspect we will be sailing at full capacity.
I'm not on the ship but Andy, who used to post all the time on CC, is on board now. He check and did not see any signs in or around the casino re vaping.
We stayed in one of these on Edge but can't remember which one, I think it was 12106. Either location is fine and don't worry about the spa on deck 14. These suites are under the treatment rooms and are very quiet. Celebrity also does a good job with noise abatement on cabins near the elevators. We've stayed mid ship numerous times and never heard noise from the elevators.
I would leave the TV on. As for the captains club upgrade, it is only with in the same category, i.e. inside to inside, ocean view to ocean view, etc. If there are a lot of ocean view available you have a shot at a move up upgrade.