Cantorindahouse

OOPS !😳  Just for the record ! My wife corrected me regarding my previous post. She tells me it was January when we cancelled.

Safe travels and good health !

On 4/20/2020 at 2:22 PM, Cantorindahouse said:

Topic"When cruising begins again... What will be different?"

We will not be cruising !   Covid-19 has been a wake-up call.  We will miss the camaraderie cruising affords us but; time for a new phase in our traveling lives.   It's time for my wife and I to stay on terra firma and see our beautiful country !🚗🛤️

Good health, good travels and please stay safe !

Topic"When cruising begins again... What will be different?"

We will not be cruising !   Covid-19 has been a wake-up call.  We will miss the camaraderie cruising affords us but; time for a new phase in our traveling lives.   It's time for my wife and I to stay on terra firma and see our beautiful country !🚗🛤️

Good health, good travels and please stay safe !

From Classic Alcohol to Premium Non-Alcohol can be done AFTER booking; just remember Abu Dhabi;)

I am so sad to see the 14 day sailing disappear on Celebrity. Our Eclipse sailing last year was one of my most favorites! Shorter sailings are just not worth all the trouble involved in getting to the port IMO.

Ditto !! We were on the April 2nd sailing and loved it! :cool:

I posted a responses to the post regarding the YouTube video but it has not posted. It must have been deemed INAPPROPRIATE:eek:

Have you been made to feel second-class?

 

There is a growing trend in the cruise industry to reinstate first-, second- (and possibly) third-class passengers aboard ships.

 

There is a perceptible shift away from the egalitarianism of life aboard most ships since the 1960's when everyone from those staying in an interior stateroom to those in the most luxurious suite would congregate in the same bars, decks, pools, and dining rooms.

 

Not so long ago, when ships were primarily a mode of transportation, classes were segregated and often restricted to separate areas of vessels. Third-class passenger fares purchased no-frill, port-to-port transportation; accommodations were often gender specific steerage dormitories.

 

The venerable Cunard Line has had at least two different classes on its ships for all of its 171 years. But President Peter Shanks says the industry's newest enclaves may provoke some backlash, particularly if they stick out as so much nicer than other parts of the vessel.

 

Air travelers know they can usually choose first-, business- or economy-class. In the same way, cruisers may still choose to go first- or second-class by booking a "budget", "premium", or "luxury" cruise line. But these cruise line distinctions are becoming less clear.

 

Royal Caribbean created a "suite enhancement program" after it noticed that guests booking luxury suites were giving staterooms high marks in feedback surveys, but were rating the overall cruise less favorably than other passengers. These guests complained they desired to feel special when they left their suite. The major perk they felt entitled to and eventually received was avoiding lines.

 

Another amenity luxury suite guests wanted was separate spaces reserved for them alone. As their ships had gotten larger, noise and crowds were on board realities most luxury suite guests were willing to pay extra to avoid. So Royal Caribbean built private pool-deck areas, added reserved seating at the theaters, private cocktail parties with the ships' captains and priority boarding and disembarking. Royal Caribbean's luxury suite bookings soared and usually sold out.

 

Competing cruise lines quickly responded. They developed a "ship-within-a-ship" concept in an effort to attract passengers who might normally sail small luxury lines.

 

Cruise line investment to provide exclusive amenities and staff to luxury suite guests is compensated because these guests tend to spend more while they're on board. And like first-class airline passengers, guests staying in luxury suites pay hefty premiums for their private perks.

 

A growing number of cruise lines have built lavish and segregated accommodations for their biggest spenders on their ships. Guests on the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic booked in one of 75 Courtyard Villa (aka "Haven") suites have a private restaurant, fitness center and pool, where employees pass out fruit and spray sunbathers with cool water. Often they can be in sipping drinks on board in the lounge within fifteen minutes of arriving at port. Some even have access to their own elevator. Courtyard Villa guests also get first dibs on restaurant reservations, shore excursion reservations, spa treatment slots and seats at the various shows. While regular passengers line up at the theater's closed doors, a butler escorts villa guests through a back entrance to their seats. In the main pool deck, a loud band played, frequent announcements blasted interruptions, and squealing children set the ambience. Around the Courtyard Villa area, a dozen or so guests peacefully reclined in near silence.

 

Guests on the Disney Dream booked in one of its 41 rooms on the concierge level have the sole use of a sun deck and lounge with free food, booze, specialty coffee and loaner iPads. Besides private restaurants, pools and lounges, guests booked in the Yacht Clubs on MSC Fantasia and Splendida receive 24-hour butler service from employees trained at the International Butler Academy in the Netherlands. They are also treated to roped-off VIP seating at the ships' discos and can request that shops be opened after hours for crowd-free browsing.

 

Private amenities even extend off the ship. When Royal Caribbean ships visit Labadie, Haiti, luxury suite passengers gain access to a separate stretch of sand with cabanas.

 

"Ship-within-a-ship" complexes are usually tucked away, and cruise line executives insist that regular guests don't mind the class distinctions.

 

In that context, "regular guests" sounds like "second-class" to me. And I'm not sure everything is as tucked away as claimed. Recently I came upon a luxurious lounge and was greeted by the sign "for suite guests only." Even loyalty club members are beginning to mind the class distinctions.

 

We know that competition for our cruise dollars is fierce. Floating condos were built to decrease the cruise line cost per passenger. Once complimentary five-star menus have been moved into premium restaurants. Income producing shopping, bingo, bars, art auctions, spas, shore excursions, and casinos continue to expand. It's easier for an unwary cruiser to end up with a huge bill at check-out, one that could even surpass the fare of the cruise itself.

 

"Regular guests" can still have a relatively all-inclusive vacation by sticking to the complimentary dining rooms and shows and not drinking alcohol, soda or lattes. Companies continue to coax "regular guests" to spend more by adding specialty restaurants that require patrons to pay a premium above their cruise fare. But there's a flip side many "regular guests" are noticing and talking about: there is a lowering quality and variety of complimentary dining meals. What was once complimentary has crept onto the main dining room menu with an extra fee.

 

The practice of nickel-and-diming "regular guests" charging fees for things that were once complimentary and expected as part of the service is annoying and seems borderline unethical. More and more "regular guests" are being asked to settle for less during their vacation aboard, or spend for what was once complimentary. A quick perusal of the reviews bears this out. I recently sailed as a luxury suite guest (eastern Caribbean) and as a regular guest (western Caribbean, same ship, back-to-back cruise). The experiences are different. The staff treated me differently. So I feel confident that the gulf between luxury suite guests ("first-class") and regular guests ("second-class") continues to widen.

 

For a long time my attitude was that people who pay more deserve more. You get what you pay for. There will be the "haves" and the "have nots". That is a given and will not change. That is not up for discussion.

 

But for the first time, whether intentional or not, a Norwegian Cruise Line consultant aboard the Norwegian Star made me feel second-class. It's one thing to take a cruise understanding there will be class distinctions, but quite another to be treated according to one's class. There should be no problem with a class system; but there will be problems with a system without class. Whether first- or second-class, passengers are still the cruise line's guest.

 

So, have you been made to feel second-class?

The following excerpt from one of my reviews has nothing to do with the category of cabins but it does deal with Do Re Mi not as in

but as in

June 1, 2015:Excerpt

"The waitstaff were only interested in service if your "drink card" was up. We had ONE waiter ask us if we wanted anything, ONCE; a bit strange on a ten day cruise. I tested my theory of; if the drink card is up you will be approached. We left our card up and, sure enough, we were asked if we would like wine or anything else from the bar. Not if we would like water, a cup of coffee or tea. Enough said."

Our waiter walked away advising us; "I only do bar service":confused:

The waitstaff do not have a clue as to which cabin category you are in, unless of course, you are dining in one of the "upscale" select restaurants.

On any drink order from the bar there is an 18% surcharge; aka "tip".

It's all about the $$$$$$

for the waitstaff not about decent service for the guest (s) !

Quite a treatise--which could have made its whole point in five words:

 

You Get What You Pay For

Wouldn't that be nice !!:rolleyes:

i most frequently cruise interior or ocean view. i have cruised enough to have prime status on three different lines. I am well aware that there are areas i can go, others not. but since i have paid 10-50% of costs for balconies-suites i am happy with what i can afford to enjoy. Im seeing the same ports, and I am enjoying services i dont have at home from making my bed to adequate meals served well. As a senior on fixed income, without these second or third class cabins i would not be able to cruise. if services and dining were priced comparably to when i started cruising i could not afford it.

Sometimes i think of the sea voyages of my ancestors who came as indentured servants from 1840s Ireland. or my Victorian great grandmother in steerage with her preteen and teenage sisters. Comparably, I have a privileged life.

No complaints here for the blessings I have!

Amen !!

IMHO, People can only be made to feel inferior if they allow it to happen. My wife and I take a back seat to no one. Everyone is on our level; nobody better, nobody below. My wife and I must have a balcony. We are a bit claustrophobic.:o We went, pardonne moi, concierge level last voyage for location; what a rip-off !:eek: This time, lC on Celebrity; perfect. By and large; "Upper Crust" is over-rated ! We have friends in all socio-economic strata. They are our friends and we do not care what they have or do not have. We are simply; blessed to have them as friends !:)

Attitude of gratitude;)

On longer cruises they often have passenger choirs, with rehearsals - I've done that twice and it's fun.

There are also talent shows for passengers, and rehearsals for flash mob dances.

 

I've been to some of the art classes, and fyi, unless it's changed, there are NO fees. All the paints, canvases, brushes (they were actually quite good brushes) are FREE.

 

The Hot Glass Show is awesome. I go to as many as I can. Quite entertaining, the three artisans put on a two-hour show and will each make a piece, while one helps the glass artist and the other does a very informative and often very amusing and entertaining commentary. So you'll see three pieces made for every show, although you can come and go. Best to at least stay for the last part because quite often they hold a free raffle and their pieces are given away. These pieces would be $$$$$$$$$ in a museum or store, and it's fun to see the pieces made and then win one if you're lucky (I have won once).

 

There are officers vs passengers dancing and trivia and ping pong and water volleyball - all kinds of things like that. Either participate or just watch.

Lots of people like me go out into the common areas and bring needlework or knitting or a book and pass a relaxing morning or afternoon with a glass of something to drink (or not). We often meet people on board (since we travel just the two of us) and find that just chatting with new friends is a lot of fun.

I sing some,so, the singing activities interest me. Would these activities be listed some were or is it something that I would have to inquire about? Would a 14 day cruise be considered a "longer cruise"?:)

I don't drink much, just a glass of wine in the evenings and I love sea days. Our next two cruises are Hawaii/Vancouver and a TA. Both have lots of sea days. I've never been bored. Celebrity keeps us busy and, since I don't object to being around people who are drinking, I spend time with my husband.

I do not drink alcohol. :) I will bring, on-board the Eclipse, my Diet Pepsi. I learned many, many years ago; I am allergic to alcohol. When I drink it; I break out !:D:D There are so many things to do on the ship; it is staggering. Number one activity for me on sea days; sleeping in. An ice cold diet-cola, sitting on the balcony (or deck) watching the world go by; priceless.

ODAT :cool:

A surge protector is allowed, an extension cord is not. There is a difference. They definitely do not allow "electrical extension cords" (according to their website).

 

This is what I have:

 

I also have a Belkin I intend to take along with us on a Celebrity cruise. The one I have has six outlets and two USB ports. I use it at home and I would not use anything in my home that is not safe. Also, it is UL approved. I will take the documentation included in the Belkin packaging :cool:

Thanks for sharing link. Not wanting to dismiss these incidents as I know how harrowing it can be for the victims but websites like this can focus too much on the negative and provide an unbalanced view.

All that said there is no doubt you need to be careful in much of Central America.

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

Ditto !:)

Hi leaving on Norwegian Dawn on Sunday and am trying to figure out what to do in Roatan and Belize. Anyone get off the ship and grab a cab and do your own tours there? Roatan I know we want to see the country, monkeys and snorkel. There was one excursion that included a boat ride and covered those things. Belize - snorkel and?? I see so many tour companies I'm getting confused. I'm Cozumel I just have gotten off the ship and went on my own but unsure of these places. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

While I'm asking... Costa maya? Ideas? I'm traveling with 2 adults and 5 kids ages 8-14. Thank you!!!

Old thread on T/A but the last few posts are a couple of days old.:)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g303872-i29539-k8107935-o10-Best_Off_Ship_Excursion-Coxen_Hole_Roatan_Bay_Islands.html

Smooth Sailings !:cool:

Go look at a number of other cruise ports and you will see similar warnings.

 

I agree people need to remember they are in a foreign country and things are not the same as home, but again this applies to many ports.

 

Bottom line, pay attention to your surroundings, don't go off the beaten path, use a reputable guide, etc. No need to pick on Roatan in particular.

 

To the OP, enjoy your cruise and days in both Roatan and Belize. We pre-arranged tours, recommended on the ports of call board, in both ports and had great, safe days. Don't let some posters get to you, but yes do be aware and you too will have a wonderful time.

 

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

No one is "picking on Roatan"! The OP wanted to know about Roatan. The excerpt is clear and mirrors your response:confused:

To the OP; have a wonderful voyage and smooth sailing!:)

With no pun intended: "Forewarned is Forearmed" - Old Proverb ;)

That is a couple of years old, but I would agree some caution. Honduras is a dangerous place, my wife and I were robbed at gunpoint on the mainland. Events on Roatan are much less but more people have been moving there from the mainland chasing the economy.

I am guessing by the sounds of it that event happened on one of the deserted beached we were warned not to go there. That is why I recommend west bay, it's a popular tourist place but with the most beautiful beach and snorkelling. Either get a cab there or go to west end (another popular tourist place) and take the boat round to west bay

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

U.S. Consulate Excerpt:

"If you are traveling on a cruise ship, you should take safety precautions, avoid unfamiliar areas, and take care to book only with reputable tour companies during your stopover in Honduras. Cruise lines and port agencies work with approved tour companies to offer packages. The port agencies at Mahogany Bay and Towne Center have worked to improve taxi service to and from the ports. The vast majority of cruise line passengers in Honduras experience no problems, but incidents of armed robbery and carjacking have been reported."

Full Consulate Warning Link:

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/honduras-travel-warning.html

Hi leaving on Norwegian Dawn on Sunday and am trying to figure out what to do in Roatan and Belize. Anyone get off the ship and grab a cab and do your own tours there? Roatan I know we want to see the country, monkeys and snorkel. There was one excursion that included a boat ride and covered those things. Belize - snorkel and?? I see so many tour companies I'm getting confused. I'm Cozumel I just have gotten off the ship and went on my own but unsure of these places. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

While I'm asking... Costa maya? Ideas? I'm traveling with 2 adults and 5 kids ages 8-14. Thank you!!!

Please read the article at the following link:

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2014/03/articles/crime/travel-crime-warning-tourists-assaulted-robbed-terrorized-in-roatan-honduras/

Do you post on the Roll Call?

No. We just go at our own pace; slow and easy. :cool:

Small world...we are on the same sailing.

Perhaps, our paths will cross !:)

You'll get the tags in time. BTW what Cruise are you going on 3 April?

Yes, we are sailing on the Eclipse April 3rd and it cannot get here fast enough!!:cool:

I spoke with "Marie"at the Captain's Club desk. She said; she would do what she can" ; whatever that means.:confused:

Time will tell:cool: Time is clicking down fast for April 3rd.:eek:

 

"Time Keeps On Slipping Into The Future" - "Fly Like An Eagle" SMB.

Our luggage tags arrived today.:) Customer Service resolved this problem. ;) It took a month for them to arrive but; all is well that ends well! We can, now, start packing in earnest!:D

I spoke with "Marie"at the Captain's Club desk. She said; she would do what she can" ; whatever that means.:confused:

Time will tell:cool: Time is clicking down fast for April 3rd.:eek:

"Time Keeps On Slipping Into The Future" - "Fly Like An Eagle" SMB.

davekathy,

Recently, I have been dealing with Customer Service.:(

I will call the Captain's Club number you provided first thing in the AM.

Thank you very much !:)

I have become very frustrated with the "luggage tag" fiasco (s). I feel like a dog chasing it's tail for the past month.:mad: I tried on-line ordering of our tags; Zilch,Zippo,Nada. I have called several times and I have been "re-assured", too many times, that my tags are on their way.:( The practice of misleading cruisers is becoming a serious negative for future travel on Celebrity. There appears to be a ploy to put people off until they become so frustrated they print their tags at home; subsequently, an added expense for the cruiser.It appears Celebrity is running on a shoe-string budget while raising cruising costs.If this is the kind of customer service to expect on-board; it's going to be a long two weeks :mad:

I do not want to hijack this thread. This is just an FYI

Please do not feed the fish bread. Bread can expand inside the fish and death may result. A good alternative to bread is banana pieces because they do not expand and are more digestible.

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=A0LEVicnnQFWjd8ALyUnnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTByMDgyYjJiBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMyBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?qid=20110424184448AA7R5sU

Thanks,

Charlie Tuna:D