galavant3

I am the OP of this post. Funny that it has been revived after 3 months! I ended up bringing my 2 bottles of wine. Found they were not necessary. Drank one and brought the other home!

Thanks for reporting in! We have been on the fence and based on your experience, I think we won't bother with the wine. It will be one less thing to pack.

I would not call Ante enthusiastic. He's nice, but he's not a "Glad to see you!" type at all.

Thanks. I will manage my expectations and I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time!

He's very professional, seems aloof at first, but we warmed him up over 14 days. This was our first time in Blu so not sure what is to be expected of the Maitre D'? We certainly had more contact with him than any we ever had in the MDR, but that's to be expected I guess. After just a few days he knew us by name, while others still had to give their cabin number. Not sure if that's a good thing or bad :)

Yes, much more contact with the Maitre 'D in Blu which is why I care. Ordinarily I would never know or really care. I'm sure it will be great regardless. It is just so wonderful to be greeted enthusiastically each night by name.

Of course! His name was Ante, huge tall guy.

I have to admit that I'm disappointed that Mazy isn't there any more. How was Ante?

Do you recall who the maitre 'd was in Blu? Thanks!

Then everyone should follow the hosts lead and be as polite and accepting of the person no matter if they approve of their dress or not.

Absolutely!!

Others should respect that the "host" Celebrity feels you are dressed appropriately, since they let you in.

I completely agree with you with the exception of the last line. I would argue that they "let you in" because to do otherwise would be rude. When someone refuses to dress as requested, a polite host "does not notice".

If they didn't care how people dressed, they wouldn't bother with a dress code at all.

I will add one more thing. On board in any dinning room the cruise line is the host is it not?

 

If the host is OK with letting you in with whatever you wear then I don't see why it would it anyone else's (who are not the host but mere guests) business what you are or are not wearing.

 

Guidelines are general advice if I understand correctly and differ greatly in meaning to mandatory rules.

 

Yes there are guidelines but their interpretation is up to the host.

While I believe that if you are requested to dress a certain way, the polite thing to do is comply.

On the other hand, I don't think it is appropriate for a host to criticize a guest's attire. And certainly not refuse admittance to the dining room That would not be polite.

If someone chooses to ignore the dress code, I really do think it is best for everyone to "not notice". Kind of like the Emperor's new clothes.

If you want room service, the buffet, Blu or a speciality restaurant - those do not require formal but you'll find that many people in Blu and specialty will be formal.

We found this to be the case also. We did not bring "formal" clothes on our last cruise and felt under dressed in Blu on formal nights. Next month, we'll be bringing dressier clothes (no tux though)

Thanks for all of these great ideas and replies! We are sailing on the Celebrity Silhouette January 25th with ports of call in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Labadee.

I am not a big drinker but thought it would be a fun way to get around the island and taste some new things and have fun. We've been to a lot of all inclusive resorts so I am most interested in walking around and seeing new things.

I am also contemplating the trip to Tuulum. My only hang up about that is that is seems like a long ferry ride and a long bus ride.

Definitely considering the trip to sting ray city with the snorkel... How good of a swimmer to you have to be? I am a pretty good swimmer and snorkeled many times but I wouldn't say that I am in great shape :-) is it rough water?me of our favorites...Sent from my iPad using Forums

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but here are some of our favorites...

Cozumel - we've done the America's cup and had a great time but I think will also depend on your ship mates. We loved the tequila tasting (after the "tour" of the miniature village. We also loved the cooking class with Luis. I think you have to book that directly and not through the ship. My sister has done the Amazing Race and loved it. Also, that can't be booked through the ship.

Falmouth - we loved the Bob Sled. It was a very pleasant surprise. A leisurely ride up the mountain on a ski lift. Then a fun ride down - you control the speed. Then, you are pulled up the mountain you can take in the scenery. THEN, another ride down on the ski lift. All ages had a great time. We also did the Dunn's River Falls but everyone liked the Bob Sled better.

Tulum - not our favorite. Very hot and we didn't think the tour guides were that informative. I'm sure others had a different experience. I prefer other ruins. But, if you are really interested in the ruins, I'm sure it will be a good day.

Grand Cayman - I also think Sting Ray City is a must see! When we were there the water was crystal clear and very, very calm.

An Aqua cabin is $1080 per person more than we paid for our 1A in Nov for 11 days. Blu is not worth that, even with the Persian Gardens thrown in.

Wow. I know for sure I wouldn't pay that much more. I'd move on to an all inclusive line at that point if I didn't want a regular balcony.

We love Blu and consider it to be every bit as nice as a specialty restaurant (I realize that this isn't a common opinion). We think the food is delicious and well presented and the service is exceptional.

I love that there aren't "service stations" near the tables so you don't have to see/hear the clearing and clanging of plates. I love that we are greeted by name each evening when we arrive.

Because the tables are close together and it is a smaller venue, you'll see the same diners each evening. If you arrive at the same time as someone you've seen a previous evening, it is fun to share a table with them.

It is more quiet and intimate that the MDR and many times, you are able to get a window table.

The wonderful breakfast is just a bonus.

I'm not sure how much more I'd be willing to pay because so far we haven't paid much more than a regular balcony.

Blu serves regular coffee....expresso and other coffees are available but you pay for them unless you are elite plus or zenith. You can get good coffee and some alcoholic drinks free at the elite breakfast.

We got in the habit of going to Blu for breakfast then heading to the Elite breakfast for a mimosa, bloody Mary or specialty coffee. Pretty indulgent but for some reason, it just seemed like the right thing to do.....

Otherwise there would be a lot of Zeniths who got there because they booked rooms for their families!

Agree! I've never heard of such a policy but if there is one, I would like a recalculation! And none of my "guests" (aka kids) ever paid me privately.

I have been on 50+ cruises and have never had those experiences. Perhaps you need to either change cruise lines or traveling companions.

My point really was that there are adults that behave less than ideally, not just children.

None of those incidents ruined my cruise or would cause me to change cruise lines.

I've been on about 20 cruises and the issues we've had were all caused by adults.

It was an adult that threw up going through security in port.

It was an adult that vomited in the hot tub.

It was an adult that turned up missing and caused the ship to turn around. (finally responded to calls about 10:30 am)

It was an adult that decided to pole dance during family karaoke.

It was an adult that decided to throw up over the side of the ship right next to my lounge chair.

Typically, it is adults I see saving rows of lounge chairs first thing in the morning.

It is adults I've seen smoking in non smoking areas.

I could add to that list as I'm sure many others could.

I think the bottom line is that child or adult, no one really wants to be exposed to bad behavior. But certainly kids don't have the corner on that market.

I don't look at it as class separation. To me it is just a matter of those that pay more, get more. Not unlike resorts, hotels, air travel etc.

I will most likely never stay in a suite so I'm not entitled to those benefits. It doesn't bother me because I know that if I wanted to, I could. I just choose not to.

To me it would be an issue if a certain group of people was prohibited from booking a higher class cabin. But that's not the case.

I do think they market to young families...from their website.

Endless options for family cruise fun

Our award-winning cruise experience is designed for all ages and interests. Most programs are geared to specific age groups and supervised by experienced youth staff members.

• Toddler Time for kids under 3
  
• Fun Factory for kids 3-11
  
• X Club for teens
  
• A variety of activities across the ship for all ages
  

You'll get all the details once you've boarded, but here's a peek at what's available.

We've had people approach us with the offer as we were boarding when they noticed the blue card. Agree with the others - no need to book in advance.

We prefer Blu to the specialty restaurants so even with a 50% discount, for us it isn't worth it.

I guess it depends on the kids. My kids love the dining experience and we always have late seating. They like to go to the shows etc.

I cannot imagine who would let their teenager on their own in a foreign port and rely on some stranger to help them back to the ship.

My kids are 27, 24 and 21 now and still we make everyone stay together in port.

The website doesn't come up with a click. I'll try a copy/paste after saying thank you.

 

We have a good times on Celebrity, Princess, and RCL ships, no problems.

But we think often of trying something new like Oceania, Azamara or Crystal.

 

We decided to book on Crystal when there is an opportunity. DH looks forward to trying the dining and attending lectures.

 

The non-smoking policies are changing on lines we have not tried. Therefore, we look forward to expanding our cruise line favorites.

 

Our thanks to all posters.

 

 

-Marisa

Of all the lines we've tried (I think 6), Crystal is our very favorite!! We did enjoy the lectures and the on board naturalist. I'm sure you'll love it!

I've cruised with my kids many times on many different ships and they have loved everyone one. Even the ones without elaborate kid's programs. I think your girls will have a wonderful time!! It sounds like they will appreciate the higher level of service on board - what a treat for them!

The wine offerings were the reason we upgraded, but our friends did not and were fine.

Wine is the wild card for us. Since we've been cruising, I've learned I can drink most sparkling wine, most pinot grigio and most sauvignon blanc I do somewhat ok with pinot noir.

Cabernet and Chardonnay are the two that I have the most trouble with.

Since we can bring two bottles on and we have 2 cabins, I figure I'll be ok with the reds.

I'm also planning to stick with the classic package next month. So far, there are a few beers I like, Bombay Sapphire appears to be included and I'm sure I'll find wines that I find drinkable. We have a port intensive cruise and I just don't think it makes financial sense to upgrade.

The first time we were in Aqua class, we dressed smart casual. On formal nights we felt under dressed so next month, my husband is taking a jacket (not sure about the tie yet) and I'll bring something a little dressier.