mpdog42

1 hour ago, SusieAV8R said:

We are sailing on X out of Tampa this coming Christmas/New Year's Eve.  We would appreciate any recommendations/suggestions.

Hyatt Place Downtown...All the hotels near the port want crazy prices....

28 minutes ago, MamaFej said:

<<steps on to soapbox>>

 

Friendly reminder that many, probably most, folks who sail in suites are kind, friendly people who don't look down upon the rest of us. 

 

I imagine that the majority of suite dwellers think that the rest of us should actually get what we paid for, just as they should get what they paid for. 

 

Yes, there are some very nasty folks who have the "Well, the cutbacks don't affect me, so the rest of you should be grateful you get any food at all and not complain about the bait & switch policies X has adopted,"  but most of the Retreat Class peeps are good and lovely people. 

 

<<steps off of soapbox>>

 

You Right..Of Course...For me It started with Carnival when the Vista came out..and people started talking about the Havana Area. Royal with Sky and Star...People started to think like the Old days with the First, Second, Third classes

I wish we could all go back to the days of the inside and Porthole....all together in just one big ship.....but the Cruise lines Changed...and with some people the class system is back...

On 12/12/2022 at 8:08 AM, Bluewake said:

We were in Puerto Plata on MSC in August and also on Celebrity about 5 weeks ago.  On the first cruise, we took a ship's excursion that stopped at the center of the historic area (Parque Independencia) where we felt entirely comfortable.   Based on that experience, we decided that when we went back in November, we'd try walking from the Taino Bay Terminal to that same area and did so easily and without incident.  It's probably only about 3/4 of a mile.  Frankly, the only time we felt a bit uncomfortable was at the exit to the port where we were relentlessly approached by several people trying to get us to book a tour with them.  To be clear, it wasn't that we felt unsafe, it was more that same harassed feeling we've gotten in Jamaica and Mahajual (Costa Maya) where some vendors can be insistent.  We just politely kept saying "no thanks" and walked on.  By the time we got to the end of the first block, it was fine.  In fact, there are "tourist police" (armed police who are assigned specifically to protect the safety of tourists) who are posted on most of the intersections along the walkway.  When you approach the intersection, they immediately stop traffic to allow pedestrians to cross.  Frankly, I'm not so sure they really needed to be armed for - other than the area immediately outside the cruise port - everyone we encountered was very pleasant and friendly.  We spent some time in the shops and cathedral in the historic area and then walked over near the Fort.  No problems anywhere, nor did we ever feel intimidated, harassed, or unsafe.  Fortunately, by the time we returned, the vendors at the entrance were pretty much gone!

"Frankly, I'm not so sure they really needed to be armed for".......Civilian's 🙄😁

On 12/11/2022 at 4:11 PM, Davechipp74 said:

I'm not looking for trouble or any type of monetary gain legal or otherwise, but simply a more adventurous excursion than a typical cruise itinerary I've been on a few times. I have a tremendous amount of experience as well as resources plenty of websites I would have used to arrange a fixer to travel throughout such places, in fact after 4+ years in the USMC with a few very dangerous deployments, I later joined a private military firm for even longer with more deployments to significantly more dangerous places. The biggest regrets I have  is after some research I've learned that I simply will not be in port long enough for said trip, and friends I have that would be willing to take such an excursion with me are few and scattered across the world. Cheers.

Marines🙄

9 hours ago, southernbreezes said:

Surely you have not cruised in some time now. They are all different restaurants look at the deck plan. For those of you that like the buffet its still there just limited but its also there for breakfeast and lunch so you can sit out and enjoy the view. With so few eating there at night  sorry but I understand why they are limiting it for dinner. Celebrity no longer may be a good fit for some but you have lots of other cruise lines to pick from. I have been on over 60 cruises and have yet to have a bad meal experence on any of the lines. My wife thinks the food is better on Celebrity I say they are all about the same...all good none excellent. Why not sit back and let somone serve you.

Yeah....Next time afford Aqua Class or Suites...You Third Class Passengers!!!!😁

10 hours ago, southernbreezes said:

Well all I can say is...what misery the Edge Class ships have four complimentary main restaurants.

Plus Blu, Plus Luminae, plus Mast Grill, plus Eden Cafe, plus Le Petit Chef, plus Fine Cut Steakhouse, plus Raw on 5, plus Magic Carpet on 5, plus Rooftop Garden Grill, plus Spa Cafe & Juice Bar.

Alex...I am going to go with..."Who is a suite guest for $1000.00"

9 hours ago, kathynorth said:

 

What about the other 12 ships that have fewer dining options? The majority of cruisers don’t have suites or Aqua cabins, so don’t have access to Luminae or Blu. The mast grill, spa cafe and juice bars aren’t open at dinner time. By listing all the specialty restaurants you seem to believe that paying an additional $140+/Couple/dinner is a viable alternative to eating in MDR, when dinner at the buffet would have met our needs. For us low-born staying in a regular veranda, oceanview or inside cabin, our only alternative to the MDR is the buffet or a specialty at additional cost.

Mic Drop in the Billions!!!

Talked to my TA yesterday (Big Box TA)..Told her the Situation, and ask her to call Celebrity..

Fast Forward to today and i called Celebrity..and they said that since i purchased it for my cruise before the cut off date...That it will be honored when i board....But We will See!!

On 1/22/2023 at 3:00 PM, RichYak said:

That's the same email address as the one you are "correcting." Caps don't matter.

I sent out a email to this address, and received a message that :

ilutoff-perlo wasn't found at celebritycruises.com, or the mailbox is unavailable.

Any Thoughts??

A Table of Suite Passengers on Celebrity!!!!

36 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

I was confused about this as well. I had no desire to take a bus anywhere In Puerto Plata. 
 

The habitat I went to is a SUPER easy walk. In fact, you never leave the protected area of the “resort” that was built specifically for cruise ship passengers. 
 

When you get off the ship walk to the end of the pier. Enter the “resort” thru the duty free shop (it’s the only way to enter and everyone is headed that way). The monkey habitat I went to is about half way between duty free shop and the huge pool. On your right as you enter. It can’t be more than a few hundred yards in. Very close. It’s $25 for a session (30-45 minute interaction).
 

Be like Nike and just do it 🙂

Actually from a Security/LEO background...I was sort of Impressed with Puerto Plata... at least the central part( Cathedral.shops,) Saw a lot of Armed Police and had the chance to speak to a couple of them..The Fort area also has Police and Unarmed Military inside....

1 minute ago, NMTraveller said:

Or the MDR menu cutbacks are not that bad,  but I am in a suite eating in Luminae...

Thank You!!!!!!!!

13 hours ago, southernbreezes said:

I agree with you and think 90% of Celebrity customers do also. The 2 or 3 times I had dinner in the OVC because we were late getting back from a tour tired and did not want to dress I saw maybe 20-30 there having dinner. Total waste of food and manpower! You are right Carnival is great for those that do not want a more upscale Cruise experience.  People can write all they want the changes are here to stay only because 90% of us like them.  

Yeah Let's just get rid of the OVC...because I am in a suite .......A lot of People on the Celebrity board remind me of Cal Hockley played by Billy Zane on Titanic...with their stuck up suite mentality...

Rant Over...

32 minutes ago, C4HCG said:

😁a bold statement to say he / she is enjoying themselves. How dare they.

Speaking of Cheerleaders

7 hours ago, High on the Seas said:

You won’t find this on the evening news. However, based on many items on this board the feedback is helping people decide whether to move their business to another line, continue with Celebrity, or maybe opt for a different vacation all together.  If Celebrity doesn’t take cruisers concerns seriously they may lose them. It’s a lot tougher to win a customer back then keep them in the fold. 

Kind of like me and NCL,I was part of the Great Reset in 2021….Going out of the DR…

”they” saw the numbers and backed out same with Nassau…No More!!!

1 hour ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

Cliff notes- the key is zero expectations. 
 

Those along for the ride- I’ve traveled to the Dominican Republic on land vacations 8 times. Six to Punta Cana, once to LaRomana, and I spent two lovely weeks at the Riu right here in Puerta Plata. 
 

Needless to say, I had no desire to leave the confines of the port area alone. Don’t get me wrong, I’m from Detroit and can navigate a project as good as anyone, but i draw the line at non-potable water AND fist-fighting for the opportunity to braid my hair (it’s pretty long and apparently fetches a large bounty). 

I spent a good deal of time in town with my hubby. That was enough for me. I really caution a solo lady taking on the area alone unless you can still throw down. I can still throw my back out. Doesn’t count.

 

Anyway. Tanio Bay is much like Costa Maya. An entire plethora of activities designed and built solely to capture the cruise ship dollar. It’s like a mini all-inclusive but you have to pay for drinks. That takes the ‘all’ out of the inclusive concept but you get the idea. 
 

They have done a nice job with a plethora of shops, bars, cool sitting areas, a man made beach and a gigantic pool with swim up bar. They don’t charge for any of the comfy loungers (yet) and it looks like there is a lazy River in construction.

 

All that was cool and all, but I was blown away by the monkey habitat. So much FUN!! More than the cats in San Juan and we all know how much I love them. I’ll be visiting those monkeys each and every trip back to these coordinates. 
 

I’m always very hesitant to support outfits like this. The dolphin/sea lion encounter in Punta Cana has a well documented history of mistreating the animals (as do many activities like that). 

Side note- if you really want to swim with dolphins I recommend the national rehabilitation center in Honduras. They bring in injured dolphins and mend their health. The dolphins are released and often choose to stay in the protected cove even though they are free. Or you can come visit me in Maui where truly wild spinners will approach out of pure curiosity. Of course, they don’t  kiss on command so you’ll miss the photo op.
 

Anyway (again)- after a nice conversation with one of the guides. I was convinced they do as good of a job as any in terms of taking care of the monkeys. The habitat was clean, spacious, and the monkeys and guides appear to have a loving symbiotic relationship. At the very least, I hope some of my $25 goes toward monkey treats.
 

The whole thing lasts 30-45 minutes with education about spider monkeys and lots of cautions. The monkeys are master picketers. I had to leave everything behind before entering the habitat except my prescription sunglasses and cell phone. Absolutely no jewelry (i had left my wedding ring locked up in the safe because this wasn’t my first rodeo in Puerta Plata). Men had to zip up their wallets and were warned that the monkeys can undo buttons and zippers. Velcro pockets are mere child’s play. 

We were also taught how to interact with the monkeys. They don’t like kisses, but welcome petting (sooo soft). We were warned not to grab the monkeys or risk being bit. One lady did get a little knick in her skin but no blood was drawn. 
 

So here comes the super fun part. Remember I said I could bring in my cell phone? Well little did the guide know, but my nieces bejeweled my case at Christmas. The monkeys went wild for my case! I had more monkeys climbing all over me than I could count. One lady took a photo of me with 13 monkeys perched  on my shoulders, hands, arms, and on-top of my head. Didn’t matter where I went in the habitat, the monkeys followed. Little ol me turned into a realtime pied piper of monkey world. 
 

What great fun. Btw, you can visit monkey world on a tour from the cruise for $$$$ or just walk 1/2 a block and pay $25 at the counter. Bonus is your group in the habitat area will be smaller in numbers so more one on one monkey time (or just being in a bejeweled phone case). 

Came back to ship, took a shower (because, well, they are monkeys), hooked up with some new friends for drinks and great conversation. They all went to the 2 hour dinner version. Instead i had dinner here- out side at the sunset bar and i havent yet moved because the weather is perfect, the breeze is cool,  the wake sounds lovely, and they keep refilling my sangria glass. 

I give the port with zero expectations a solid 10 (if you are a fellow monkey lover). 
 

Life. is. Good. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 It's great that you got to meet some of Celebrity's Top Corporate Executives😜Did you ask them about the OVC...Asking for a Friend!!😁

3 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

Let’s get these buffet pictures out of the way. 
 

I skipped lunch and dinner so I was hungry tonight. I actually tried the chicken pot pie and it was disgusting. Super dry and there was one pea in the entire dish. One. Not a single other vegetable. Of course that could have just been the dish I selected.

 

The veggies and cucumber salad were super yummy. I ended up going back for  pasta with just garlic and hot pepper flakes. It hit the spot but I crave a good stir fry. I might just have the pasta guy whip up a veggie stir fry one day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicken Nuggets.....Celebrity I salute your Top Notch Dining!!!🙄🙄

14 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Wondered about your screen name. My brother was also an MP… Ft. Polk and Ft. Lewis before becoming civilian law enforcement. 
 

Thank you for your service. 

14 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Wondered about your screen name. My brother was also an MP… Ft. Polk and Ft. Lewis before becoming civilian law enforcement. 
 

Thank you for your service. 

My Pic is our Regimental Crest...Yes " MP's lead the Way".......Thanks!!

Just wanting to check and see if anyone has used this Company recently

Any Thoughts

Thanks!!

Tilapia Lives Matter!!!!

10 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

None listed in the daily and I haven’t seen any groups fitting that description. I have thanked several service members whom I identified based on their hats so there are a fair number of veterans onboard. 
 

Thank you for your service.

Thanks for your support...Great to see all the Vets wearing their hats!!

9 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

Oh Boy…. Rapid fire questions. Let’s see how I can do.

 

1) stopped at the front desk. Passenger count is 1586. So the pedicure lady and the sunset bartender were both right. Connie has never felt busy but I’ve learned to zig when everyone else zags. 
 

2) Yes onboard OBC can be used to purchase for future cruises. This is new. Not sure if it’s fleet wide, everyday, or a special, but the message was very clear. I have $100 still. I may just book something if none of the spa discounts tickle my fancy. 
 

3) what @RichYaksaid about tracking. Although I have never read that it affects how tips are distributed. I skipped dinner entirely last night. They have no way of knowing that. 
 

4) the spa cafe is definitely scaled down. As mentioned, there used to be great energy bars to grab before a port day. I haven’t noticed cuts in the breakfast buffet. Three omelet stations and a Beni station. Plus all the normal stuff. The only thing I haven’t noticed is granola for the fresh yogurt but I can’t remember if Celebrity offered that before. 
 

5) I’ll post all the daily planners at once if that is ok. Or maybe I’ll just do the first half tonight if that will help. 
 

6) there is no knitting group posted in the planner but there are two ladies knitting by the gelato area every day. Connie has a ton of little crannies perfect for that sort of thing and the furniture is super comfy.

 

7) I have not bothered my room steward with a lounge request because the furniture out there has been vERY comfortable. A little couch pillow on the little table makes a perfect foot stool (I’m not in concierge). I fell asleep out there last night after the full moon pool party. 
 

I’m still going to ask the following. Please let me know if I need to update this list:

a) Red Bull on select drink package?

b) small martinis in select drink package

c) vegetarian menu

d) kid menu 

e) elite breakfast, but @Happy Cruiser 6143can probably answer that easier since she is three days away from Zenith!!

f) I think I’m missing other questions so if I missed yours please repost :).

 

@natshalahow strange is this??! I believe you but My menu in the app is set up entirely different. My order goes;

Cocktails

wine

appetizer

Timeless appetizer

Entree 

Timeless entree

desserts

classic dessert

ice cream

coffee

late wine

cordials

 

Absolutely NOTHING kid or vegetarian. I am looking under the main dining room menu and am very curious to see what you are seeing. Please post photos, it’s super easy to a screen shot and post.

 

Help please: Can anyone else see vegetation or kids menu in their app??? Or does anyone have a reason why Natshala can see things I can’t? I am very curious to see what is offered because I have been known to have the palette of a toddler. 

While I’m thinking about it, here is tonight’s dinner menu. The timeless has been timeless all week 🙂 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any Military or Veteran's meetings that you have seen?? Thanks!!!

2 hours ago, Oceangoer2 said:

Yup....in a nutshell.  Small print is everything most of us decline to read...haha...too small to read.  The cruise lines have many disclaimers.  But PR is important despite that we seem to have no legal recourse (usually)...so it's in their best interest to make some kind of acknowledgement, not only in print, but also dealing with the actual problem...provide more choice in the OV, design healthy but upscale MDR items on the menu as far as budget will allow, and continue to provide what we PAY FOR in the Specialty restaurants. 

But if 100 people cruising in the next month file with the BBB after their cruise, Wounder what Celebrity would say then?

5 hours ago, TopoChico said:

If I were shopping cruises, which I’m not right now, if I saw a ship advertising a hot,

super-crispy chicken wing bar open and available 24/7, a Jewish deli with mile high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, and guys walking around with freshly-made warm chocolate chip cookies and milk (like Princess used to do,) I’d book immediately. Screw prime rib and lobster. 

I would just settle at this point, if Celebrity would just put in a Five Guys or a Popeye's for the OVC at night😜

7 hours ago, Debbra1024 said:

I have watched this topic closely. Initially I was very concerned, enough to email and speak with Celebrity. Yes they gave a company line including how many changes were suggestions from customers. When I stopped literally laughing, I made suggestions about transparency that may or may not have fallen on deaf ears. On the positive side, she was responsive and polite. 
I pondered longer and watched these threads become more negative and attack those with differing opinions. Not cool. Let me add a few of my insights and some from others more learned:

I was fortunate to take a Viking river cruise (yes, it is a smaller ship, yes it is on smaller bodies of water, yes smaller capacity, yes still relevant).  There was not an evening buffet. No one went hungry. There was not a ton of grumbling. After long port days would it have been nice to have a relaxed, shorts option, sure, but not a deal breaker. Speaking with a TA who only does Royal and Celebrity cruise’s herself, she was excited by the changes. Not what I expected. Her rationale:

1. Told a story of cruisers taking bags to the buffet and clearing out all the boxes of cereal and fruit. Their reasoning, they paid for a cruise that included food so they were entitled to take it all home

2. Shared watching people overload 4+ plates at the buffet and end up throwing away tons of food. 
3. As an insider, has seen the massive waste at the end of the night due to lower turn out at the buffet than expected. 
Food costs are high; socially responsible thinking regarding food waste is on the increase, thankfully; Covid caused changes in the way the world operates. 
Should Celebrity have been more transparent, of course. Should food quality be important, yes. Maybe by cutting waste they can focus on quality. Will Celebrity do some course corrections over time, we can hope. 
Overall, hoping for the best on my February 3rd cruise. I’m choosing to focus on the positives while being aware of the changes. Reality is perception, find a way to accept what you can’t change, make changes in future decisions if unhappy, find the positives in what you have. 
have a wonderful day 

Thanks so much for your thoughtful Post!!

Celebrity Marking Department

Miami Florida