okiehokiepokie

is there a link or list of up todate drink prices so one can ahead of time try to determine which package is best?

https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages/premium-classic-and-standard

If anyone is currently on the Summit Canada/New England cruise -please give us some information. How are the seas - calm/rough - too late for fall foliage or are the colors still there? We are going next year and would appreciate any information and if you especially suggest any of the port excursions. Thank you!!!

Attached is my powerpoint photo show of our 2015 Canada/New England Cruise from my youtube channel. We were on the 2nd of the three offered. At the 9:18 mark is a picture of the one tree we saw that was changing into fall colors.

Have fun on your 2018 cruise. we absolutely loved ours!

Cheers,

OHP

On longer cruises of 14 days or more we have gotten an offer to have a bag of laundry done for around $25 or $30. It is usually a paper bag and you stuff as much as you can in it. It is returned in a couple of days. I can't remember which cruise lines we have been on that offered this. Does Celebrity?

Just back from the Silhouette and the Western Med cruise - Rome to Lisbon and back 12 day cruise. We were concierge class. Got the one bag offer about 6 days in. The offer is for washing and drying only....no dry cleaning or wash and press items (which -X- calls "press only" on the order ticket). So for us that would mean underware items only. We do the sink and cloth line approach for those so the one bag deal doesn't have value for us. We use the 10% one-time Loyalty discount and OBC for our outer garments.

Cheers,

OHP

I have been on most Celebrity ships and have never seen a Aqua Club area. What are your referring to?

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌞

oops...meant Spa Café.

We have $300 from Celebrity and $150 from TA plus at this point we will have $350 from CC. Wife and me as I mentioned and same cabin... at least as of today she is allowing me in the cabin :) :) We do have a balcony if I have to go to the doghouse again. Would we be best served by just getting shared credit?

 

Thanks in advance.

Pretty much the same situation with us and our Oct 11th cruise. When requesting the $150 OBC from the credit card I picked "shared" being not sure which is "best" Figured, I'd see how it plays once we get on board and start to use 'um. BTW, about a week after I made the request for the $150 OBC I logged into my reservation and the OBC balance was increased by $150...so that looks encouraging for no surprises when I check in for the cruise at the port.

Cheers,

OHP

Couple of thoughts....

Aqua Club area. Depending how one is wired up this may be of interest to you. DW enjoys sleeping in, not me, especially with jet lag. Great place to hang out in the morning, enjoy your coffee, and watch the world go 'round. Of course, many other places on the ship will be just as unoccupied at that time of the day.

Perimeter outside area on deck six. IIRC, some chairs and loungers find their way to some areas that are wide enough to accommodate both loungers and through traffic.

And there is always deck 13. Surprisingly, on both the M-class and S-class ships, there is always plenty of undisturbed space anywhere and anytime on this deck. :)

Best,

OHP

Hi

Thanks for the replies good to know the water is fine to drink, hubby takes lots of medication.

I've looked at the deck plans but can't find a Gastro Pub on deck 5, is it called something else when it sails from the UK. I can see the Ensemble Lounge but I guess hubby will be able to get a beer/lager in most bars as you say.

Really getting excited about our first cruise with Celebrity think it will suit us better than RC.

Thanks

Gastro Bar is on Deck 3 across from the Grand Foyer and Guest Relations..

Hi

We are booked on Celebrity Eclipse in Oct 17, we have only cruised twice with Royal Caribbean and would like some advice about Celebrity.

1) we are not big drinkers but my OH likes an occasional beer/lager. On RC we are used to the english style pub or the Pyramid lounge can you get beer/lager at any of the bars and are the draft beers in pints? OH has never tried them but might like to.

2) can we take a couple of bottles of water on with us mainly for OH's medication he takes a lot.

3) During the booking I was never asked if I wanted the beds twin or double, we are in an inside cabin how do we let them know we want twins, I booked direct with Celebrity.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Regarding your first question...

There should be reduced pricing on draft beer at the Gastro Bar and Ensemble Lounge each day from 5 to 6:30. Check on board to confirm the timing. =X= really doesn't do draft beer. Normally all they have is Heineken and Amstel light. Drafts are served in 12oz, or so, pilsner glasses.

Cheers,

OHP

...in concierge class. First morning ordered two cups of coffee for me and tea for the DW. Got two paper cups of coffee and one tea caddy set up. Next day ordered four cups of coffee for me and the tea for the DW. Got the coffee pot for me and the tea set up for the DW. Did that the rest of the cruise and got the coffee pot each morning.

Cheers,

OHP

Before prepaid tipping envelopes were left in cabins so the passengers could directly tip the crew on the last night as they saw fit. The highest performing staff or those with the longest tenure, for example in the dining room, would have tables with passengers who would most likely historically tip more. Stewards with high performance or longevity would service the higher cost cabins with the probability of being tipped better.

 

At least in the dining room this worked out when everybody was in traditional dining and you had the same servers during the course of the cruise and the dining room was the main place you got food this worked our well. With the growth of Select dining where you didn't get the same waiters every night and the growth of buffet eating this system didn't work as well.

 

Just a little overview.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks so much for the history and background. Good to know. Sorry the post got a little off track and you got pulled into it. As you pointed out, I really wasn't wanting this thread to go the way of many others I've seen regarding the fairness, the purpose, the various approaches, the whatever of tipping.

Was looking only to understand current state of grats with traditional dining and then a little history of grads before I started to cruise in 2013.

Cheers,

OHP

Cheers,

OHP

Up until about five years ago the passengers tipped the crew in cash.

Near the end of the cruise you received a packet in your stateroom with about 5 envelopes and suggested amounts. One for was waiter/assistant, one for maitre d, one for cabin steward, one for housekeeping manager. You calculated daily suggestion by how many in your cabin then by how many nights of cruise. Then you put that much cash in that envelope.

I don't recall amount but say steward $3 day times 3 in cabin for 10 night cruise would be $90. You gave steward his envelope and housekeeping's envelope.

When you went to dinner the last night you gave waiter his. The maitre d always made the rounds the last night looking for his envelope. This worked in traditional dining where you had the same waiter each night. Some did not show up for dinner the last night to avoid paying tips.

The suggested amount for each add up to what is now the daily amount.

It took time though to calculate and you had to have lots of cash so the new way is much easier.

Thanks so much for the history and background. Good to know.

Cheers,

OHP

Groups of people that would purposely not eat at their traditional dining table so they would not have to pay tips to the dining staff on the final night IMO ruined it for us. They seem to think the cruise line pays the crew so much that they don't need to leave a tip.

 

Boy if they only knew the truth. The crew needs the gratuities to even make a fair living.

 

Same with the cabin stewards. They would purposely avoid seeing them on the last day so they wouldn't have to tip.

 

I know, I know, a tip should be earned, not a given, but the chosen few ruined it for everyone.

 

IMO it gets me angry to think that people who pay thousands of dollars to cruise could not spend a mere fraction of it to tip.

 

Maybe I am more of a traditionalist but we always give the waiters and stewards additional cash for a job well done. One time we had a waiter who had a wife at home expecting a baby and we gave him a little something for the baby and you would have thought we gave him a million bucks. And no, I didn't think he was playing us for fools.

 

BTW you can always go to guest services to get the prepaid tips removed if you think your service was poor.

 

At least this prepaid system gives the crew a fairer distribution.

NP....thanks for the history. Just curious regarding your first sentence point...

would not have to pay tips to the dining staff on the final night. The collection of tips back then has a direct handing of cash from the cruiser to the staff? It wasn't a charge to the stateroom folio? Couldn't =X= address that by charging the stateroom? Maybe =X= was trying to maintain the concept of direct interaction/appreciation? and like you typed not all cruisers were aligned with that traditional approach?

Sorry for the followup and like you typed, not looking here on this thread, to go the direction of the purpose of tipping. Just looking for some background since we are relatively new to Boatland (as my one-and-done cruising BIL likes to call it)

Cheers,

OHP

It's the same amount each night no matter if you eat dinner in the MDR or not. The gratuity doesn't just cover the MDR staff but the buffet staff as well. The gratuities cover not just dinner but breakfast and lunch too.

 

Similarly, if you spend a night on shore, the gratuities for housekeeping staff are charged for every night if the cruise, whether you are in your room or not.

 

 

If you go to a specialty, the fee covers the gratuity there.

OK, thanks.

So why then does =X= require prepaid grats with Select but not Traditional? Maybe they don't require...and I'm just not aware? If that is the case then what is the advantage of prepaying...other than just convenience?

TIA

Cheers,

OHP

We've always done Select with prepaid gratuities. Have never done the traditional dining.

Questions here are how are gratuities assigned and paid with traditional?

Are they a fixed amount per stateroom per each night actually dining in the MDR..or based on the total number of nights cruising? Meaning we would avoid the assessment if we ate on shore or the OV...for example. Are they left up to our discretion? (doubtful). How 'bout if we dine with Specialty...then how are the grads assigned.

Also, breakfast in the MDR. Can traditional diners take breakfast in the MDR? How would the grad be handled then?

TIA

Cheers,

OHP

Thank you so much, I am loving this thread.

 

Keep them coming!

I agree with the replies already provided. One thing I love that has not been mentioned is the AquaSpa Café in the morning. My DW loves to sleep in..me not so much. I love getting up, read my book for an hour or so, and depending on the time of year..watch the sun come up over the ocean horizon. Best place on the S-class ships is the AquaSpa Café on deck 12. In the same area with the Solarium so always plenty of room.

Some new to Celebrity might think that one has to have an Aqua Class room booked to use the AquaSpa Café....not so..open to all.

I love going there for my morning coffee, a mini muffin or two, and some fresh fruit while I reflect on the upcoming day and how truly blessed I am.

Cheers,

OHP

Mark -

THANK YOU! I changed the OBC total to dark teal and adjusted the explanation.

 

I do understand that - I guess one could choose one of the lower packages (soda, water, classic non-alc) for their purchased package if you wanted to value the bev pkg as lower than the actual cost.

 

I'm looking at the bev package calculators that exist and think they're pretty lacking. Either overly complex (list every beverage possible - maintenance nightmare) or they don't let you do enough customization (port vs sea day drinking habits, for example). That may be a better place to allow for a customized price/value for the bev package? Right now, anything that I can think of for bev package comparison tool seems like way too much upkeep.

OMG...thank you SO VERY MUCH. Our days of sitting at the Future Cruise Desk deciding if we were going to use our Magic Eight Ball or flip a coin are over!!!! Used your spreadsheet just now on a cruise I am looking at for April 2017. Plugged everything in and Shazam...there it is! Surprising to me the best option for us on my simulation was the Go Best...never would have gotten there without your spreadsheet.

Like a couple others...would like to see a cell to input the dollar amount we would budget per day for booze and coffees..if we didn't select the beverage package with the GBBB options. However, like you typed..one way to get at it is select one of the optional beverage packages to get a dollar amount per cruise in the calculation. I tried it with the Premium Non Alcohol which is ~$26.00 per day per passenger. Allows for getting some budget into the spreadsheet for pay as you go beverages. BTW. DW got a good chuckle out of me thinking we would stick to a $26/pp/pd budget..ha!

Again, thanks so much for sharing.

Cheers,

OHP

This will be our second cruise but our first with Celebrity. Seems like there will be lots to do...I know my DH and I will enjoy the Trivia. What should we be sure to see or do onboard? Thanks in advance for your advice.

...we really enjoyed the Lawn Club Grill on our trip last March on the Silly. See our powerpoint video below, there are a couple of images in there of the LCG. Super steaks, amazing salad bar, great sides, and the super sized fresh baked chocolate chip cookie with ice cream was to die for. Let them do the grilling. See if you can talk the Specialty Restaurant sales people working the entrance to the Oceanview into a 2 for 1 deal into the LCG on day 3 or 4 of your cruise. If not, still worth the upcharge to dine there.

Cheers,

OHP

Please share lunch recommendations for Boston, Portland and Halifax. The Lobster Roll looks delicious. We are going a similar cruise mid-September. We are also going to St. John but I don't believe you cruised there. Thank you for sharing your photos. It looked like you had all types of weather.

Thanks for enjoying our video. In Portland (image of Lobster Roll) we found the place wandering around Old Town. Can't remember the name. Wander around Fore Street and Wharf Street and you'll find similar places. DW thinks it was across from the Regency Hotel. Look for the bar type places with the chalk boards out front advertising their lobster rolls. In Halifax we had lunch at the Red Stagg Tavern. Old refurbished warehouse and brewery (I think) Other eateries in the area. Also Alexander Keith Brewery is located in that area.

Enjoy the cruise. It's on our list to do again..really loved the entire trip.

Cheers,

OHP

Hi, please can somebody advise me when you have the classic drinks package, do they charge you gratuities on top for every drink consumed. Or does the package include the gratuities? The drinks package we received was free when booking. TIA:)

You may notice on your cruise receipt or, if you use it, your MyCelebrity account the code BEVCLINGRAT. It was explained to me that is the code they use for the Classic Package and the understanding that the 18% service charge is included. We booked a cruise months and months ago and I forgot which perks we signed up for. When I first revisited the code I thought the GRAT part of the code was for the $13.50 per day charge...knew I won't pick that so I got clarification from the service desk.

Cheers,

OHP

So I just scanned an online article from the NY Times about life at Fox News after Roger Ailes's departure. Change a few words and the point at the end of the article is very appropriate to both X, her future, LLP's challenge, and this thread:

“A broader course correction is necessary at Fox News — they must attract younger viewers — and that kind of effort will be extremely difficult because its loyal viewers have such rigid expectations".

Or, with my wine influenced modifications :-):

“A broader course correction is necessary at Celebrity Cruses — they must attract younger cruisers — and that kind of effort will be extremely difficult because its loyal cruisers have such rigid expectations.

Cheers,

OHP

I'll add two more..

 

Anytime / freestyle dining

 

7 day cruises to Europe (and the reason they first started the 3 day trips)

Ok, fine. Let us say that all three of those were put in place solely to attract younger cruisers (not likely). That's not aligned with the point the OP made, and agreed to by plenty of posters. How are any of those changes "alienating loyal customers" or "destroying the brand". You're saying people are going to switch to Oceania because LLP is now offering Unlimited Internet? Really?

And regarding Bistro on Five...it is commonly stated on this board that very few to any passengers go there. We do, but only on embarkment day for a stress free lunch. So not seeing how Loyal Customers should feel they have given up SO MUCH to give the Gen Xer's "their" Fish Bait on Five.

So, please fellow CCer's ......help me understand what I am giving up by way of LLP's actions in order for her to attract younger cruisers. How, specifically, is she "alienating loyal customers" or "destroying the brand" in her efforts to attract younger cruisers.

So far what we have is..... the large speakers at the pool area on some ships. What else is she doing to attract younger cruisers that is "destroying the brand"??

Cheers,

OHP

OK I've got one. Replacing live music with DJ loud, blaring music in the atrium so you can't speak with anyone at the nearby venues.

 

 

 

Queen Lisa doesn't necessarily want to chase off the old farts but wants to add more to the bottom line by cutting costs. If chasing off the expensive Elite/Elite Plus perk suckers saves money, the more the better. The younger ones don't get what's been cut yet.

 

Thus to use a metaphor, a person who's never tasted steak loves the flavor of hamburger and is happy.

Regarding the music in the atrium....that would only be the case in S-class ships. No entertainment in the atrium on M-class. Your post got me thinking so I went back and looked at my dailies for the Silhouette and Equinox. Atrium entertainment didn't start until after 5:00pm. 80% of the time it was live music, 20% DJ. DJ shows were stuff like...Motown Hits, Back to the Beatles, Rock Around the Clock-the 50's, Piano Man-Billy Joel...not the kind of stuff, I would think that would attract cruisers in their 20's and 30's.

So, while many cruisers might not like the music (we do) I'm not thinking this was done by LLP to attract younger cruisers..as per the OP's thesis statement.

Cheers,

OHP

The story and half speakers out by the POOL. So loud you can't talk to the person sitting right next to you.

The casual chic dress code.

The new martini bar menus. 99% are very very sweet.

I can see your point on the speakers...but I'd think there are plenty of boomer that appreciate the change. Just like there are plenty of younger cruisers that want to converse with their friends and family and hate the larger speakers.

Casual Chic was implemented to attract younger cruisers?? Really. From the threads here there are plenty of boomers and ggeners that are praising the change (not me..btw).

Sweet martinis. Not sure there is evidence that younger cruisers like sweet martinis at a higher percentage than the general cruising population.

Thanks for your message. We now have on a four page thread one example of a change that was believed to be put in place to attract younger cruisers.

Cheers,

OHP

Briefly, those of you who feel alienated, what are the SPECIFIC changes you think X is making to try to lure millennials? Because to restate my earlier point, if they're trying they're doing it wrong. Just to toss out a random example, I'm smack in the middle of Gex X, and I saw Rock City in December. The most recent songs in that show were about 20 years old, and most were much older. Meaning, they there was playing songs from my childhood and before I was born, and I'm still older than this target demo you think they're going after.

 

The live duo in the lobby was doing Buddy Holly and such. And this was on a five day Carribean.

 

The website and assorted tech, as we know, is a joke.

 

Specifics, please.

 

(I'm not a cruise industry expert by any means, but the line I can see actually scooping up the millennials in a few years is Virgin.)

OK kind cruisers, need some help with this thread. If you recall the OP's thesis statement was, "Then the bottom fell out, and it became clear that Lisa Lutoff-Perlow was moving Celebrity in a new direction: try to attract younger customers to cruising. Hook them in now and they will be with you for life".

There were several posters that agreed with the OP and many that offered examples of changes they thought were hurting X or driving them from X to others. But there were no examples of specific changes rolled out that LLP intended to attract younger cruises at the expense of the loyal cruiser.

Then AdoraBelle posted (see above) to try to get specific examples. Again, there were no examples of changes to attract younger cruisers. For example, I'm not thinking removing free bottled water for AQ was designed to attract younger cruisers :-).

So, please, those that think LLP is out to chase us Boomers and our parents off in order to replace us with younger cruisers.....Please list out the changes that us Boomers hate but younger cruisers love.

Sorry for the ramble...but from reading the board over the past six months or so I really think there is the perception out there that LLP is the Wicked Witch of the West, wants us loyal cruisers to die off, and structure a business model to attract younger cruisers after our exit. I don't see it, so please help me out.

Cheers,

OHP

I believe this is the roll call thread you're looking for. Don't use the "find your roll call" feature, but instead go directly to the Infinity Roll Call forum and scroll down until you find Sept 18.

 

Here it is...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2281872

 

I agree with neverbeenhere the pricing is probably supply and demand at work as opposed to it being a cruise with some large, bizarre group booked. ;)

Thanks for doing that for me and providing the roll call link. I was going through the "find your roll call" path...go to know about the other path.

From reviewing the thread..not much there on why so cheap. It does look like there have been some serious reductions over the last 12 months or so. Looks like the weak Canadian dollar might have some effect also on suppressing local demand. I'm going to wait a couple of weeks and see what happens to rates while trying to not be too cute and end up with a high airfare. My SIL (aka: our dog sitter) lives in RDU and so far the fares are holding at $400US per person for flights with decent connections. We'll see.

thanks to all for the replies.

Cheers,

OHP