Josie201

We were a group of 14 (12 adults 2 toddlers) on Beyond recently.  I know you said you like to sit together but we sat "nearby" each other, with groups of six, four and four or similar.  That way people could come and go for lunch or a walk or a gold by the inch sale or whatever and there was still a good mass of occupied seats in the smaller groupings.  We will also usually try to get some seats in the shade and some in the sun, which moves around during the day so we can also switch it up.  That said, even in those smaller groupings, I was often on deck before 7:00 a.m. and many chairs were taken... or "reserved".     

We are heading to St. Martin later this month and have a beach day planned at Big Bastards Beach Bar.  I am seeing recent pictures and reports of significant sargassum.  I know it changes daily and with the tides, but any update from recent visitors would be welcome.  Thanks. 

Haven’t cruised yet but I cancelled Roxy’s.  

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said:

What you mention is irrelevant as to how a guest is booked... presuming you have booked into the same cabin on both legs.

You are correct.  If the cruise is truly just a 7 day you are doing b2b no difference. 

Seems like I'm in the minority, but I would prefer a 14 day over 2 7 day B2B.  I find the last day and the first day of any cruise a bit more "chaotic" on board, with the feeling like they are ready to get rid of me, or up-selling me on day 1 so I would rather avoid those "hassles" (minor as they may be!). 

We were on in November for an extended family gathering, with a 1 and a 3 year old.  Note there is no kiddies pool, and children must be toilet trained to use the pool - not even swim diapers allowed.  That said, both sets of parents found the kids club/toddler area kept the kids entertained on a daily basis when open. 

Hello all - am looking to book a Princess cruise after many years away (mostly on Celebrity).  Booking for the Hawaii RT option which is hard to find.  I have a particular cabin in mind, category B4.  Does the one category upgrade offer mean I should be priced at the B3 price, and is this even something worth mentioning to my TA.  She's already quoted me a price and perks but its been awhile as I said and I just want to ensure I'm getting the best deal.  Thanks. 

Thank you for this clear description.  

Is there an option to pay for a bag of laundry ? 

I have never seen the indication that non alcoholic drinks are excluded.  Would be nice if true as we drink lots of bottled water in a day.  

I am happy to read reports that Decoy is returning/has returned to the premium package.  But I do wonder, with all our "complaints" about the Decoy, is that the only change that was made following Celebrity's promises of "we have heard you and we are making changes".  I had hoped they would revise/revamp their menus somewhat more substantially to include a number of new wines of all types across all price ranges.  To me, this was more than just a reinstate Decoy exercise. 

7 minutes ago, Winemaker_1 said:

From what I've read here in the last 6 months, maybe "Lauragate" is most appropriate.  Pizzagate, cookiegate, butlergate, winepricegate, and solocruisergate.  All on her watch, right?

 

These required damage control or a 'walk-back'.  

Lest we forget vapegate....

I voiced my concerns to the Exec Office via email today at 1230.  I got a call from them at 2:45 pm.  Sure it was mostly a script but I think that’s impressive.  She said as others have reported.  Our concerns have been heard and changes are coming.   I’ll see in February on the Silhouette.  

1 minute ago, cruisestitch said:

Where did you read this?

Host Andy reported it on his social media page. 

4 hours ago, LadyBerard said:

We're cruising on 1/15, and today, I received an email that Celebrity canceled this excursion.  Disappointed, as the youtube videos of Roxxy Beach Club looked very nice!

 

FYI, I have reserved a beach day via Roxy’s web site.  No request for a credit card which is good.  My biggest concern is she said it’s an approximate 30 minute taxi ride from the cruise port.  If you do go later this month please post your experience here.  As will I if we go.  

Got the same cancellation for Feb 26 sailing.  Must be an issue with the club itself.  

We were on  Beyond late November.  Group of 14, we all did self-disembark.  Ship was very delayed clearing so disembarkation didn't start until about 8:30.  A couple in our group had booked an Uber, but missed it, were unable to cancel due to wi-fi issues, so ended up paying.  Our mini-group of four got a cab immediately and were at FLL through security and at our gate by about 9:20 a.m.  We all had TSA pre check but frankly the lines weren't clearly marked.  Our flight was at 11:00 and going to Canada.  We were fine but I wouldn't have wanted to have been on a 10:00 flight.  No reason was given for the slow clearance just hundreds of people lined up on deck for more than an hour waiting. 

If accurate, this is also a price increase for the Classic and Premium packages, and does not address the fact that many wines and some spirits are outside the premium package.  

As mentioned, many of us have mentioned Decoy as a "standard" we enjoyed on the premium package.  I for one will not pay the $2 upcharge, just based on principle.  I wonder if many others did the same and sales of Decoy tanked, would they notice and wonder why?  I certainly will mention it to a beverage manager when I see one on Silhouette in February.  Same goes for the Elegance Cabernet.  As stated, for a "modern luxury" line to charge an additional $2 for a glass of wine to those with a beverage package is tacky.  Just add a third package, call it elevated, and let the customer decide which package they are willing to pay for. 

I believe Jim_Iain reported that the limit prices on the Edge had also increased.  But that may be because he’s in Australia.  

10 hours ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Never seen it cheap for a Transatlantic 

We got it on the Silly TA November 2024 for $6.99 plus great pppd. 

8 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

We have to remember half the battle is them having the wines in stock

Exactly.  Just off the Beyond a couple of weeks ago.  I lost track of how many times I asked at OVC or elsewhere during the day for a premium Chardonnay but all they had was the Seeker.  I switch to red for dinner and didn’t have these issues in the MDRs.  

We just returned from 9 days on Beyond.  We were a large group and had all six SVs on Deck 10 booked in a row.  Very quiet, lovely views, we were able to open all six to wander back and forth and had a great time.  I will say ... we started the week with two chairs, small table and up to two loungers per balcony.  Over the course of the nine days, the loungers started to disappear, LOL.  First one per balcony and eventually none left.  We didn't complain as we rarely used them since it was a family/busy/comings and goings type of cruise, but if it had been just my DH and myself, would likely have used them more and therefore would have asked about them. 

I just booked this as well.  Have never been but decided to try it, especially at 30% off.  Please report back on your experience.  We go in February, also on the Silhouette.