Georgia_Peaches

Usually prohibited items are confiscated and held in the "naughty room" until the cruise ends. These are normally brought by passengers who "didn't know" they were prohibited, ie. power strip. But not sure what Celebrity would do with a whole bag of intentionals such as what you've described. Do you already know the address of the location you're staying in while in Mexico? If so, why not pack a small box and mail those items to yourself?

We are booked on Solstice for this very itinerary in March. The thing that struck a chord with me is OP's take on cabin A/C. I hate a cabin that won't cool! It can make an entire 7 nighter feel like an eternity. We were on Silhouette in 2019 and our cabin was warm. I complained about it to our butler and she ultimately ended up bringing in a fan for some relief...and it helped. And since we haven't been on Solstice before and I am aware that this ship is older and in need of a refresh, I will continue to seek out opinions of those who have recent experience on board. From there, I weigh what's being reported to what's important to me. In the end though, we are still taking this cruise and I can't wait! Keep the details coming, OP!

Glad they stuck to their published policy. Thanks for reporting!

I only said I don't think it's about laziness. So not really sure which part of my comment you are responding to.

I mean, I don't know if it's laziness as much as it is expectation and frankly, age demographic. For example, my parents are avid cruisers but they are also elderly. They probably rely on waited service more than I would because of stamina and mobility. In their shoes, I'd be annoyed if I couldn't get drink service. Can dad wait at a bar? Of course. Should he have to? No. My point is not to argue with you but rather, just to bring to light all sides of the coin.

Ours was 10AM which was odd to me because I would think it takes a while to clear the ship of previous passengers...and it did! Though we arrived at 11, we weren't led aboard until noon. I get the mad rush though...it's part of the excitement of embarkation day. People want to make the most of their first day on ship. I guess those same people shouldn't complain when they have to wait when they've arrived early.

I’m sorry about your itinerary change but I’m sure you’re going to have a great time in spite of the chaotic embarkation. We witnessed the same sort of thing when we embarked as well. As we were yacht club we also had priority but it was a tad uncomfortable being paraded past fellow passengers camped out on the terminal floor for lack of an open seat. MSc really ought to re-examine their embarkation process. Enjoy your cruise!

We are doing this sailing in March. I hope you will report out on your experience. I am so looking forward to the Mexican Riviera! I'm not familiar with Celebrity's history with LA departures. Do you mind expounding on that?

Sorry you're not feeling well. Before covid days it was pretty much a given for me that I was going to come down with some sort of crud after a cruise. Sure enough, after our Seashore cruise that ended just before yours, I started to feel a little under the weather when we got back. I resorted to my former protocol and immediately started on a course of vit c and zinc. I never tested positive but I stuck around the house for a while just to be safe. Feel better soon.

Funny you should mention that. My dad told me that in the old golden Las Vegas era, the one where the rat pack played in night clubs and cocktail lounges, the better your tip the better your table. He didn't understand those working but caught on quickly as to what a $5, a $10, and a $20 would get you!

We status matched to Gold so didn't get that perk but I agree it is nice! Was the dinner on the fixed menu or could you order ala carte?

LOL...my butler left that part out.

We got $240 refund on our last cruise booking (5% off). That refund covered our gratuities plus a little more. Like you, we were also given the gym bag which I used on the private island day. We were told we could have laundry service but I don't want others washing my clothes. We didn't take advantage of the free picture. We have loyalty points with NCL, RCL, Celebrity, Carnival, and now MSC. None of those lines offer loyalty perks that wow me into sticking with them exclusively. I really just don't care about the "perks" all that much.

What is this?

Oh no! I can see where this is going. Once on board, they will likely tell you there is nothing they can do as all this sort of stuff is taken care of shoreside and you will have to call MSC... I hope not!

Yay! I love that wall. I think I read somewhere, maybe this thread that the Solstice didn't have that wall.

It's always been a mixed bag for us on Celebrity. We've had both waited service and self service on all cruises. Sometimes I get stage fright when approached by a drink waiter and blurt out the first thing that comes to my mind... Me: I'll have a tiramisu martini, please. Them: I'm sorry, a what madam? Me: (now very confidently) a tiramisu martini, please Them: (confused) and madam what would those ingredients be? Me: (looking to DH for help) DH: My wife would like an espresso martini please Me: Yes! That's it. Thank you! Never fails...every time we have a drinks package, I get hung up on what to order. I want to step outside of my little box and get something exotic...but alas, exotic, I am not. Having said all that, we don't have a problem getting our own drinks. It gives me a chance to pic the bartender's brain on new drinks to try.

Seems like a lot of parameters have been set by MSC for $50. Not knocking the amount so much as the thought process on their part. If they want to give a perk to certain loyalty levels, then give it without all the hoops!

I knew there had to be money in it for the third party somewhere. Good information! I opted out of e-mail promotional communications when we booked our last cruise but got the offer to bid recently. We booked a YC inside suite and the offer to go up to YC deluxe was $420 pp. A mock booking revealed a ton of these suites left on Meraviglia for our departure date and the total would come out to Be $100 plus change less if we upgraded via our TA than to do the bidding process. We passed but I guess my point is to do some research before bidding. I think bidding is psychologically powerful in the consumer market because people like to “win” and feel like they got a “good deal”.

I don’t make a habit of inserting myself into the maitre’ d interactions of others while on a cruise. How else would one see this happen?

Do people really do this? I've only seen it done in movies.

So am I understanding correctly in that the YC restaurant is not in the YC proper?

I get that but I'm wondering if the third party earns a commission? If so, it would be in their interest to inflate the prices, no?

I didn't know this! Good info to have in my back pocket. Makes a lot more sense now. Thank you!

We booked YC and got an upgrade offer before our departure and as you suggest it would have cost more to bid than to book the existing room outright. Can’t speak to MSC’s motives here but I always go ahead and book the category I want from the beginning. Bidding does not equal better deal.