rootswings

Traditional dining is in fact well coordinated with show times. If you're in Select however it's up to you to decide whether you prefer the early or late show and schedule your dining reservations accordingly.

 

For many years we always took early traditional, however on X that meant a long after-dinner wait for the 9pm shows. Now we book late traditional and stroll from the 7pm show, to the bar, to the mdr. The late service does feel more relaxed and unhurried. The downside I have to overcome is a powerful 5pm urge for a Celebrity burger.

On my last sailing, late seating, traditional dining began at 8:30, too late to attend the late show, which was scheduled for 9:00. (Is late seating for traditional dining typically 8:00?)

Thank you, Hank. I will consider your observations, and my experiences when planning my next cruise. :)

Although I may not have considered a premium drink package, I will now factor in the cost of preferred wines before I make that decision.

Your comment about staff waiting on more tables makes sense. I didn't appreciate why I might feel rushed while there were empty tables, but more tables per waitstaff, could explain this. I will also consider later dining (I agree, that I noticed less rushing during the later dinner seating); unfortunately, this sometimes means forgoing a show. I think it would be sensible to try to coordinate the show times with dining times, but that does not seem to be the case with late dining and late shows.

I'll also try to keep some flexibility in my expectations. ;)

I have heard vaguely of "spring break" but wondered if it was just a movie thing...like the movie "The Hangover" is exaggerated. It's not a "thing" in Australia... usually we just sort this kind of thing out by pricing things out of the uni student market..... I guess that's not so easy in the US

 

 

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Not too easy to price out that segment - for a few reasons. Notably, in the last decade or so, the university has become more of a privilege. Even in public universities, students are highly subsidized either privately (e.g., parents) or publicly (through student loans and such). That privileged and financially subsidized sector contributes to the "spring break" phenomena.

Another large segment of people in the same age group may not attend university right away, and become part of the working (or military) class.

Although neither are minors, there are certainly social and economic differences between these groups. The privileged set would be more likely to be on a cruise. In my view, unfortunately, this segment contributes to the impression that these "young adults" are more properly treated as minors.

My cruising experience is rather limited - I've sailed twice with Celebrity. First was on Eclipse, about a year ago; I've just returned from my second cruise with them on the Reflection. Comparing the two, the meals and dining experience in the MDR were better on the Eclipse a year ago.

On Reflection, in my view, there were too many instances of overcooked meats (any request that was not "rare" arrived quite overdone), sauces and gravies were not too good, and did not contribute positively to the meal. Service was not as consistently good, at times rushed, and felt a bit hectic, as compared to service on the Eclipse.

Also, I purchased a drink package during the cruise. Before I had the package, the wine choices offered were considerably better than the wine I received after buying a package. (The wine offered when I did not have a package tended to exceed the cost that the package covered, but was better than the wine offered after I purchased the package. With the package I was not offered wine options, rather the server seemed to bring the "house" red or white, which was not as good as what was offered while "off package").

I wonder if the addition of upcharge specialty restaurants has contributed to a decline in MDR quality. Alternatively, it may be that the MDR kitchen on Eclipse was better at food selection and preparation.

The step-down in food was unfortunate, but overall, not so much that I wouldn't sail with them again. Another step down of the same degree might cause me to reconsider.

I found the buffet on Reflection to be quite good, with good and fresh food options. It sometimes took a while to replenish certain things, but overall it was good. Can't really compare the buffet on Eclipse, as I didn't dine there too much.

I was on the same sailing as OP. I, too, found the spa environment and use of the Persian Garden to be not as relaxing as I expected. Based on my experience, I would attribute the shortcomings to staff and, to a lesser degree, the facilities. As a point of comparison, I have also visited the spa and Persian Garden on Celebrity's Eclipse.

When I entered the spa, at the reception desk there were two employees. One was on the phone, the other left the area as I approached the desk. I waited while employee finished her phone call, which seemed to be a personal call. I told her that I wished to purchase a day pass and confirmed the price. She said fine, asked for my sea pass, and handed me a different card to use while in the spa. She did not indicate the purpose or use of the spa card.

She then walked me to the changing area. I expected that at some point, I would be provided with a robe, footwear, access to a locker, and perhaps a tour of the facilities. Instead, she unlocked a locker, told me to remember the locker number and to change, so that she could re-lock the locker. I found this odd, and wondered if she was going to stay there and watch me change. I then inquired about a robe. She left and returned with a robe - sure, that's all that I had asked for, but then had to ask if they were going to provide footwear as is typical. She sighed, seemed annoyed, and went off to get the footwear.

I had to go find her again when I needed to get something from the locker. At this point, I imagine that she was annoyed, as I was, but I had no option, since she was the only person who could unlock the locker.

She walked me to the Persian Garden, no tour or discussion of the facilities that were available. In the Persian Garden, the trash and towel bins were overflowing. Of course, it is a high use area, but during the several hours that I was in PG, observed that there were no employees maintaining the area.

Regarding the heated loungers, I noticed that they were not as warm as I expected, and at least two seemed to not be heated at all.

Later, when I asked why she needed to lock and unlock the lockers, since there were combination locks on the locker, she replied that the combination locks didn't work.

When I received my final bill, I noted that the actual cost of the day pass was about $5 more than the amount I confirmed (29.50 instead of 25.00); I assume the difference was a required gratuity, or tax, but think it would've been better for her to advise me of the price difference.

I suppose these inconveniences may seem trivial, but the combination of things made the experience less than stellar. Given the cost, brand, and past experiences, I was expecting an experience closer to stellar. I was disappointed and regretted that I had recommended the Persian Garden to others on the ship.

just off Reflection today. I did not notice any 2-for-1 bar specials, in particular bars during specific times, as you've described.

They did have "drink of the day" specials, a particular drink, I think discounted, available from any of the bars.

If I recall correctly, the Martini Bar had specials from time to time, advertised in the dailies.

There were other beverage related events (e.g., wine tasting, mixology class) at an additional cost (I don't think this is included in any of the beverage packages).

(I can't say for sure, but there may have been drink specials on port days - I don't know because I wasn't on the ship while we were in port.)

Yes you should scrap the water idea. The water onboard from the tap is as pure as bottled water. If you do bring a case of water the porters put a tag on it and it ends up outside your cabin door. Each cruise line has different rules for bringing wine onboard, most allow 2 750ml bottles per stateroom, wine must be in your carryon, any wine in your checked luggage will be confiscated and returned on the last night. happy cruising

I'll bring a refillable; but also want mineral / bubbly / "specialty" water -- which I wouldn't ordinarily think about too much, but it came to mind because of the beverage package. Thanks, everyone, I appreciate your assistance.

It looks as though OP is on Celebrity.

 

Here is Celebrity's wine policy:

Bringing wine or Champagne onboard: Passengers may bring two bottles of wine per stateroom, but only at embarkation. When consumed in any shipboard restaurant, bar or dining venue, there's a corkage fee of $25 per bottle.

 

Unlike Carnival, they don't specify that it must be carried on, but I wouldn't recommend putting it in your checked luggage.

 

I can't seem to find a policy regarding non-alcoholic drinks. You might ask about that over on the Celebrity board.

 

Have fun on your first solo!

Thank you!! I appreciate the information and good wishes. :) Right, carry - on for the wine - that makes sense.

The answers to your questions are dependent on cruise line, ship, etc. A little more info about your cruise would help with accurate answers.

ah, right, sorry 'bout that! I'll be on Celebrity's Reflection. Thank you.

Hello,

I have questions about bringing beverages on board -- how does this work? I have seen posts about people bringing bottled water on board, and I understand that one can bring wine onto some ships.

I guess these will seem like silly questions, but here goes ... The wine, I assume is in luggage that is checked in, or in a carry-on -- checked luggage seems risky in terms of breakage, but carry-on seems heavy. Similarly with water - do people just check in a case of water with a luggage tag? is it wrapped in some way - less concern about spillage, but the outer material (box, wrapping) doesn't seem sturdy enough to check in -- I suspect I'm overthinking this. Also, I tend to travel light, so I guess I'm having trouble wrapping my head around getting to the port with a heavy case of water (in addition to my luggage).

Should I just scrap the bringing water idea, and bring refillable water bottle instead? :rolleyes:

What cruiseline and ship?

 

Hope you have fun:)

I'll be on Celebrity's Reflection. Looking forward to the ship and the journey (but I haven't seen anything about other solos or solo activities).

Thanks!! :)

Going on my first solo cruise in a few days. Looking forward to it!!

I'll be going on my second cruise, first time solo, in about a week.

I'm looking forward to it, but as it approaches, I find myself getting a little anxious about sailing solo -- the responses in this thread are just what I needed to read!

I think cruising can be a relaxing way to travel and enjoy vacation.

I haven't traveled on RCCL, but if I keep cruising, I'm sure I'll try them out. Based on what I've heard and read, particularly with regard to solo traveling, I think a trip in January would be just fine. There will likely be a range of ages, as well as people of varied marital and familial status. Lots of activities -- and opportunities not to be active. My thoughts: go and enjoy. :)

Just returned from the Reflection and wanted to provide an update to my port wine question. I had no trouble bringing on a bottle of Taylor 20 year old port. They just checked the size and waved it through. Thanks for all the replies.

Thanks, PTCruizer, for this information. I may bring a bottle of port on my next cruise - nice to know this is an option.

Thanks to all for your thoughts and advice. After more deliberating, and in consideration other circumstances, I've ended up on another ship with a different cruise line (with a balcony).

I appreciate everyone's input. Your suggestions helped me make the decision to cruise as a solo -- I'm a little nervous about it, but looking forward to the travel.

When selecting a cabin category it always helps me to break it down to a cost per day basis. Example, on breakaway it was worth $20 pp a day for us to upgrade to a b6 with a lounger on the balcony because that's importAnt to me. On getaway the daily breakdown was too high of a cost for me to justify not taking a guarantee and rolling the dice. Pricing is always so variable it's hard to give a specific recommendation. What is the exact cost difference on your sailing? If you break that cost down to daily charge that may help you decide. Everyone has personal considerations. What is important to me might not be important to someone else. Some might prefer to spend their budget on experiences, others on accommodations. Good luck, let us know :).

 

 

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BermudaBound2014, thanks for your advice. The cost difference between the balcony and inside cabins is about $28 / day (about $200 for the 7 day cruise) -- but these are guaranteed rates, so no additional perks.

So it's coming down to thoughts like would that $28 / day be better spent on expenses that aren't otherwise covered (like drinks, because no UBP, or excursions). Also, I'm rather new to cruising. My first cruise included a balcony, but at the time, I knew I needed some peace and quiet, and was not traveling solo, so the space was good. This will be my second cruise, and I'm balancing trying new things, costs and experiences of solo travel.

Thanks all for your input. I'll update with decisions / outcomes, etc. :)

I have sailed solo on NCL at least 8 or 9 times, multiple times on Getaway, Breakaway and Epic and once on Escape. Some of what I am saying is a recap of what other have said.

1) Make sure you are looking at total cost of balcony and not per person

2) Is it a guarantee balcony without the perks

3) of the 4 ships with a Studio Lounge, Escapes Studio lounge is my least favorite, so extra time you get there with the studios isn't as nice as the others. ...

Langham1865, thanks for your thoughts. I now have better information: the costs I am comparing are for the various cabins, including the single supplement (i.e., not pp costs); comparing cost of different cabins in the guaranteed category (no perks).

The difference between an inside and balcony is about 200 for the 7 days (so about $28 / day); balcony is about $120 more than an OV. The balcony seems like a good deal; there is some risk with the guaranteed category instead of choosing; the cost difference between a selected cabin with perks and the guaranteed balcony category is $400-500.

I've been stuck in indecision, but reminding myself that any of them would be a nice option. The questions to my mind seem to be: 1) how much overall am I willing / able to spend on the trip, and 2) how to allocate those expenses (cabin, other expenses, excursions, etc.). This trip was not a planned expense, and I'm generally resistant to justifying a splurge on myself, so I'm balancing those factors, as well. :rolleyes:

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

Seeing you are travelling solo I would really recommend getting a pass for Vibe for the week. It's a private area on deck 19 for adults only. The bar staff are excellent and you will make friends with other guests and really enjoy your week. You will have the best of both worlds if you go to the solo meetings too.

 

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Johnsr420, thanks for the advice about the Vibe pass. I am hoping to be able to get one; sounds like a very good option. (Although I have to say, it's the addition of these various extra expenses that causes me to consider a less expensive cabin. Not complaining, though ... glad to be able to cruise!).

Also with current promotion you can choose 2 perks with a balcony, studio may be just one.

Yes, that is tempting -- but it seems that the promo is not offered with the "guaranteed / Xclass" cabins ... so that's another consideration.

Thanks, everyone, for the great advice. It's very helpful.

This trip will be a bit of a splurge for me -- but I can't decide how much of a splurge. Part of me is thinking if you can afford it, go for it, while another, more frugal side of me is thinking that if I don't max my budget out on the cabin, I'll have more to spend on other things ...

I'm not sure if my philosophy will be spend within a budget, but it's ok to max it out -- OR stay within budget but minimize expenses (because even if I can afford it, I like a good deal). Sorry for the tedious budget talk -- on the other hand, I think I've made the decision to book it -- so that's some positive progress!! :rolleyes:

yes, in most instances I have noticed a significant price differential between the studio and balcony - I have to double check on the price difference ... it may be that I was looking a pp costs ... that would be a consideration. thanks all for your thoughts.

I haven't sailed on the Escape but have sailed on the Epic in a studio. If the prices are close, I wouldn't hesitate to book a balcony. As others have said, you can go to the solo gathering if you want to meet other solos. I loved my studio on the Epic and enjoyed access to the lounge for a quiet start to my day with a cappuccino, but I'd have traded it for a reasonably-priced balcony in a heart beat!

This is good to know, thanks.

The feedback is helping me with my decision making. Now, I've just got to convince myself to book the cruise! ;)

Thanks for the helpful replies.

Makes total sense, I don't know why I thought solo events were limited to guests in studios.

So, from what I can gather the benefit of the studio is access to the studio lounge - is that right?

I'm thinking of booking a cruise on the Escape. I'd be traveling solo. This will be my 2d cruise. For my first cruise, I had a balcony cabin (Celebrity, aft); I really enjoyed having a balcony.

Since I'll be traveling solo (and am single), I thought I might check out a studio room, mostly for the benefit of mingling with other solo travelers, but I'm undecided because I think I might prefer a balcony room. (The rates I'm seeing have the studio and balcony rooms similarly priced).

So - for a single, solo traveler, who likes a balcony - which would be the better option for a 7 day cruise - studio or balcony? I would like to hear from anyone, and particularly those who have stayed in a studio room.