AC Stew

I just double checked to confirm. Yes indeed, Elite Plus and Zenith are entitled to one free class! - Go to the Celebrity website (no need to login). - Click onto Captain's Club Tiers and Benefits. - Scroll down a bit to "Full List: View All Benefits." - You'll bring up the grid that displays the complete listing of all tier benefits. - Look towards the bottom of the page to the SPA listing. - You'll see "One complimentary fitness class (yoga,Pilates,spin) for Elite Plus and Zenith. Not all instructors will inform you of this benefit. I'd suggest you copy the benefit grid page to bring with you. I frequently take advantage of this much appreciated perk.

Elite+ (and Zenith) will get a free fitness class as well. Last time I was in Aqua, I was able to add that additional class to my AQ allotment.

In case points are important for you, be aware that SV cabins will accrue fewer points than Concierge or Aqua cabins. Despite the fact that SV cabins certainly cost more, they're considered regular tier balconies. If I'm correct ... that's 3 points per night for SV as opposed to 5 points per night for Concierge and Aqua. On Millenium Class, aft balconies (exception being the large "family" afts) were formerly classed as C1s. With the re-classification of stateroom categories, only the "Wheelchair Accessible" cabins remain as C1s. We still covet the Millenium Class SVs, but I'll never understand why we now must pay more than a C1 but get the fewer points and loss of the little Concierge perks. Not a deal breaker, but still ... annoying.

Helen, you are on a different ship than we were. The noise complaints are "consistently inconsistent!" It's true that there are many noise complaints about Edge Class (certainly far more than any other Celebrity ship class). But it seems that it's all quite arbitrary. Some folks have serious issues ... others, none at all. You just never know. I will tell you that friends on the same sailing in a deck 10 SV experienced noise annoyance, but not to the same degree as ours. Good luck to you!

Yikes, on a new ship?! Glad you were able to get it resolved. SV cabins have regular balconies, so "infinite window" issues apply to a different subset of staterooms. Clearly, there are problems across the board with Edge Class. In our case, along with the sledgehammer reference, we also would have sworn that there were bowling balls rolling around in the ceiling!

Past sailing on Edge SV 11273: This has been a much-discussed topic. As I wrote on a previous thread about Edge Class noisy/creaking cabins, our experience was truly awful. "Sledgehammers in the ceiling" for almost the entire Transatlantic, including sail days in the Med. Lots of shims wedged into the wall, so of course, we weren't the first guests to call maintenance! And after 50 cruises or so ... we understand normal ship noises. Not being able to sleep night after night is not normal. Since we like aft cabins (and noise issues are also reported in many other stateroom areas), we will avoid any future Edge Class ships. Not worth the risk of an unpleasant sailing.

Please do not fill your water bottles from the floor mounted water fountain in the fitness center. It would be likely that you could touch your bottle opening to the fountain surface. The very real health hazard works both ways!

Yoga (or Pilates) is generally offered in the morning, usually at 08:00 or sometimes 09:00. Although, sometimes not on port days. Prices have gone up dramatically. $20 for a single class, but with 18% auto tip it comes in at about $24 per class. When a "class pass" is available for sale, it's a money saver. If you are in Aqua, make it known to the instructor ... you get a free class. And if you're Elite+, that's another free class. Are the classes "good?" Well ... it's a crap shoot. Spa/fitness staff are not RCI employees, they work for an outsourced agency, formerly called "Steiner." Steiner hires mostly in Eastern Europe, Britain, and South Africa. Instructors will have varied fitness/sports backgrounds, but often have zero Yoga experience. Steiner trains them with just a few seminars. So, sometimes the instructor is not very good ... you'll do sun salutes for 20 minutes and little else. But other times you luck out! On my recent sailing, the instructor was a former dancer and an experienced yoga practitioner. Awesome classes! Bottom line, if you end up with a mediocre teacher, adjust to your own level. That's what everyone does. You'll find that the people who attend the morning yoga are generally experienced, or otherwise new and excited to learn. It's always a nice group of folks and regardless of the abilities of the teacher, you'll get your "ohm" on! PS> You can always do the 30 minute complimentary stretch classes, usually held at 07:00

A further thought for you: These aft balconies are much coveted (noise or not), and they are rarely available. If you are committed to the sailing date with the cabins you mentioned, and you are making a deposit, here's what I'd suggest: Reserve 10271 or 93120. Those cabins will be quickly snapped up, and you can always change your mind. Do a google search on "Edge class sunset balconies." Click onto the "cruisedeckplans.com" link that will display (among others). You'll be able to look at photos and videos of your 10271 and 93120. Normally, you should have a membership with Cruise Deck Plans to access those photos. Personally, based on the rather limited problems my friends reported in the next-door cabin, perhaps go for 10271? Bear in mind though, I'm just one person with one opinion!

Edge Transatlantic October 24, 2022, Cabin 11273: Compared to Millenium and Solstice class fantails, this stateroom seemed longer and narrower. But it was lovely. Hubby always likes that full-sized couch. As I recall, the extended balcony came with loungers, as well as adequate overhang for shade and privacy. Now for the not so good: You need to read the threads about reported noise on this class ship, particularly in the aft facing cabins. Most unfortunately, we were astonished at the noise level of the banging and thumping that was almost constant. Many nights, we were continuously awaked by the noises. And this was a smooth crossing, so it can't be blamed on the seas. In over 50 sailings (16 on Celebrity), we had never experienced this awful level of noise. We actually thought something had to be wrong, and maintenance was called to do an inspection. They messed around for a bit but resolved nothing. We did notice that someone had placed several wooden shims in the wall/ceiling. For almost the entire cruise, the regular banging sounded like someone was whacking hammers in the ceiling. I'm not exaggerating ... it was dreadful. We're fantail junkies and will always book those cabins. But on an Edge class ship? For us, never again. Some will say that a ship at sea will just naturally creak and groan. Absolutely true, but there was nothing "normal" about what we had to endure. Although, I should add that our friends were in 10273 on the same cruise. We did a noise comparison and found that the banging heard in their cabin was there but was much less pronounced. Good luck with your selection.

Assuming the breakfast room service menu is the same as the Constellation, there has been a change. Selections for the complimentary continental breakfast have been reduced. With no granola or smoothies, the menu looks a lot more like the standard room service menu. As for the canapes, we weren't offered, and we didn't ask for them. On the plus side, if you take any specialized exercise classes in the gym, be sure to get your complimentary class for Aqua.

For the life of me, I cannot wrap my brain around the fact that the monster can actually float! And those colours? Looks like Big G barfed up a whole mess of Legos and Play Dough and thus the Icon was the result. Aesthetically, it's certainly not for us. And way, way too many people! Thousands and thousands of tourists descending upon what were once pleasant and relaxing Caribbean port stops? No thanks! If we want to visit a theme park, it'll be a self-contained Disney World or similar option. I fully understand that Royal will likely continue to sell out these beasts. Unfortunately, those passengers won't have a clue that they're actually on a ship. Can't really call the experience a "Cruise." (Don't flame me, we're just one opinion among many.)

You'll definitely enjoy the more relaxed ambience in Blu. And if you can't find a menu option that pleases you, you're able to order off the MDR menu as well. That's a bonus for Millenium Class ships. It's a win-win!

We were recently in 1112 on the Constellation for a short Caribbean sailing. I'm highly noise sensitive, and very particular about cabin location. This particular cabin seemed to be well-situated. Movie sound track (during the day) was audible while on the balcony, but only very, very slightly. Note that the balcony was quite small and if your neighbours spend time conversing outside, that would be far more distracting than movie noise. We actually loved the cabin and the location. Be aware though, that the overhead shade covering is somewhat limited compared with other balcony categories.

Forgot to mention: If you are a yoga/pilates practitioner, you will enjoy "Jasmin's" classes. She has professional dance experience ... she's positively brilliant!

We were in Aqua on deck 11. This was our 16th sailing with Celebrity and our 50th cruise overall. We usually cruise with Royal over Christmas. We agree that the overwhelming majority of crew were friendly and efficient. Service in Blu suffered from a few blips over the first couple of nights. As did the quality of the dishes. Calamari appetizer and salmon main course were badly overcooked ... virtually inedible. Salads came dry, without the promised dressings. When we pointed that out, a bottle of olive oil and another of balsamic were plunked down. We didn't complain but did comment honestly when asked. Clearly, the info was passed on and the remainder of our dinners were much improved. I have to say though, that we selected some of our dinner entrees from the MDR menu. We've never done that before. Service, particularly from Lyn (wine server) was excellent. The ship was refreshed since our last Constellation cruise. The carpets and most furnishings seemed quite new. The Connie seemed bright and comfortable. Christmas decorations were beautiful. One annoying failure: No berries of any description in the Spa Cafe, so no berry smoothies for at least the several mornings that we checked. And if you're a vanilla soft serve fan, that flavour was unavailable (Oceanview) for the duration. We had the Premium drinks package and discovered that the Kendall Jackson Elegance Pinot Noir was now priced at $19, so no longer included in the package. Not a big thing, but perhaps worth mentioning. Still, even with the subtle (and not so subtle) cutbacks, we still had a great cruise! We were ultimately very happy with Blu and the benefits of Aqua. Holiday spirit was alive, and it was lovely to see multi-generational families celebrating together!

Well, don't get too excited. Last year, the eggnogs were tasty but non-alcoholic. In previous years, there was always a choice ... with rum or not. We see that at least, some of the post-plague cutbacks are being reversed. Maybe the rum will make a return?!

We've been on a Radiance class ship out of Tampa for many Christmas sailings. We don't have kids or grandkids, but Santa and his elves on Christmas morning is always a highlight! We find a seat in the Centrum, sip the complimentary eggnog, and watch in delight as wrapped gifts are presented to the excited children. Even the older kids seem to enjoy the show. And BTW, there are lots of families proudly sporting their holiday PJs! In the Windjammer, too. Believe me, you'll get a ton of compliments and approving smiles. You can also take your own pics; the massive decorated tree makes a gorgeous background.

In my experience, asking the cabin steward/ess if they need anything from a port stop, I'll usually get a polite "No thank-you." I suspect even if they could use toothpaste or shampoo, they would be reluctant to appear "demanding." (Although, well into the cruise after they get to know you, perhaps they'd feel more comfortable to respond.) And yes, we tip $20 on the first day when the steward pays his/her first visit to the cabin. I joke that this "this isn't a bribe, just a little something to put to good use if/when they get some shore time." It's always been graciously accepted. We will continue this practice.

Yeah, I know. "No one stopped them." That's my point. Going to and from the theater, that smoke cloud is nasty. Over the years, there's been much discussion about this matter. But I do agree with you ... love the mid-sized Radiance class ships! Not too big, not too small ... just right.

Casino smoke polluting the Centrum should be an easy fix. According to RCI policy, casino smoking is only permitted if one is actively playing in the casino. The venue is not an ashtray for the convenience of non-gambling smokers. Well, that's the theory. Policing and enforcing the rule is another matter entirely. It just doesn't happen. And I suppose if I was casino staff, I wouldn't want to spend my shift confronting self-entitled rule breakers either!

Jetdriver787: Where have you been all these years?! Brilliant humour and even better writing. Cruise Critic should be paying you!

September 17 night Arctic crossing on the Jewel with My Time Dining: We've done My Time Dining for years, always with an advance reservation for around 6:00 to 6:30. Always a good experience with little or no wait time, and usually the same table and servers. For this cruise, we had 6:45 reservations for every night of the sailing, the earliest time slot offered. It was a nightmare. As previously reported in other threads, MTD now opens later, and only when the traditional early diners vacate the dining room. Consequently, well before 6:45, the line ups have formed. Both on the "Reservations" line and the separate "No Reservations" line. There were always delays be seated; never got in before 7:00. It took time to process those line ups! Lots of grumbling and frustration could be heard. Especially when "No Reservations" folks were regularly seated ahead of the "Reservations" line. Service with different waiters/assists was hit or miss. After a few nights, we gave up and ate dinner in the Windjammer. In point of fact, a great many cruisers did the same. The WJ was packed every night. We found that the food choices were actually better than what we'd experienced in the MDR. And it was more relaxing to eat at our leisure. Never a worry about making the show. Honestly, we were quite happy there! Unless MTD is returned to its original format of using a separate restaurant level and starting earlier, it will remain inefficient and increasingly unpopular.

Curious: Did you hear the "Oscar - Oscar - Oscar" (person overboard) crew announcement?

We didn't mind the 1 x day service, recently experienced on the Jewel Transatlantic. We're early risers, and we opted for morning service. And honestly, I didn't mind not having the evening visit. I agree with the poster who liked not having to tidy up a bit, in anticipation of the steward/ess coming in at night. If I had "dainties" hanging up to dry, I would always hide them away prior to leaving for dinner, then hang them up again when we returned. Now, I don't have to worry about that. One point though, our steward told me that the majority of his guests had requested morning service and that was a little challenging for him. But not for us, we were the first cabin he cleaned, and his timing was impeccable. However, I can understand the discussion about gratuities and reduced service.