AC Stew

Apparently ... a majority of "one." From a non-Celebrity cruiser? Not exactly overwhelming. BTW, I responded to the initial stock email note from Celebrity. This time however, I added my phone number. Got a phone call the next day. Whatever that's worth.

On a past sailing, I did collect the charms for the locket necklace. Not for me. I'd asked my cabin steward, and he said that his young daughter would love it.

It's beyond astonishing that we're being forced to have this conversation! Email address for the new CEO?

Uh ... gotta disagree. A beach is no longer beautiful when it must be shared with 2000 (or more) of my new best friends!

Re: Small ship subject: We also prefer the Radiance Class size. Not too big ... not too small ... just right. Large enough to offer an acceptable selection of amenities and venues, but small enough to remind you that you're actually at sea. If we had kids, perhaps we'd feel differently ... something for everyone. As for even smaller new ships? It would be awesome to open up to new destinations that can accommodate only those smaller ships.

Fine looking young guys! I'm guessing that this pic was taken on the formerly formal, now "dressier" night? It's painfully obvious that a whole lot of grown-up boys could/should take a lesson here!

There is already a lengthy thread on this subject.

Hey there Miched, I totally agree! I was only quoting the pickleballers in my community! Their #1 argument to support more pickleball courts is the (perceived) mushrooming popularity of the sport. Going back in time to the aerobics craze of the 80's, I remember all too well the worldwide popularity of that fitness phenomenon. Yeah, my knees are paying the price for those years of "high impact" pounding in my cute little Reebok Princess sneaks. Sensibly, aerobics evolved into numerous low impact offshoots. Pickleball too, will see an inevitable demise. Just not anytime soon. For now, the folks who play the game, love the game. And I can tell you that the "older" participants in my community are fierce. The frequency of injuries, apparently, won't stop them.

Over the last several years, pickleball (in my retirement community) has morphed from a casual fun game to a competitive, cultish obsession. The converts have taken over tennis courts, basketball courts, and still want more. Exercise is clearly a good thing, but the incessant "thunk thunk" (especially at night) is infuriating. Yeah, the HOA gave in to the endless demands for night lights. We constantly hear that "pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world" and it probably is (for now). True, there are international competitions. But whenever we see an ambulance racing through the development, it's often headed to the pickleball court. Another senior reminded that they're not 21 anymore. As for the drum beat to put more pickleball courts on ships, it's happening. I would caution participants of all ages to be extra careful and wary of Caribbean heat, sun, and intermittent rains. And depending on the location of the courts, keep in mind that the "thunk thunk" can be really annoying.

As long as they wear a clean shirt of some description and leave the baseball caps in the cabin, they would probably be just fine. Especially if your sailing is a more relaxed Caribbean cruise. But if it's Europe ... they might want to invest in a pair or two of khakis or even black jeans. No need to get fancy, just a step up from what they'd wear during the day.

If nothing has recently changed, Aqua guests are entitled to 3 freebie specialty classes. (Make sure that you identify yourself as Aqua.) Normal cost for Yoga/Pilates is around $20 and they now add an 18% gratuity. If you take more than 3 classes, you'll incur the full charge. If you go to the Fitness Center after boarding, the Fitness Instructor(s) "should" be available. They'll sign you up for your desired classes. True, Yoga numbers are restricted, but spots are reserved based on the order of sign-up. Aqua guests using their freebies are treated no differently than other passengers.

Love, love, love this cabin! Super quiet, since you're at the end of the hall in a corner and nobody walks by. No neighbouring cabin on your port side. The layout of this large balcony is just a little funky (longer than wider) as you can see on the specs and the excellent video. Still enough space for chairs and loungers. Great aft views enhanced by some port side views if you can squeeze into that narrow corner for a look-see. Sufficient shade, and that's a priority for me. Sure, there are some extra steps to get around, but we never found that to be an inconvenience. Another plus ... as I recall, there's an aft staircase (elevator?) not far away. It goes right up to the Windjammer so you can grab snacks to enjoy on your balcony. If quiet, privacy, and fabulous aft views are important to you, this cabin choice is a no-brainer!

If in Aqua, the primary reason (for us) to choose MDR, would be to join Non-Aqua friends for a dinner or two. Never had a problem doing this. The reverse is true. Aqua friends have joined us in the MDR when we were in a regular balcony.

Davekathy: Thank-you. That I Spy video was pathetic. Nutsaboutgolf: Thanks very much for your input. The couple on that 747 who perished because they were "frozen in their seats" is a classic example of "negative panic." Just another term related to the "fight or flight" mechanism. If they'd watched the safety demonstration ... who knows. As I stated earlier in my post, even after watching a live muster drill/ briefing, I acknowledged that I hope I remember! As Idubs stated in his last post, emergency situations rarely go according to a set plan. And paying attention to a safety briefing is no guarantee; humans never know how we'll actually react. All I've been trying to say is that a live muster/ briefing (if one watches it), could possibly increase chances of dealing with a situation. Even if it's a small chance, we should make it available. Because ... I think that many of us are guilty of running that safety video without even looking at it. But if our physical presence is required, something might stick. Bottom line though, this has been an interesting and useful conversation for all of us.

Davekathy: You're highly experienced cruisers and travelers. Not to mention, well-respected contributors to these boards. My above post was to support the OP (my prerogative), as well as provide a related perspective to the topic. I'm quite taken aback that you think people dying in an emergency evacuation is funny.

I must agree with "OnTheJourney." Muster drills are an absolute necessity, and the dumbing down of a safety briefing for "convenience" is a huge mistake. Do I like standing on deck in hot/cold weather to see an actual visual of someone putting on a life jacket as opposed to a "convenient" screening on a phone or TV? Heck no! But at least I've been given a real-life visit to my actual muster station. Hopefully, I'll remember. If people choose to chatter or cruise the internet during the briefing, that's on them. Airline and cruise ship safety briefings are indeed similar. For any of my fellow Cruise Critic members who might doubt the importance of paying attention, I could cite many examples of why we should. Over a great many years in Airline Health & Safety, I've read dozens of accident reports. The one that remains permanently stuck in my brain, is the tragic 1977 runway collision of two 747s in Tenerife. When interviewed, two of the few survivors had this to say: "We were traveling with another couple, who were sitting in the row behind us. They joked about not looking at the safety demonstration or looking to identify their closest exit." But the survivors had done just that. During the evacuation, the surviving couple were unable to budge their friends, who sat frozen in their seats. OK, an aircraft is not a ship, but if we think that being forced to attend an in-person safety briefing is a "Cattle Call", just imagine the chaos of an evacuation. "Negative panic" can always kick in. However, any knowledge that we absorb will increase our chances of getting through it! I really do think that a live safety briefing is better.

I see that fitness classes (including Yoga & Pilates) are complimentary. For those who are familiar, how do they generally schedule classes? I'm primarily interested in mornings. The Oceania website talks about morning yoga on deck? Ouch ... for me, I can't do sun, so it would be a huge disappointment to be deprived of that class. Also, I'm assuming that there would be one instructor to do it all. Any comments on the quality of instructors and classes? Thank-you!

Appalling statement. I suppose then, that you don't tip your servers in a restaurant, even if the service was good? There's no difference here. If you think that the tours are overpriced, then you should not book them. Do some research and book your own tours which I often do, and there can be a very significant cost savings. Even with a tip!

Jbluebird: Good question and diplomatically phrased. If you are pleased with your tour experience, of course, you should tip! Tours are obviously contracted out to local tour operators. Your driver and guide are back at work after a long Covid shut down. While they shouldn't actively solicit your gratuity, you can be darned sure that they'll appreciate you giving it!! FYI: If it's a fairly basic tour day on a bus, we'll typically tip $5 pp. for the guide and a couple of bucks to the driver. Although, I'm guessing that the guide would probably give a portion of her tips to the driver.

Infinity Feb.11 Antarctic sailing: Oceanview dinner offerings started out to be very limited, much like the original video that was posted. About 3 or 4 days into the sailing, they expanded the stations and added to the main course selections. Stir fry noodle section was opened. Customer demand perhaps? On this cruise, the Oceanview was quite well-attended in the 3 or 4 evenings that we went. However, I'd have to rate the quality as mediocre. Not inedible, but certainly below familiar Celebrity standards. Lunch was generally OK.

Do NOT miss Celia Garland (on board naturalist/speaker's) lectures. She's remarkable! Get to the theater early. On our recent Feb.11 Argentina/Antarctic sailing, there was always a packed house. Bon Voyage!

Thanks, Jelayne. In the past, the expanded Concierge breakfast choices were available on all ships. But I did notice that it was sometimes ship specific. I guess that now, those menus for all categories under Aqua have been aligned. Hubby will miss the granola! Thanks for clarifying.

Usually, you get an expanded Room Service "Continental Breakfast" menu. As far as I know, the Continental Breakfast (only) is still complimentary. After the morning hours, there's a service charge for room service.

Hmnnn ... I guess that you're probably right. But the menu for additional amenities is kinda cool. As long as they keep offering it, I'm sure I could find something useful.

Last time we were in Aqua (S Class), there were already a couple of brand-new yoga mats in the cabin. I did take one to a yoga class, but only once. The new yoga mat was a bit slippery, and, in my experience, they have to be worn in. I ended up using the well-worn gym mats for class. Of course, well-wiped before and after! Never got the email, but I'll certainly be on the lookout for one on our next Aqua sailing.