TeeRick

Old thread resurrected but I still agree with you. Not sure why this is a big deal- it will add very few people to the Retreat in a sailing. It has been in place for a few years already I think. It has been no impact.

Yes NE USA and eastern Canada will get a hurricane tracking that way every so often but the cold Atlantic in that region downgrades them quickly. I would be the least worried about a hurricane disrupting there but it could happen as you can attest. We went mid-October a few years ago on Summit. Excellent cruise.

A suggestion. Go Canada/NE cruises in October to escape the heat and avoid major hurricanes. And see some scenery and foliage. Can't go wrong!

Everybody has a wish list here for the next generation of Celebrity ships. But we need to look at these new ship investments as an overall part of the RCG corporate strategy, not just Celebrity in isolation. The driving factor will be a ship that has the extras and amenities that will attract the younger demographic next generation cruisers and generate the maximum profit factor. That is not us older cruisers who love M-Class and/or S-Class. The RC ships are the mega ships for families - Celebrity not likely to have a redundant investment in that space which RC has covered. The SS ships - small, intimate and luxury. Again this space covered. My prediction (my thought really). The Celebrity ships will continue to fit the 3000-3500 pax middle size ship format. No way they go with a 2000 pax M-Class replacement, even with more dining and amenities. Not enough revenue. So possibly a newer version of S-Class in size with more balconies and suites and a self-contained Retreat type area. Of course the new generation will have the latest in technology, environment and fuel savings - goes without saying.

Recently on Symphony they cancelled the Aqua Show twice due to high winds. We ended up missing it.

Our last couple of cruises (Symphony and Harmony) we booked on board early on the first day. We had to use our BOGO on nights 1 and 2 as the rule states. We could not use it in certain restaurants like Hooked.

It depends on the class of the Royal ship. There are two suite programs. The older ships like Freedom Class do not have a CK/ suite restaurant. And the suite program does not even provide included WiFi. We will be in a 2-BR GS on Indy next year. It is just as expensive but these amenities are not included. But we booked for the itinerary. Even the lowest level S3 sky suite on Celebrity is much better than the suite program on these older RCCL ships.

Sam I'm not sure they can convert IV's into balconies from an engineering perspective. If they could and were willing, it would be a very high cost.

You might consider the soft drink packages for the children. Or you might be able to get them soft drinks and water in the suite lounge.

Most are in very good locations. If you like direct aft cabins, there are JS located aft on decks 7 and 10. The only ones maybe you want to avoid are on deck 11 forward (3 of them) in a small corridor off the fitness center. But others might think these are fine too.

Hi @PhillyFan33579. We live in the Philly burbs. We are on Indy next year on a 12 night. We have cruised her twice in the past but years ago. Have you tried the specialty restaurants at all? How is the MDR? We will be in a suite but no CK on this ship. And very limited specialty restaurants. Can I ask how many nights is your cruise? Are there dining packages for purchase onboard? Other than the UDP?

Thanks but it doesn't matter to me if they do or not honestly, as I tip them anyway when I use the voucher. And over the cruise you get better drinks!

ok maybe tip 8 quarters😀

We have done southern Med and Greek islands in October. The best time of year to go!

As others have said, if we have a WiFi package we use WiFi calling for calls and texts with airplane mode. No charges from our carrier (T Mobile). But be careful in port and on land.

When we use our D+ vouchers I carry a bit of cash for the bar staff/servers. Just me. They work hard. And they appreciate it. I know others view tipping differently so not a problem.

OK you have your opinion and maybe some others agree. But IMO I cannot see them purposely trying to lower expectations of the MDR and have that as a reason to diminish the quality of CK - which I stated before has been very good for us- both before and after the pandemic period. I do not see how one follows the other.

Are your cruises 7+ nights? Thanks.

Thanks! I will keep my eyes open for it. For our 12 night cruise, perhaps a lesser package than the UDP will be offered on the cruise once we get onboard.

A 3-night package? Are they still available? We will be on Indy for 12 days in a GS. No CK. Wish it was there. We do not want to spend big bucks on the 12 day UDP for this trip- mostly because the specialty restaurants on Indy are very limited. The UDP is over $550 pp even with the pre-cruise discounts offered now. We would prefer a 3 or 4 night package plus our BOGO. We will try the Windjammer and MDR the other nights. We prefer the newer ships for suites since much more is included for the price (like WiFi). But the itinerary on Indy is unique for us and we wanted to try it.

Which ship? I know food is highly subjective. In my experience, this is not typical of CK on our last two RCCL cruises (Symphony and Harmony). The food and service on each was very good.

We sailed on Edge in a suite (CS) and it had a narrow (but real) balcony. A lounger did not fit on it. My DW was very disappointed.

Somewhat depends on the type of cabin you book really. What type did you book? For suites, E-Class ships and the Retreat area and amenities are quite nice. Real balcony too. For M- and S-class suites, the refurbished Michael's Club not even close. For non-suite balcony cabins, prefer S-Class by far. E-Class has cabins with windows and not real balconies unless you can get a Sunset Veranda. S-Class has more dining options and choices over M-Class. Size of ship a factor? M-Class is smaller (and oldest) but it is more intimate and can go on more itineraries (like Panama Canal full transit) if that is your driving factor. Original E-Class (Edge and Apex) about the same size as S-Class but more passengers in that space. Expanded E-Class (Beyond, Ascent) a bit larger in overall size.

I've been on both ships and they are for the most part identical. If price and itinerary are driving your decision then easy choice for you.

Oh joy another Tipping thread.