koopmae

I'm afraid I totally disagree I didn't see any masking tape anywhere.there was some vanishing going on.

Imho the ship was immaculate and I am fussy.

All crew friendly nothing was too much trouble always cleaning and polishing.

Yes we lost 2 nights of our cruise which again imo we were generously reimbursed for.It is always a gamble when a ship comes out of dry dock there may be problems.

We had a fabulous time we no complaints once on board

We even had free drinks and canapes from 2 till 5 on embarkation day.

That is just my views

 

Sent from my SM-G935F using Forums mobile app

I think this is where the problem lies, everyone has not been treated equal. We spoke to people that did the Jet, Set Sail package for instance who were looked after from start to finish so bar the issue with Monaco attendance they were happy, but some of us who weren't through a TA, weren't booked through the US, are on the lower rungs of the Captains Club and were already in BCN before the planned embarkation had a very different experience in terms of service from the respective head offices and compensation.

To those that just disembarked, how did you find the ship, is there still work being done? We are scheduled for the cruise leaving Barcelona on July 31st.

 

Thanks.

The ship should not've been released for our cruise, I don't think. There was still unfinished work, they decided to varnish the railings within days of sailing, there was masking tape everywhere, paint spray and splashes not cleaned up and for a ship straight out of dry dock some of the communal areas were filthy on the first day.

It just had the overwhelming feeling that they were massively behind on the work supposed to be completed and got caught out.

But, I admit there is a chance that actually had we have been able to board on the Friday and not had the run around like we did over the weekend that we probably wouldn't have noticed these things. It's like when you arrive at a hotel and have a really poor experience at reception, you subconsciously look for other issues.

Or that might just be me!

There are tiers of OBC for the room type, all have been issued an amount per Diem 'fund' and receipts to be submitted for reimbursement of other expenses such as taxi fares and calls to US. Some people will betting more as they've shouted far louder, threatened lawsuits because of stress and lack of enjoyment etc.

For some it might mean you are quids in, depending on the original fare you paid - one guy was mentioning he got a cracking deal with OBC and drinks on a guarantee room, and the credit has meant he's about $800 up. Those that have lost out on GP are still pending confirmation that reimbursement will be granted, and others might still lose out somewhere.

Consider yourself lucky. We are also on the Constellation delayed trip. We went to the pier on the original sail date, and were told of the delay. Whoever checked in at the same time as us, were given info on compensation and sent on a bus to a hotel. The bus driver dropped us off and left. This hotel said no room, you aren't booked here. After many of the twenty or so in our group called every number available forcelebrity or Inter cruise Inc, we found hotel #2. We were told to take taxis and all did. Hotel #2 said no rooms, you aren't here. After several more hours and many phone calls, the group made our way by taxi to hotel #3, which after discussion booked is in. This hotel was far out from our original locations, was not near as nice, and Celebrity never sent anyone to update us. Those of us lucky enough to be on an email list, got done update from Celebrity about possible day options, but Friday was almost six hours spent getting into a hotel. So yes, they are paying for the hotel and per diem, but air conditioning, hot water, and shampoo will be greatly appreciated if we get on the new and improved Constellation.

I hope Celebrity are paying, after it being made to feel at the airport from Monaco that the incentive group was more important, despite them contributing to us being delayed both ends, we get to the hotel to find no info about morning transfers, and a slightly awkward conversation that sounded as if we *might* have to pay and claim back. I am​ really hoping that it's a lost in translation, and that after more sleep tonight than most of us have had in the last 48/72 hours it will all work out okay.

I feel for those GP'ing in the morning - most back at same time as us and are to be back at BCN for 5:15-5:30am:o

ETA: have two delivered letters, both the same bar dates, and theyre the same letter (albeit with the correct hotel name on now) given to us on Friday. Oh and a bottle of wine too.

We were going to go to port at 9am to get by the pool and relax. But after listening to the threats of litigation from some guests etc. I don't want to witness innocent staff getting their rears verbally attacked for something that had no part in. We're going to lie in, get either the transfer mid morning, or a taxi and mooch in.

On a side note - some of the senior management need to reaquaint themselves with the art of handling guests. Others, like Lorenzo and Alex have been superb and have saved quite a few sticky situations for X.

We're just waiting for the tour guides to pick us up and to get back on the coaches to Nice. At best I think we will be back in BCN about 9-9:30pm, assuming the Mexican party stop playing musical chairs like the did on the way out. A very long, frustrating day but we did at least get to see qualifying as planned.

Currently sitting waiting for qualifying to start. Yes, we've had chartered flights and transfers, but it's not been an easy day so far.

Its looking like it is Titan Airways, 07:45 to Nice. Check in desks 13-15, gate U at Terminal 2B.

We still didn't have the details from Celebrity via the hotel, and the email came through from Celebrity past midnight so really not sure how many people are going to make this flight. Can only assume other hotels did their bit, and that tomorrow is better sorted.

Been on phone again to the US as the UK office are on holiday now (!).

Upshot is the emails have been sent to the hotels, (where X know where you are) to print out the email and give to us, either under the door or otherwise. I have my email as the service rep sent it through. I have asked for the emails to be sent to people's email addresses as well and not rely on the hotels (as one we are in are have made it pretty clear we are not their preferred type of guests). It might be an idea to speak to your respective hotel reception. Below is a copy of the email I have, but I do not know if it is the same info for all people heading Monaco, so please do not rely on it:

We appreciate your patience as we work through the challenges to support the Grand prix. Below is a brief recap of what will happen tomorrow.

Saturday

All independent guests (not in the Omni life group)

Take a cab from your respective hotel - we will reimburse the cost onboard

Go to the BCN airport @ terminal B

Guest needs to be there by 5:30am for a 7:50am flight

Coach transportation from airport to the Grand Prix will be provided

Departure flight is at 9pm and coach pick-up will be arranged and additional information provided in the morning

Guests are required to have their passport, F1 tickets and ONLY a small bag

both the airline and F1 have security restrictions on personal items

Sunday

Guests will be flown from BCN airport in the AM

Once the race is completed they will be met and coached to Genoa

Guests will overnight in a hotel in Genoa and join ship on Monday when it arrives

(please note as we are paying all expenses this does not provide an additional days compensation)

EDITQUOTE

We are making every effort to fully accommodate our guests during this unfortunate delay and to provide compensation for any discomfort or inconvenience this has caused.

 

We recognize that many have planned this cruise to attend the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco. Our One Touch Team will ensure they are still able to enjoy this historic racing event without interruption – all necessary flights and transfers have been arranged.

 

While in Barcelona, our staff have planned activities and tours to make the most of their stay.

 

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by this unfortunate situation. Nothing is more important to us than the quality and enjoyment of our guests’vacation.

We do realise it's a logistical nightmare, but please could just a round robin email be sent advising what has been done so far, confirm compensation levels, and what the plan is for the GP so that we are no subjected to rumours and Chinese whispers? UK guest being told different to US guests, those with bookings through travel agents being told another and those with a concierge service all being sorted. It's just adding to the discontent and confusion :rolleyes:

We still haven't​ had it confirmed as to what our compensation is. We've only tickets to qualifying, not both days so interested to see what they do there.

We don't have the benefit of having a concierge, so are still totally in the dark.

Only that I can see it is about to dick in Barcelona in next couple of hours.

I don't know what the process is, but does seem strange that there are no pictures or updates.

If I go on a ship excursion, I can't go to a local ATM to get local currency. I assume I would have to get it in advance. Where can I get Denmark, Sweden, and Norway currency? Can american banks get small amounts of currency before the cruise?

I can't think of any time that I needed cash on a ship excursion last year and we did one every day there was port day. Any place that you are taken to, including the shops where you are taken as part of the tour are set up for cards as it makes business sense if they are in a deal with Cruise lines, or based in a known cruise excursion area. And if you have free time, you are normally able to find an ATM in any of the places you are dropped off at - certainly in continental Europe. And last year, we were pleasantly surprised at the amount of places accepting Android or Apple Pay and contactless cards.

I also thought I saw a desk on The Reflection where you could sort foreign currency, but I accept I might be mistaken on that!

We very rarely take cash any more, unless going to some comparitively obscure country we use a dedicated credit card that is easily topped up each time we have internet or phone signal. We travel all around continental Europe for work and this works the best for us. If we think we will need cash, we take it out when we get to the country.

That said, not been to Russia or Estonia, this might not work quite so easily...

I'm not fussed about a burger bar - we've had burger bars in the UK for years.

I am fussed however, that Celebrity can't even bring themselves to apologise for cancelling bookings for OL that have been booked for over 3 months, when they knew they were never going to fulfill them.

I'm on the boat on 26th May - I will report back :-D

You can walk it. Absolutely no need for a taxi or intermediary bus.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

You can walk it, but I wouldn't want to be dragging a cruise worth of clothes from train station to dock, especially if you've done the mile long walk to get on the train in Rome station :D

When you get off the train, you go out of the station and there is a kiosk that you get tickets from for the bus that will take you to the stop where you then pick up the shuttle bus to the ship. It's a hassle, but perfectly do'able :)

Or you could get a taxi, but I admit to not seeing any outside the station so not sure how that bit works.

You can pay extra to stay on the boat longer (up until 90 mins before boat leaves), but not sure if worth it for a couple of hours - it's an option though.

So I think there is meant to be a press conference today confirming what they are doing, does anyone know the time of this?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Guessing the earliest it will be, will be 09:00 Eastern US time, so 14:00 UK time.

Well if it is not false, someone better notifey the staff and contractors that are on the ship, since they are preparing to tear out Ocean Liner's next week. And replace it with Qsine. And get them out of their time warp, since the ship "just came out of dry dock" for a dry dock that has not occurred yet. :-)

I'm not technically disagreeing with you. All I did was quote 2 emails sent by Celebrity in regards to my booking for Ocean Liners. I know it's not in dry dock as there is a thread form someone on the ship as we type. I still stick with my opinion that it is poorly written, either through misunderstanding of what is going on, or just lack of knowledge on how to address potentially awkward emails.

And on the basis that all this thread is so far based on hearsay, albeit via staff on board, until the official release of the work is issued no-one knows outside of Celebrity's management what is going where 100%. For instance, I'm sure I read that Tuscan Grille was moving to OL, the Qsine and more rooms being put where Tuscan was. You're saying different.

All I know is, I booked this restaurant for my Birthday as a treat, and I've found out via social media first and then an email written by a 3yr old that turns out not to even be the 'official' communication that they've taken money knowing what the plans were.

Yikes. What misinformation.

"Just went thru a dry dock" False.

Ocean Liners became Tuscan Grille. False.

 

Well, not false, just poorly written. Which is what I went all terribly British back at them, and got this response (after saying I wasn't going to be eating in any of the other speciality restaurants:

"Good Day,

Our Sincerest Apologies for the late notice on the decision to replace Ocean Liners restaurant onboard the Celebrity Constellation. I do understand your disappointment with the decision to remove Ocean Liners along with the late notice. Until we have been given 100% confirmation from management about the change we are not allowed to relay the information. As soon as I got conformation I begin to contact and send out notices to all of the guest affected. Formal emails from Celebrity are being sent out to all of our guest affected. That email will be coming to you soon. If you would like to dine 1 night in any of the available specialty restaurants we will be happy to book it for you complimentary.

Best Regards,

Celebrity Pre-Resolutions

Trade Support and Service - ICT Campus

CelebrityRRS@celebrity.com

Fax (305)603-0045"

TBH I am glass we are Aqua and get to eat in Blu.

Still haven't the formal email, but assuming that will be tomorrow with the press release. However I would've thought that sending out formal communications to affect guest BEFORE the press release would've made better customer service sense.

Still showing as booked and paid for in my itinerary/calendar online.

Beautiful pictures! And having done the tour on a big bus, I recommend not doing. Not because of the strangers, but because of the stress and adrenaline levels get way to high with a bus and the roads. We spent more time stuck on the edge of a cliff than actually in any of the places, and we had a very, very relieved driver when we got to port with 5 mins to spare (was a celebrity tour).

I wish we were heading back to that area now, after seeing those pictures!

This confirms Ocean Liners as being no more (received tonight):

" Good Day,

The Celebrity Constellation just went thru a dry dock and the Ocean Liners Specialty Restaurant was removed and replaced with the popular Tuscan Grill which is an Italian steakhouse. All reservations that were booked in the Ocean Liners are in the process of being cancelled and the funds will be automatically refunded to the original form of payment. If you would like to rebook in the Tuscan Grill or any of the other specialty restaurants you can certainly do so. all based on availability. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We look forward to welcoming you onboard the Celebrity Constellation.

Best Regards,

Celebrity Pre-Resolutions

Trade Support and Service - ICT Campus"

ETA: just noticed the informal 'thru' and other very relaxed email writing. Did they task the intern with this particular gem of a job?!

You can pay extra and stay on the ship until about 2 hours before the next itinerary goes. But I think this is only on certain sailings.

I would do a canal cruise. I struggle with the bikes alone in Amsterdam when I have come off an hour flight from the UK, let alone a transatlantic flight with kids in tow :)

There used to be a hop/off canal bus (same company as the big red double decker hopper service) that is a good way of seeing the city and having the option of getting off if you see something you're interested in. But this would be dependent on being able to drop off luggage.

There is also a regular bus service from FCO to Termini in Central Rome. It's not the quickest option, but its cheap and reliable, set up for tourists with luggage :D

Then train to Civitavecchia , and a bus transfer to the cruise port or a taxi (in theory walkable. Theory being the operative word...)

But that assuming you are stopping over in Rome. If you're just wanting to get from Airport to Port get a private transfer. It will seem pricier, but reading others experiences, and looking for next year (having done the public transport option) it seems much less hassle, even if the taxi driver can drive like a Mario Kart character on acid...

We can't be the only people that have booked that particular restaurant, so it seems odd that Celebrity haven't got in touch to say 'whoops' and suggest alternatives. I know that we are unlikely to choose Tuscan and will definitely not be booking Qsine but surely it'd be easier to sort now before being on the ship and having to deal with a stream of unhappy people?