CruisingGator96

3 hours ago, jack300s said:

Thank you so much. Do have to use NCL internet or can my wife use her jet pack with our verizon service?

I have no idea how a jet pack works. I’m guessing if you need WiFi you’ll need to sign up for ncl.  

No, you can sign up for one person for one device at a time. You can use on your phone, computer or iPad for example but only one device can be logged in when in use. No need for two people unless you both want to be connected at the same time.

On Equinox now and the only bar on the whole ship that was open was the pool bar while in grand cayman.  It was tough to get a drink near all aboard when everyone was back on the ship. Mentioned some regulation of grand cayman.

On 3/12/2024 at 12:26 PM, crewsweeper said:

There are several places in the Fort.

Or walk past the swing bridge and try Gouverneur De Rouville

The best and most expensive restaurants in the area are Bodega Siete Gotas in Koralengebier and The Wine Celler in Wilhelmstad both probably short taxi rides from the pier.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

Thanks for the suggestions.

We’ll be in Aruba next week and our ship leaves late at 11 pm. Any recommendations on a good restaurant within walking distance of the port?

We have an overnight in Curacao. Any recommendations for restaurants within walking distance of the port? 

9 hours ago, bEwAbG said:

 

The Smart Casual dress code for MDR and other restaurants only applies in the evening.  Shorts are ok during the day. 

 

https://www.celebritycruises.com/faqs/onboard-dress-code

Thanks. Really appreciate it.

We are going on our first Celebrity Cruise in March. Question: In the MDR can you wear shorts at breakfast and lunch or are slacks required for all meals?

Thanks for posting this. I’ve been waiting on a sale for $49.99 for the premium package and it finally was offered for our cruise in March. 

Thanks to everyone for responding. Was very helpful.  I’m looking forward to our cruise on celebrity. Our last 10 or so cruises have been on NCL. My 15 yr old daughter has outgrown the water slides and other offerings so we can now check out some of the other lines. I wear dress pants/ shirt and some times a sports coat to work everyday so it’s nice on ncl that I can wear a button down with a nice pair of shorts to most restaurants. I’m on vacation after all. I do appreciate the rules and higher standards when everyone follows them just requires packing more clothes for a 9 day cruise.

I’m new to Celebrity as well. Are nice jeans with a button down dress shirt acceptable for the main dining room?

7 hours ago, cruisinfly said:

I've sailed NCL multiple times starting with the SS Norway when I was 13 and my latest on the Norwegian Sun a couple of years before COVID. While I've enjoyed my NCL cruises, it's not likely that I will go on NCL again. Here are some of the reasons I prefer Celebrity over NCL:

 

1. Prepare to enjoy more open spaces, less crowds, and fewer lines on Celebrity. My experience on NCL is that they pack their ships with people leading to crowding and long lines. I've never felt this way on Celebrity (pool deck during peak hours excluded). This makes Celebrity a more relaxed environment.

 

2. I've always been able to walk into the theater 15 minutes before a show and find a great seat on Celebrity. On NCL, I had to get in line an hour before the show and wait in a line if I wanted a decent seat (while putting up with entitled line-cutters).

 

3. Food and service on Celebrity is really good to excellent in the main dining rooms, buffet, and across the ship (except burgers at Mast Bar, not that good). The only excellent food/dining service on NCL was in specialty restaurants that cost extra. The food and service in the NCL main dining room were poor and some meals were inedible...and I'm not very picky. I remember the bacon served all over the NCL Sun was disgusting and inedible. I asked the Chef what was going on and he finally fessed up and admitted they care about cost over quality.

 

4. Celebrity ships are cleaner and better maintained.

 

The newer NCL ships have a lot of family activities like slides, go-cart tracks, etc. to compete with RCL and Carnival. Celebrity does not have these family activities. Celebrity is more adult oriented. That being said, my teenage daughters prefer Celebrity over other cruise lines (NCL, RCL).

 

Once again, I enjoyed my NCL cruises but Celebrity provides a more relaxed, upscale cruise. That's been my experience but may not be everybody's.

Thanks. We have been using NCL for a few reasons but one important reason was the water slides for our daughter. Now that she is 15 that really isn’t a major factor anymore as she is more mature and can finally appreciate some relaxation time.  I’m tired of getting up at the crack of dawn to secure a chair so if celebrity is just a little less crowded in that area that would be a big win. Also, I hear celebrity’s food overall is better which is important to me.  On NCL we always ate in the specialty restaurants and avoided the main dining room so I’m curious how celebrity will be better in both areas (Speciality and Main).  

10 hours ago, rodndonna said:

 

As your daughter is only 15 but looks like she is being charged at the included rate for alcohol for sure I would say not a good deal. Do you really have to pay the full rate for her? Do they give her the much cheaper Zero Proof package (which is better for the non-alcohol options offering smoothies and such) 

I’m going to call and confirm. The pricing I provided was based on booking thru the website.  Looks like the drink package also includes coffee. Need to research that a little more to understand the cost benefit.

9 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

1.  Yes, you can buy WiFi for one device and it works the way you say you are use to doing, one device at any given time. It runs around $35 a day for Premium and $20 a day for Basic.  If you need video calls or streaming media, you will need the premium.

2.  Yes, that is the difference between refundable and non-refundable. 

3.  Yes, you can add them and book them when you purchase them if you do them individually.  I am not sure how the multiple night package works as we have never done that. 

4.  You can choose to dine alone by asking for a table for three.  I recommend you go to the MDR maintre'd when you first board, unless you are in Aqua, then you would go to Blu, or in a Suite, which means Luminae is your restaurant, and let them know your desired arrangements. 

5. We have never sailed on NCL. 

 

Thanks for your reply. 

10 hours ago, marys350 said:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/internet-and-phone-packages/compare-wifi-packages

Thanks this is very helpful.

Thinking of trying Celebrity for the first time and have a few questions.  Background on us is we are a family of three; me, my wife and 15 year old daughter.  We are platinum on NCL and looking to try something new with some new ports we haven’t been too yet on a cruise.  We are looking at a 9 night cruise and I have a few questions on the extras.

when booking the cruise it gives me the option to add drinks, Wi-Fi and tips for approximately $700 each or $2,100 total. Seems like a lot for two adults drinking and the extra charges especially when I think they limited the drink prices to $10 and tips are $473 total. Maybe it’s a good deal and I’m just a not a power drinker anymore.
 

 My questions as follows:

1) What is the price to get Wi-Fi on Celebrity? Typically I just get one device for one person (me) but have the ability to use my phone or iPad just not at the same time. Are there options for just one person or does everyone need to be added to Wi-Fi. My wife completely shuts the world off and my daughter would love it but we would prefer she stay off her devices. I need emails for work.

2) There is an option to have your deposit refundable. I believe that means the deposit is forfeited if you cancel after you book correct? NCL seems to be more lenient in refunding if it’s before final payment. Not really a big deal but want to know.

3) Can you add some specialty restaurants when booking? How soon can you make reservations?

4) Dining: do you sit with other people or can we just sit alone (Table of 3).

5) For anyone that cruises NCL and Celebrity: Any big differences between the cruise lines or tips that would help a Celebrity newbie not feel like a newbie?

Appreciate any responses. This board has always been such a wealth of knowledge. Thanks to all that contribute.

We we just on the Encore last week. Ate at speciality restaurants I think 6 of 7 nights. Twice at Onda and Los Lobos and once at Teppanyaki and Le Bistro. My wife is a vegetarian so I haven’t been to Cagney’s in my last 4 NCL cruises but due enjoy that restaurant . My family enjoys Mexican and in the past Los Lobas but I think we’ll skip it next time or just eat their once.  I tend to be critical of the meals at speciality restaurants as I like good food and expect it when I pay extra for it.  Your choices obviously depend on your own personal preferences but my top three choices would be as follows:

1) Onda: over the years this has turned out to be a family favorite. I had twice one of the best meals I can remember on NCL.  I ordered the Pappardelle Bolognese which was shockingly good. Wasn’t expecting it to be so good. I also order the steak at Onda which is very good as well.  Wife and daughter always order the spaghetti and love it.  My wife also ordered on separate occasions a cheese pizza which was not that great and I believe a veggie calzone which was good but very large for an app. Daughter only orders one meal as she still cares what she looks like after the cruise.

2) Le Bistro: ordered the Sole as my main and it was good. Can’t remember my app or what my wife and daughter ordered.

3) Cagney’s or Ocean Blue: didn’t go to either one but enjoy a steak and fish. 
 

Enjoy your cruise. 

14 minutes ago, casofilia said:

@CruisingGator96

 

Nothing really "special", where it is held depends on the ship but is usually in one of the MDRs.    The usual menu with, maybe, a special meal available.   Plenty of free wine (a little less of a draw now that so many people have the package).   Nice way to meet some of the officers, often ones you will never come across: the doctor, chief security officer and so on.

Thanks. I always wondered what was so appealing. I know some folks really care about what officers are on the ship. 

I’m platinum so do not yet have this perk but is there anything special about “Dining with Officers”?  Is this at one of the specialty restaurants? Do they serve something special? Thanks.

I’d follow Nilbog’s advice. Know the price of the cruise before you go on your cruise and then check onboard.  
 

We were on an Alaskan cruise this summer and booked a future cruise on board for the first time. They gave us an extra 10% off the cruise we booked and was able to purchase and use cruise next deposits as well. I couldn’t believe it. 

15 hours ago, DMS1 said:

Yes we did stop at Amber Cove in the DR. It has a nice pool and water sports area.

I heard of someone walking to a beach area, but I am not sure where

I thought the all day zip line pass was a great deal for a younger cruiser. Your drink card does

not get you anything here.

We got off the ship, sat by the pool for a few hours, it was enjoyable.

Thanks. Appreciate the response. 

On 12/5/2022 at 7:49 PM, DMS1 said:

I just got off the Encore, Dec 4. It was great!

To answer a few questions:

Yes it was Coke products.

I found service at Manhattan to be a little bit more attentive.

We had a new CD, a lady, Majenda (sp?), and Alexa was not there.

Christmas decorations appeared on Dec 1

DMS1, did you go to Amber Cove or Puerto Plata?  We are on a March Encore sailing with Puerto Plata as the port but I’ve read that has been changed or canceled for some cruises.

18 hours ago, FAMILYCRUISER514 said:

Yes they have noodles and if you don't want them cross-contaminated with the food cooked on the grill, they can be made in the kitchen along with the vegetables, just like a person with allergies would have their food cooked separately 

Thank you for your response.  

9 minutes ago, LilBlackDress said:

Vegan wouldn't ear eggs or dairy, some vegetarians do eat eggs and dairy. 

To answer the OP, the best thing to do is ask once on board. Unless someone who is a vegetarian has first hand knowledge chimes in

Thanks. If no one else responds that will be my best option.