phoenix_dream

So you think half of 70 year olds are not fit and able. Interesting. Curious if you are in that age bracket (or near it)? As a 71 year old quite able to snorkel, hike (moderate trails, not strenuous), and many other things I guess I fit in the other 50%, as do probably 90% of my friends and family of the same age range. I do think there is a logical cutoff age - I just am not convinced 70 is it. These days many people are living well into the 90's, and quite capable and fit well beyond 70. Not sure what the stats say - these are my experiences.

Exactly the point! I always give 10's unless there were serious issues that weren't resolved (which has not happened in years and years). But I absolutely hate them asking for the good ratings. Don't get me wrong - I don't fault the staff. They are driven to do this by the way they are managed. It's awkward and uncomfortable and IMHO unnecessary.

Generally on later departures or overnights, the dining times stay the same and sometimes the shows. On occasion we have seen them hold only one show at night rather than two in these situations. Lounge entertainment times are usually the same. We've also had situations in overnights in Aruba where they kept the casino open regular hours (also in Curacao) which doesn't usually happen in other ports.

And the heated indoor pools are never as warm as the T pool on M class unfortunately

I don't know about in December but when we sailed in early April it was SO HOT you would not want to be sitting out in a cabana all day!

Not necessarily. My DH and I always have a merged account and any charges shown on either folio combine to a net balance.

Agree with this answer. Once they are open to the general public I would not feel any guilt in booking one. Before that, I would only do so if really required.

Never had a noise issue in the Deck 11 cabins. At times while sitting on the balcony could hear the movies in the background, but not loud enough to matter to us. Have never done a Deck 11 at the very rear of the ship - there could be noise from the bar back there? My only issue with Deck 11 cabins is that on hot weather cruises it is often way too hot to sit out on the balcony but you said that didn't concern you. The location is great - right near the elevators with quick and easy access to both Blu and the buffet. When sailing M class in AQ we always choose those cabins unless a hot weather cruise with lots of sea days as we are balcony people.

You didn’t ask me, but as I’ve been on several of each I’ll offer my opinion (I sailed with Jim on the first leg of his b2b). I definitely prefer California coastal. Each port has so much to offer, both with just walking around from the port, on tours, or by renting a car and sightseeing. The ports are cleaner, safer, and have more options for nice souvenirs if you are interested. Don’t get me wrong, I love both but prefer coastal. In fact in March we have a b2b booked with this itinerary coupled with a pacific coastal. Best of both worlds!

It's really sad how these organizations take advantage of people! I remember last year we took an Uber from our hotel to the port in Lauderdale. Before they implemented surge pricing it cost about $20-$25. With surge we had to pay $80. Highway robbery.

Congrats! We have 1116 on this ship in March, first time in a RS. Will look forward to your experience!

No secret. Thank you. It was great meeting you as well!

Good to know. It happened to him quite awhile ago so maybe the person wasn't yet familiar with it.

I agree about having to recertification each year. Stupid. It's nor like you lose a Celebrity level once you achieve it

It also happened to be right after they introduced drink packages. Older kids were getting shot after shot and pouring them into drink containers to share with their underage pals. All 700 were from just 2 Florida universities so I'm not sure there was a sale, but perhaps some targeted marketing

Is it the egos (and I'm new to this Zenith thing so I can't speak to that) or is it because many of us are "of an age" and not the demographic Celebrity prefers to cater to nowadays I wonder? And are there really that many on most sailings? Again, new to this so i dont know the answer to that. Regardless it's still nice to get some extra perks and a free cruise, although some of the perks are worthless when you're in a suite. I honestly don't care all that much about the lunches or in person recognitions but I think they should be consistent sailing to sailing. I am bummed about lack of access to the Retreat lounge as I rarely find it really busy when I sail in suites so I feel this was an unnecessary cutback.

We had the same experience. He just sat there and watched two seniors struggling to get our bags in the car. Also no personality. Is it a California thing? First time it's ever been that way for us on many trips.

You would think that would be true but I don't think it works that way. My son had an issue trying to use his Global Entry card, when he tried to use it instead of his drivers license on a domestic flight. Ridiculous IMHO as getting a Real ID is much easier than getting a Global Entry card as respects security checks.

We've used Uber but so much easier and just as cheap to catch a taxi.

You must not have heard of our now infamous cruise on Connie years ago. 700 college students. Officers having a meeting on how to 'take back the ship'.. students disembarked in Mexico due to damaging pool furniture. Kids running down the hallways at night randomly banging on doors. Half naked teenage girls at the pool standing on loungers gyrating obscenely. Kids so drunk they used wheelchairs to get them back on the ship. Not a common Celebrity experience for sure, but I was on that cruise and saw it with my own eyes.

Where's this tutorial? Would love to see it

I've cruised over 70 times, mostly on Celebrity, and have never ever felt unsafe. I leave phones, laptops and such out in the cabin, but would be hesitant about leaving out any significant money or jewelry. The room stewards would not stay employed long if they were stealing from their passengers! Out of the room its common sense not to leave a purse or wallet sitting around without you nearby.

I carry a small purse for several reasons. I like to have my phone with me and my clothes don't have pockets. I also carry hand sanitizer and kleenex, as well as extra dollars for tipping. Also extra Dramamine with me so I don't have to run back to the cabin if I need it. Also my clip on sunglasses. But if I'm going to the pool I just bring my seapass card.

There are those of us who value tradition. Years ago I had a great sailing on the Norway, which had a real ocean liner feel unlike today's floating resorts. Everyone always talks about change like change is always good. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. Sometimes change is made just for changes sake. And I guess as people age out of cruising you could say they are abandoning it. But Celebrity ships are still filled with folks in their 50's, 60's and 70's who likely have 20, 30, or even more years left to sail. Sometimes I feel like we don't matter to Celebrity anymore, even though it's our loyalty and $$ that got them to where they are now.

I think there is some truth to that. At the same time have sailed in Aqua many, many times and rarely have experienced noise issues. I love Blu.