Pinboy

So, ya brought home 2 ducks from a prior cruise ?? OK . LOL--Let's say I'm going through Security into the USA with all those ducks in my suitcase and the US Boarder Security Agent says " Pinboy, WHAT the hell ya doin with all them ducks " ? I tell him/her/ they ( whatever ) - " I'm going on a cruise and gonna hide 'em and hang around waiting for someone to find 'em ". Here's the question : Who d'ya think the US Boarder Security Agent is gonna talk about at his/her/they ( whatever ) coffee break ????

LOL--- " Tipping in advance " There's a great topic for discussion--- I'll bet it would receive as many pages as "Who's on board our cruise in 2025 "? On second thought, probably not. But for sure, more pages than " Ain't it fun looking for ducks " ? Also, I have been accused of bribing a Maitre'd when he/she got us a reservation when it appeared there was nothing available. To me it is saying " Thanks " , and a very good " investment " for next time. That's how it works up here.

We always choose " Anytime Dining " when we make the reservation. As soon as the reservation is confirmed, activate Cruise Planner , then scroll down to Dining Packages and select Complimentary Dining. We are then able to reserve a time for each night of the cruise in the MDR. There is no option to reserve a table for two, or, whatever. On the first night we arrive on time and request a table for two ( learned that lesson years ago !! We do enjoy chatting with folks nearby , though ) . Never had a problem getting a table for two and as we left were asked if we would like the same wait staff in the future ( always did ). I believe they do it for a few reasons : 1--- The Servers get to know your likes/dislikes and makes it a little more personable during the cruise. ( We also enjoy chatting with any Staff member on board--- always nice to show them that we care and appreciate their service ). 2--- Because you have the same folks serving you every night, they are more likely to receive an extra few $$ at the end of the cruise. It's well deserved and appreciated. ( There are always those that use the old " Don't show up for dinner on the last night trick " to avoid giving a few extra $$ to the people that served them all cruise---- One day I'll express my opinion about them ).

LOL--- I " contribute " one post today, adding a little humor, and you gotta kick me in the, oops, ---- Is that nice ?

Congratulations !!! I knew it !!! You are the first to reply to the XYZ ship-- OK, now---- Who is your fav---- oops, forget it !!

$1000 is a bargain ! My rice cooker costs a hell of a lot more --- but, came with a pretty face. A more important thread--- I was wondering---- saw it posted many times on CC--- Do YOU think we " might " hear any noise if our room was under the pool deck, the OVC, or the theater on the XYZ ship ???

That's very good to know. I always thought a NRD ( say $900 ) is totally Non-refundable. But it appears that only $200 is taken off and the balance of $700 is returned as a FCC which can be applied to a future booking or a current booking that hasn't been paid if full. Is that correct , or am I missing " something " ? Thank you.

Thank you for that--- Excellent to know. So, if we have 2 cruises booked with Non-refundable deposits( $900 each ) and cancel one, we would only lose $200 and the $700 balance can be added to the other cruise ( already booked ) as part of the Final Payment ?

" one can always ask " ------ Absolutely !! Example: On our recent cruise ( March ) on the Edge the Maitre'd in the Normandie Dining Room came by our table ( for 2 ) every night and asked if there was " anything " we might like other than what was on the menu. One night we requested, if possible , chichen schnitzel at some time during the cruise ---- He served it to us the next night. Overall, we found the service and food ( choices and taste ) on the Edge exceptionally good. Bye the way, the Normandie dining room's Beef Tenderloin was superb-- ( on occasion 2 servings " hit the spot " ) , followed by crème brulé for desert.

The Rooftop Garden I'm referring to is a Specialty Restaurant ( extra charge ) on the Edge. Order as many appetizers, main courses , deserts as you want--- they now add an 18% gratuity. The food and service is excellent--

Why would anyone order a burger at the Rooftop Garden Grill when there are so many other options to select from ? It's arugula on the burger or is it from Arugula ? We have a cruise booked to Arugula in 2025 and waiting to hear who the Captain will be on our ship. I posted awhile ago, if ya want a " great " burger go to Madame Chartrand's World ( ?? ), ok, Quebec famous chip stand--- don't forget to bring an English to French translation dictionary or better still just point at what the people in front of you ordered. ( Her tip jar does accept $US ).

Suggestion : Don't give it another minute of thought---The Porters at the dock will put them on for you. LOL--- Don't forget to say Thank You ( $$ ). If I may ? Another " suggestion " because it's your first Celebrity cruise: Don't get " hung up " on some of the negative posts on CC regarding "food" in particular--- We have always found the food ----and service excellent.

What " boundaries " are you referring to ? Explain . If there was anything in post #7 that was not within the accepted Guidelines , the Moderator would have removed it.

YOU get a lot of free 5 minute massages and never book ??? Really ??? Ummm , are we thinking of the same thing ?? As for me, look at the $$ I saved because she told me that the " Special discount " was only for our cruise ! How lucky can you get ?? She also told me I would look " years " younger if I applied some smelly "stuff " for 48 ( or was it 480 ) days after the cruise. Didn't work--- must have been past it's " best before date " . Lastly, she kinda " hinted " for a tip ----there goes another $25. Every time Captain ( didn't know his name ) walked by I was worried he would accuse me of taking advantage of the Spa Attendant with my " negotiating skills " (??).

That's the best laugh I've read on CC !!!!!! LOL--- Makin " fun " of my S.O is not nice--- Who do I report you to ?? Just for that -- I hope you 4 putt on the 18th hole with a bunch of $$$ on the line !!!!

Warning : Beware of the " Free Five Minute Massage " offered every day around the pool by the Spa Attendants. You will be up-sold to $450 in all kinds of treatments-- most you won't know what they are--And, she will " guarantee " you will feel better etc, etc.(the stuff does smell nice) --- Plus, on this cruise they have a " Special Discount " , blah, blah blah. Because I am a "great negotiator " ( ?? ) she let me "off the hook " with only $357 ( $US ) added to our account !! So, when I returned to my stateroom and told " you know who "---- forget that part !!!

Hey Partner---more " important " stuff to worry about prior to the cruise: What to do if my luggage tags don't arrive in time ? How many wall plugs are there in suite 2085 ? Can we wear shorts, tank tops, and flip flops on formal nights because " I'M " more comfortable like that and don't give a #*&@ about others? Are tips included in room service at 2 am when we feel like 4 burgers, chocolate chip cookies, fries, diet cokes, etc ? What trinkets should I bring from home as souvenirs for our stateroom attendant. On our last cruise the cabin beside us had cute little pineapple sticker decorations hanging upside down on their door -- anyone know where to get 'em ? And, don't forget---( Everyone's favorite )-- Who's the etc, etc on our cruise in etc,etc in ( I just couldn't help that one ) !!!!!

Kindly re-read the post--I believe you over-reacted to it. No intent to offend anyone.

Why ? Is that what Celebrity and a few customers think is a brilliant " marketing strategy" ? Why all the interest of who the Captain on a cruise ship is scheduled to be ? What do you do if there are changes ? Over the years we have met many Captains---- all very approachable and exceptionally well trained in customer relations.

Isn't it too bad that we have to " remind " people to tip. I am not referring to anyone in particular---- Only those that use " Gratuities Included " as an excuse--- a good example is room service delivery. How anyone can order a " pile of food "and not give the delivery person a few $$ is just not right------ Ok, Ok , I get it---- who am I to tell you what to do. Guess why Celebrity added 18% gratuity to the Specialty restaurants ??

You noticed ???? This ( Rude guests on a cruise ) would make a good thread for discussion on CC. LOL-- Maybe not as many pages as " Who's the Captain on our cruise in December 2025 " --- " Here's some pictures of our dinner last night "---- " My luggage tags are lost in the mail --Now what do you suggest I do " ?

A " passing officer " is always with a phone to his/her/them ear so as not to be disturbed. A pool attendant is usually picking up towels that people are too lazy to return to the bin. So, yell " Hey, can't ya read the sign " and point at them. That will work. ( Caution----- look at the size of them first--- you might change your mind and look the other way like most of us will ).

I don't see any upside-down pineapples on any door . No wonder Carnival " fun-seekers " call us Celebrity cruisers " boring ".

" an attempt at humor " ??? LOL--- From where I come from ----A pretty poor "attempt" --- A " troll " could do better. Not to insult anyone ( as per the Guidelines of CC ), but, no way this thread will get the number of posts as " Who's the Captain on the XYZ in May 2026 " ???

Agree 100%-- the only disadvantage could be room selection, or, on the other hand there might be last minute cancellations which could benefit you. "Never travelled on Celebrity " ---Ok-FYI : Being in Aqua class, you have a dining room exclusively for Aqua class guests , which provides an any time dining option. You are still able to go to the MDR ( Main Dining Room ) or book Specialty dining ( extra charge + 18% gratuity ). Regarding " the best excursions "--- there really is no such thing as there are many to choose from and not everyone is interested in the same one. LOL--- Unless you are looking for Belly Flop or Who Can Drink 9 Bottles of Beer in Less than 3 Minutes contests, you will enjoy Celebrity as we have for many years.