jules27556

Recruiting has gone very well. Still holding our breath for Marvin Harrison Jr and Treyvon Henderson to decide if they will return or go NFL Draft. Much Joy to you both as you celebrate the Holidays aboard the Solstice! Julie

There is nothing better than a MAHDNC name tag! Although Covid kept me from the TA in October 2022, I put my name tag to excellent use on the Silhouette TA April 2023! Following along on your Live Report! Thank you so much David and Marcia!

Hi everyone, I am following this topic. In April I did Miami to Southampton on the Celebrity Silhouette and loved every minute. I was a Solo cruiser. There have been changes made that have me now looking at Princess. Somewhat dismayed that the Enchanted Princess is staying here and not in the Med next year. Any suggestions about the Caribbean vs the Island vs the Sun? I have no qualms about going Solo. Although a former colleague would like to also go, but I prefer having my own accommodations. Maybe I don't share well! 🤣 Any opinions of the New Reserve Collection? The Plus packages? Princess excusions? Thank you for any input you would like to share! Julie PS I check CC for ship ratings, accommodations, etc. But feel former or current passengers opinions are the best resource!.

What I find interesting is that once Celebrity was awarded/announced the Forbes ratings, the cuts appeared to really take off. Celebrity has been able to use the prestigious awards in their marketing material. The executive office can proclaim "Mission accomplished!" Perhaps the possibility of "anonomyous" inspections was anticipated in 2022 and therefore miraculously Celebrity was able to manage supply chain, post covid and financial challenges. What has followed in 2023 simply doesn't seem to value or want to maintain Forbes' nod. Does Forbes give a followup report of what their assessment was? Is lowering quality a likely recommendation? Long ago I was involved in our companies team applying for the Malcolm Baldrige Award. We were thrilled to receive a site visit! Although we did not receive an award, the valuable self assessment and examining of our policies and procedures challenged us to never stop working toward even greater excellence. I used all my FCC on the April Silhouette TA. I knew of the MDR changes and had decided no complaining! I booked 4 Specialties, enjoyed an app and French Onion soup when the entrees weren't to my liking, had pasta/pizza in the OVC and it worked well for me. The entertainment was terrific ( Jayne Curry!!!!), the 2 Celebrity excursions I took excellent and 2109 spacious and perfect location! WIll I book Celebrity again? I am paying attention, but not willing to at this time. Happy and Healthy Sailing!! Julie

Hello All, I am following and really enjoying your narrative and pictures! Thank you LACRUISER88 for your Live report! Considering Hawaii cruise with Princess. This would be my first Princess cruise. Would really appreciate your recommendations regarding the best ship to book. I took a TA on Celebrity Silhouette in April. My first Celebrity cruise. The ship was lovely, the entertainment and talks terrific. I am sure this cruise is making wonderful lasting memories! Wishing everyone safe, healthy and joyful travels! Julie

Just like empowering drinkers? That certainly fills the coffers. I have no idea what a vape is. If something or someone bothers me, I simply move away. I am opinionated, as have had 73 years of experience to cultivate them, but I try not to be judgemental of people. My Mother at 98 would quickly remind me that I have enough to do to keep myself in check. The April TA on the Silhouette was my first Celebrity cruise. It was very nice and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I did find that the quality of food and choices did not match the ship, entertainment and staff. Unfortunate and baffling. Happy and safe cruising to all!

I was on the April TA Silhouette. The new menus look very similar to the ones we had. Being aware of the January changes, I decided "No complaining." So I "tap danced" by booking 2 Muranos, 1 Porch and 1 Lawn Club Grill dinners. There was Prime Rib night and Lobster night in MDR. OVC for Pasta Bolognese. Other nights in MDR, App and French Onion soup. It worked well for me. I will say the quality of beef you might expect, was certainly lacking. This included the Specialty venues. For me, no bread, no dessert. So I do look forward to good quality in my selections. Moving forward, hopefully that will dramatically improve. I will be watching CC with great interest as "tap dancing" should not be necessary.

No. But "back in the day" we had a First Officer once who played the harmonica and serenaded passengers as they boarded with a medley of salutes to the branches of the military....... 🎵 upbeat and put a smile on everyone's face!🎵

That is interesting!

Captain is in left seat. 1st officer in right. (When you look into the cockpit from inside aircraft.)

As a retired United flight attendant, I appreciate experienced left and right seat, preferably former military.....never paid attention to anything else.

Bingo! I want the person in the Captain's seat to be the best qualified and experienced. Period.

They will be my next cruise. As a solo it is double, but they do have certain cruises selected where they only charge 150%. I used to think sailing with Celebrity ( my first with them on the Silhouette April TA) would be a step up, but am now curious to find out in April if that is true. I do believe I will find that Oceania does provide an upscale experience.

Understood. I too have heard the reports. To which I simply say, no thank you, would not be a good fit.

This may be unfair, as I have not sailed Virgin. Their "culture" simply wouldn't be a good fit. I am looking forward to getting my X FCC used in April and moving on....First stop Oceania.

My guess, the Apex's 4 Star Forbes rating, the "recommended" Edge, plus with Ascent coming soon, ads showing Edge class ships, and fare structures, almost makes a better dining experience predictable.

Totally agree. Like RCL does. Plus the new menus for RCL fleet starting Feb 1st appeared more appealing IMO. Of course bottom line is quality. *********** Interesting Article USA Today Feb 17th Article Best in sea: Five ships from this cruise line earn Forbes Travel Guide 2023 Star Awards Nathan Diller USA TODAY ************ Wishing everyone Exceptional Experiences without Exceptions!

And LLP needs to move to Marketing with her "Cute Capers" and get someone in her place interested in restoring the Celebrity brand. Even if it means increasing the fares "again" by $20-30 a day to provide the quality cuisine most experienced Celebrity cruisers have come to expect and enjoy.

Beef Wellington, filet and other quality beef dishes? Midwestern girl here with fingers crossed!🤞

Plus it is my understanding the Continental breakfast does not have the $9.95+18% fees. I can only assume that a tray is used to deliver. So I agree trays may not be a reliable measure of RS utilization.

I couldn't agree more HRM74!

If you are referring to post #330, I read it as a lighthearted, humorous post! I chuckled as those items can be a great way to boost your lbs.. for most of us. Perhaps I read it differently, but I prefer to err on the upbeat side of most posts. 😊

Agree! Who knows if the "chef" or others aren't using this tactic to avoid low marks? "Honesty is the best policy."

Plus lots of FCC to use. I wondered if the pricing was also increased to offset the FCC and still get new money. Just a thought.

I too received an email and then the next day a call from the "Executive offices". My email to "Lisa" was primarily to point out that Celebrity has set expectations and for the experience to be not at the level they tout, it may cause guests to pay attention to the " wrinkles and warts" they may otherwise overlook or forgive. ( Think ships not revolutionized or new.) Here is an exert from the Welcome letter I just received . "Once aboard, indulge in all the amenities Celebrity Silhouette has to offer. Savor world-class cuisine in our globally-inspired restaurants". and "Until then, let the anticipation begin." Hmm...🤔 expectations of guests, here we go. I changed my cruise after changes were announced. Switched from a Greece Constellation cruise to a TA on the Silhouette. Both on my Wish list. Hope everyone has an Exceptional Experience on their journeys! Be it by Air, Land or Sea!!