At Sea At Peace

A lot of good back and forth. Some unanswered questions. A lot of the focus on the 'one screaming baby' upstreaming and broadcasting to becoming 'babies' and focused on such as it's "on Celebrity" (this could, and does, happen on almost every line) and then onto generational comments (well composed) about 'parents and child-raising' nowadays. All good. 😄 But for a seasoned Viking cruiser, noted for "no kids" cruising, a bit of the question that also is fair has to go to the decision to do another cruise line that did not have the same "no kids" policy that appears to be the most important to them, thereby exposing themselves to something that would be easily be a possibility today (again, on most cruise lines)? A true story. A lady goes into a Boston Oyster Bar and Grill, specializing in shellfish, raw or cooked or chilled, and informs the Hostess before seating that she is allergic to shellfish and some seafood and wants a detailed summary protocols of the food receiving, separation of storage and handling, and serving, including dishware and linen, for her health risk of cross contamination. Shouldn't that lady have chosen somewhere other than an Oyster Bar and Grill. Ergo ~ cruisecritic.com/articles/kid-free-cruises-7-options-for-adult-experiences Kid-Free Cruises: 7 Options for Adult Experiences

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LOL, mystified (twice 😂)? Just asked a couple of elementary, entry-level questions of the OP or noted some anomalies in the linkage from source to OP and Viking to Celebrity forum. Not a problem, or shouldn't be. Are we not allowed to relate our questions to other Celebrity forum thread OP's, of course, about a 'problem' with Celebrity? As an aside, are babies crying and parents not acting accordingly to remedy in only the dining venues on just Celebrity cruise ships? Of course not. All's good. Not a 'regular' (IDT) whatever that is. 🙄

Forgot to ask before my original reply (for more options). What does the above mean? Are you not on the ship (Edge)? However, the cruiser is a "Viking cruiser" that is currently on the Celebrity Edge and their communication was intended to be posted in a new thread on the CruiseCritic Celebrity forum via you? Just wondering. Appears unusual I guess, not about you, rather them; can't they post for themselves? Also, thread is "screaming babies" and yet there was a "had a screaming baby?"

More options maybe? C. Ask, kindly, if they would move to a more remote area of dining. D. If not, ask M'D if they could possibly move them to a more remote area of dining. E. If not, ask if 'you' could move to another area of dining. F. If not, or inform that you would be leaving and to please credit your account.

I see your point as it has been very noticeable re: drink packages and alternatives in the threads and posts on CruiseCritic including Celebrity. I'm not sure if it totally has to do with 'cutting costs to afford the cruise' though. I believe a number of cruisers (us included) just so routinely bought the premium packages that, at some point, we just sort of took a step back to see if we really needed that. We also all book at different times, for different reasons; and different specials and discounts are not constant. I'm leaning towards more and more would prefer Celebrity would make a change (to what is varied) and the issue of packages required for non-participants. Now, it has been fun to learn all of the Elite and related plans (that others have posted and that you accurately noted and highlighted). We'll be going package-free and also doing the 2 high end carry on wines (paying corkage), FIJI water package and generally planning to get by with HH for Elite and some breakfast items also (coffee and other 😉) or just going up to the bar and getting what we want. Such wasn't even in the game plan when booking and we've found really good cruises (recent Silhouette 10N SC, upcoming Ascent Prime Aqua and MSC Seascape Yacht Club) and prices (not all apples apples). Again, leaning towards Celebrity is been customer behavior response to some flaws in their current offering(s). You're being 'spot on' on noticing that it is happening. 👍

We have no idea. The oddest part of the specialty dining was the emptiness of the venues while others weren't able to make a reservation on the APP. A definite, unanswered head-scratcher.

Yep, pretty much the sides are carb heavy. A concern for me. Wife had the baked potato; she has a different chemistry and metabolism and frequently enjoys such without consequences. I had (ordered) the cream corn, it was not a hit, very, very milky and watery and I drained it into a water glass, then still didn't eat it. I guess I could have eaten the Mediterranean vegetables off the top of the flatbread starter? I also missed the marinated vegetable kabob as an alternative that I was told about from another passenger when talking about the experience in the following days. Alternately, I would have been interested in trying seared red and/or green cabbage 'steaks' thinly sliced, marinated slightly in a balsamic. Just me.

Well, I showed the waitress the photo of the three items that I saw when leaving the first time. She know right off. We just zoomed in to guess. Then my wife reminds me that we take a photo of our receipts. 🫠

Thanks. Nice review. We're on the first week of February. Very helpful. Also agree re: Celebrity select/main dining. On most nights, really no need to go to a specialty restaurant. Nothing wrong with doing a specialty restaurant (loved Sushi on 5 on Silhouette, Le Petit Chef and Tuscan). Wicked awesome operations of select/main dining, service, technology, etc. on full display as the venue tasking 100's of customers flawlessly. Heck, even the Ocean Cafe on Silhouette was run exceptionally well; like a Formula 1 pit crew. We're treating ourselves to a Prime Aqua stateroom to try the Blu, thermal spa amenities, etc. Planning to look around quite a bit and settle in to different venues as this will be our first E Class. Eden, beyond the restaurant, looks like a definite winner (reminds us of the 270 concept on RCCL Quantum on steroids) to visit and spend some time and even a lunch or snack or drink (or all). Again, thanks.

You're going to be OK. The 'select dining' (walk-in) on the level above MDR time seating is the way to go for most meals. It was for us. We also went at open and always secured our same table (61) a two person on the glass overlooking MDR. Look at the menus (the same) for each day on your APP and decide what you'd like. If there is a night (or a day) nothing is appealing, the specialty restaurants have openings quite a bit. We find Celebrity (select/MD) to be generally ahead of the competitors we've sailed RCCL, NCL and non-Yacht Club MSC. They are really good at it to the point where the GAP* to specialty dining isn't as wide as on the other lines. PLUS, the well traveled will all comment "to ask for what you might want (cut, cook, etc.) specifically," even if not on the menu that lunch or night. For example, if you like something not usually served (for example, I saw beef liver; not a great menu item for many, my wife won't cook it preferably, but really hard to ever get anywhere else at restaurants (but in some diners)) tell the waiter and you can have it again on another visit (I had five pieces over two plates). * For example ~ One of the following Beef Carpaccio's is from the Tuscan Grille, the other is from Select Main Dining. The tablecloth gives it away for those that have been to both. Also, at Select Main Dining, I simply had two. 😉

At the Elite member breakfast in Tuscan, after a half hour of coffee and enjoying the views, the 'combination platter' meats and salmon, fruits and melons, cheese and breads, was our favorite to split and slowly enjoy. Bloody Mary and/or Mimosa always good break from the coffee when the platter came. We should have taken advantage of more of the Elite benefits.

Sushi on 5 was really, really a surprise as to how good the food was. We couldn't at first figure out why so empty, then looked at the APP and the menu was from a rare promotional night with a very nontraditional menu. We informed host of that on the way out one day and it was fixed that night. That was 4-5 days in though. We did 2 lunches and 1 dinner. ***** rating. We notice large contingents of groups of uniformed staff eating in groups. Although the sushi was my 'fix,' the pork tonkotsu ramen was 'insane' great pork and a lot of it, bamboo and noodles (wife had to help big time). Very large bowl and portions. She had the kobe beef ramen slider, also awesome. I missed this at our first lunch but saw it on the bar ready to be served (so I tried the next time; that picture below) It's a cute venue, with some outside noise, music, etc. that was not a problem. NOTE - The couch / bench seating is 'brutal' and you need a lot of pillow behind (to reach the table) and below (if you're not 6'). Here is the real menu that should be on the APP.

The Solarium in a couple of pictures. Really nice. Never had a 'cell phone imp' or the like. Plenty of conversations (mostly groups in the hot tubs) but generally very tone considerate.

Not a past Ascent cruiser but boarding the first week of February. We recently sailed 10N on Silhouette and the Mast grill was below underwhelming, as well as no "grill smoke, aroma, etc.). First, none of the hamburgers were being cooked to order at the time we were there (for 45 minutes). We observed that there were possibly hundreds in what appeared to be a warmer) that the precooked burgers were simply pulled out and served (not even reheated or on the grill at all). Days later, while walking at 10AM, going near the Mast grill smelled 'awesome' on every walking lap around the deck. They were grilling entire sheets full of burgers one (sheet) right after the other and sliding them into the warmer. Checked it out at lunch and, sure enough, none on the grill, no smoke or grill aroma, and served from the warmer. Ugh. Don't take one of those, ask for a freshly grilled burger. A hospitality officer told us it was rare for them to do so much so far ahead. Didn't try it again though. That day 1 burgers were the worst we've had in literally decades and we actually we nauseous.

Thanks. We were pleasantly surprised with the $75M transformation renovation on Silhouette. Our favorites are still the Solarium (the days of tanning on the sundeck are behind us) for its' general serenity, a fun cool pool (and the hot tubs, for a bit) and the light snacks and lunches. The two service attendants worked, nonstop, from morning until after the dining hours. The place was very, very clean. The 'only issue' is sea days when, as usual, one must be early to get a good lounger (all padded), especially if the weather is not great. We also thought that the Sky Lounge was much more (and better comfort and quality) furnished and overall more welcoming, had more activities that drew more of a crowd and seemed to have longer bar hours and services. It's a great venue that on previous Solstice Class ships we've sailed was pretty empty most of the time. The Elite benefits were also nice, we've never utilized before (although qualified). The morning hours at Tuscan were pleasant, not rushed and unique. The venue location is really nice. The 'Americano coffee still needed a shot of Expresso to elevate it, and they were used to most doing that.

We didn't originally comment on one item of pecuniary interest, the Mast grill. On boarding we were not into the buffet or other. Just grabbed a couple of burgers at the Mast frill with fries. The burgers were awful. I mean really bad. Not what we recalled from years ago. Then we notices 'none' were being cooked fresh. They were taking them out of a warmer (we guess) as they must have been precooked 'enmase and the into the warmer. Days later, while walking (daily 5-7 miles), we noticed the fantastic aroma and smoke by the Mast grill. We hadn't noticed that on embarkation. So, we watched as hundreds of patties were cooked and sunk into the warmer. It was 10AM. Later, when talking to a hospitality officer, we asked about such. He said they only prep ahead, in a limited amount, when necessary, but admitted our observations were not the recommended practice. Talking to others it was a mix. Some had super great burgers. Others didn't. We didn't and didn't try again. We prefer the live cook and wait.

Yep. We certainly have noticed that. Can't figure out why.

We wrote and posted the review on CC on 12/15 and either can't find it or it didn't get added; so, we thought we'd share it for those interested in Silhouette sailings. We forget the title. 😔 REVIEW We started a thread about our planned return to Celebrity after a 10-year absence honoring a pledge to never sail Celebrity again. We softened over time, we haven't cruised since Covid, and we were up to 56 nights a year in 2019 after starting with a 3 night in 2008 on Disney Wonder. We also live, retired, 1 mile north of the port entrance on the beach in an oceanfront condo and Port Everglades is a big Celebrity (and Royal) port. We see the Solstice and Edge Class ships, every one of them, come in and go out. I guess an omen. We booked last minute, really close. Mid ship deck 8. Took advantage of the on-sale pricing and add-ons, premium drinks, WIFI and a TA credit / reduction promotion. We sort of shared our trip. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2977358-1st-celebrity-after-10-year-never-again-silhouette-1242023/page/3/#comment-66584675 We had a really, really good time. Yep, there are those that have issues with this or that on this cruise, but for us, it was just awesome. We simply enjoy cruising and have missed it. We did not see a show or off ship at any port! A lot of been-there done-that, plus, we enjoy the ship when almost empty. I like to walk for an hour to an hour and a half and I don't have to be a pest to the loungers on any of the decks. My wife is, and should be, the first member of the Solarium Club. That is her environment, almost all day long, into the early evening. So, overall value is compared to coming off 28 nights on NCL Bliss Haven and 14 nights MSC Yacht Club Seaside and 14 nights MSC Yacht Club Meraviglia in 2019, this was pocket change. The difference in the experience? Obviously a bit less as they are not apples-to-apples. Those options are 3X-4X what we paid on this 10-N Southern Caribbean cruise. Dining - Awesome. Select dining so good, service so over-the-top we canceled the back half of our specialty dining reservations. We're very familiar with food service venues (a family thing) and this ship nailed it 360! Bars and Lounges - Enjoyable, comfortable, welcoming. Crew Overall and Across Service Areas - The "Stepford Effect" so top of the line, friendly, respectful and accommodating. Sort of like Walt Disney World 25 years ago. :) Venues - Solarium is my wifes' home away from home. The Sky Lounge was a nice alternative to enjoy more of the views at sea or at port. Specialty Dining - Pretty good. With such a strong main dining presence, it's hard to 'extend' in the upscaled dining. The venues are beautiful and themed. The pace is a relaxing adjustment. ODDLY, for each reservation, despite having friends (and the APP) indicate that each was without remaining reservations, we found each venue 2/3rds EMPTY during our almost 1.5+ hour dining? Special Dining Ranking - 1a. Le Petit Chef, not for the show (cute) but the food was unique (the menu changed after we dined) and well prepared and served. We would say that the choice is quite limited, but the menu is on the APP for one to decide. 1b. Sushi on 5 - We just loved it. 2. Tuscan - Great experience beginning to end and a beautiful venue aft. 3. Lawn Garden - Beautiful venue, really nice beef cuts, but our assessment is not fair as we did not try the salad bar, kebabs or flatbread offerings. Again, these venues were very empty while there. Le Petit Chef had 5 other couples. Sushi on 5 had 9 total customers. Tuscan 1/3 full? Again, we really had a great time, a 10, and probably influenced by first cruise post-Covid. But we also found what Celebrity was like again for those times that we want experience. We also found the passenger mix to be quite nice. Never saw anyone display any negative behavior, not once. A very mature, fun and good time demographic. At every meal we had conversations with one or more abutting tables (except just one at lunch one day) throughout. Ocean Cafe - Celebrity was known for its high quality 'buffet,' and that certainly has not changed. Awesome. Thanks for reading.

There has been some discussion of this in another thread (the thread was about drink packages). We've commented that we're going without a drink package on upcoming Ascent cruise as the Elite options take care of my needs and wife doesn't drink. Will be bringing 2 Pinot Noir bottles (paying the corkage), FIJI water, getting Bloody Mary or Mimosa at Elite and carrying into Blu, getting wine pre-dinner and carrying one into Blu later. Cash for the odd unplanned drinks. A no-brainer for us in our situation. The required double package purchase is not a favorite.

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/ships/shiptour.php?r=12529 Blu Exclusive venue for AquaClass staterooms. Seats 226 inside and 22 outside. Open for breakfast and dinner. Features clean, crisp flavors of inventive cuisine complimented by sustainable and biodynamic wines.

We've actually been on Royal / Celebrity for 102 Nights or 46% of our cruises in the past 10-years. Followed by MSC 70 Nights or 31%, then Norwegian 49 Nights or 22% and just one 3 Night Disney. Pretty much see them all with pro's and con's, pluses and minuses, but at the end of the cruise almost always a good time regardless of what went 'not perfect.' Pick different lines at different times for different reasons and experiences.

Whatever, everyone is entitled to an opinion. We're not big on reliance on "MSC Representatives will never say this publicly" and "Well, we can't do anything directly, we'll have to get approval from our headquarters first, we'll get back to you" type quotes. Especially if then 3rd hand via a Travel Agent (not the most reliable source of characters). Regarding quantity not translating into quality, of course. But simply no viable basis to make the assertion. No way billions spent to have quantity of low-quality service and offerings to customers. Seriously, this is the second time I've seen the business plan thesis. RCCL is building the biggest ships with the largest passenger counts and Celebrity is just completing the huge E-Class. A lot of volume. I wonder if they are merely adding quantity with the same plan to lower quality? I doubt it. But checking the CC boards for them, lots and lots and lots of similar complaining. Again, I don't believe they're checking with Italy to 'comp' a meal. Geeze. 'Comp a meal' is a serious issue? We see no difference, across the stateroom comparable (apples-to-apples) classes on the ships of the different lines we've sailed - Disney, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Celebrity and MSC since 2008. We also see the same nit-picking of a really, really small sub-percentage on minor items that are common to all lines of sea ships. As an FYI, the MSC USA Director of Operations for Customer Service (Pre- and Post- Cruise), the VP and the CEO are located here in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Take care. If one isn't happy with one line, it's quite simple, go to another. There are a lot of choices. There is also no need to worry about the finances of MSC, they are quite well of (the envy of the other cruise lines burdened with debt and annual interest expense that eats into the cruise passengers services, food, beverage etc.) costs of operations.

Seriously, you don't believe this; at least you certainly can assert it, but never prove it. Again, seriously? That's totally imaginary and absurd. They are not running MSC cruises, now grown into the #3 spot with a massive increase in ships and capacity going forward (with little debt), from the shipping company 'bridge." Again, seriously? Alleging. All of the cruise lines are getting the same complaints, service, food, out-of-stocks, liquor choices and on and on. Check all of the CC forums. Across the boards. MSC is no different.

We've noticed a lot of changes as to how some approach the drink packages and like the ideas, such as yours! We are going to try on our Ascent sailing in just over a month. Wife doesn't drink (per se' although she might have a sparkling wine once or twice). We've paid for the premium, two in cabin, for years and never really considered how ridiculous it was. We like the plan of taking aboard 2 bottles of my best red (subject to the corkage) and know that we can't bring the bottle into the restaurant. I can have it in the stateroom or carry into Blu. We'll get the sparkling in the Aqua and as Elite+ on day one, and daily a BM or M at breakfast (not at Blu, from what we understand, but can get at the Elite venue next door and carry in?) and the 5-7 time slot regular beer, wine, etc. during the Elite/Club happy hours (except at select bars). Although water in the stateroom daily, we'll add a couple from the bars, and coffee specialty bar if Blu isn't up to snuff. If the occasion arises, we can certainly buy a bottle (or more) of wine. Again, just like the idea of getting out of the rut of just paying for the premium package for two but really for one and simply not making sense.