Cheshire Blue

Thanks for this - so far.  Am looking forward to hearing more of the cruise 

2 hours ago, upwarduk said:

Yes $18. We have just returned from Silhouette.

Great - Thanks for the confirmation. 

Did you happen to notice what champagne was currently available on Silhouette within the premium package ?   

2 minutes ago, canderson said:

The 'guidelines' don't say that it's a reserved area.  They're posted on the entry door from the corridor.  Next time you're aboard, have a look.

I certainly will.

Assume the guidelines on the door simply refer to it being a "relaxation" area - hence a quiet zone (which is good for me read my book in peace).  Pleased to hear it's not a reserved area - so everyone can enjoy the peace and quiet (regardless as to whether they are using the Spa).     

Just now, Samantha said:

We were on the Reflection a few months ago, and we specifically sought out the Relaxation Lounge to ask if it was available to all guests. We were told that it is available for ALL guests, as well as guests waiting for spa treatments. Thete was no requirement to show an Aqua Class seapass card. It was a quiet, relaxing space with a great view. 

Thanks for posting this - I think that settles it.   I will be checking it out on my next cruise. 

Thanks for all the helpful responses.  I will bring the travel adaptors. 

Shame they didn't see fit to add USB charging points in all the cabins when the ship was "revolutionised" . 

Reference was also made to getting an extension cord - but had understood these were not permitted on board ?   Is that correct ?   

Thanks for all the responses - really helpful. 

Getting back to the original question - it appears there is a difference of opinion - some believing it to be available to all (as I think is probably the case) and others who seem to think it might be "reserved" for Aqua or Spa guests.   If it were Aqua I think it would be clearly included in the Aqua benefits (Blu / Persian Garden etc) which it isn't.  Appreciate it is convenient for those having Spa treatments - but don't think that precludes anyone else from using. 

"Traditionally this area is Reserved for AQ Class  guests,  and those waiting for spa treatments,...The rooms are small on most ships, 

 Some folks are not aware of the guidelines,  and others just do whatever they want..." 

Could someone point me to these "Guidelines"  - which would indicate this is a reserved area  for Aqua / Spa ?   If so,  fair enough - but otherwise it seems to be an open space for all (same as the Library). 

Thank you - appreciate the response

looks like they have most things in that box so maybe won't need too many adaptors  

Am sailing on Silhouette in September (from Southampton) in a normal balcony cabin (not Concierge or Aqua).

What sockets are on the ship (so I can bring any required adaptors) ?   Am from the UK (so three prong plugs and sockets are the norm - but doubt there will be any of them).  Anyone know if the sockets are US or European style ?

Many thanks for any insight  

On 7/24/2022 at 1:11 PM, Britboys said:

From what people have said on the Board, seems to be within about 30 minutes but I know what you mean - it's a long way for you to travel if you ended up with a positive result...

As from 5th September, it appears the requirement for a supervised test has now gone - so we will just do a lateral flow test at home a day or so before the cruise (later in September) and take a picture of the result. 

Hope you enjoyed your cruise  

Am sailing on Silhouette in September (from Southampton) in a normal balcony cabin (not Concierge or Aqua).

I noticed on the deck plans a "Relaxation Lounge" at the front of the ship on deck 11.  I see this is close to the treatment rooms for the Spa. 

Question : can anyone use this lounge (and what exactly is it) or is it reserved for those having treatments at the Spa ?   

Many thanks for any insight  

14 minutes ago, bdstickks0944 said:

Id not try to scam them if I were you.  

no worries about that - I certainly won't be attempting to scam them.  

Just pointing out the flaws in the "new" system - hence reference to it now being a bit of a farce  

14 hours ago, colingu said:

 

For our cruise from Barcelona on 15 Sept the Celebrity website states:

 

'All guests ages 2 and older must test present a negative COVID-19 test result to board their sailing. A negative test result from any commercially available test, including self-tests, will be accepted. Tests do not have to be monitored or proctored. Test results may be presented as a printout, screenshot or photo of the test result or the actual test".

 

So we can do an unmonitored self test in the hotel the day before and just take a photo of the actual test!  Suppose they'll look at the photo properties to see when you took the photo?  And I wonder if a NHS antigen test with text/email counts as  commercially available?

Yes - I think you are correct.  I doubt they will check the photo properties (so in theory you could perhaps show an old photo of a test / result) or even produce an actual (old) negative test !  As far as I'm aware - there are no dates on them. 

It's become a bit of a farce - may be time to drop the requirement to produce the tests / results completely and simply have people declare they have no symptoms etc (as is the case with other illnesses) 

45 minutes ago, NewWestwardbound said:

I am not a Champagne drinker but will try to find out over the next couple of days. 

Thanks - i'd appreciate that.  Am due on Silhouette next month so interested to know  

On 8/2/2022 at 10:06 PM, Sheffben79 said:

Thank you!

Enjoy the rest of your cruise!!

Could you advise what champagne is available on Silhouette (by the glass within the Premium package) at present ?  

20 hours ago, upwarduk said:

Last year the Classic package on Silhouette sailing from Southampton was $11!

OK - so on the basis of a Southampton sailing, the limit on the Classic Package is $11 (which I appreciate includes the gratuity).  How much is the equivalent limit on the Premium package ?   I assume this will be $18 (inclusive of the gratuity) but would welcome confirmation from someone who knows. 

At $18 - I assume I can get pretty much anything - including champagne (but again would welcome confirmation from someone who knows.    

11 hours ago, RichYak said:

If memory serves (which would be shocking), Cunard still requires a negative test, but you can take a home test and confirm that you did so has part the the health screening. In essence, it's the honor system.

That is correct.  Cunard (and several other lines) no longer require proof of a "supervised" test.  

I appreciate this will give rise to some people not declaring a positive test but self declaration  seems to be the way forward - as with any other illness / condition that should be declared pre cruise. 

Waiting for Celebrity to follow this lead   

17 minutes ago, chemmo said:

George, packages are different and as nasus2 says…

 

So I agree most of the time there are no issues booking once on board. However, on occasions there can be. If lots of people have booked packages or pre booked individual restaurants then the advice I would always give to package bookers is to sort as you board to get the best chance of the exact times you want. 

Thanks for all the advice - very helpful.  Trick now is to get an early boarding time !   

12 minutes ago, jwlane said:

Don't worry about it.

Sadly - worrying is part of my nature - hopefully will relax on holiday !  

Thanks to all for the advice anyway.  

Might be a daft question !

We have bought a package of 5 nights speciality dining and understand we need to book these asap after boarding the ship.  OK 

The first night is provisionally allocated and I understand details of this will be in our cabin.  On this basis I assume after boarding the ship - my very first stop is the cabin (to see what I have been allocated - place and time slot) and then hot foot it to one of the restaurants to change the above (if not happy with the allocation) and then to also book times and dates for the remaining (4) evening meals.

Understand I can go to any of the Speciality Restaurants to achieve the above (or possibly elsewhere ?).   This is my confusion.  Where should I best go to achieve the above ?   (i.e. which restaurant should i target first or is there some place else where I can best achieve this) ?  I have seen references to the Speciality Dining stand ???    Where would that be ?  Also to someone outside the OVC ? 

Apologies if the above is a daft question 

One further point - if we proceed as envisaged and eat 5 of our 9 evening meals in a Speciality Restaurant, this means that our fixed time (8.30) dining in the MDR will be only used for 4 of the 9 evenings.  For five of the nine evenings the 4 person table will be empty.  Would it be better / possible for us to change our MDR dining from fixed to Anytime (so releasing the MDR table for all 9 nights) ?    If this is an option - again how would I achieve this ? 

Thanks in advance  

I see that both Cunard and Virgin appear to have removed the need for supervised pre cruise testing (and will now rely on a declaration from the passenger that they have taken a test and it was negative)

When do we think Celebrity will follow this ?  

Welcome to cruising - can almost guarantee you will be back for more in the future. 

We did our first cruise (back in the early 90s) out of Miami when we were both just about 30 - and probably amongst the youngest on board (which we really enjoyed).  We met a similar aged US couple (from Georgia) who immediately became close friends for life.   Fast forward 30 odd years and about 15 cruises later, at 60 + we are probably now about mid age range for Celebrity - certainly some younger ones like yourselves and also some older - but always a good mixed crowd.  You will fit in. 

Anytime dining is probably best - so suggest you keep that so you can choose daily, depending on what is going on.  Only downside is that I always get the feeling of the meal being served fairly quickly (not really hurried as such but.........they do want the table for the next people).  In comparison at fixed sitting - 6.00 / 8.30 - there is no one waiting - so service seems to be a little more relaxed (if that's what you want).

I suggest you try to give up smoking 🙂 - but if not please keep to the designated areas only.   

have a great trip 

39 minutes ago, Britboys said:

Obviously worth monitoring as things are changing all the time. P&O for instance have just changed requirement for a monitored lft to a self-test with a standard pharmacy-bought test kit which you then only have to declare a negative result on the health declaration form.

There are two clinics in Southampton offering supervised tests. One in West Quay Shopping Centre and one at St Marys, near the football stadium. If that interests you, there is a lot of discussion on the P&O Board.

Thanks for that - am hoping the requirement for testing may have been dropped by the end of September (but probably wishful thinking). 

Supervised test at West Quay (morning of the cruise) is a possibility -  depending on time to get a result ?   Do you know how quick the procedure is ?     Not sure I want to travel to Southampton to then get a "positive" result and so be prevented from boarding - think I'd rather have that disappointment back home.  If the worst happens - I assume we get "refund" in form of FCC - but still very disappointing 😞    

7 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Pretty easy if use the App

If using App -

Just Scan in Passports

Fill in Contact infomation

Pick an Arrival Time

Take a Picture for boarding pass

Upload Vac Certificate

 

You can also do it on a combination of PC and Phone or totally on either   

 

In reality the only thing your really need is to select the Arrival Time and the rest just cut down checkin time by about 45 seconds.    I have done it 5 times in the past 6 months.    It is easiet to select an arrival time using the App.   Just go straight to select arrival time and select for each guest.

Thank you - sounds like I should be able to at least secure an early arrival / boarding time for the four of us using the App and can then do the rest later (or even when we arrive at the Port on the day). 

Will be sailing in late September on Silhouette from Southampton - our first cruise in 3 years.  I note we need to check in (on line) from mid August.  This is new to me - so can someone please advise :

1  what I will need to have to enable check in (my wife and I) - passport details / insurance details / covid vaccination details / anything else ? 

2  we are traveling with friends - separate but linked booking - will we be able to check them in as well (so as to ensure we all get same boarding times) ?  If so - what info will I need to check them in as well ?  Or do they need to do their own check in ? 

I read somewhere on these boards that all we need to do is start the check in process (to secure the boarding time) and can then go back to the check in on a later time / date to finish off.  Again is this correct ? 

I think we all need to get a fairly early boarding time if we can - as we need to book some speciality dining for the four of us (having reserved a multiple night package). 

Many thanks for any help on the above  

Thanks for the responses on this. 

We are due to sail on a Friday so looks like we will test near to home (perhaps Manchester - will see what pharmacies offer LFTs) on the wednesday, travel down on the Thursday for 1 night and then onto the ship on Friday.