Topless23

again, correction. Not a "Penthouse", but a Royal Suite

correction. I misspoke saying "Penthouse" It was a Royal Suite.

Well, I'm 72. Wife is 70. I think that makes up "mature" BTW, the posting name refers to my 23rd convertible Corvette, now replaced by #24 (and that is #58 new Corvette). At least 1 new one every year since my 19th birthday in 1969. No kids, so lots of cars

We were on Emerald in a aft corner suite E732. an S6 category and were not charged the $15 initial FS app fee. This was #18 on Princess and our 4th time full transiting through the Panama canal, but the first time through the new set of larger locks. After experiencing some lesser service on Princess (pre covid) we thought we'd give them one more try and had pre booked while onboard the prior cruise, specifically to experience the new Panama canal locks system. Glad we did. Princess has done a huge upgrade in staffing, food service quality and overall service levels. During this transit, we met the Captain 4 different times, in the private dining room for higher level customers, in the buffet (twice) and in the steakhouse. He was open and chatty. Unfortunately, none of the items I wanted to check off my todo list (visit the bridge, visit the engineering spaces, visit the kitchen) as all have been removed as options due to MARSEC rules. We also were a day late in trying to purchase a BtB return trip. These now have to be booked and paid for 72 hours in advance.

On the morning of day 2, the wife went to GS desk and asked if there were any higher level cabins available. It turned out to be good timing, as a guest staying in a Penthouse had failed to make the ship. Wife took a look at the Penthouse and worked out a $1000 upgrade with the woman at GS. They moved all our bags and clothing to the Penthouse. We both met with the Butler, but decided we didn't need his services (and he was the snottiest butler ever). So we were in a Penthouse for the balance of the 13 days left. Penthouse customers are supposed to be exempt from food delivery fees, but we were charged anyway.

So, we've just completed our 66th cruise. this minor review is about 6 months late, so forgive me for that. This was #12 on Celebrity, This will be our last on this line. The reason may sound silly, but it's the little things that drive one nutty. Sometime in Feb '23, while we were onboard X in an aft suite and without any kind of advance notice, Celebrity started charging $13 for room service. Didn't notice it til I checked the onboard fees a week later. Shocker! Went to the desk to ask WTH and was informed it was a fleet wide change. Now, we're not cheap, but after paying close to $8k for the cruise, it just irks me to have to pay $13 to have a burger delivered to the room. I don't mind the additional charge for the speciality restaurants, or for top shelf booze (on top of the included drinks package). Those are givens. But charging for room service is just wrong. If it's that important to the bottom line, just charge more up front. After the Celebrity cruise, we spent 15 days on Regent Splendor (livin in the lap of real luxury) and we just got back from 14 days on Princess. Regent doesn't charge for anything, while Princess does if you order from the TV or room phone, but if you order off the Princess app on your cell (on Medallion class ships), there is no charge, and they find you and deliver it to you wherever you are on the ship. So, I'm done with Celebrity. It's not any better onboard than Princess or HAL, but I just can't take the cheap.