Andy

Hi Everyone,

To my dear Azamara friends and your loved ones in the potential path of Hurricane Matthew... we can only hope the Hurricane will find a way to bypass us. If not... with as minimal harm as possible. As I've learned over the last several months, we can always repair our homes. However, our safety and well-being means everything.

Wishing everyone the best possible outcome during the next few days. Please stay safe, and listen to the advice of federal, state and local authorities.

Assuming power is lost (it usually is !) I will post again, when power is restored. Take care everyone. You are all in our thoughts & prayers.

Hi Everyone,

To my dear Celebrity friends and your loved ones in the potential path of Hurricane Matthew... we can only hope the Hurricane will find a way to bypass us. If not... with as minimal harm as possible. As I've learned over the last several months, we can always repair our homes. However, our safety and well-being means everything.

Wishing everyone the best possible outcome during the next few days. Please stay safe, and listen to the advice of federal, state and local authorities.

Assuming power is lost (it usually is !) I will post again, when power is restored. Take care everyone. You are all in our thoughts & prayers.

The spouse heard that Celebrity has done away with the Party Bands. I tried to do some searching on the forums but found no definitive info. We're sailing on the Infinity soon, does anyone have information on this?

 

Thank you.

 

By the way - not my first post. Somehow lost my user name and password and hurriedly created new log in info to ask this questions.

Hi Daisy,

I've not heard anything about bands being eliminated. We sailed on Eclipse about 5 months ago, and there were 2 bands onboard, as well as other entertainment options. I doubt you will be disappointed.

BTW, here's a thread on how to get your other member name back : http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2119786

Hope this helps !

Hi Dykwia,

Looking forward to your review, but would love to hear your observations on the changes. We're sailing on Eclipse in November, and I'm sure your insights will be helpful.

Thanks again, and welcome home !

Hi Everyone,

I've just gotta say it. Amazing how some can take this discussion into a tax debate. Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth ! Sheesh :)

Here's a thought : If you don't want to pay the taxes, then don't enter the contest. This way, you don't have to worry about spending a week in the Caribbean, visiting lovely ports, dining on excellent cuisine, enjoying great entertainment, and, be pampered by fantastic Offers & Crew on a stunningly beautiful cruise ship.

I've entered. Hope I win (or another dear CC member). I'll be happy to pay the taxes should I win.... which probably won't happen :)

Thank You Celebrity for offering the contest. Most of us do appreciate it.

Hi Everyone,

With all of the "frenetic" conversation on the new Celebrity Ad (wowsers ! LOL), I thought it would be nice to try and change the subject if only for a few moments, and post something fun...

I noticed that Celebrity is running a new contest for US & Canadian residents (excluding Quebec), where you can win a Celebrity Caribbean Getaway for 4. Entries through 10/26/16. No, it's not a contest to pick their next ad campaign :). It's actually very easy to enter.

Here's the link : http://www.celebritycruisessweepstakes.com/

Here's a link to the rules : http://www.celebritycruisessweepstakes.com/Celebrity-Cruises-Caribbean-Getaway-Sweepstakes-Official-Rules.pdf

Good Luck !

what is the minimum bet in blackjack on celebrity eclipse

Hi Reider,

Last time we were on Eclipse (April 2016), they had a $5 minimum Blackjack table, though it may have been $6. Something in my mind is making me think it was $6 - perhaps there was an additional $1 bonus bet involved.

One night, when the Casino was busy, I noticed that table was raised to $10 minimum. Your best chance for a low minimum, is afternoons on Sea Days.

Hope this helps !

Hi Everyone,

Agree with the consensus. I believe all of the M-Class ships have had recent investments/updates, so I highly doubt they are going anywhere.... at least until well after the debut of the Edge class. If I had to guess, I wouldn't put anything on my radar until at least 2020, and perhaps longer.

Frankly, I feel the M-Class are absolutely beautiful ships, and would sail on them in a heartbeat.

Hi Everyone,

This is a highly unusual situation - at least from South Florida. As others mentioned, Equinox is moving from a seasonal Port Everglades deployment, to a Year-Round deployment from Port of Miami.

Agree that Celebrity should provide transportation and perhaps luggage assistance for those sailing back to back. I'd strongly recommend calling Captains Club and ask to speak with a supervisor.

If enough guests call, Celebrity might consider making an accommodation. As I always say, you have nothing to lose by asking. Please keep us posted. Good Luck !

Hi Beth,

Thank you for sharing with us. I'm so happy to hear that your husband's injury wasn't too serious, and it didn't ruin your cruise. I'm thrilled to hear that Celebrity took care of you during a very stressful time. In all honesty, I'm not surprised at all. Way to go Celebrity !

All my very best to you, and your DH.

Wow! Thanks for the link. Fun to read about the refresh. Excited to hear more about the "taste of film experience".

 

I've read complaints about furniture in staterooms looking old and in need of replacement. I wonder if that will happen still with this refresh??

 

Any thoughts?

Hi Bekbek,

If the Press Release is fully accurate, it would seem there's nothing planned for the Non-Suite Staterooms... though they do mention enhancements for Suites.

With that said, I've always found the Non-Suite staterooms to be in excellent condition, especially on the Solstice Class ships. Also, please keep in mind, that soft goods are occasionally refreshed while the ship is in operation. Frankly, I wouldn't worry about it.

Hope this helps !

Hi Everyone,

For those who cannot see the Facebook information posted by Wallie, here's the direct information from Celebrity's website : http://www.celebritycruises.com/about-celebrity/about-celebrity-overview#footer_pages_about_celebrity_press_room_tab/about-celebrity/press-room?subtab=true&year=2016&event_date=2016-09-19&sequence_code=a

Celebrity Solstice to Emerge from Stunning 8.5 Million-Dollar Modern Luxury Makeover

SEPTEMBER 19, 2016

Guests onboard Celebrity Solstice will soon enjoy even more exciting new offerings as the ship undergoes a bold refresh. New features include Celebrity Cruises' unrivaled "A Taste of Film" experience under the stars, authentic Japanese cuisine at Sushi on Five, a reimagined Photo Gallery, among other exciting new additions. The enhancements will further enhance Celebrity Solstice and exemplify the Celebrity Distinction.

"Celebrity Solstice already turns heads with her beautiful design, so these lavish enhancements will ensure our guests never want to leave," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "When discussions began about what we could do to further enhance the already stunning Solsticized ship, we couldn't think of a better way to further delight guests than to offer the multi-sensory A Taste of Film experience, Sushi on Five, the savvy new Art Gallery, and all of the other glimmering finishes. We are offering a truly distinct experience."

The revitalization, which is scheduled for late October 2016, will see various enhancements and additions implemented across the ship, including:

A Taste of Film:

Celebrity Solstice will be the first of the Solstice Class ships to offer the iconic gastronomic adventure, which pairs films that evoke a specific cultural, culinary or destination experience, with cuisine that brings the scenes on the screen to life through guests' taste buds

A large movie screen will be added to The Lawn Club where the unique culinary experience will be hosted

Transformative alcove-style cabanas will line the real grass lawn for additional seating and relaxation space. Guests will be able to adjust the cabanas to their preferred view as the spaces evolve throughout the day

Sushi on Five:

Celebrity's hotly anticipated newest dining endeavor will be reimaged from what was once Bistro on Five and feature an expertly crafted à la carte menu. The new menu, curated by sushi chef Yoshikazu "Yoshi" Okada, offers hand-rolled sushi, fresh tableside grated wasabi, house-made soy sauce, Asian-inspired cocktails, Japanese beers and premium sakes, plus an array of mouth-watering starters and entrees

The revitalization of Celebrity Solstice will also see the following new distinct additions:

Suites onboard will have various modern luxury enhancements, including lavish new patio furniture being added to suite balconies

Celebrity Solstice's Photo Gallery will receive a full modern luxury makeover, removing the traditional panel display of printed photos:

The new Photo Gallery will include 25 state-of-the-art touch screen kiosks where guests will be able to view their professional photos taken throughout their cruise vacation and purchase a variety of photo formats. This new service allows guests to download their purchased photos direct to their mobile device at any time during their cruise, and instantly share their cruise memories with friends and family back home via social networking, email or messaging.

In addition, an expansive Art Gallery will emerge from the current Photo Gallery, featuring a dedicated auction location with contemporary art lining the freshly renovated space

Celebrity Solstice is scheduled to enter dry dock in Singapore on October 22, 2016, and will emerge on October 31, 2016. The revitalized ship will arrive just in time for the hotly anticipated transition into Australia's summer season, featuring a series of jaw-dropping itineraries, including stops to the gorgeous green expanses of New Zealand, the exotic escape of Indonesia, and to sought-after ports of call across the continent of Australia.

About Celebrity Cruises:

Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 12 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents immersive cruise tour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, or call your travel agent.

On the very tip top of what is moving n shaking at Celebrity as always for us!

Thanks Andy!

Thank You Wallie. I'm getting very comfortable in my new role, and should have more time to post here. Even when I'm not posting, I'm always on the lookout for all pertinent news, so I fully plan to keep everyone updated.

We're also sailing on Eclipse in November, when she returns to Miami. Mom & I are looking forward to being onboard EC again. She's a truly wonderful ship !

All the best to you, and my dear friends on the Celebrity forum.

Hi Emsachs,

Thanks for your first photo. Looks like a great start. Looking forward to your updates. Bon Voyage !

Hi Tbrmt,

Thank you for your observations. Well done. We sailed on Allure in July, and agree with most all of your comments. We really disliked the Casino on Allure this time around, as we all felt the smoke was much worse than our Oasis cruise in 2015. Also agree that Celebrity's MDR is far better than RCCL - though we did enjoy Oasis & Allure specialty - though Celebrity's is better IMO. One of the few advantages the Oasis class has over Celebrity is the entertainment - which is understandable for a ship of that size.

Glad you had a great cruise, and welcome home !

Hi Everyone,

A few minutes ago, Celebrity Tweeted the following :

Celebrity Cruises ‏@CelebrityCruise 17m17 minutes ago

Guests onboard #CelebritySolstice will soon be able to enjoy exciting new offerings as the ship undergoes a bold refresh in late October.

We knew the Solstice Drydock was coming.... but now we have a tiny tease from Celebrity. It will be interesting to learn what recent Solstice guests are hearing onboard the ship. I'm wondering if Celebrity will share more hints of what's to come, and if it's safe to assume that what's ahead for Solstice, is a preview of what's ahead for the other S-Class ships.

Inquiring minds would love to know :)

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the CC points are awarded based upon the original booking and not the upgraded category.

That's my understanding as well.

When does the itinerary come out for this cruise?

Hi Nana57,

If Celebrity stays on the same release schedule, it should be available in November or December. Hope this helps !

Thanks for the suggestions. I put 8185 on hold. Hopefully my TA will be able to arrange this "downgrade" from 9047. She works for a large agency that probably has clout with Celebrity.

 

My fingers are crossed!!

Hi Sandyss,

I hope you are able to switch to a cabin that you will be happier with.... but in case you wind up with 9047 - most folks are extremely happy with BLU, so it could turn out to be a very nice upgrade. Being that you are now above Concierge Class (with AQ), hopefully Celebrity will allow you to switch to 8185. I'm rooting for you !

Please let us know the outcome, and good luck !

Hi Kydems,

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I'm not at all surprised, but glad to hear the onboard medical team took good care of your DH. Wishing him a speedy recovery.

Hi Pam,

So glad to hear you are enjoying Quest. Have a wonderful time !

You will be sorely missed as Host on our Azamara Club Cruises board. If you ever decide to come back to CC as a Host, I hope we will be your first choice.

We all wish you much success in your new chapter.

Sincerely, Bonnie

Hi Bonnie,

Thank You for your very kind comments. Of course, I will miss being Host Andy, but this was a truly wonderful opportunity. I hope everyone at Azamara and on your ships will appreciate that. We've loved sailing with you, and we hope to enjoy future sailings too.

My very best to You, everyone in Miami and your ships.

This is wonderful news. Enjoy your new job. When are you going on a Crystal, to a live report? All the best to you. And I will be visiting the Crystal boards to say "hi".

 

Maria

Hi Maria,

I'm hoping to sail late this year. As I've mentioned over the years.... at this point in my life, due to Mom being 91, we need sailings that begin and end in South Florida - which limits our options. I'm hoping for a specific sailing later this year or early January. When I'm onboard, I will absolutely be offering a "Live From", report on the Crystal Forum.

Hope this helps, and all the best to you !

Welcome Back Anne - It's great to have you back on the Celebrity forum. I think you'll be much better than that other Host :)

I'm not a good singer, so... let's go the video. It sums up how I feel :)

All the very best to you Anne !

[YOUTUBE]5VlGyMG0ksg[/YOUTUBE]

Hi Everyone,

Many good comments - especially Orator & Wine-O. IMO, I think it will become a difficult thread, as it will become more about being happy and not happy with the cuisine, and less about the menus.

Another item to consider.... Celebrity seems to be changing things around lately. As far as menus etc... what might be accurate today, may not be accurate tomorrow. I also strongly agree with Wine-O's comment, in that if you post all 14 dinner menus and you're on a 7 day cruise - you might expect certain items, and never see them.

In theory, I like the idea - but I do not think it could work, from an accuracy standpoint.

Just my .02 cents