Andy

Congratulations Andy on your new job. We'll miss you.

I will be around. I promise :)

Hi Everyone,

Yes, it's Crystal. Here's the Press Release. Hope you will stop by and say hi if you wish. Enjoy !

==============================

CRYSTAL APPOINTS CRUISE VETERAN AS SOCIAL MEDIA AMBASSADOR

Luxury line further expands its social media voice as cruise portfolio grows

LOS ANGELES, September 1, 2016 – As it continues with a brand portfolio expansion that will grow its luxury fleet exponentially by 2019, Crystal Cruises is reaching audiences far beyond the well-heeled travelers aboard its award-winning ocean ships, yachts and river yachts. The “World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line” enjoys a social media presence that includes hundreds of thousand fans on Facebook, engaging content from @crystalcruises on Instagram and Twitter, and strong interest and dialogue on dedicated cruise and travel discussion forums. As such, Crystal’s CEO and president Edie Rodriguez has appointed Andrew (Andy) Geller, veteran host and moderator on popular traveler resource CruiseCritic.com, as social liaison for the online hub’s Crystal queries.

“Andy brings a wealth of experience aboard ships throughout the cruise industry, as well as an active resource for travelers seeking the best possible cruise experience,” says Rodriguez. “We are excited to welcome him to the Crystal family as he acts as the go-to expert for our acclaimed ships, both for our loyal Crystal Society Members and new guests.”

Based in Highland Beach, Fla., Geller is a senior vice president for an independent financial services firm based in Boca Raton. He has parlayed his considerable cruise travel experience into an impressive following with the avid travelers that frequent CruiseCritic.com, having acted as a resident expert and moderator for general and topically specific cruise-related discussions. Geller’s new role will enhance Crystal’s established social engagement efforts, adding a personal voice to the ever growing buzz surrounding the company’s tremendous fleet and brand expansion.

"While I've enjoyed my volunteer time at CruiseCritic.com, I'm honored and thrilled to be part of the Crystal team, and the finest luxury cruise line in the world,” said Geller.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888.799.2437, or visit http://www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who follow the Crystal Cruises Facebook page and @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram, and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises.

Crystal Cruises is the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line™, having earned more “World’s Best” accolades than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history.  Crystal Cruises has won “World’s Best Cruise Ship” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards for 22 years; been voted “World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure readers for 20 years; and the “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Virtuoso for two-consecutive years (2014, 2015 & 2016). In summer 2015, Crystal embarked on the most significant brand expansion in the history of luxury travel and hospitality, introducing three new classes of cruising – the recently launched Crystal Yacht Cruises (December 2015), Crystal River Cruises (July 2016), Crystal Exclusive Class Ocean Cruises (Fall 2019), Crystal Luxury Air (April 2016) and Crystal AirCruises (2017).

Hi Everyone,

Here's the Press Release. I hope you will visit me on the Crystal forum and say hello. Enjoy !

=============================

CRYSTAL APPOINTS CRUISE VETERAN AS SOCIAL MEDIA AMBASSADOR

Luxury line further expands its social media voice as cruise portfolio grows

LOS ANGELES, September 1, 2016 – As it continues with a brand portfolio expansion that will grow its luxury fleet exponentially by 2019, Crystal Cruises is reaching audiences far beyond the well-heeled travelers aboard its award-winning ocean ships, yachts and river yachts. The “World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line” enjoys a social media presence that includes hundreds of thousand fans on Facebook, engaging content from @crystalcruises on Instagram and Twitter, and strong interest and dialogue on dedicated cruise and travel discussion forums. As such, Crystal’s CEO and president Edie Rodriguez has appointed Andrew (Andy) Geller, veteran host and moderator on popular traveler resource CruiseCritic.com, as social liaison for the online hub’s Crystal queries.

“Andy brings a wealth of experience aboard ships throughout the cruise industry, as well as an active resource for travelers seeking the best possible cruise experience,” says Rodriguez. “We are excited to welcome him to the Crystal family as he acts as the go-to expert for our acclaimed ships, both for our loyal Crystal Society Members and new guests.”

Based in Highland Beach, Fla., Geller is a senior vice president for an independent financial services firm based in Boca Raton. He has parlayed his considerable cruise travel experience into an impressive following with the avid travelers that frequent CruiseCritic.com, having acted as a resident expert and moderator for general and topically specific cruise-related discussions. Geller’s new role will enhance Crystal’s established social engagement efforts, adding a personal voice to the ever growing buzz surrounding the company’s tremendous fleet and brand expansion.

"While I've enjoyed my volunteer time at CruiseCritic.com, I'm honored and thrilled to be part of the Crystal team, and the finest luxury cruise line in the world,” said Geller.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888.799.2437, or visit http://www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who follow the Crystal Cruises Facebook page and @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram, and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises.

Crystal Cruises is the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line™, having earned more “World’s Best” accolades than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history.  Crystal Cruises has won “World’s Best Cruise Ship” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards for 22 years; been voted “World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure readers for 20 years; and the “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Virtuoso for two-consecutive years (2014, 2015 & 2016). In summer 2015, Crystal embarked on the most significant brand expansion in the history of luxury travel and hospitality, introducing three new classes of cruising – the recently launched Crystal Yacht Cruises (December 2015), Crystal River Cruises (July 2016), Crystal Exclusive Class Ocean Cruises (Fall 2019), Crystal Luxury Air (April 2016) and Crystal AirCruises (2017).

###

Hi Everyone,

Wishing all my dear friends in Northern Florida, and those in the path of Hermine, to stay safe.

This darn thing is getting so big, that it may get nasty in the Southern part of Florida too.

Fess up and admit you're really going to be the new Dos Equis "Most Interesting Man in the World"...

HA :) Stay Thirsty My Friends !

I'll be sailing on Reflection in April in SS 2109. Would love to hear anything about the room. This will be my second time sailing with X; first time was in March on Connie, also in a SS. Absolutely loved everything about that cruise! :)

Hi Jules815,

For future reference, you might wish to check out the Solstice class spreadsheet :

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lYvbGYBf2WB3jSFTVuliFltauVnhdqfheWJTeFujSbs/edit#gid=341972625

There's one post on RF 2109, and it's very positive. You've probably made a great choice. Hope this helps !

Okay folks, I'm curious as to whether any of you have seen this happen before. I'm booked on a cruise on the Equinox that gets back to Ft. Lauderdale on April 24, 2017.

 

However, with the decision to keep the Equinox in the Caribbean next summer I've seen Celebrity is using the Equinox for a special jazz fest cruise to New Orleans and the Caribbean starting April 24.

 

Only issue is that the jazz cruise leaves from Miami and not Ft. Lauderdale.

 

Can anyone describe how the logistics for this will work? Has anyone seen a situation where a ship is shifting ports during the day like this? I've seen on other threads that they are not allowing people to treat this as a B2B and I presume that this would prevent any late checkout or use of the facilities during the day. But this sounds like a nightmare for the crew.:confused:

Hi Capecodmercury,

While the port change is unusual, I highly doubt it will be a problem. Equinox gets into Port Everglades very early in the morning. They will probably have everyone off the ship by 10 am, and Equinox will immediately depart for Port of Miami. It shouldn't take very long to get there (maybe an hour or so). I figure she arrives in Miami around Noon, and embarkation can begin not very long after that.

All in all, I'd expect a little later than normal departure from Miami, but it shouldn't have any negative affect on your cruise.

Hope this helps !

Did I miss a press release?

Hi Isabella,

That I know of, it's not out yet - at least that I can tell. Still hoping for today. As soon as I know.... you will know :)

Thank You !

LOL !

Now you have me whistling the theme song. Who doesn't love Aunt Bee ? :)

This makes to tear up. Ee never met but you ahve been my cruise critic freind fro years.. you made posts go aways -threads shut down. you have been there for us when we ahd bad days. we were there for you when you had a really bad month and year. looking forward to seeing you on here as hte new Andy. it seesm to me you are either working in a different way for AZ or CC. At least we lknow where to find you Mr Red Sox Fan. maybe even on facebook.Take care of yuor mother.. Enjoy your cruises too. Robin

Hi Robin,

RED SOX FAN ???? NO WAY LOL. I'm a die hard NY Mets fan (originally from NYC).

I realize that many are guessing Celebrity or Azamara. What I can say for now, is it's neither of the 2 brands. Besides, You're in fine hands with Bonnie ! Wish I could say more, but it will have to wait for tomorrow's Press Release. If our members would respectfully avoid further speculation, I'd sincerely appreciate it.

As I've said previously, I promise to post on this forum, as much as time pemits, with my "New" CC handle - Andy.

Thanks again Robin. I believe we'll eventually meet on a future cruise. All the best !

EST I assume!

That's my guess upwarduk.

You got a t-shirt???!!! All I got is a baseball cap...

It's a Cruise Critic polo... really nice one too - from many years ago. Still in great shape LOL. I think have a photo, will try to post later !. Many of our members have seen me wearing it at one of the dozens of Cruise Critic meet and mingles that I've attended on Celebrity & Azamara cruises.

I'm hopeful that you return tomorrow with the handle "Celebrity Cruises Andy" and that you are given accessibility to clarify confusions and that someone listens to your feedback on concerns/ideas/recommendations and issues expressed on Cruise Critic. That would be refreshing and I know you could do a great job for Celebrity as well as representing all of us.

 

If I'm wrong....well thank you for your assistance and understanding over the past few years. Much appreciated by me and obviously many others.

 

Good Luck...whatever is happening.

 

GH

Thank you very much Ghstudio, but it's not Celebrity. That's all I can say for now. All the best to you !

Oh Andy, your post made me cry. We will miss you so much, around here. :( I do hope that, whatever your new job is, that you will still find time to post, here on the X boards. And, like many of our fellow CC'ers, I'm eagerly awaiting the details of your upcoming press release. Best of luck, and thanks again -- for everything! :cool:

Hi Wwcruisers,

You can count on me being around, and participating on this forum. As always, thank you for your very kind comments.

Hi Everyone,

Update : My new member name will be....<drumroll>...... Andy. Whodathunk it, right ? :) It's probably going to change in the next hour or so.

Thank You Laura !

Bon Voyage Host Andy. Hope you have smooth sailing on your new adventure. While I might guess what your new position will be I'll wait until tomorrow instead of speculating. Looking forward to reading your posts under your new handle. Host Anne will have some big sails to fill.

Thank You for your very kind thoughts, and for not speculating - I appreciate it :)

Hi Everyone,

As today is my final day as Host Andy, I'd like to share some closing thoughts before reverting to life as a Cruise Critic member, and my new role for the Cruise line. The Press release is expected tomorrow morning, and you'll know where I'm headed.

As I've previously shared many thoughts in this thread, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2391824 , I'll try not to repeat myself.

This has been an incredible and life-changing journey. I've absolutely loved my time as your moderator. We're a fantastic community. IMO, there's nothing better than helping each other - sharing information and ideas to ensure a wonderful cruise experience ! I sincerely hope your helpful spirit will always continue. As long as that beautiful spirit continues to thrive, I'm confident that Cruise Critic will remain the go-to cruise resource for generations to come.

If I may offer some friendly advice before I go - When you feel compelled to say something about a member ? Read your post many times, and think about if you'd like those words said about you, before hitting the "post reply" button. I'm confident you'll wind up hitting the delete key instead... and you will be much better off for your wise decision.

My plan is to remain online throughout the day & evening... until midnight. I will then log off, and turn in my Host Andy polo shirt. No, I think I will keep it :). I'm hopeful my new member name will be up and running in the morning. As I type this, I'm still uncertain of what my handle will be... but I hope to share it with you, later today. Please keep in mind that I fully expect to be an active member on this forum, so it's not a final "goodbye" :). I'll be around - only with a slightly different handle.

For those who follow me on Twitter, I will continue to be a part of the Twitterverse.... so that's not changing.

Time to wrap it up. Thank You Cruise Critic members for all of your kindness and support. I'm counting on the cherished friendships to continue. Thank You Azamara, Thank You to the Azamara team in Miami and Your Officers & Crew. Thank You Cruise Critic, Thank You Laura. Last but not least - Thank You Mom, and My Family for always welcoming my endless passion for Cruising. Wishing everyone the very best that life has to offer. Here's to your health and happiness.... along with many Cruises to come. May your life's voyages always be joy-filled !

Sincerely,

Andy Geller

(Host Andy - for a little while longer :) )

Hi Everyone,

As today is my final day as Host Andy, I'd like to share some closing thoughts before reverting to life as a Cruise Critic member, and my new role for the Cruise line. The Press release is expected tomorrow morning, and you'll know where I'm headed.

As I've previously shared many thoughts in this thread, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2391824 , I'll try not to repeat myself.

This has been an incredible and life-changing journey. I've absolutely loved my time as your moderator. We're a fantastic community. IMO, there's nothing better than helping each other - sharing information and ideas to ensure a wonderful cruise experience ! I sincerely hope your helpful spirit will always continue. As long as that beautiful spirit continues to thrive, I'm confident that Cruise Critic will remain the go-to cruise resource for generations to come.

If I may offer some friendly advice before I go - When you feel compelled to say something about a member ? Read your post many times, and think about if you'd like those words said about you, before hitting the "post reply" button. I'm confident you'll wind up hitting the delete key instead... and you will be much better off for your wise decision.

My plan is to remain online throughout the day & evening... until midnight. I will then log off, and turn in my Host Andy polo shirt. No, I think I will keep it :). I'm hopeful my new member name will be up and running in the morning. As I type this, I'm still uncertain of what my handle will be... but I hope to share it with you, later today. Please keep in mind that I fully expect to be an active member on this forum, so it's not a final "goodbye" :). I'll be around - only with a slightly different handle.

For those who follow me on Twitter, I will continue to be a part of the Twitterverse.... so that's not changing.

Have you wondered who will be replacing me on the Celebrity forum ? Well, You're in luck ! Please join me in welcoming Host Anne, as she returns to our forum tomorrow. I couldn't be happier for Anne, and for our members. She's a superb Host. With Host Walt & Host Anne steering the ship, I know that our forum will be in great hands.

Time to wrap it up. Thank You Cruise Critic members for all of your kindness and support. I'm counting on the cherished friendships to continue. Thank You to the Celebrity team in Miami for always being gracious. Thank You Cruise Critic, Thank You Laura, Walt & Anne. Last but certainly not least... Thank You Mom, and My Family for always welcoming my endless passion for Cruising. Wishing everyone the very best that life has to offer. Here's to your health and happiness.... along with many Cruises to come. May your life's voyages always be joy-filled !

Sincerely,

Andy Geller

(Host Andy - for a little while longer :) )

Hi Everyone that signed up with Guided Tours Israel Thanks for bring all three days to fruition. We are a go ! Can't wait to meet all of you . Don't forget to look for the sign Sandra Janofsky. It would be nice if you would e-mail me your names and cabin #. We are in 1632. See you all on board .

 

Sandy and Sam

Hello. You've repeatedly posted on this forum, and we've repeatedly advised you to post this on your Roll Call. This forum is for general Celebrity discussion. Should you require further assistance, please email me by clicking on the link below.

Here's a link to the Silhouette Roll Call Forum : http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=644

Thanks very much. This thread is now closed.

Thanks Andy for the update on Sue. Doesn't Celebrity understand that she might be fitted for the "mature" generation that takes longer cruises and keep the loud ones for the 7 day cruises. Tell her : she's missed by many!

Totally agree Burrma. Hopefully, Celebrity is listening !

Sad to hear that Andy! :(

I had heard that her husband is on the Reflection and that was why she was redeployed there.

Don't know it that's just a rumor but if it's not - how about him moving to the Eclipse? ;)

Hi Chamima,

I had no idea that Sue's hubby may be onboard RF. Never heard that one before. That could explain things.

Hi Everyone,

I have additional information regarding Sue & her return to Eclipse. Sorry to say, her stay is expected to be brief.

While Sue is returning to Eclipse, she's there for a few sailings. As of now, Sue is scheduled for Eclipse 9/17 - 11/13. Eventually, she's headed back to Reflection. I'm unsure if she's on vacation before returning to Reflection.

Always be aware that schedules can and do change. It's best to assume the above information is tentative.

This will be the 3rd time in 3 years, that we will be boarding a Celebrity ship, the day Sue leaves. As we love Sue, it's disappointing news. Hope she will remain onboard Eclipse for at least the 11/13/16 sailing, so we'll have the opportunity to sail with her.

Hope this is helpful.

Thanks for posting Andy. We will be onboard Summit starting on 9/4 so will look into booking onboard perks plus these perks - will we get both?

 

Would almost be worth it unless they jack up prices. I am going to print off what the prices are now for the cruises we want to book and see if prices vary.

Hi CruisingChick,

Great question. I'd *hope* you will receive some sort of perk for booking onboard... but I'm not certain. I hope you will share your experience while on your Cruise. I've heard rumors that Celebrity is tightening up on combining booking onboard perks with current promos. As we have not been onboard since April, I'm curious to hear what's told to you.

Smart move to print out the current prices for future cruises. I always do this before sailing. This way, you can see if you are comparing apples to apples.

Have a wonderful time on Summit !

Hi Everyone,

Here's a link to Celebrity's September 2016 Promo "Two if by Sea Sale" - for bookings 9/1/16 through 10/2/16.

As always, please make sure to read the "fine print" for details. Hope this is helpful !

http://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Celebrity/Multi_Dest/Special_Offers/16052489_CEL_September_Offer_EditFields.pdf

Does anyone know when the 2018/2019 deployment release schedule will be available? The current 2017/2018 itineraries released on November 17, 2015 for Europe, and in December 2015 for all other destinations. Wondering if it is going to be similar this year? Would be great to know the first loyalty opening date so can have our choice of cabin selection for a June 2018 Med cruise.

 

During our May 2016 Alaska cruise, the on-board sales Rep said "Fall, probably mid-October, 2016," but I'm hoping for a specific date so I can call and book...Maybe our CruiseCritic Host can help here once the dates are solidified??

Hi FunintheSun9,

No specific dates announced yet. If Celebrity stays on the same schedule as past years, the balance of 2018 into April 2019 should be announced around November/December of this year.

Hope this helps !

Thanks to everyone who responded with kind remarks. I read the posts this evening( on my birthday) and it was like getting another present. I wish everyone on the Cruise Critic board a safe, fun, and relaxing cruise adventure. You are the best.

Happy Birthday Kelcie - hope you had a fantastic day. Thanks for your great attitude and your enjoyment in helping our wonderful community. All the best to you !