Happy Cruiser 6143

You will be charged for the high-end champagne. That's only included in royal suites and the penthouse.

Thanks for the concern. Just got internet back yesterday afternoon. Power the day before. No inside damage but lots of outside damage. I'm looking forward to being pampered on my cruise this weekend if I can just get the damned Bermuda covid test and my plane actually goes!

Looking forward to your comparison. May try QG for a crossing one day.

Not helping us for our October 15 cruise. Bermuda is addicted to this wonderful revenue stream, so don't look for it to go away.

I once asked her when she slept because I seemed to see her everywhere. She replied, "Not much."

That kitchen and separate entry is one of the best features of the M class penthouse!

I've only sailed Reflection once and I was not in a suite. Mostly I sail on M class ships.

The suites are always fully booked. I've only occasionally had to wait a few minutes for a table in Luminae. It's not like you're standing in a long line for the MDR. There is a pleasant place to sit and wait.

It will be interesting to hear what you learn. I've always heard that $2 bills are regarded with suspicion. I find that 2 $1 bills work just as well. I get supplies of new $1 bills from my bank in packs of $100. Therefore I always have new, crisp ones.

Yes, it's all positive karma. FYI, I learned on my last cruise that the sommelier is not included in the pooled tips in Luminae, so he/she should be tipped separately. The maitre d' told me he was included in the pool. So, tipping your staff in Luminae is fine, they will just add it to the pool.

Actually, some people who can afford the Retreat did get there by sharing with others less fortunate. The last time I did not choose a suite, the experience was not good. Getting waited on in the MDR was an impossibility. So if I'm going to cruise, I'm going to do it in a way that is relaxing and provides a good experience. And I factor large extra tips to those who serve me in the Retreat into the cost of the trip. These people work insanely long hours for very little pay and I'm willing to share my good fortune with them if they help make my cruise an excellent experience.

I really don't understand all this fretting over extra tipping in the Retreat. Surely if one can afford to cruise in a suite one can also afford to give extra tips to those who are serving them. I get that many believe the crew should be paid a fair wage, but that isn't how it works. The system is that they rely on tips for much of their income.

Yes, your cabin staff or servers may change over the B2B.

It's not that difficult to organize an on board event, just get the names and cabin numbers of all those who want to participate. It can be done on these roll calls. I agree that the parties became less useful when the time was cut and people were not allowed to introduce themselves.

It's not that we can't afford $40. Of course we can. It's the aggravation of jumping through their bureaucratic hoops and the testing required. Which would not be required were we not going to Bermuda.

Those partitions are not designed to be removed.

My response to this cash grab by Bermuda is to not go ashore and spend any more money there. It is absolutely ridiculous that we have to pay $40 and jump through all those hoops for a 6 hour port call. Celebrity needs to cancel Bermuda port calls to send a message to Bermuda.

Thanks for taking time from your cruise to do all these wonderful posts. They have helped me pass the time until I’m on the Summit next month. Good luck with the eye surgery—I’ve got some coming up myself. Took 4 months to get an appointment!

I agree. The butler has always been the butler to me no matter what the marketing dudes decide to call him/her.

There is no additional half bath on the Summit or any other M class ship.

I hope you sampled some of that shop’s delicious offerings. I still buy things from them by mail.

Just follow whatever instructions you are given in the B2B letter or meeting.

I'm flying to Seattle tomorrow as well, but to catch a vintage train. Here's hoping for no airport drama!

You probably waited too long. When I was booked on this cruise in 2020 and 2021 (neither of which went), the good cabins sold out almost immediately. If you're really intent on doing this in 2023, check religiously several times a day. People's plans do change and the odd cabin will become available from time to time. Otherwise, wait until the 2024 itineraries come out and jump on it right away. Unique itineraries like this sell out very quickly.

It's addictive!