DSJ28

I cruise frequently with Celebrity - typically with friends, and I don't spend very much when I do so because most of my time is spent enjoying my friends. But, I'm embarking on my first solo cruise soon and I've planned to spend far more than I normally would, especially in the casino, since my friends don't gamble much. I've booked specialty dining as well, and I'll get a few massages that I don't typically get to enjoy. I have a premium drink package, but i'm certain I'll drink less on my own. All that is to say - 200% + pricing is an excessive surcharge. If I find I enjoy the solo cruise - I'll definitely try NCL or other solo friendly lines, or consider an all inclusive resort in future. I don't want to be somewhere I'm not wanted - which is what this pricing communicates. I'll certainly be sending Celebrity my feedback following the cruise.

Hmm... i've never experienced this on a Celebrity cruise. Though - I've only been in AQ once. I guess I'll have to pack my patience.

Hi Mike - I wish! I have a short 4 day 1/11 to 1/15 coming up on the Silhouette. I'm looking forward to it all the same. My upcoming trips are in my signature. I hope you have a wonderful time!

That's disappointing. I'm traveling on Silhouette in just over a week - I'd love to hear anything else you'd like to share about the experience. I had friends on that cruise who are fairly particular about bar service, meals, entertainment, etc... they had a fantastic time and thought the bar service and drinks were particularly good.

Yes, it's outrageous! Book the cabin only and buy the drink package separately.

While I enjoy Edge, Solstice is my preferred size/class of ship. I hope Celebrity doesn't follow the trend if going bigger. But, I do think there's a market fir a floating island at sea experience and I don't think people who may like that are steeple. There are/coyld be valid reasons for vacationing this way. Sure, it's not the cultural experience you get visiting various countries, but if it's safe, cost effective, and enjoyable... those who elect the experience shouldn't be frowned on for doing so. I just hope some new ships, by Celebrity in particular, are scaled down a little and they focus on refining the products and services rather than expanding. Im very eager to see what comes after Edge class.

Would these need to be cash tips since there is no bill?

Looking forward to hearing about your experience. Enjoy your trip!

Did you notice how many were on the plate? Were they in a sleeve, a flat plate, something else? Did there appear to be an assortment or one flavor? I'm considering these as a gift to friends sailing with us. They are on sale for my June cruise $21.99 - I'd be happy with 10 perfectly executed treats for that price. But, the presentation would need to be nice.

Good suggestion. I check and I see that my cruise isn't showing up? Our sail date is 10/29/22 on the Mardi Gras. I thought maybe it was just so close to the sail date that they are no longer selling cabins. But - I do see shorter trips available under the 14 day mark - so that's not it. I'm guessing this is a good indication that my cruise is sold out - right? ☹️

Interesting discussion. I've tried both cruise line and private insurance for cruising. I've been fortunate enough to not have a claim in all my years of travel (knock on wood). I had the idea (not sure what prompted this notion) that the primary benefit of getting insurance through the cruise line is there are no out of pocket expenses for onboard medical care - whereas I'd have file a claim for reimbursement with private insurance. Of course, all medical needs may not be addressed by the on-ship team, in which case I'd have to file a claim for reimbursement. But, for those less serious ailments that do require attention - I had hoped buying through the cruise line simplifies the process for me. I'll have to review all of this again based on the information shared here...thanks for the great discussion!

I've enjoyed Carnival's CT three times - the last was I believe in 2017. The portions are small but they seem to never end! I've not ever been able to finish everything. I'm looking forward to this new menu and the new venue. I'm accustomed to dining in the library - it will be interesting to see if the kitchen venue aboard the Mardi Gras seems as special.

I agree with @cruisinqt - you're never fully exposed, and they are very professional & discreet. But, if she's not comfortable with that, you might consider gifting her with a day pass to the spa so that she can enjoy heated loungers and various types of saunas depending on the ship. It's thoughtful of you to consider her preferences like this - enjoy your cruise 🙂

Same - these are so refreshing. I have one or two nightly after dinner at Alchemy.

Are these restaurants considered specialty? I can't seem to reserve them online. Are we only able to reserve once we get on the ship - or - are no reservations needed?

Agreed - Eden was outstanding!

This is an overdue follow up ...Our Chef's table was cancelled - no reason given. We were disappointed with how it was handled because initially, the experience was rescheduled from Day 1 to Day 2 with no notice until we arrived for dinner. We arrived and actually waited about 5 minutes before we were told the CT was moved to Day 2. This was unfortunate because we left another event to be at Chef's table on time. The staff also did nothing to help us make reservations elsewhere for the evening - which would have been a nice gesture. On Day 2, we received an automated call informing us that the Chef's table was cancelled, so we didn't have an opportunity to ask the reason for cancelation. This was a March 2022 cruise, and I believe the ship was only at 50% capacity or so. I imagine the cancelation was because there were not enough participants. I'll try again in future.