goofysmom99

I wouldn't base that certainty on something that anyone in future cruises told me. I know first-hand to never rely on their knowledge (frequently wrong so I never ask them anything). I personally doubt X's software could track someone not showing up (it happens to couples, too), but if it scares you, then don't do it. I'm PO'd about the things they're doing to solos that don't show. For example, as a solo, my military discount has been $200 as long as I've been cruising solo (16 yrs since DH died). Three weeks ago, when I changed cabin category on a 2025 sailing (booked onboard last Nov), my existing $200 military discount dropped to $125. They've also dinged me as a solo when I booked a suite with the zenith discount; then they wouldn't honor the military discount at all. My TA, who is also a solo zenith, has questioned Celebrity about these changes/eliminations; evidently, it's the game they've very recently decided to play. I've booked cruises on other lines for 2025 and as it stands now, I guess other lines will be in the cards for 2026. I've tolerated a lot of X's slash-and-burn style of management over the past two years, but I'm finding this military insult difficult to overlook/forgive. 🤬 OK, rant over for now.

It's miraculous that loungers aren't dangerous on the pool deck, the deck above it, or the Retreat sundeck. Yup, "it's a miracle!"

I wouldn't put it at all past them for a lounger to be an add-on purchase, like a beverage package, wifi, early boarding (premium pkg thing), room service, etc. Yup, it'd be an "enhancement." 😆 Cha-ching.

Yes. On the flight from MCO to the hub (either IAD/EWR), I sit by the window, own the middle, and someone else sits on the aisle. I don't upgrade that first leg to coach plus. But on the long-haul, the 767 out of IAD/EWR, I upgrade my two seats to a set of the "2s" in coach plus. Going from Orlando to Barcelona this November, United has a choice of 767-400 (2-4-2) from EWR or 767-300 (2-4-2) from IAD. I actually had booked United business (thru IAD) with FBC when it first came out for $500 less than it has been ever since. But the end of April, when I was checking FBC options (do it every weekend), AA business popped up on FBC through MIA for $1600 less than my UA fare! I dialed FBC on-the-spot. Whew, the good deal was only there 24 hrs before fare went back up to well over $5K. I still can't believe my good fortune - I think first/business for less than $2K to anywhere in Europe qualifies as the holy grail (so I've quit checking).

David, when my DH and I traveled to Europe, except for a very few times we flew in first class, we'd choose an airline/aircraft that had 3-3-3 coach seating configuration. Then one of us would book the middle "extra seat" to have a passport assigned against it. Worked wonderfully and would also give us an extra checked bag which I liked, DH didn't (he used the term sherpa a lot). FBC can only book one seat per cruise reservation passenger, so no extra seats possible through them. If I can't afford business class these days, I'll still book coach directly with an airline, being sure the overseas leg is on an aircraft with 2-4-2 configuration. Then I upgrade my two seats to coach-plus on just the long-haul, overseas leg. It's actually pretty comfortable and usually waaay cheaper than premium economy.

$22-17= $5+1= $6 (still gotta do the math). 😉

I think I remember reading you were able to reprice a cruise or two with the zenith discount? If so, did they adjust/remove the military discount you already had? On the Eclipse cruise I upgraded, instead of keeping the same onboard booking number, they issued a new number altogether and new booking codes.

Military discount and onboard booking OBC are still available in current form to all but zenith and/or solos. It's X staying under the radar while chiseling away at formerly standard discounts/OBCs. Chip, chip, chip.

After booking four cruises elsewhere because I'd lost patience with X's management moves, they finally instituted a cruise-only option for zeniths, so I upgraded an Eclipse cruise (A2 to S1) for next year which I was going to let go. The new invoice came through from my TA and instead of the usual suite $200 OBC for a repo cruise, it's only $125. She asked about it: "I questioned the onboard credit for booking onboard and he said 'this is for a single rate'." I'm still trying to determine how to compute a single rate for OBC. Oh, and they didn't honor the military discount with the zenith discount. Don't know if that's because I'm solo, zenith, or it was just simply arbitrary. I'm very cranky about this on principal. Haven't decided if I'll switch back to A2 or cancel. Grumble, grumble, grumble. BTW, my Eclipse (2010 build) S1 Z-discounted price w/gratuities is $380 more than an identical cruise I've booked on Silversea (2024 build). I'd like to do both, but for sure, not in the S1 now.

My TA is unavailable and I don't know for how long. Meanwhile, there's a cruise I'd like to book. Other lines allow a booking to be transferred to an agent within X number of days. Does Silversea? I'd wait except I need an accessible cabin and there's only one left. TIA

Great photo! (You're on Summit.)

David, I'm curious, were both sauces ordered or did this come sitting in gravy with bearnaise? Thanks.

That pretty much follows X's fleet-wide menu quality cuts last year, and their reinstatement this year (and other cuts/returns as well). I noticed a big difference between cruises this past November and last month.

Jim, all the S-class ships (except RF) have only 70 suites total. Apex has 184 suites and Beyond, a whopping 204! The numbers alone disenchanted me with E-class. No way to receive personal service among hordes. BTW, I also prefer Michael's Club to the Retreat. Excellent news about the vacherin! That and the zenith discount just might win me back to X. 😉

David, did you get another eclipse photo today?

Nah. I prefer the bunny fur-covered handcuffs. Just sayin....

Concierge cabin on Summit earlier this month. Had stateroom attendant push the bed all the way to the chair. Plenty of room to park and turn around. Also exposed the plug so used a Euro adapter. Worked well. Will NOT work in standard veranda; in standard cabin, bed is already up against the chair.

From X's FAQs: If your assistive device is 23 inches or less, it will fit through a standard stateroom door. If your assistive device is 32 inches or less, it will fit through an accessible stateroom door.

The scooters come with a big charging brick, a bit like laptops had in olden days. They take both 110/220.

You can make it fit in a concierge or aqua cabin but M-class standard balcony cabin is too small. I know this first hand.

After checking the zenith fare for next year's Eclipse TA, I looked at the price I'm paying for identical 13-night TA on Silversea for same period. Celebrity Eclipse (2010 build), in an accessible S1 w/zenith discount, is still $200 more, +$299 for gratuities, than the solo fare I grabbed in early Feb for next year's Silver Ray (2024 build) accessible suite (way bigger and better than X's). SS includes excursions, specialty dining, and $300 OBC. I do appreciate the effort X is making, but so far, the product doesn't yet justify the price for me. Royal Caribbean Group is probably quite happy, though, that I'm at least keeping this particular TA within the family.

I just looked up next year's 13-night Eclipse TA and the difference for cruise-only is ~$911 (~$70/day). For two, it was $1012 (~$39/day/person). Didn't reflect my usual military discount, though. I suppose including both the z and mil discounts automatically would overtax X's IT dept, but I'm actually impressed they were able to mesh the CC numbers (plus, I can do -$200 math in my head😅).

Last three cruises (Constellation, Summit), every time I used my card at Sunset Bar for a single drink, when I'd check my account, always showed multiple orders, usually +3 or 4. Only happened at Sunset. Bartender was obviously pouring freebies (for tips).

Finally. It's too late for me for this year and next (booked other lines), but it's now a possibility for 2026. A lot will be determined by their handling of this for a solo.

Or, a lot of awful music. 😇