Cruising from Mississauga

While speaking to a rep today on an unrelated matter, I was told that the website was undergoing an upgrade, to explain why I am now at zero points. After my second transfer to another person, I mentioned this and the rep had no idea what I was talking about. 

I can see my status on the app, but not when I log in to the website. I tried the delete/reenter trick mentioned previously, and all it did was freeze the screen. I have also experienced issues using the "manage my reservation" link. Since I am getting my loyalty discount when I placed an order last week for something, I'm not too concerned about my points; my cruise history isn't missing anything, so they exist in some part of the website. But as always, investment in the infrastructure is not keeping up with the reduction in staffing that necessitates utilizing the self help options listed. 

I have found two separate pages on Celebrity's website, indicating that there is a discount to upgrade to a premium drink package from the classic package included in the fare. What is interesting is that one page says I get a 10% discount to upgrade; the other page says it's 15% (Elite level). I have asked and not yet received an answer as to what the correct number is, but either way it's higher than the 9% shown in a recent email offering discounts for pre-booking...

Hi, I'm looking for feedback on this tour (December 2022); the website has no pictures, and I'm wondering what the vehicles look like, as well as how nice the stops are. Any information is very much appreciated!

11 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

As @AlbertaCruisers points out in the linked thread, the payment requirement has been dropped if you go by today's change to the website.

Thanks, Fouremco. I hadn't noted that change, but I do see that on the website now, as well as the additional statement regarding the third party vendor providing the tests. Which does not give me any comfort in terms of the timing for getting results in time to fly home that day; nor does it relieve my fears that this allows X to walk away from the commitments made under their Healthy at Sea policies.

We cruised in December on Apex, and I had written confirmation from Celebrity that they would provide a PCR test on board for those travelling the day of disembarkation, at no charge. The process was simple and effective; we had results within a few hours. 

With this change, I really question whether we can get the results in time for a flight back to Canada. I also hate the idea of relying on X to honour commitments once we leave the ship and a third party is in charge. We are meant to be on Equinox in February; our flights are with Flights by Celebrity, and that department has not contacted me to tell me how the change in company policy will affect our arrangements. And yes, I do believe they have an obligation to reach out to passengers such as myself. Further, I would have qualified for a "free" test, had Celebrity not decided to delay my final payment, which was of no financial benefit to me. I don't find this to be a very ethical decision.

29 minutes ago, AlbertaCruisers said:

Hi,

 

Please see this thread in the Canadian forum for some thoughts and my experience with this change.

 

 

Thanks, AlbertaCruisers!

Hi, I'm sure it was a cost cutting decision. What bothers me is that it is done after the fact and without consideration of guests who have already paid. Making this change after final payment is not an ethical approach, and the perceived "extra generosity" is irrelevant. It was offered as a policy, I booked and paid, and now it has changed to my detriment. In fact, it might not be possible for Canadian travellers to return home the day of disembarkation under this policy. Good thing I booked my flights via Celebrity Air; I guess it will be their problem if I miss my flight due to their own policy.

On 1/8/2022 at 11:21 AM, RealBatman said:

The tests are now done at the pier, AFTER disembarkation, at your expense ($99US per test for PCR testing).

The policy has changed multiple times. Originally, bookings prior to Nov 16th were complimentary and done onboard. Then they moved to the pier. Now they are no longer complimentary unless you paid the cruise fare in full prior to November 16th, 2021. 

 

It's effectively added $250 CDN on to our cruise fare that we originally booked more than a year prior to sailing - not to mention the stress of getting it done before our flight departure a few hours later! 

 

"Testing will be complimentary for guests with cruise reservations booked and paid in full prior to November 16, 2021."  https://www.celebritycruises.com/ca/healthy-at-sea/us-travel-requirements

 

We cruised in December, and I had received written confirmation that Celebrity would provide the testing at no charge while on board, in order for us to return to Canada (flying on disembarkation day). The new policy is exceptionally problematic for those who don't stay longer in the U.S. prior to returning to Canada, as the timing is likely to be unworkable in terms of getting results in time. Not to mention that my final payment day for a February cruise would have been before November 16th, 2021; I did not ask for this and would have refused the option of a later payment date had I known about this change.I believe this policy is very poorly thought out; the intent is clearly to allow X to avoid living up to their Cruise with Confidence policy. 

Hi, we cruised in December out of Fort Lauderdale, and arranged pre-cruise testing at Walgreens prior to arriving; we are Canadian, and there was no charge. Interestingly, they do this in a drive-thru format, and we (two couples) arrived in an Uber. It worked, but it was a bit surreal...Anyway, I'd google the closest Walgreens to where you are staying and reach out for details. We booked online, and it was pretty simple.

Also, in Canada, we pay for testing, under our "free" health care system, but as Canadians visiting the U.S. we were tested gratis. It's a funny old world...

Good luck!

Hi, I received an email from Celebrity stating that testing would now be done in the terminal after disembarkation; I believe this is to avoid honouring their commitment to paying for a quarantine hotel and making the guest the responsibility of the local authorities. I posted this information on a separate thread as well. 

So I received an email from Celebrity on January 6th, which dealt with a number of topics, but mainly Covid and testing. The part that I found concerning was the following:         "All fully vaccinated guests requiring a COVID-19 test to return to their home country will be provided the opportunity to receive testing in the cruise port during disembarkation. Proof of return travel scheduled within 24 hours of disembarkation will be required. Details on testing registration will be provided onboard. Testing will be complimentary for guests with cruise reservations booked and paid in full prior to November 16, 2021.  For new bookings made on or after November 16, 2021, testing will be available for a per person fee." This is a change from the policy they confirmed to me in writing last October, which was that they would pay for testing while onboard, for guests flying home the day of disembarkation. I find this to be an underhanded way of avoiding responsibility for any passengers who might test positive on the second last day of the cruise; in that scenario, Celebrity would be responsible for the guest under the "Cruise with Confidence" policy. Not to mention, I don't know if they can guarantee the results in time to allow me to board my flight (around noon), which not incidentally was booked via Flights by Celebrity. Now they want to test on shore, meaning the passenger is now the responsibility of the local authorities. Secondly, my cruise booked for February had a final payment date before November 16; Celebrity changed that date, and is now going to penalize me for their decision by charging me for the above mentioned test, which in all likelihood will not work for passengers in a similar situation as myself. Is it just me? Does this seem to be a poorly thought out policy change, or am I missing something here? Looking forward to comments...

Thanks, AlbertaCruisers. I found your post very helpful, unlike Celebrity (unfortunately). I appreciate the help!

4 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

The answer is yes, and there are multiple Canadian posters who have received the free PCR test on board.

 

If you want further information, I suggest that you visit the Canadian Cruisers board and look for posts by @AlbertaCruisers and others who have recent experience.

Thank you very much, Fouremco!

Hi, I'm hoping someone will have this answer. I have been trying to determine if Celebrity offers the PCR Covid test, as well as the results, while on board. I have tried to get this answer via my travel agent, and direct with Celebrity. When asked specifically if the PCR test is done on board, the answer given twice to my agent was "yes, we do testing". Celebrity has not replied to my enquiry over two weeks ago to the Celebrity Engagement Center email address. It is clear that they provide the antigen test, but this is not adequate for returning home for Canadian travellers, who require the PCR test as per government regulations. I have not found any reference to Canada's entry requirements on the Celebrity website (I see USA and UK requirements only). 

Has anyone received a clear answer to this question, or know from Celebrity directly that they do or do not offer the PCR test, with results, while on board? I appreciate any help!

Thanks,

On 1/20/2021 at 2:26 PM, cantstopingcruising said:

OMG

 

I just priced b2b infinity balcony on the Edge, 21 nights Feb/23 and it came to $17,450 Canadian.

 

Do you realize what kind of a fantastic trip we could take with that amount of money??

 

Certainly better than the same old, same old.

And that's why I never book direct with Celebrity...

Hi, I'm sure that if you expect to have a great time, you will increase your chances! My first cruise was on RCCL, and I went back to them years later and was disappointed...but it was still a great time! I've been very happy with Celebrity since I tried them on my second cruise, and this was way before the S Class ships, which are truly phenomenal IMHO. I think the complainers, in general, are working on their own issues more than anything else (Not everyone! There are legitimate complaints!). For me, the old adage fits, if modified: If you think you are going to fail, or you think you are going to succeed, you're right. Substitute "have a bad time/have a great time" for fail or succeed, and that will likely be your experience. Have a great time!!!

My first cruise was with Royal (Grandeur of the Seas) almost 20 years ago and I was hooked! I loved the atmosphere, I ate in the MDR whenever I could and loved the food, and the sense of elegance. The next one was Celebrity, and for me, it was another level of sophistication. I was back with Royal two years ago (Jewel of the Seas) and I found it disappointing (rose coloured glasses, perhaps). The food and service were not what I remembered, and the entertainment wasn't up to current Celebrity standards. It was an older ship, so perhaps the experience is different on an Oasis class ship, but for me, Celebrity is my preference for food, entertainment, atmosphere, and service. I don't try to close any of the bars, so the late night scene is not something I look for. All this within the context of, any cruise beats shovelling snow!

Sorry to hear that your vacation was ruined by this one portion of your overall experience. For many, this would not escalate to the point of ruination for their entire cruise, but of course this would certainly vary by person. And thank you for

spreading the word amongst your friends, this will certainly help to shorten the lines in front of me. I hope your next experience is more to your liking.

As always I like to continue wth the story before replying to comments-that's a work ethic right there and you can take that to the Bank and get me a roll of quarters while you're there.

So we've had a lazy day so far on a ship that is built for relaxation but waking from another deep chasm of sleep in that wonderful cradle of a cabin with the hum of some big engines and the wake ushering in or waves of happy unconsciousness we are up and about and alert enough to talk future bookings and snag a couple of future voyages on X.

We have scheduled a final night of activities for ourselves. I even suggested not going to hear Tenors of Rock but luckily Carol reminded me how much I enjoyed them a year prior. I was wanting to "leisurely" pack during that hour which was maybe a sign of dementia.

We love to hear good singing-we are Opera buffs if you recall and the Tenors promised some great-not good-singing. You'll hear them for yourself later. Music is like food though, so very subjective so you may hate them as just a few of the patrons did once the tidal wave or sound blew their hair back. You'll see those folks in the video. I don't know if they actually went as far as commandeering a lifeboat but that was always an option, I guess.

We have a long walk ahead-from the very stern to the Reflection Theater and we walk the Inside Passage, passing the cheery (always a pleasant smile and a greeting) Room Stewards who toil all day to keep our rooms pristine and welcoming.There was one Indian guy with a thick mustache whom I always bantered with when I met him. He was very far from home but doing his best for his family and I salute his ilk. A ship experience is only as good as the crew can make it. The Captain sets the tone and the Officers translate it to the crew.

 

 

This was our Captain

 

I have the names of all the major Officers if anyone needs to know them-but it's all Greek to me.

At the theater we enter on deck 5 which is the Balcony level and we always sit in the middle a few rows back.



 

 

There were always lots of empty seats at the 7 p.m show. I felt for the performers at times-especially Savannah Smith the phenomenal singer from our Cozumel day who worked as if the theater was SRO.





We find out as showtime arrives that before the band Maarten wants to show us a recap of the entertainment he has provided us over this past week....

 

M8ApDGk1Qu0

 

 

Norris, a splendid time is guaranteed for all!

So the rolls they serve in the basket should be cut up and ate with a fork because they gave me cutlery?

 

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Yes, that's absolutely correct!!! Use a spoon for your water, use a fork for the rolls, use a knife for stirring your coffee, that's exactly what I meant!!! Very astute of you to take my comment to it's logical conclusion!!!

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Not according to your post to theriac. You said "if they give you cutlery, use it".

You're right!!! I stand by my original statement

! Eating with your fingers in the dining room of a cruise ship is not cool!!! Thank you for taking the time to escalate this diversion from the OP's thread!!!

I'm walking from the theater located forward deck 5 on my way aft to the smoking section closest to the Speciality Restaurants. I pass by a really eye-catching store where I look at the store fixtures and decor and ignore the watches pretty much as fancy watches aren't my thing so no Rolex aspirations for me. I own 3 watches; a Movado, a Kenneth Cole and a Fossil (a company that sells watches that are 50,000 years old I think) and they keep good enough time when the batteries don't die after a year and anyway my motto is "Always be early" so it doesn't matter if the watch is fast or slow as I am always prepared to wait in situ.

 

They only sell to Handsome Fighter Pilots apparently which must limit the company growth somewhat. Oh-here's the World Class Bar and I guess I'll have to take their word for it as I don't often order a cocktail.

 

 

As always on an S Class the design-the furniture and lighting is very appealing

 

The yummy-looking cakes at Cafe al Bacio which I have never tried. Note to self on next X cruise-stop and eat more often. Seriously-on Princess I have two breakfasts, a lunch then afternoon tea and a big dinner. I seem to skip a lot of the good snacks things that are there for the taking on X.

 

 

I also don't partake in the 50% off sales that pop up frequently as I am trying to unclutter my life (except when it comes to cameras) and really only buy the essentials in life (lobster, lenses, Guinness, cool ties, nice hotel rooms)

Next up- Murano dinner in photos and video. FOOD PORN

I'm no expert, but I think the marketing angle is "Buy this watch and you can pretend to be a handsome fighter pilot". Or something like that.;)

Not when eating French fries and I don't care where they are served! :rolleyes:

To each their own....If I'm at McDonald's, it's fingers all the way. If they give me a fork, I use that. But that's just me, I let my membership in the etiquette police lapse many years ago.

How else does someone usually eat their French Fries?

 

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I'm no expert, but....if they give you cutlery, use it

I wonder if you can use OBC for that...Mike

Maybe that was the OBC!!!:eek: