mandream

The MSC form doesn't have a Discoverer Plus option, so I assume you just selected Discoverer? Mike

Did you try a VPN? I'm assuming you are referring to the AWS Console? I'm convinced this isn't a bandwidth/throttling issue but rather a configuration issue (either intentional / or misconfiguration). A VPN would get around the latter. I will try this in March. Mike

Based on my post above, I would recommend waiting until at least a few days into the cruise before you purchase the package. They no longer have (or at least didn't on my sailing) have an discounted early bird special at a reduced price so there is no downside to waiting. You will then know if you have enough pictures to be worthwhile. I was really disappointed with the change in service. I'm hoping it will be better on Reflection in March. Mike

Yes, we (she) does all that too, sometimes. This past cruise, she didn't want to go through all that and asked the maitre d to have the chef surprise her each night. Was about equally successful, and she appreciated not having to plan her own menus each night. A few times we had maitre d's really go out of their way to make each night special. One was incredibly creative (I think he really wanted to be a chef) and one made and printed a vegan menu for her each night. Most of the time, they are just going through the motions trying to be accomodating. This is one area where Royal definitely has the edge. But we have great restaurants in Chicago, so like I said we don't cruise for the food. It would just be a bit less stressful for us if they could improve this area. Mike

Glad you've had this experience. My wife is vegan (I'm not) and food is, with very few exceptions, almost always a low point for her. She won't starve - but getting variety that she enjoys in the MDR is always hit or miss. In 20+ Celebrity cruises we've learned to adapt. We obviously don't cruise for the food. Even in 2008 when we started cruising with Celebrity I'd consider the MDR as good banquet food (what else could it be serving thousands of plates for each meal). While the portion sizes have decreased, I don't feel the quality has really changed that much over the years. Sure certain items have disappeared from the menu (Celebrity salad dressing - I'm talking to you) - but this certainly doesn't impact my cruising experience. Mike

I suspect you meant to post this on a different thread?

On Solstice in Dec / Jan it was $99.00 for unlimited digital downloads (before CC discounts). We had purchased pre-cruise, as we always do, but were SUPER disappointed for the first time ever. No photographers at dinner (which I am sure many will be pleased with - but we missed having the pictures) and only one of the ports had a photographer when you got off the ship. We had to seek them out for a boarding picture. They did have stations set up several (most?) evenings - but we didn't feel like queuing up. When I complained that we only had 2 pictures in our unlimited package - he was nice enough to explain that they are "changing their strategy" (to make it more self serve) and refunded our money. While on the Constellation in July they still printed out and displayed all the pictures - they did not on Solstice in Dec. Could only view on the Kiosk. While I appreciate the elimination of the HUGE waste of throwing away all the unsold pictures - I have to think that drastically cuts their sales - and likely in turn contributes to the lack of photo opportunities. Mike

Not doubting or discounting OP's experiences - just offering additional experiences of my own. I never used FBC until recently when there were a number of offers with flight credits. I got a very good deal on flights for our European cruise last year with different starting and ending cities. We originally booked with a connecting flight for the outbound leg. A direct flight was available, but more expensive. About a month or two before the trip - we received a notice of an itinerary change (flight times) that made the connection doable - but very risky. I called FBC to say we weren't comfortable with such a short turnaround and ask if we could possibly switch to the direct flight. They needed to check with the airline, and in the end made it happen for no additional charge. For our March cruise - we were supposed to fly to LA the morning after Chicago was supposed to get hit with that big storm. We wanted to change our flights to go out a day earlier - the airlines were offering waivers, but wasn't sure if FBC would charge us for changing flights a few days before we were supposed to leave. They were able to book us on the same flight a day earlier - no charges and we felt far more comfortable. Fortunately, we have hadn't to deal with them for any day of travel issues - but they have been very responsive and helpful when we have contacted them. I would still book on my own unless there were significant savings involved - but if there are, I wouldn't hesitate to go with them again. Mike

My wife is Vegan and we go to LPC every cruise since my kids love it. She has had some of her best meals at LPC - but letting them know in advance is key. Mike

Absolutely yes! Mike

Different situation since he actually was able to participate in Crown & Anchor as a child. Keeping Seapasses for cruises on Celebrity is a good idea because kids can't get a Captain's Club number until they are 18. Mike

Our 12/26 Sailing on Solstice did not include a CC status for my 10 and 12 year olds (who would show Elite if it did). I'd love to think it was a new thing - but as of now thinking perhaps a mistake. We'll have another data point when we board the Reflection in March. I too have a spreadsheet similar to yours in addition to their Seapass cards. Mike

I have my kids seapass from every cruise they have been on (except one where for some reason we had to turn it in on disembarkation). They would already be Elite if they were able to join today. Mike

Yes, Amex will only show you 100 offers at a time that have not been added to your card. Once you add one or more offers (whether you intend to use them or not) they will add more offers to the list to get you to 100. The last time I heard the 350 off 500 was out there, it wasn't in my list. I kept adding offers to my card until it appeared. Good luck - Mike

Yes - timing will almost certainly matter in this case.

We do this often. No problem getting porters to take your luggage at this time. Mike

Our tender at Cabo on Solstice over NYE cruise was exclusively Celebrity tenders. Water was a bit choppy which made a mess of everything - possible that had something to do with the difference. Mike

They were opened for us on Solstice 2 weeks ago. Mike

I find this super surprising (not doubting you, simply commenting). With many Celebrity cruises and ordering breakfast room service most days, we ALWAYS get a call just before it is delivered. We actually use this as our wake up call. Mike

Thank you.

Does anyone know how early we can drop off luggage in LA? In FLL or MIA we typically drop off luggage between 9 and 10am, then come back later for check-in. Thanks in advance, Mike

Can't say I'm all that surprised..... Mike

I always book what I want, then ask the Maitre 'D to make the adjustment. The only issue I had was last cruise I didn't see the credit on my account after a couple days - so I had to go back and ask again. He was very apologetic and took care of it while I stood there. Would be nice if it could be taken care of when making the reservation, but hasn't been a hassle for me in the past. Seems I've been lucky. Mike

But it almost certainly was that you booked under a double points promo given the circumstances. I'm pretty sure you won't see it anywhere on your documentation. This happened to us once as well - only learned after the points were credited that it was booked while a double points promotion was in effect.

The Title/Gender thing is a known issue. Has happened to us once in 20+ cruises. Unfortunately contacting Celebrity is the only way (at least that I am aware of) to resolve. Calling would probably yield better results than email. Good luck Mike