foodsvcmgr

Anyone been on Liberty of the Seas to see how they are handling prep and service of the new menu?

I’m glad to read a review about the new MDR menus that is fair and balanced and gives credit where it is due, not just another pile on that everything is inedible garbage. Thanks for your assessment.

HAL has gone all in with pickleball, Celebrity is trying to catch up.

I think this is reactionary from the general poor economic news rather than anything specifically related to the cruise lines.

I like the March ‘25 Caribbean 13 day from New York. Amazingly after dozens of Caribbean cruises with many different lines this one has three ports I have not visited. Also always a pleasure to bypass flights as I am a 2 1/2 hour drive to Brooklyn.

Thanks, glad to see these options are still quietly available. Looking forward to QV British Isles in August having last been on Cunard in 2018 T/A.

Thanks for the link, although a bit smaller there certainly are some interesting dishes on offer. Are the unpublished everyday options of Caesar Salad, Steak, and Chicken still available on request?

United and American allow no fee changes for all classes except basic economy now. And the issue with airlines similar to many hotels is that while there is in fact a non refundable offering, the difference is very minimal compared to Celebrity pricing of refundable vs non. Typically I’m seeing maybe $20 savings on a $300-400 hotel room and $50-100 on a $900 airfare.

Well said Benny!

It’s a tough call for Celebrity and Royal, clearly the intent is to reduce the speculative multiple bookings that many people make then cancel prior to final payment. But people who are not 100% certain of traveling may simply book with other lines with less onerous terms. Tightening the rules while continuing to raise fares and cut back food and service may be the straw that breaks the camels back, for some at least, and on highly competitive routes with lots of other choices like the Caribbean.

There are actually example photos of models dressed in various attire for daytime and evening on the Personaliser now for additional clarity.

Don’t send your rent checks in just yet for the former Ryndam. It’s being reported that she has just been acquired by Celestyal Cruises. A much more sensible use of the ship and a good fit in terms of size and amenities for Celestyal.

As I previously stated, this is the ship size and amenity wise that makes the most sense for Celestyal to grow or upgrade their fleet. I wish them the best with this acquisition and will be interested to try the product if they deploy her on Three Continents itineraries.

Your assessment of the possible differences reflects largely my experiences sailing QM2 T/A to New York and also Caribbean out of NYC. Bear in mind though that each voyage is different and unique unto itself in passenger mix. Also a number of people on your cruise out of NYC will have embarked earlier in Southampton.

Would be interested in 12-14 day to Trinidad.

David, beyond the harpist can you expand on the other cuts noted? And glad to see you have continued to book.

Any more 7 day full Panama Canal transits after the few on Rhapsody for Winter ‘24?

Thanks for your report, I am hopeful the changes and cuts will not be too noticeable. We will plan to enjoy regardless as it will be our first time on this ship the last three sailings having been on QM2.

My concern isn’t the size but that it may be challenging to market long cruises on ships pulled from three years cold layup with little or no cosmetic or capital investment.

With bare minimum renovations these ships would seem better suited for short moderately priced cruises in the Med than round the world services. Not sure how much demand exists for this sort of operation, hopefully Victoria has researched it before just jumping in. The old Emerald Seas was pressed into service like this in her final years without much success.

Just took advantage of extremely low sale prices for QE this October in the Med. How are things currently as far as food in the Britannia with late seating, overall service, entertainment, etc.? Last Cunard sailing was 2018 pre-pandemic, hoping the changes/cuts are not as severe as what’s being reported on HAL, Celebrity, etc.

Thanks for your excellent and highly detailed reports! Have a great trip!

Totally agree that no rental car needed if staying in heart of Waikiki.

Just returned from a week in Waikiki and Kauai. Although we have been on more than 65 cruises I am glad we did a land trip to experience Hawaii. Prices are very high but there are options at various price points. Dinners for two at full service restaurants ranged from under $100 to over $300 nightly. We used Marriott and Sheraton at around $400/night. There are many choices starting far less and ranging to many times that price, so everyone can choose according to their needs, wants, or budget.

As someone who sails in regular verandas or sometimes mini suites I’m glad most everything on HAL remains open to all. It’s annoying on Celebrity to have the forward sun decks off limits.