rwr235

Hello,

1974...Prinsendam out of Singapore...Indonesia, Malaysia, Bali...a great introduction to cruising...and I was runner-up in the Table Tennis Tournament :D ...and wow, that sure was a HUGE ship !! ;)

Woody

Hi,

I will respond to several posts that in turn highlighted my initial post, before this thread is closed by Andy:

Ma Bell[/b];43461204]Woody, there's a lot of difference in discussing a subject beforehand, when everyone knows exactly what the rules are, than once people are on board the ship. After boarding the ship, what you say is true and then no one knows what the circumstances are and at that point it's definitely Celebrity's business to enforce the dress code.

 

After cruising for many years, I can assure you there are very few people who don't know there are formal nights on the ship or have lost their luggage. As evidenced by these dress code threads, there are a number of people who are well informed but want to do as they please anyway. I can also say I've never seen anyone being disrespectful to someone who isn't dressed properly once on board the ship.

 

I think you would find that people who are respectful of the rules are also respectful of others.[/quote

Ma Bell,

 

Thank you for your response. I agree that there is a difference in knowing rules ahead of time…Perhaps I did not explain the premise of my post well. I am not saying that the dress code should not be adhered to…or that one shouldn't know the rules…I am just saying that we should all be less judgmental if we happen to see someone in the MDR on formal night, not properly attired. We have no way of knowing why they are dressed so…and I for one have complete confidence in allowing Celebrity staff to enforce/not enforce their rules and regulations as they best determine.

 

I too have cruised and traveled for many years…and regardless of the number, I do know that there are people who lost their luggage/weren't aware of the dress codes/or any of the other scenarios I mentioned…and like you, I have never witnessed anyone be disrespectful to someone dressed improperly…I have only read about such rudeness on here !

 

Just because it appears that someone "broke" the rules, does not automatically equate to disrespect…there can always be unseen circumstances that are the cause. So, unless I know the circumstance, I am not about to judge.

 

Well I guess you are correct. There are still people that send money to Africa when told they won the lottery. Then say "woe is me, I got hood winked". Silly them for thinking such a thing we all say.

 

No one plans and books a vacation to the mountains wanting to see the ocean. Or sails to the Caribbean and complains because they don't get to see a glacier.

No one on either side of this issue will ever convince the other side to look at it without their rose colored glasses on.

Time to put stuff in the dryer, oh, wait, should I hang dry them and save a tree?:D

 

Your response to my post makes about as much sense as saying 2+2=14…but just a quick reply to your example…I have stayed at many a vacation home and resorts on the side of a mountain…gazing out over the ocean…Divine !! Try it sometime !

 

And I am not on any side of the fence, and don't wear glasses…In fact, I adhere to the Celebrity dress code. It comes come quite naturally to me. I had a 30 year career where a dress code was enforced…(21 of those years when I was charged with enforcing it) and in fact non-adherence could/would result in discipline up to and including suspension and/or termination…or worse, injury or death.

 

cle-guy[/b]

Both if these arguments don't make it acceptable to not follow the rules. When one signs a contract, one acknowledges they have read its terms and conditions, part of which in Celebrity's case indicate the number of formal nights a on a cruise and what its reds code is. Sure we can just not read the stuff we sign out name to indicating that ere did in fact read it all, but we then have to take responsibility for that decision, in the case of formal nights and improper attire, the result of that decision is accepting that one will be eating in an alternate venue on that evening.

 

If I'm speeding thru Pennsylvania where the speed limit is 55 after leaving Ohio where it's 70, if I get stopped, I can't just say, oh well, "sorry officer, I didn't know about that, and I don't really care to follow that policy anyway, so excuse me, I'lll just continue on doing 70 MPH as I choose, after all it's MY car and I'll drive it anyway I like. Step aside and let me pass"

__________________

Email Me! I'm Curt...say HI if you see me on board!

First of all, I wasn't making an argument…and I didn't say my examples were acceptable…hence my wording "Is not knowing a valid excuse ? Perhaps not", and "ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse".

 

Secondly, in order to make your example…"factually more accurate" …in the USA, you most certainly can just say…oh well, sorry officer…etc.....and here's a breakdown of some possible ramifications

"sorry officer, I didn't know about that, I'd probably give you a warning, explain what the laws of this state are, and tell you to drive slower and safelyand I don't really care to follow that policy anyway, so excuse me, I'lll just continue on doing 70 MPH as I choose, after all it's MY car and I'll drive it anyway I like.I'd probably give you a wry smile as I handed you the citation, and then return to my cruiser, get on the MDB and let my fellow LEOs know what you are driving, and your direction of travel ! Step aside and let me pass"I'll just say...;);):D

 

The above are just my opinions of possible ramifications, after having enforced laws for 3 decades in 2 great states…your results may vary !!

 

Now, please don't bother responding to this post. I have spent my last minute perusing these forums. When the rudeness and negativity and nastiness make one almost want to avoid cruising, it is time to sever my addiction. And don't worry, I am not going to lurk, just to see if anyone responds back. I will ONLY use Cruise Critic again to check my Roll Call when I book my next cruise (to make sure certain folks are NOT onboard)…and to read cruise news.

I hold no ill-conceived notions that I will be missed on here. I however, will miss the helpful, kind, knowledgeable folks on here, who have helped me gain a great insight into cruising…that from my first cruise in 1974, up until I joined here, I was not aware of. Thanks to those who were always helpful, friendly, patient and passionate about the positive aspects of cruising; about discovering new lands and new cultures; about the chance to meet wonderful new friends onboard and experience the many amazing wonders provided on a cruise.

 

Thanks also to Andy and the other Moderators, who go out of their way, volunteering their time, to make this for the most part, a wonderful site.

 

To those I have become friends with…you know how to reach me…and please feel free to share my contact info with others who might enjoy staying in touch.

 

Adios All….Safe and Happy Cruising to each of you !

 

Woody

The analogy won't wash. We all know when we book what the guidelines for the vacation are. This would be like booking a 'clothing optional' cruise then wanting off the ship because everyone else is naked:eek:

Hi,

Well, I'm gonna disagree with the above statement somewhat (and my post is not directed at you, but just the gist of the highlighted statement):)

I keep reading on here, and on the many dress code threads I am foolish enough to peruse :D..."that we all know", "should know", "its well publicized" etc...but as with many things in life, we all don't know...we all don't read everything we are provided or have access to; some folks who travel have never read the FAQ's of a certain cruise-line; or perused brochures; read documents etc. On a cruise on the Millie from Ensenada to Hawaii in 2012, there were people checking in at SD who had no idea they had to be bussed to Ensenada to board the cruise ship that was still sitting a hundred yards away from their view...should they have known ? Many of the questions asked on Cruise Critic (even by seasoned cruisers) are well documented in cruise line literature etc...yet still, folks don't know. Is not knowing a valid excuse ? Perhaps not...but why judge others ?

Let me use another travel related example...for those of you who travel by car in different states...do you know all the specific traffic laws of each state you drive thru ? If not, Why not ? Its well publicized; easy to find; can be requested in advance etc...and even further, ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse for not receiving a citation...so we should make every effort to know...but I know I don't, and I have driven in/thru 48 of the 50 states.

So lets not assume, as one poster stated: "those that chose not to participate think it is their job to try to get around the guidelines to prove a point and dumb down the formal experience for others."...unless we actually talked to those people and they specifically told us that was their intent...well, then we have no idea. We don't know if they are one of the unlucky many whose luggage was lost; if they truly had no idea formal clothes were required, and didn't pack any; if they have medical conditions that prevent/or require wearing certain clothing; if they talked to the Restaurant Mgr prior, and were allowed and welcomed in, and perhaps even reassured that fellow passengers would never be so rude as to avoid, ostracize, or judge them because of their dress.

I have no idea what other people wear in the MDR on formal night...as I pay no attention...I have no idea if Celebrity enforces the policy at the door...as I pay no attention...I don't care if Celebrity enforces the formal dress code in the MDR, because how people are dressed has no bearing on whether I have an enjoyable meal with my family and friends, and has no bearing on whether someone I might meet is a friend to be ! I follow the guidelines I know...and the guidelines that I live my life by...with respect and kindness guiding me. We are not talking about safety and life/death guidelines here...so lets be a little less judgmental... and allow Celebrity to set and enforce/or not enforce their guidelines as they see fit !

Enjoy...and do take the time to get to know people...for who they are !

Woody

Well we only live once. Personally I don't understand the logic against kettles. If they don't enforce hairstraightners then why irons and kettles?

Hi,

I certainly don't know the answer to this question...and can't speak for Celebrity...but this is what comes to mind for me. Celebrity, and any cruise line, has a HUGE concern about the biggest safety concern at sea...fire...and therefore want to limit to the greatest degree possible, the number of items that "heat" up.

At the same time Celebrity, and other cruise lines, want to make cruising as enjoyable as possible for their guests, and allow what these days are considered a normal part of a large majority of individual's daily routines...hair dryers, curling irons and other beauty items as such. Celebrity also realizes that tea/tea making is important/routine to a large segment of the population cruising from the UK...so to try and be more accommodating, they have provided kettles on certain ships/sailings. The difference is this...inventory control...which thereby adds to safety. If every cabin on the Eclipse sailing out of Southampton is issued a kettle...then every Stateroom Attendant on that ship knows that kettles are present, and can be instructed/reminded to check the safety of them each time they service the room. If certain passengers on different ships/itineraries, where the kettles are not issued to every cabin, bring on their own kettle, the staff are not cognizant of this, and thereby that extra safety check is diminished.

So, they limit as many items as possible...while at the same time allowing certain "necessary" items to make cruising as enjoyable and as safe as possible.

But as cruisestitch says...their ships...their rules, and they have no obligation to explain/justify them all to us !

Enjoy

Woody

������

 

I've decided that, as I cannot get a definitive answer, and as I know you can take on hair tongs, straighteners and hairdryers which all heat up, I am going to pack my little kettle and take the chance on being invited to the 'naughty room' for the first time ��

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Hi,

In actuality...you did receive a definitive answer...at least to your question about the kettle...the Celebrity Rep you apparently contacted informed you that kettles are not allowed. Nobody else, and specifically nobody from Celebrity, has told you that kettles are allowed...others on this thread have told you what they have done; what other cruise lines do; what Celebrity provides on certain ships/certain sailings etc...But you have received a definitive response to your question, from Celebrity, reference kettles not being allowed to be brought onboard by passengers...Now, what you decide to do after receiving this definitive answer, yet apparent contradiction concerning curling irons(tongs)...is completely up to you !:D

Enjoy your cruise !

Woody

Hi

Oceania Regatta (684 passengers) has several Alaska itins..this year and next...7, 10 and 12 nite itineraries.

Enjoy

Hi,

Here are some you might want to peruse:

Dawn Princess...Feb 2...13 nites

Diamond Princess...Feb 3...12 nites

Sun Princess...Feb 7...13 nites

Celebrity Solstice...Feb 8...17 nites

Oceania Marina...Feb 12...16 nites

Diamond Princess...Feb 15...12 nites

Holland America Oosterdam...March 22...14 nites

Hi,

I cuised on the Celebrity Reflection last year in the Med, and it was great.We now want to cruise further afield around New Zealand for about 12 days at the beginning of 2015 but seem to be struggling finding a good cruise line company for this period. has anyone got any suggestions please.Regards John & Joan.

Hi,

It might help us narrow it down for you if you provide a better date range...than just the beginning of 2015...Celebrity Solstice is doing several NZ/Aus cruises in January and February...Princess has several in same 2 months...Holland America a couple...Oceania a couple...Royal Carib has at least one...Most include stops in Australia...or perhaps go from one country to the other.

Woody

Hi,

Here is the recommendation I follow, and the advice I give others…once you have booked a specific cruise…STOP reading the ship reviews…and concentrate now on planning your excursions/outings/on-board activities/special dinners etc. Alaska is a magnificent/wonderful/spectacular place to visit !

Besides…take any 2 people on the same ship at the same time…and one might find it perfect…and the other might find every little thing to complain about !:D

Go with the attitude that you will have a great time…on a wonderful ship…to a beautiful region…and you will have a trip full of vivid memories...to last a lifetime !

Enjoy

Woody

I have been planning this trip for 18 months with a wish to ride a bike along one of the rivers. Unfortunately due to an accident I cannot ride a push bike but want to know if any electric bikes are available on the ships

Hi, and Welcome to Cruise Critic,

Unfortunately, you don't provide us any information as to what "this trip" you are planning is…what vessel/where you are sailing on/to ?

If you are sailing on a River Cruise…(and yes, many offer bicycles to ride, though I don't recall ever reading in any brochures that electric ones are on offer…but perhaps they could arrange it)…then you are best to post your question here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=191

If you are on a large cruise ship/cruise line…then no, I have never seen electric bikes available. However, depending on your port of call, you might be able to rent one. We rented electric bikes in Copenhagen for a great tour of the City !

Hope you find the information you are looking for…or come back here and provide more details so someone can help.

Woody

Do you hide your toothbrush?

Hide it? Hide it from who ??:confused::confused:

Do you really think there is someplace in your stateroom you could "hide" something from your Stateroom Attendant ? I guess you could put it in your safe !!:p

Now at home…I usually have to find where the dog has left it...after chewing on it...before I can use it !:D

Woody

By chance do you know the best times to find an available treadmill? THANKS!

Every single one was available at 0530-0545am on every Celebrity cruise I have been on. :) And yes I know that the Gym technically doesn't open til 6am...but it is (or always has been) !

Otherwise...6am is a great time too.

Woody

Hi Gracie:).....there are places to discuss the topic...meetings with

Mgmt might be a good place to start but to bash Cruise Critic at

the gathering where folks want to meet each other from Cruise

Critic?.....he was way off base (in my opinion anyway).

Hi Lois, :)

He was especially way out of line...considering that Celebrity and CC apparently have a great working relationship...to the point of Celebrity having a FAQ Section specifically discussing the CC Party, and a direct link to sign up for it on their website !

I am sure the official Celebrity Poster will note this discussion (and I remember someone else mentioned this on a thread recently...perhaps the same cruise ?...so perhaps it already has been noted to Celebrity Mgt)...and that proper and intelligent comments will be the norm in future CC parties hosted by said CD !!

Woody

I just got off the phone with a Celebrity Rep. (7/15/14) who told me the following. You can bring 2, 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom. You can also bring bottled water with the caveat that you bring a reasonable number of bottles for the number of days you're cruising. And finally, he said you CAN'T bring Coke or Coke products because they are served onboard Celebrity ships. Otherwise, you can bring sodas...again with the advice that the number of sodas are a reasonable number for the number of days you are cruising. He said to use common sense. Now, I hope we don't all debate how many is a reasonable number of sodas and bottled water :)

Hi,

No debate about what is reasonable...but I do wonder if the Rep would be able to explain why one can bring on bottles of water then, since they sell bottled water on board, and even have a Water Beverage Package for sale ?!:confused:...or do we have to enquire ahead of time to find out what bottled water is currently being sold on the ship ??!!:D

Just FYI, the official Celebrity poster on here has posted before, in reference to this topic, and confirmed that there is no policy regarding sodas and water being brought on board .

This is not a slight against your post, or what you were told...just pointing out what Celebrity has said on here.

Woody

There is no discount that I am aware of. Elite, Elite+, Concierge Class, Suite - doesn't matter.

Hi,

From the Celebrity website:

Elite Plus Member Benefits*

(750-2,999 earned Club Points**)

Many of the benefits of Elite membership plus:

• Complimentary 200-minute Internet package

• Complimentary tea, cappuccino, latte and espresso

• 10% discount on any Beverage or Wine Package‡

• 15% discount on any Specialty Restaurant‡

• Private shipboard departure lounge with continental breakfast

Access to a coffeehouse style breakfast and Evening Cocktail hour

• Invitation to the Elegant Tea event*

• Complimentary access to Persian Garden (on one port day of your choice, while the ship is in port)

• Two complimentary bags of laundry (wash, dry, fold) on all Celebrity cruises ***

• Complimentary dry cleaning of one item

• Ability to enroll in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society Diamond Level

And yes.. 10% Discount on Beverage Packages for Elite Plus when purchased outright.

Hi,

And to provide a different observation...Have seen quite a lot of decorated doors on Celebrity !! Since I am a very early riser (3-4am) I often take time to read/look at the different decorations as I pass by and am wandering the ship at that oh-so-quiet time of day !...but then too...I also am not the "frequent"-as-some-others-cruiser !

Enjoy

Woody

If I purchase the beverage package then may I use it at Cafe Bacio? Yes I'll go check that package out now. Thanks.

Can use the Beverage packages pretty much everywhere…except:

From the website:

"Packages may not be shared, and do not include beverages sold in gift shops, mini-bar or room service."

Woody

Check out Post #11 of this thread for copies of recent Summit dailies (Celebrity Today)...and a whole lot more in the entire thread !!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2067725&referrerid=422315

Woody

Will be on 8/10 Sailing and I have some questions... sorry if they have been asked a zillion times before, but I have found these boards extremely helpful when on PRINCESS... (which I've sailed on many times..) so now it's Celebrity's Folks turn to help me out.... !!

 

1.) Café el Bacio: Is regular coffee free or do you pay? Are specialty coffees free or do you pay? Can I get a coffee card, with punches, (like Princess does), for multiple specialty cups at a discount price if not free?

 

2.) Café el Bacio: Are the pastries free or do you pay?

 

3.) Once in awhile we will eat in the "specialty" restaurant. I understand you pay for that, as on Princess. No worries there. Which restaurants on Summit are the pay restaurants? Qsine, Normandie and Bistro on 5 and Blu (which is the assigned dining room for passengers booked in Aqua Class staterooms)And what is the dress code? Smart casual and above every night I.E. if its formal night in the dining room, is it formal in the specialty restaurant too? NoQsine,

 

4.) I see a place called Bistro on 5. What type dining is that? Crepes/Paninis/Salads/Soups and some other items Can I eat there at any time? Whenever its openIs it free or pay? $7 pp A few mentioned eating there on embarkation day instead of the buffet. Less crowds

 

5.) For Celebrity Select (anytime dining, as I understand) which we have, which dining room would we go to,One Section of the MDR is set aside for Select Dining...(Cosmopolitan Restaurant)and can we make a reservation for our party of 3, to dine alone? yes

 

6.) Can I bring a 12 pack of soda on the ship upon boarding? Yes

 

7.) What is the min age for gambling in the casino? My DD is 19. On Princess its 21, but I swear I read on the boards its 18 on Celebrity Ships, except those traveling in/to Alaska.

 

8.) Is there a place where "dailies" might be posted for Summit, so I can see some of the activities? Not sure what the daily is called on the Celebrity ship.

 

9.) It appears some places/dining/venues on the ship are reserved for certain cabin categories? I have a cabin "guarantee" not assigned yet: Balcony. So I have no idea where I can and cant go as far as venues. Any help there would be great as well.

 

TIA for anyone who can help me out and answer any of my questions, very much appreciated !!

I'll leave some for others to answer and/or expound on...and no coffee cards...Celebrity has the Beverage Packages, which would allow unlimited specialty coffees etc...Have fun !

Woody

Please share your positive stories with me so I'll stop worrying.

I guess the most positive story I can share is this…If you have ever arrived at FLL on cruise mornings/days…you will have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of other cruise folks also arriving !!

So, if you have no choice…and can't make changes…no point in fretting over it…go with the flow, and have back-up plans in case of a worst-case-scenario.

Hope it all works seamlessly for you.

Enjoy

Woody

We will be in Maui for 2 days on the Solstice and would like to go to the far side of the island away from Lahaina and not have to worry about getting back in time for the for the last tender on day 1. I understand, on the 2nd day to be back early. But on the first day does matter what time you get back to the ship. we have never been to Maui on a cruise.

Hi,

As stated by another…The Celebrity tenders will run all night, but on a reduced schedule. We got back on the first night about 11pm (after the Luau), and had to be off again at 2am, for the Sunrise Bike Ride…we had to wait about 20 mins for the tender to go ashore at that hour ( I think the Tender Captain was waiting to see if there would be any other passengers going ashore )…and it was just 6 of us, and 2 crew members at that time…but no problem !

Enjoy

Woody

Hi,

First, this will probably be moved to Ports section...and is your cruise round-trip? Hawaii is certainly a wonderful place to spend time before/after the cruise...but if not, still so much to see.

We did most our excursions on our own in Hawaii...very easy to do and plan.

Lahaina: Old Lahaina Luau (very good) and Mt Haleakala Sunrise and bike ride (fabulous) !

Hilo: We did a Roll Call tour that included many highlights of the island...including lava fields, black sand beach, etc

Kona: Rented a car (right at tender drop off area)...did (and highly recommend) a helicopter tour with a cliff side landing and time to explore and walk to a small waterfall (Fantastic), then drove to a wonderful beach...and of course purchased some Kona coffee !!

Honolulu: HoHo trolley...hit all the main touristy sites; time on beach etc...then the second day went to Pearl Harbor (awe inspiring and memorable).

Hope this helps a little bit...

Woody

Hi,

As stated, there will be events when you can meet various Officers…the Connections Party etc; You can also ask at Guest Services about a possible Bridge and/or Galley Tour; there are often Meet and Greet Sessions where you might have the chance; and most importantly, there will be chance encounters on the ship…perhaps at the Cafe al Bacio, or just about anywhere else that you might encounter Senior Staff…just say Hello…I have ALWAYS found them (and ALL Celebrity staff) to be nothing short of very personable, friendly, and open to conversation !

I love to see the smiles on the faces of Filipino staff, which then usually leads to conversations about their homeland, and why I speak the language ( I'm not, nor do I look Filipino :) )...when I greet them with a few words of Tagalog...

So, just a different point of view…they may not be your "best friends", but I feel certain they will be friendly, and a simple hello and conversation is often the beginning of "best friendships" !! So, say Hello…to everyone (staff and passengers)…and expect some friendly, wonderful encounters as a result…and you never know where conversations may lead !

Enjoy

Woody

Somebody actually did post such an email maybe a couple months ago? I used it and although it took a bit of back and forth between them and the ship directly (I had the email thread and can confirm it was directly with the ship in question) we ended up with a very good table in the centre between the captain's table and the stairs. They even sent us a screenshot of our table.

 

Unfortunately, I no longer have the email :( One thing too, I emailed then when I got home to thank them for their help in getting us such a good table. They said hardly anyone ever takes the time to do so :rolleyes:

 

If you do a search on here you might be able to find the original post.

Not sure if this is it...but found it on another thread:

celebritydining@celebritycruises.com

Woody