johhnnyt

If these groups are a problem or given special privileges it just proves Celebrity is the same as any other run of the mill business - "bottom line is Money"

Well it is a business

Can't think of any cruise line that doesn't want/encourage groups on board

Roll of the dice, like getting stuck with the chronic complainer at your table, the guy that wear the tee shirt on formal night, etc, some get be terrific and others ugh

To me no difference than if any group was booked at a hotel. Cruise line to me has no obligation to tell you who their passengers are, unless you feel comfortable that they could release your details to others

Been on with family reunions, gay groups, knitters, stop smoking group, wine lovers, and a German group that I think were some kind of collectors

Never once has any group impacted my space or cruise

Sometimes a venue is closed off for an event, but who cares, it's open later or next day

You do have to keep in mind that any member review is one persons experience and very RARE cases is it objective or indicative of what happened on the cruise in general or on the ship past or present.

I think like most things you just try and filter through them. The best and worst reviews you discount completely, and then looks for trends and commonalities in the rest.

I think we've all been on cruises or holidays with people that no matter what, can't be pleased, and were destined (in their own heads) to have a miserable time no matter what actually happens, and by golly they will.

The other end are the people I love meeting, the folks that no matter what will make the best of any situation. If a minor irritation comes up to them it's not a deal breaker, those are the ones I always hope are sitting at our dinner table.

One cruise we had a husband/wife attorney team at our table that were the most chronic complainers I ever met. Every single day you would see them at the guest relations desk raising hell about every minor issue you could think of (the coffee at Cafe Cova too hot, they didn't dry the bathroom floor after cleaning, sand in our spinach at dinner last night, towels are scatchy, etc etc), and every night we would hear about it at dinner, and of course how they wanted to be compensated for each one.

So bottom line is read them, take them in, and spit out the extremes, because rarely are they indicative of anything

I'm hoping Celebrity is a learning organization and learns from the mistakes made in this lesson.

We all know a small percentage of bags will be lost or stolen, but how to deal with them is the key

I think had they assigned someone like Ms L from the start, so much of this could have been avoided. Someone to really listen to your case. It really seems like the systematic approach they used needs updating.

I think of it in rather simple terms, but I feel it might better been handled like a claim on your homeowners policy. If it were so much aggravation could of been avoided. Once the bag is deemed lost the carrier is liable. (If you have secondary/travelers insurance that’s a slightly different matter, but generally travelers insurance won't process a claim until after the cruise line closes their case, as travelers insurance is usually considered secondary coverage with the cruise lines being the primary).

Last year we had some damage to our property from a storm, my insurance company was liable. They assigned an adjuster to the claim, and provided his email address and telephone number, he would be my sole point of contact till the matter was closed. He could tell me what my options were, what liability the insurance would and would not cover and limits.

It sounds as if Ms. L already did you right, by listening and learning from the errors they made along the way. I'm glad someone finally did for all of our sakes, as it could as just as easily been any of us.

I think you have handled yourself far better than most of on here in the same scenario, and I applaud you! I'm truly hopeful Celebrity goes above their legal obligation and makes you 'whole' again (replaces the value of the items they lost). It isn't legally required, but it would be the right thing to do

For those interested in their rights in this situation, under various legal doctrines, common carriers, which include cruiselines, who take possession of passengers luggage, become, in effect insurers in the sense that if it is not delivered over to the passenger on request and cannot be accounted for the carrier is automatically liable. Under this principle of law, the carrier is a type of bailee and its negligence is presumed, absent proof on its part that some Act of God or enemy attack made it impossible to return the luggage. There are quite a few cases going back to the 1800s directly on point.

Sometimes cruiselines will use the logic that they could only be held liable if they were negligent and, in essence, was the passengers burden to show it was negligence. That, in fact, turns the law on its head. Since they were the last to have exclusive possession of the bag - they picked it up outside the stateroom the night before you disembarked - they were required to return it to me the next day and, as noted above the burden was on them to show the bag was not turned over for one of the two reasons stated above. Though the cruise ticket contains a clause which provides that they will be liable for lost luggage only if it is negligent, courts will not recognize or enforce such a clause. They deem such clauses to violate public policy and longstanding law applicable to common carriers.

Cruiselines are permitted to limit their liability as Celebrity does in its contracts, and require an additional payment from the passenger to increase its liability limit.

Just be glad it's not Carnival, interesting things in their contract as well

After Concordia crashed many aspects of their (Carnival’s and Costa’s) contract came to light. If you get hurt, don’t blame them. This is called an “assumption of risk.” For example, in one spot the Carnival contract says, “The Guest admits a full understanding of the character of the Vessel and assumes all risks incident to travel and transportation and handling of Guests and cargo.” In a separate paragraph it indicates, “Guests assume responsibility for their own safety and Carnival cannot guarantee Guest’s safety at any time.” Likewise, the Costa contract says, “the Passenger assumes responsibility for his or her own safety and the Carrier cannot guarantee the Passenger’s safety while on or off the Vessel.” Translation: Whatever happens isn’t the cruise company’s fault.

Have fun trying to collect for property damage. If you plan to bring certain valuables on board, like jewelry, money or cameras, many contracts say you must let the cruise line know ahead of time in writing, and agree not to pack those items in your luggage. The Carnival contract says luggage “means only trunks, valises, satchels, bags, hangers and bundles with their contents consisting of only such wearing apparel, toilet articles and similar personal effects as are necessary and appropriate for the purpose of the journey.”

In addition, the contract makes every attempt to limit the situations in which Carnival is responsible for lost luggage. For example, it excludes liability for “any loss or damage of baggage while not in the actual possession, custody and control of Carnival. . .or. . .any loss or damage while in the custody and control of stevedores.” That leaves room for arguments about whether belongings stolen from your stateroom are in Carnival’s “possession, custody and control,” for instance.

And just in case Carnival could possibly be liable, the contract says, “It is stipulated and agreed that the aggregate value of Guest’s property does not exceed $50 per guest or bag with a maximum value of $100 per stateroom regardless of the number of occupants or bags.” The limits are higher under the Costa contract — $150 per piece of luggage or $500 per passenger, whichever is less.

Anyone know who hotel director is on Summit? Thinking about a short cruise on her/

An update with the latest news......

 

The door has been closed on the Lost Luggage and Guest Relations Departments - their only answer is to quote policy.

 

I sent letter to head office Nov.7th to which I have not received a reply.

 

I read the advice about using facebook or twitter but we don't have either type of account and frankly don't want one!

 

I did see someone asked a week ago for the CEOs email address and one was posted. So I took that opportuity to send an email, explain the situation and attach the letters I have sent.

 

As suspected this is not a direct email to him - I received an automated response saying my email was received (yay progress) and would be dealt with in the order it was received. It also asked me not reply as that would further delay the response.

 

That was two days ago.....I will post an update when I hear back from someone.

I would be so frustrated at this point, I admire so much how you've kept your cool and dealt with the situation rather than spinning yourself into a frenzy.

Hi Mel,

One idea I had, was to contact Greg Purdy, he is Senior Vice President of Operations, email me and I'll be happy to provide you his email and telephone number. I can't promise anything but he's an excellent man, and think he might be able to help you. My email is jwtrocks@gmail.com

Good example of focusing on the negative.

 

200 minutes of free Internet and twice the laundry. ( My focus on the positive)

 

I also believe that someday in the not too distant future the two hour cocktail party will change due the large numbers already. Perhaps a voucher system/party combination. Celebrity has been very careful to make sure that no benefits are removed during the implementation. RC's model might e implemented in the future.

 

IMO the new program is an industry leading program.

I did send an email off to Michael Bayley and Lisa Kaufman (VP of Marketing) telling them I thought the new changes were positive ones and why I thought so.

Within an hour got an email from Lisa, two hours after that a call from Mike Bayley's office. Really nice gesture from both of them:D

Good example of focusing on the negative.

 

200 minutes of free Internet and twice the laundry. ( My focus on the positive)

 

I also believe that someday in the not too distant future the two hour cocktail party will change due the large numbers already. Perhaps a voucher system/party combination. Celebrity has been very careful to make sure that no benefits are removed during the implementation. RC's model might e implemented in the future.

 

IMO the new program is an industry leading program.

Could care less about anything else, but getting my laundry done twice per cruise trumps everything in my book.

Here's a shocker I'm gonna send Celebrity an email telling them I'm glad about the changes!!!!!

No matter how fair/unfair the new program is, people HATE change (even when they ask for it). You know the usual suspects with too much time on their hands will be emailing/calling his office complaining about every detail that they perceive will affect them.

Caller: I just found out I no longer get the fill in the blank perk

Celebrity: But Sir or Madam we've made some changes to the program and unfortunately some people will gain perks and some will lose them

Caller: I don't care, Although I never used it in the past, I want my fill in the blank perk back, or I'll never sail Celebrity again, BTW can you give me an upgrade on my next sailing?

Found it to be in excellent shape for a 12 year old ship. The room steward and his assistant kept our room in superb shape. I think I noticed two minor things (uneven shower temp) and pillows seem flat as flatbread, but put them on one of those cards that they supply that go to the hotel director, and next day both were corrected

Hey Everyone,

Are any of you staying in Harwich night before cruise and up for a small group for have some drinks? I'm going to Peterhofs dinner at 8:00 (Mayflower Restaurant at the Premier Inn). I was thinking afterwards. What are you all up? I figured a group from this board might be more likely to go out for a few drinks! Although who knows who from dinner might be up for some drinks, too

Paul

Oh, I'm the The Pier Hotel 2 nights before the cruise.

Hi Paul,

Wish I could join you, but will be staying in London with a friend till the morning of the 24th, as will my two friends that I'll be traveling with, have to wait and mett you onboard.

John

April of 2014

It is strange hy cyclic it is, I originally booked a C2 at $2119pp+plus port fees, etc so about $2300 pp total which I thought was pretty good (my travel afent said it was a deeply discounted rate back in July 2012)

Seen it dance all around, more and more it looks like last minute booking are the way to go, you really can't get a big selections of cabins that way, but who really cares

Price Created Updated

$ 2,649 2012‑03‑15 2012‑04‑18

$ 2,699 2012‑04‑19 2012‑07‑13

$ 2,849 2012‑07‑14 2012‑07‑23

$ 2,949 2012‑07‑24 2012‑08‑01

$ 3,149 2012‑08‑02 2012‑08‑15

$ 3,249 2012‑08‑16 2012‑08‑24

$ 3,349 2012‑08‑24 2013‑01‑16

$ 3,099 2013‑01‑17 2013‑05‑28

It was $2.00 for an hour outside of the Frog and Onion Pub when I was there in April

I bought a package that was $10 for 29 hours of service with the Bermuda Naval Dockyard that would work as long as I was on the pier, my balcony or in windowed public areas (pooliside, buffet, etc). It was nice as it only counted service time that you were using it, so if you signed off to go to bed, you could resign onto it in the morning.

So for the three day in Bermuda it was more than what I needed.

John,

This is Kevin from your Silhouette T.A.. How do you DO it?? As I told you... you amaze me! How do you get to know all the people you know? You must be doing something right. :D LOL.. Good for you. You are one of my heros. Safe travels..

Kevin

Thanks Kevin

Missed seeing your smiling face on this cruise. We def hit a home run on this cruise with Captain, Hotel Director, Cruise Director on Captain Club hostess, were all the very best that Celebrity has to offer.

Never seen a team work so well onboard together. Can't think of a combination of people that could of been better. Alex (cruise director) was the activity manager on our Silhouette sailing, and recently promoted to new position.

Hope all is well with you, look forward to sailing with you again.

You can try calling Celebrity and asking them to upgrade you for free. We tried that last year when we went on the Silhouette and they couldn't give us any money back but they upgraded us to Aqua class, with a better cabin and other amenities. Its close and it might be sold out, but it can't hurt to try. They seemed very helpful when we did this! Good luck!

I saw prices started dropping last month or two so had my TA check to see if anything could be done even though well beyone the 90 days cancel/rebook phase.

Celebriity was really good, was able to keep the 1,2,3 package, they upgraded the cabin, and gave us extra OBC. A fiend did same thing, he got upgraded cabin, but no OBC

Thanks Arno. Looks young to be driving that big ship. I am on Summit in 3 days!!

 

Anne Maria

Both of his grandfathers were Captains as well, Had the opportunity to share dinner with him this past week, one of the more fascinating Masters I've met. Been in the family business (the sea) for about 18 years. Bright, articulate, funny, and speaks a handful of languages.

Am I correct that that the total price with dinner is $330?? Eighty dollars for dinner seems quite high.

 

JAY

Sent from Crown Princess in Portugal

"

It looks like prices in Iceland are expensive in general with the exchange rate, somewhat like Sweden.

Several years ago I did a group dinner in Stockholm and it was $70.

It also may be a bit more expensive, as it is the only fancy restaurant at the Blue Lagoon. Friends of mine have eaten there and said it was excellent. "

I do remember last time I was in Reykjavik, it surprised me how expensive it was compared to most of Europe. It was on the scale of Paris for price points for dinner, shopping, etc

Hi, we are not with the Pied Piper group, just had the good fortune of booking the same cruise. This tour looks good to us (Patti & Kathy). As we are not with your group, can we participate? Is this tour dependent on a minimum number of folks signing up?

Thanks,

Patti

because its being done by a private company called Pink Iceland I can't see any reason you couldn't. I paid for mine yesterday and the reservation and payment was made directly to Pink Iceland not Pied Piper. If you want email me and I'll forward you the complete email with the payment link.

I found this on Pink Iceland when I researched them

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189970-d3187820-Reviews-Pink_Iceland_Private_Day_Tours-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html

Liked this one, its 12 hours and $250, but looks pretty comprehensive, so overall a good value I think

28 June - Golden Circle & Laugarvatn Fontana

o 09:00 AM Pick up from cruise terminal

o 10:00 AM Thingvellir National Park

o 12:00 PM Gullfoss Waterfall

o 12:30 PM Lunch buffet at the Geysir Center (included)

o 2:00 PM Departure from Geysir

o 3:00 PM Selfoss / Eyrabakki

o 4:00 PM Krísuvík area (light snacks)

o 5:00 PM Relax at the Blue Lagoon *

o 7:00 PM Dinner at Lava Restaurant (not included in price, but recommended)**

o 9:00 PM Departure to Reykjavik / drop off around 9:30 PM

(*includes entrance, bathrobe, towel & drink at the lagoon bar – bring swimwear, footwear, toiletries…everyone will be required to shower without swimwear prior to entering the lagoon.)

(**option to return to ship between 7-7:30 p.m.)

INCLUDES:

Welcome bag (with Icelandic water bottle, Icelandic chocolate bar, LGBT gift item (variable) & miniatures from the Blue Lagoon)

Guidance in English. Knowledgeable and experienced gay guide.

Free Wifi on the bus

Lunch buffet at Geysir Center. Notice: only water included, other drinks are additional.

Icelandic snacks in the Reykjanes area (twisted donut, chocolate milk & Icelandic skyr)

Dear Mr. O

 

Do you know where he went to? ~ Ric

I know he still shows up on Linkedin as a hotel director on Celebrity Cruises

Nice man, he once gave me a super upgrade on Constellation

These are the most recent sightings I've been told

Captain-Leonardos Palaiokrassas

Staff Captain-Ioannis Kasimatis

Hotel Director-Niina Hautaniemi

Guest Relation Manager-Pearline Morgan

Food & Beverage Manager-Doug Shelley

Executive Chef-Rene Rojas

Cruise Director-Alexander ?????

Hi girls and guys, a few more people coming on the board, huh?

 

Well, I did some research on transport to and from airports: londontoolkit.com is a good resource. I am arriving at Heathrow 2 days before the cruise so I'm taking the Heathrow Express train to Paddington, cab to Liverpool Street, then the train from Liverpool Street to Harwich Town. Staying 2 nights at The Pier Hotel. Peterhof on the main board is organizing a dinner the night before the cruise in the restaurant adjacent to it (Brewers Fayre). I signed up, should be nice to meet some of the cruisers and mabye bump into others as I think many seem to be staying there. Taking train back after cruise for a few days in London. Granted, my schedule is more laid back. Lots of good info on londontoolkit though, that's where I found out all about the trains and so forth. Just have to get my flights now.

 

I see they posted the non-stop cruise train schedule, too. Or the train website may be a good place to look http://www.greateranglia.co.uk/

 

I'm single, traveling solo and look forward to this trip. This is my 4th Pied Piper (did 2 Post Thanksgiving and last summer Greek Isles/Turkey out of Rome).

 

Paul

Also traveling solo, my friend Rick is as well(PictureIt). My 10 or 11th on Pied Piper, I think 4th or 5th for Rick. Booked my air last month Delta Flight 001 direct JFK--->LHR arriving the morning of the 21st in London. Staying in London a few days and visiting with friends in West Kensington, then will catch a ride the 24th up to Harwich.