Safety Squirrel

Aqua or Concierge??

As you are travelling solo -- in Blu they usually do not sit you with anyone. I know the tables are close together but what if the people close to your table do not wish to have a conversation with you. That is the reason I have not sailed in Aqua although I would probably enjoy the restaurant.

I have sailed solo in a veranda and concierge - specifically for the extra points (5 vs 3) to reach my current level. Requested MDR to sit at a table for 6-8 and have been fortunate on most cruises to meet some very nice people, some of whom I am still in touch with. As others have said, the benefits of concierge are nothing to write home about.

Has anyone taken the Adventure to Hana Excursion in Maui on the Solstice? We want to be sure this takes us on the road to Hana.

I took the Celebrity excursion (2015) and it was great. Small mini bus. Driver/guide was excellent and he pulled off many times to let us see things.

As others said -- it is the only way to get to Hana. Some of the road is barely a road (think dirt with a bit of gravel). Warning from Celebrity that if you had a bad back etc. that this might not be the tour for you. One of the best tours I have had with Celebrity (other than the tall ship excursion in the Caribbean this past January).

The Celebrity excursion tends to sell out quickly, so if you are thinking about it I would book it on line. The friend I was travelling with at the time, waited too long and it was sold out.

Thank you Linda for your post.

I have always purchased the Premium N. A. package. This time, I have the classic package with the 1-2-3 go perks. As I do not drink alcohol -- I was wondering if I could do this and you have answered my question.

Will try to do so on my January cruises (before I use the package) and see what happens. If unsuccessful, as I am in a Concierge stateroom -- will see the concierge at the first opportunity and hopefully get it changed.

Thank you once again

We are all booked in concierge cabins for our upcoming Silhouette cruise, we got a good deal on upgrades from our 1B's. In the past few years, we've cruised in Aqua. It seems that there is a new spin on the Concierge cabins, and that there is an actual dedicated concierge. What would we use the concierge for? We are a group of 10 in 5 cabins, and it would be helpful to have someone to arrange specialty dining, etc. for us. Is that something they could do? What about excursions? We have planned several private ones, but have other ports with no plans as of yet. Could the concierge assist with that or do we need to wait in line at the excursions desk? Thanks in advance for your replies!!

I used the Concierge host on my last cruise. Very seldom line-ups. Hours are posted. Used the concierge to make specialty dinner reservations, change some shore excursions etc. It was great not to have wait in the long lines.

On my next cruises, I will use the Concierge to book excursions, etc. to use up my OBC.

We did a Celebrity Road to Hana tour in 2013 that included lunch at the Hana Ranch (ordering your choice off the menu), and it was the absolute highlight of our Celebrity cruise to Hawaii. The scenery was your best fantasy of what Hawaii should look like. Lots of stops for photos. We don't often book ship bus tours and it was pricey, but it was a full day was definitely worth every penny.

I did the ship's excursion in April 2015 and enjoyed every minute of it. They do warn you that if you have back problems -- this is probably not the best excursion to take.

Beautiful scenery. Ship excursion was in a large van. The ship's excursion fills up pretty quickly. I had booked on line several months ahead. When travelling companion tried to book several weeks later -- excursion was not available and no spots became available while on the cruise

I would pre-book if you are considering this excursion. I felt it was worth every penny and I could just look at the scenery and not worry about driving.

I used concierge cabins to obtain Elite faster (and prior to getting double points when sailing solo). So if you are getting close to the next level and price is close to regular cabin - go for it

Sparkling wine -- as I do not drink alcohol - usually give it to someone on the roll call. Last cruise, aunt travelled with me and she got credit towards a more expensive wine in the dining room (depends on the wine steward I hear).

Fruit in the cabin -- can do without -- if you want fruit you can always pick up in the buffet

Appetizers -- not very appetizing- only ordered them once and was not impressed. Others that I know - ordered them every day - so depends on your palate

Embarkation lunch -- I liked this on last cruise. There were only a few options but was nice to not have the crowds at the buffet and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Debarkation when not elite -- enjoyed going to a smaller lounge

Concierge host - this was a big plus when changing excursions, making specialty restaurants reservations. Concierge host on last cruise, left a message daily and when in LeHavre, he left a message to say what times trains were running as there were sporadic stoppages. Others on our roll call, did not know and waited several hours for trains

Would still consider concierge if the price was similar to regular balcony, even though I now have some extra Elite perks.

sorry - duplicate post

No first hand experience but the general rule of thumb is that there's a shortage of taxi's in Vancouver and the line-up for taxi's during cruise season is pretty brutal.

There are a couple of taxi apps you can also use to try to book a taxi. The reviews are also a bit mixed with respect to reliability.

 

If there's a closer location as xlxo suggests, I'd highly consider it if the same price. If it's at the Pacific Rim, it should be very close.

I have to agree with above poster re shortage of taxis in Vancouver. When I disembarked from Hawaii cruise, I was staying in Vancouver for five days. I was one of the last ones off the ship. The line-up for taxis was huge (almost like some rides at Disney during peak times). It took me approximately two and half hours to get a taxi. Due to long waits, some people were saying that they would miss their flights, even though they had gotten off the ship in good time (they thought). It was horrendous. The taxi people finally did two lines - one for people needing a van and the other for a taxi only. They then had the taxis come down the 'out' ramp to pick up passengers and vans to the regular 'in' ramp. I am sure it would have been more than 2.5 hours if they did not do this. I have never tried Uber -- but might be worth investigating and seeing if they could pick you up outside the terminal.

Just returned from a British Isles cruise on the Silhouette -- we did eat in the dining room. There was enough variety for most people (you know there are always the complainers!!)

I also appreciated the Concierge host on deck 10 and Lawrence's hours were posted. Sometimes there was a line up, but was much easier planning specialty restaurants, excursions etc. with him than going to deck three.. Lawrence also left a daily phone message to all concierge cabins about the next day and some interesting items.:)

My only downfall with the restaurant -- was that a man at the table we were seated at (we did not ask - he just volunteered the information) indicated that he had lied on the health form at pre-boarding. Sure enough -- I contacted his cold which turned into bronchitis!!!!!

It was a nice touch with eating in the restaurant - thank you Celebrity:D

I'm booked on a June Summit cruise to Bermuda. My travel companion may not be able to go due to a family illness. I have travel insurance but wondered if it was possible to substitute another person on the reservation?

Hi

I was the primary person on a cruise booked in January 2013. I added a second person later. However, due to a medical emergency and hospitalization, I could not go on the cruise. Even though I booked the cruise, the TA had no trouble substituting my travel partner's husband to go on the cruise.

Hope this helps

We will be sailing on the Reflection on this year's Christmas sailing. I have been on lots of cruises, and I have never heard so much negativity. We know we will be on a full ship, with lots of families. We already know everything won't be perfect, as it never is on any trip, but why so much negativity? I am very fearful of our decision to be on this ship. Can some folks who have sailed recently please give me some positive reinforcement that this ship is still great? We went between RCCl and Princess, and decided on Celebrity for a little bit nicer experience to celebrate father-in-law 70th. We are elite members and I have full faith in the line, but I'm having my doubts.

Do not worry about the negative reviews -- they are just a few of the thousands on the ship. It is mainly the complainers who come on these boards. Many people like/love their cruise on the Reflection and other Celebrity ships. Many cruisers do not even know Cruise critic exists. Lately these boards are full of so many negative comments. Is every vacation perfect- probably not - but the complainers sure like to come on this board and make their feelings known (which they are entitled to do).

Enjoy your cruise with your family

Thank you for all your comments.

The airline (KLM) sent me an e-mail offering an upgrade from present booking so I can go directly through them. Will have to see (via TA) if aunt can upgrade as she used choice air.

If my aunt booked her flights via Choice Air to Europe (direct flight) in economy class - can she upgrade them through our TA --> Celebrity. Just received a great offer from air line and is good for five days only.

I booked direct so not a problem for me.

Has anyone done this. Would appreciate any help

Drinks Packages are not supposed to apply to room service.

 

That said Smoothies are free to Aqua Class, and maybe Concierge and Suites too as part of the "enhanced room service menu".

I book a Concierge cabin and they are on the enhanced menu so order them when I get breakfast room service

...and for those who had he non-alcoholic beverage package, was it worth the cost? IMHO, I don't think it is.

I have had this package on my last four cruises. I find it absolutely worth the cost. I am a huge water drinker (4-6 bottles a day at home) - this way I do not have to worry about it. Ready to get off the ship - grab a bottle of water at debarkation. Love the specialty teas, virgin pina coladas, specialty drinks in the buffet/bar etc. Also -- room service = like the smoothies. I do not drink coffee; however, if I did, specialty coffees would be worth the package. Very seldom do I get the soft drinks. Gave me a chance to try vitamin water, which I found was not to my taste.

I have always pre-purchased it; however, next cruise -- will purchase it with my OBC:D

As someone in my 30's I am bummed about the announcement. Much of the fun of dressing up for me is the atmosphere of others dressed to the 9's as well. Now...meh. There are so few places now where we can get dressed up and enjoy others doing so (even the MET had people in jeans at the opera - and these people were older than me, not those younger).

 

Times are changing everywhere with regards to dressing. On my first few cruises, I loved to take formal gowns. Now it is much easier to have one or two pairs of very dressy pants and suitable dressy tops. Packing for men with suits/jackets etc. when going on land trips after cruising, will be much simpler to pack. What is wrong with only a shirt & tie???

We visited Europe earlier this year and remarked how much more casual people were than when we were living in Germany with the military in the 60-70's.

You indicated even the Met had people wearing jeans. As a long time subscriber to the opera in my city -- years ago the majority wore gowns, black tie etc. Operas etc. are also trying to attract a younger crowd (you obviously are one of them). Now-- very few wear formal wear. My grandson has a tuxedo -- only because he is a musician and it is required for certain performances. When I took him to his first opera -- he wore a suit, tie etc. - now he goes to some events with only a shirt & tie. I now see many wearing casual dress at the opera - it is better that they attend rather than having empty seats:D It does not affect my enjoying the opera

As some have mentioned on this posting -- formal is not required in some of the other restaurants on formal nights, i.e. specialty restaurants. Will it affect me if I want to take formal clothes to wear -- NO -- I will take what I want to wear and what other people are wearing has no impact on my decision. I do hope though that if people are wearing shorts, bathing suits, flip flops to the MDR it will be explained that those are not allowed in the MDR

I will enjoy eating in the MDR no matter what others are wearing. It will not affect the quality of the food

As someone on another board remarked-- you would be surprised at how few people are actually looking at how you are dressed;) - they are vacationing and do not really care what you are wearing.

 

And can anyone believe that the baggage hall literally had NO signage to direct people to baggage numbers? Does that make ANY SENSE to ANYONE? I admit never passing thru Vancouver, but have to assume that they handle more than this single sailing each year, and would have figured out how the luggage numbering works with luggage. Many baggage halls just have the numbers painted right on the wall or floor in fact, but as I say, I haven't been to VC, so I guess there is a possibility they just stick all the luggage out there with no organization, since this is what the OP reported:

 

Friday, May 1st - I arrived in Vancouver from a Hawaiian cruise. At that time, they had baggage signs and you just found which number you had on your disembarkation slip.

Now -- getting a taxi was another thing -- however -- this was not Celebrity's fault. Many passengers were complaining and saying that it was all Celebrity's fault. I am sure that some missed their flights. I was joining family at a hotel in Vancouver so had time. When I finally got a taxi (almost two hours later) -- the taxi driver informed me that his company did not know that there were three ships in harbour that day and hence the long wait. Also -- for some drivers who were going to the airport - they got fares at the airport and did not come back to the pier right away.

I am sailing from Amsterdam in May 2016 and from some of the comments on these boards -- will be interesting to see what happens with customs and immigration. However -- it will not affect my cruise:D

Whenever I travel with my aunt and we have requested pier assistance - it has always been efficient in various ports in USA & Europe and to date we have had no problem.

Sometimes things just happen and it is not under the control or fault of Celebrity. It seems that many times on these forums -- so many are very quick to criticize. I know that the cruise line is not perfect but things happen.

Thank you - Host Andy & weregoingcruising:)

Will look on Google as you suggested.

I am booked on a B2B which includes the above cruise. I have started a roll call. So far - no one has indicated they are on this particular cruise.

How can I find out if it is a charter and that is why no else is registering for the roll call? Thanks for your help

:)Thank you to everyone who posted on three different threads re B2B cruises. Just booked my first B2B and was immensely helpful - re tips, lifeboat drill and registration

Thank you

I have always purchased my cruises in Canadian funds through a TA and they know I always book I Canadian funds. Sometimes you win. Right now -- the Canadian dollar sucks:eek: However, if I want to travel -- will have to pay the exchange if I visit the USA, Europe etc.

In 2012 I paid $1.60 approximately for one British pound - now it is over $2.05 for one British pound. It will hurt on my British Isles cruise; however, I will still go -- will cut back on the shopping and souvenirs. I remember when the Canadian dollar was only $.70 US but I still went to Disney World etc.

They are not predicting the Canadian dollar will go to par with the US dollar any time soon -- so if I want to continue to travel -- will just have to budget. I am sure that the low Canadian dollar will impact some Canadians on travelling to other countries; fortunately I will be able to budget for this:).

Quite refreshing to read something positive. IMO these boards have gotten very negative.

Thanks to all the people who also reported dealings with Celebrity that were positive and successful.

I agree with texansharon that many posts (not all) see be to very negative.:(

All too often on these boards, we see people complaining about Celebrity and staff.

This is the opposite - to thank Celebrity for solving an issue.

Background: I had booked two cruises and two future cruise credits with my TA who I had for many years. She retired and they were then transferred within the agency to another TA.

I used the new TA on recent cruise to Hawaii and was not happy for several reasons, which I will not go into.

I was talking to an acquaintance who suggested another TA at a different agency. New TA phoned Celebrity and asked what could be done. We then sent an e-mail to Celebrity and a representative telephoned me and once again, I explained the circumstances.

Within three days and four follow-up telephone calls from Celebrity and sending e-mails & faxes from the new and previous TA - all has been solved.

Thank you Celebrity staff member Ida for all you did to solve my dilemma. THANK YOU.

Very happy with how this was handled:D

As others have said -- it you want a specific excursion - book it on line, particularly if it is something you really want to do.

On my Hawaii cruise in April 2015, I booked the Road to Hana ship tour several months ahead. It sold out very early as they did not have many small buses. Many people were disappointed trying to book it within a couple of months on line and on the ship.

Thank you for your replies:D Guess I will have to stick it out with booked cruises with the current TA. I book in Canadian dollars and the dollar was $.90 - it has now dropped to $.78, so will make a difference in the amount. Plus was able to get a concierge cabin of my choice.

Will use the new TA (who has been recommended to me) for future cruises.

Thanks for the information