leeselee

Hello there!

I've taken quite a few cruises - but in June I'm going away with my best friend, who has never cruised before - on nearly the exact same cruise on Freedom

I'm really enjoying your posts - Thanks!!!

Enjoy the rest of your cruise and keep posting photos.

All of our cruises have been RCCL and we are going to try Celebrity Reflection in November. I know they are owned by the same company but looking for tips, advice, major differences, anything thing else we need to know. It'll be weird being newbies so we know all of the how toos on all of our previous cruises and we haven't been a newbie in a long time. We never get off the ship so not looking for island help or anything like that. :)

After cruising on another smaller cruiseline, we stayed loyal to Royal for 8 cruises and cruised in a GS around the Med with our teenage daughter.

We chose RC as we felt that when we started cruising when she was a young teen we thought Celebrity would be too stuffy for her and RC would offer more for a younger prson.

This year she went off with friends and we got to do our own thing! We booked a concierge balcony room which we found to be spacious and very confortable.

As we stepped onto the ship we knew we would be in for a classier holiday.

Celebrity target more towards food and drink and less towards getting everyone doing something they don't want to to do (like belly flop competitions).

Don't get me wrong - there is plenty of activities and lots of entertainment - but it just feels that more money has been spent on it.

The food in the MDR is on another level compared to RC. Much better - so much so, we did not feel the need to book a specialist restaurant booking for the entire 7 night cruise.

It gave us back our passion for cruising again - just like our first cruise with RC.

We can't go back to RC again. It would be like cruising in an inside cabin after having the luxury of a balcony!

We have been spoilt.

Have a wonderful cruise.

We have been a few times with RC and always docked but this was our first time with Celebrity and we tendered.

I much preferred the location of the tender - so for us we were happy.

The tender ticket thing can be a hassle - but it will only be a drama if you let it be! :p

Remember you suncreen - my first time there I got burnt as I was cooled by the breeze - huge mistake!

Enjoy!

Thanks everyone!

I think my husband would like this - now I am just wondering how I am going to do this as a treat without him finding out :p

Just one more thing - as there is only two of us in our party and we value our quality and alone time - there isn't any chance of us being sat right next to another couple is there? :eek:

Honestly - we are NOT anti social, but we just like being social when we want to, if you know what I mean (and we both tend to fall asleep in the sun rather a lot! :rolleyes: )

Thanks again

I was looking at the extras that can be tagged onto a booking (aren't there a lot of them :confused)

I saw that you can book an alcove for a sea day or a port day and I thought that maybe it might be fun to book one for myself and my husband for a sea day (thus guaranteeing somewhere to actually sit!!! lol!)

Well, apart from not being able to book anything on the site at the moment (it seems to be working much like the RCCL site where one cannot book anything at anytime! the details are quite vague.

How long is the reserved period for - surely it cannot be all day?

I know I could tag on some spa services to my time in the alcove if I wanted to but I thought it would be either morning or afternoon, but unless I am unable to read correctly, I cannot see where it states a time frame and as I said, it was suggesting I book onboard or 'try later'!!!

does anyone have any more information?

Thanks :)

Greetings

 

You chose the Classic Alcoholic Package. That will cover your fresh juices, your coffees from the coffee bar, your basic bottled water, beers up to $6, wines by the glass up to $8 and cocktails up to $8.

 

Here is a link to the package:

http://www.celebritycruises.com/onboard/tabLanding.do?pagename=onboard_beverage_packages&tab=onboard_beverage_packages_premium_classic_tab%2Fonboard%2FasrPanel.do%3Fpagename%3Donboard_beverage_packages_premium_classic

 

There are threads discussing the "adjustment" of which specific liquor brands fall within the Classic Package and you can read them if you like. You still get all you desire of anything within the price limits of the package.

 

Good Sailing

Tom

Tom,

That really does make things clearer.

Last year I got quite addicted to the mojitos and had one by the pool and one after dinner (not exactly a big drinker - my husband doesn't drink at all!!) so we might make it work for us!

It will save me buying a water package - which I do usually buy each year for the room.

Thank you for your help.

Greetings

 

Give us a hint as to what is confusing. You don't understand the drink package? You don't understand the tips? They aren't shown on your reservation? Hard to help without knowing the question.

 

Good Sailing

Tom

Tom,

Sorry - I understand tips being paid!

It's the drinks package - I have copied this from the Celebrity site:

Guests can choose from one of: Free Classic Alcoholic beverage package, Free Onboard Spend or Free Gratuities. Guests can choose from two of these for European sailings.

So - I chose Tips and drinks....

I do not know what I am actually entitled to with the classic alcoholic package as I cannot find it listed on the site. I can see Classic Non Alcoholic, Premium Non Alcoholic, Classic & Premium. None of those packages are the same wording as the 123 Go offer wording.

I was thinking that maybe it was a discounted rate but I don't think so now.

I told you I was clueless. Maybe I should have gone for the OBC???

:D

Hello again!

It was only when I helped a friend with a cruise booking this weekend did I remember that when I made my booking I had a special offer attached to mine!

I had forgotten all about the 123go promotion!

To be honest I haven't got the foggiest idea about this as a whole - I chose drinks and pre paid tips for myself and my husband.

when I look online now at the T&Cs it just does not make sense. It's either that or it bores me senseless! :confused:

It seems to contradict itself. I have read it more than once. I cruised several times with RC and never had a special offer, so never came across this.

Now I have an offer - I want to take full advantage! :D

My TA said it will be explained when I cruise - I have my doubts about that.... and wondered whether someone on CC could make me less of a confused mess please :rolleyes:

Mykonos is our day to relax.

We walk off the ship and spend the day in town which is full of delightful finds.

 

Corfu is a good place to tour in the morning and relax in "little Paris" for the afternoon.

 

Dubrovnik is crowded but a must see. You can walk about the town on your own and avoid tour lines and huddles in corners while guides give comments to the groups. Usually, there is a boat that takes you back to the ship which docks close to the suspension bridge.

 

Your cruise is full of port days. Your time on board will feel like home away from home to rest in anticipation of the next tour.

 

Join the Roll Call for your cruise and visit the Ports of Call Forum.

I'm excited for you. Do write us again.

 

Penny

We have been to all the ports before except for Dubrovnik.

Sailing from Venice is so wonderful - we have been fortunate enough to have done this three times and each time I have been moved to tears - so stunning.

I love the contrast between the 'bling bling' of all the crazy expensive shops in Mykonos and the traditional Greek shops and cafes.

Turkey for us may well be a quick run around and then back to the ship as it will be HOT!!! and we have seen every single ruin Turkey has to offer I should think!

Corfu is one of the reasons we booked this cruise - having been there before on a very short day with RC - we felt we had to get back there and discover more - what a beautiful place.

:D

My TA who used to be with RC but went out on her own very kindly did some magic and enrolled me in the Captain's club as I am Emerald with RC and as I can see on the Celebrity website we are on Select level, which looks like one level above base level.

I must be honest - I don't live my life to go up rankings, but treat it like supermarket loyalty cards - nice when I get a voucher!

I assume they will give us a booklet or something like that. If I am able to legally queue jump then so be it! :D

Once we get to the payment date I know we are really nearly there!!!

Thanks so much!

Hello there.

I'm mainly a reader, not a poster. Love CC ;)

I have cruised quite a few times - the ones I usually mention are with RC - the unmentionable should really stay that way!

Our teenage daughter is doing her own thing this year and by the time she gets back and my nerves are torn to shreds - with that and waiting for her exam results - the cruise will be well and truly deserved.:o

We felt that a new cruiseline was needed as after five consecutive cruises with RC, we felt things were getting a bit stale (for us - not speaking for the rest of the population).

So this year we are doing a Greek and Turkey one week - we have been to Split, but not Dubrovnik - Is the Celebrity dock near enough to the centre of things or do we need to take taxis or arrange an excursion?

Is the Corfu dock with Celebrity in a similar place to where RC dock or completely different?

One more question - on RC we are only emerald level with RC but always travel in a suite so we get off first when tendering at Mykonos for example. As this will be our first time with Celebrity and we are in a Balcony room, there will be no concierge - what is tendering like if you decide not to do an excursion - hours and hours to get off the ship?

Thanks in advance for any help. very much appreciated.

We are very excited about this cruise :)

What ship are you looking at? If it's an "S" class all non-suite cabins are the same size. AQ gets you into Blu for dining, which is it's single best perk and worth the extra $$ to us anyway, Concierge gets you some perks that a regular veranda doesn't.

 

This from the website:

 

All staterooms include:

 

 

Services

Our signature friendly, personalized service with a guest to staff ratio of nearly 2:1

Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)

Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets

 

Dining

24 hour complimentary room service

 

Amenities

Robe

Complimentary tote bag

Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs

Water/wine glasses

Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and 100% pure Egyptian cotton linens

Hair dryer

 

Stateroom Features

Private mini-bar*

Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*

Private safe

Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets

*Additional charges apply.

 

In addition, AquaClass staterooms include:

 

Services

A Personal Spa Concierge to arrange AquaSpa® treatments

Daily delivery of bottled water and tea

Priority check-in

Express luggage delivery

Priority disembarkation based on travel needs

Complimentary shoeshine service

 

Dining

Exclusive access to Blu, a specialty restaurant featuring "clean cuisine" that also serves complimentary breakfast every day

Upgraded room service menu

 

Amenities

Complimentary access to the Persian Garden and Relaxation Room (Relaxation Room on Solstice Class only)

Aromatherapy diffuser

Pillow menu

Additional bathroom amenities, including shower gel, facial spray and lip balm

Plush bathrobes

Slippers

Oversized 100% cotton bath towels

On-demand wellness programming including meditation and yoga

 

Stateroom Features

Hansgrohe® shower panel

Fog-free mirror

 

 

Concierge gets most of what AQ gets...but not Blu...hope that helps

This does certainly read like a huge step up from RC

probably a good idea to just just book without kids then!

Well, thank you, thank you.

I cut and paste and posted on Celebrity boards and so far nothing.

But - RC posters- your help has been as always - invaluable and I can now go armed with my lap top to my husband - who has the concentration span of a gold fish -to try and talk about booking a cruise - my favourite subject!!!

Thanks again.

One step closer.....

Hello,

I did not know whether to post here or on the RC boards - so if you could please let me know, I would be most appreciative.

We have cruised a few times in a Grand Suite on RCCL.

This year my husband and I would like to try Celebrity but we are a little confused and somewhat frustrated with the Celebrity website.

We cannot decide between a Balcony/Concierge/Aqua Class stateroom.

Apart from the poetic descriptions, I cannot decipher what is the benefit of paying more.

Are the staterooms larger the more expensive you up? do you get more benefits? is there a list?

I would appreciate any help

Thanks!

Hello,

I do not know whether to post here or on the Celebrity boards - so if you could please let me know, I would be most appreciative.

We have cruised a few times in a GS on RCCL.

This year my husband and I would like to try Celebrity but we are a little confused and somewhat frustrated with the Celebrity website.

We cannot decide between a Balcony/Concierge/Aqua Class stateroom.

Apart from the poetic descriptions, I cannot decipher what is the benefit of paying more. The RC website is so much easier (never thought I would find myself saying that!).

Are the staterooms larger the more expensive you up? do you get more benefits? is there a list?

I would appreciate any help

Thanks!

I have no idea what it is??????

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello,

enjoying your posts, thank you.

This piece of artwork was on display in central London at the request of our crazy London Mayor some years ago.

It is called "Alison Lapper Pregnant" by a sculptor called Marc Quinn. - it caused quite a surprise when it went on display - still having the same effect years later!

:)

Sherri,

once again I am wonderfully entertained by your marvellous review/tour.

We wanted to sail on the Allure, but work and school commitments only left us able to go in the middle of the hurricane season - and we were too fearful! :eek:

You are giving my family a true insight into the ship and the sheer enormity of it all!

Loving the pictures, even if they are with a phone!

Wish your foot better and I cannot wait for the next instalment. I shall sit down with a nice cup of tea and sit with a huge grin on my face.....:D

Thanks so much

Lisa

We made a new little friend in Cartagena today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our family love sloths! thank you for posting such lovely photos! :D

I suspect that this thread may set a record for the longest "Live Report" here on the RCI Board.

 

Several of my past "Live Reports" have gone well over 100,000 views for 7 night cruises.

 

It is up to you CC'ers to check in often and maybe we can go above one half million views by the time Judith and I debark on Nov 2nd!

 

I have a great new camera with excellent close up capabilities that I got for my model trains. But guess what? It also works great for Menus and Food, and shoots HD Videos, and shoots excellent regular photos.

 

I will probably also set a record for internet usage on this cruise.

 

The Vision does not have WiFi so I will have go to various "Hot Spots" around the ship to post and upload photos.

No need for me to download an ebook for the next few weeks, then!

Thanks so much - looking forward to it

:D

Lovely review, cant wait for the rest!

thanks

Hi, Lisa!

 

With regards to the Black & White night, that was a total surprise for all of us onboard...we'd never seen it/heard of it, either...most passengers were just lucky that our formal clothes fit the theme! We had all packed assuming there would be a white night...for Santorini, as you said. However, no...there was not an official "white" night...but since we had all planned for it, we dressed for it, anyway! I'm not sure if this was all due to the Cruise Director...who seemed to have a mind of his own, if you get my drift....I'd say you'd be fine going in with a white dress - so you fit the theme no matter what they decide to throw at you! (Actually, for 70's night, I just threw on one of my maxi dresses - that had a wild, paisley print - and I fit right in!)

 

The restaurant...if you're familiar with the square that is right by the Plaka neighborhood...walk through the square like you're facing the Acropolis, and head to the right...it's right down the street...it runs right by the railroad tracks. The actual address is 41-45 Adrianou Street, in the Plaka.

 

Hope that helps!

Thanks Sherri,

Panic over - we will pack accordingly.

We have taken a note of the restaurant - I have a feeling I know where you mean.

I also down loaded 1 to 17 of the Janet Evanovich books, so here's hoping I enjoy them too.

I am a little apprehensive about reading the rest of your review, hoping that you will not be reporting back any nightmares as my cruise nears and I want a smooth cruise! I am in a lowly GS and with the ship refurb coming up, I hope everything is not looking in need of replacement! :eek:

Lisa :)

Sherri,

still totally loving the posts!

I have two things to ask - the first one is somewhat silly:

Is there a white night AND a black and white night?

We will be going on our 3rd RC cruise and it will be our third time to Santorini - usually that evening is white night.

I have not heard of a black and white night - and we like to join in as much as we can - although 70's clothes are a step to far!

Secondly (I do get there in the end)

Plaka - third time again for us this year (did you guess there we like the Greek ports???) - where is this restaurant - could you sort of point me in the right direction?

Any help is much appreciated!

Thanks

Lisa :)

Here I am, sat in my office (in the unusually sunny centre of London!) and I am trying to read your posts - without anyone finding out (while I am supposed to be working).

But you are making me laugh out loud and visitors to my office keep giving me funny looks! :D

Just the thought of you running around taking photos is making me laugh so much!

Keep it coming - you are a joy to read.

I cannot honestly remember the last time I have enjoyed a review as much!

loving it :-)