missminnie

Hello everyone,

 

We have been offering a pre-cruise discount on beverage packages. As of February 18, the pre-cruise pricing of all beverage packages will be equal to what the onboard pricing currently is. Hope this helps clear up any confusion.

Thanks for the clarification as I was totally confused too. I just thought as long as it was booked 4 days prior to sailing you saved compared to purchasing onboard. So I didn't understand why I had to book by Feb 18th but now I do. For our 16 night cruise this means if we wait closer to sailing we'll be paying some $92 more overall (nearly 2 days worth of premium package!) so we'll be booking shortly.

mm,

 

Good luck and I hope it works well for you! Make sure you give us a report when you return. We will be on the Reflection a year from this March.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

Thanks Kel

Keeping my fingers crossed we love them. Just be nice to have somewhere to go and relax and not worry about leaving our place for more than 30 mins. Plus the Butler sounds good - keep your fingers crossed it's sunny and we spend all day relaxing, enjoying the lovely food we decide to order (not sure what to expect on that yet and quite fancy something different at lunch) and enjoying cocktails brought to me whilst reading my book!

Thanks all

We decided to go for it and booked one for 3 of the sea days. We decided no point for the entire cruise as once we get across the Atlantic, apart from one sea day (which we have booked an Alcove) we're off in port every day as have excursions booked for every day so really wouldn't get use out of it for 7 days and would prob struggle to find someone to take it for all of those days.

Plus to book it for the entire cruise it's nearly the same cost as purchasing both of our premium beverage packages so we compromised and booked it for 3 of our sea days and will get the premium beverage packages.

I've heard after the 3rd sea day it can get chilly going across the Atlantic so at least we can make use of all the bars onboard if we need to keep indoors more ;)

Oh and if you book for 3 days or more you get 10% off. Yes they did confirm it would be 20% if whole cruise booked so at least we saved something.

It is better to book the Alcove as they only have about 8 available, and if you change your mind you can always cancel once onboard and get back your money.

Since they become in high demand once people see them, the ship has no problem refunding you and renting the alcove to somebody else.

 

If you ever go on a Caribbean cruise to Labadee, the Cabana's are wonderful! Great to rent one for the day. Do it on-line as soon as they are available for booking.

 

Enjoy

Ah I didn't realise you can cancel once onboard - that makes it easier for us to decide.

Our last cruise visited Labadee and we rented one of the cabanas over the water. Loved it and great having our own space.

Thanks both

Both great feedback and I suppose until we see them for ourselves it's hard to make a decision. I hate the fact you can never leave your sun chair for more than 30 mins without risk of losing it - we are sometimes in the pool for 45 mins or grabbing lunch for more than 30 mins.

I think we may stick with 3 days and then we'll still have 5 other sea days to fight for a sunbed!! Ha ha

We've been on the Silhouette three times and thought the "Alcoves" were contrived and out of place. The people who booked them looked awkward and not sure what to do with them. Looked like zoo cages with the spectators walking by looking in on it's inhabitants. They really detract from the spirit of the lawn club area!

Other than that:), I guess they may be a small money revenue source for Celebrity?

Once Celebrity does a revenue analysis, I think they will be removed at some point.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

Thanks Kel

This was our thinking. They are something a little different and a nice relaxing place BUT we like to lay in the sun and not sure we'd get to do that for too long in the Alcove.

Definately not going to do the whole cruise as it would be wasted money when we're off in port during the second week.

We're trying to decide whether to book just one day to have something different at the start of the cruise when the sun will be out but then we'd like to sunbathe on deck.

Decisions decisions. I think if they included food and drink it would more worth it but having to pay extra makes us think if it's worth it.

Thanks for your feedback and much appreciated.

Hi All

We're sailing on Reflection in Apr for the Transatlantic for 16 nights. We would like an alcove as never been on a ship with these before and look like something different but also somewhere quiet and relaxing to go.

We were considering booking just one of the sea days then decided perhaps 3 of the sea days. But was advised if we book the whole cruise we get a discount which would mean we'd get around 4 of the port days for free.

We have 8 sea days plus 7 port days. Now we plan to get off ship at every port and will prob be off all day so really wouldn't get much use of them on those days until we get back on ship then it's time for dinner etc.

But if we like them after the first sea day we'll prob want it for the remaining 8 sea days which is near enough the same cost as booking for the whole cruise with discount.

As we'll be on a TA then the weather will get cooler as we go across so could make good use out of them on the 7 sea days before our first port.

Has anyone else booked them for the entire cruise and what did you think or should we just go for a few of the sea days?

Thanks

That's great and thank you both.

I'm pretty happy with the flight time home as means as we just get off early and make our way home. Usually we have to hang around all day which is a pain with all your luggage normally.

I thought it would be simple and just wasn't sure what to expect so thank you both for the information.

Hi All

Whilst this will be our 4th time on Celebrity on our upcoming cruise, we've only ever booked cruise only and arranged our own flights etc. For out TA we have booked flights, pre hotel and cruise all direct with Celebrity.

We know our transfers from airpot to hotel, hotel to port and then port to airport are included which makes it easier but how does it work? Will we get details with our tickets, will we have a choice, do we get vouchers etc? The main one is the transfer from Rome port to Rome airport as they've booked us onto an 11am flight and have no idea how it works with included transfers as we know it's not close as done that journey previously so looks like we'll be needing a transfer around 7am-7:30am to ensure we get to the airport with at least 2 hours to spare.

Can someone explain to us how it works when they've booked the whole package so we know what to expect on how to get around without missing anything?

Thanks in advance for any help or guidance.

Thanks for the info. Just looked up our upcoming Celebrity cruise and nothing coming up however also checked our RCI Quantum cruise for Apr 2015 and there is a Motorcycle group event.

Should we be worried? Main concern is the overtaking of areas and closing off to general passengers or large groups taking over bars/pool etc.

this its woirth calling royal caribbean and asking them for a ballpark figure? or do they generally keep everythng quiet tll the day?

I contacted my usual person at RCI who's brilliant and even he can't advise me what the prices are yet. He's promised to email me when he knows but says they haven't been told yet or even when they are being released.

But if someone else wants to try then by all means go ahead and keep us in the loop.

I have a feeling the 5 nights are going to cost wayyy more than a current 7 day Caribbean cruise. I hope the westbound TA isn't too expensive.. sure the Oasis is awesome but I'm not paying a really steep price considering I can go on the Epic for <$1500 for a balcony room

That's my concern. I first thought they would be cheaper as 2 nights less but then remembered Med is prob more expensive and the demand is going to be high so they will charge a premium I suspect.

I hate waiting!!! Even worse that we're going to be on a cruise when we can book in the Caribbean so will ask Parents to book for us or try onboard Celebrity Eclipse when they're desk opens.

Any ideas on pricing for the 5 night?

I'm interested to know that too as looking to do both 5 nights as a back to back with time in Barcelona either before or after. The anticipation is killing me :D

Thanks missminnie for the post,

I do not recall having seen this when I read the fine print, and I did check them as I too had called Celebrity UK and did not agree with their "no". I even told the person on the phone that it did not state anywhere not available for UK residents.

If we look at the first post when the offer was first announced it is not mentioned there either.

Seems to me that Celebrity has just added it as so many queries ???

 

And what does it mean exactly ? "Offer is not eligible to residents of the United Kingdom."

Someone live in the UK (any nationalities, could be a US citizen residing in the UK) and they make the booking via a US TA, the offer will not apply ??? Is Celebrity going to go through every booking and check the country of residency and then decline the offer?

If this is the case am sure lots of people are not going to be happy...

It is indeed an amendment as I took a screen print of the T&C's on the day I complained and even sent it to them. I've just checked and the last sentence is not applicable on inside staterooms. They've just added the UK part after I've sent them my query.

Totally wrong (I'm sure there are some lawyers on here who could help!)

Hi All

I've now had a response back from Celebrity which I've copied below:

"Thank you for your recent email. I can appreciate your frustration at

seeing an International offer or promotion that cannot be applied to your

booking as you have booked in the UK. I copy below the terms and

condition taken from the US website for this new promotion you will see at

the end of the first large paragraph it is clearly stated that this offer

does not apply to UK Bookings.

CELEBRITY CRUISES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF UP TO

$10 PER GUEST PER DAY ON ALL GUESTS IF THE PRICE OF WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE

FUEL EXCEEDS $65 PER BARREL.

* Prices are per person, cruise only, for stateroom category 08 and based

on double occupancy.

Cruise must be booked Jan. 7–27, 2013 (the "Offer Period"). Offer applies

to 3–night or longer cruises departing Feb. 2013–Apr. 2014 (the "Offer

Cruise"); excludes Celebrity Xpedition® cruises. During the Offer Period,

book a qualifying Europe cruise and choose two of the following options, or

book any other qualifying cruise and choose one of the following options:

Classic Beverage Package for Two, Free Gratuities, or Onboard Credit. Limit

of one Offer per stateroom. Offer does not apply to interior staterooms.

Offer is not eligible to residents of the United Kingdom.

Classic Beverage Package for Two applies to two guests per stateroom and

includes beers up to $5 per serving; and spirits, cocktails, and wine up to

$8 per serving, select fountain sodas, fresh squeezed and bottled juices,

premium coffees, teas and non-premium bottled water. Server gratuities are

included (amount based on gratuity guidelines). Premium Beverage Package

upgrade available for an additional charge; order upgrade onboard.

Free Gratuities Offer applies to two guests per stateroom and provides for

prepaid stateroom, waiter, assistant waiter and head waiter gratuities in

the amount suggested by Celebrity’s guidelines.

Onboard Credit amount is per stateroom and amount based on the number of

cruise nights: 3–5 nights $100; 6–9 nights $200; 10 nights or more $300.

OBC has no cash value, is applicable to cruise only, non-transferable, not

redeemable for cash, will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the final night

of the cruise, and will be applied to reservation within 10 days of

booking.

To redeem offer contact your travel professional, call Celebrity Cruises at

1-866-212-2702, or book through the itinerary links above and then call to

choose your offer.

Offer is non-transferable and applicable only to the Offer Cruise. No

refunds or credits for unused options. Offer is applicable to new

individual bookings and bookings named and deposited within a group during

the Offer Period. Offer is subject to availability and change without

notice, capacity controlled, not combinable with any other offer or certain

price programs, including Exciting Deals, ChoiceAir® specials, Reduced Air,

interline, travel agent, Travelzoo, and employee rates, and may be

withdrawn at any time. Offer not applicable to charters or contracted

groups. Cruise portion of Cruisetours eligible for Offer based on number of

cruise nights. Single occupancy bookings eligible for Offer."

Therefore I know different countries run different promotions but I'm finding more and more about offers across the world but not UK so will definately be trying Princess after this year. (Cannot afford to lose our deposits already paid this year and find a cruise which matches the dates!).

Really disappointed (as I suspect USA cruisers on when UK offers are on that they can't use). Seems one rule for one country and one for another with significantly better offers for everyone bar UK residents. :mad:

Hi Missminnie,

Can you post your reply from Celebrity if/when you get one, I went through the small prints too and could not see anywhere bookings only for USA.

Thanks

Hey

I haven't received a response from either the lady I was advised to contact in respect of complaints or Celebrity direct! I will be chasing them shortly if not and like Gordon says, will be moving to Princess come 2014 as we've always wanted to try them but chose Celebrity due to price and itineraries!

I have a 14 day caribbean cruise on the eclipse booked for christmas. I changed my booking yesterday to to get the classic package. I want to upgrade to the premium. Do I have to do it before jan. 27?

 

 

Thank you in advance from Sweden

Hi roxette

Would you mind letting me know how you managed to get this amended as notice you're based in Sweden and I was told by Celebrity it's USA only bookings? I'm still waiting for Celebrity to come back to me after I emailed them a screen print of their offer and NOWHERE does it states USA only.

Many Thanks

Thank Andy, I see you had replied as I was posting.

Maybe it's time to try another cruise line which appreciates guests who are not American.

Well said! I'm booked on 3 cruises this year and got very little OBC on just one of them. That was it! The price did drop on our back to back one which he did manage to get but only after cancelling and rebooking and by doing that we lost our original OBC offered.

I'm thinking it's definately time to start cruising with someone else from 2014. Very disappointed in their pricing lately and find it really unfair that one country has different offers to others - both ways by the way whereby American's can't take advantage of ours and we can't take advantage of theirs. Yet we have to pay just as much to fly to USA for some of these cruises and get nothing to help sweeten that extortionate airfare.

:(:mad:

Hi Missminnie,

 

I was advised the 123 Go promotion is not available in the UK. Regarding your comment about UK guests receiving this offer, I suppose it's possible they are booking via US TA's. In your case, if you were to cancel & rebook, it would likely result in penalties, so I'm unable to determine if it makes sense for you.

 

I wish you all the best of luck in determining the your best path. Enjoy your Cruise !

Boo! Thanks for trying though.

I will still enjoy the cruise but would have been nice with free drinks!

Hi Missminnie,

 

Sorry to hear of your frustration !

 

While I'm uncertain how this offer applies to UK guests - or if it does. I'm trying to obtain the exact terms of the UK offer. It's my hope that you can print it, and provide to your TA. When I have additional information, I will post again. Stay Tuned !

Thanks Andy

I actually booked direct with Celebrity and it's Celebrity who are not allowing it! Sooooo frustrated as others on here from the UK have been able to take advantage.

I'm gutted :(

Our cruise consultant at Celebrity/RCI is usually very good and will do all he can to help us. Emailed him today with details of this offer and have been arguing all day. They keep telling me it's USA only bookings and cannot be applied to ours as we're in the UK. I've offered to cancel and rebook through the link and then call to add but again told Celebrity will not honour as not from the USA.

So annoyed as others on here have managed to get the promotion applied even to existing bookings and outside USA. Asked to escalate, took screen prints showing nowhere does it says USA only and then said it's UK departures only (we're on Eclipse Caribbean sailing). So took another screen print saying 450 itineraries including ours and still told no. Have no idea how to formally complain as it's worth £900 to us which is considerable. Even if we have to cancel and rebook losing our deposit we'll be £600 better off.

I've asked to speak to supervisor etc etc but to no avail. I can't see how others have got this promotion especially those in the UK!

Thank you all for you information.

We have 12 people and I think we are going to book for a whole day but do the afternoon at our leisure and be guaranteed a ride back to the port. This seems to be what the group wants. The cost for the whole day is 400 euros and half day is 300 euros. Really we are only spending an extra 10euros a head and will get back to the safe and sound.

That would work with them. Basically our full day tour we were given plenty of time to wander around Plaka and enjoy lunch and then we only left to go to the museum but he would have accomodated whatever our group wanted to do so just let them know and they will work with you.

hi can i ask u what the cost of the tour in anthen was and how many hours was it thanks

Hi

We chose the full day Athens tour and it was 8hrs in total for 400 Euros. We had 12 people in our group which is the maximum they can do without quoting special pricing.

Hope that helps

Laura

Deck - 12

Cabin # - 2150

Class – Sky Suite 2

Starboard or Port Side - Aft

Bed near?(balcony or bath) – Bath

Quiet Cabin (With comments on problems. Note if connecting. ) – Not the quietest but ok. Noise from the chairs being moved across the wooden floor above in the outside of the Oceanview cafe. Mainly first thing in the morning and before sailaways. Not a huge issue for us but could be annoying if it's a busy sailing and you like quiet mornings.

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. – Fantastic. Overlooking the balconies on all decks below and the wake.

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? - Normal for S2. 1.5 times normal balcony.

Was wind a problem? No

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? No

Any specific problems with this cabin? No

Any other comments? We were initially concerned about the overhang obstructing the sun but we found we got the sun in the mornings and late afternoons/early evenings which was perfect and still a very hot sun at those times of day.

Deck - 12

Cabin # - 2150

Class – Sky Suite 2

Starboard or Port Side - Aft

Bed near?(balcony or bath) – Bath

Quiet Cabin (With comments on problems. Note if connecting. ) – Not the quietest but ok. Noise from the chairs being moved across the wooden floor above in the outside of the Oceanview cafe. Mainly first thing in the morning and before sailaways. Not a huge issue for us but could be annoying if it's a busy sailing and you like quiet mornings.

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. No

Any other comments? We were initially concerned about the overhang obstructing the sun but we found we got the sun in the mornings and late afternoons/early evenings which was perfect and still a very hot sun at those times of day.