Jump to content

Lastdance

Members
  • Posts

    6,720
  • Joined

Everything posted by Lastdance

  1. I guess my DH and I love the very early morning circus (when it first opens)with cracked eggs, mine a scramble with veggies. We are early risers and my DH always does the gym very early, along with me just a tad later. Yes, we are very unusual, also charge a reasonable fee to put stuff on loungers for people...just kidding! It is that early🙃
  2. I had a great Move-Up offer when this program first became available, but nothing like it since. It was an SV to a suite/S1 and it was quite low, but a price I thought was very fair. I just count my blessings, know the price patterns and wait. Of course, I do bid a low-ball at times. People are spending crazy amounts(at least to me) nowadays to have it all. What goes up will come down...supply/demand and the waiting game. Inflation is alive and well! Good luck to those of you who bid🥰
  3. Both Sunset Suites and Sunset Veranda prices had gone up, up and up, Those cabins are what we book because we want our own larger balcony and not the Infinite top window that slides down for a peek-a-boo look. Nothing against people who love those IV’s, but those do not need a lounger at all. Are suite and SV people the trouble makers because they are paying more, yet getting less, or is this unfair treatment a result of a lawsuit, clumsy people and/or unruly kids? Just calling it a safety reason is way too general, not to mention quite absurd.
  4. 🥰 Sounds like you hit the weather jackpot, not to mention spending all of this time making memories with your Mom, I mean the Queen! 🥰 Thanks for the great photos/video, as I imagined myself onboard going to Santorini with you again. Now, walking down the trail keeps you fit and strong, also makes your choice of steps very important!
  5. I have to add that it was mentioned in my conversation with Celebrity that loungers have been taken inside the cabins for whatever reason too. Children are jumping on them, or using them inappropriately. Maybe going from the bed to the lounger to the couch and back? Instead of the shotgun approach, maybe deal with those who are causing the problem instead of punishing your loyal and new customers...just common sense. Yes, I did say that! For the prices Celebrity is charging, at least allow loungers on those cabins/suites that have balconies. If safety is such a huge concern, maybe passengers should not even be allowed onboard, as there is furniture all over the ship...
  6. Are beds next? How about TP, pillows, drawers etc? Loungers are important to us too. We have an Oceania cruise next May; I was told that my suite would have a lounger, nice table and two chairs. For now, I will be finding a lounger for my b2b on Celebrity, as nothing is impossible if you keep trying! The ladder has a lot of different individuals as one climbs to higher heights...call it the lounger challenge!🤷‍♀️
  7. I received a call from Celebrity about loungers and was told there would be none available due to safety reasons. Again, another ploy because someone did something, so we all have to be protected from ourselves...that’s why we have insurance. If someone decides to stand on a lounger and gets hurt, why should we all suffer?
  8. There are drawbacks from Celebrity’s insurance, so be very careful about what it does and does not cover. The Trip Insurance Store is very helpful and Steve, Kim etc. do a good job of explaining pre-existing conditions, as even a slight prescription change can negate a policy from paying. It is so important to educate yourself before booking anything, so glad you are putting in the research. Celebrity keeps changing the rules, yet should abide by those under which you book. If you are booking through Celebrity, make sure you get a hard copy before you hang up the phone and make sure this is what you paid. Good Luck! ***I wanted to add that if you purchase your own outside insurance, you need to make sure that each one of you is insured for the amount shown on your cruise contract in case something happens. Celebrity is very creative with their costs, so amounts per person can be very different. You do not need to insure your port fees or taxes with your insurance. Booking within a certain number of days also allows you to just pay on the deposit, then add to it, usually before final payment. I like having policy where I can add extra coverage for under $10 pp for medical, as pricing are soaring everywhere.
  9. I couldn’t wait to do my first b2b in Europe, but it did seem to be quite longer than I had imagined. It really helped to plan some land time either before or after the cruises, as that saved me. Never in a million years would I have thought that because I actually wanted to do part of a world cruise. Life is all about surprises and being able to monitor and adjust. Sounds like you have some wonderful adventures forthcoming...enjoy!😍
  10. I loved E class on Beyond in Europe; however, my Beyond cruise in the Caribbean was so underwhelming that I could not believe it was the same ship. That’s on me, as I should have known better! There are so many choices out there, so hopefully you will find those that are a much better fit for you. At least you did experience some good things!
  11. I am sorry about your experience with the representative, as this is all too common with Celebrity. Since it appears that you do not have a TA, you are fully in charge of this situation, so hopefully you can someone from Celebrity who can actually help and knows the rules. Is your vet able to advise you on your dog’s leg in order for you to make a better decision? I totally understand your situation, as we have always put our dogs first. On one TA, we had a $4,000 vet bill as our Kelsey had to stay at the animal hospital quite a few nights. Anyway, hope you can find a responsible customer service agent who can help with your situation. It looks like you know the rules, but it never hurts to be sure and receive the paper-work(cancelation hardcopy)while still on the phone. Good Luck!
  12. I believe to increase profits by replacing with Ascent in Europe, as did not need another ship. My guess only.
  13. Congratulations on your doctoral programs and graduations. I missed mine by about 6 hours, as did my DH. However, that was a very long time ago and we were both employed full time. Your kitties are adorable and thanks for adopting. Hope you have a wonderful cruise, as you both so deserve this. I did the same last December on Beyond, but have been a little unhappy that she is not permitted outside the Caribbean. Beyond was fantastic in Europe. Hope you can do Europe in the future, after you get that house and tie the knot, but of course that is your choice! Relax and enjoy!
  14. You cannot see both sides of the ship whether you are in a Sunset Suite or Sunset Veranda, but will have a 180 degree view. I never remember smelling fumes at all, but that might have to do with a variety of things like wind, turning etc. I only remember slight vibrations when porting due to the engine; soot has never been an issue. My second choice of a cabin would always be an SV combined with a suite for a b2b. Love Sunset Suites as my first choice. I do not cruise the Caribbean, so my experience is from Europe, which I have done many, many times.
  15. I enjoy the Celebrity product, especially in a suite, but Lumanie, IMHO, needs a new menu. My time spent in an SV was very enjoyable too, especially combining a suite with an SV for a b2b in Europe. I enjoy the OVC, but only early when it first opens for breakfast and/or lunch. In 2025, I have a PH on Oceania that I chose for the itinerary and a smaller ship experience; I have no idea how that will compare to Celebrity, but after he cruise comes a wonderful visit to Algarve, Portugal! Food is very subjective, so not being a picky eater is a benefit. I have not been on NCL in a few decades for various reasons, but I do want to venture out and it seems that Celebrity does not mind at bit if I spend my money elsewhere, especially those employees who work off the ship and service bookings. Onboard is a completely different story and a great experience overall. I have two cruises booked on her next year...TA/b2b. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
  16. Many times it is one’s frame of mind about class systems; some want it, while others couldn't care less. For me it all depends on price, itinerary, cruise line and time of year. However, I agree that we all have different wants when cruising, but need to thoroughly research, as much as possible, to understand what’s available and not onboard. Expectations play such an important part. When cruising with friends, I have a different mind set than when just my DH and I cruise. Thank goodness we are all different! Thanks so much for sharing your personal perspective!
  17. Oh no...hope it is just taking a little hiatus, but Israel is most likely the issue. I am sorry, as we went a couple of years ago, almost a year from the beginning of the war. Just so sad!
  18. Istanbul...how exciting and in beautiful weather too. Just you and the queen cruising together and enjoying that wonderful mother-daughter time on the high seas with😀 special treatment too!
  19. Yes, this happened way before MoveUp spread its wings, starting our suite experiences! Celebrity hooked us with this one $300 upcharge! We became believers, but a bit disenchanted today. We did get a couple of traditional MoveUps to suites with b2b’s suite and SV bookings. Just today, I received some OBC from the OBC fairy, I guess...not questioning this at all, but spent it fast🫢
  20. You must be the exception; however, I was able to move from concierge to what is now called a sunset suite for 150 pp on a long Med cruise. The room attendant/butler was pretty much MIA, but not an issue at all. My DH and I just were happy to sit on our balcony and feel blessed.
  21. Actually, I have yet to gamble in the casino, but do know a few who have received “free cruises,” no emphasis on free. However, I definitely do need to get in there and see what’s going on and pick up a few pointers. Furthermore, I a mesmerized by wheels and not getting any younger, as I write this. Well, I got a "free suite" by selling shares of RCL stock. Having a few hundred and selling some, along with keeping some worked for me! I am sure that many of you have done that too. 🤷‍♀️ I just do not want a free Caribbean cruise, but any place in Europe is fine! Celebrity, are you listening? Oh and hold the butter!
  22. I found a cabin I loved, so wanted to book it and pay the difference…usually not an issue. Supervisor said she would do it. Corporate said I should be able to do it too. I booked a GTY because that was only available and was told again that I could move and pay extra. However, I was not allowed to, so I am posting just to make people aware. The ship is almost totally full and is not past the 90 days either…I am sure it will eventually work out, but no one up the ladder could tell me why. It is sometimes a royal pain to be a why person that just wants to understand. I hope this explains it to you. Thanks for asking me to explain too!
  23. I am glad it worked out for you! This is the way it is suppose to happen. I have been able to change any cabin/suite in the same class, or pay a fee if upgrade,as I always book suites and choose my preferred suite, but wasn’t paying 50,000 pp for a suite on Ascent. My cruise is on Ascent, so a complexly different situation. You got someone who played by their rules. You were lucky that it worked way it should work. Had you gotten newbies on the phone, who knows what would have happened. I have been with Celebrity for decades and use a TA; you did not have a TA involved, so sometimes easier, like in your case and most likely you were past the 90 day mark too? Not apples to apples at all. Yes, enjoy and keep booking suites! In my case, Celebrity tried for 30 min with my TA on the phone with no luck, so just another twist in Celebrity, not even allowing a change when paying more. I talked with corporate and was told this should not have happened to me, but it did several times.
  24. I booked a GTY concierge class cabin, then wanted to pay extra and move to another non-GTY cabin. GTY was the only cabin class available! My cabin was not assigned yet. The supervisor tried for 30 minutes to make the change with my TA, but it would not allow me to move. There is no reason why this should happen, but for some unknown reason it did. You should be able to change suites in the same category, or pay to move to a different category at the prevailing price. I will not ever book a GTY gain due to my personal experience. You have always been able to stay in the same category and make a change, so this “should not” be an issue.
×
×
  • Create New...

If you are already a Cruise Critic member, please log in with your existing account information or your email address and password.