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On port intensive cruises, we book select. That gives us the flexibility to choose a dining time and/or location. In many instances we have gone to the MDR, but other times we have opted to go to the buffet - too tired from the day and just want al little something before preparing for the next day and crashing! As one who, on those days doesn't want to wait for room service, we go early and just catch something quick at the buffet.

Sloop JohnB gave some great advice.

Before your cruise begins, enjoy every minute in Barcelona. It is, perhaps, our very favorite place to spend several days pre or post cruise. Take the train to Montserrat or take in a music performance at Palau Musica. Spend some time at Segrada and Parc Guell. Enjoy the walk up and down Las Ramblas (with your hand over your purse!), visit the Boqueria, find some churros and chocolate in the old city and take the free (except a tip) Runnerbean walking tour. Then stop, sit on a park bench and conserve your energy for the next several intensive days in other ports. Wish we were going too:(

 

Since the stock is at an all time high, I expect the issue is to make more money, not stay in the black.

 

Am I sweating no, but I do notice.

I am with you. Changes since the new CEO took over and promised to raise profits, many things have changed. After all, prices for many/most cruises not booked as last minute deals have risen. As an example, our next cruise with a similar itinerary, same room category and #nights rose more than $400 pp within the last year. That, to me, covers any "extra" expenses the cruise line would endure with price increases for me. Extra charges for things like zumba and lack of some amenities that formerly were provided (none were that expensive but a nice touch IMO), decrease in wait and activity staff (that was verified on our last cruise in May), abolition of the brunch etc certainly has allowed Celebrity to recoup most of their increases - with the addition of increased fares, they MORE than came out even.

It is not sarcasm. I find it quite insulting to all those who are Elite Plus. A cruiser comes back and reports changes to what used to be the norm before "Modern Luxury".

 

It is not about the stuff you can get on any cruise line. It is about the continuos cuts, no matter how small to the cruise line that offered more than good service, a clean room and good food.

 

For those with a memory and Celebrity cruising experience the ambiance is slipping.

Am not elite, let alone elite plus and never intend to be, but the cuts have impacted everyone. The constant decrease in small items such as the chocolates just indicates how deeply Celebrity is cutting corners without seeing cuts as a problem. Does one minor item ruin my experience? Nope. However, the drastic number of constant cuts and changes decreasing service etc have become more than tiny and inconsequential within the last few years. We have one more trip to Europe scheduled for next year but we and friends are giving serious consideration regarding alternatives to cruises in the future.

Thank you I looooooooooooove ice cream. Not so keen on soft serve, one cruise the bride and I spent most of a day in port trying to find some.

There's usually 5 or 6 flavors daily in the buffet area and one is a specialty flavor (meaning rum raisin or several others changed daily), in addition to some regular flavors like butter pecan, strawberry etc) Best to check fairly early to see what they'll have, as there's tons of people who seek the ice cream out daily:D Can have a dish or cone with other items.

Oatmeal cookies in Al Bacio are my favorite & I think they must be a crowd pleaser, as they often are the first to empty. You can eat at the tables/chairs there or they'll give you a couple to take with you!

We are debating between Silhouette and Allure. We have sailed the Solstice class a couple times and they are our favourite ships but recognize we sailed during holiday periods where the crowd tends to be younger. When we sailed, the average age was early 50's and most of the music/entertainment was geared to that age group which worked for us (we are mid 40's). This time we are looking at sailing without our kids in late November or early December which I know is the low season and were wondering if that would mean an older crowd (not that there is anything wrong with that, we just might enjoy Allure a little more in that case).

I fully understand your question and its relationship to passenger ages. IMO Celebrity skews toward an older population than Allure does. What that might mean on ships when schools are in session is perhaps fewer travelers your own age range. Celebrity would likely be quieter, especially late at night.

As you say, nothing wrong with variety of ages, but given the age range on most cruises we have taken that time of year, there will be others your same age range but the majority will be older and the ship will likely be quieter..............

We are looking at taking a trans-Atlantic cruise next April. I was just wondering if these cruises are especally dressy or do they tend to be a bit more casual because most people will have to travel light for the flight home.

We will be going on our 4th TA next year. You will see all kinds of dress from casual and up for dinner. All nights except formals (likely there will be three), women wear slacks, short dresses etc. Men often wear khakis and polo shirts, or button downs. Some wear jackets even on casual nights.

Formal nights you'll see anything from women in slacks with jackets or rather fancy (sometimes) shirts and blouses to long or short gowns. First cruise, one lady had a huge hoop dress that was pretty comical, since she really couldn't fit between tables or sit down. Last cruise, two women who operated a dress shop in Europe, came dressed every night in a different gown, parasol etc. They came down the long staircase from the 2nd story of the MDR, posed for pictures and then went somewhere:confused: Never saw them eat. Last time there were two men at our dining table and formal night one wore a sports jacket and the other a suit, same jacket and suit all three nights. You'll see some in tuxes and many not..

Packing is a challenge. We have learned that we take one basic color of slacks and skirts for evening wear and several different blouses/jackets that match both - always wear outfits to nightly dinner at least a couple times.

I would suggest that you go to a few roll calls for next Spring and ask this same question. It is likely that the majority of people on those roll calls are seasoned TA cruisers and they have lots of suggestions and advice.

This is where I learned that I absolutely love escargot. I am so disappointed now when they don't have it available on the menu. I never order it at home....cannot even find a place where I go where they serve it around home. On a cruise....the best!!

They have had escargot our last two cruises - one in November last year and the other this year in May. Available every night in MDR

Lol, I can't believe people are taking you seriously! :D brilliant

Second this! What a hoot.................

I can't argue that I have never seen shorts in the MDR on the first night, but overwhelmingly you will not see them and technically the maître d' does not have to admit you if you wear them. Sometimes, if the luggage has been delayed and the sailing is fairly early they will close their eyes to this requirement. If the sailing is late and all the luggage has been delivered, I would not count on being able to wear shorts, particularly if you have second seating.

On April cruise, it was announced that there was no dress code in the MDR the first night as luggage would be late getting to rooms. Nobody had to close their eyes, as it was the policy of the cruiseline. This isn't the first time it has happened with us, and in those instances have seen several in shorts. We take 1st night clothing in carry on that we bring on the ship but many others do not.

A Factor is the 'FREE' Liquor Packages. In reality they are not 'FREE' since the price is raised to account for the Liquor Packages. Nothing is FREE as you pay in one way or the other. X must be making money using this 'FREE' package. If not they would not be offering it. JMHO!

Exactly. Last year when they introduced the "free" 123 deal, we had already booked. Several on the cruise called and asked about the "deal" which turned out to be, for us, $400 more a person if we changed to include the free deal. Since we rarely drink, it was a no-brainer.

Just my opinion that Celebrity has raised prices to compensate for giving away a portion of the normal $$ they would receive if passengers paid the full prices of the package.

Comparing a similar itinerary we took this year to one we booked for next year was nearly $400 more a person, same room, same class ship.

That does help; thank you! I wonder if that factored into the early MDR seating being full already. It seemed like there were many staterooms still available, but that seating is already wait listed.

 

I was hoping they weren't going to get rid of Bistro on Five to make room for the suite dining. It seems like the bistro would be a nice option to have.

Could be the reason or now:confused: My suggestion to you is to contact Celebrity and be wait-listed for early dining if that is what you really want. Between now and your sailing, there's likely several who will cancel before final payment.

Have also just emailed the Webissues department - bet that's a big section !!

Oh yes, and the lone HE or SHE in that department will surely get back to you within the next year, or two.

This would be funny but has been a constant problem since Mr Bailey took the helm. Resolution in resolving constant problems on the website was acknowledged but has never been resolved. In fact, problems have increased. Ridiculous that people have problems booking, seeing past bookings (mine disappear weekly), inability to view excursions (been there, done that one too) are more than frustrating. The silence of resolution to this major, inexcusable problem is deafening.

On the cruises that I have been on there are a few cooking demos. The chefs from the various restaurants and sections (pastry) show their stuff.

As part of these demos, each chef gives his CV. They have all studied at major culinary institutes or under renowned chefs.

RE: multiple servings, you could have asked your waiter if you could try 2 or more desserts or entrees or apps. The worst that could have happened is that he would say sorry, no. My father used to say"don't ask for anything, and you won't get anything."

Always attend the cooking competitions and the galley tour. The head chef is always there and explains his background. In addition, the daily where the main officers are listed with a short biography, usually always gives the head chef's background. They are also usually very evident around the ship and are more than approachable. Last two cruises in the last year were on different sips, yet the head chef was the same. Terrific man, wicked sense of humor and was always asking those sailing what they thought and asked for suggestions.

Re: Multiple servings - has always been the case and I have never seen a request turned down. Waiters simply do not have the time to explain this to every customer.

A chef is only as good as to the quality that is being purchase. If the quality is not good he can only do so much. Example is prime meat taste way better then select. I think what Celebrity uses in there specialty restaurent is USDA choice. In the MDR it's something less then choice. Also there are different grades of choice. No where on there ships do they serve prime meat. The steaks in the MDR. Are terrible and no chef can make it any better.

While I concur that a chef is only as good as the quality of meat, produce etc that he is given. I disagree about the MDR. A couple years ago we had one cruise where I would agree. However the two long cruises we took within the past year have far exceeded our expectations. Steak was wonderful and prime rib among the top 5 I have ever had. Perhaps they changed their supplier but I would never hesitate to have MDR steaks in the future. I am not talking everyday menu steak, but rather one of the special daily entrees.

Guys, the size of the sample meets the industry standard for pollsters so it is not the 127 that really matters, it is the fact that 85% of those polled don't like it. In my mind, that is too clear a trend to be dismissed without further investigation.

You are spot on. Surely the majority feeling is that people should be able to enjoy the majestic beauty of Alaska without music blaring. I know that a few who have responded always enjoy the loud music. I appreciate that when appropriate (music in the atrium etc). I simply do NOT want this experience to be ruined outdoors watching in quiet.

We just returned from an Alaska cruise on the Pacific Princess with a day spent in Glacier Bay. While we missed several things about Celebrity, we did not miss the very loud canned music. I can't imagine seeing this beautiful day of glaciers with music blaring.

I can't imagine it either. Since the above topic and complaint was exposed on this forum and after reading tons of reviews and articles on Alaska, that Princess holds high esteem for Alaskan cruises, excursions and peace and quiet on decks while in Alaska, we have changed our plans and will not be going on Celebrity for the first time in cruising history. Instead, we will try Princess and enjoy the quiet and solitude where it should be experienced.

To each his own, but will use my time and dime for a cruise ore suited to what we expect on this wilderness cruise.

Booking air through Celebrity, you don't need travel insurance. The way it was explained to me before I bought it the other day, Celebrity guarantees your arrival and if there are any delays, food, hotel, new flights, and any luggage problems are fully covered.

 

It made the difference for me.

The travel insurance would cover you if you had to cancel the flight and the trip.

Think we have settled on the Eclipse for this holidays, 14 days leaving December 21 to the Southern Caribbean.

 

Do we need to know/do anything special given this is the holidays? Restaurant reservations in advance? We would like to have early seating in the MDR each day (we have young kids) - is that something I can call and request now?

 

regarding beverages, we drink perhaps 2 mixed drinks and 1-2 soft drinks total per day (we are not big drinkers) so I see no reason for a beverage package, agreed?

 

Anything else to know or think of?

If you have already booked, your dining time should be noted on your reservation. Whether early, late or flex dining is your choice as long as that time isn't completely booked already. If your reservation doesn't have a time, call Celebrity or your TA now. DO NOT WAIT!

I would say you really don't need a drink package for a few drinks a day. However, given that soda is about $3 a can, you might want to consider bringing your own with you the day of embarkation. You can bring soda, water and juice

You will see daytime dresses, beach maxi dresses, cocktail dresses, pants and tops and some formal gowns. In other words...everything.

We have experienced the same. Far fewer formal gowns than other dresses and decent slacks/tops

Just make sure, whatever you buy, that the carry-on now conforms to the new smaller airline standards that some have enacted within the last few months. Two of ours no longer meet the regulations by 1/2 inch and many are checking!

Has anyone else noticed the change over the last four to five years?

 

Thanks in advance!

You surely aren't being imperialistic with your question. Service, to me, does not mean that you MUST go and get your own drinks etc, especially when it is touted that this wait service is available.

Noticed more than a slight change on the Constellation in April and May. Staff in pool area was marginal, at best. Many times there might have been one person in the pool area, and this was on a fully booked cruise. Since we rarely drink, it wasn't that great of a bother; however, I would be far from impressed if I wanted the service fairly frequently.

Lack of staff in the MDR was obvious and confirmed by more than one waiter. It is what it is and is and cannot be considered a myth when a fair number of people have reported the same.

Second hand smoke is extremely troubling to some people.

 

Celebrity has a clearly-stated smoking policy and I think it is up to them to come down hard on those who think they can just ignore the rules. Celebrity has the tools, they just have to enforce them on a three-strikes-you're-out basis:

 

1. a serious warning

2. a significant fine applied to their onboard account

3. being put off the ship.

 

Part of the cruise contract that we sign should be a very clear acceptance of these terms. Frankly, if they get everyone to sign a clearly-worded cruise contract on the subject of smoking, Celebrity should be able to go straight to #2 at the first infraction.

 

If Celebrity had to pay the client the difference between an ocean view cabin and whatever the passenger paid for their balcony cabin, for the number of days they were deprived of their balcony, I think they would ramp up their enforcement game in a hurry. After all, if you can't go out on your balcony because of the smokers next door, what you have, in effect, is an ocean view cabin.

Exactly and brilliant suggestions. I, too, would have been extremely ticked at the situation.

Wonder if the OP was trying to sleep with the balcony does open. Isn't that a violation in itself?

Huh:confused: Why assume this scenario when there was nothing whatsoever to suggest this........................

If Celebrity didn't charge a heavy premium for a single I could see the possibility that some couples would be tempted to take separate adjoining cabins. They would gain an extra bathroom, closet and double balcony at a minimum cost. This possibility would cut deeply into revenues. The question for me is: How much premium do they need to charge to discourage this possibility?

I agree with you that some people would get two cabins.

While I can agree with a fare that is 1.5 times the rate of a couple, I refuse to pay 2 times the cost - I usually eat once of twice a day on a cruise but instead pay for eating for two people. That's the part that really irritates me.

We generally take two hours for dinner, what's the rush.

OP just wants to make sure they have plenty of time for dinner before the show.

I would be there at 6 p.m. sharp and would give at least 2 hours. We have found select can be faster unless all the diners have multiple choices. However, we have had dinners for 8 that have taken 2.5 hours. In our April TA, they moved first seating to 5:30 for traditional dining. Most nights we were not out of the dining room until close to 8. Takes longer now that the assistant waiters have little involvement

I thought I had read elsewhere on here that you can't bring on Coke?

My sister always brings coke and has never had a problem.

And to further a previous comment, yes, the crew might be more willing to overlook inability to meet the dress code due to luggage being not delivered - especially for the early seating. But if you are able to dress accordingly, it is polite to do so. First dining on an early sail does tend to be more casual regardless, so of all your outfits I would wear the most casual that night. Enjoy your cruise!!

Cruise in April/May they announced that the dress code was casual for everyone that night because of luggage. Didn't see one person dressed up that night.

I have heard that the activities staff has been the area effected. This is just what I have heard. My guess is they have 4-5 people per ship so losing one person here would be a 25 to 20 percent reduction of staff in that area using my 4-5 staffing number pre slot elimination.

 

Thanks for your effort!

The activities staff has certainly been impacted by the decrease in staff. On our April-May 2014 cruise, that staff had been cut to just 3 positions. This was discussed during one trivia session when that was one of the questions. One of the three left was the DJ, which left the majority of activities under the guide of just two exhausted individuals. Of course activity offerings had decreased significantly from our cruise 5 months prior to that, as there just weren't enough hands to go around. Interesting in one trivia session, a band member filled in and, unfortunately, questions were all music/music theory directed. Wasn't a blast for sure.

Obvious on the April/May cruise, was increased workload for waiters, while assistant waiters were not often seen or available. Fortunately our waiter was the best of the best, but he was far more overworked than usual. We actually asked several waiters during that cruise where the assistants were much of the time & wondered if our assistant was just AOL most of the time. Whether the answer we got was accurate or not, it was the general answer we got. We were told that the assistants now have been given additional duties in the kitchen, as they shared washing dishes. Frankly this was a drastic change from other sailings, and so significant that, since we rarely saw the assistant, that individual was not given tips by the entire table of 8. Instead, everyone increased the usual tips to the waiter, as he did 98% of the work.

In our recent experience, the Sommelier was readily available every night

Can anyone tell me if they have any free wifi on the Silhouette? I doubt it but reading their website its kind of confusing.

 

thank you

NOPE and as has been discussed, internet is often very slow. Likely you'll have cheaper or free access when in ports