PS90

 

 

 

I saw one posted on someone else's photo site at: http://schplinky.smugmug.com/Solstice-2010/Bar-Menus/12454637_Aaaum#891894624_SCNbe

Thanks very much for the menu. Does anyone know if the coffee selections on that menu under the "Other Favorites" section (pages 5 and 6 on the link above) are included in the Premium Non-alcoholic package? Some of those listed, such as the "Espresso ai Frutti di Bosco" and the "Espresso Croccante" (and most of them on page 6) don't seem like they would count as drinks, although I must admit that I have never heard of these before. They are listed on the Beverage Package Sticky Thread, though...

Thanks!

The subject of what is a "specialty coffee" has actually been the subject of many discussions here on cruise critic. Celebrity even has an FAQ on the question which indicates that the specialty coffees for the non-alcoholic package include alcohol which not only doesn't make sense but I know cruisers who have found that the alcoholic coffee drinks were not included on their non-alcoholic packages despite the FAQ on the web site. No one seems to know for sure what a "specialty coffee" is nor how it differs from a "premium coffee". I suspect that it was just a term made up by some marketing person who wrote the copy for the beverage package descriptions and that no one at Celebrity really knows what this means. In other words a complete disconnect from the ships on this. I'm guessing the FAQ came up because at one point the term "specialty coffee" was used to describe coffee drinks, like Irish Coffee, on coupons given to some Captains Club members for use at the specialty restuarants, but I don't think it was what the marketing people creating the non-alcoholic beverage packages had in mind.

Thanks, Larry. My understanding of this issue is exactly the same as yours. In other words, no one knows right now. :(

To me, one of the biggest reasons to go on vacation is to NOT have to worry about anything. My job is stressful enough at home, and I don't want to do any addition/multiplication of bar bills in my head, and I certainly don't want to worry about paying a bunch more money after-the-fact.

That in itself is a big reason that I like all-inclusive resorts, and (if I could afford it) the luxury cruise lines that are also all-inclusive.

I have never used a beverage package other than a simple soda package, but I am doing the Premium NA package on our upcoming Solstice cruise, and will be happy with that decision even if we don't make up the cost difference (and Celebrity will probably be happy if we don't, as well:)).

No offense to any particular poster in this thread, but when I read online-reviews about anything, including reviews of a cruiseship or cruiseline, I will ALWAYS ignore both the "super-glowing" reviews, as well as the "this ship was absolutely horrible" reviews. That way, IMO, you will dismiss the reviews made by people with either underlying agendas, or who are extremely picky. That's simply my humble advice - take it or leave it.

Myself, I love Celebrity, and will always sail Celebrity unless there is a good reason to sail on a different cruiseline - such as a big discount or much better itinerary, etc. The food, service, "flow" of the ships, etc. are all much better than Princess and RCI (the only others that I have sailed). That's not to say that it's always been absolutely perfect, but there has never been a problem that I couldn't live with, or wasn't fixed properly, or that would make me abandon Celebrity.

You are absolutely right, I usually do cite the web site or some other source however in this case it is so obvious that the web site is not followed that you have to be a realist. If you will notice when I do cite the web site, I rarely put in my personal opinion and usually give a disclaimer.

 

No offense taken, actually a very good and insightful question.

 

As to the first point, I think most were giving their opinion of what should be done according to the web site and their own personal opinions, not reality.

I completely agree, Don.

My feeble point was that some people who have not cruised (or like me, have never eaten in the MDR in the mornings) would read the website statement not allowing t-shirts in the MDR and therefore dress-up for breakfast in the mornings, and thus be annoyed that they had read that t-shirts weren't allowed - but everyone else (seasoned cruisers, at least) had a t-shirt on.

So, in conclusion, once again CC has helped me out with something I didn't know. :D

Its really simple, regardless what the web site says, passengers have been going to the MDR for YEARS in t shirts and shorts. I just can't understand why some can't deal with the reality of the situation....Celebrity realizes that passengers do not want to get dressed up to go to breakfast and then return to throw on shorts and t shirts for daytime activites. There really isn't an argument on this subject...

I agree to some extent, Don, but I beg to differ that "there really isn't an argument on this subject", since there are posts right in this thread (although, granted, they seem to be the minority) that do NOT agree that t-shirts should be allowed in the MDR in the mornings.

BTW, Don, and I certainly mean no offense because I absolutely do respect your position on this board, but aren't you the guy that always comes on these threads and recites the written rules, while making a point to not give an opinion? Because in this case, you seem to be doing the opposite.

Once again, there seems to be a disconnect between "real-life" on an X cruise ship, and X's written "rules".

Judging by this thread, it seems the majority of posters don't see a problem with a t-shirt in the MDR for breakfast/lunch, but I also agree with drafj7 - that the website states that t-shirts are not to be in the MDR ever.

So which is it? :confused: I'm actually more a buffet-in-the-morning-kind-of-guy, so I can't comment from experience, but it sure makes me understand why these dress-code threads keep popping up...

Consider yourself Smart for sailing with Celebrity. Sorry that anyone would consider themselves dumb. Smart Casual is a term that Celebrity uses to describe the attire accepted.

I know. I'z just kiddin' around... ;)

So I can't wear dumb casual:D

If the "smart" part of smart casual is meant to describe the person wearing the casual clothes, then I have no choice but to go dumb casual. :o

And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one...