elh1

Have my first and maybe last RCCL cruise in the next few weeks.  Less service more costs, no exception for those who are already booked.  Tired of add ons increasing between booking and cruising, i.e. higher food/bev pricing, now tips.  Really think my future cruises will be all inclusive lines or at least bookings that include the add-ons I want in the initial booking.  Hate to start a cruise feeling treated poorly.

Great to hear all the positive comments, definitely looking forward to it!

Thanks for all the responses!  Cabin ending in xx662.  Looking closer at the deck plans on public floors it does look like the entrance to the elevator/stairs are in the center of the ship, not directly in the hallways.  I think we'll keep it🙂,  it will convenient.  On our last cruise on Celebrity Beyond we had an aft cabin which was quite a hike to the elevator/stairs.  While I don't mind walking I felt I was always interrupting numerous cabin stewards who were hard at work and would stop stop to greet me or make room for me as I walked by.  Looks like the Harmony also doesn't have very many sets of elevators/stairs so it will be nice to be near one.

Just checked in for my 12/3 cruise on Harmony and see that my guaranteed balcony cabin assigned is directly across from the elevator.  Anybody know how much noise from the stairs/elevator we will hear?  Debating whether to bid on an upgrade.

Thanks for clearing this up.  So not really “My” time dining then 🤨

3 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Typically the earliest is 6:45 or 7:00.  There won't be anything earlier as all 3 restaurants are used for early seating.  Once those people leave is when MTD starts. 

We are going on Harmony which I thought had a dedicated restaurant for fixed dining. So not sure.

Hi all, Planning for our first RCCL cruise in December.  We are anytime dining, when I try to book a reservation they start at 7:15, will earlier reservations open up at a later date?  I really would like to eat earlier, but don't want to wait too long to reserve if the times ~7 will be booked.  Or do we just show up when we want and wait for a table?

On 3/4/2022 at 8:12 PM, capsplace said:

Funny thing though is just how many suite guests actually switch off Luminae and eat in Blu, which fills up Blu, unfortunately for Aqua class passengers.  

Yes, we are guilty of trying Blu the one time we stayed in a suite (Equinox).  Had heard such great things about it and wanted to give it a try.  But  it was mobbed, very close tables, incredibly loud and slow service.  The food was so-so.  Remember feeling so bad for the staff, they were literally running from table to table.  So probably won't be trying Blu again, especially if they are giving priority to suites over Blu dedicated guests.  Should really be open to others on space available basis, I had thought that was the practice.  For Luminae we really enjoyed it for the food, great service and peaceful spacious atmosphere.  Agree the menu is someone limited, but we are not picky and enjoy trying new things.  Looking forward to trying the four main dining rooms on our next cruise (Beyond).

Thanks for the advice!  I will call and see what if anything I can do.  Would consider upgrading to OV depending on cost.  

We had booked  a guarantee cabin for a fall 2022 New England cruise on the Summit back in February. I recently checked the booking and see that I was assigned a cabin a year in advance.  Is this unusual to assigned so far in advance? It is the very last cabin in the back of the ship in the lowest category.  Is there any way to change to other cabins in this category that are open, probably not as it is a guarantee I know.  Also do the one category upgrade for Captains Club members apply to guarantees?  This is the first inside that we are trying and it is a longish cruise and I'm wondering if maybe I should rebook another cruise or if there is any flexibility in this one.  I was just surprised (and ultimately somewhat disappointed) that my cabin number is showing this early.

All good points!  I guess just wishful thinking on my part 😊

Just wondering if Celebrity is changing its alcohol policy under Always Included.  Since there is no longer a disincentive to Celebrity for passengers to bring their own alcohol on board (except for wine corkage fees) thought they may now allow it.  Just would be nice to relax in my room with a drink that I made myself without having to go to a bar to get one.  Has anyone heard anything?

Thanks for the suggestions. We plan to tour Rome for a few days before we leave, but there is still plenty more to see and maybe we can fit something in.  

We are debarking the Sky Princess November 10th in Rome.  Our flight isn’t until 6 pm, I had scheduled a transfer pickup at 11:00 thinking we could debark around 9:30 and leisurely find our luggage and go through customs.  The ship is scheduled to arrive in port at 5 am.  Is this too late of a pick up, the transfer company seems to think so.  Will we be required to debark earlier? This is our first Princess cruise so not sure.  Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Erica

Thanks! Good to know.

We have elite on celebrity and are planning to book our first Rccl cruise.  Can I sign up for RCCL status before booking the RCCL cruise, which would allow for better discounts, or do I have to book first and then enroll in the RCCL program?  

Thanks,

Erica

Thanks all. We were able to buy the upgrade, and since we have previously tried the specialties, but not Luminae, I still think canceling is the better deal and will offset a chunk of upgrade costs. The agent said that he canceled the package, but we need to confirm onboard. First time in a suite, looking forward to it:cool::D!!

We had pre-purchased a specialty dining three night package. We were just offered a reasonable upgrade to a sky suite, had been concierge. If we did this I would want to cancel the specialty package since we'd have Luminae. Does anyone know if this is allowed?

Thanks!

Am on the equinox in two weeks and was really looking forward to finally seeing the glass show. Had been looking forward to it since they started , but of this class of ship I had only been on the reflection. So frustrating that I’m just missing it ☹️ Have been to the Corning glass museum in New York and it’s great.

Thanks for the information. Looks like select will be upstairs, so we will keep it. I called celebrity because I was unable to make select daily reservations online. They said it opens two days before sailing, so I’ll try again then or even start trying a few days before since two days is pretty close. I also asked for a table for two when I called since it wasn’t on our reservation. I don’t think that is something that can be done online either.

Thanks for the tip. If that is the case, I might switch because both early and late seatings of fixed dining are currently open about one month out, which may mean that most are choosing anytime.

Does anyone know whether the Equinox anytime dining is upstairs or downstairs in the main dining room (or do they not limit it to one location anymore)? We have a table for two anytime dining booked, but the fixed 6:00 would work for us as well and is open. If I remember correctly I liked the upstairs MDR better because it seemed more intimate, quieter and many tables for two overlooked the lower MDR, it just seemed more private. I'm afraid if I switch to fixed dining I'll be stuck at a table in a large open space each night. I'm sure I would enjoy it either way, but don't want regret my decision if I choose. Any knowledge or insights would be appreciated!

Just returned from HAL New England cruise. They shortened two ports by an hour, Quebec City and PEI, due to the speed restrictions. Saw some whales though from the ship:) not sure what kind.

I'm planning a cruise in the fall of 2018 to celebrate my retirement :D

Comparing Viking Grand European to Emeral Splendors of Europe. Both two week cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest or vise versa. Emerald includes tips and Viking right now includes airfare. Otherwise they appear roughly the same. Anyone sailed on both? Any suggestions welcome.

Has anyone had experience with this cruiseline? Their hiking river cruises sound interesting and will help to stay active while vacationing. Their prices seem reasonable and are pretty inclusive. The boats and staterooms appear modest, but I can live with that. Never river cruised before so don't know how to compare.