CU64

Usually the discounted first night is sold out.

I would not try to prebook unless you have a specific day and time & are celebrating an occasion. Go to the specialty rest when you get on the ship and see what times are available for whatever day you choose. They can usually find something. Often the restaurant not full because they are short staffed & stop reservations.

On 2/13/2023 at 9:55 AM, doodlefan said:

Thanks

I think he was probably a good waiter but working without an assistant most of the time and serving 3 larger tables, he was doomed to failure.  There was no way he could do all the running, serving etc and have things hot.  He seemed very experienced and very apologetic when  we brought the cold soup to his attention.  Maybe it came from the kitchen that way, who knows.  He did seem to know his stuff, just was overworked.  But I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt so I could be too lenient as well.  But the food offerings were a big issue too.  Definitely noticeable cutbacks.

I make a habit of taking a cocktail made at the World Class Bar, with me, to the dining room. A better pour, classy service, and I have a drink at the table. We have never experienced your bad luck with service in the MDR. After Covid, I have cruised 4 times…all out of West Coast in ships not full. 3 on Princess & 1 on Celebrity. We are going on Eclipse to New Zealand in March. We are both independent people & not use to be waiting on unless we go out to a restaurant. Therefore, if something is missing, we get it for ourselves. …we have not had anything really inconvenient happen ( like our toilet not working); your towel situation is very unusual….maybe a laundry problem ?

         We are happy to be on the open sea, fresh air, no cooking, no cleaning, gym, meeting new people, hanging out with no requirements….we rarely used RS, enjoy no smoking casino, and will surely manage to adapt to dinner OV if we choose to dine there.

On 2/6/2023 at 1:08 PM, Ozwoody said:

 

Yes, but why is there any government protocols for cruising, but not for anything else, not even hospitals?
Gastro is just as contagious, even in some cases result in deaths, same as covid but no protocols for it?
State government can instigate what ever health measures they think necessary on health risks at the time, why can’t cruise ships be able to do that if a risk is identified?

 

I wonder if there would be less infections, if the people didn’t feel they didn’t have to cover it up, because they fear going into a week or more of isolation, until tested negative, rather than just have no symptoms.

 

Biggest problem with health on ships, is people refusing to wash their hands, especially when entering the buffet areas. Wouldn’t it be better if cruise companies policed hand hygiene more actively, making it a condition of travel, and making the failure to comply a cancellation of cruise, after say two-three warnings about not complying, and disembarkation at the next port, same as they do with other serious misbehaviour? If you get agro at someone and behave badly, they will disembark you at the next port, isn’t disregard to other cruise’s health just as bad?

 

I may be having a bit of a rant, but I believe people should be made to be responsible, when their behaviour can seriously affect other people.
 

Biggest health problem is not washing hands after using the toilet. Period.

5 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

The older generations calling the younger generations more entitled is nothing new

The younger generation is not a high percentage of cruisers. I was referring to the current demographic on most cruises. 

15 hours ago, kirtihk said:

Again, people do it all the time for years and years.  Why preventing it just now?  Strange timing.  Didn't any business concern about waste until just now? 

I believe that Covid lockdowns, no cruising, loss of revenue, staffing issues, particularly with fuller ships ..merits a restructuring of food delivery and waste. I also believe that the cruising culture is more entitled now which has not helped the situation.

16 hours ago, terrydtx said:

That same meeting the rep said the charge for room service was also to cut down waste and the needless use of understaffed crew to deliver the RS.  Too many abused RS and order things they never eat and would leave the full plates outside their cabins. Just walk down the hallways early in the morning to see what is left outside the cabins from the night before.

I am not surprised about this. Always thought RS was abused because it was “free.”

14 minutes ago, cw2go said:

 

1~ I actually replied in the very beginning, I was in no way trying to be being "ugly" I thought the OP had made a mistake posting on this board and meant to post in NCL. Their reply told me all I needed to know. They are clearly relying on decades old cruising experiences/knowledge that sadly no longer applies. Cruising isn't what it once was, we all agree on that! Starting a thread claiming illegal actions, imo is "ugly" 

 

2~ There are many threads regarding how unhappy people are with these changes. As a matter of fact one was locked down yesterday that was calling out all the negativity on this board since Jan 1st (when the changes went into effect) Many have posted they've booked with other cruise lines, Oceania is mentioned often. 

 

3~ Since gratuties are now added at the time of booking for specialties, your final statement makes no matter. I assume even prior to the changes many didn't tip extra so that could be just one of the reasons for this change as well. 

 

Patty 

We cruised in October on Solstice and one couple of 3 at our table, went to CS on Friday night & asked that the auto gratuities be removed so she could tip our waiter ( she was embarrassed because her good friends at the table, and us, all were tipping for great, fun table and service.) They were not hurting for money. Yet, there you go…..some people pay for a cruise and decide anything “extra” is something they just don’t want to do !

5 hours ago, Guppy99 said:

"conveniently forgets"?   what are you implying?

Some people do not use RS even for breakfast so they are not concerned with a menu being continental, expanded, enhanced, et al. If one is in a concierge cabin, sometimes the RS menu is expanded. If only the regular RS menu is on desk, one needs to request expanded menu from Steward.

I doubt the poster was “implying” anything. 
        The only real correct information on here is what existed on each person’s individual cruise. Sometimes, inconsistent services apply when humans are involved. Staff does not always know what services are suppose to apply to each cabin. Not everyone thinks, or knows, to ask for something….so the assumption is that it does not exist. 

        Depending on individual personalities, and or demeanor, often those folks may get services that are not listed on their cabin status. It pays to be pleasant, grateful and non entitled. 

5 hours ago, CU64 said:

We cruised Celebrity Solstice last Oct, 2022, RT Los Angeles, Mexico itinerary. We were in Concierge cabin and had a free expanded RS menu. This was before Jan 1, 2023 changes. We are traveling Celebrity Eclipse in March to New Zealand in a C2. I have read that some RS changes have not materialized on this itinerary. However, I am certain that any new RS charges will not affect our normal behavior while cruising.

FYI The wording used on Celebrity description of “services for concierge cabin”…..is ENHANCED RS breakfast menu.

15 hours ago, terrydtx said:

Where is this stated? The app shows three Room Services, Room Service, Aqua Class room service and Suites room service, not a Concierge class room service listed. 

Also nothing about any expanded room service for Concierge on the Celebrity website, see below:

We cruised Celebrity Solstice last Oct, 2022, RT Los Angeles, Mexico itinerary. We were in Concierge cabin and had a free expanded RS menu. This was before Jan 1, 2023 changes. We are traveling Celebrity Eclipse in March to New Zealand in a C2. I have read that some RS changes have not materialized on this itinerary. However, I am certain that any new RS charges will not affect our normal behavior while cruising.

4 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 I have a more simplistic approach.   If I want the convenience of room service and there is a fee for it, then I am paying for that convenience.   If I do not want to pay for the convenience then I do not order. 

 

Precisely 

8 hours ago, terrydtx said:

I do not believe there has ever been an expanded room service menu for Concierge class, it has been for Aqua class and Suites for at least the last 2 years.

Yes, there IS an expanded RS menu for breakfast in concierge. 
 

On 1/26/2023 at 12:48 PM, DesertRat46 said:

I'm beginning to think I made a big mistake...I booked a TA for April, my first Celebrity cruise since early 2019, and was not aware of all the cutbacks. 

Did 3 cruises on HAL in 2022 and never had to pay for room service breakfasts. I'm past final payment, so i guess I'm stuck with a sub-par experience.

This is a ridiculous misrepresentation of the facts. You don’t need to order RS period. If that has been your MO in the past, mostly for free, then you may have to reevaluate the real need for RS, since there is now a modest fee of $12. If that is really an important part of your cruise, 1-3 daily RS, evaluate what you paid for cruise and decide accordingly. …all about priorities….sometimes, what is free, is overused, like “ just because”…

Reading posts on CC made me realize how much of these “free” services have been overused just because people have “ paid” for it.

On 1/24/2023 at 6:13 PM, NMTraveller said:

Well the highlight of our trip was getting off the ship at Milford sound, taking a boat to shore/small airport and doing an overnight excursion starting at Milford Sound.  I would highly recommend this excursion.  It is a bit pricey, but Milford Sound and area is the most beautiful IMHO.

 

Wellington: Zealandia Sanctuary and Cable Car Experience was also good.

When did you go? I am trying to figure out what I would miss by going & not staying on cruise. …plus, how many actual nights OFF the ship.

why was it so worth it? It sounds like a lot of moving around, not sure we would like that….not young anymore.

Ty

On 1/24/2023 at 6:39 PM, Lastdance said:

Yes, Milford sound is so beautiful. I loved our boating experience and hotel stay too. We actually hiked the zigzag up the mountains and down along the Fork River to reach the sound.  The ruggedness, along with the 4 day trek was awesome.  I actually sprained my ankle on day 3; got to take the helicopter out the last day along with many backpacks.  Now that was a very unique experience and worth the pain from my ankle.  We have NZ, AUS and TP booked for March/April/May of '24, but who knows what will happen by then.

How did you do 4 day? You must not have been on a cruise.

13 hours ago, chamima said:

 

 

I also think that the more you pay, the higher your expectations.

Well said

12 hours ago, NMTraveller said:

That line keeps on coming up over and over.  I will have to take a look.

No casino. Deal breaker for me. We sail veranda concierge. Maybe because we do not pay suite prices, we always enjoy the cruise, no cooking, food always available, nice gym, cabin cleaned…..somehow we always adapt and enjoy meeting new people in MDR…..0ccasional Sp rest if worth it.

2 hours ago, TeaBag said:

What unbelievably rude selfish people.  I would have tolerated that for 5 seconds and then I would have gone to the Maitre'D and asked for THEM to be removed.

10 minutes ago, Algebralovr said:

We’ve experienced that the waiters don’t do anything because they don’t want their tips to be effected.

The M’d however is less effected and it is actually their job to do something about it.

Had an instance a few years ago where we were seated, and a couple at a nearby table was sneaking puffs from their vapes.  Waiter did nothing.  I left to take a moment, and found the M’d and e planned what happened.  He asked where, I explained, and we got to view the M’d and a security person tell them in no uncertain terms that such action was not permitted and grounds for removal from the ship. 

Agreed

6 hours ago, Bo1953 said:

lw - I Am doing my best to convince my spouse...

 

I understand the value proposition presented by Oceania, but, but, but, but My spouse prefers X's ship size and many of the activities offered...

 

I do prefer the smaller ship offerings and presentation...

 

Maybe I can try it at least once... and most likely by myself, at that... LOL

 

Cannot wait to read about your take on Oceania...

 

Cheers and bon voyage

Oceania is lovely and intimate during HH. Food is very good. That’s it. Nobody at casino. Sparse music offerings. Entertainment is people gathering to talk, which is good considering our current culture. People are civilized. Met some lovely, interesting travelers. 

8 hours ago, 81Zoomie said:

Thank you for taking the time to document this.  The food options look less appetizing and less healthy than a college cafeteria.  Additionally, the entire Oceanview appeared to be a ghost town.  Perhaps that is the goal.  I am wondering how this will affect wait times in the dining rooms.  This is not what someone would expect from how Celebrity describes itself, a “luxury” cruise line.  The problem is that unless you have very recently sailed or are on Cruise Critic, you are not aware of the changes.  Posts on the more frequented social media sites (we can’t mention here) will help spread the word. Looks like it’s time to write directly to Lisa LP to tell her how disappointing this is. 

I do not agree. The food options on the video were ample. People can find 2 proteins, some plant based, vegetables, a huge salad center, breads, fruits, desserts, pizza, cheese. There is no need for more to be wasted. 

Princess does rt from LA to Hawaii, 15 days. people love the sea days.

we finally booked it on Discovery March 2024.

9 hours ago, SinbadThePorter said:

 

The castle and the boat trip were one excursion. I can't recall the name, but it was from the Visitor Center next to the dock.

9 hours ago, SinbadThePorter said:

 

The castle and the boat trip were one excursion. I can't recall the name, but it was from the Visitor Center next to the dock.

Thank you, Sinbad. For some reason, I always take your comments very seriously, including Sydney hotel, Jamison, where we are staying first 2 nights. I, too, prefer boat trips. ….appreciate your thoughts on long travel time. Will rethink.

1 hour ago, Port Power said:

I absolutely agree about going to Zealandia.  However, I think the free shuttle goes from the Information Centre in Wellington, across the road from Te Papa.  The ship's shuttle usually drops people off there.  Just make sure you are in front of the line as it is only a little 12-14 seater!  When leaving, they drop you at the top of the cable car.  Depending on time available, another option is to walk down through the Botanic Gardens.  Probably not enough time though, so use the cable car.

 

So big tick for Zealandia.

 

Next big tick for the Antarctic Centre.  A must see.

What do you think about going to Anorkea when in Christchurch? There is an 8 hr Two Harbor excursion that looks interesting; 2 hrs on catamaran, lunch at Bully’s 

10 hours ago, Oceansaway17 said:

wondering what you mean by NFC capable phone.  Don't know this acronym

10 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

NFC (near field communication) is the technology that allows two devices — like your phone and a payments terminal — to talk to each other when they're close together. NFC is the technology that enables contactless payments.

Yes, I just learned this today after quite a bit of reading. My iPhone is 11 but when watching a video provided by one of the govt websites about how to get your phone to scan Passport, it says to check the NFC tag.

needless to say, I had to find out what that was and my iPhone 11 shows nothing of the sort in Control, et al. 

On 1/4/2023 at 3:24 AM, BklynBorn47 said:

For what it's worth, this is our experience.  
We applied yesterday for our cruises Feb 28th to April 24 
The $20 was the easy part.
For Australia we needed an NFC capable phone and discovered only 1 of our 3 phones worked to download the REQUIRED app.  OK one is enough.  Many tries to get the required acceptable photo, but finally done.
Credit card accepted.  Yea!

I got my ETA by email about an hour later.  My husband did not.
We applied for NZ also.  Joe got his ETA a few hours later.  I did not.

We applied one after the other in both cases.  Wondering if this is common.
 

I spent one hour today. It was maddening. Would not scan passport; kept rejecting photo, …then got a tourism app which charged me $149. I had to call CC & immediately dispute. Who said this would be easy?

Tomorrow is another day.