anskt

On 4/5/2024 at 1:14 PM, hcat said:

We had a great itin on ASCENT 1/28....with Tortola,  St Kitts/Nevis and San Juan (stayed onboard).  It was a higher fare than the alt itin but we picked it for the date..my b day.  Very pleased with the itin and ASCENT...great dining other than the buffet which was overall sub par!

Have been on the Ascent (maiden voyage) and Beyond since then, and I agree with you on the dining. The specialty restaurants have been very good. The OVC definitely needs an overhaul with updated new items mixed in. The offerings have become a daily repetitive menu. I love good Indian food, but not all of it should taste the same and swimming in gravy (every day). There should be something offered in Mexican cuisine besides chicken or beef fajitas and ground beef tacos (every day). Something in Asian besides stir fried chicken or beef. BRANCH OUT, CHEF!  Throw in some Korean, Thai ,or Vietnamese now and then!! And the desserts… nothing but spongy “poof” cakes displayed in various colors. I could keep on, but I think most that have been, know that once you’ve been to OVC, it is pretty much the same thing each night that you may decide to give it a try. I know food budget is number one, but cruising isn’t a budget friendly vacation anymore. Not with Celebrity, anyway. 

It seems that extended balconies are just that…extensions beyond the usual balcony. From pictures, it looks as though the part of the balcony closest to the cabin is just about as private as other balconies. Nosey neighbors can always peek around. The extended part, of course, sticks out beyond the shorter balcony cabins, so I’d hesitate to walk out on the extended part in clothes I didn’t want to be seen in. Cruise ships or hotel rooms with balconies of any type are not designed to be a totally private area. 

2 hours ago, keesar said:

We shared Truffled Risotto which is an appetizer.  Also we each had crab cakes which were tops.

My husband and I shared the truffled risotto on the Ascent and it was HONESTLY, one of the best things we’ve ever tasted, and we consider ourselves foodies. I’ll order again if I get the chance. 

Has anyone ever seen Oceania offer “upgrade package specials”?

I’d like input from anyone that has actually stayed in one of these cabins on either the Beyond or Ascent. I know most of these are classified as obstructive view cabins, and I’ve seen a couple of YouTube videos of a few. I’m particularly interested in cabin 8333 and wonder just how much this cabin is obstructed. One cruise website I often use does not have this particular cabin listed as obstructed. I’m wondering since it is not the end room, maybe it isn’t as obstructed as some of the others??  
Any cruisers out there that have stayed in this cabin on Beyond or Ascent would be a great help with information!

Thanks!

Totally agree about Rich. We’ve been on 3 different cruises with him and never been impressed. The last cruise we were on, I could really detect that he’s just “burnt out” being a cruise director. He’s just going thru the motions now and you can tell he sometimes tries to make it look natural and he’s enjoying his job, but it’s too late for that. Surely, “the corporation” has a place for him to finish out his career other than a position as important as cruise director. 

I’d like to go ahead and book a few of the specialty restaurants, but I’d like to use on board credit that I have. Is this possible to do instead of charging my credit card?  

Who is the Captain and who is Cruise Director aboard Silhouette currently?  Will they be staying once across the pond?

Yes. The Thompson Hotel. Wonderful location!  

Can anyone provide an updated list of spirits that are included in each package?  Also, if I have the classic package but would like a cocktail that is on the elite package, can I “pay the difference” or will I have to pay for the entire price of that cocktail?  

Has anyone done the Livorno to Cinque Terre excursion thru Celebrity. I will be on the Reflection, and want to go. I’m just not sure if there are large bus groups going.

Has anyone else had the windy experience of the Adult Retreat Pool area and Sanctuary on The Royal Princess?

If I remember correctly, I saw somewhere on the boards that the original Cruise Director has taken family leave?? Who has taken his place? Is anyone familiar with him/her? We all know that a good cruise director can make or break the atmosphere on a ship. Please tell me what you know.:)

Thank you Christine for all of the menu posts. Did all of these menu's come from the main dining room(s)? Did you post them in order of each night? Just trying to "plan ahead" if possible. (And thinking I'd better get out of this chair and go take a 10 mile walk just to get started!!!).