jonsmum

We had 1113 on Infinity recently. When we booked there were no aft rooms available and I was disappointed as I had read on here about the oversized balconies. However.... we were actually pleased that we did not secure an aft cabin as not only do these have the stairs to Deck 10 and 12( the Roof Terrace )beside them on one side, and the stairs to Deck 10 on the other, but they also overlook the open area of the Oceanview Cafe and Bar. This can be very busy and noisy at certain times of the day. Yes, the balconies are bigger on the aft cabins, but you are also easily visible from the cafe if you are sitting in the sun.

I know some people swear by these rooms, but for us it is no - brainer and we have 2 further cruises booked in the 'side' rooms. We've opted for 1110 and 1113 (again) as these are close to the lifts and the doors leading to the rest of deck 11 + of course, they have easy access to deck 10 and the Oceanview, via the outside stairs.

I had a 1/2 leg wax, a manicure and pedicure on Infinity during our March/April cruise on Infinity. The wax was great - the therapist professional and friendly. I'd book this again. The manicure and pedicure - bleurr.... The therapist was offhand and disinterested. The manicure lasted 3 days before chipping and flaking. The pedi needed me to repair a chip with my own varnish after 2 days. Has put me off using the spa in the future, especially as these were not cheap. No discounts available onboard.

Like the idea of 10.15 - suppose depends how tired we are as we are flying in from the UK! [emoji42]. Great comments - lots of options! [emoji106]🏻

 

 

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Beware! If there is a need for a deep clean (these seem to have happened quite frequently recently) you may not be able to board until after 1pm. This happened to us last month. Although we had notification of a possibly delayed boarding, we arrived at the port in Miami soon after 11am as we had a hotel transfer booked - but couldn't board until well after 1pm. If you get an email from X in the days leading up to your cruise saying that boarding may be delayed for some reason, take note!

We were in Aqua on Infinity a couple of weeks ago and had to prepay our gratuities. We have another couple of Aqua Class cruises booked, and as far as I'm aware, we will still need to prepay the gratuities - they are listed on our confirmation sheet, which also lists us as 'Select Dining' - the default that comes up when booking Aqua. I would be interested to know where the policy change was announced and when, as it will presumably affect our next cruise.

On Constellation, Qsine is the restaurant on Deck 11, next to the new AQ cabins. There is some view from part of the restaurant on the starboard side, but you have walkers and sightseers just outside the windows. Much of the seating area is in the middle of the ship with not much of a view of anything.

 

Ocean Liners is the one on Deck 3 and is due to be turned into Tuscan. It has your standard port-side view.

 

Unfortunately, unless you're seated at the Officers' Table in the MDR or take your buffet tray to OceanView Bar, you won't have that wake view from any restaurant.

That's a shame! We are booked on the Connie in Nov so I checked the deck plans the other day and was pleased to see that they still had Tuscan on deck 11 and Ocean Liners on 3. Do you know when it was changed? We were on Infinity recently, and the changes have already been made. I was hoping to experience Tuscan on 11 and Ocean Liners next time around.

Wow - that's unfortunate! We were on the 27th March sailing on Infinity from Miami and had exactly the same notification. The check-in area wasn't too bad when we arrived at 11.30ish (had a booked transfer from the hotel) but, being in Aqua class, we were shown to a separate lounge for Aqua and Elite guests. I presume they did the same with Suite passengers. They eventually provided water and snacks, and we were told boarding was expected to start at about 1.00pm. It was after that before they got the all clear though. By this time the check-in area was heaving with not very happy looking people, most of whom seemed to be standing. We were one of the first on board, and they were still cleaning. Access to cabins was further delayed as well. No serving yourself in the buffet on that day and I expected to be on code red for a few days after, but it was back to normal the next day. I didn't hear any reports of any sickness on our cruise to San Diego, and there were extra hand sanitisers all over the place. Presumably the trouble started again on the return trip to Miami. Hope they get it sorted this time.

First, on M class ships, AQ cabins are 20 sq ft larger than regular balconies. Second, IMO, breakfast and dinner in Blu outweigh a larger balcony, especially for the small difference in cost to upgrade. But in the end, only you can determine what is more important.

I have to disagree with this. We are just off Infinity - A1 cabin - (our first M class cruise, having exclusively cruised S class Aqua in the past.) IMO the 'regular' balconies on deck 11 are in fact smaller than on the S class - as evidenced by the lack of footstools. The only balconies that are bigger than S class are on the stern, and unfortunately (for us) these overhang the Oceanview cafe outdoor area and Oceanview bar, making them more subject to noise. However, I have to agree that the lure of Blu is what keeps us in Aqua rooms. We also like the fact that being higher up, we get better overall views than other cabins. Hope this helps.

Tips are included in a package(just off Infinity with a premium alcohol package). No tips jar that I have ever see. If you feel you really want to tip extra, then in person, at the time is the way to go.

We are just back from a 15 night on board Infinity. We were in an A1 (1113) on deck 11. Apart from being slightly smaller than a comparable room of an S class ship, it was fantastic. In fact I can imagine that all of the A1's on deck 11 would be good - apart from those on the aft of the ship whose balconies overhang the Ocenaview Bar/outside cafeteria area. Whilst onboard, we booked an Alaska cruise on an M class ship for August next year and opted for the same room. The only noise 'issue' was that we could occasionally hear the film on the rooftop terrace, and bits and pieces from the pool deck, when on the balcony. The room itself was really quiet. We liked it because there was very little overhang on the balcony and love the sun. However, on an Alaska cruise, this could be a disadvantage, as there is equally, no protection from inclement weather! Regardless - we have booked 1113 again as being so high up, you have fantastic views away from the ship.

Table side prepared muesli is no more in Blu. Per my last cruise on Equinox from 3/25, US Public Health regulations forbid uncovered dishes for preparing food in a carpeted environment due to the potential for bacteria.

Literally just off Infinity ( on Mon) and they were serving tableside muesli every day at breakfast. We love Aqua - mainly for Blu, but also the shower and bathroom. We have never gone hungry in Blu + if there is nothing that takes your fancy on the menu, you can ask for the Main dining one and order from that. Tthe Maitre d' was at pains to re-assure people that it wasn't a problem.

Another plus for us - the welcome bottle of bubbly and the welcome water. Bit aggrieved that we no longer get this on a daily basis but ........

Yes - all of them.

Thanks everyone. i've now checked them out online and apparently they are legit and are used by numerous organisations (including governments) for mass messaging.

Yesterday I received 3 emails, supposedly from X, regarding our upcoming cruise. None had anything that actually identified them as genuinely from X (all other correspondence has had a banner and logo), yet they were to do with the Zika virus and embarkation times. All referred to me as a 'valued guest' rather than my name. All had a hyperlink requiring me to acknowledge receipt of the notification and came from 'everbridge.net'

I'm sceptical about them and have not clicked on the link. Does anyone know if they are actually genuine?

Have just received an email from X 'celebratiing how far we have come together'. Shame they've got the number of cruises and total number of nights sailed wrong. Oh and they don't seem to have a record of our upcoming cruise in March, only the one in November.

Doesn't fill you with confidence does it?!!

When we started cruising, my husband was very anti formal nights. He reasoned he had to wear a suit every day for work and wanted to 'relax' on holiday. We even went as far as to phone Celebrity to check that there were options available that would work for him. Whilst he's still not a convert to black tie, since he has retired he enjoys 'dressing up' (as people now call it!) and went as far as buying a new suit, formal shirts and ties for our last cruise. I've never had call for formal dresses, but I now own 3 and look forward to our cruises so that I have the chance to wear them. We're not interested in what others are wearing - that is entirely up to them, but I will continue to wear my beautiful gowns and OH his suit and ties.

THANK YOU!

 

Not a big deal at all. Pick up your free bottles of water with your package before you head back to the room. If you forget, its not like your fortunate self cant use the extra steps after all the food you most likely ate.

 

People threatening to book elsewhere because of this? Lolololololololololol

Buh BYE!

Why is it that people assume everyone has a beverage package?? That is simply NOT the case and is totally irrelevant in any case to this thread.

As stated above - this is NOT about money. It is about principle. It is about getting what was promised at the time of booking. I think we all know that just about everyone is cutting amenities. Not an awful lot we can do about that but to take our money elsewhere if we don't like it. It is HOW it is done that is the issue. As some people are (very) quick to point out - it doesn't amount to a huge sum of $ in the grand scheme of things. If this 'cutback' had been introduced when they opened up bookings for 2017 (or whenever the next tranche were released) there might have been some moaning about reduction in standards etc, but at least you would know what you were going to get once on board, when you booked. The current situation smacks of - to be honest!- dishonesty. I know there are weasel words in the contract stating that basically they can do what they like, when they like, but what about commercial INTEGRITY? I know I certainly no longer trust X.

I have always prized honesty above just about any other characteristic in people, and have instilled this in my children and in the young people that I taught for over 30 years. I am seriously disappointed that my favourite cruise line does not have the same values.

No-one has done it; I would if it affected me, but only injured parties can do it. It's a simple matter of making a claim on a web-site, with a small fee, refundable if you win. And if X tried to defend themselves in court, it would cost them far more, with barrister's fees!

 

Stuart

It's going to affect me this year and I have been trying to find out how to go about bringing this to the attention of Trading Standards. I assume this is who we would need to approach? Any idea of the website? BTW I've had no reply whatsoever to the email I sent way before Christmas. Not impressed.

Anyone have an email for the CEO? I think it's about time she knew first hand how her cutbacks have been received. Perhaps wider publication of this whole 'cannot trust X anymore' issue might actually ring some alarm bells somewhere. Not prepared to let this drop without a fight.

By the way - on the German website most of the Concierge and Aqua class amenities are still there, i.e. the sparkling wine at embarkation, daily water :rolleyes: .... I wonder how it is in the UK?

Ha! Thanks for that suggestion. Just checked the UK website and low and behold, daily water is still listed as an amenity in AQ.

https://www.celebritycruises.co.uk/learn/accommodation/solstice-aquaclass

No sparkliing wine listed though - has this really gone as well? Think I will print off the page on the UK website and take it with me. I emailed, as suggested, yesterday adding that I was looking forward to receiving their comments on this issue - nothing so far.

A Sixth - we wouldn't want to move to a lower category room as we love Blu. Unfortunately we can't afford a suite though, but thanks for the suggestion.

We have two cruises booked for 2016, both in AQ. Being in the UK, to cancel them would cost us a lot of money so that is not an option. I'm not only disappointed, I'm really very cross at this move. We booked these cruises at the beginning of 2015, when water was listed as an amenity. We don't have beverage packages, but that's not the point. We booked, expecting to receive what was listed at that time. I know that the 'small print' gives them an out, but to actually implement this is not only petty, it paints Celebrity as a line that you cannot trust. I'm not sure that I want to give my future business to a line that has shown that it can't be trusted. They probably don't care as we're 'oldies' and we all know that they are looking for a younger crowd, but how long before these youngsters realise what's going on? In my experience, the younger generation are even less likely that us to put up with these less than honest 'manoeuvres'.

I cannot believe that there are 23 PAGES devoted to basically a name change! Simply substitute 'evening chic' for 'formal'. Nothing has really changed other than the fact that those dressed in Tuxs etc will no longer have reason to comment on those who are not. And let's face it, those in the truly formal group are already in the minority, at least on all of the cruises that I've been on with Celebrity.

I love seeing people in their finery, but I don't have a ball dress to my name, having never had the occasion to need one. Neither of us has ever felt out of place on formal nights. I will continue to wear my ever expanding wardrobe of 'cocktail' dresses and OH will still wear a suit and tie. I hope those who have ball dresses etc continue to wear them, but at least now, those of us who do not have such attire will no longer feel that we are being judged by those that do!!

We stayed at the Grand Harbour in September. To put it bluntly - we were underwhelmed. From the room, to the service, to the food, and don't get me started on the parking. Horrendously overpriced for what it was. We will not be returning!

Looking at Deck 11, cabin 1570..aqua class....why?...seems to be only cabin midship available but appears to be under the pool..is this an issue?

I have requested midship for this my first cruise...nothing available in concierge.

If you are a sun lover you may not like this location as there is a substantial overhang from the pool deck, meaning that your balcony will not get that much sun. Just another thing to think about if this is important to you.

No problem - just ask your room attendant for what you need - that's what we always do.

As a retired teacher, I'm one of those that prefers a child free zone when on holiday, and so we always look for 'adult only' resorts/holidays as far as possible. BUT - we are picky when it comes to cruising, and don't have pockets down to the ground, so accept that there are going to be little ones when we cruise. We have NEVER been inconvenienced by children on a cruise ship, in fact I'd go as far as to say that more often than not when we have come across children on Celebrity (and there aren't many I have to admit, but then we do cruise out of holiday season) they have actually added to the enjoyment of our holiday.

So I'd say - go for it and ignore the naysayers. The kids will have a ball. Those we've come across have always seemed to be having the time of their lives. Have a great holiday!