Larwos

It’s interesting that you mention the stateroom stewards. We,like you are devoted Celebrity passengers but unlike many here, we’ve made the decision not to go higher in the accommodation so we’d have more cruises and allways choose a balcony stateroom. The service from the stewards has always been wonderful, but this time our steward didn’t approach us until our second day, and having been used to being greeted by name and constant requests as we passed them to please ask for anything they could do, although the room was always immaculate, it felt more like staying in a hotel. I find this sad, as the quality of service is such a mainstay of the Celebrity brand. A passing remark from the cruise director on this last Solstice cruise, intimating that money and top crew are being leaked to the E Class ships, and I must admit there were quite a few things, including much more games and trivia and less music around the ship is quite noticeable much as I tried not to notice out of loyalty. I do hope things have changed for you now you’ve brought the situation to management and have fun for the rest of you trip.

Excellent advice. You’re going to love this cruise. I wilsh you the glorious weather we had.

Yes. To me, used to the free delivery before Covid, they charge like a wounded bull! Being Australian, you need to double that price. With so many fabulous eateries and restaurants around the ships, I only needed it once in my last voyage. continental breakfast is free and very nice by all accounts.

There is no doubt that X is going further into ‘all for the high paying guests and less for their loyal balcony, oceanview and interior passengers’ mode. One of the joys of X ships has always been the wonderful sky lounge, and it appears we’ll be losing that soon. So sad.

We’re just about to board Singapore airlines from Melbourne at 6am. Our Uber arrived at 4am. a tip for anyone thinking they’ll grab a v coffee closer to the gate lounge 20 - ther aren’t any. Grab one at Hudsons before going through customs or Cafe Sola or Brunettiis on the way through. Luckily I ate a little and had a cuppa before leaving home, but poor husband didn’t. where are you staying in Singapore. We’re at Hilton Orchard and are looking forward to sightseeing. your long cruise sounds wonderful! We get off in Sydney.

We’re heading for Solstice from Singapore to Sydney in March, and one meal we will be booking is LPC. On Eclipse last year we had the lobster and it was delicious, and I thought the steak was as good as Murano.

Yes!!! My favourite as well. Just make sure they understand you dont want alcohol in it! in the Skyview the lady in the bar, automatically grabbed the alcohol. Luckily my husband noticed and she did it again - correctly. Delicious!!!

As a non Alcohol drinker, I'm thrilled to tell you I had a wonderful time on Eclipse in December because the the non-alcoholic drinks were on our package and the choice was marvellous. Not only the Fré brand which had delicious Brut, but also almost any cocktail was available as a virgin drink.

So beautifully put, as was your explanation of your own personal choices, which to me make so much sense. Thankyou for your insight.

I apologise if I hit a nerve with my comments. I was just interested to understand if it is becoming more usual particularly for long term cruisers to choose to pay the extra for a suite. I agree it is definitely a personal choice and I must admit the idea of the spaciousness of the suites, just like the comfort of Business Class is a temptation at times, but one we resist. 😊 Also, we all have different requirements from our cruising. For us, it is the relaxation of reading a book, listening to the different music throughout the ship and having a coffee at Al Bacio. I just love the sea. Have great time with your next cruise.

Interesting to hear about this space. We're also planning to cruise from Southampton in August next year and will check it out. I must admit, the only real grouch I have with Celebrity, is how more and more of the ships are being reserved for the upmarket areas stateroom people. We make the decision that unless Concierge or Aqua come at almost the same price, we go verandah staterooms, as it allows us to make more voyages, and it seems less and less of the ship is available to us. It seems more and more people are spending the much larger amounts for suites. How do others feel about all this?

I’m hoping Capt. Leo is still on Eclipse when it comes to Australia, as we’re cruising in December. what a bonus if Alejandro was cruise director. Happy memories of that partnership.

Thankyou so much for this excellent and comprehensive review of your Galapagos cruise on Flora. As devotees of Celebrity cruises, we had looked at Galapagos but felt it is far outside our usual budget, However, I am now considering it, in a less pricey cabin, as our final bucket list item. Thankyou for the insight. Sally Larwood Melbourne, Australia