capecodmercury

7 hours ago, mayleeman said:

Get glasses from attendant.  Pour in your room and take it to wherever you eat. No fee!

Don't forget, if you have a beverage plan (either classic or premium) they are supposed to waive the corkage fee.

44 minutes ago, *Fudge* said:

Thank you both, the price difference between cruise only and All Included works out at £35 a day.   We are at Emerald with Royal at the moment.  

At £35 per day, no doubt about it, go all included.  Gratuities would take up half of this and one drink/glass of wine and a specialty coffee per day would make up the balance.  There is no way that you are going to be able to get a better deal.

First off, I have to say that the past is often looked at with rose colored glasses.  As time goes by, it's fairly easy to forget the so so items and only remember the highlights (or low lights). Thus, any recollection of how much better it was years ago has to be taken with at least a small grain of salt.

That being said, there have been differences and reductions over time.  Even the menu available in the MDR has shrunk in terms of options available.   For example,  it used to be set up as a 4 course meal with a soup/salad; starter; entree; and dessert.  And, I seem to recall more entree options available each night.

There has always been variations in the quality of the protein available.  My wife has had dry and tough steak on prior cruises 5-10 years ago, while other steak or meats have been incredible.  My experience has been that the wait staff are very willing to give their recommendations as to what has looked the best each evening.

Finally, as to portion size, I'm personally happy that Celebrity doesn't overload the plate in the MDR.  I've never left it feeling anything but full and if I can't satisfy myself with one (or possibly 2) appetizers,  the bread basket, an entree and dessert,  then I need to think about how much I am eating. 

One of the biggest complaints I have had with the Specialty dining is the sheer amount of food they give you.  Maybe its because i am paying extra for it,  but it seems that I end up drastically over eating any time I go to Tuscan.  And the same happens when I go to Murano.  

1 minute ago, *Fudge* said:

Hello, we have only ever cruised with Royal Caribbean so I need some advice etc please.

 

I have read about the All Included pricing on the website and I have looked at the price separately of the items included for a 10 day cruise.  I was wondering, apart from the gratuities, do Celebrity have offers after booking on the drinks package and the WiFi or is it a better offer to just do the All Included price at the time of booking?  

 

Ta Muchly.

Without snark, the answer to the question has to be, it depends.  A lot of the answer is dependant on the cost difference you are seeing between the sail only (plus any add ons you may get) and all included price.  If there is a substantial price difference,  you are unlikely to see this made up by any specials that may get offered. 

Second question is how much you value (and need) all aspects of the all included price. If, for example,  you won't need or take full advantage of a drink package or if you can do without slow internet for 10 days, then paying for these will be a waste, no matter what you pay.

Finally, what status do you have with Royal Caribbean? Due to status match, you might be able to get some discounts (10-15%) on booking drink packages separately.   Also, if you match to Elite status (I think this is Diamond or above on Royal), you will have the free drinks from 5 to 7, which can affect your cost calculation. 

Anyway you shake it, enjoy your first Celebrity Cruise!

On 8/16/2022 at 2:08 PM, sanger727 said:

Am I the only one who things that a "surge protector" isn't an obvious item to bring on a vacation? I can honestly say I've never brought any kind of extension cord, power strip, or anything of the like on a vacation. In the days of USB charges, why? You can get 2 USB slots out of one charger and there should be at least 2 outlets per room. How many chargers do you need plugged in at once?

 

I know power cords and extension cords are often recommended items on here; but most people don't take those on a vacation. So there's no reason to put it front in center in someone's face when they book. The FAQs of prohibited items is a perfectly fine place. I also wouldn't consider bringing a drone or skateboard on a vacation. But clearly someone has so they have to say somewhere not to. 

The only reason I can see for an extension cord is to plug in a CPAP unit since a lot of the ships don't have an outlet by the bed.  In that case, Celebrity will gladly provide it via a Special Needs request.  

The need for additional outlets seems to have grown as electronic devices became common.  My wife and I will bring 2 phones, 2 tablets, a Kindle and the aforementioned CPAP. In the past,we have also had a video camera or digital camera. And, the number of people who also travel with one or two laptops seems to be growing.  There are times when outlets are at a premium. 

4 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

Vast majority of the complaints were not about the amount of $ but rather that it appears to be just a money grab by their government and at the end of the day it affects the Bermudians that most rely on the tourist spending 

I doubt many people disagree with you, particularly since you need to pay the fee just to board the cruise regardless of whether you actually plan to leave the ship..

But,  I'm afraid this might be complaints for the sake of complaining.   The fact remains that Bermuda is an important, if not vital port for cruises leaving New York/New Jersey.  Cruises with a 3 day stop in Bermuda are the bread and butter for Celebrity out of Bayonne.  A $40.00 fee isn't going to change this.  And, on a broader level, how is it that much different from the port fees that we already pay?

The complaints and issues seem to be mainly confined to the short stops on repositioning or TA cruises.  This is something that Celebrity might change, particularly if it causes them additional problems such as on the Fall TA's that were changed to avoid the need for testing all on board.  Similarly, they adjusted itineraries this summer to ensure that Bermuda was the first stop to avoid on board testing.  

But, in the big picture,  the cruises that are affected are a small percentage of the overall cruises to Bermuda.

13 hours ago, Linsie said:

Why is celebrity summit stopping in Bermuda in October when Bermuda is requiring testing, and money? 

Don't forget that these itineraries are set years in advance. Changing an itinerary can create a hassle for the Company.  Also,  the Summit sails to Bermuda for months each year and it looks like Bermuda is a typical stop on its repositioning cruise. 

I am on the October 15 cruise and, yes doing the Authorization for a 6 hour stop is a pain, but, from Boston, it is a logical stop on the way to the Caribbean.  Only other options would be a US stop such as Charleston or an afternoon stop somewhere in the Bahamas.

And, since probably most of the people on the cruise have already applied and paid for the Authorization (I know we have),  I'd be pretty angry if they changed it at the last minute.

In the past, I've always brought a suit coat and tie.  But, then again, I tend to wear a pair of dress pants and a button down shirt to dinner every night of a cruise.  For my cruise in October, I'm saving the suitcase space and I'm not going to bring a coat.  I'm just going to bring a few ties to wear for chic night. But, this is my choice. 

My suggestion is wear what is comfortable to you as long as it meets the fairly lax standards that Celebrity is setting these days.  No shorts, ripped jeans, tank tops, etc. As long as you look somewhat presentable, you'll fit right in.

13 hours ago, RichYak said:

The one exception I can think of is the martini flight, which you pay full price regardless of package.

I think that this rule applies to anything designated as a "flight", the wine flights at Cellar Masters (if it is on your ship), the Macallan flight, etc. Daily program seems to list these on a regular basis.  

On 9/16/2022 at 4:32 PM, cruisestitch said:

Vermouth is wine

True, but it is usually fortified to a slightly higher abv, similar to Port or Sherry.  

Thank you.  We are on on 10/15, so your comments on staffing and entertainment are greatly appreciated.   I had assumed Martini Bar would be busy before dinner, but glad they are dealing with it.

I've traveled many times with a CPAP and I have had no problems getting distilled water or an extension cord.  I fill out the special needs form and it usually is waiting in the cabin for me.  The one time it wasn't,  I made a comment to the cabin steward and it was taken care of immediately. 

1 hour ago, CNSfromHI said:

 

That said, we recently experienced a wonderful excursion in Ireland of the Jameson whiskey distillery, where we bought a special-edition bottle of the stuff. I fully expected the ship to confiscate/store it when we re-boarded but -- despite running my bottle-bearing-bag through the security scanner -- we just passed through and I stored the bottle in our cabin for the rest of the trip.

 

I think what happens at ports of call has to be distinguished from embarkation day.  I have often bought a bottle of wine or hard alcohol during days ashore and most times (but not all), I've been directed over to a desk to have it checked/held until the end of the cruise.  This is the same as bottles you buy in the duty free shop on board.  You get them delivered the day before departure.   But yes, there have been times that the bottle gets missed and I've just left it in my cabin.

The 2 bottles of wine per cruiser is only at embarkation as far as I am aware.  I think I have heard of people being permitted fortified wines however, for example,  i believe i read about someone carrying on a favored Vermouth to go along with a bar setup in a suite.  Also, I think it is highly recommended,  if not required,  that you carry it on as opposed to putting it in your checked luggage.   Otherwise, I don't know how they could control it.

If someone did try to carry (or sneak) hard alcohol on on embarkation,  I don't know how Celebrity would handle it.  Would it be confiscated or just held until the end of the cruise. If it were an unopened bottle that someone carried on thinking it would be allowed, I suspect (or hope) it would get held like above.  On the other hand, if it were a sneak situation in a water bottle or mouthwash, etc. I suspect it would be confiscated. 

On 9/15/2022 at 10:47 AM, drakes2 said:

I don't think anyone would thats why there are so many available shortly before sail date.  Twice I booked a balcony when CC dropped after final payment so switched.  On this upcoming cruise it was so cheap became a no brainer 

On the other hand, when we booked our October Summit Repositioning cruise in May, we got the final CC cabin available at a price slightly higher than a regular Veranda, so CC has been  sold out for months.  Of course,  all suites and AQ were also booked.  Of course,  this is on an M class ship where there is a size difference between CC and Verandas.

Got the invite last night here in US and watched it this am.  I have noted that i seem to have more problems getting credited when i use a link as opposed to the invitation to my email.  Worth watching if only for the incredible scenery.

Will note one thing, this webinar seems to be in line with the idea that they might be re-purposing the PUP program.  As many have noted, this is the first webinar worth 50 PUP points in a long while.  Appropriate since they are reopening a cruise market after almost 3 years and sending the first E Class ship down under.  I personally think the webinars in the future will be limited to this type of big announcements. 

So, are they reopening any other markets soon?

34 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

So now we seem to be in a situation where folks who want to pay more (such as for suites) are going to get a lot more.  Those who want to stay on a budget are generally going to get a budget cruise where they can choose to pay more for various amenities.  Consider that on MSC, a couple in their Yacht Club (ship within a ship) can pay 4 times what is being paid by a couple in the lower cost cabins!  Those paying for the Yacht Club (just like the Haven Suites on NCL) expect and deserve a lot more for their money.  I will stick out my neck and predict that the higher priced classes will generally get fully booked as will the lowest price cabins.  Those in the middle will scramble for a slightly better cabin location, a slightly better dining situation, etc.

 

Hank

 I tend to agree with you on the expectation issue.  I would also note that the cost difference between the high end suites and an inside cabin can be in the 10 to 12 to one ratio.  This is why Celebrity pushes the Retreat class so heavily.  From looking at a lot of cruises, I am seeing the suites go fast, particularly on longer cruises.  I've read a lot of posts suggesting that suites have been sailing at a higher level of capacity since the restart.

1 minute ago, Kudos2Fly said:

I'll check that out for sure.

One that I like about Celebrity in the past that I hope they are still doing when I cruise in October is that they used to have a table selling bottled (or cans now) water near the gang plank at the various ports.  My wife and I always make sure to grab a couple each on our way off the ship, either at this station or at the coffee shop.

41 minutes ago, Kudos2Fly said:

Thanks for the answers. 

 We will figure it out. We just look at the drink packages again, although it may be cheaper just to buy it when we need it. I'll make sure we always have water bottles with the assistants of the room steward. 

You should check out the non alcoholic package costs too.  If you think you will have only 2-3 alcoholic beverages per day, non alcoholic packages range from $16 per day (just water including premium water) to $25 per day for a premium non alcoholic.   This would cover premium coffees at Cafe al Bacio, soda Vitamin Water, etc, etc. I also think it includes non alcoholic drinks at the bars.  It's pretty easy to meet 25.00 Per day with a few waters, a few cappuccinos and a big bottle of San Pelegrino or Evian at dinner.

On 9/10/2022 at 4:54 PM, Jim_Iain said:

Does anyone knows where Uber and Lyft pick up at Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.   I understand cabs are Also abundant.  
 

Recommendations??

If you are heading to Logan, have you considered the Water taxi?  It lands at the terminal and can take you right across the harbor. (617) 406-8584.  They also have a luggage storage option if you will be leaving later in the day and want to explore. 

1 hour ago, phoenix_dream said:

To the OP's original question - it is not likely you can secure an upgrade onboard, and the higher the cabin category the lower the odds.  Many ships are sailing full or close to it recently.  This makes the move up onboard possibility much, much different than it was maybe 6-9 months ago.  First choice will go to people who made MoveUp offers.  Until a week or so ago, testing pre-cruise probably caused a certain number of last minute cancels which may have freed up cabins.  Since for most cruises testing has ended that number will fall.  There may still be some last minute cancels for people who got sick at the last minute but certainly a lesser number.  

 

So is it likely?  Probably not, especially the higher level the cabin.  But does it hurt to ask?  Depends on how disappointed you will be if you get turned down.

On a related issue, does Celebrity accept  Move Up offers until the embarkation date? According to the program description,  the Move Up program ends two days before sailing.  But I am not sure how that worked with people canceling due to positive tests.

I am on a cruise on Summit in October that will be stopping in Bermuda, so it is a cruise that still requires a monitored pre cruise test.  All balcony, CC, Aqua, and Suites are sold out and have been sold out for months. I'm in CC, but have bids in on Aqua and various suites.  I bid assuming that the only way to win a Move Up would be if there was a last minute cancelation.  But not sure how Celebrity handles cancelations due to positive tests opening up cabins.

2 hours ago, LaughingAndSplashing said:

LOVE Aqua class! I wish they would open Blu for lunch, especially on embarkation day.

Anyway, the selections are limited, but, having to eat gluten-free, I usually head to the Aqua Spa Cafe, which is open to all.

 

They have healthy, small plates, and from my experience, they are always plated by the staff (last cruise 2018 but going again soon). They also have  cookies, muffins, soups, smoothies, and more. Not everything is gluten-free, so it's great for everyone who wants lighter offerings. And if you're super hungry, just eat more! 😄

 

I like how they keep the food separated for safety.

 

Unfortunately when I have checked this year, Aqua Spa Cafe is not showing as open on embarkation day.  Which really stinks since it used to be a great alternative to the buffet rush.

23 hours ago, sunsetme said:

planning ahead, please enlighten me.

Depends on your mood and preferences.  May also depend on your drink package. 

Want a busy bar with great drinks and entertaining bartenders:  Martini Bar 

Fairly quiet bar with an impressive craft cocktail menu: World Class Bar

(Note, drinks at both of these bars are in premium drink package range.

Want a quiet place for a nightcap or to listen to music as the night winds on: Ensemble Bar.

Want to sit outside and watch the wake or to take in a sail away: Sunset Bar

Want to get a drink as you people watch the Atrium:  Passport Bar

Want a coffee based cocktail and a tasty treat: Cafe al Bacio

Sport bar vibe: Craft Bar

My suggestion is to visit them all and see which ones you like.  My favorites are the Martini Bar for a pre dinner drink; a post show craft cocktail at the World Class Bar (the Zacapa Old Fashioned is killer); and a nightcap at the Ensemble. 

I haven't sailed post covid yet (cruising on the Summit in October), but my take is that the more popular bourbons (at least the ones being referred to as being out of stock on Celebrity)  are also ones I have trouble finding at home at a market price. 

Remember,  bourbon consumption has dramatically increased over the past 10 years and ramping up production for an aged bourbon can be an 8-10 year process.  Heck, I stopped at the A.H. Bowman distillery in VA this summer and they had absolutely zero bourbon in stock of any type.  Not because of lack of juice, but because they had been unable to get any bottles!  Point I am trying to make is that there still are bottlenecks in acquiring spirits.

This would also explain why there is no real lack of clear spirits:  minimal aging allows for faster response to market pressure.  As for Scotch, at least in U.S., Single Malt does not have the popularity of bourbon. Maybe its because of the price point?  Also, I can easily drink 2 or 3 neat bourbons over the course of an evening,  but I'm usually satisfied with a single dram of a good Single Malt.

On 9/4/2022 at 3:49 PM, bnurick said:

@markeb the bartender said 1oz = $400.  Maybe I see about a Captain’s Club discount. 😂 

And don't forget the obligatory 18% tip, so $472.00.

On 7/27/2022 at 3:04 PM, r2h2 said:

Eagle Rare is one of my favorites.  Another one to try is Weller. It is a wheat based Bourbon from the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort,KY. Both are difficult to find.

Definitely agree with Eagle Rare, unfortunately it's getting real hard in New England  to find unless you have a good in with a store clerk.  I've been told that a lot of stores have stopped leaving space on the shelves for it because it goes so quick.  You need to know what day it gets delivered and ask a clerk.

The NH liquor stores used to do barrel picks back before it became so hard to find.  Those were extra yum.