twopats

Outstanding services by the Blu Staff; but how was the food ?

One of the reasons we preferred Blu was the fact you had more than one choice for an appetizer, as in Luminae. The food in all categories was WONDERFUL, especially one night they had a Parsnip w/carmelized onions soup. This didn't sound at all appetizing, but the other soup was a cold one so I took a chance and it was "out of this world". The choices were much better for the main course in Blu and there was only one night, out of 15, that I ordered a steak from their alternative menu offer each night. It, again, was absolutely delicious. I don't know if all the Celebrity Solstice class ships have the same recipes, but if they do not, they should contact the Eclipse chef!!!

Trish

Our last cruise was in a suite cabin where we dined at Luminae, which we thought was very special. This last cruise we Aqua class and naturally compared it to Luminae and surprisingly, we liked Blu better! At least on the Eclipse, the staff were simply outstanding, especially Suki who know our names from the first night, and the Maitre 'd who oversaw the restaurant skillfully and was impressive. He was not above cleaning tables, taking dining requests, etc. when the crowds became overly large. The restaurant itself is worth the extra cost for Aqua class.

Trish

As you can see by the listing of our Celebrity cruises, this is our very favorite cruise line and actually we have NEVER had the experiences related on this posting happen to us. We are now limiting our cruising to the Solstice class, as these ships are so beautiful and the crews seem to be happy in their work, they are very friendly, and the food is head and shoulders above RCL. We are

Elite + so the nightly cocktails are taken care of, and often 3 vouchers for drinks at any bar are offered. It really pays to stick to one line, use their credit cards, and get OBC on every cruise, especially the new Celebrity Visa card!!

Trish

On a recent Eclipse sailing, we went to the casino cage and received $100 in different looking chips. These chips are not refundable but when you gamble, simply always use these chips and save the ones that win with. It worked perfectly for us as we won quite a bit on 3 card poker (always paid in the regular chips.) Of course, the caveat is you cannot lose $100 without winning a bit and end up with the regular chips.

Trish

This is our first booked AQ accessible cabin and wonder if they are the same as the regular balcony accessible cabins which only have a tiny couch barely big enough for two? Is there any difference between the S class ships? We have the same numbered stateroom on our next two cruises; one on Eclipse and one on Equinox. Trish

On a recent cruise when we had a suite, Luminae was open for lunch after we boarded? This cruise we have an aqua stateroom and wonder if Blu is open as well?

Trish

When I read this posting about Equinox being brought back to the Caribbean, I immediately called Celebrity and found a great cruise on April 24, 2017 with three days in New Orleans from Miami!!! Great Itinerary which they call a Jazz Cruise and today, I checked the website and the suites are already sold out!!

Trish

I have looked at many deck plans and cannot find the location of the Luminae Restaurant. Last time we were on her, the restaurant did not exist, but I am sure they captured space somewhere and tucked it in!

 

Any thought as to if it is a positive part of upgrading to a suite on a long (16 night) cruise?

 

Thanks, frk (and jrk)

I would not hesitate to upgrade as on a long cruise, the dining experience becomes really important and Luminae's ambiance, food, and service is exceptional. You have own wine steward and the service is impecable PLUS on sea days they are open for lunch as well. Go for it!

Trish

We are booked in an aqua class veranda but note the cost is well in excess of a normal veranda. Do those of you who have sailed in both classes in the S ships think it is worth it? We loved the Luminae on our last cruise where we snagged a suite at the last minute so wonder how The Blue will compare.

Trish

My husband has had Parkinson's for five years. He does not need a wheelchair and to look at him, the signs are minimal BUT, he does have balance problems and has fallen trying to get out of a tub when we had a non-accessible cabin. I don't understand all the complaints about folks having that type cabin when Celebrity insists every time we book one, we have a statement confirming our disability issues. I agree you should never book an accessible cabin if you do not need one, but do not be too quick to judge just by looks.

Trish

Would appreciate recommendations re a hotel in late October for an overnight before our Transatlantic. Hopefully with a breakfast included.

Also, need to have transportation from Heathrow to Southampton so any ideas re this? Many thanks for any suggestions everyone has.

Trish

Just off the Solstice yesterday. First time on Celebrity (having sailed in Queens Grill on Cunard a dozen times), and dined almost exclusively in Luminae. It was a consistently first-rate experience, with excellent and innovative food choices, a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere, and exceptional service. The staff was never flustered or bothered by an order off-menu. I'd say the experience is right up there with the best of Queens Grill on Cunard.

We totally agree! Luminae was better than the specialty restaurants and the lure of the specialty restaurants vanished once we ate there.

Trish

Would a Celebrity Official be able to tell us what specialty dining perks are included with Sky Suites and what the policy is for bookings made in 2015?

Having a sky suite, you are entitled to dining in Luminae every breakfast, lunch (on sea days) and dinner every night. Once you eat in Luminae, you probably will not even consider a specialty restaurant...it is that AMAZING. We were blown away by the quality of the food, the decor, the service, etc. so that another dining venue on our recent Silhouette cruise was not even tempting.

Trish

Having just returned from a cruise with Luminae as our suite specialty restaurant, we wonder if Blu compares in any way to this fantastic dining venue. We have booked an aqua class cabin and are considering doing just that on our next cruise. Somewhere I read that it is possible to dine in Liminae for an extra charge...has anyone ever done that?

Trish

We just experienced the restaurant Luminae on our Silhouette cruise to the Baltic and LOVED it. Do suite passengers on the Summit and Infinity have that perk if you book a suite?

Trish

We just returned from sailing on the Silhouette and were extremely pleased with the restaurant serving suite guests only...Luminae. I booked the Solstice on this cruise but now I am wondering if it has Luminae as I learned the Silhouette just had it added two years ago. This one perk made us suite advocates as each dinner, lunch or breakfast was like dining at a gourmet restaurant and when compared to Murano or the Tuscany Grill, it was every bit as good, if not better.

Trish

We just returned from sailing on the Silhouette and were extremely pleased with the restaurant serving suite guests only...Luminae. I booked the Solstice on this cruise but now I am wondering if it has Luminae as I learned the Silhouette just had it added two years ago. This one perk made us suite advocates as each dinner, lunch or breakfast was like dining at a gourmet restaurant and when compared to Murano or the Tuscany Grill, it was every bit as good, if not better.

Trish

This is our first cruise on Silhouette in a suite and wonder how Luminae compares to the specialty restaurants. Is the food so superior from the main dining room that it is not worthwhile to pay extra for the specialty ones? Are they open for any other meals besides dinner? We are Elite Plus so I think there is a special place for breakfast and is that something to try as well?

Thanks so much for anyone's input.

Trish

We haven't sailed on Princess lately but I seem to remember there are a few mini-suites that have a cover and they are on the Dolphin deck? Is this correct and what suites are they? Also, what kind of shape is the Grand these days? We sailed on her in the Med to Egypt some years ago so have heard she does need some refurbishing. True?

Trish

We are booked in a suite for the first time and wonder if it is expected to tip every time you have cabin service? When we have had verandah cabins, when the breakfast was delivered, we alway tipped, as well as any other room service order. Of course, we know the butler deserves a tip for the entire cruise, but just wondered if it is expected. Thanks.

Trish

This is our first time with a suite on Celebrity and I am wondering if you make dinner reservations at Luminae? We like to have a table for two, but not if it is "banquet style" where you are sitting so close. We usually dine about 6:00 so we can see the early show.

Trish

We are looking to book a Grand Princess tour in September of 2017 but all the recent reviews say the ship is really in poor shape. Does anyone know if Princess plans to refurbish the ship in the next year? Trish

Prior to our cruise, we are spending four days in London. Can you buy the Oyster Pass at the airport or should we pay the mailing fee of approximately $5.00 each? If not the airport, can you buy them at the tube stations?

Thanks for your help.

Trish

Most of the times we were in Blu, tips were pooled between all of the staff. Luminae on the Eclipse were sharing as well. Maitre d kept a list of who gave what so that the waiters knew who gave and how much .

This is our first cruise in a suite on the Silhouette and wonder how you are seated in the Luminae restaurant? My husband and I prefer a table for two and when we had a suite on a Princess cruise, we were given a table for the entire cruise that was ours to eat whenever we wished. It was a table for four, so we could invite other cruisers if we wished. Is the food substantially the same as the MDR, or completely different. Is it similar to Blu? Thanks for info.

Trish

Hi,

 

Forgot to add, British lbs is a weight not currency. Just for your information.

 

Pete

My computer has no key for British Pounds. I assume yours does from your comment.

Trish