snowyboy

Oct. 26th – Sea Day

 

Oh no, here it is. The LAST day on the ship. It can’t be. Deciding to buck-up and enjoy the day (instead of trying to find a place to stow away), we went to the Hot Glass Show. How did we miss this? The show was SO interesting. The guys were funny, informative and kept a good commentary going at all times. We tried to bid on a piece that we loved, but it went above our budget. We have a last, great meal in the dining room and trudge back to our room. We pack up (had to buy an extra suitcase with everything we’re bringing back!) and load everything into the hall. All good things must come to an end.

 

Oct. 27th – Debarkation Day

 

But not yet! We booked ‘Extend Your Stay’ and stayed on the ship until about 2:30. Had lunch one last time at Bistro on Five. We watched excited couples and families board the ship for the next cruise, and when it became too much to bear we left the ship. I don’t think I’d do the Extend Your Stay again. It was like slowly pulling off a band-aid. I need to just rip it off and leave the ship with everyone else. Getting luggage and getting out of the cruise terminal was a little tricky since no one was around to point us in the right direction, but we figured it out and found our way.

 

We had an amazing trip. I must have been living right to have everything go so perfectly on my trip. Celebrity was wonderful; the Equinox is a beautiful ship. Please feel free to ask any questions!

 

Thanks for reading!

Loved you review we were on Equinox in September and did most of your ports of call Istanbul - Barcelona. the "S" class ships are great can't wait for our next trip in March 2016. We love the state of Colorado.

Keep sailing

John

:D :D :D

 

Funnily enough I think Hyacinth is already posting on this very thread! ;)

 

Did you ever see the episode 'Sea Fever', where they all sail on the QE2? From 7.30 onwards...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNkpqqMQ6FQ

In our paper today Telegraph

Keeping Up Appearances set to return as Young Hyacinth

BBC in talks to remake classic sitcom, with new version expected to chart the teenage travails of Hyacinth Bucket, (sorry, Bouquet)

Hyacinth Bucket on 'Keeping up Appearances' (played by Patricia Routledge, pictured with Clive Swift) always pronounces her surname 'Bouquet'

Patricia Routledge is unlikely to feature in the remake, sources said Photo:

By Patrick Foster, Media Correspondent6:08PM GMT 16 Nov 2015

Hyacinth Bucket, the standard bearer of British middle class snobbery, is to return to the BBC after 20 years, in a new version of Keeping Up Appearances.

The classic sitcom is being resurrected as part of a celebration of the corporation’s most popular comedies that is due to air next year. Other programmes being considered for revival include Porridge, The Good Life, Are You Being Served? and Up Pompeii!

The new version of Keeping Up Appearances has the working title Young Hyacinth, and follows the character as a 19-year-old. Sources close to the show said that Patricia Routledge, whose social climbing Hyacinth insisted her surname should be pronounced “bouquet”, is unlikely to return.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/11999379/Keeping-Up-Appearances-set-to-return-as-Young-Hyacinth.html

I doubt we will see any examples in the MDR .... HARDLY ELEGANT ... OR CHIC. [emoji38]

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Are you a betting man :) if I was you would not put odds on your post not happening as I am sure it will happen. :o

Watch this space :D

YES I LOVE THE IDEA! Get dressed up if you want to but i'm not bringing a gown and it's easier for the hubs to not bring a suit. Formal nights we always booked specialty restaurants, they are too stuffy and stodgy for me. This isn't HS it's not prom. We are in our mid/late 30's. It specifically states no holes in jeans, no t-shirts. What's wrong with a polo, dark jeans, and loafers or jeans and some a cute top for a woman? I'm all for it!

You just hit the nail on the head "A polo shirt is smart casual" not Chic so all this will do is end up being the same as most nights in MDR smart casual. I am not for or against but would like defined dress evenings if they are going to happen, what worries me is WHO is going to police this as one persons ideas of Chic (like yours) is not the same as next persons (Mine). We shall see - Watch this space.

Why do you book Speciality if "they are too stuffy and stodgy for me".

No.

Oh yes there is but it cost $$$

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/11974722/Fast-track-entry-to-US-arrives-for-British-travellers-at-a-cost.html

I can do a poll that translates the respondents' IP addresses into country (state, province, and city) but you can't post a link to the poll here at CruiseCritic.

 

I think that a good survey would ask multiple questions about the dress code and break down the results by country.

 

Here's one we did last summer about Holland America's balcony smoking policy. Sadly, you are not allowed to post links to an external surveys here.

 

http://www.instituteofcheer.com/wp-content/uploads/Balcony-Smoking-Survey-2014-Holland-America-Line.pdf

Why not ask if you can do a poll they can only say Yes or No.

But great to do poll by country I wonder how that would turn out.

Any takers.

Just found what I was looking for, smart Chic wear for Men

I just found what I was looking for Chic wear for Men, take your pick.

Just received email as Vino123 this is from Celebrity web site Blog

We’re always looking ahead, striving to make our guests’ time onboard as enjoyable as possible. That’s why we think it’s time for an evolution in cruising attire. Giving you more freedom when choosing what to wear, we’re saying hello to Evening Chic.

What is Evening Chic?

Dressier than Smart Casual, Evening Chic will allow you more freedom when deciding on your best outfit for an evening out. Nothing is taken away, as you will still have the freedom to wear formal attire if you so choose – it’s all about glamour, sophistication and giving you more choice.Women should feel comfortable wearing elegant tops and cocktail dresses.

Women should feel comfortable wearing elegant tops and cocktail dresses.

Women should feel comfortable wearing elegant tops and cocktail dresses.

What to wear

While also having the option to wear your formal best, Evening Chic nights will be a more relaxed, yet sophisticated, attire.

Women should feel comfortable wearing a cocktail dress, skirt, trousers, or designer/smart jeans with an elegant top.

Men should feel comfortable wearing trousers or smart jeans with a dress shirt or button-down shirt or sweater, with blazers optional.

Although we’re saying farewell to Formal Nights, Smart Casual evenings are staying the same. Women can continue to enjoy wearing skirts, trousers or jeans with a casual top, while men can wear trousers or jeans with a sport shirt with sleeves.

Jackets are optional, giving you more freedom on an Evening Chic night.

Jackets are optional, giving you more freedom on an Evening Chic night.

Evening Chic Events

To celebrate the start of Evening Chic, we’ll be hosting a range of Evening Chic Nights where you’ll have unique photo portrait opportunities, plus the chance to meet the Captain and Senior Officers throughout the ship, at one of the “Meet and Greet” events. Also, when you first step onboard, you’ll see a professionally produced film of the Captain’s Welcome Speech, on the Cruise Director channel.

We’re giving the traditional champagne toast a glamorous refresh, too, with a new destination-based cocktail instead of the usual toast. You can also enjoy luxurious new spa packages, designed exclusively for Celebrity Cruises guests, so you can pamper yourself before getting ready to shine at an Evening Chic night. There will also be Art and Casino Evening Chic events, so keep a look out.

Enjoy a destination-based cocktail rather than a traditional champagne toast.

Enjoy a destination-based cocktail rather than a traditional champagne toast.

Questions? We’ve answered a few of them below

How many Evening Chic nights will there be on every cruise?

6 night cruises or less à One Evening Chic night

7 night cruises or longer à At least two Evening Chic nights

All other nights are “Smart Casual”

Can I still wear a tuxedo/formal gown on those nights?

Yes. Evening Chic means that you can feel glamorous and sophisticated in your own way. If you’d rather wear a tuxedo or formal gown on Evening Chic nights, you absolutely should.

Why is Celebrity making this change?

Celebrity stands out for offering a Modern Luxury experience. When it comes to attire, Modern Luxury travel is often more relaxed. So, rather than tell our guests they need to wear traditional formalwear to fit in on certain nights onboard, we’re giving formal night a Modern Luxury makeover. We want our guests to feel glamorous and be sophisticated in their own way.

When will the change go into effect?

For all sailings beginning on or after December 4, 2015. (Celebrity Xpedition will continue to feature casual attire for the entire cruise.)

Can I wear jeans on Evening Chic nights?

Designer/smart jeans are absolutely acceptable on Evening Chic nights.

Do men need to wear a jacket on Evening Chic nights?

No, jackets are optional on Evening Chic nights.

Will the formal night traditions will be affected (Captain’s Table, lobster on the menu, photos, etc.)?

We will continue to offer lobster on the menu on Evening Chic nights. We also plan to put a Modern Luxury twist on several Formal Night traditions, including a new Captain’s Reception featuring destination-inspired cocktails, and photo/portrait opportunities as well as senior-officer-hosted tables at various restaurants throughout the cruise.

Excited about Evening Chic? Tell us your thoughts using #EveningChic on Twitter and Facebook.

Which restaurant will you choose to showcase your best Evening Chic attire? We’re in love with Luminae, find out why here.

I've never done this in Miami, but hopefully it will work there. In Fort Lauderdale I've rented a car for the day from a rental company that has shuttles at the pier. Used car for both transportation and to carry luggage around when hanging out around the city and then dropped it off at the airport.

We have done exactly that for our March 2016 cruise our flight back to UK is not until 22:00 from MIA we rented via Hertz Dodge Caravan cost us £48.33 that's around $72. Transfer to MIA is alone $12 x 4 $48 so for us good deal and solves problems.:)

Just had same email as vino123 also link to Celebrity UK web site page.

https://www.celebritycruises.co.uk/blog/introducing-evening-chic/?ecid=6620735&rid=819762959&lid=Jo+Rzymowska+image&emsc=UKCELEVENINGCHICUPDATE

I have enjoyed the read and now look forward to our Caribbean cruise in March 2016. Many thanks for your posting.

High seas fashion disasters!

That night, we donned matching Hawaiian garb and paraded around the ship like fools. At the senior officer’s event held up in the Revelations Lounge, we caught the attention of Captain Kate who insisted on a picture with us. Quite embarrassing.

[/color][/size][/font]

So pleased to see you are all ready equipped for the Celebrity new Chic Evenings (dare you).

John

If Kusadasi is on your itinerary, you can pick up a case load for $20 :p :D. You can't tell the difference unless you look real closely, and if you're that close, you'd better duck :D.

Kenevenpar,

The flirty dress was obviously too flirty, that's why it's been removed :rolleyes:![/quote

 

 

Genuine Fake Jeans.

No, there is no requirement to change the address. Fine as it is.

 

Phil

Thanks I was wondering about the same question, neighbour.

We give the Concierge in Michael's a tip at the end of the cruise- Typically $10 per couple per day if we believe that the service was great. We have also tipped a special waitress or waiter additional in Michael's if he she is special. I believe that the Maitre'd is included in the general tips, however if you want to give more, I am sure that they will appreciate it. Tipping is very personal. Some people do not tip. We also give the CC host(ess) a tip if he/she is also exceptional.

 

I am sure that any tip will be greatly appreciated!

I would think the Concierge must thank you as you must be the only people to use Michael's Club, what a waste of what was a great venue. :mad:

Father vs. Son Video Showdown

 

The battle of the Sky Safari Zip Lining videos. The young gun takes on his father. A little video editing history... back in our Roller coaster days we had the number 1 Paramount Canada's Wonderland fan site where we featured some roller coaster and theme park videos. I did the first ones then Adam started to make a few and I realized he was much better than me. Fast forward about ten years and now we have the same cruise addiction as once was our roller coaster enthusiasm. I converted Adam from Adobe Premiere Elements to Apple's Final Cut Pro X. Cheap for Adam because he could download for free from Apple's Family share program. A few weeks back I offered Adam a Final Cut Pro X tutorial (the limited knowledge I have) to edge him on to get his first video on Final Cut Pro X completed.

 

Now for the battle of the Sky Safari videos Father vs. Son. You decide?

 

The Father's Entry...

 

 

The Son's Entry...

 

 

Regards,

Kevin Reid

Now I think that was a draw, but great first effort very talented both of you.

John

Hello Pam & John,

 

So glad you were able to get thru the whole thing... my labour pf love. I guess I have not posted on our March 6, 2016 roll call as of yet. But I will! Donna and I are really looking forward to our first Eclipse in 2016. Of the seven ports 4 of them will be new to us. Lets make sure that we make a point to say hello to each other during sail-away or connections get together?

 

Regards,

Kevin Reid

Hi Kevin

I will make a point of picking you out, hopeful you will join in the sail away bash and we will for sure meet, on our last cruise the CC do was very poor only about 20 people but at sail away we had over 80 great turn out.

Are your sons with you or just You and Donna ?.

Looking forward to your postings on 06.03.16 roll call hope you post some of your report or as you say a labour of love on their also, very good reading.

Regards

John

Would like to get a pair of binoculars that would be good for use on our cruises, seeing wildlife in trees, ports when we're docked, etc.

 

Any input appreciated....I tried researching but it is very confusing.

 

Thank you.

They normally have some good ones for sail on ship duty free. Cannon

We are considering the 9 night sailing on 6th August 2016 on Equinox.

 

It is a number of years since we have sailed with Celebrity and would usually have booked when cruises first went on sail so it is a little unusual for us to be booking at this "relatively" late date.

 

Under the "buy one get one half price" promotion we have been quoted £3000/cabin for an A1 grade balcony which includes the flights to Rome and returning from Barcelona ( form London Heathrow) and the classic drinks package.

 

I am always a bit wary of the "special promotions" as sometimes there really isn't much difference from the usual pricing but just wondering if any seasoned celebrity cruisers from UK could advise as to whether this sounds reasonable.

 

Would welcome any comments or advice

Thank you

I have found in the past Celebrity flights expensive Easyjet fly to both ports, this year we got off Equinox in Barcelona fly back to Luton with 23 kg luggage Under £60 for both of us, also handy if you got local airport price up both.

Half price and drinks package is a good deal take it. Just check flights

2015 Silhouette Small Moments

 

 

It took me quite a while to finally get my last video together. If you have not clicked any of my videos please do me a favour and at least click this next video. It is 11 seconds short of 4 minutes in length and I think it captures all the small moments we enjoyed as a family on our seven day cruise aboard the Beautiful Celebrity Silhouette. I just love the song I picked this year which is a little different from last year's Equinox Small Moments video. So please give the Vimeo Link Below a click.

 

 

I learned a video edit lesson last year that I applied to this year. This year I did the longer recap (edit for family) 34 minute version first which allowed me to become familiar with the clips I liked. Then I was able to create the 4 minute version (video above) in an evening. Which was opposite from last year when I edited the short one first then the second longer family version edit second. If you would like to see the longer 34 minute version? I am including the Vimeo Video link to that video below. WARNING! it is 34 minutes long and maybe be boring to most.

 

 

I have updated my signature to include a link to my Vimeo Silhouette Album. All of the videos that appeared in this Photo Trip Report are there in one spot. The Last project left to do for this cruise is to create an iPhoto book for Christmas which will be a bit expensive because I have to purchase three copies. Thanks for following along.

 

Regards,

Kevin Reid

Got there at last great review superb pictures and video 26 Pages boy my eyes ache but I did enjoy.

Pleased to see your doing Eclipse 6 March 2016 few of same ports, look forward to catching up with you, are you joining in the roll call for this cruise could do with your input may be you could post some of your review that is relevant to this cruise.

We sailed Equinox in September and Solstice last November but for me Eclipse is the best superb staff.

Once again thanks for the review, by the way we love PEI and hope to return and day.

Pam & John

Thanks for all your replies.

 

I think the convenience factor is the biggest seller on this for us.

 

Its our honeymoon, so after all i guess we should splash out a little and celebrate.

 

Thanks again.

Just wait till your on board give it a day or two to see how your spending can see on TV in room, then go with Classic package unless you drink Martinis etc I like a drink or three and classic works out fine for us. G & T etc and wines are not bad second glass is better.

Enjoy your cruise and congrats are in order I know.

Hi All,

 

The obvious answer to this is "it depends how much you drink".

 

But, i embark on my first Celebrity Cruise on 28th November from Miami, i am just pondering to see if its worthwhile added a drinks package.

 

Premium drinks package id $65 per per person day, or $910 for the full 7 nights.

 

Has anyone any experience of booking one? And was it worth it?

 

Thanks!

 

Craig

I found a drinks package from 2014 calculator work it out for yourself.

Celebrity Drink PKG Selector 2014.xls

For me Celebrity treats me like a Celebrity they got the mixture just right, English saying " It does what it said it does on the tin".

Celebrity keep it up at least till March 2016. :D:D