bikerunner

4 hours ago, HopefulCruiser123 said:

Beautiful.  We will be stopping here on our TA next year on Equinox.  I hope we have pretty weather too.  Thank you for the review and pictures. 

I was worried a bit as I have read a few cruises have skipped the port because of weather.  He next few days I saw we’re going to be rain etc.  hope you get to visit the island as it’s a wonderful stop 

Always find it curious people complain about the prices but when people mention that they work with a travel agent and get great prices, Ie group bookings thru TA.  But the people complaining won’t go to a travel agent because they want to “keep control of the reservation”.   It does take some work initially to find a very good travel agent. Been using my 2 for many years and always gotten great service and incredible savings.  
 

like jerimah pointed out celebrity/royal has no reason to give large discounts at the moment.   The ships are full, people are spending money.  They seem to have positioned the ships to profitable routes now.  

Azores today could not ask for a more perfect day. 65-70 out no wind. Just a beautiful island overall.   

Captain is actually Nigel smyrh correct spelling.   Met him today while having a beer in craft social.  Really personable.  Crew likes him, which to me says the most.  

Just now, buzz031 said:

We love the Silhouette! Have taken two cruises (TA westbounds) on her. Thought Captain Kirk was the best but hear you have a new captain. Where did the new one come from?  

Captain is Nigel smith I believe.  He is pretty personable. From Ireland I believe.  This is my 6 or 7 on the silhouette.  Always good.  

Currently enjoying sea day in the middle of he Atlantic.  Sailing has been mostly smooth.  The first 2 days out of Florida were the rockiest. Overall everything has been great. I’m in aqua and Blu has had great choices for dinners.    The comments people say about limited choices or preparation I would disagree completely with. 
 

Found a great pinot noir by the glass, penner ash, yes over the premium limit by 4 but well worth it.  It costs about 60 or so in nh for the bottle in New Hampshire and it’s the one I drink at home.  Had a couple whites in premium that are very good also.  World class bar as always excellent. Mostly eaten breakfast in blu and all food as usual was great. Lunch mostly has been ordering a gluten free pizza with picked toppings, Ie peppers mushroom black olives.   Not a desert person so no comment there.   Cafe al bacio knew my order by day 2 and I just sit and my English breakfast tea is there within a cpl minutes. 
 

entertainment has been good to very good.  Magician was fun but as usual with magicians they would work better in a cabaret type setting.  The singers and other performers are very good.  Comic was good in spots.  
 

Some guests as usual are completely inconsiderate to other guests and staff.  Found it funny when walking decks yesterday morning when overhearing one guest all upset because he was adamant room service was an hour early and they woke home up.  Ummm someone forgot or didn’t listen to all the staff telling you about time change that happened. 
 

it’s my first TA and will do more in future as enjoying the sea days 

Just now, mtnsofthemoon11 said:

Just seeking clarification that the free classes are the live ones in the fitness center correct (not some ki d of in room video)?  We are Aqua Class coming up (10) day and I am looking forward to taking free classes.

 

Thanks

They are the in class/fitness center ones.   I did a few and they are not great.   They get you moving. 

Jumping on adding to thread.  Cruise has been great some rocky seas but went thru some stormy weather and lots of rocking seas. No such thing as walking in a straight line at this point.  Could be the world class bar fault but also ship is rocking.   Crew has been outstanding.  It is a chic night tonight.  
 

The captain is not Kirk but captain Nigel.  Have not gotten last name. But he has a good sense of humor on his announcements.   Crew likes him from talking to them.   Some guests are definitely inconsiderate towards staff overall.  I’m an observer and worked in hospitality industry so I do question and ask staff about it.  
 

update captain nigel smith.  Wales Ireland.   

On 4/17/2024 at 2:40 PM, 39august said:

bikerunner, please post if you find the price to indeed be $17. Maybe they changed it back recently. It definitely was $19 on Equinox in Feb. 

so prices have gone up. Your correct.  App as usual wrong. Wcb menu 

In Ft. Lauderdale now.  Kimpton Shorebreak.   Highly recommend.  Very unique hotel, great service and food. And walk to the beach and they have beach chairs to use. Can’t wait to Monday but vacation has already started. 

There are so many better cc available for travel.  The celebrity branded one is total crap compared to others 

Its pretty simple for me overall, I don't do deserts, never found them any good on Celebrity anyways.  I do not use elevator at all so always doing the stairs.  Its staying away from all the extra breads and fruity drinks overall.  The buffet is easiest as you can just walk around and see all the veggies, I loaded up many days with the steamed Cauliflower and Broccoli that was available.  

I would go based on the itineary overall. Service is great on both ships.  Silhouette is S class so similar to Equinox more so as it has be Revolutionized.  Blu/Lumanie is better in the Silhouette but nothing wrong with the Infinity either.  The infinity is M class and just older, still in great shape not as many Speciality Restaurants, and the Persian Gardens are much nicer on the Silhouette.  Tho I would not turn down either ship if the itinerary was what I wanted.  The Retreat sun deck on Silhouette is nicer but usually those Greece/Turkey cruises are very port intensive so how much time are you planning to stay onboard with the great places/ports to see things.  Overall the Silhouette is the better ship, not by much, and would base the decision on the ports overall.  

Looking forward to this cruise also,  First TA and just plan on relaxing and enjoying the ship.   Have 10 days in Italy planned afterward disembarking.  

12 minutes ago, newcruzer2 said:

I know the beverage package prices can be different on all ships and itineraries 

But my planner has shown the zero proof package at 10% off since I booked Jan last year.

ANYONE have experience with a bigger discount than that??

Just wondering if I should even bother to hope

I think once I saw a 15% but that was long time ago and was for like 3 days only.  10% is what it is, easiest is just book it and if a better price comes along cxl and rebook, done that many times on different things with celebrity.  Excursions, drink upgrades etc.  The refund if OBC is usually instantaneous, and cc was always within 2-3 business days.  

46 minutes ago, zitsky said:

Does it ever change?  I don’t sail for 8 months.  On Millie in Bali.

Changes about as fast as Murano and or any the specialty menus change, very very rarely.  The food is good but the only one I will ever do again is the Veuve Cliquot dinner, but they have phased that out mostly when I questioned the Cellar Master on my past November cruise.  

40 minutes ago, 39august said:

bikerunner, please post if you find the price to indeed be $17. Maybe they changed it back recently. It definitely was $19 on Equinox in Feb. 

Ill try to get pictures of the menu uploaded.   Seems they change pricing on the whim overall and do not have a concrete plan on it.   

1 hour ago, LB_NJ said:

I know it says 6 classes (e.g., yoga) on a 12 day cruise however, we were in Aqua on a 12 day cruise and when we asked the person in the fitness center said 3.

 

We didn't question the answer because in the end my wife only found 1 class that fit her schedule.

Ill just save where the info is on Celebrity site so in case I don't have issues, I would guess the person in the fitness class might not be aware of the 12+ day cruise info, would just escalate it to the spa director.  Celebrity does not do many over 12 day + cruises anymore so would make sense that staff is not fully aware of the extras.  

13 minutes ago, 39august said:

I second these drinks. BUT, they are no longer covered on the premium package. Zacapa Old Fashioned is now $19. I believe Azteca is the same. 

Still shows for my sailing next week at 17  I guess Ill find out Monday, on Silhouette for the TransAtlantic next week.   

1 minute ago, hisfirstm8 said:

This is the first time we will have the beverage package so I'm asking my friends on this board to help me make a list of those drinks that I should not miss.  We usually go for either wine or drinks made with bourdon, but are open to trying different things since we have the drink package.  And we have the premium package.  Thank you so much!!!!

The easiest thing is to go to the different bars and just ask the bartenders as they will help you.  Guess what don't like it get something else, the joys of the drink package.  Hopefully you're on a ship with World Class Bar as that is where I find my favorites personall love the Double Piquant and Banana Republic, all the drinks are very good.  Plus they will make different things for you at times besides the 10 drinks on the menu.  Many will say the different Martinis at the Martini Bar, personally I like the Cucumber Martini as I prefer things more "earthy" not super sweet as many of them are there.  I have always had fun and getting the bartenders to make me something different not on menus, don't remember but it is always great to ask them.  

1 hour ago, AC Stew said:

Elite+ (and Zenith) will get a free fitness class as well. Last time I was in Aqua, I was able to add that additional class to my AQ allotment. 

Thats good to know,  I have the 6 for the TA which should be all I need.  Wont be on Celebrity for at least a few years after this cruise as have other lines and travels booked out thru 2026 at this point and Im guessing thru 2027 as we plan on doing Antartica in Jan/Feb 2027 on Scenic or Seaborn.  

On 4/13/2024 at 4:51 AM, gold1953 said:

all I found is this  Celebrity Cruises - AquaClass Amenities

Found it finally

AquaClass® guests receive complimentary access to the Persian Garden (available on Millennium Series & Solstice Series) and SEA Thermal Suite (available on Edge Series), the spa relaxation lounge, dining in Blu Restaurant, complimentary fitness classes* and a personal Spa Concierge.

The comforts of AquaClass® extend to your stateroom as well. AquaClass® staterooms are a sanctuary for the modern traveler. All AquaClass® staterooms include a spacious private veranda, Exhale® bedding, a pillow menu, premium bath amenities, a massaging showerhead, in-room fitness amenities, and yoga mats.

*Complimentary fitness classes of choice vary by cruise length:

• Cruises 5 nights or less = 2 classes

• Cruises 6–11 nights = 3 classes

• Cruises 12 Nights+ = 6 classes

Some people will say yes and some will say no.   Food is way too subjective.  I enjoy both equally.  

Not sure what it was but cheapest I ever saw it was maybe 8% off at times.  It would easily add over 200 with the wine pairings 

Usually sells out pre cruise, or has been on the last 4 I have been on in the last year.