The NEW Celebrity Secrets thread (4/2013)

The old thread is hard to read, so I am starting a new thread...and Theologator's last post is a wonderful start because he/she summarized the major "secrets" in the older thread.

I assume that Theologator would not object to my reposting his entire post here to get the NEW thread started:

I took some time to compile the 'tips' and arranged them by general topic. This is not a comprehensive list but I think I got most of the good items from the prior 47 pages. I did not include the medical or much on the casinos (I don't gamble and as the 47 pages began to blur that blurred first.)

 

I hope this is helpful for those jumping into this thread toward the end. If you've slogged through from the beginning, I'm very proud of you.

 

General

 

If you do not like the Celebrity advertising/writing on some of the pictures they take, the photography dept. will print it for you without it...no extra charge.

 

If you are B2B on Celebrity (or RCI) and have on day between cruises in the same port, the receiving cruise line will cover the cost of a hotel stay for the night.

 

Rooms

 

The "refrigerators" in your rooms are actually are coolers. Don't expect things to get ice cold in them. This is by design. They will get somewhat cooler if you keep the cabinet door open.

 

Ladies, bring a rubber band to hold the hair dryer button down.

 

Solstice class ships have two US plugs and one European plug on the desk.

 

Solstice class ships have night light function built into the bathroom lighting...

 

The room steward's key overrides all locks including the inside latch. Use the “Do Not Disturb” sign to ensure privacy.

 

You can withdraw cash (US dollars) in the casino and it will be charged to your on-board account. There is a charge of 5% to do this. If you have unused nonrefundable On Board Credit at the end of your cruise, then you care about this one

 

Any room can order room service 24/7 – including late afternoon cheese & fruit.

 

You can bring non-alcoholic beverages like water, soda, etc. by the case if you want. You can put a luggage tag on the case and check it to your room. Have your steward empty your mini-fridge to make room.

 

The tap water on the ship is reverse-osmosis treated, making it as good as bottled water. Bring a water bottle to fill from the tap for excursions and rotate one in the cooler as well.

 

There are typically Wi-Fi discounts offered on the first day of the cruise.

 

All the cabins and doors are made of metal. Magnets are useful to hang up itinerary, notes to steward or each other; or calendar of specialty restaurant/show reservations.

 

You can plug in your own DVD or other devices to the room TV with an HDMI cable (bring your own.) Turn the TV off, plug in your HDMI cable to the second port, and then turn it back on. When done, turn off the TV, disconnect your HDMI cable and then turn the TV back on and you will resume the ship’s programming/channels.

 

A short power strip/surge protector is better than an extension cord, which will be removed if causing a trip/fall hazard.

 

 

Drinks

 

Pay attention to the drink specials on the daily sheet and watch for ‘happy hour’. It applies to non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water.

 

 

Dining

 

They often offer some specialty dining discounts on the first day of the cruise. If you have a reservation where a discount would apply, you can ask for the difference to be credited to your account.

 

You can order off the MDR menu in the evenings by calling Room Service. You will have a much better chance of having your food arrive hot that way rather than by having your cabin attendant go get it. This is available in all cabin types. If you are in a suite, you could ask your butler to bring it.

 

Steak Diane is available in most of the "fine dining" specialty restaurants. It's not listed on the menu and you have to ask for it in advance.

 

The treats in the glass case at Cafe Al Bacio are complimentary and they can be packaged to go. The mini-sandwiches, which are available mid-day, make a great appetizer to go with pre-dinner wine/cocktails on the veranda. Just keep them cold in your room fridge. And the desserts are delicious whenever.

 

Cellar Masters has an awesome cheese and olive, bread stick set up before dinner. Swing by and have some....the cheese is MUCH better than the buffet cheese.

 

You can ask for smaller portions at QSINE and/or remember that you do not have to finish everything served before they give you another. Yes, it is enjoyable for 2 people although many seem to feel it is better with large groups.

 

At breakfast and lunch buffets, walk around before you dive in....some things are sort of hidden and you won't see them if you immediately stop for the first thing you see.

 

If you are on any sort of special diet, go to the place where they are handling dinner time changes and remind them (or tell them) of your restrictions.

 

They have anchovies for Caesar salads but you have to ask.

 

Some ships will bring berries with or without cream upon request for dessert.

 

You can have your dessert delivered to your cabin for a late treat.

 

Solstice Class ships make their own ‘scooped’ ice cream which is available at the buffet (along with soft serve.) This is not to be confused with the premium charge gelateria

 

You can make your own milk shakes with a little ice cream and milk – or chocolate milk. Just stir.

 

The ice cream station will happily give you a cup of M&M’s or whatever from their topping if you want sweet nibbles for your room.

 

Made-to-order Belgian waffles are available at the breakfast buffet.

 

 

Concierge Class and Above

 

Concierge and above passengers who receive a bottle of bubbly (I'll call it bubbly instead of champagne because it isn't champagne) and prefer wine instead have two options:

 

Ask your room steward/butler to exchange it for the house red or white wine (a $5 tip helps but officially they don't do this.

 

Take the bottle to dinner with you and ask the sommelier to credit you towards a bottle of wine.

 

If you are concierge of above, you can ask that instead of the afternoon canapés, you get cheese or shrimp cocktail. Note: they will only deliver the canapés if you are in your cabin...frankly, it's no loss if you miss them, but that's just my opinion

 

Celebrity provides binoculars in concierge and above cabins, however if you actually want to see anything, bring your own.

 

Elite Cruisers

 

If you are elite, you are welcome to drink as much as you want at the Elite function, but you may not take drinks out of the room (to your cabin, to dinner, to anywhere). This applies to both breakfast and the cocktail hours.

 

If you will be elite at the end of your cruise, you can not get credit early....many have tried. If you are B2B and will become elite after your first cruise, see the captain's club host/hostess and they will arrange for you to be elite on the second cruise.

 

Religion

 

There is often a DIY Jewish service on the Friday night of the cruise. It is not typically on the official schedule but usually someone takes the initiative to do one.

For those that would like to read the detail on the above, the old thread is located at: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1602168

Thanks GH... Maybe I can learn more!

Thank you both! I was just getting ready to compile my own list but you have done it for me! And now we have a fresh start. Perfect!

Carolyn

awesome thanks for the heads up

Hi ghstudio,

I thought about starting a new thread but wasn't sure I should since I'm actually preparing for out first X cruise. I'm glad you did and hope my summary is helpful. I appreciate all those who posted those great ideas. It's a real help.

A fresh start is timely!

Tim

Wow, Tim! Thank you for putting that list together! Sooooo much easier reading it that way than scrolling through many pages. This is sharable (no such word, I think, but you know what I mean) and printable.

Thanks for restarting a 'Secrets' thread. Hopefully this one won't be hijacked.

Next year will be our first Celebrity cruise, and I was wondering if there are any Summit-specific secrets (i.e. 'secret' doors/views, little known highlights, etc.) that anyone would be willing to share? Basically, is there anything that would appeal to my inner pirate? DW has already nixed the idea of swinging from the sports deck down to our balcony room.:mad:

This thread is entitled "Celebrity Secrets" and the title should be self evident as to its intended content. If you feel the need to discuss any of the problems / solutions of Insulin usage, please start a forum that is dedicated to that subject and express your thoughts there. The same advice applys to folks wondering about the best way to travel from London to the cruise port,etc. No disrespect intended, but PLEASE stay on the topic this forum was intended for.:)

This might not be a secret, or maybe for some folks it might be, who

knows?;)

I would just like to say, the secret is :D:D..a smile goes a very

long way.....whether you are giving one to another passenger or a crew/

staff member, a smile:):)...it is priceless.........just something to

think about.:)

I hope this is on topic enough. It might not be about the ship but it

is about the people on the ship.

Every time I see your most helpful list I must chuckle. I used many of your "secrets" on our past cruise in February. As I truly enjoy the one or two anchovies found on my or my husband's Caesar salad, I asked my waiter to include them on my occasional salad. One of our dining partners in the MDR was a bit intrigued that I got them and he didn't. I then told him about the 'secrets' list on this forum. He then wondered if the escargot were also available upon request --he tried and failed.

I am curious, is there a secret way to deal with a self important Maitre'd who insisted that there was no other table available, yet for the first 4 nights in a row we saw several nearby empty tables? We had the worst table imaginable, it was against a very small partition(a corner pillar) which separated the entrance and exit doors of where many of the waitstaff pick up the platters initially(the kitchen??not the serving stations)When all 6 of us were seated, a few impatient waitstaff would scoot with full trays behind us (barely 12" space between us and the corner partition) rather than using the aisles that they were supposed to. As all three couples at our table were C.Club members, I suggested that the "Elite" couple( who also had shares in RCCL)go and speak with the CC rep....we were reassigned a table the last half of our cruise, but all received 'glares' by the Eclipse's maitre 'd for the remainder of the cruise even though some of us smiled sweetly. Thank goodness the assistant maitre 'd was more than civil to us. Was the Maitre'd expecting us to give him cash for a better table?

Every time I see your most helpful list I must chuckle. I used many of your "secrets" on our past cruise in February. As I truly enjoy the one or two anchovies found on my or my husband's Caesar salad, I asked my waiter to include them on my occasional salad. One of our dining partners in the MDR was a bit intrigued that I got them and he didn't. I then told him about the 'secrets' list on this forum. He then wondered if the escargot were also available upon request --he tried and failed.

 

I am curious, is there a secret way to deal with a self important Maitre'd who insisted that there was no other table available, yet for the first 4 nights in a row we saw several nearby empty tables? We had the worst table imaginable, it was against a very small partition(a corner pillar) which separated the entrance and exit doors of where many of the waitstaff pick up the platters initially(the kitchen??not the serving stations)When all 6 of us were seated, a few impatient waitstaff would scoot with full trays behind us (barely 12" space between us and the corner partition) rather than using the aisles that they were supposed to. As all three couples at our table were C.Club members, I suggested that the "Elite" couple( who also had shares in RCCL)go and speak with the CC rep....we were reassigned a table the last half of our cruise, but all received 'glares' by the Eclipse's maitre 'd for the remainder of the cruise even though some of us smiled sweetly. Thank goodness the assistant maitre 'd was more than civil to us. Was the Maitre'd expecting us to give him cash for a better table?

No way to tell....this type of thing happens occasionally and is generally solved either by money or seeking out the next person up the management chain. I don't like bribes, so I work up the chain until I hit some rational officer which is almost always the first level above the problem level.

In Concierge Class, the afternoon canapes are not vegetarian friendly. I discovered by accident, you can request on the daily canape request form that vegetarian canapes be sent and they will be. They are delicious. I really looked forward to that little treat.

This thread is entitled "Celebrity Secrets" and the title should be self evident as to its intended content. If you feel the need to discuss any of the problems / solutions of Insulin usage, please start a forum that is dedicated to that subject and express your thoughts there. The same advice applys to folks wondering about the best way to travel from London to the cruise port,etc. No disrespect intended, but PLEASE stay on the topic this forum was intended for.:)

While I appreciate the irony, please note that none of those topics were in this thread. I assume you were reacting to the old secrets thread, which WAS repeatedly diverted. I did my summary in part to regain the focus. :)

I agree with you 100% - let's keep it to secrets & helpful hints!

Thanks for the new thread. My fiancé and I have a sky suite on the summit in June for our honeymoon and I can't wait! :)

I was on the Eclipse in April and they no longer had the mini sandwiches in Cafe al Bacio. Strictly pastries and sweets. Disappointing :(

Great information!

Thanks for posting!

I was on the Eclipse in April and they no longer had the mini sandwiches in Cafe al Bacio. Strictly pastries and sweets. Disappointing :(

We were on Solstice in December and never saw any sandwiches - only pastries

If you don't see mini-sandwiches in Cafe al Bacio, look for them in the buffet in the afternoon after the lunch service is over.

If you don't see mini-sandwiches in Cafe al Bacio, look for them in the buffet in the afternoon after the lunch service is over.

You're right - they did have some there.

If you don't see mini-sandwiches in Cafe al Bacio, look for them in the buffet in the afternoon after the lunch service is over.

That raises a question. Is the buffet open all day? I've never ventured down there between meals and it hadn't occurred to me that it might be open between mealtimes.

I love this thread we haven't been on a celebrity cruise for a long time and just booked one on the Eclipse for November. I am sure I am going to learn a lot so keep them coming

This seems to be a bit of a secret because we did not discover this during a 12 day cruise on the Silhouette and only learned about it on CC.

For lunch in the AQ spa cafe, you can ask for salmon, tuna, chicken or pork and they will custom grill it for you and bring it to your table.

On our last X cruise in February on the Eclipse, I usually had the salmon cooked medium and it was fantastic.

One More: One night we decided to eat dinner in the buffet and were flabbergasted to see that they custom carve and cook a variety of meat(s) that are beautiful to look at and delicious to eat. The lamb chops were unbelievably good and much less (i.e., $0) than the $45 each we would have paid in Tuscan or Murano

That raises a question. Is the buffet open all day? I've never ventured down there between meals and it hadn't occurred to me that it might be open between mealtimes.

Shari, breakfast is served until 11:30 am, at which point all the breakfast foods are taken away. The food stations are roped off until 12 noon, at which point they're re-opened and all the lunch foods are out. Lunch is served until 2:30 pm and then everything's cleared away. However, the pizza and pasta station continues to serve until 1 am, so to answer your question, yes, in a limited way there's pretty much food available all day.

To continue, yes, there's pretty much something all day. In the afternoon, usually around 4, afternoon tea foods are put out -- little sandwiches, cakes, etc. Then around 5 there's sushi.

To continue, yes, there's pretty much something all day. In the afternoon, usually around 4, afternoon tea foods are put out -- little sandwiches, cakes, etc. Then around 5 there's sushi.

First there's early breakfast in the Ocean View Cafe (buffet) from 7AM to 10AM and late breakfast until 11:30AM...30 minutes to breath until lunch starts at 12:00........then there are those sandwiches, pasta and pizza stations......not to mention the fruit and salad bar that remains open until almost dinner time. Sushi at 5:30-9:30 with dinner servings from 6:00-9:30 and a "chef's late night collection from 10:00-1:30AM with small sandwiches, pastries, cookiesk pasta and pizza remain open well into the evening..............then of course there is the all day free ice cream or soft serve in the buffet from noon to 9:30, free pastries at El Bacchio, 2 for 1 gelato starting around 5:30................and that doesn't even count the hamburgers and hot dogs at the Mast Grill from 11:30-6 PM......and these are mostly all the FREE choices

I can just hear my mother now:

" I can't eat anything, there is JUST TOO MUCH FOOD"