Celebrity Century TA Nov 28 - Surprises

[raudacruise]

Instead of doing a normal cruise review that rehashes folks personal opinions of food, entertainment, Elite events or whatever I've decided to share some surprises we had on our TA cruise.

1. We had a Royal Suite as we have done in the past. The balcony on Century was at least twice as large as on M-Class ships as well as Mercury. We tend to live out there so a good surprise.
   
2. The officers were the most outgoing officers on Celebrity we have ever met. It had been 2 years since our last cruise but this was amazing. You would see senior officers all over the place (the Staff Officer was a junk food addict - cheeseburgers and pizza).
   
3. The 7 days from the Canaries to Miami at sea were wonderful. Flat seas and mostly sunny. A little rain but most times we were inside for other activities.
   
4. They served bloody mary's and mimosa's at the connection party. That was a big surprise. The captain showed up for his bribe of a coffee mug and bumper sticker (sadly, I don't think it got applied to the back of Century).
   
5. During the sea days they had 2 for 1 on select beers. Miller Light, a Heffe Weisse and a Belgium brew. Unlimitted, so you could get 12 for 6 if you wanted to (normally a "bucket" is 6 for the price of 5).
   
6. Met someone at our table that we had sailed with over 10 years ago on our first TA on Granduer of the Seas (this community is pretty tight).
   
7. The wonderful tours planned and tips provided by folks on our Roll Call.
   

Note to readers. Don't expect any of this to happen on your cruise but if it does - enjoy.

Not surprising:

1. A great gaggle of Cruise Critic folks and now many new friends for future cruises.
   
2. Won a T-shirt and some drink/match play coupons playing in the Slot and Blackjack tournements (but this gets better).
   

Shockingly surprising:

I had 1/2 hour between the slot and blackjack finals (as described above didn't do too well). Decided to put some money into a slot machine in between and 10 minutes before the BJ finals I cashed out - or tried to. I was actually up about $50 and thing ran out of quarters (why they don't have paper reciepts - oh well). Anyway, I had to wait for someone to come by, go get quarters, all the while saying I'm in the finals. Finally they came and one of the people said "You know they are calling your name for the BJ final". And I said do you know there is $40 in the machine that's mine. Anyway, got the $40 and a t-Shirt after busting out of the BJ final.

This does get better. This was the last day. MaryBeth decided that evening to use the Jacuzzi bath one last time. I had some drink and match play coupons so decided to go down to the casino to burn them off. Got a drink but nobody playing BJ.

So I went to the machine I had "broken the bank" on earlier in the day. And I hit a $5000 jackpot :eek:.

Note to readers. This did happen but I seriously doubt it will happen to you. This was a fairy tale end to a cruise.

To say that our cruise was unforgettable would be an understatement. And for you CenTACruzers (as we called ourselves on the Roll Call) - hope to see you all again either on a cruise or somewhere else.

[Texed]

Congratulations, and thanks for posting. :)

[Lois R]

WOW:)Congratulations:Dyou won 5 grand? How neat is that!!!!:)

[Andy]

Hi Raudacruise !

 

Thanks for sharing your great story. Im happy to hear you had a great time on Century, though winning the Jackpot, makes it 5,000 times better :)

 

Congratulations, and Welcome Home !

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

 

We had a Royal Suite as we have done in the past. The balcony on Century was at least twice as large as on M-Class ships as well as Mercury. We tend to live out there so a good surprise.

 

...

 

So I went to the machine I had "broken the bank" on earlier in the day. And I hit a $5000 jackpot :eek:.

 

...

 

 

$5,000 - that would be a great way to wrap up any vacation!!

 

With regard to the Royal Suite - which one were you in? We have enjoyed CC cabins and Sky Suites previously, but our cruise in 14 days will be our first Royal (#1040). Do you perchance have any pictures - or details about the cabin?

 

THANKS!

 

Tom

[raudacruise]

$5,000 - that would be a great way to wrap up any vacation!!

 

With regard to the Royal Suite - which one were you in? We have enjoyed CC cabins and Sky Suites previously, but our cruise in 14 days will be our first Royal (#1040). Do you perchance have any pictures - or details about the cabin?

 

THANKS!

 

Tom

 

We were on the other side in 1041 but another CC folk was in 1040 - apparently mirror images.

 

Lots and lots of space. MaryBeth used the hallway closet to put her shoes (I called the Imelda closets). And a balcony that you will not believe. We have been on RS's on 3 M-Class and once on Mercury and this thing is at least twice as large as any.

 

We did breakfast in every day, mostly in the cabin because it was sort of cool outside in the AM on our cruise. But we definitely went out to finish off juice/cappucino's. When you order breakfast just write in how many cappucino's you want - its included in a suite. Actually write in anything - had eggs benedict a couple of times (every day and my pants wouldn't have fit).

 

We carried our alotted two bottles of vino on board and emptied the refrigerator into a cabinent next to it. We didn't get charged for any of the contents.

 

We prepurchased a bottle of Vodka (actually two - it was two weeks after all :D) and brought our fixings on board. The butler did the rest - pitcher of tomato juice every morning. All you have to do is ask.

 

I'll let you know if we get pictures uploaded (hopefully this weekend but who knows - still have Christmas shopping to do and have a lot of pictures to sort through).

 

Enjoy. I'd like to use the jackpot money to join you but right now my clients are a little ticked about the 2 1/2 weeks off I've already taken :eek:.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We were on the other side in 1041 but another CC folk was in 1040 - apparently mirror images.

 

Lots and lots of space. MaryBeth used the hallway closet to put her shoes (I called the Imelda closets). And a balcony that you will not believe. We have been on RS's on 3 M-Class and once on Mercury and this thing is at least twice as large as any.

 

We did breakfast in every day, mostly in the cabin because it was sort of cool outside in the AM on our cruise. But we definitely went out to finish off juice/cappucino's. When you order breakfast just write in how many cappucino's you want - its included in a suite. Actually write in anything - had eggs benedict a couple of times (every day and my pants wouldn't have fit).

 

We carried our alotted two bottles of vino on board and emptied the refrigerator into a cabinent next to it. We didn't get charged for any of the contents.

 

We prepurchased a bottle of Vodka (actually two - it was two weeks after all :D) and brought our fixings on board. The butler did the rest - pitcher of tomato juice every morning. All you have to do is ask.

 

I'll let you know if we get pictures uploaded (hopefully this weekend but who knows - still have Christmas shopping to do and have a lot of pictures to sort through).

 

Enjoy. I'd like to use the jackpot money to join you but right now my clients are a little ticked about the 2 1/2 weeks off I've already taken :eek:.

 

Sounds great - thanks for the details!

 

I know what you mean about taking time off - we canceled a Hawaii/Alaska 19 day repositioning cruise earlier this year simply because I could not be away that long...

 

Tom

[ksmcali]

We were on the other side in 1041 but another CC folk was in 1040 - apparently mirror images.

 

Lots and lots of space. MaryBeth used the hallway closet to put her shoes (I called the Imelda closets). And a balcony that you will not believe. We have been on RS's on 3 M-Class and once on Mercury and this thing is at least twice as large as any.

 

We did breakfast in every day, mostly in the cabin because it was sort of cool outside in the AM on our cruise. But we definitely went out to finish off juice/cappucino's. When you order breakfast just write in how many cappucino's you want - its included in a suite. Actually write in anything - had eggs benedict a couple of times (every day and my pants wouldn't have fit).

 

We carried our alotted two bottles of vino on board and emptied the refrigerator into a cabinent next to it. We didn't get charged for any of the contents.

 

We prepurchased a bottle of Vodka (actually two - it was two weeks after all :D) and brought our fixings on board. The butler did the rest - pitcher of tomato juice every morning. All you have to do is ask.

 

I'll let you know if we get pictures uploaded (hopefully this weekend but who knows - still have Christmas shopping to do and have a lot of pictures to sort through).

 

Enjoy. I'd like to use the jackpot money to join you but right now my clients are a little ticked about the 2 1/2 weeks off I've already taken :eek:.

 

Thanks for the review. I would love to see pictures of the cabin too. We're considering our first cruise on Celebrity, and I'm trying to decide whether to go with the Penthouse or the Royal Suite. I'm not really sure we need "all" the room of the penthouse and I think the Royal Suite may be a better value. I hear Celebrity's bulter service is fantastic. We've only done Norwegian suites, and always enjoy the butler service.

 

Tom-n-Cherly, we really enjoyed our cruise in the Owner's Suite of the Ecstasy. Thanks again for all your info and help. The cabin is very nicely done. The bathroom was fantastic! The furnishing were beautiful, and the service was great! Although I must admit, I didn't care for the balcony. It was roomy enough, but I did not appreciate the obstructed view. I enjoy sitting on the balcony watching the ocean swim by on my down time, and on this balcony the only thing I could see while sitting was the less than attractive orange glow of the life boat. I would, however, book the room again, simply because it was so comfortable.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thanks for the review. I would love to see pictures of the cabin too. We're considering our first cruise on Celebrity, and I'm trying to decide whether to go with the Penthouse or the Royal Suite. I'm not really sure we need "all" the room of the penthouse and I think the Royal Suite may be a better value. I hear Celebrity's bulter service is fantastic. We've only done Norwegian suites, and always enjoy the butler service.

 

Tom-n-Cherly, we really enjoyed our cruise in the Owner's Suite of the Ecstasy. Thanks again for all your info and help. The cabin is very nicely done. The bathroom was fantastic! The furnishing were beautiful, and the service was great! Although I must admit, I didn't care for the balcony. It was roomy enough, but I did not appreciate the obstructed view. I enjoy sitting on the balcony watching the ocean swim by on my down time, and on this balcony the only thing I could see while sitting was the less than attractive orange glow of the life boat. I would, however, book the room again, simply because it was so comfortable.

 

I'm glad you had a good experience with the OS on the Ecstasy! I will agree, the weak link is the balcony - but at least there is a private area there where nobody can peek around the corner (unlike every other balcony on the ship)!

 

Tom

[raudacruise]

I'm glad you had a good experience with the OS on the Ecstasy! I will agree, the weak link is the balcony - but at least there is a private area there where nobody can peek around the corner (unlike every other balcony on the ship)!

 

Tom

 

FYI, on the RS on Celebrity the balcony is totally private unless you hang over the rails. Top and sides are fully enclosed. Doesn't mean you won't hear noise from the sides and above (especially above early morning because the pool area is above - but we never heard it in the cabin or we were sleeping so soundly it didn't matter:D).

 

Hopefully this weekend we'll get stuff uploaded.

[barbie5401]

Is there much of a difference between the royal suite and a sky suite?

[raudacruise]

Is there much of a difference between the royal suite and a sky suite?

 

In terms of size, a royal suite is about 2x larger than a sky suite. Also, on Century forget the balcony size stuff shown on the Celebrity site, royal suite balconeys are about 2x larger than advertised.

 

The extra interior room is for a separate bedroom and living area. Bathroom has a jacuzzi bath and separate shower. Living area has sit down seating for 4 plus 3 sofa's. Walk in closet and lots of other drawers.

 

RS's are on deck 10 while SS's are on decks 9 and 12. I think the one's on deck 9 might have gotten the advantage of the larger balcony but am not sure. Deck 12 is nose bleed area (its the last deck that has cabins and is also the sports decks, above 11 which has the pools and buffet) - but some folks prefer it.

 

SS's are about 25-50% cheaper than RS's depending on cruise.

 

You do get a butler for both (and the cost incured for paying him/her). PH and RS's get invites to things that SS's don't. Those include invitation to some Captains Club events reserved for Elite - more than likely you will be invited to the 4-6pm cocktail hour. We also were invited to a lunch with the captain at Muranos which was PH/RS only - this was on a 14 day TA so not sure on cruises less than that).

[barbie5401]

Thanks for the response - we booked the Sky Suite and have never had the experience of a butler - sorry for the questions - but I don't understand what he does for the in-suite breakfast lunch and dinner. Do you eat your meals in the room. Also, we are Elite if that means anything.

[raudacruise]

Thanks for the response - we booked the Sky Suite and have never had the experience of a butler - sorry for the questions - but I don't understand what he does for the in-suite breakfast lunch and dinner. Do you eat your meals in the room. Also, we are Elite if that means anything.

 

Here are the goodies that come with the suite (and butler).

 

4pm (plus/minus a half hour) the butler will stop by with "tea". Little sandwiches, cookies and dessert type things - plus tea or coffee it you want it. This was always a great mid-afternoon snack for us (like we needed more).

 

About 1 hour before your dinner hor doeuves (or however you spell it). They aren't very good and you can have a cheese plate delivered instead (recommended).

 

Butler takes care of making sure the fruit bowl (bananas, apples, oranges, ...) is full.

 

Eating in your suite is totally up to you. You can have anything served in the dining room delivered to your suite during dining room hours - as can anyone else. Also if you want something for breakfast not on the card you hang out the night before - say eggs benedict, just write it on the card.

 

One other thing to write on the card since you are in a suite is if you want cappucino or expresso. You can have that anytime you want in your suite vs. going down to Cova Cafe and paying for it.

 

If you do get any meals in your room, the butler will be the person delivering it normally. You tip him/her at the end of the cruise (and he/her is in the auto-tip thing so what you tip at the end is for beyond the call). If you do get someone else deliverying room service you normally tip a few bucks but we've always had our butler do it (never called room service at midnight).

 

Speaking of room service, one thing offered is the Celebrity Minute Steak. Its not a traditional minute steak, its a petite sirlion served with butter and fries. The minute is how long it takes to cook it (my medium rare was great) and the butler literally picked it up as it came out of the pan. We ate outside and it was wonderful

 

We also had the frig emptied and had the butler bring us a pitcher of tomato juice each day. We purchased a bar setup with vodka and brought fixings (tabasco, worcestershire, celery salt) on board and had bloody marys on demand so to speak ;). I did go up and pick up lemons at the tea station (should have picked up olives as well either at the salad bar or near the pizza station) to complete the task as well as ice if ours was out.

 

We also used the butler to make reservations at Muranos.

 

You are going to love being Elite. Several big things:

 

1. One bag of laundry (30 items max but I doubt they count it) per elite member (so for us it was two). Wash/fold only but they did press and hang up one pair of pants.

2. One dry cleaning each

3. Two pressings each.

4. 90 Minutes of Internet each (more than we needed). You need to go the internet cafe when they have folks available to activate. It shows up as a charge and credit on your cruise bill.

5. Contintental breakfast at Michaels club (never did it so can't comment).

6. 4-6pm cocktail hour. Listed as at Michaels club it will depend on the number of eligible folks as to where it will be held. This all starts the day after embarkation. You get a card that gives you entrance but for they only check the first time you go.

7. Free specialty coffee at Muranos

 

Heck, there is a lot more (Spa discounts, some casino stuff,...). Just highlighting what we thought were good deals.

 

I think I've blathered enough for now. Let me know if you have more questions.

[ksmcali]

Here are the goodies that come with the suite (and butler).

 

4pm (plus/minus a half hour) the butler will stop by with "tea". Little sandwiches, cookies and dessert type things - plus tea or coffee it you want it. This was always a great mid-afternoon snack for us (like we needed more).

 

About 1 hour before your dinner hor doeuves (or however you spell it). They aren't very good and you can have a cheese plate delivered instead (recommended).

 

Butler takes care of making sure the fruit bowl (bananas, apples, oranges, ...) is full.

 

Eating in your suite is totally up to you. You can have anything served in the dining room delivered to your suite during dining room hours - as can anyone else. Also if you want something for breakfast not on the card you hang out the night before - say eggs benedict, just write it on the card.

 

One other thing to write on the card since you are in a suite is if you want cappucino or expresso. You can have that anytime you want in your suite vs. going down to Cova Cafe and paying for it.

 

If you do get any meals in your room, the butler will be the person delivering it normally. You tip him/her at the end of the cruise (and he/her is in the auto-tip thing so what you tip at the end is for beyond the call). If you do get someone else deliverying room service you normally tip a few bucks but we've always had our butler do it (never called room service at midnight).

 

Speaking of room service, one thing offered is the Celebrity Minute Steak. Its not a traditional minute steak, its a petite sirlion served with butter and fries. The minute is how long it takes to cook it (my medium rare was great) and the butler literally picked it up as it came out of the pan. We ate outside and it was wonderful

 

We also had the frig emptied and had the butler bring us a pitcher of tomato juice each day. We purchased a bar setup with vodka and brought fixings (tabasco, worcestershire, celery salt) on board and had bloody marys on demand so to speak ;). I did go up and pick up lemons at the tea station (should have picked up olives as well either at the salad bar or near the pizza station) to complete the task as well as ice if ours was out.

 

We also used the butler to make reservations at Muranos.

 

You are going to love being Elite. Several big things:

 

1. One bag of laundry (30 items max but I doubt they count it) per elite member (so for us it was two). Wash/fold only but they did press and hang up one pair of pants.

2. One dry cleaning each

3. Two pressings each.

4. 90 Minutes of Internet each (more than we needed). You need to go the internet cafe when they have folks available to activate. It shows up as a charge and credit on your cruise bill.

5. Contintental breakfast at Michaels club (never did it so can't comment).

6. 4-6pm cocktail hour. Listed as at Michaels club it will depend on the number of eligible folks as to where it will be held. This all starts the day after embarkation. You get a card that gives you entrance but for they only check the first time you go.

7. Free specialty coffee at Muranos

 

Heck, there is a lot more (Spa discounts, some casino stuff,...). Just highlighting what we thought were good deals.

 

I think I've blathered enough for now. Let me know if you have more questions.

 

Wow, the more I hear, the more certain I am that Celebrity will be our next cruise. We've been debating between the Century and RCI Navigator of the Seas. Our DD ,who will be 3 at the time, will be joining us. The Navigator was the consideration for her, while Celebrity was the consideration for us. We've been wanting to try Celebrity for some time, and as far as DD goes, I don't think she's old enough yet to really care which ship she's own, as long as it has a pool!

[DocJohnB]

Wow, the more I hear, the more certain I am that Celebrity will be our next cruise. We've been debating between the Century and RCI Navigator of the Seas. Our DD ,who will be 3 at the time, will be joining us. The Navigator was the consideration for her, while Celebrity was the consideration for us. We've been wanting to try Celebrity for some time, and as far as DD goes, I don't think she's old enough yet to really care which ship she's own, as long as it has a pool!

 

Just so you know, Celebrity does have a kids club on all their ships. This transatlantic had very few children so I don't know how much it was used. On our Solstice cruise, there were more kiddies and it was well used.

[Papa T]

We were on the Voyager TA and shared several ports with you. It's hard to believe the wonderful weather we both experienced crossing the Atlantic from the Canary Islands!!! It was difficult not to think of Columbus taking that same route on his first crossing, but . . . I think his ships were slightly smaller.

[raudacruise]

Here are the promised pictures of Century Royal Suite 1041.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/graudabaugh/CenturyRoyalSuite?feat=directlink

[LivingtheLife]

We were on the 11-28 Century TA and had a sky suite on deck twelve in the center of that deck. We were in the same room week before as well. Only noise was on the balcony when some people walked with hard soled shoes. We loved the location and have booked the same for 5-20 TA eastbound..

 

I think the sky suite has plenty of room and a large balcony. It has a jetted tub and shower combo. You get all of the same service except a few private invites as George mentioned and since you are elite you have the access to the lounge that you wouldn't if in a sky suite. There was more closet space and drawer space than we needed and we took clothes for three weeks.

[ksmcali]

Here are the promised pictures of Century Royal Suite 1041.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/graudabaugh/CenturyRoyalSuite?feat=directlink

 

Great pictures! I do love that balcony.

[Susie51]

Great review and pics! Congrats, $5000!

 

Jan. 4, three of us will share SS 1208. When the sofa sleeper is pulled out, is there enough room to get out to the balcony without having to climb over the sofa sleeper?

 

The ammenities in a suite sound lovely.

 

Thanks for sharing.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Here are the promised pictures of Century Royal Suite 1041.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/graudabaugh/CenturyRoyalSuite?feat=directlink

 

THANKS for the photos !!

 

From the Celebrity website (below) it indicates that there is a home theater system (I am assuming speakers and all) in the living room. Was that the case, and is there an aux input so that you can plug in an mp3 player? We enjoy having music in our cabin. We took a 3 piece (computer) speaker set on our last (Carnival Dream) sailing. Just enough "kick" - though not enough to disturb others.

 

> Separate living room with a dining area and a 40" LCD-HD television including a Harmon Kardon home theater system with DVD

 

> Wireless Internet Access

 

How was the signal in the cabin for the internet (assuming you brought a laptop)?

 

I can see that they have not made much in the way of improvements to their mattresses. I could see the same sag in yours as we had in a sky suite on the Century last year (though ours was a bit worse)! :eek:

 

 

 

 

Tom

[LivingtheLife]

Susie51

 

The sofa is right up to the wall that the door to the balcony is on, so when you pull it out it will be right in front of the door going to the balcony.

 

Karen

[raudacruise]

Didn't notice the sag in the matress.

 

Ah, the Harmon surround around system :confused:. We had brought a few DVD's with us figuring we had have a least one full day of rain (didn't happen). However, one morning it was raining so we tried using the DVD in the living area. No go. Butler couldn't get it to work either. He swore it was because someone messed around plugging in things. However, the electrician they sent couldn't get it to work either. We just had them take it out and put in the DVD from the bedroom in the living room (and watched a total of one DVD the whole cruise). We both had iPods but never tried to hook them up. Our music was listening to the sea go by.

 

Not saying you couldn't hook up a Mp3 or Ipod or whatever, so you should keep checking.

 

Can't comment on the internet since lap top (actually more of a boat anchor) stayed at home. Only used the internet cafe stations. I will say they seemed faster than on previous cruises.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Didn't notice the sag in the matress.

 

Ah, the Harmon surround around system :confused:. We had brought a few DVD's with us figuring we had have a least one full day of rain (didn't happen). However, one morning it was raining so we tried using the DVD in the living area. No go. Butler couldn't get it to work either. He swore it was because someone messed around plugging in things. However, the electrician they sent couldn't get it to work either. We just had them take it out and put in the DVD from the bedroom in the living room (and watched a total of one DVD the whole cruise). We both had iPods but never tried to hook them up. Our music was listening to the sea go by.

 

Not saying you couldn't hook up a Mp3 or Ipod or whatever, so you should keep checking.

 

Can't comment on the internet since lap top (actually more of a boat anchor) stayed at home. Only used the internet cafe stations. I will say they seemed faster than on previous cruises.

 

Thanks again!

 

I'll post the mp3 hookup question on the main board and see if others have been successful.

 

Tom