Celebrity Survey re: The Alcoves

[slp123]

I think I'm in the minority on this one but I booked one for our upcoming 7-day on the Reflection. We have never been on a ship with them so have yet to experience one so with that said, I booked one anyway.

 

However, like others have said, I have NO idea why they would build them facing away from the ocean. Honestly, I'm at a loss why they would do this. It just makes no sense to me. But...I booked one anyway. :)

 

Ken--

I have also booked an Alcove for the Jan 26th sailing of Reflections. When will you be sailing? Would love to have your first hand comments as a user rather than all these speculative comments of "well I would never . . . ."

 

Steven

[coolbluegreenseas]

But.....you get an ipad loaded with stuff {YAWN}.

 

But, I already own an iPad with stuff! :D

[Hlitner]

We think the alcoves are an overpriced joke! While on the Silhouette last December some friends of ours decided to rent an alcove for a sea day. They nearly begged us to join them since they did not want to be alone so we did go for most of the day. It was a big bore and a rip off. Yes, you get an Ipod (but you still have to pay if you want to connect to the internet), free soft drinks and water, and some snacks. Oh....and you actually get a free lunch at the Porch (normally costs $5) for 4 persons. We were underwhelmed by the Porch as the food offerings were nothing special (most of the stuff could have been ordered up in the Lido for free). The Alcoves are in a semi-private marked area but plenty of other folks simply walked into the area to use the large chairs or just walk around to gawk at those sitting near the alcoves. I believe the cost for a Sea day was $149 plus most folks will also tip the waiters. Having spent a day in an Alcove its not anything we would do unless it was free.

 

Hank

[Seabourn Pearls]

I can't imagine dropping $100 to sit in one place all day with an ipad. Golden handcuffs. I'd be super self-conscious in there, too. "Hey, look at the dumb ass who rented an alcove! Bwahahahahahaha...."

 

Get rid of 'em.

[hockeyken]

:confused::p:p:p Saw some dirty glasses one morning in one of the Alcoves on Silhouette ( Jan/13), but doubt that they paid to be there.

 

K

[gmros]

My answer on the survey was that I did not want to pay for a place to sit.

 

Tom

 

Lol! I agree.

 

I love the picnic idea, concerts, and laying on blankets.

 

I expected the Alcoves to be empty, but I was surprised they weren't at our cruise. There were a couple of days that all Alcoves were occupied.

 

 

___________________________

Sent using a mobile device. Please pardon spelling errors.

[drarill]

My answer on the survey was that I did not want to pay for a place to sit.

 

Tom

Great answer!!:):)

[Cruise a holic]

No, but they are waaaay too expensive for what they offer, i just dont get it at all and would never book it.

 

 

We booked ( and continue to book ) and loved the Alcoves. On a port day the cost is $100. A shore excursion costs more. We have been to many ports so the excursions aren't what we enjoy. We have a very comfortable alcove with butler services, bringing us refreshments. Didn't have to worry about a seat- It was a port day so the Alcove had an awning and was shaded and very comfortable. I know if it is a sea day, not only does it cost more, but if windy the awning isn't up to protect you from the sun. That is a deal breaker for us.:)

 

Some people like a massage, that can cost almost $200 and I don't get that, so I guess to each his own- On princess they also have a wonderful area on the top of the ship that offers very comfortable chaise lounges, that you reserve for the day- It is called the Santcuary, also very private and white glove service. Not like home! at least for me.

Edited June 19, 2013 by Cruise a holic

[cruzeluver]

I would not book even if they were free. I don't want to spend a day tied to one space. Too much to see and do and the whole thing just seems so anti-social. They stayed virtually empty on our Silhouette cruise.

[redjetz]

I would not book even if they were free. I don't want to spend a day tied to one space. Too much to see and do and the whole thing just seems so anti-social. They stayed virtually empty on our Silhouette cruise.

 

We enjoyed our Alcove on a hot sea day on Reflection in March. We weren't tied to it, we came and went as we pleased. It was comfortable place to lounge outside, with a canopy for protection from the sun, enjoying being outside.

 

Contrary to some reports, the Alcoves don't restrict others from enjoying the lawn. We watched a lot of people layout a blanket and sun themselves, there were bocce games, people coming and going for pix in the oversize adirondack chairs, etc.

[Cruise a holic]

We enjoyed our Alcove on a hot sea day on Reflection in March. We weren't tied to it, we came and went as we pleased. It was comfortable place to lounge outside, with a canopy for protection from the sun, enjoying being outside.

 

Contrary to some reports, the Alcoves don't restrict others from enjoying the lawn. We watched a lot of people layout a blanket and sun themselves, there were bocce games, people coming and going for pix in the oversize adirondack chairs, etc.

 

We agree with you! In fact you can invite others to join you in the Alcove should you desire. I believe up to six guests. If we want noise or to move about the ship- we are free to do so- do not have to worry about chair hogs around the pool.

[mm1251]

If you ever walk by an Alcove and see (or hear) a big guy sleeping the day away curled up on the couch, it may be me. :o It is the most relaxing place ever. The wind, the sound of the water, the ship, the background noises of people laughing and talking . . . it is just a great place that TOTALLY relaxes me. Rum helps, too!

 

Done it twice and really loved it. Wake up occasionally for food or drink, people watch, doze in and out. I would have easily blown that much cash in the casino, so I just don't worry about the money.

 

My wife says it reminds her of how we would check on our babies to make sure they were breathing in the crib. Remember doing that? Now I am the baby and occasionally she checks to see if I am alive. :D God love her!

[hansolosmom]

If you ever walk by an Alcove and see (or hear) a big guy sleeping the day away curled up on the couch, it may be me. :o It is the most relaxing place ever. The wind, the sound of the water, the ship, the background noises of people laughing and talking . . . it is just a great place that TOTALLY relaxes me. Rum helps, too!

 

Done it twice and really loved it. Wake up occasionally for food or drink, people watch, doze in and out. I would have easily blown that much cash in the casino, so I just don't worry about the money.

 

My wife says it reminds her of how we would check on our babies to make sure they were breathing in the crib. Remember doing that? Now I am the baby and occasionally she checks to see if I am alive. :D God love her!

 

You totally cracked me up with this comment. :) maybe because I can see my husband doing the same thing

[Christine Frances]

Just got off the Silhouette last week and four of us totally enjoyed our Alcove! We all came and went as we pleased but always had this wonderful spot waiting for us to come back to. I think DH had a couple of power naps up there as well lol! Just had to look down at the pool deck frenzy to confirm we made the right choice!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Edited June 19, 2013 by Christine Frances

[miched]

I don't use them because I am cheap, frugal and don't see the fascination or thrill of paying to look at a lawn. I can do that in my back yard.

 

It amuses me how people want privacy but at the same time want to be seen.

 

If the chairs around the pool are so prime, don't understand that either because you don't need the chair there to use the pool, why aren't the alcoves there? Put them around the pool, charge for them and if people want to be chair hogs let them pay for the privledge.

 

Would rather pay a little extra for nice comfortable balcony furniture and hang out there. But I guess the problem with that is no one can see me having my privacy. :confused:

 

 

.

[justcrusn]

I booked one on Reflection to celebrate my wifes birthday.

She LOVED the idea. We spent the day reading,sunning,eating drinking etc.

Our Ipad did not fit the speakers (we have Ipad 4 with small connector) so we borrowed theirs and listened to music while we snacked and the day went by.

Pick up the phone and a bucket of beer appeared, fruit plate delivered in the afternoon. It was very nice. We disappeared to the pool for an hour to swim then returned to our little sanctuary.

 

I realize many say its too expensive, but price is relative. It was not too expensive for us.We very much enjoyed it, she wants to do it again, and it was a nice change of pace. We WOULD rent the alcove again, if its not for everyone so be it. I just want to propose a counter viewpoint as someone who has used one.

[Gunnerpup]

I realize this thread is a few years behind..but I'm hoping someone still has it monitored.

 

With the phone to your attendant...is that used for anything you would order normally? If we want a drink etc., we can just use them for that instead of going to the bar.

 

Now I'm not suggesting keeping them busy as a beaver, but is it "okay" to be making regular orders to top up our drinks etc., OR..is that bad to keep bothering them. I imagine they are not dedicated to just you....and while I want service I don't want to be "that" kind of customer calling every five minutes.

 

Thanks for any thoughts!

Edited July 10, 2014 by Gunnerpup

[waterbug123]

I realize this thread is a few years behind..but I'm hoping someone still has it monitored.

 

With the phone to your attendant...is that used for anything you would order normally? If we want a drink etc., we can just use them for that instead of going to the bar.

 

 

Yes, you use the phone to call your attendance for more drinks, or if you are ready for lunch from the porch, or whatever. However, we've found sometimes the attendant is wearing multiple hats, and you get faster service just walking to the Sunset Bar, OR (our choice) tipping your favorite Sunset Bar server to bring you drinks.

 

I, too, realize this is an old thread, but as it's been resurrected and was originally based on a lot of speculation, and I have since sailed twice on Reflection with the alcoves, I'll offer these thoughts in response to the predicted negative aspects of the alcoves:

 

1. Overpriced, no one will use them: Varies by sailing, but we've found they are often sold out. Note- Unused does not equal unsold. Some people will rent one but may not use it til late in the day for instance. Who knows why?! Maybe they found something else they wanted to do. Also, price is relative. $99/$149 may seem like a fortune to some, for others it may be very affordable.

 

2. Blocks the view of the sea for others using the lawn: I've asked on other threads and never gotten an answer.... how long does the average person stand/sit in the middle of the lawn staring at the ocean anyway? When we see people using the lawn they are generally lying on towels, eyes closed, i.e. not looking at the ocean. If you just want to sit/stand and stare, you can still see the sea between the alcoves. The best view will always be standing at the railing, alcoves or not. And the bocce court lawn areas are often not being used for bocce, so you can sit/stand on those and stare at the ocean to your heart's content. :)

 

3. If you have a balcony, why would you want an alcove? Because you don't have a drink server on your balcony. Because your balcony is going to be EITHER shaded or sunny depending on the ship's position, whereas the alcove canopy top can be up OR down. Because your balcony only has seating for 2 so your friends can't feasibly join you. Because the alcoves are closer to the pool or hot tub if you want to take a quick dip.

 

4. People don't want to be tied to one place all day: You are not tied to the alcove all day. It's yours from 9a to 9p, but you can come and go as you please. We've been known to spend a couple hours in the alcove, go ashore for lunch, come back and return to the alcove.

 

5. They aren't 100% private, people can see you: Well, they were never sold as being a totally private retreat. Those who want near complete privacy can stay in their cabin.

 

6. Why pay for a place to sit? Because the pool deck is often a mass of humanity, not to mention loud, and alcoves offer a guaranteed chair for the day, AND a place where you can usually (weather pending) decide if you want sun or shade, (as opposed to the numerous other lounge chair areas in the non-pool areas) and a little more peach and quiet.

 

7. Not mentioned previously in this thread that I noticed, but often mentioned on others: The alcoves block entry to the lawn: Categorically untrue. Sometimes some lawn areas are blocked so the grass can rejuvenate but that is not because of the alcoves, and although one entry point may be roped off, there are generally other spots where one can enter the lawn.

 

The alcoves will always be a personal choice; same thing with specialty restaurants, drink packages, spa appointments or shore excursions. Happy cruising everyone!

[ckorni1]

There are 8 of us seniors cruising together. We were looking at the alcoves as a place to go on a sea day where we could all relax and be together. Uncertain how crowded the public areas are to do this? What do you think? We were going to split the cost so $75 per couple. Still wouldn't recommend? Not sure why they wouldn't face the ocean either...

[Z3RACERGIRL]

There are 8 of us seniors cruising together. We were looking at the alcoves as a place to go on a sea day where we could all relax and be together. Uncertain how crowded the public areas are to do this? What do you think? We were going to split the cost so $75 per couple. Still wouldn't recommend? Not sure why they wouldn't face the ocean either...

 

 

 

Not sure which ship you will be enjoying, but you should all be able to relax together on an upper deck without using the alcoves. There were abundant lounge chairs available during our cruise. The chairs around the pools are more crowded. Enjoy your cruise!

[bigbenboys]

I agree with all other poster, all said. I suppose they get rid of them. On the other hand I kind of liked those oversized chairs. It was fund climbing them and " sit" in them. Makes for good pictures- though. By the way - Hallo Frau Krause- wie geht´s!

Greetings

Michael

 

We have taken photo's of us on the large chairs more than once.

 

I do think the alcoves are a waste of money. It might be nice for a larger family to have a meeting place. I do think some food comes with it and staff if I remember right. Also I did take a look last time and I thought the alcoves top can roll so you can look at the sea.

 

From Celebrity website:

Fresh fruits skewers / fruit popsicles

All day Room service menu available

Choice of : Veuve Rose, Grey Goose, or bottle of white wine

Bucket of 6 assorted beers

4 Bottles of Evian Ltr

Butler service (phone available)

Chilled towels

Complimentary viewing of films of the Lawn Club (if booking on a Taste of Film evening).

[Cruise a holic]

Eight in the Alcoves will be tight. Really two would be perfect However it can be done If you do not get up by 7:00-7:30 on a seaday you will probably not find good seats, especially if you like the shade or adult pool area. The upper decks are very sunny and not ideal IMO. It is great to have the alcove as a meeting place, but really no more then 4 will sit comfortably. Also if you book for the week you get a 20% discount We get the discount on board but pay in advance as they have so few alcoves and they book up quickly. Enjoy

 

IMO money well spent.

Edited December 20, 2016 by Cruise a holic