Champagne greeting

[lovecruzin]

I apologize if this has been brought up before, I searched and didn't see anything!

 

We were on Century last week and there was no champagne/mimosa as we boarded. They did a toast at sail-away around the pool. The explanation we were given was that it was more convenient for the passengers because they aren't carrying bags and their hands are damp with sanitizer!

Being greeted with a glass of bubbly has always been something special about boarding a Celebrity ship. Is this the new norm?

[New Hampshire]

On the Summit in mid-May, they were there with drinks when boarding. It is awkward handling bags, glass and sanitizer, so it does make sense if they switched it to at sailing. However, I think a lot of people will be left out if they do it that way.

[Nubia]

I so missed my champagne greeting on the Silhouette in March 2012. It was available at the Sail-away which I did not attend as we were unpacking and getting ready for the early seating and of course the Martini bar before dinner :)

[Jborosara]

also not on the Summit last year - well not champagne/sparkling wine - mimosas only and orange juice upsets my stomach, so I skipped

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Also done this way on the Silhouette TA in April

I like it better at sailway

[willma]

Silhouette in June had the sparkling wine at sail away, but it was very difficult to find a glass; only a couple of staff were trying to serve all the people on deck.

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Silhouette in June had the sparkling wine at sail away, but it was very difficult to find a glass; only a couple of staff were trying to serve all the people on deck.

We had no problem finding glass, it was everywhere

[simon stingray]

I hope that they do not stop the glass of champagne as you board. As someone else has posted, it's one of the little things which we like about X.

 

If they serve the champagne at sailaway, what is to stop some passengers going back for a second or third glass? This could result in some passengers not getting their drink or X withdrawing this completely if the costs become excessive.

[DebbieMacG]

It was available upon boarding last month on the Eclipse :)

[Jane2357]

It isn't a huge thing but really - I'll be very disappointed! It is like the the cold towel after a long day in port - just a wonderful touch that takes the experience up a notch. If given at sail away then I'll never partake - I like to enjoy the privacy of my balcony for that.

[deelastcre]

The Champagne greeting made a lasting impression on me. I can't imagine cruising without it. I prefer sip a Champagne of my choice on my balcony during Sail Away.

[denby]

We were on the Century sailing June 9th and really missed the welcome drink. We were on deck 12 at sail away and no one was serving that level. I had to go down a level and chase down drinks. I think serving as you come on board is easier and more welcoming. We had lovely weather for the sail away from Vancouver. However what happens on a rainy day?

[cle-guy]

I've read that if the cruise is one after a Noro outbreak and sanitizing, they do not pass champagne on boarding the next cruise to depart. Perhaps this is why it's hit and miss.....

[CruisersTimesThree]

June 9th sailing on the Summit to Bermuda...was greeted with champagne, mimosa's or oj upon boarding.

[CathyCruises]

Also done this way on the Silhouette TA in April

I like it better at sailway

 

I agree--makes much more sense to me than juggling the glass with hands full, then trying to find a place to leave it.

[frndgood1]

I was on the solstice in may and we were greeted with drinks. A very nice welcome

 

 

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[lovecruzin]

In theory I like the sail away toast idea with most of the officers out at the pool area but, we arrived a few minutes late and did not see any servers passing out bubbly. A glass to toast with or enjoy during sail away was hard to come by. :(

[Ex-Airbalancer]

I agree--makes much more sense to me than juggling the glass with hands full, then trying to find a place to leave it.

 

Our sunset bar sail way was great in April , it was so nice to meet people from our roll call there :D

[Blue Lagoon]

Yes, there was a champagne or mimosa offered but at the entrance of the buffet restaurant onboard Reflection earlier this month.

 

This way you can sip it along with your food or select some lovely cheese and crackers to accompany the bubblies.

[CathyCruises]

Our sunset bar sail way was great in April , it was so nice to meet people from our roll call there :D

 

We'd love to be able to join you on the fall TA--I like that itinerary a lot. It's unlikely but you never know!!

[Ex-Airbalancer]

We'd love to be able to join you on the fall TA--I like that itinerary a lot. It's unlikely but you never know!!

You may have wait for the 70 day out pricing :D

[kaymoody]

Triumph and brunch

 

 

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[gw2fll]

We had a champagne and mimosa's available on the 17 May Solstice Alaska sailing. Such a nice treat for our first Celebrity cruise. (Will admit you are trying to juggle hand sanitizing, luggage, and the cocktail - but I managed.)

[NLH Arizona]

I say skip the welcome drink; too hard to juggle everything and drink at the same time. Sailaway makes more sense to me.

[true45]

Not everyone goes to sailaway -- but everyone gets on the ship. I like the champagne when I first get on -- I can say ahhh, I'm finally on vacation. Usually miss sailaway party on deck. I'm on balcony, or getting a look around the ship or showering. Guess it is another cost-cutting measure not to give the champagne to all passengers embarking. Too bad.