Live from the infinity - 10/24 transatlantic

[Andy]

Hi Ghstudio,

 

Thanks again for your updates. I'm enjoying the insights. Have a wonderful time onboard Infinity !

[fleckle]

3) CAUTION: If you purchase an open passage booking, it is automatically assigned to the same travel professional in your current record. That means, I think, you have to use it through that agent! You may be able to change that when you book on board so be careful

 

4) CAUTION: in the past you could transfer an on board booking to a TA of your choice within 60 days if booking. Reading the current new program, the reservation seems to go to "travel partner", whatever that means, "to further service your needs." This one could be a biggie, because our TA has different offers on different weeks, so it looks like I might lose control of when the reservation is moved and therefore lose control of my TA provided perks. I think You can stop the automatic assignment, but you have to do it when you book on board so be careful. No mention of 60 days to transfer, but you may cancel or change your reservation up to 75 or 90 days prior to sail date. It's hard to understand all the nuances.....

We have found the simplest way is to have the open passage (or onboard booking) issued in one of our names only, with no travel agent specified.

 

 

For an open passage, at a later date when we find a cruise we want to take, we book it directly with Celebrity ourselves using the open passage.

The open passage number becomes the reservation number and the appropriate onboard credit from Celebrity is applied to it.

 

Either way, it does not lock us in to any specific travel agency up front as we have 60 days after booking the cruise to shop around and compare offers.

When we decide on a TA we want, it is very easy at that time to transfer the booking to the one who offers the best additional perks for that cruise.

 

 

8) this is one celebrity really should fix. The captain makes various announcements during the cruise and some of them such as weather or late arrival information are pretty important. However, they don't play the captains message into the cabins,...only the public spaces. If you are in your cabin, you may not even hear that there is an announcement going on. I have no problem with any of this. But where I do have a problem is that there is no way to review or hear what the captain said after he makes the announcement. If you miss the announcement, you may never know there even was an announcement. This would be easily solved if they put the captains announcements (audio) on one of the tv channels and there is even a channel already that shows where we are, speed etc with no audio. Seems like this would be an easy improvement.

Good point! On some ships there was a volume control knob inside the cabin that you could turn up or down to hear the announcements or silence them, as you wish.

 

We have been in some cabins more recently that still had such a knob, but turning it did nothing.

So you end up dashing over to open the cabin door and step out into the hallway just in time to catch the end of the announcement as the captain is signing off.

 

It certainly would be nice to have a way not only to hear the announcement in the cabin but to replay it if you wish, as some of the captains have heavy accents that are hard to understand.

(Maybe add subtitles if they put it on the TV screen? ;))

 

 

Thanks to ghstudio for this interesting and informative ongoing review.

 

[Project_gal]

5) CAUTION: the fine print on the future cruise program says "combinable with one additional offer of your choice available up to the final payment due date". I remind you that you can't apply for the stockholder obc until well after final payment! Although the folks in future cruise sales insist it's combinable, I wouldn't count on that unless celebrity changes the words, they, presumably carefully, wrote into the fine print.

 

Not so. We always apply for our Shareholder OBR within days of booking our cruises and we book our cruises as soon as they open - so up to 23 months pre-cruise. Been doing this since 2008/9. Last applied for Shareholder OBC in Spring this year.

 

Sue

[shipshape sam]

Thanks for the great reports!

 

Hope Celebrity is reading them too. I do agree and like that Celebrity does try things. Can't say I always agree with them, but I like that they are trying things and it is a constant challenge for them too.

 

I too have wondered for years why they have not allowed at least the Captains messages/daily update to be broadcast in the cabins. I personally would like the option to have them played in my cabin. I do understand there are technical issues with an option so think his messages/updates important enough to broadcast to everyone.

 

Sorry about the casino loan. I have resembled that on numerous occasions. Hope the interest was a reasonable rate. :)

Edited October 29, 2013 by shipshape sam

[CruisingGatorGirl]

Thank you for the weather updates, I hope it is smooth sailing from here!

[SoBe2010]

Thanks for the review so far. One of the best on this board.

 

May I ask, what PartyBand is currently on Infinity?

 

I wish you smooth sailing for the crossing. Here in Hamburg, which is close to your departure port, we had wind gusts up to 120mph yesterday.

Edited October 29, 2013 by SoBe2010

[ghstudio]

Not so. We always apply for our Shareholder OBR within days of booking our cruises and we book our cruises as soon as they open - so up to 23 months pre-cruise. Been doing this since 2008/9. Last applied for Shareholder OBC in Spring this year.

 

Sue

 

Not supposed to work this way..but we all know celebrity consistency. You are supposed to own 100 shares on date of departure, so the have insisted that we not apply until 60 days out. If it works for you...congrats. Doesn't work for us.

[SWPD]

Yes, they still have all the Elite drinks for breakfast.

 

Kim,

 

Do you need to use one of the three coupons for espresso's or bellinis at breakfast?

 

Thanks, Gary

[ghstudio]

Kim,

 

Do you need to use one of the three coupons for espresso's or bellinis at breakfast?

 

Thanks, Gary

 

Breakfast drinks are unrelated to the coupons. When used, the coupons are only valid from 5-7pm.

[SWPD]

Breakfast drinks are unrelated to the coupons. When used, the coupons are only valid from 5-7pm.

quick response. You are good. Have you found out yet about the Elite numbers for the Nov 7 sailing? We will miss the SS United Stated room for breakfast. We have loved the Normandie of the Summit.

 

Gary

[Going Coastal]

Thanks, Cluso, for the teapot update. And thanks to all of you onboard for the great information.

[miched]

Just read where rare hurricane like storm ravages Europe and England. High winds and gusts to 99 mph. It is not classified as a hurricane because it did not originate over warm seas. 13 people are reported killed by it.

 

Must be the reason for your bad weather.

 

.🎃

[wisteria1019]

Hope your seas have calmed and the wine plentiful and delicious. I am having a great time following your posts. We are getting ready to sail the TA on the Equinox from Barcelona in just a few weeks (and the 12 nighter prior). Say hello to Howard and Linda (FunnyGuy) if you run into them.

Enjoy the rest of your voyage.

 

Dawn

[Despegue]

I saw Infinity sailing into Lisbon this morning, I flew right over her at 07.45 l. And she was a real beauty to behold :)

[Hypo]

I have a request. We sailed on the Infinity a couple of years ago, and noticed a particular piece of artwork that is located outside the rear entrance to the Rendezvous lounge ( port side entrance). It is a long rectangular plastic box mounted on the wall, and within are several silver painted objects. A closer examination of said objects revealed that they are dessicated, sprouted potato's that have been spray painted silver.

 

DW wants to find out the name of the artist.

(They say art is in the eye of the beholder, LOL)..

 

 

Thanks if you have the time to check this out.

[Project_gal]

Not supposed to work this way..but we all know celebrity consistency. You are supposed to own 100 shares on date of departure, so the have insisted that we not apply until 60 days out. If it works for you...congrats. Doesn't work for us.

 

We do, of course, always have the shares on the qualifying date but have never been asked to reconfirm that we have them. The strange thing is that whenever I have emailed to clarify T&Cs, I do not get a reply [hence did not know about the 60 days rule] but I get a reply by return if I apply for the OBC. As we do not get a share certificate in the UK and I was not sure what would constitute proof of holding the shares, the only way to find out was applying for the OBC.

 

Sue

[Going Coastal]

Sue, I always apply for my shareholders credit right after booking also. Have never had a problem and find that office is very good about telling me quickly if it is better to use that or another discount.

[WineandRoseLady]

Sue, I always apply for my shareholders credit right after booking also. Have never had a problem and find that office is very good about telling me quickly if it is better to use that or another discount.

 

We have been advised by shareholder services that we cannot use the shareholder obc when we have the drink package special (we're not Elite yet). They answered a request for the Nov. 7 Infinity cruise as well as b2b next summer. Although not the answer we hoped for, they were quick to respond. Look forward to being Elite next year - hoping not to be disappointed by any upcoming announcements...

 

Enjoying the ongoing commentary, ghstudio, thank you!

[ghstudio]

Clarifications and more:

 

1) I was told on our first sea day that michaels pub was only going to be used as a VIP lounge from 5-7pm each day and that's what I wrote here. Well, it turns out that was bad info....it appears to be reserved all day as a private VIP lounge. My informal occasional observation would indicate that they have taken a space that was previously lightly used and turned it in to an unused space...there has never been anyone there when I pass. I'm not sure that's going in the right direction :). Perhaps this will all change when new levels are announced.

 

2) aqua spa cafe

 

Offers a hot and a cold soup, cooked to order salmon and/or deviled eggs (yup...not a typo...you have to wait 10 minutes for deviled eggs that are not actually made to order???) and a salad bar, but unlike the buffet, a server (and there is only one salad server) puts the salad together for you as you tell him what you want on the salad. The salad is very good, but logistically you can imagine a line of folks waiting while one guest stands there talking to that one server and saying "just a few more peas", "too much broccoli", or a painful "let me think for a minute if I want anything else" ( that's actually a quote as I was standing in line)....and the common end.."what salad dressings do you have" often followed by " do you have (fill in the blank with some salad dressing not mentioned)". The line does not actually move too fast. No trays, as expected. They also have some pre made small plates as before, but seemingly more healthy. Only one dessert each day...darn.

 

Then 1/2 of the space is used to sell a $5 yogurt Sunday, a $5 smoothie or a $2.?? Juice. By the way, the smoothie and juice are included in the classic package but not the yogurt. There was no line on that side of the cafe.

 

I enjoyed mushroom soup and the one deviled I was given after a 15 minute wait. The biggest problem though, is the lack of tables because of folks using them as game tables. We apparently now have "table hogs" to deal with. Yup, I watched four people end their card game, leave their stuff on the table to hold it, and then weak off to go to the buffet for lunch.

 

3) Again, no loud music during the day, anywhere....that's a change from the millennium where it was hard to hear anything in the martini bar any time it was open. Ditto around the pool on both ships. At night, the music in the martini bar is a bit louder, but not anywhere near our experience on other ships. Much appreciated by us.

 

4) the casino borrowed some money from me tonight....

 

5) As far as the painting on potato skins, I am pleased to report that it has gone missing. I couldn't find anything even remotely close but I'll keep looking

 

6) last night's filet mignon in blu was wonderful...perhaps the best I've had outside the fee specialty restaurants.

 

7) disaster!!! The (apparently one and only) electric orange juice squeezer is broken and needs a part to fix....so no fresh orange juice is available in the elite breakfast or elsewhere. However blu now has someone squeezing oranges using a hand juicer so they do have it available. Glad we booked aqua.

 

7) hamburgers on the pool deck are, as always, excellent...

 

GH

[miched]

On the Reflection there was a group playing cards in the ASC that removed all of the stuff on the table including the sign that requested the use of the table for those passengers that are eating only during the hours that it is crowded. The manger requested them to leave and one of the females (can't call her a lady) said that they are eating and she was waitng for the line to get shorter (there was no line) She then went with a rather sarcastic snooty attitude and got a bread stick and placed it on the table as they continued to play cards. She kept looking around as if daring someone to say something.

 

The only way to eliminate it completely is to post a sign that reads "no game playing or reading during dining hours".

 

The problem today is too many people are inconsiderate and think they are entitled to special privileges.

 

.🎃

[BBsails]

Disaster!!! The (apparently one and only) electric orange juice squeezer is broken and needs a part to fix....so no fresh orange juice is available in the elite breakfast or elsewhere. However blu now has someone squeezing oranges using a hand juicer so they do have it available. Glad we booked aqua.

Uh-oh, disaster indeed! Hope the part is found and installed before we board the Infinity for her trip back across the Atlantic in April.

 

Keep up the good reporting, ghstudio.

 

Betsy

[julia]

GH:

 

As I was on the Infinity sailing prior to yours, I am enjoying your reports VERY much! Thanks for taking us along and posting so much information.

 

I really must agree with your assessment that the Infinity is a happy ship... well run and well maintained. We thought the food in the MDR was some of the best we have had at sea. We had the classic drink package, and felt the bar service was quite good, especially at the Rendevouz & Sunset bars. Our sommelier exchanged our free "champers" for a bottle of house Cab Sauv, and I was fine with that.

 

I am jealous, however, of your "no loud music", as that was not the case on our sailing. One evening in the Martini Bar, it was ridiculously loud (techno) and many were complaining. :eek:

 

Have you had any Cruise Critic events yet? We had a great group, and I know many were staying on for the crossing.

 

Hoping the seas calm down..... :)

 

Enjoy!

[TommyD3]

More...

 

8) for fixed seating in the MDR, the doors remain open for 15 minutes after the assigned time. If you are in fixed seating, you can't just wander in when you want...as some have suggested on cc.

 

GH

 

Yes they close the doors after 15 minutes. The doors are not locked - since people need to use the restrooms outside of the MDR.

 

I am currently on the Century. They moved Early Seating to 5:30 PM. Many people wander in at 6:00. There have even been some who wandered in to their table at 6:30. Yes the doors are closed, but this does not stop people from coming in late and sitting at their table:(

[ghstudio]

1) 2 for 1 drinks.....the first few days there was a 2 for 1 drink special at various bars at various times. Those specials are no longer being offered...replaced with regular featured drinks at regular prices.

 

2) coffee in blu is variable. Today's coffee was so bitter, we added sweetener which we never do. Blu also didn't serve fresh squeezed orange juice this am so I guess we can't get that on the infinity until they fix the squeezer.

 

3) the good news is that you can find deck chairs. The bad news is that in the solarium, they have teak chairs with a thin cushion so they aren't exactly comfortable, at least to me. It's 10am and six of the chairs are marked "reserved for the 3pm wellness experience, aqua spa! They will sit unused all day...seems a bit silly and if deck chairs become scarce, I suspect the signs will be ignored...they should be.

 

4) while Internet service certainly isn't speedy, the real challenge is signing on to the ship's wireless network itself. You enter your userid, password and then wait and wait and finally you get a message that you can't find the login system. Eventually though, it does log in. We are still on our first (free to elite) 49.95 package and we check our mail, update quicken and check cruise critic (addiction?) at least once a day. Those who read their mail online, try to download movies as part of their mail, etc are are already well beyond their free minutes. Apparently verizon mail is just terribly time consuming. We use gmail and a special, private email account set up for the cruise, so outlook downloads are quick. Quicken is more painful.

 

5) the show last night (production company) was, from all reports, terrific as was the previous nights show (pianist). The ventriloquist show excited no one, near as I can tell. We don't go to the shows, so this is second hand info.

 

6) repeat comment...very friendly officers and staff...and an unusually nice group of passengers.

 

7) the casino repaid my short term loan and I won a fortunes casino golf shirt.

 

8) service in the constellation lounge from 5-7 is a bit slow. If you order from a waiter, they pour/mix the drinks in back and they vary quite a bit in both size and mix. Better to go to the bar and carry the drink back to your seat. They are now serving craft drinks in the constellation lounge and if they are $8 or under, they are part of the elite cocktail party drinks...on this cruise, your experience may be different.

 

9) for those that follow some of my rants....I ordered onion soup last night in blu and it was perfect...hot, lots of onions, reasonable amount of cheese, flavorful. I am happy.

 

10) trust me that this is second hand...the temperature control in the gym is apparently not working so their choice is hot or cold with nothing in between.

 

11) Qsine tonight..six people, one vegetarian. Will report tomorrow.

 

GH

[KikisDad]

Thank you for the reports. I met my wife on board, so Infinity is a very special ship to us.