Alcoves - what would you do and advice?

[missminnie]

Hi All

 

We're sailing on Reflection in Apr for the Transatlantic for 16 nights. We would like an alcove as never been on a ship with these before and look like something different but also somewhere quiet and relaxing to go.

 

We were considering booking just one of the sea days then decided perhaps 3 of the sea days. But was advised if we book the whole cruise we get a discount which would mean we'd get around 4 of the port days for free.

 

We have 8 sea days plus 7 port days. Now we plan to get off ship at every port and will prob be off all day so really wouldn't get much use of them on those days until we get back on ship then it's time for dinner etc.

 

But if we like them after the first sea day we'll prob want it for the remaining 8 sea days which is near enough the same cost as booking for the whole cruise with discount.

 

As we'll be on a TA then the weather will get cooler as we go across so could make good use out of them on the 7 sea days before our first port.

 

Has anyone else booked them for the entire cruise and what did you think or should we just go for a few of the sea days?

 

Thanks

[kelmac]

Hi All

 

We're sailing on Reflection in Apr for the Transatlantic for 16 nights. We would like an alcove as never been on a ship with these before and look like something different but also somewhere quiet and relaxing to go.

 

We were considering booking just one of the sea days then decided perhaps 3 of the sea days. But was advised if we book the whole cruise we get a discount which would mean we'd get around 4 of the port days for free.

 

We have 8 sea days plus 7 port days. Now we plan to get off ship at every port and will prob be off all day so really wouldn't get much use of them on those days until we get back on ship then it's time for dinner etc.

 

But if we like them after the first sea day we'll prob want it for the remaining 8 sea days which is near enough the same cost as booking for the whole cruise with discount.

 

As we'll be on a TA then the weather will get cooler as we go across so could make good use out of them on the 7 sea days before our first port.

 

Has anyone else booked them for the entire cruise and what did you think or should we just go for a few of the sea days?

 

Thanks

 

We've been on the Silhouette three times and thought the "Alcoves" were contrived and out of place. The people who booked them looked awkward and not sure what to do with them. Looked like zoo cages with the spectators walking by looking in on it's inhabitants. They really detract from the spirit of the lawn club area!

Other than that:), I guess they may be a small money revenue source for Celebrity?

Once Celebrity does a revenue analysis, I think they will be removed at some point.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[missminnie]

We've been on the Silhouette three times and thought the "Alcoves" were contrived and out of place. The people who booked them looked awkward and not sure what to do with them. Looked like zoo cages with the spectators walking by looking in on it's inhabitants. They really detract from the spirit of the lawn club area!

Other than that:), I guess they may be a small money revenue source for Celebrity?

Once Celebrity does a revenue analysis, I think they will be removed at some point.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

 

Thanks Kel

 

This was our thinking. They are something a little different and a nice relaxing place BUT we like to lay in the sun and not sure we'd get to do that for too long in the Alcove.

 

Definately not going to do the whole cruise as it would be wasted money when we're off in port during the second week.

 

We're trying to decide whether to book just one day to have something different at the start of the cruise when the sun will be out but then we'd like to sunbathe on deck.

 

Decisions decisions. I think if they included food and drink it would more worth it but having to pay extra makes us think if it's worth it.

 

Thanks for your feedback and much appreciated.

[kelmac]

Thanks Kel

 

This was our thinking. They are something a little different and a nice relaxing place BUT we like to lay in the sun and not sure we'd get to do that for too long in the Alcove.

 

Definately not going to do the whole cruise as it would be wasted money when we're off in port during the second week.

 

We're trying to decide whether to book just one day to have something different at the start of the cruise when the sun will be out but then we'd like to sunbathe on deck.

 

Decisions decisions. I think if they included food and drink it would more worth it but having to pay extra makes us think if it's worth it.

 

Thanks for your feedback and much appreciated.

 

Sorry mm,

 

I wished I could be more positive about this subject, and I'm sure an extended family may make it work for them, but for the average couple it seems kind of an awkward way to show off. By the way, they are shaded and the only way to sun is to place a towel in the grass area.

 

Good Luck!

Kel:)

[Cruise a holic]

Hi All

 

We're sailing on Reflection in Apr for the Transatlantic for 16 nights. We would like an alcove as never been on a ship with these before and look like something different but also somewhere quiet and relaxing to go.

 

We were considering booking just one of the sea days then decided perhaps 3 of the sea days. But was advised if we book the whole cruise we get a discount which would mean we'd get around 4 of the port days for free.

 

We have 8 sea days plus 7 port days. Now we plan to get off ship at every port and will prob be off all day so really wouldn't get much use of them on those days until we get back on ship then it's time for dinner etc.

 

But if we like them after the first sea day we'll prob want it for the remaining 8 sea days which is near enough the same cost as booking for the whole cruise with discount.

 

As we'll be on a TA then the weather will get cooler as we go across so could make good use out of them on the 7 sea days before our first port.

 

Has anyone else booked them for the entire cruise and what did you think or should we just go for a few of the sea days?

 

Thanks

 

Having reserved the Alcoves both sea and port days on the Silhouette and Reflection, I can say that we enjoyed them. First, you have wonderful thick seating, comfortable for about 4 guest. You do not have to deal with finding a nice place to sit near the pool, nor have your towels removed and a lost lounge chair, in the event that you are gone for more then half an hour. Many sailings are very strict about this policy, others not so. We saw people fighting with pool guards as they were in the hot tub or the pool for over 1/2 hour and yet they guards removed their towels!

 

In addition, you have an awing to protect you from the sun so the Alcove is typically nice and shady. However, if the sea is very windy, the awning cannot be down-so you might have sun part of the day. If you like the sun-you can keep the awning up. You have a butler that provides you with bottled water, a nice cheese platter, also a fruit platter- included in the charge of the rental. The butler will also get you drinks from the sunset bar and lunch from the grill (extra charge if you do not have packages). If you prefer, you can bring your own lunch/dinner from other venues. You have the Alcove from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

 

We have another cruise schedule on the Silhouette in March and have the alcove booked for a few days .

 

Some people say paying $99 port days, or $150 sea days is expensive- however we have been to all of the caribbean ports at least twice, and typically enjoy staying on board. Many shore excursions cost more then $50 pp, so we think $99 is worth it. While sea days are more expensive and much more crowded, paying the fee IMO is worth more then getting up at 7:00 AM to find a good seat by the pool. We do no frequent the Casino or ever make purchases at the "art auctions", so this is our splurge.

 

Enjoy your cruise

Edited February 6, 2014 by Cruise a holic

[missminnie]

Thanks both

 

Both great feedback and I suppose until we see them for ourselves it's hard to make a decision. I hate the fact you can never leave your sun chair for more than 30 mins without risk of losing it - we are sometimes in the pool for 45 mins or grabbing lunch for more than 30 mins.

 

I think we may stick with 3 days and then we'll still have 5 other sea days to fight for a sunbed!! Ha ha

[Cruise a holic]

Thanks both

 

Both great feedback and I suppose until we see them for ourselves it's hard to make a decision. I hate the fact you can never leave your sun chair for more than 30 mins without risk of losing it - we are sometimes in the pool for 45 mins or grabbing lunch for more than 30 mins.

 

I think we may stick with 3 days and then we'll still have 5 other sea days to fight for a sunbed!! Ha ha

 

It is better to book the Alcove as they only have about 8 available, and if you change your mind you can always cancel once onboard and get back your money.

Since they become in high demand once people see them, the ship has no problem refunding you and renting the alcove to somebody else.

 

If you ever go on a Caribbean cruise to Labadee, the Cabana's are wonderful! Great to rent one for the day. Do it on-line as soon as they are available for booking.

 

Enjoy

Edited February 6, 2014 by Cruise a holic

[missminnie]

It is better to book the Alcove as they only have about 8 available, and if you change your mind you can always cancel once onboard and get back your money.

Since they become in high demand once people see them, the ship has no problem refunding you and renting the alcove to somebody else.

 

If you ever go on a Caribbean cruise to Labadee, the Cabana's are wonderful! Great to rent one for the day. Do it on-line as soon as they are available for booking.

 

Enjoy

 

Ah I didn't realise you can cancel once onboard - that makes it easier for us to decide.

 

Our last cruise visited Labadee and we rented one of the cabanas over the water. Loved it and great having our own space.

[Cruise a holic]

Ah I didn't realise you can cancel once onboard - that makes it easier for us to decide.

 

Our last cruise visited Labadee and we rented one of the cabanas over the water. Loved it and great having our own space.

 

Then you will surely enjoy the Alcove.

Edited February 6, 2014 by Cruise a holic

[neeko]

Loved this option. Had it for 2 sea days on Silhouette. On the second day the weather was a problem (rain and wind). Stayed for only an hour and never went back. Guest relations called us and gave us a refund for the second day because of the weather. Butler service was good. You are close enough o the Sunset bar to get your own drinks if you wish. Sit in comfort while you are eating a meal. Its away from crowds....its all good.

I don't think we would use it on a port day

[lexmiller]

Save your money, boycott the Alcoves. Too limiting, too out in the open, kinda awkward. People in them look like fish in a bowl, and the rest of the passengers are looking 'through the glass' at them, wondering what they are eating, drinking, doing, etc, LOL! I would like to see them removed. They are taking up beautiful public space. I know the line wants to make more $$, but the Alcoves are not the way to do it, in my opinion.

[Mill99]

Slightly off topic - but in response to criticism of the removal of towels on sunbeds after 30 minutes - this is one of the things we loved about our Celebrity cruise. I've lost count of the times we've been on holiday where sun loungers are "reserved" with towels by 7am and then stay empty until the person who put the towel there deigns to come down (usually after lunch), during which time there are no sun beds for the people actually trying to sit by the pool! After all, as it's a Celebrity towel you can always just get another one and another sunbed if you're at lunch/in the pool for longer than 30 mins!

Edited February 6, 2014 by Mill99

[Cruise a holic]

Slightly off topic - but in response to criticism of the removal of towels on sunbeds after 30 minutes - this is one of the things we loved about our Celebrity cruise. I've lost count of the times we've been on holiday where sun loungers are "reserved" with towels by 7am and then stay empty until the person who put the towel there deigns to come down (usually after lunch), during which time there are no sun beds for the people actually trying to sit by the pool! After all, as it's a Celebrity towel you can always just get another one and another sunbed if you're at lunch/in the pool for longer than 30 mins!

 

While I do agree that people do abuse the saving of the seat if people are in the whirlpool or in the pool, that is a little much. Also, they will remove your personal items, shoes, hats, bags etc. And you may have to retrieve at guest services. I have seen people put down towels and not come back for hours and that just isn't fair to others looking for seats. I have also seen one guest save a row of chairs for their friends who don't use the chairs for hours.

 

The guards should have a way of making a mark or placing a tag on the chair and when 1/2 hour passes if it still remains empty then remove the towels and items from the seat. Give perhaps a 5-10 minute grace period.

[K.T.B.]

I had a horrible experience in trying to use the Alcoves on my last cruise. It had rained in the extreme early hours of the morning (around 5:00) and the cushions were all soaked. We got there at 10 and no one had done a thing to make them available for use.

 

Long story made VERY short, we wasted an hour of our time trying to get someone to do something, but we eventually left (angrily) and got our money back. People did try to help, but their suggestions were to just sit on towels. I am still pissed off at the whole thing because of how we were treated. :mad: (I'm doing a review of the cruise and this will be covered.... Trust me!)

 

Save your money.

Edited February 6, 2014 by Kevin T Brown

[kevinyork]

Save your money, boycott the Alcoves. Too limiting, too out in the open, kinda awkward. People in them look like fish in a bowl, and the rest of the passengers are looking 'through the glass' at them, wondering what they are eating, drinking, doing, etc, LOL! I would like to see them removed. They are taking up beautiful public space. I know the line wants to make more $$, but the Alcoves are not the way to do it, in my opinion.

 

 

Totally agree. A few who pay spoil the experience for the majority who dont. Surely the money generated is a drop in the ocean? We like Eclipse which doesnt have them.........yet.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[gsb]

Totally agree. A few who pay spoil the experience for the majority who dont. Surely the money generated is a drop in the ocean? We like Eclipse which doesnt have them.........yet.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

I might get one if they pay me. (OBC);)

[gdpups]

Just off the Silhouette and although we didn't rent an alcove we sat in them one night during a concert to check them out. We concluded we would never rent one because for one they face inward instead of facing the ocean. We also thought the seating was very uncomfortable, you get one chair, one chair with a footstool and a couch that can only really fit 2 people. If they had several comfortable lounge type chairs and faced the ocean we would consider renting one on our next cruise, but no the way they are.

[waterbug123]

Thanks Kel

This was our thinking. They are something a little different and a nice relaxing place BUT we like to lay in the sun and not sure we'd get to do that for too long in the Alcove.

 

Unless the wind is too strong, the canopy top can be either up or down, so you can have sun or shade, whichever you prefer. :)

 

Sorry mm,

for the average couple it seems kind of an awkward way to show off. By the way, they are shaded and the only way to sun is to place a towel in the grass area.

 

 

Re: shade, see my comment above. As for the showing off comment... wow! Is it showing off to book a suite, eat in a specialty restaurant a few nights, or get a massage? Why in the world would you think someone who rents an alcove is just showing off? Frankly, it sounds like you're bitter. :rolleyes:

[waterbug123]

Save your money, boycott the Alcoves. Too limiting, too out in the open, kinda awkward. People in them look like fish in a bowl, and the rest of the passengers are looking 'through the glass' at them, wondering what they are eating, drinking, doing, etc, LOL! I would like to see them removed. They are taking up beautiful public space. I know the line wants to make more $$, but the Alcoves are not the way to do it, in my opinion.

 

If the people in the alcove themselves don't mind, then why in the world would you be concerned about others looking at them? :confused:

Or is it just that, as you said, YOU would like to see them removed? They take up only a portion of the lawn; still plenty of lawn left for others to enjoy.

 

Totally agree. A few who pay spoil the experience for the majority who dont.

 

Please tell me exactly how it is that people in alcoves "spoil the experience" for others? Seriously, I want to know why you think that.

[Oceanview77]

Unless the wind is too strong, the canopy top can be either up or down, so you can have sun or shade, whichever you prefer. :)

 

 

 

Re: shade, see my comment above. As for the showing off comment... wow! Is it showing off to book a suite, eat in a specialty restaurant a few nights, or get a massage? Why in the world would you think someone who rents an alcove is just showing off? Frankly, it sounds like you're bitter. :rolleyes:

 

Couldn't agree with you more Meg. Sounds like a lot of Bitter Bettys. If you don't like them...don't rent one. Move along. Last time I checked there is still plenty on lawn space to enjoy so I don't understand what people's issues are with the Alcoves. I think they look like nice. Never rented one. Don't think I ever will but I have seen people enjoying them. The way I see it the more options the better.

[Biker19]

Get it for the whole voyage and sublet it on the days you don't use it. :cool:

[Cruise a holic]

Get it for the whole voyage and sublet it on the days you don't use it. :cool:

FYI if you do rent it for the whole week, you save 20%. To each his/her own what makes a perfect vacation. One of my sons' asks me why do we cruise so much? He thinks its nuts to take multiple cruises and we should take mostly land vacations and a cruise every few years. We disagree. In fact, the more cruises we go on, the more we want to go on!

 

Such is life.:) It is our thing and so is an Alcove.

Edited February 7, 2014 by Cruise a holic

[missminnie]

Thanks all

 

We decided to go for it and booked one for 3 of the sea days. We decided no point for the entire cruise as once we get across the Atlantic, apart from one sea day (which we have booked an Alcove) we're off in port every day as have excursions booked for every day so really wouldn't get use out of it for 7 days and would prob struggle to find someone to take it for all of those days.

 

Plus to book it for the entire cruise it's nearly the same cost as purchasing both of our premium beverage packages so we compromised and booked it for 3 of our sea days and will get the premium beverage packages.

 

I've heard after the 3rd sea day it can get chilly going across the Atlantic so at least we can make use of all the bars onboard if we need to keep indoors more ;)

 

Oh and if you book for 3 days or more you get 10% off. Yes they did confirm it would be 20% if whole cruise booked so at least we saved something.

Edited February 7, 2014 by missminnie
Added discount

[kelmac]

Thanks all

 

We decided to go for it and booked one for 3 of the sea days. We decided no point for the entire cruise as once we get across the Atlantic, apart from one sea day (which we have booked an Alcove) we're off in port every day as have excursions booked for every day so really wouldn't get use out of it for 7 days and would prob struggle to find someone to take it for all of those days.

 

Plus to book it for the entire cruise it's nearly the same cost as purchasing both of our premium beverage packages so we compromised and booked it for 3 of our sea days and will get the premium beverage packages.

 

I've heard after the 3rd sea day it can get chilly going across the Atlantic so at least we can make use of all the bars onboard if we need to keep indoors more ;)

 

Oh and if you book for 3 days or more you get 10% off. Yes they did confirm it would be 20% if whole cruise booked so at least we saved something.

 

mm,

 

Good luck and I hope it works well for you! Make sure you give us a report when you return. We will be on the Reflection a year from this March.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[missminnie]

mm,

 

Good luck and I hope it works well for you! Make sure you give us a report when you return. We will be on the Reflection a year from this March.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

 

Thanks Kel

 

Keeping my fingers crossed we love them. Just be nice to have somewhere to go and relax and not worry about leaving our place for more than 30 mins. Plus the Butler sounds good - keep your fingers crossed it's sunny and we spend all day relaxing, enjoying the lovely food we decide to order (not sure what to expect on that yet and quite fancy something different at lunch) and enjoying cocktails brought to me whilst reading my book!