Constelation Review from a new Celebrity guest

[scubamommy!]

Yeah - I know that you mean:p

 

Yes he was so incredibly nice, talented and not hard to look at! Do you remember Challas ( pronounced like Holla only with a ch)? He had more hair and they often tag team their tricks. Half way through the cruise he shaved his hair short like Marko's and they could have passed as brothers! Loved them both! If anyone see's them on their upcoming cruise ask them about the pink hat, they will laugh, then you can tell them they are being raved about on these boards, they will get a kick out of it!

[Purplsmurf]

Oh, that was just our own safety rule. They do not have any rules about kids on balconies that I know of. Have a great CRUISE!!!

 

 

Ok great!! I understand where you are coming from! We are sailing with our kids, 17 & 15 and hadn't heard of any balcony rules so I was just checking! Our balconies do "open" so that is good, but to be honest with you they probably wouldn't even go out there unless we were with them! When they were younger they would give us the rule that we can't go on our balcony unless we are in port.....little did they know ;)

[scubamommy!]

Scubamommy, liking the "autobiography" review, especially since I write that way myself (paints a better picture of life at sea). Keep it up.

 

 

 

Thanks Jimham, I remember enjoying your review VERY much! I loved all the pictures you posted too, wish I could figure that part out but I still don't even have them downloaded to my own laptop yet, they are still on the disk......

[rlmorrow13]

Just a question since our Connie cruise went the other direction. What is the difference in going through customs in Key West and FLL? If you did it in Key West why did you have to do it again?

 

 

We were on the Constellation back in February. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I believe you actually have to present yourself prior to disembarking in Key West for an Immigration procedure and not for customs. This immigration procedure is required after visiting Cozumel (Mexico) and then reentering the United States at Key West. You do not have to declare anything purchased or provide completed customs forms but rather just show your Celebrity seapass card and the identification that you presented upon boarding (such as passport, birth certificate, etc.) This is not required on the itineraries that visit Key West first and then a foreign port such as Bahamas, Mexico, etc. It is also my understanding that all passengers must present themselves even if they choose not to disembark in Key West.

 

BTW, GREAT REVIEW!!! I really enjoyed reading this and loved your parting thoughts about attitudes and cruising. I would enjoy cruising with you some day! We have been on 26 cruises and have another booked on this ship in January 2015. We have never had a "bad" cruise and even on the "worst" one (which was still good!) we never complained. To us, any day on a ship is better than a day at work.

Edited April 8, 2014 by rlmorrow13

[JimHam4]

 

Thanks Jimham, I remember enjoying your review VERY much! I loved all the pictures you posted too, wish I could figure that part out but I still don't even have them downloaded to my own laptop yet, they are still on the disk......

 

 

I dont remember the exact steps but I uploaded my photos to photobucket and pasted the link into my comments to get them to show up.

 

 

Sent from my HTC One X using Forums mobile app

[wintersun]

Hi Lisa -

 

Did you have late seating or early? Did you take the kiddos to any of the shows?

 

Thanks

[Iamthesea]

DAY FOUR: AT SEA

We were actually wanting some nice wine and a quieter night so we went to the wine bar before dinner on this night, had one glass and decided that the wine bar was just not for us and that we missed our two fav bartenders at the Martini Bar. The wine was just fine, but again service makes ALL the difference. The gentleman behind the bar seemed very bothered by us so it did not give us the “warm fuzzies” we had come to enjoy here on the Constellation. And yes, we did tip him too because that is just what we do. Of coarse he ended up shorting himself because we had no plans to go back there.

 

Funny that you mentioned the bar tender in Wine Cellars. He attached himself to the three of us and got very familiar with my girls to the point that we avoided walking through the area the next night. Although he did give my oldest daughter a few glasses of wine, that were not on the Classic package, he was almost TOO friendly.

 

 

Day Five : Key West

 

We woke much to early even though we didn’t want to. We HAD to go to customs which only took about 5 minutes tops.

 

Our time was 9:00, though we didn't sleep in. We wanted to go to Blu and eat breakfast before they closed. Went through immigration around 8:45 and then off for a long bike ride in Key West.

 

 

We scanned over our statements and found a few discrepancies where we had been charged for drinks when we shouldn’t have. By the last two days it was hard to read the cards and some of the bartenders who we didn’t know us, must have charged us thinking we didn’t have the package. Here is a tip: if your card is starting to wear get the sticker put on it so they all know or just keep getting a new card. We went down to customer service desk and straightened it out . When we got back to the room to finish up packing there was another statement with some of the discrepancies removed and some remained there. I called the desk ( since the line was quite long) and they assured me they would be removed. When we got home my card had been overcharged so I actually just got off the phone with a very pleasant lady who claims they will refund it within 3 days. It wasn’t a whole lot but hey it wasn’t mine to pay! The charge didn’t show up till just today on my card so there is no way to know it will be correct unless you actually get a statement in black and white.

 

I am not sure how that could happen. The cards, unless your magnetic strip was worn out, should automatically show your drink package on the computer.

 

Also, if you are being charged, you would have had to sign a slip for your charges. :confused:

 

We went through customs which was SUPER LONG that day, even the porters said it was crazier than normal. We rode the park and go bus to our car (which by the way, was 1/2 the price if you book online prior to the cruise, than the cruise port terminal parking price) when I noticed one bag was missing. Oh No I must have left it in customs. No biggie right? Better now than later when we were on the road for our 12 hour drive back. We loaded up and drove back to the port where I was informed that I could not go back in to get my bag till the ENTIRE SHIP was cleared and EVERYONE was through customs. WHAT? Oh my, it certainly was no ones fault but my own, but what a mistake! Sadly it delayed our departure by almost two hours. We sat and waited with two very exhausted kids till we saw the new guests arriving for the next cruise. Than a gentleman went in and retrieved my bag for me. We were on the road for about 2 minutes before we heard snoring coming from the backseat! DH took the first leg and I looked through all the pictures again and then was fast asleep beside him in no time.

 

Sorry that happened to you. A similar thing happened to me years ago when I left my parents behind in the warehouse. I thought they were behind me. Once I realized that they were not, and probably lost, I tried to go back inside and find them. I was rudely stopped. However, once I explained the situation, I was escorted back inside to find them.:D

 

Although the lines were long in Customs, it flowed pretty fast. I had planned on 45 minutes, and it took slightly less for us. We were outside just in time for our car service to pick us up. ;)

 

 

In Short Summary

 

We LOVED every minute of that cruise and it almost brings tears to my eyes when I think its over. Nice to have a future cruise booked indeed! I learned that in no way whatsoever that what is said on these boards hold true for everyone. I learned a great many things from these boards prior to this cruise and am sooooo grateful to all of you who helped me. There are many happy people wanting nothing to do but help, and I can’t thank you enough for that. But there are a few complaining and wanting to bring you down to their miserable level. Don’t fall for it and don’t believe it! Go and enjoy every minute of your cruise. Make it what you want it to be. The crew and staff on board the Connie were just fabulous and willing to do just about anything they can to make your trip wonderful. If you come across one you don’t care for, then move on to the next place, because they will be better at the next place! If you try something you don’t care for then order something else because it will be better than the last. If you meet someone who is complaining, kindly excuse yourself because why listen to it anyway! Go out and ENJOY! We certainly DID

!

 

What a wonderful attitude! :) We had some hiccups during our cruise, but nothing that would deter us from having a great time, cruising again, or hesitating to take a short cruise again.

 

Thank you again for a great review and helping me to relive my cruise. :)

[scubamommy!]

Hi Lisa -

 

Did you have late seating or early? Did you take the kiddos to any of the shows?

 

Thanks

 

We had the late seating which was at 8:30. Now my kids usually go to bed at 8:30 even on week-ends but I knew the 6:00 seating would cut our days in the sun and fun to short. We grabbed snacks from the buffet around 4 and went back and took naps on some of the days and it all worked out fine for my family. Each family needs to do what is best for them. It is nice to have the different options available.

 

We took the kids to the early (7:00) magician show which they really enjoyed and the early show on the last night with lots of dancing and cute costumes, the boys enjoyed the pirate part and my DD loved it all. I am sure there were others but those were the only two that fit into their schedules. Hope that helps.

[alliegaga]

Sounds great! Thanks so much for your pointers!

[cruzinlisa]

Sigh.....Marko. ;)

 

LOVED HIM. Someone ordered a drink which I thought was pretty (yes that is one of my criteria- so what!) so I asked what it was (Sex on the beach) and what was in it. WHen I found out it had OJ, I said I would not like it, I don't like OJ. He asked what I liked and I said pineapple juice, and he whipped something up for me. Very great. He was my fav bartender. I wish we had discovered him before Thursday.

 

DH and I were also on this cruise. We wanted to book another cruise, but the prices were so high. We are debating whether we want to bring our DD. I want to bring her, but I loved AQ class. So we decided to wait. We are really wanting to do something for our 10 year anniversary, which is next May, which means probably Bermuda and the itinerary was not out yet. But we may do Carribean. The decisions to be made...

[Iamthesea]

Bermuda is out, now. :)

http://www.celebritycruises.com/search/vacationSearchResults.do?isWidget=false&dest=BERMU&sailStartDate=201504&sailEndDate=ANY&ship=ANY&port=ANY

[scubamommy!]

LOVED HIM. Someone ordered a drink which I thought was pretty (yes that is one of my criteria- so what!) so I asked what it was (Sex on the beach) and what was in it. WHen I found out it had OJ, I said I would not like it, I don't like OJ. He asked what I liked and I said pineapple juice, and he whipped something up for me. Very great. He was my fav bartender. I wish we had discovered him before Thursday.

 

DH and I were also on this cruise. We wanted to book another cruise, but the prices were so high. We are debating whether we want to bring our DD. I want to bring her, but I loved AQ class. So we decided to wait. We are really wanting to do something for our 10 year anniversary, which is next May, which means probably Bermuda and the itinerary was not out yet. But we may do Carribean. The decisions to be made...

 

We booked for next March on the Reflection ( now I get to research her) and the prices were a bit higher, but my guess is that they will come down at some point. We booked because of the OBC and drink package offered. We would take our kids again in a heartbeat but this next cruise will be kid free for us! ;)

[Iamthesea]

The prices will more than likely come down, but if you try to get the lower price, you will probably lose your 1-2-3 and OBC. :(

Edited April 10, 2014 by Iamthesea

[scubamommy!]

Really? We were told we could change the date or ship or anything and they would stay with us? For our cruise this time we got the lower price when it dropped and the package stayed with us, we didn't have an OBC, so I don't know about that? I hope you are wrong, but you probably know better than I since you have done this a lot more than me.

[emcee207]

Well thanks, if you can tell me how to change my title I will write blow by blow instead of review. :)

 

You can skip the rest of this thread, because unlike you I enjoyed reading guests blow by blow before my cruise. Hopefully some others will too.

 

Excellent, Good for you and Kudo's also. If he doesn't like it just don't read it!

 

I like a review like this but if I didn't I'd keep my opinion to myself.:rolleyes:

[Iamthesea]

Really? We were told we could change the date or ship or anything and they would stay with us? For our cruise this time we got the lower price when it dropped and the package stayed with us, we didn't have an OBC, so I don't know about that? I hope you are wrong, but you probably know better than I since you have done this a lot more than me.

 

We also got a price drop on the cruise that I am getting ready to take. Well, we actually did not take the price drop, we upgraded the stateroom instead. :) However, the reason was because the PYP was still being offered at that time. Others that tried to get a price drop, and the promo was not in place, could not get the drop without losing everything.

 

You can change the date and the ship and keep everything, but a price drop for the same cruise would be treated differently unless the 1-2-3 promo was currently being offered at the time of the price drop. Booking onboard may have a different set of rules. I have not read the fine print under the flyer. I'll just ask the FCR while onboard next month. :)

Edited April 10, 2014 by Iamthesea

[scubamommy!]

Excellent, Good for you and Kudo's also. If he doesn't like it just don't read it!

 

I like a review like this but if I didn't I'd keep my opinion to myself.:rolleyes:

 

 

Just one of those people who like to complain that I mentioned in my review. I let it go in one ear and out the other. I won't let one person bring me down, I'm to high up in my happy place! :)

[scubamommy!]

We also got a price drop on the cruise that I am getting ready to take. Well, we actually did not take the price drop, we upgraded the stateroom instead. :) However, the reason was because the PYP was still being offered at that time. Others that tried to get a price drop, and the promo was not in place, could not get the drop without losing everything.

 

You can change the date and the ship and keep everything, but a price drop for the same cruise would be treated differently unless the 1-2-3 promo was currently being offered at the time of the price drop. Booking onboard may have a different set of rules. I have not read the fine print under the flyer. I'll just ask the FCR while onboard next month. :)

 

That would be great if you asked. It seems to me that I DID ask the very nice and experienced gentleman that was helping us and he said yes, but then again I didn't get anything in writing so it really does not mean much. I just took his word for it. We'll have to wait and see but I would love to know the response you get as well. Thanks!

[Iamthesea]

I sure will...and get it in writing!

 

I dealt with the woman with long dark hair. Both were available when I walked in, but for some reason, I walked all the way over to her. Wish that I hadn't. I got the feeling that she was fairly new and did not know her stuff. :(

 

I had asked about booking the New England/Canada cruise for the Fall of 2015. The schedule was suppose to be open by the time we cruised. The lady told me that it was not out and she would contact me by Thursday to let me know the status. When I had not heard from her by Thursday evening, I went back in. She said that the schedule was available, but would take a couple of hours to get on her computer.:confused: I made an appointment for the next day, but before I could go, she did call me to tell me that the schedule was not available.:(

 

Fast forward when I get home... I saw a press release on Celebrity that said the New England/Canada and Bermuda schedules were available for pre-booking for Captains Club members from April 1st to the 8th when it would then be released to the public. Hello! I am a Captains Club member, so I could have booked onboard.:rolleyes: I just hope the prices are the same when I return next month and can get the stateroom that we want.

[scubamommy!]

So I spoke with my TA today who had to call with a couple of other questions about our reservations and adding some new friends to our date/booking. I asked her to inquire for me. She said she got the same answer that we CAN take advantage of price drops and keep our benefits AS LONG as it is not a special the specifically says "excludes loyalty bookings". So again, we will see.....

[Iamthesea]

Hmmm...that's a new one. :rolleyes: I'll still ask when I am onboard in May.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your very nice review.