Head's up, HAL: Luminae is excellent!

[Christine Frances]

No, not the same dinng room. You might be picturing something like Canaletto in the Lido, but that would be incorrect. Luminae is actually not across a barrier in the same space. It was constructed on each ship with floor to ceiling walls on one side and one level of the original main dining room and has a separate entrance. New color scheme, carpeting, lighting, furniture, seating with more space between tables, tableware, china and so on. And of course, different menu than the main dining room for breakfast/brunch, lunch, or dinner.

 

Hopefully this link will work:) http://gallery.cruisecritic.com/ships/celebrity-eclipse-413/luminae-123240/

 

More pictures from a different ship (Reflection) http://gallery.cruisecritic.com/ships/celebrity-reflection-621/luminae-132108/

 

Also there are numerous reviews with pics of the menu's and food porn on the X board. It is now all rolled out and running smoothly.

Edited July 6, 2015 by Christine Frances

[hrhdhd]

And yet nobody can seem to come right out and say what it is.

 

I am not sure if you're being deliberately obtuse, but a smaller venue, better food, better service, and the resulting overall ambiance are what "it" is. It's really not that hard to get given the descriptions earlier in this thread.

 

Again, your not valuing those things doesn't mean they are not of value to others.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

I confess to being a little startled by some of the comments I'm reading. We enjoy Celebrity and have not felt we were victims of a class structure...ever. We dine Select, which is on the second level of the MDR, where you can come whenever you like.

 

Perhaps that contributes to our total lack of awareness regarding who is eating where...we just don't care and I can't imagine that anyone but the people you are traveling with care where you eat!

 

I am bemused by comments regarding a venue being closed...ships close venues for lots of reasons, including functions for large groups that are on board. In the same way that not everyone gets to sit at the Captains table, or do a bridge tour, there are times when you can't go to a particular spot....ships are big enough that there are surely plenty of places to go that are equally pleasing.

 

Our next Celebrity cruise is in Aqua, simply because we want to see what Blu is like. certainly it is not to feel supior to anyone. We have not been on HAL for years, but are contemplating a return if we feel we can deal with the smoking policy. I think Celebrity delivers a great product....many of you feel HAL delivers a great product. What a dull world if we all wanted and needed the identical experiences!

 

I would hate for someone to read many of these comments and think that Celebrity ships are full of heavy drinkers/snobs/rude staff. Our experiences are certainly nothing of the kind! That doesn't mean there's not a lot to love on HAL, too. I guess I'm troubled by an incident involving human beings, complicated creatures that we all are, becoming a generalization for an entire ship, ships staff or cruise line....

 

To each his own. that's my two cents, and worth that much, too! :)

[Steve Q]

Just received the message below from Director of Celebrity's Captain's Club. You will now be able to choose the level of amenities you want. You also can make your voyage an all-inclusive cruise. It will be interesting to see the details.

 

 

"Dear Stephen,

 

I am pleased to announce 'Go Big, Go Better, Go Best', Celebrity Cruises' exciting new offering. The first of its kind in the cruise industry, 'Go Big, Go Better, Go Best' provides you with the flexibility to customize your vacation. You now get to choose which, and how many onboard amenities you want to include as part of your modern luxury cruise. By bundling these amenities into the price of a cruise you can enjoy greater value than you would if purchasing them individually onboard, and you can even create an all-inclusive experience. You will be able to choose from four different 'perks' - a beverage package, unlimited internet, an onboard credit, or prepaid gratuities.

 

As a valued Captain's Club member you will continue to receive the wonderful benefits you already receive today, and we hope you agree that 'Go Big, Go Better, Go Best' will be a nice complement to your existing benefits.

 

We hugely value your loyalty and we always strive to make you the center of our attention.

 

I look forward to seeing many of you next month on our 2015 Reunion Cruise onboard the beautiful Celebrity Infinity! "

 

Thank you for your loyalty,

Lee Moreau Best Premium Cruiseline

 

Lee Moreau

Director of Loyalty and Captain's Club

[Caribbean Chris]

Very well said, GeorgiaPeach. I've also been startled, certainly to be characterized as a "sucker" for looking forward to a nice dining venue on another cruiseline besides HAL.

 

The no-smoking policy on Celebrity was a definite draw for us to sample another line after a long transatlantic on HAL when the Explorations Cafe smelled of smoke from the casino next to it day after day. We enjoyed many elements on Celebrity and have cruised regularly with them since.

 

We still enjoy traveling with HAL's fine crew, and feel very fortunate to have cruises booked with each of these fine companies.

[HoneyGV]

Just wondering if you partake of a meal in this grand and glorious setting, and you have tea do you have to stick your pinkie out?

 

I think the pinkie thing is just a reflex. :D

[HoneyGV]

The dining for suite only guests is something that prevents us from booking a cruise on Celebrity. We dislike the idea of creating a class system. We feel that no matter what type of cabin we choose to sail in, we should be able to dine in any restaurant we choose. Our money is just as good as that of someone in a suite. HAL, don't start a class system, please.

 

I think HAL has their own way of "separating" the classes. Have you noticed the color of the keycards? Do you think one color gets "faster" service than the other?

[HoneyGV]

The "class system" already exists on HAL and every other cruise line. The Pinnacle restaurant is reserved only for suite passengers for breakfast, and the Neptune Lounge is only accessible for suite passengers. The retreat cabanas are only accessible if you pay for premium price. The posts above indicate that they are aware of it but don't consider it s "class system" which would cause them not to sail HAL?

 

Stating that one wouldn't cruise a particular cruise line because of lack of access to one area is a little over the top.

 

HAL as with everyone and everything else...one gets what one pays for...and why shouldn't one?

 

When folks pay 15 to 20K for a 2 week cruise for 2...they should get something for their money.

[HoneyGV]

As if HAL's dining room staff isn't already spread thin enough? :eek: To take more stewards away to staff an exclusive dining room for suite passengers would only make it worse.

True, there would be passengers leaving the dining room, too, but I don't believe for one minute that the staffing/passenger ratio would be the same.

 

Coverage in the dining room, when stewards are out sick would be more difficult, too.

 

If it's good enough for Celebrity, let those who like this system sail Celebrity. It's not good enough for HAL.

 

HAL/Carnival has big profits...maybe they'll hire more people?

[WpgCruise]

I think GeorgiaPeach51 makes some very good points.

 

Indeed how very fortunate we are that we have the resources to choose which line to cruise with.

 

It does get petty IMHO when some are so brand loyal they not only won't consider what other cruise lines offer, but they have to denigrate and slam. It is downright goofy when those doing the slamming haven't even experienced the differences.

 

Trying to explain the benefits of another cruise line offerings to some on this Board is like trying to herd cats. They'll really only go where they want to go, listen to what they want to hear and frankly any opinion that differs from their own is not worthy of consideration.

[iancal]

WpgCruise....

 

WELL SAID.

 

It never ceases to amaze me that some people seem married to one cruise line and see it as their duty to ensure that no one make any positive comment about another line. Not sure if it is a case of wearing blinders or if it has something to do with ego or personal pride. After all, this is just a hospitality product...not someone's first born.

 

It is as though a positive statement about another cruise line takes some value away from their product of choice.

 

We have not been to Luminae. Doubt that we will buy a suite and have access. I could never compare it to any other pay dining venue on another cruise line unless I had experienced it. Perhaps the food is worth it to some. Have no idea.

 

But it sure is interesting to see people who know NOTHING about it jump up and down to compare it unfavourably to HAL or to dismiss it-or worse.

Edited July 7, 2015 by iancal

[POA1]

I think HAL has their own way of "separating" the classes. Have you noticed the color of the keycards? Do you think one color gets "faster" service than the other?

No. The gold key doesn't get faster service - unless you count priority tendering.

 

In a normal situation, you don't show your room key up front. You show it after your drink / wine / coffee arrives.

[HoneyGV]

Thanks.

I have mixed feelings about it.

 

Being one who sails in Suites, I'm not sure I like having breakfast and dinner in a 'secluded' space.

 

 

I cruise to relax and enjoy the ship and the "pampering". We don't go out to dinner much or bars or spend money on lots of entertainment, and we're not "shopaholics" who have to have new clothes all the time.

 

We budget so we CAN cruise in luxury. There are times when I never leave the Rotterdam deck except to have breakfast at the Pinnicle and dinner their or in our suite. We pay dearly for the Neptune suite and PH.

 

I don't care about exploring the "islands" or going to the beaches or shopping. Been there done that.

 

The ONE luxury I have is to cruise in Suite class 3 or for times a year.

 

Most of the people I talk to say they don't care about what cabin they get as they don't spend any time there except to sleep. WE DO spend time in our room and on our balcony. I am just happy to have someone else make my bed, do my dishes, clean the room, do the laundry and just let me relax in my little "castle" on the sea.

[HoneyGV]

I think some of you are going way over the top with respect to this "class" issue. This isn't an entirely different section of the ship, as you would find in First Class or Business Class on an airplane or train, this is a dining room. And, if someone thought being on a modern day cruise ship made them feel like being on "Titanic" then you obviously don't know what the "class" system was about in those days--same thing as today--it had EVERYTHING to do with MONEY. I would also encourage some of you to reevaluate your self-esteem, but that is a whole 'nother topic.

 

How do you feel about there being a First Class on airplanes or trains? How do you feel about "club" floors in some hotels? Do they make you feel you're unworthy? Are you belittled by those? Give me a break. No one is forcing anyone on X to use Luminae exclusively, everyone on the ship has just as much access to the MDR as does everyone else on the ship. It's all about money, folks, and has nothing to do with "class." A small part of capitalism is paying more for a little bit better product. There is a big difference in price between a new Cadillac and a new Toyota. If you prefer the Toyota and everything that goes with it, good for you, but some of us prefer the Cadillac and everything that goes with it.

 

AMEN!!! You stated it brilliantly.

[HoneyGV]

buh bye!!

 

Huh??? :confused::confused::confused:

[WpgCruise]

Thanks.

I have mixed feelings about it.

 

Being one who sails in Suites, I'm not sure I like having breakfast and dinner in a 'secluded' space.

 

 

 

 

Suite guests can take meals wherever they want. They are not limited to a specific dining room for any meal. They can "Mix & Match" as they see fit. One evening for example the suite dining room, breakfast the next day in the main dining room, lunch in the buffet.

 

For example, perhaps they have friends not sailing in a suite. All can choose to eat in the dining room.

 

Suite guests are not limited to only dine in the suite dining venue.

Edited July 7, 2015 by WpgCruise

[HoneyGV]

It is sad and pathetic that some people feel like they have to purchase superior social status, and rub it everyone else's face during the cruise.

 

I have enough confidence in myself to have dinner with everyone else.

 

igraf

 

I get an awkward feeingl" when I'm in the MDR and tablemates start asking what our cabin is like and which deck it's on and such.

 

I don't come off as being pretentious or rub anything in anyone's face during the cruise. I always get a table for 4 or a deuce at times. So, it's USUALLY not a problem. BUT, everytime I used to sit at a table with more than 6 people someone ALWAYS wanted to discuss accomodations.

 

The one thing I like about suite sailing is having the Neptune to hang out in...everyone there is in the same boat!

[HoneyGV]

I think that's a bit harsh. I never experienced any guests flaunt their suite status in many HAL cruises in which I had a plain vanilla cabin.

 

IMO, it's a matter of priorities. Some people like to spend their money on dinners out, movies, land vacations, new cars and big TV sets.

 

Those aren't my priorities....cruising in comfort and if there's some luxury IS my priority.

 

I don't feel I'm less than anyone sailing in the PH. They pay for their luxury too.

[cruz chic]

I get an awkward feeingl" when I'm in the MDR and tablemates start asking what our cabin is like and which deck it's on and such.

 

I don't come off as being pretentious or rub anything in anyone's face during the cruise. I always get a table for 4 or a deuce at times. So, it's USUALLY not a problem. BUT, everytime I used to sit at a table with more than 6 people someone ALWAYS wanted to discuss accomodations.

 

The one thing I like about suite sailing is having the Neptune to hang out in...everyone there is in the same boat!

 

Why feel awkward? Say your cabin is fine. There is no reason to announce you are in a suite. I've sailed in Neptune and the pinnacle suites and sit at larger tables in open dining. Not once, nope not even once did anyone ever ask if I was in a suite.

[Lizzie68]

I get an awkward feeingl" when I'm in the MDR and tablemates start asking what our cabin is like and which deck it's on and such.

 

I don't come off as being pretentious or rub anything in anyone's face during the cruise. I always get a table for 4 or a deuce at times. So, it's USUALLY not a problem. BUT, everytime I used to sit at a table with more than 6 people someone ALWAYS wanted to discuss accomodations.

 

The one thing I like about suite sailing is having the Neptune to hang out in...everyone there is in the same boat!

 

One of the nicest people I ever met on a HAL cruise was someone who I later (much later, as in a couple of years) found out always - but always - cruises in a Neptune Suite. Those that do (usually) seldom feel the need to mention it. That was actually my very first HAL cruise, and I bet she never realised how helpful she was to me. She is still on this board, and I admire her enormously. A woman of few words but a huge heart. And no, no one has ever asked me what kind of of cabin I have!

[HoneyGV]

On Celebrity now in a Sky Suite (same size as Signature Suite on HAL) with access to Luminae. In my opinion, the meals in Luminae have been better than any of the meals that we have eaten in HAL, RCL or Celebrity specialty restaurants. Even though this suite is smaller than HAL's Neptune Suite (our preferred cabin on HAL) and we don't have access to Michael's Club from a Sky Suite, we won't be going back to HAL even if they change their smoking policy (which is why we started sailing other lines). We do have a butler who checks in with us at least 3-4 times per day. Who needs a concierge? The butler does it all. I will share more when I return from this cruise.

 

I've cruised Celebrity several times..in suites and found that the butler just gets in the way. That's one thing I like about HAL...no butler.

[HoneyGV]

One of the nicest people I ever met on a HAL cruise was someone who I later (much later, as in a couple of years) found out always - but always - cruises in a Neptune Suite. Those that do (usually) seldom feel the need to mention it. That was actually my very first HAL cruise, and I bet she never realised how helpful she was to me. She is still on this board, and I admire her enormously. A woman of few words but a huge heart. And no, no one has ever asked me what kind of of cabin I have!

 

I didn't say anyone asked me what kind of cabin I have...I said that I've been asked what my cabin was like and someone else asked what deck we were on.

 

I never give ANY personal information to strangers and I don't announce or tell anyone what kind of cabin I have.

[zerbot]

I am not sure if you're being deliberately obtuse, but a smaller venue, better food, better service, and the resulting overall ambiance are what "it" is. It's really not that hard to get given the descriptions earlier in this thread.

 

Again, your not valuing those things doesn't mean they are not of value to others.

 

No, that's not the point. "It" is whatever that results from the restaurant being made exclusive to suite guests. Having a smaller venue, better food, better service doesn't require exclusivity. The Pinnacle is a smaller venue with better food and better service, but it isn't exclusive. Perhaps it is the ambiance, but that mean that non-suite passengers degrade the ambiance somehow, which leads us back to the perk being "not having to eat with the riff-raff". Except that supposedly that's not it either.

[ellieanne]

No, that's not the point. "It" is whatever that results from the restaurant being made exclusive to suite guests. Having a smaller venue, better food, better service doesn't require exclusivity. The Pinnacle is a smaller venue with better food and better service, but it isn't exclusive. Perhaps it is the ambiance, but that mean that non-suite passengers degrade the ambiance somehow, which leads us back to the perk being "not having to eat with the riff-raff". Except that supposedly that's not it either.

 

I've not been in a suite since the addition of the Pinnacle Grill on the ship, so I have no first hand knowledge as to whether the Pinnacle Grill has "better food" at breakfast. Truthfully I find it hard to believe there is "better food" at breakfast -- most breakfast foods are standard, i.e. I doubt the fresh cooked waffles or fried eggs are significantly better in the Pinnacle Grill than they are in either the Main Dining Room or the Lido. There is just not that much you can do to make those kinds of things "better." I can get fresh squeezed orange juice, freshly made waffles, and cooked to order eggs in the Lido as well.

 

That makes the contention that the food is better at breakfast a moot point. There must be something that makes breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill a "perk" and if it's not the food it has to be either the service or the ambiance. And as service is (probably) not significantly better than in the main dining room at breakfast, it has to be ambiance, and that ambiance is only achieved by it being a small, exclusive room.

 

Therefore the interpretation of the reason for the better-ness of the Pinnacle Grill for breakfast is all about it being exclusive. The people that rave about it can try to explain it in any way they want, but it still comes down to the rather obvious implication that it's all about being more special than everyone else.

[zerbot]

Therefore the interpretation of the reason for the better-ness of the Pinnacle Grill for breakfast is all about it being exclusive. The people that rave about it can try to explain it in any way they want, but it still comes down to the rather obvious implication that it's all about being more special than everyone else.

 

I think you hit the nail on the head. I'm reminded of when my kids were little, and occasionally when I was handing out treats to the gang of kids they had over, I'd run out of whatever it was (which usually meant that someone snuck one). The solution was always to grab something that was similar, and say to the last one, "This one is special, just for you!" They'd walk away ecstatic almost every time.