Michael's Club Activities?

[ScarlettMLB]

We're going to get to experience Michael's Club for the first time on an Equinox TA in April, so I'm curious as to what to expect, aside from the obvious free alcohol thing. (I expect that will be a big draw, since fewer people will have packages, since they're not usually offered on TA's.)

 

I've heard people mention that there's a concierge - what do you use them for that you wouldn't use your butler for? I've also heard that they arrange activities, such as high tea. What other types of activities do they arrange?

 

For sake of argument, let's assume that nothing will change with the introduction of the sky suites to Michael's Club in December. I know that's a VERY big assumption, but there are multiple sky is falling threads out there regarding this particular change, so if possible I'd like to keep this thread positive. (Pretty please.) :)

Edited November 15, 2015 by ScarlettMLB

[scifimonkey]

With the caveat that you understand that things may change due to numbers............

When we last used it they organised a number of evenings where musicians from the ship came to play specifically for the Micheals Club users. They also arranged a captains cocktail party specifically for suite guests which meant that you actually had the time and the opportunity to speak with him. there were some day time events arranged including afternoon tea although we did not attend any of them so cannot really comment.

As for the concierge she acted rather like a mother hen and accompanied guests to tenders to allow them to jump the queue and did the same on disembarkation. We were on a holy land cruise which required passport inspections and she took us through the lines and registration took 5 mins rather than 30-45mins. When there was an evening event in the spa pool area she arranged an impromptue VIP area for Michaels guests.There is overlap with the butler on booking restaurants spa treatments tours etc but we had at least one occasion where the butler said 'computer says no' and yet the concierge was able to make our restaurant request happen. To be honest, anything you want to arrange or any query or problem you have they make it their business to solve. They are essentially your interface with everything going on on the ship.

Our concierge got quite upset when I took it upon myself to resolve an issue we had with our drinks package. They also take the trouble to get to know you and your interests, for example, following just a passing remark in conversation about my interest in the art auction she took the trouble to remind me of the time and location one morning when i was picking up a mid morning mineral water. I had completely missed the reference in the daily paper and would have probably missed the auction had I not gone to Michaels for the bottle of water.

She also took the trouble to introduce various couples to each other and break the ice and generally tried to create an interactive group out of her little brood without being at all pushy or obvious. Great people skills.........

but with 150 guests........ sorry but had to say it.

Edited November 15, 2015 by scifimonkey

[az_tchr]

There is some entertainment in Michaels Club usually in the evenings - like a guitarist etc. Other than that just the concierge who indeed can take care of almost anything you might need. Have found them VERY helpful, especially when needing to bypass long lines or arrange priority tendering for a group.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

In addition to the 1st reply, the Concierge on Summit printed boarding passes & took care of luggage tags (no need to fill out disembarkation questioner). Solved several problems and removed room service charges that should not have been on the account. When we casually mentioned the ships excursion we were on was not very good arranged for us to meet with the shore excursion manager (we got a partial refund).

 

Took the time to get to know the guests and chatted with everyone in the lounge making you feel like a true guest.

 

She also arranged for some spa personnel to come in during the day & explain some of their treatments, obviously to get you to buy but they did give mini chair massages while there.

[1982CruzStart]

On our last cruise (we have been home for a week) she was invaluable. She was able to get us off the ship first in all the ports which made it easy for us to hook up with our private tours. She did this for our entire party as we were the only suite guests but she invited all our party into MC for the quick debarkation at the various ports. She called and introduced herself and wanted to make sure she was there to assist us with any issues we might have and she did solve a couple of minor issues. She invited us to the bridge tour which we really enjoyed.

 

As mentioned by a previous poster she organized a private reception with the Ship's officers that included musical entertainment. We got to meet and talk with many of the officers including the Captain and it was nice to meet them. We had high tea with champagne one afternoon with musical entertainment. She assisted us with arranging and then changing a dinner reservation. When we were going to be late into one port she called me and arranged for me to contact the private tour guide to adjust the schedule. The times for this day changed back and forth a couple of times and each time she was on top of it. I know one couple had some issue and needed to go to their embassy/consulate in one port and she escorted them there.

 

It was a port intensive cruise so there were probably less activities then might otherwise have been.

 

Her and the MC bartender made this trip very memorable for us. In fact if it weren't for them i would have come home and cancelled our next Celebrity cruise if i was able to find an alternative.

[tangerinebunny]

When our Silhouette concierge discovered that we were interested in booking a future cruise, she insisted on dealing with the FC department herself.

 

She also seemed to have more clout with dinner reservations than our butler. She escorted us dinner to make sure that we didn't have to wait.

 

But unless at least two more concierges are added to MC, I can't see one having time for all that personal service in the future.

 

However, she will still be there to help resolve issues that would otherwise require standing in line somewhere.

 

And as a sometimes SS cruiser, I'm glad about the addition. I love stopping by t0 grab a bottle of Perrier without waiting for service. Hope that continues.

Edited November 15, 2015 by tangerinebunny

[need2bespoiled]

In addition to everything above, we've also seen sushi rolling classes during the day, special shopping presentations (like the ones they have in the stores, but in Michael's Club).

 

In addition to musicians, on Summit, where they have indulgence and the other evening performances, they had those performers in doing smaller scale performances as the ones off the main stage during indulgence.

 

The Michael's Club concierge will be your guest relations desk, no need to ever go to guest relations, call or see the Concierge and they take care of any issue you may have.

 

As far as embarkation and disembarkation goes, I have seen the MC concierge use a team of staff to help escort suite guest onboard and disembark, including the ship concierge, the captain's club host and other officers. I can see this expanding, possibly using butlers to help with this.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[CHEZMARYLOU]

As far as embarkation and disembarkation goes, I have seen the MC concierge use a team of staff to help escort suite guest onboard and disembark, including the ship concierge, the captain's club host and other officers. I can see this expanding, possibly using butlers to help with this.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Hope so because this is one of the best benefits of Michaels Club.

Edited November 16, 2015 by CHEZMARYLOU

[Chazteach1]

We were escorted by a butler last summer on EQ.In fact the same butler we had on SIL. We will be back on Silhouette for New Years cruise! CAN'T WAIT!!

[msweebee]

Has the contact email from M/C Concierge or Shoreside Concierge gone away recently? Our phone and emails are correct on reservation and Captains Club info as of a few days ago when I was able to log in - appears website (for me) is again down yesterday and today. We sail on Sat 11/21 and have not heard a peep as of today. There is a specific request I would make for this cruise but I am unable to locate info for an email for X shoreside for Reflection.

 

I will ask CClub for contact info when I call in the morning for them to fix my husbands name for the 3rd time since May. We are back to him being a III rather than Sr. which locks me out of website. Luckily last time it was fixed I completed checkin and printed immediately. Any info on an email would be appreciated. Thanks, Bobbi

[Project_gal]

Has the contact email from M/C Concierge or Shoreside Concierge gone away recently? Our phone and emails are correct on reservation and Captains Club info as of a few days ago when I was able to log in - appears website (for me) is again down yesterday and today. We sail on Sat 11/21 and have not heard a peep as of today. There is a specific request I would make for this cruise but I am unable to locate info for an email for X shoreside for Reflection.

 

I have been wondering the same thing because I have seen no recent mentions on Cruise Critic. With Sky Suites joining Michael's Club, will it be possible to deal with three times the original numbers of pre-cruise requests?

Edited November 18, 2015 by Project_gal

[2NHcruisers]

We've never heard in advance of a cruise from any concierge, either land based or ship, and we tend to cruise in the upper end cabins....

 

Has the contact email from M/C Concierge or Shoreside Concierge gone away recently?

[Celebrity Cruises]

We're going to get to experience Michael's Club for the first time on an Equinox TA in April, so I'm curious as to what to expect, aside from the obvious free alcohol thing. (I expect that will be a big draw, since fewer people will have packages, since they're not usually offered on TA's.)

 

I've heard people mention that there's a concierge - what do you use them for that you wouldn't use your butler for? I've also heard that they arrange activities, such as high tea. What other types of activities do they arrange?

 

For sake of argument, let's assume that nothing will change with the introduction of the sky suites to Michael's Club in December. I know that's a VERY big assumption, but there are multiple sky is falling threads out there regarding this particular change, so if possible I'd like to keep this thread positive. (Pretty please.) :)

 

Overview

• Private relaxation and service lounge for selected guests
  
• Has a dedicated Michaels Club Concierge who is instrumental in creating a positive guest experience and executing service that is exceptional.
  
• Provides direct, personalized service (to include specialty dining reservations, booking shore excursions, handling inquiries about car rentals or restaurants in ports of call)
  
• Michaels Club will be available to guests 24/7, but Concierge Service hours will vary by itinerary.
  
• Food & Beverage options are available to guests
  
• Special events will take place including a nightly 5:30pm -8pm cocktail hour, live entertainment and opportunities to meet senior leadership
  

 

This private relaxation area features:

• a wide-screen TV
  
• reading areas stocked with magazines, newspapers and books
  
• Premium continental breakfast, light lunch and self service snacks will be available throughout the day
  
• Pre dinner drinks will be provided complimentary between 5:30pm - 8pm
  

[clampsa]

I have been wondering the same thing because I have seen no recent mentions on Cruise Critic. With Sky Suites joining Michael's Club, will it be possible to deal with three times the original numbers of pre-cruise requests?

 

 

We are also sailing on 11/21 and received an email from the shore based concierge on Monday afternoon.

[scifimonkey]

Overview

• Private relaxation and service lounge for selected guests
  
• Has a dedicated Michaels Club Concierge who is instrumental in creating a positive guest experience and executing service that is exceptional.
  
• Provides direct, personalized service (to include specialty dining reservations, booking shore excursions, handling inquiries about car rentals or restaurants in ports of call)
  
• Michaels Club will be available to guests 24/7, but Concierge Service hours will vary by itinerary.
  
• Food & Beverage options are available to guests
  
• Special events will take place including a nightly 5:30pm -8pm cocktail hour, live entertainment and opportunities to meet senior leadership
  

 

This private relaxation area features:

• a wide-screen TV
  
• reading areas stocked with magazines, newspapers and books
  
• Premium continental breakfast, light lunch and self service snacks will be available throughout the day
  
• Pre dinner drinks will be provided complimentary between 5:30pm - 8pm
  

 

Thankyou for confirming that the complementary drinks have now been restricted to the pre dinner period. A further nail in the Celebrity Suite coffin. Will be Sky suites for us in future, or a different line if Micheals also ends up being overcrowded as a pre dinner venue and when events are taking place. They are not of any benefit if you cannot physically get in to experience them.

Loved the Celebrity suite product on our last cruise but I fear you have shot a hole in it unless you can expand the Micheals Club space and at least double the staffing levels.:(

[need2bespoiled]

It's interesting. I've seen that written response before, with the same information, but onboard drinks are available on a much broader schedule.

 

Is this a change and official new information, or is it just the standard language from before?

 

I know you won't answer this, but why do you clarify some threads, but not others?

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Celebrity Cruises]

Overview

• Private relaxation and service lounge for selected guests
  
• Has a dedicated Michaels Club Concierge who is instrumental in creating a positive guest experience and executing service that is exceptional.
  
• Provides direct, personalized service (to include specialty dining reservations, booking shore excursions, handling inquiries about car rentals or restaurants in ports of call)
  
• Michaels Club will be available to guests 24/7, but Concierge Service hours will vary by itinerary.
  
• Food & Beverage options are available to guests
  
• Special events will take place including a nightly 5:30pm -8pm cocktail hour, live entertainment and opportunities to meet senior leadership
  

 

This private relaxation area features:

• a wide-screen TV
  
• reading areas stocked with magazines, newspapers and books
  
• Premium continental breakfast, light lunch and self service snacks will be available throughout the day
  
• Pre dinner drinks will be provided complimentary between 5:30pm - 8pm
  

 

Please disregard the prior post, here are our updated Michael's Club benefits:

 

Overview

• Private relaxation and service lounge for selected guests
  
• Has a dedicated Michaels Club Concierge who is instrumental in creating a positive guest experience and executing service that is exceptional.
  
• Provides direct, personalized service (to include specialty dining reservations, booking shore excursions, handling inquiries about car rentals or restaurants in ports of call)
  
• Michaels Club will be available to guests 24/7, but Concierge Service hours will vary by itinerary.
  

 

 

This private relaxation area features:

• A wide-screen TV
  
• Reading areas stocked with magazines, newspapers and books
  
• Continental breakfast is served but we do not have offer light lunch nor self service snacks
  
• We do offer canapes in the evening
  
• Complimentary drinks are served in the lounge during the day and in the evening - there are not any restricted times
  

[CHEZMARYLOU]

So what is not being offered is:

 

•Special events will take place including a nightly 5:30pm -8pm cocktail hour, live entertainment and opportunities to meet senior leadership.

 

Is that correct?

 

We really enjoyed the entertainment on Summit, especially the singer who had a dual roll as Concierge. She has a great voice. :D

 

Also enjoyed the opportunity to meet the Captain and other officers in a smaller setting.

Edited November 19, 2015 by CHEZMARYLOU

[scifimonkey]

So what is not being offered is:

 

•Special events will take place including a nightly 5:30pm -8pm cocktail hour, live entertainment and opportunities to meet senior leadership.

 

Is that correct?

 

We really enjoyed the entertainment on Summit, especially the singer who had a dual roll as Concierge. She has a great voice. :D

 

Also enjoyed the opportunity to meet the Captain and other officers in a smaller setting.

 

I think that this is perhaps a recognition that if an event is organised in Michaels it might attract the majority of those entitled. It certainly did on our last cruise. the difference now is that rather than making Michaels a bit crowded it would now potentially not be able to cope leaving a number of unhappy guests unable to get in.

Whilst it is regrettable that the events, which we also enjoyed, may not now happen this is a sensible move given the additional pax able to use Michaels and it is great to know that the complementary drinks will not be subject to more limited hours than before which may also have served to concentrate the periods of usage leading to overcrowding.

It might be that when things settle down and occupancies can be better predicted, some meet and greet or even musical events might be able to be scheduled in the daytime on sea days when it has always been a bit quieter.

Edited November 20, 2015 by scifimonkey

[Jade13]

Please disregard the prior post, here are our update

 

 

[*]clipsComplimentary drinks are served in the lounge during the day and in the evening - there are not any restricted times

 

 

 

 

Celebrity just verified there are complimentary drinks day and evening without a restricted time period, so don't understand why anyone is complaining.

[msweebee]

We are also sailing on 11/21 and received an email from the shore based concierge on Monday afternoon.

 

Celebrity definitely has my email;we leave home in the morning and there has been nothing from them. I even have been checking "junk" mail just to make sure I did not miss if it went astray. Certainly if they can't keep up with the limited numbers now it certainly seems like another nice touch that will be a fond memory for CS and above suites. Bobbi

[PoppyandNana]

Please disregard the prior post, here are our updated Michael's Club benefits:

 

Overview

• Private relaxation and service lounge for selected guests
  
• Has a dedicated Michaels Club Concierge who is instrumental in creating a positive guest experience and executing service that is exceptional.
  
• Provides direct, personalized service (to include specialty dining reservations, booking shore excursions, handling inquiries about car rentals or restaurants in ports of call)
  
• Michaels Club will be available to guests 24/7, but Concierge Service hours will vary by itinerary.
  

 

 

This private relaxation area features:

• A wide-screen TV
  
• Reading areas stocked with magazines, newspapers and books
  
• Continental breakfast is served but we do not have offer light lunch nor self service snacks
  
• We do offer canapes in the evening
  
• Complimentary drinks are served in the lounge during the day and in the evening - there are not any restricted times
  

 

 

Are "Nice" jeans permitted? You know, the ones everybody is now overjoyed they can wear on formal nights.

[need2bespoiled]

Are "Nice" jeans permitted? You know, the ones everybody is now overjoyed they can wear on formal nights.

 

Only if they're designer, and have a price tag over $200, but preferably $500. Please note, if the price tag is not still attached, they may check the label and ask for receipts at the door to allow entry.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Gordoncruickshank]

I think that this is perhaps a recognition that if an event is organised in Michaels it might attract the majority of those entitled. It certainly did on our last cruise. the difference now is that rather than making Michaels a bit crowded it would now potentially not be able to cope leaving a number of unhappy guests unable to get in.

Whilst it is regrettable that the events, which we also enjoyed, may not now happen this is a sensible move given the additional pax able to use Michaels and it is great to know that the complementary drinks will not be subject to more limited hours than before which may also have served to concentrate the periods of usage leading to overcrowding.

It might be that when things settle down and occupancies can be better predicted, some meet and greet or even musical events might be able to be scheduled in the daytime on sea days when it has always been a bit quieter.

Events in Michael's are either very well or very poorly attended. The afternoon tea in February has two attendees whereas whereas in Sept/Oct all the tables at the bar side were taken and some heading down towards the door(on Eclipse).

 

I suspect that was down to the different concierges though plus the fact that Feb was in the Caribbean.

 

The event were staged either at 5.30 or at 7.30 so that both early and later eaters were catered for and there was something organised for most days at some point in time with sometimes multiple events on sea days.

[C-Dragons]

Celebrity definitely has my email;we leave home in the morning and there has been nothing from them. I even have been checking "junk" mail just to make sure I did not miss if it went astray. Certainly if they can't keep up with the limited numbers now it certainly seems like another nice touch that will be a fond memory for CS and above suites. Bobbi

Before our B2B on the Silhouette we never received a pre-cruise email from the shoreside concierge, Flavia, until the night before we were to embark in Civitavecchia, when she informed us that we would not be stopping in Israel. The next email we received from her was while we were on board, asking if we had any special requests... for the second cruise.

When we advised her of this, she admitted that she had "missed" us. If you do not receive an email, try calling the Captain's Club. I'm sure they could get word to her to contact you.

 

Sorry, just realized this may be a little late, as you are leaving today.

Edited November 21, 2015 by C-Dragons