Why I Won't be Sailing on the Constellation Again

[lawgeek]

On the Summit this past June cigar smoking was only allowed at the Mast bar (if that is the one on 11 above the pool and only on one side of ship. I think it was starboard, but telltale sign is the ashtrays. It was a fairly open air place and smoke dissipated quickly while at sea.

 

I did observe some scoundrels smoking cigars late one night at the aft bar on 10 (what would be closest to Sunset Bar on S class and actually may be the Mast bar??), but they were only ones at the bar and there were about 5-6 gentlemen partaking. I did not say anything as it did not bother me in the least and they appeared to be having the best of times.

 

It is my understanding the rules are the same on all M class ships.

[Christine Frances]

I've learned my lesson after trying to self medicate colds or the flu on ships. I head to the Medical Centre as many times as necessary - that's what insurance is for:)

[ShawninFL]

I prefer to cruise with friends. That way, even if things don't go as planned you still end up having a good time with your travel companions. I completely agree with you regarding the ridiculous cost of cold medicine on a ship. I came down with a cold on a cruise and ran out of the medicine that I brought. $7 for 4 liquid gel caps (1 day's supply). I bit the bullet for 2 days supply. Feeling better was worth the $14. I'm glad you still enjoyed your vacation despite your disappointments.

[hcat]

Sorry you had a frustrating cruise.

 

Sometimes it's better to speak up. Thing do not get fixed if you don't tell people. I would have contacted management and told them of the issues. Sometimes this is in order.

 

As for the Nyquil, if you went to the doc on the ship you would have probably rec'd free medication.

 

And, I do believe there is a Sunset Bar...or an I thinking or the Oceanview outdoor deck? In either case, when we were on the Summit 1/2 of the aft which had a bar permitted smoking. No one was permitted to smoke at the pool. I recall X making one passenger put out his cigg at the pool a few years back

 

Hope you are feeling better!

 

On our Connie cruise last Jan, there were actually 2 smoking areas on pool deck...one was adjacent to the bar there...really stinky, unemptied ashtrays with burning cig butts. Another was same side but upfront near where the DJ/band set up...burning ashtrays never emptied by stafff...really awful. Avoided both areas!

 

Other than that , we enjoyed our cruise...parts of the ship were updated including our AQ cabin......other parts older and more cozy. Had very good service and food ...well run ship at that time.

Edited November 21, 2015 by hcat

[cruzzzinma]

I wouldn't have objected if he was smoking at the Sunset bar/ the aft part of the Oceanview buffet, because that's what I believe to be an acceptable spot. The issue was that he was smoking at the pool and I questioned both the pool attendant and went down to guest relations to inquire about it and was told that it was allowed on the pool deck.

 

There was no smoking in the Sunset Bar (I think it is named the Oceanview Bar) on this cruise.

[CathyCruises]

There was no smoking in the Sunset Bar (I think it is named the Oceanview Bar) on this cruise.

 

Exactly. I maintain that that would've been a better place for cigar smoking than on the pool deck. There's also the open area on deck 11 port side outside of the Tuscan Grille. That area was not used it all and there really was not much inside access there other than one door. In my opinion that would've been a perfect spot for cigar smokers and would've had minimal impact on all the other cruisers

[Ex-Airbalancer]

I'm playing the Devil's Advocate here...

 

If you went to your Dr. at home, and IF you didn't have any insurance, I'd be inclined to think that your cost for your appointment would be in the region of over $100.00. We're all quite use to our Insurance paying for a majority of our healthcare costs.

 

Years ago, I had bronchitis on a cruise. I had numerous visits to the Infirmary for inhalation treatments. The final bill was expensive. Around $900.00.

 

I sent it to my Insurance company and was reimbursed everything but my "office visit" co-payment charge.

 

And maybe in the future you'll bring a small bottle of cough meds with you. We do...just in case.

I am getting a hip replaced $0 cost

Getting a INR test on ship $60 :rolleyes:

[Hobbsey]

Exactly. I maintain that that would've been a better place for cigar smoking than on the pool deck. There's also the open area on deck 11 port side outside of the Tuscan Grille. That area was not used it all and there really was not much inside access there other than one door. In my opinion that would've been a perfect spot for cigar smokers and would've had minimal impact on all the other cruisers

 

I remember when Celebrity broke ground by adding Michael's Clubs to the new Builds (think Century, Mercury and Galaxy) which were then Cigar Lounges with full humidors and a master Cigar maker. Now, if I want to enjoy a fine cigar you want me to go to deck 11, in the open air with little shade and no regular bar service. Things have certainly changed.

 

I think the aft bar on one side of the other is a perfect location. I agree that the mostly enclosed pool deck is the wrong location for any type of smoking - especially if the staff can't keep the area well policed.

[Formerly known as Seabee]

I don't shop at hobby lobby either, because of their stance on social issues.

 

i!

 

Not sure how Hobby Lobby got drug into this, but I suppose prayer was not an option in this situation.:rolleyes:

[Christine Frances]

I remember when Celebrity broke ground by adding Michael's Clubs to the new Builds (think Century, Mercury and Galaxy) which were then Cigar Lounges with full humidors and a master Cigar maker. Now, if I want to enjoy a fine cigar you want me to go to deck 11, in the open air with little shade and no regular bar service. Things have certainly changed.

 

 

 

I think the aft bar on one side of the other is a perfect location. I agree that the mostly enclosed pool deck is the wrong location for any type of smoking - especially if the staff can't keep the area well policed.

 

 

On the Millie they have removed all the smoking seating further back from the entrance to the T-Pool/Aqua Spa Cafe so that every time the auto doors slide open smoke does not go inside. Good change IMO. Smokers are now more midship port side.

 

I disagree about the Oceanview bar on M Class. This is an eating area where people bring food from the buffet outside to eat. It was wonderful not having smokers anywhere around us. We even thanked X on our survey.

Edited November 21, 2015 by Christine Frances

[Gracie115]

And I broke my arm on a cruise and was taken care of by the ships med staff, X Rays, cast, meds....TOTAL $300.....shoot at an emergency room in the USA that would run about $2,000.....:eek:

[smtcan]

I just got off the Constellation transatlantic too. We had some challenges in finding cutlery, plates, ice and water in the buffet as well, but it wasn't a deal breaker. I'm laying the blame on staff cuts. Every staff member I saw in the buffet was working at top speed trying to take care of the food and bring out more bowls, plates, forks, etc.

 

We enjoyed the food in the MDR very much, but it seemed that Select dining was heavily oversubscribed. I overheard someone saying that 900 diners were on Select. We tend to eat late, and it was very hard to get a table between 7.45 and 8.30 without a substantial wait. After 8.30, it was difficult to find a sharing table since everyone else had apparently eaten in the big rush earlier! Twice we were sent downstairs to the fixed seating area to join tables that were short a few of their regular diners that evening. There were lots of empty and partially-filled tables there, and we asked to be switched to second seating to join new friends we'd met. That solved the problem for us, and hopefully eased the pressure on Select a little bit.

 

These were the only small concerns we had on our cruise which was excellent overall.

 

We did receive a comment card part-way through the cruise, and we also mentioned the apparent staff cuts and over-subscription of Select dining in the post-cruise questionnaire.

 

PS - forgot to add that we would sail Constellation or any of the other M class ships again in a heartbeat. They're our favourites now that Century is gone. Unfortunately, none of the itineraries appeal, so we will be trying Solstice for a transpacific in 2017.

 

We were also on this cruise and generally agree with these comments. We occasionally had problems in Oceanview, but these were neither really serious or frequent. We don't sit on the pool deck, so I can't comment on that. We only once had to wait to be seated in select dining and that was when we went at seven pm. Other times we went right after the early show and were seated promptly, either at a shared table, a table for two or a table for four with friends we met on board.

 

The food in the MDR was fine, but I don't order chicken on a cruise. We eat it frequently at home and I prefer to make other choices. We were lucky enough to win dinner for two at Ocean Liners on the first cruise of our B2B, and enjoyed it, but I'm not sure if we would actually pay to eat there.

 

We enjoy the M class ships and have a TransPacific booked on Millennium for next year.

 

Sheila

[Hlitner]

We simply take a large selection of drugs whenever we travel. It is really not a big deal, and its nice to be prepared if you need something which might be hard to find at sea or out of the country. Going to the medical center for a cold is just not in our DNA.

 

Hank

[jagoffee]

I wouldn't have objected if he was smoking at the Sunset bar/ the aft part of the Oceanview buffet, because that's what I believe to be an acceptable spot. The issue was that he was smoking at the pool and I questioned both the pool attendant and went down to guest relations to inquire about it and was told that it was allowed on the pool deck.

This is the same as on the Silhouette as well. Smoking at the pool and sunset bar. Also one deck up on one side of the jogging track.

[Fouremco]

I am getting a hip replaced $0 cost

Getting a INR test on ship $60 :rolleyes:

OHIP should cover some of the $60 and your travel insurance the rest. :)

[Azulann]

Sorry, your cruise was less than stellar as to ice, coffee stations, chicken dishes,smoking section on pool deck.

I have been on the Constellation for my last two crusies and will be on her again in July of 2016.

I never even knew they had ice stations near the pool. I always have a beverage package and drink bottled water there or a drink of my choice.:)

Coffee was always available at one station in buffet. I think it is the one in the middle near entrance. I have wandered down there as early as 5am and found coffee.

I would have talked to the manager about the missing beverages, timing or broken machine right away. I also found the staff at whatever level to responsive when I asked about things not available or not working.

 

I wonder if a transatlantic , like the short 5days cruise a totally different animal? I will never go on another 5 day cruise in the Carib again. It was a booze cruise as far I saw at the pool area and bars.

I don't think the Transatlantic is the same as a 13 day cruise in Europe .All those sea days seem to become tiresome and more open to things going wrong...?

Just my $.02

[Orator]

No comment card was offered. On several occasions I thought about going down and asking for one but I honestly didn't feel like it would make any difference.

 

I didn't spend the $17.99 on NyQuil because it was such a total rip off. That may seem like twisted logic but that's just the way I am. I don't shop at hobby lobby either, because of their stance on social issues, which I'm sure makes no difference to them but it makes me feel better. I do pack a small pharmacy when I travel, but with both of us having colds, I ran out of cold medication pretty quickly.

 

It's a long story, but going to the doctor was not really a viable option for reasons I won't go into right now.

 

At one point, DH did go down and complain about the stench in the hallway leading from the elevator to our cabin. It occurred with regular frequency. When we went back to our cabin it was obvious that someone had come through and sprayed deodorizer in the hallway. Root cause of the problem not known.

 

We actually had a good cruise, under the circumstances, but that was mostly because of the friends that we had on board and because none of these issues were earth shattering. But they were very aggravating and disappointing.

 

One other minor but somewhat curious incident. When I signed up for the cruise, they asked if we would be celebrating any occasion and I said yes, that our anniversary was on November 14. One day I got a phone message saying that because we were celebrating a special event, we would be offered 15% off a shore excursion. Well we never take ship excursions so that was useless. Then we got another phone call saying we would get $100 coupon at the art auction. Ditto, we never buy art on the ship. Arrives the day, absolutely nothing was done. No congratulatory message, absolutely nothing. I wonder why they even ask? Is this the norm if you indicate you are celebrating a special occasion? I honestly don't know but I am curious.

 

Just rereading the original post, which I dictated. When there are weird sentences that make no sense, I'm going to attribute that to Siri!

 

On the same cruise and had a wonderful time. Received a comment card after the first week.

I once needed to purchase medication from the ship's store and was shocked by the price. Told the salesperson about the price on land and she gave me a price match form. Actually sent it out. To see what would happen and surprised to get a check for the price difference (about $3.00). Michael's Club was quite busy and loud on this cruise and much fun! Also detected the strong odor you describe. Had a leak into the cabin from shower, but it was fixed quite quickly. Also had a problem with dry cleaning when they washed my "dry clean only" slacks. They will reimburse for the cost of the new, never to be worn again slacks. Also gave me a future cruise credit without asking. The Connie is due for a dry dock and it does need some work, but great crew more than makes up for minor problems.

[WEGL81]

Not any longer. The whole Oceanview Bar is non-smoking. Well it was on our cruise at least.

 

 

 

Phil

 

 

Oh, that is great news. There's still an aft sunset bar, though, which was kind of my point. Maybe the OP meant that smoking wasn't allowed on the aft sunset bar anymore.

[sasset]

Have you been to a ship infirmary before? I seriously doubt anything would be given for free.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network using Tapatalk Pro

 

I visited the ship's infirmary last year on Infinity. Got charged $100 for the visit and $10 for some cortisone cream. Needed some this past trip on Constellation and got it in the onboard sundries store for $3.

[swigso]

 

I do sympathize with the smoking complaint. One of the big reasons I sail Celebrity is because of their no smoking policy in the casino. On our first cruise on Connie last year, we couldn't use our balcony because our neighbors spent the whole time smoking on their balcony. We should have complained but didn't.

Wouldn't have put up with that

NO SMOKING on balconies is a health and safety issue

[Kdanemjm]

And I broke my arm on a cruise and was taken care of by the ships med staff, X Rays, cast, meds....TOTAL $300.....shoot at an emergency room in the USA that would run about $2,000.....:eek:

 

I broke my hand on an excursion one time. The dispensary took x rays, dispensed morphine and added a plaster cast. They then gave me the necessary pain medication for the balance of the cruise. I saw zero cost and was refunded the cost of the excursion... The injury needed surgery once we arrived home a few days later... That was a memorable trip for sure.

[Cruise Raider]

Oh no... sorry it wasn't such a great experience. I know that when I am sick with a cold, I tolerate smoking even less than when I am well.

 

We were recently on the Infinity and after having been on the S class, Century Class and M Class ships previously, the Infinity this last time was our best cruise ever. Definitely great management on our cruise ... all the way around. Too bad it wasn't consistent throughout the entire line.

 

But, to be fair, we encountered fellow passengers that didn't feel the same way as we did about this latest cruise. I have read several of your past posts in the past and have always felt as though you aren't a complainer ... usually positive and helpful with your comments. I do believe your observations are quite valid....hopefully, your next cruise will be more enjoyable.

[twin123185]

Well I just got off an S ship TA. The food sucked but it wasn't bad otherwise. I will Be on the Constellation TA in April so I hope I will have a better experience.

[Sandtrap328]

In November, 2013, I was on an X cruise and started feeling achy and flu-like. Our port that day was Fiji. My wife went on the excursion as planned. I did not go. I went a few block into town, found a pharmacy and bought some capsules that was marked 15 of whatever currency they had. The pharmacist spoke a few words of English, said the capsules were very good and only took $3 for a pack of 20 capsules.

 

In 24 hours, I felt fine.

 

We also carry the Ny-Quil capsules now as well as other assorted - but legal items.

[LabGuy64]

on this issue i agree......people are always overcharges for such things in any kind of resort area......you would have been charged the same on an S class ship too....

 

 

You paid thousands for a cruise but wouldn't pay $17.99 for medication even though you were both sick?