First time I've tried this: sort of a cruise blog aboard Celbrity Constellation

[powderhorn]

Thanks for your review...insightful and balanced!

 

If it is not too much trouble, could you check to see what parlor games there are on board to sign out and use, if any? particularly interested in backgammon and scrabble.... thks! :)

[jules815]

Good morning and thank you again for your review of Constellation.

 

We'll be sailing on her this Sunday. I'll be with my daughter who is a college senior. She just found out yesterday that one of her good friends from high school will also be on our cruise with her mother. :) My daughter was asking last night if Celebrity had any kind of a dance club? She's thinking about last year's cruise on Liberty of the Seas while they still had The Crypt or Dungeon or whatever it was. :) I told her I didn't think they have anything like that on Celebrity ships, but maybe late night in one of the larger lounges they might have dance music happening for the college kids. Have you noticed anything like this?

 

(As far as her friend being on the cruise, this is a win-win for everyone. Honestly, I love traveling with my daughters, but I was a little concerned I'd have to stay out late with her for at least a few nights, because after all it is her spring break. I'm almost 55, and while I can handle a few late nights here and there, my problem is I'm an early riser, regardless of what time I've gone to bed, even when I'm on vacation. :eek: So this is a good thing for everyone, and I'm sure the other girl's mom feels the same way too.)

[crazycatlady82]

Good morning and thank you again for your review of Constellation.

 

 

 

We'll be sailing on her this Sunday. I'll be with my daughter who is a college senior. She just found out yesterday that one of her good friends from high school will also be on our cruise with her mother. :) My daughter was asking last night if Celebrity had any kind of a dance club? She's thinking about last year's cruise on Liberty of the Seas while they still had The Crypt or Dungeon or whatever it was. :) I told her I didn't think they have anything like that on Celebrity ships, but maybe late night in one of the larger lounges they might have dance music happening for the college kids. Have you noticed anything like this?

 

 

 

(As far as her friend being on the cruise, this is a win-win for everyone. Honestly, I love traveling with my daughters, but I was a little concerned I'd have to stay out late with her for at least a few nights, because after all it is her spring break. I'm almost 55, and while I can handle a few late nights here and there, my problem is I'm an early riser, regardless of what time I've gone to bed, even when I'm on vacation. :eek: So this is a good thing for everyone, and I'm sure the other girl's mom feels the same way too.)

 

 

You mean Monday, right? I'm on the 3/14 sailing and literally just gasped and went to look at the date [emoji3]

 

 

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[jules815]

Oh my gosh...yes...MONDAY!! We leave on Sunday, so I guess I must have that day stuck in my head. Still so much to do before then!

 

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[vivi9909]

MDR is not open for lunch on embarkation day and is only open for lunch on sea days.

 

Are you sure about that?

Two years ago, we were in Aqua class on the Summit and were very happy that the Blu was available for lunch on embarkation day.

Last summer, the Blu was not open but we had lunch in the MDR.

Do you mean that next month we will have the buffet as the only free option (and Bistro on Five for a fee)?

If the tendency continues, maybe next year they will do like the airline companies and sell you a lunch for a fee on embarkation.:rolleyes:

[DaisyFire]

Are you sure about that?

Two years ago, we were in Aqua class on the Summit and were very happy that the Blu was available for lunch on embarkation day.

Last summer, the Blu was not open but we had lunch in the MDR.

Do you mean that next month we will have the buffet as the only free option (and Bistro on Five for a fee)?

If the tendency continues, maybe next year they will do like the airline companies and sell you a lunch for a fee on embarkation.:rolleyes:

 

Actually - no, I am not sure about that. As I stated in my post, this is what I have seen posted by several others out on the boards. I have not sailed since 2009 - and so would not assume anything would have stayed the same since then.

[FlorenceItaly]

Actually - no, I am not sure about that. As I stated in my post, this is what I have seen posted by several others out on the boards. I have not sailed since 2009 - and so would not assume anything would have stayed the same since then.

 

We cruised in December and it was not open. This is why we chose to dine in Bistro 5. Of course, it would be lovely if it has changed since then.

 

 

 

 

Marie

[DaisyFire]

Hunted around the boards to see what else I could find on this... and it looks like it may be ship and even sailing dependent. Here is a thread that talks about the same ship - but two different experiences.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2270532&referrerid=383060

 

So, you may just need to wait until you are on-board to find out.

 

Also, depending on ship, it sounds like the Mast Grill and Aqua Spa Cafe also may be 'free' options for embarkation day.

[MommaBear55]

I am glad to read such a positive review. My first Celebrity experience was sailing on the Constellation the cruise before it went in for dry dock. The ship was worn, the staff on the pool deck had totally given up on keeping up appearances, so dirty dishes spent the day sloshing around the deck in the splashed over pool water, there were room service trays in the hallways at all times and the booze cruise groups were being disruptive. The MDR and service there were fine, the music venues were great but I went back to Royal Caribbean with a sigh of relief. Since then I have learned to choose longer cruises at non peak times. We did another cruise on Reflection which was lovely. Sounds like time to give Celebrity another chance on a longer cruise.

Edited March 9, 2016 by MommaBear55

[themutis]

My daughter was asking last night if Celebrity had any kind of a dance club? She's thinking about last year's cruise on Liberty of the Seas while they still had The Crypt or Dungeon or whatever it was. :) I told her I didn't think they have anything like that on Celebrity ships, but maybe late night in one of the larger lounges they might have dance music happening for the college kids. Have you noticed anything like this?

 

 

On our January Reflection cruise they had a roving night club every night starting at 10 pm - each night had a different theme. Hopefully they will have this on our Constellation cruise next week!

 

 

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[Host Jazzbeau]

Are you sure about that?

Two years ago, we were in Aqua class on the Summit and were very happy that the Blu was available for lunch on embarkation day.

Last summer, the Blu was not open but we had lunch in the MDR.

Do you mean that next month we will have the buffet as the only free option (and Bistro on Five for a fee)?

If the tendency continues, maybe next year they will do like the airline companies and sell you a lunch for a fee on embarkation.:rolleyes:

 

Hunted around the boards to see what else I could find on this... and it looks like it may be ship and even sailing dependent. Here is a thread that talks about the same ship - but two different experiences.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2270532&referrerid=383060

 

So, you may just need to wait until you are on-board to find out.

 

Also, depending on ship, it sounds like the Mast Grill and Aqua Spa Cafe also may be 'free' options for embarkation day.

 

I have also read that the MDR was open for embarkation lunch but crew were directing people to the buffet instead. Don't accept that it is closed without actually going there!

[DaisyFire]

I have also read that the MDR was open for embarkation lunch but crew were directing people to the buffet instead. Don't accept that it is closed without actually going there!

 

Thank you! Good advice - I'll take it :)

[A Sixth?]

I have also read that the MDR was open for embarkation lunch but crew were directing people to the buffet instead. Don't accept that it is closed without actually going there!

 

On the Summit this winter there was an embarkation lunch in the MDR but it was open only to B2Bers. I haven't got a clue how they'd know you were a B2Ber or not (though in our case we were aboard for almost two months)

 

BTW there were anywhere from 180 to 400 B2Bers the most I have ever seen

[2CoolCanucks]

Thanks for your review...insightful and balanced!

 

If it is not too much trouble, could you check to see what parlor games there are on board to sign out and use, if any? particularly interested in backgammon and scrabble.... thks! :)

 

I found this here on Cruise Critic. :)

IT's from the Library pics on the Connie.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/photos/ships/celebrity-constellation-272/library-203292/library--v10415472/

Edited March 10, 2016 by 2CoolCanucks

[suzyed]

Gill,

 

You can obtain the special coffees on your beverage package in the MDR. One point, IMHO, they are not as good as those from Cafe al Bacio ;). There was a recent change to the speciality restaurants now allowing children at a reduced price and you can definitely use your OBC.

 

From a recent X link:

Kids ages 6-12 will dine for lunch & dinner at our specialty restaurants at a discounted rate of $10 from the standard dinner menu.

• Ages 5 and under will dine for free.

• Children will be able to dine from the standard dinner menu in each restaurant. In Tuscan Grille, there’s also a separate “Italian Favorites” menu that children can choose from if they’d prefer for the same price.

• Children’s pricing not available for premium experiences including Chef’s Table, Connoisseur dinners, Food and Wine pairing dinners, Top Chef Dinner, etc.

• For pre-cruise purchases guests need to book at full price and once onboard we will apply an onboard credit accordingly (5 years and under full cover charge credit; 6 years to 12 years at discounted rate).

• Note that the cover charge for Bistro on Five is $10 for all guests, so the only children’s pricing will be for children age 5 and under (free).

 

Suzyed,

 

Your companion sharing your cabin can attend the Elite function with you ;).

 

 

 

Thanks, jbuch02, for a wonderful review. Looking forward to sailing Connie again in August :).

 

Thank you for all that information and thanks also, to all of you who have answered my questions!

You guys are the best!!

[jbuch02]

Day 5: I'll review Tuscan Grill in a moment. First answers to previously posted questions.

 

Sean Roach who plays in Al Bacio WILL be on the TA and yes he is good and easy to listen to.

 

Lots of conflicting posts on opening hours for the MDR on embarkation day. It definately was not open on our day of boarding. I do recognize that it's worth checking.

 

Tuscan Grill. A pleasant surprise. OK, we became nomadic diners after the snafu that occurred on day two when another woman, who I later met and apologized profusely for doing it, took one of our seats. No problem. The net result was that we dined in Specialty restaurants three of the 5n and loved it. Our OBC covered all but the last repeat tonight at Ocean Liners. The MDR is fine but the specialty restaurants, IMO, are worth every penny. Your mileage will vary.

 

I commented previously that my view is that corporate has screwed up traditional dining and my idea of the dining experience when cruising on Celebrity ships by adding select dining and then on the M class ships, jamming in Lumina and Blue into the MDR space. It's a cluster with select dining not at all well executed and traditional seating with people just switching seats as they want to or asking to be seated at tables with friends after the fact and when it seems they meet someone they'd like to dine wit. I think this just causes confusion for the managers. Granted, mine is just one view but I don't like it. It has nothing to do with food quality or presentation or service. It's still good but why do I want to put up with the negative aspects of it. I'll be looking at specialty dining packages and if that is corporate strategy, while I think that stinks, I'll go with the flow.

 

Tuscan is on deck 11 aft. It is hard to find and heavily booked. It seems to be very popular and I can't disagree with that apparent popularity. The day before I wanted to dine there, it was booked solid. I put us on the wait list at 8p with certainty that we'd get in and of course we did at 8:30. Just like every time in the past except once in Murano. Restaurant managers will go out of their way to help you if you are polite. Demand service and you'll get the typical response from decent people trying to do a good job. You won't get what you're asking for. I thought this was the best Tuscan Grill we had been in of the 3 previous Tuscans we visited on S Class ships. The difference was the attentive and efficient service. This sort of thing has marked Constllation from top to bottom.

 

The menu that we received in the restaurant looked different than what's posted out front. Remember this. If you go up there to check out what is served, look at a menu, not what is in the display case. The menus are stacked up to your right as you stand at the reception area.

 

The appetizers are numerous. Watch out here because you'll be full if you order several of them. Watch out for the delicious bread too. Save yourself. We didn't! I had the crab cake ....... Excellent, and the Ceasar Salad that is prepared table side. Nice size. Then I had the Ahi Tuna. First class stuff and I've had some very good Ahi Tuna and this was as good as anything I've had. I could have made a meal out of it. There was a good 6 oz.

 

The main was a filet. It is about 6-8oz, very good sized. It will be cooked exactly as you ask it to be. I'm a medium rare plus fan, just a shade to the pink side of rare. That's what I specified and it is exactly what was served. It is very high quality filet. Cuts like butter. It's served with garlic butter. Get the garlic butter on the side. See how you like the flavor of the meat. Then dip a piece in th garlic butter. I thought the garlic overwhelmed the flavor of the excellent cut of beef. Each to his own here.

 

There are sides. I chose the garlic mashed. I off handedly requested if there was asparagus and the waiter said no. We'll she found some and chef steamed it. Wow. Service. That leaves a positive impression every time.

 

Wine by the glass. The Castle Rock Pinot Noir is an inexpensive wine that is in the classic beverage package. We could have had other choices for an up charge on our Premium Package but this Pinot is very good.

 

Maybe the most memorable part of the Tuscan was the dessert. My wife had the taste of Gelato. Small scoops of several Flavors. Not too much. Very nice and served in a small waffle. I had a Carmel dish. It had a small scoope of vanilla ice cream with Carmel sauce, a Carmel custard, a carmal flan and a strawberry dipped in carmalized sugar which was hardened and presented in a sliver of carmal that was about a foot long and rising above the plate. Incredible appearance.

 

Bottom line ....... Go there. If you can manage it, ask to be served by Olana and her assistant Valeria. Maybe the best table service I have received in any specialty restaurant. Knowledgeable, attentive, little huried at first but once Olana realized we like to dine slowly and exquisitely, she adapted to our needs. That is the sign of great wait staff who are well trained by the manager. I thanked him for that after the meal. Left a nice tip. There is no service charge, except on the alcohol in the specialty restaurants. I guess corporate thinks they don't want to offend you after charging their exorbitant up charges ($45pp in Tusan). In my view, if you don't add a tip for this kind of service, you are hurting the staff who are promoted to the specialty restaurants because they ask to be and are good. Recognize their excellent service. Tip generously remembering you, as people who can enjoy this kind of upscale cruising and dining, are in the 1%, if you know what I mean.

Edited March 10, 2016 by jbuch02

[cruiz10525]

You mean Monday, right? I'm on the 3/14 sailing and literally just gasped and went to look at the date [emoji3]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

It did make me look at the date too...I'm on with my wife and another couple.

 

See you there.

 

Rich

[powderhorn]

Great review of the Tuscan Grille....we will definitely try and get in to try it....thanks!

[powderhorn]

I found this here on Cruise Critic. :)

IT's from the Library pics on the Connie.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/photos/ships/celebrity-constellation-272/library-203292/library--v10415472/

 

Well that pic pretty well nailed it...excellent find and thanks for your answer to my question....scrabble anyone??....:)

[FlorenceItaly]

Great review of the Tuscan Grille....we will definitely try and get in to try it....thanks!

 

Another thank you! Also, thank you so much for speaking with Sean. I really appreciate it. We are sailing with first time Celebrity cruisers, and I am hoping this will be a really special trip. Wonderful live music is very important to us.

 

 

 

Marie

[Cathy p]

Good morning and thank you again for your review of Constellation.

 

We'll be sailing on her this Sunday. I'll be with my daughter who is a college senior. She just found out yesterday that one of her good friends from high school will also be on our cruise with her mother. :) My daughter was asking last night if Celebrity had any kind of a dance club? She's thinking about last year's cruise on Liberty of the Seas while they still had The Crypt or Dungeon or whatever it was. :) I told her I didn't think they have anything like that on Celebrity ships, but maybe late night in one of the larger lounges they might have dance music happening for the college kids. Have you noticed anything like this?

 

(As far as her friend being on the cruise, this is a win-win for everyone. Honestly, I love traveling with my daughters, but I was a little concerned I'd have to stay out late with her for at least a few nights, because after all it is her spring break. I'm almost 55, and while I can handle a few late nights here and there, my problem is I'm an early riser, regardless of what time I've gone to bed, even when I'm on vacation. :eek: So this is a good thing for everyone, and I'm sure the other girl's mom feels the same way too.)

 

 

I have always been an early riser as I use to get up at 4 for work. Since I retired last Oct. I manage to make it to about 6 before my back starts to say get up. We are normally in bed by 10 but on the ship we are casino peeps so may be up later.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Cathy p

[Cathy p]

It did make me look at the date too...I'm on with my wife and another couple.

 

See you there.

 

Rich

 

I also had to look at my documents as I was thinking maybe I am spending the night on the ship instead of the Embassy. You never know we could be wrong one of these times. See you all at the Sunset Bar.

[BikiniBlonde]

Thank you so much for your detailed review, particularly meals. I hope your voyage continues to be enjoyable.

I'm a first-time cruiser headed out on the Constellation March 28 (hi, Daisy Fire and others reading along [emoji2]). I appreciate your tip on getting my own transfer from FLL to port, and also a reminder to tip waiters extra for great service. I suppose I should bring cash? I was wondering, if I use OBC to dine at specialty restaurant, will I receive a check to sign, and I can add an additional tip on the bill? Or should I tip my server directly with cash? I paid my way through college waiting tables and know how hard bar/restaurant servers work. However, if what's tipped on a receipt goes into a shared tip pool, I'm often not as inclined.

Happy to hear Celebrity is keeping an eye on young cruisers to make sure they behave. I am bringing my teenage son and was hoping there would be cruisers in his age group. I think it's wonderful to see young people on cruises. A new generation is what will sustain these cruise lines.

Ronda [emoji160] and Lowell (17)

 

 

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[RickT]

I appreciate your tip on getting my own transfer from FLL to port, and also a reminder to tip waiters extra for great service. I suppose I should bring cash? I was wondering, if I use OBC to dine at specialty restaurant, will I receive a check to sign, and I can add an additional tip on the bill? Or should I tip my server directly with cash? I paid my way through college waiting tables and know how hard bar/restaurant servers work.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

For specialty restaurants you'll receive a bill. There will be section on the bill to add an extra tip for your server and a second section to tip your sommelier. For dining in the MDR there is no bill so cash will be needed unless you choose to increase the amount of tip charged to your shipboard account.

 

In either case, cash is readily accepted and I'm sure appreciated.

Edited March 10, 2016 by RickT

[jbuch02]

Debarkation, first, some final comments about questions posted.

 

On tipping in the specialty restaurants. Yes, you'll get a tab. You'll be asked for your cards at the close of the meal and a bill will be prepared. There is a line for a gratuity. You can add the tip there. From what I understand, tips like that go into a wait staff pool and I believe this particular pool is just for the wait staff in whatever specialty restaurant you are dining at. On the last night, I tipped our waiter in cash. Not sure where that cash ends up. I have a hard time believing it gets pocketed by the guy you give it to because you'll be served by more than one wait person.

 

The are some other questions that either I didn't have time to get answers to or they are ones that all you have to do is ask once you are onboard. This is an exceptionally helpful and well informed ship's staff. If they don't know the answer to a question you ask, they I'll find someone who does.

 

Packing to leave, which I hate, went smoothly..... ?while sipping a final beverage. Bags in the hallway by 11pm. You'll get clear instructions of how debarkation will be run placed in your room two days before. Read it. Make sure you think this packing thing through. It's easy to put stuff in the wrong bag or forget you have fluids in your toiletries that you wanted to check but didn't. That's especially true if your flying out on the day of return. If not, it doesn't matter, you can just repack.

 

They ask you to be out of your room by 8a. There are plenty of places to park yourself till your number is called. As in the day we arrived aboard, the public spaces and outside decks were spotless. Service continued to be attentive and friendly. I've see that not happen on debarkation days in the past. There will be a listing of the hours for various eateries on debarkation day. The MDR is open. It makes for a nice debarkation experience. We ate at the buffet and sat out on the aft deck for our last look. The Buffet foods were as beautifully presented as th first day. No let down here at all.

 

Once your number is called, you'll get in the line in the grand foyer on deck 3. It looks long but it moves fast as long as everyone has their room cards close at hand and there will always be people who can't remember where they put it and that will hold up the line. I'll just mention once again the packet I hang around my neck. It has my passports and custom form. If you travel a lot, sign up for Global entry. It takes a while and you have to go to TSA in person but, you bypass the hordes and slow customs lines in the debarkation area of the terminal.

 

There is also porters as soon as you enter the baggage claim area to pick your bags. These are Union port employees. They'll be standing around with carts, they won't ask unless you approach them so, if you want one don't be shy. I hate shlepping bags so, to me this is fantastic. Our porter loaded our bags onto his cart and off we went to the Global Entry no line. We were out of the terminal and on the curb in less than 10 minutes. Meanwhile the regular customs line was long but there were lots of agents. The porter set our bags at the place where the Budget shuttle stops and I tipped him.

 

If you are heading straight to the airport, cabs are across a small service road. There are tons of them and they were well organized with a line and such and a director. You'll have a short wait but 5 minutes would be a long one. If you are staying, most of the rental agencies will provide a shuttle. I had read Budget did this the best. Make a reservation or you won't get on the shuttle. The driver has a list. The shuttle comes every 15 to 20 minutes. We had to wait a while but when it came we got on and sat down and the shuttle driver loaded all the bags. Nice. The bus was full. About 15 people. We were driven to a small, close by office were two customer service guys checked the bus load in. Check in was quick because I jumped off and my wife stayed as the driver off loaded the bags. She tipped him too. You should see how many bags he loaded without a single complaint and smiling all the way.

 

Debarkation in total took about 90 minutes from leaving our room at 7:50a, having breakfast, waiting till our number was called, picking up our bags, getting through customes and finally to pick up the rental car. Without Global Entry it would have been over 2h and that's about normal so plan flights accordingly. Celebrity will tell you not to book departures before noon. That's good advice. 11:30a might work but everything has to run perfectly.

 

Final impressions: this cruise, although it was short, was right up there as one of our best cruise experiences. If I can swing it we're going to book Constellation's TA on 4/2. It's a 15n route and and ends up in Rome. There are 4 ports. We're booked on an 11 night Constellation cruise, Venice to Rome in early August. Really looking forward because it's the Constellation again but the pricing on the TA is pretty nice. I'd rate the ships's staff as X-cellent and consistent with what Celebrty wants to deliver if not a step above that. The cleanliness of the ship and how security did a great job of making sure the spring breakers didn't have too good of a time were high points. I'm told the pool got a little raucous at times but just at one of them furthest aft, not the Thallasotherapy pool way back. We are not pool or sun people so, we didn't experience it. All the young people we had occasion to chat with were very polite. Hope everyone going in the next few weeks and before the Constellation heads to Euope enjoy the cruise as much as we did.