LIVE from our first Silhouette Transatlantic! Are we the youngest on the ship???

[okieyankee]

Yes, definitely feel like we are getting our money's worth on the drink package. I'll typically have a few screwdrivers in the late morning and a bottle of Pellegrino. Then I'll have a martini or two before dinner and a bottle of Pellegrino. Some wine with dinner, then a couple drinks after dinner with yet again another Pellegrino. So added all up we are exceeding the $65 a day pp. We also enjoy the specialty coffees and teas too. however my favorite aspect of the drink package is simply having a fixed cost. I know exactly what my cruise will cost.

 

I'm taking your advice on the food pics. I'll start taking more tonight. I just posted a food video of our table at Murano last night. Here is the desert sampler for two.

 

Thank you so much for the great review and information. This is a personal question so if you don't want to answer it on this public forum, don't. Do you usually drink that much on a cruise or is it because you have the drink package and you figure you might as well, "it's paid for"?

 

The Azores did look quite beautiful. This morning it was a gorgeous site to sail in and such calm seas.

 

Last night we were in Murano with our friends from Sweden and our new friends from London. It was a great dinner. We started with a cheese plate, followed by the salmon and crab parfait and the chateaubriand for two. Others at the table had the Dover sole and the Venison. All looked good.

 

https://vimeo.com/163148764

 

Hopefully the above link uploaded the video properly!

 

I heard mixed reviews about the production show last night, but overall the consensus was that it was better than the first. We are slowly getting better.

 

We spent some time in the casino yesterday. Won some, lost some. I've been good and have avoided the tables thus far. I've stuck to my Uspin slot machine.

 

Yesterday the ocean view cafe was a buzz. Fish and chips were on the menu. Edward tried them and liked them but I suppose I really should ask my British friends their opinions.

 

 

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[kehlx2]

Hi,

We have used Celebrity's Choice Air several times. Best pricing by far. You need to monitor the site a few months out as the pricing seems to go down during the week. We were able to purchase business class for what premium economy is selling for-- Phoenix to Amsterdam. You also choose your own seats.

 

We are on the Silhouette May 14th cabin 1235. Anyone else on this thread, on this sailing? Kitty and Roland.

 

 

 

We are on same as you....but down on the same level only Starboard as Chicago guys (forgot the rest of his online name)..

Edited April 19, 2016 by kehlx2

[kehlx2]

Hi,

We have used Celebrity's Choice Air several times. Best pricing by far. You need to monitor the site a few months out as the pricing seems to go down during the week. We were able to purchase business class for what premium economy is selling for-- Phoenix to Amsterdam. You also choose your own seats.

 

We are on the Silhouette May 14th cabin 1235. Anyone else on this thread, on this sailing? Kitty and Roland.

 

 

 

We are on same as you....but down on the same level only Starboard as ChicagoPaul & Edward ..

Well I TRIED to correct what I didn't remember ...LOL but couldn't delete the first post

Edited April 19, 2016 by kehlx2
wrong name

[Ms. B]

There was a young Asian lady that performed with Ray brow. Is she still part of the jazz group? she was excellent. There was also a young string bass player that was excellent.

[pd7277]

Hi Jackie,

Thanks for your reply! :)

We asked for a table in a quiet corner away from the center, in order not to disturb other people, but if I understood correctly, with Select Dining, we cannot have the same table each day.

Well, we'll be fine (in the worst case, we will take turns to go to the buffet and back to the stateroom with her, as we are 4 adults)

 

Sorry for having used your thread for this, Paul!

Enjoy Lisbon!!

 

You certainly CAN request the same table in Select Dining. Especially if you commit to a certain time. If we find happy wait staff and want them again, we commit. :D

[Saab4444]

Hello, is Captain Demetrios Kafetsis still in charge and will he stay for another week?

 

 

Anyone with a quick answer?

[QE2_Fan]

Thank you so much for the great review and information. This is a personal question so if you don't want to answer it on this public forum, don't. Do you usually drink that much on a cruise or is it because you have the drink package and you figure you might as well, "it's paid for"?

 

:eek: I didn't think he drank that much :eek:

 

I personally don't drink alcohol before lunchtime (just me, not judging those that do!!) but I will have a few lattes, OJ at breakfast and some bottled water), then maybe a couple of frozen drinks by the pool in the afternoon then some wine with dinner and cocktails afterwards. So I suppose a 'similar' drink patten to the OP.

 

I wouldn't call it heavy - but yes having the drink package means I don't have to worry if I feel like a drink or not. I certainly would not be trying to ever 'drink' the value out of the package (oh i need to drink 3 more cocktails to break even).

 

if I didn't have the drink package I would certainly be more conscious of how much my drinks tab would end up being, but thats why I know for me the drinks package is of value and I would not be without it on a Celebrity cruise!!:D

[C 2 C]

Anyone with a quick answer?

 

The Joker will be on two more cruises then leve for his vacation.

[Rocky4ever]

The Joker will be on two more cruises then leve for his vacation.

 

Damn ... we will miss him :eek:

[Rocky4ever]

 

Welcome to Vigo

Edited April 20, 2016 by Rocky4ever

[chicagopaul]

We are having perfect weather in Vigo today. Temp is around 70 and partly cloudy. We walked around and did some shopping today. We went to Zara and even a basic Zara in Vigo has a much better selection than our store on Michigan Ave. We picked up 3 light coats and a polo fir 105euros

 

Yesterday was Lisbon. I was expecting to like Lisbon more. Personally I found it a bit confusing to navigate due to the lack of any street signs. The weather was also a bit rainy and traffic around the port was difficult so we weren't in the best of moods. We took the shuttle to the city center and then walked around and grabbed a drink outside. We were planing to visit the castle but then it started to downpour so we went back to the ship.

 

Last night was Murano. Consistently good as always. Edward had the Venison and it was cooked perfectly, great flavor and lean. I had the duck which was cooked well and tasty.

 

 

 

 

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[chicagopaul]

So Chicagopaul, have you ever answered the question you posed in this thread's title? If so, sorry I missed it. How is the age demographic on your cruise?

 

 

 

I only briefly mentioned it at the beginning but now that our cruise is sadly almost over I probably should elaborate more.

 

We are definitely one of the youngest. We've met two other couples that are around our age of slightly older. We've seen a few children on the cruise, maybe 5 or 6 in total?

 

While the cruise is definitely an older demographic (most above 55) we've still met a good handful of people in their 40s. I've also met some people who I thought were in their 50s but it turns out they're 70+. I guess cruising keeps you young!

 

Last final thought on age. I was slightly concerned that we'd feel out of place, but this is not the case at all. Honestly this has been the most comfortable cruise I've ever been on. Everyone is extremely friendly, very talkative and mannered very well. Definitely a phenomenal group. I think we are hooked on TAs now.

[Rocky4ever]

Thank you both for taking the time to post your pics and thoughts. Our group of 6 will be embarking in Southampton as you disembark and would love to know whether the crew and entertainers are remaining on the ship?! Also:

 

1 Does Michaels Club have anything going on-is anyone there?

2. Could you please post a photo of the craft beer selections in Cellar Masters

3. Whose your favorite bartender at the Martini Bar? (Our favorite bar!)

 

Any news about the beer selection?

[chicagopaul]

:eek: I didn't think he drank that much :eek:

 

 

 

I personally don't drink alcohol before lunchtime (just me, not judging those that do!!) but I will have a few lattes, OJ at breakfast and some bottled water), then maybe a couple of frozen drinks by the pool in the afternoon then some wine with dinner and cocktails afterwards. So I suppose a 'similar' drink patten to the OP.

 

 

 

I wouldn't call it heavy - but yes having the drink package means I don't have to worry if I feel like a drink or not. I certainly would not be trying to ever 'drink' the value out of the package (oh i need to drink 3 more cocktails to break even).

 

 

 

if I didn't have the drink package I would certainly be more conscious of how much my drinks tab would end up being, but thats why I know for me the drinks package is of value and I would not be without it on a Celebrity cruise!!:D

 

 

 

LOL - I think this sums up my answer to the previous question of my drinking. And don't worry to the original person who asked the question, I don't think it's a personal question.

 

If I didn't have the drink package I would still drink the same. I think those "well....I guess I'll have one more drink" decisions might happen less since it would generate another bill. I get the drink package so I don't have to worry about what we spend or what the total would be.

[chicagopaul]

Any news about the beer selection?

 

 

 

I'm going to head into Cellar Masters today. I would right now but they took it apart for the morning as that is where the gangway is today.

[Rocky4ever]

I'm going to head into Cellar Masters today. I would right now but they took it apart for the morning as that is where the gangway is today.

 

Thank you so much! We are mostly interested in the wheat beer selection :D

[chicagopaul]

Hi Paul,

 

 

 

Really do enjoy your posts and followed your B2B closely. Remembering you sailed in a Sky Suite during the first part of that B2B, do you have an opinion on the value of the UDP if you have a Sky Suite? We are sailing Reflection in August for 11 days in the Med, Sky Suite, and I am debating it. Know we will have Luminae at our disposal and we do love it.

 

 

 

Thanks for the great report!

 

 

 

We loved the Sky Suite and really enjoyed the extra space but feel we don't NEED the extra space. With that being said we look closer now as to what our total costs would be. Since the suites have all 4 perks included and Luminae we do the number crunching. Luminae to us is a big draw as we now always get the ultimate dining package or will get Aqua to eat in Blu. We prefer the more intimate space of those restaurants over the main dining room.

 

Long story short, we loved the suite experience. We'd book it again but we don't put too much value on the added space and instead put more value on what's included (all 4 perks), Luminae and now Michaels.

[okieyankee]

LOL - I think this sums up my answer to the previous question of my drinking. And don't worry to the original person who asked the question, I don't think it's a personal question.

 

If I didn't have the drink package I would still drink the same. I think those "well....I guess I'll have one more drink" decisions might happen less since it would generate another bill. I get the drink package so I don't have to worry about what we spend or what the total would be.

Thank you so much. So enjoyed your views and reports on the ship ( especially the cabin video) and ports. We will be sailing on her in November out of Rome/Civitavecchia bringing her back to the states. Sure made us in a hurry to get summer over with here in AZ. ☺

As far as the drink package goes, we also feel as you do (we've only used it once and will definitely be using it again, especially on Caribbean cruises....love those Pina Coladas and Rum Runners) and love the idea of not having to worry about running up the cruise bill.

 

Maybe we will see you on one of our cruises someday. Be safe.

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tommy3putts]

I only briefly mentioned it at the beginning but now that our cruise is sadly almost over I probably should elaborate more.

 

We are definitely one of the youngest. We've met two other couples that are around our age of slightly older. We've seen a few children on the cruise, maybe 5 or 6 in total?

 

While the cruise is definitely an older demographic (most above 55) we've still met a good handful of people in their 40s. I've also met some people who I thought were in their 50s but it turns out they're 70+. I guess cruising keeps you young!

 

Last final thought on age. I was slightly concerned that we'd feel out of place, but this is not the case at all. Honestly this has been the most comfortable cruise I've ever been on. Everyone is extremely friendly, very talkative and mannered very well. Definitely a phenomenal group. I think we are hooked on TAs now.

 

 

 

Thanks for the observations. Wife and I are late 40s and early fifties. We are doing our first TA this fall. We are really looking forward to it. Especially the 9 days at sea. This thread has been very helpful. Cheers!

[dd214]

I only briefly mentioned it at the beginning but now that our cruise is sadly almost over I probably should elaborate more.

 

We are definitely one of the youngest. We've met two other couples that are around our age of slightly older. We've seen a few children on the cruise, maybe 5 or 6 in total?

 

While the cruise is definitely an older demographic (most above 55) we've still met a good handful of people in their 40s. I've also met some people who I thought were in their 50s but it turns out they're 70+. I guess cruising keeps you young!

 

Last final thought on age. I was slightly concerned that we'd feel out of place, but this is not the case at all. Honestly this has been the most comfortable cruise I've ever been on. Everyone is extremely friendly, very talkative and mannered very well. Definitely a phenomenal group. I think we are hooked on TAs now.

 

The age group reminds me of the "YES" concert we went to last year. Minimum age to attend was 60 or at least it seemed that way.

 

I often abstain from reading Cruise Critic for months at a time because so much of the information posted is negative. OTOH, when we cruise, especially X, we feel the same way about our fellow cruisers and enjoy the cruise.

 

Most of our travel problems are self inflicted. Usually by me mistakes, lack of direction, etc.:o

 

I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[Newbury newbie]

LOL - I think this sums up my answer to the previous question of my drinking. And don't worry to the original person who asked the question, I don't think it's a personal question.

 

If I didn't have the drink package I would still drink the same. I think those "well....I guess I'll have one more drink" decisions might happen less since it would generate another bill. I get the drink package so I don't have to worry about what we spend or what the total would be.

 

Have you had to purchase the drinks package? Or did it come as a free perk? My understanding is that free drinks packages are not given for TA's. Due to everyone being onboard 24/7!

[xmarksx]

We loved the Sky Suite and really enjoyed the extra space but feel we don't NEED the extra space. With that being said we look closer now as to what our total costs would be. Since the suites have all 4 perks included and Luminae we do the number crunching. Luminae to us is a big draw as we now always get the ultimate dining package or will get Aqua to eat in Blu. We prefer the more intimate space of those restaurants over the main dining room.

 

Long story short, we loved the suite experience. We'd book it again but we don't put too much value on the added space and instead put more value on what's included (all 4 perks), Luminae and now Michaels.

 

Agreed, we did like the larger room but loved the aft Sky view. I think we may by a five meal package and give thought to the UDP but it's hard to pass on Luminae in favor of some of the other restaurants.

 

Thanks Paul!

[alfiemom]

Too bad we had to totally spoil our last, wonderful sea day with 45-140 minute lines for UK immigration. Gotta be a better way.....more agents, maybe. Celebrity says they were told what immigration would do, however, with thousands of pax, this was ridiculous.

 

Bobbie

[upwarduk]

Too bad we had to totally spoil our last, wonderful sea day with 45-140 minute lines for UK immigration. Gotta be a better way.....more agents, maybe. Celebrity says they were told what immigration would do, however, with thousands of pax, this was ridiculous.

 

Bobbie

 

When we arrive into the USA, we have to queue for hours for immigration.

It doesn't matter that we have been before and have an information chip in our passport, we still have our finger prints taken and a photo of the iris of our eyes.

It's the way it is with travel in the 21st century.

[Newbury newbie]

Too bad we had to totally spoil our last, wonderful sea day with 45-140 minute lines for UK immigration. Gotta be a better way.....more agents, maybe. Celebrity says they were told what immigration would do, however, with thousands of pax, this was ridiculous.

 

Bobbie

 

A rather hypocritical view. Don't you realise we have the same to put up with, every time we come into the US? You also need to be mindful of the heightened security across Europe right now. Measures to protect us all.