Good for Honeymoon experience?

[Fyrefly]

We've never sailed Celebrity before. The British Isles + French Open itinerary next year on June 4th is perfect schedule-wise, we can spend a week after our wedding exploring London then get a taste of some other European cities while having a bit of time to relax.

 

But I keep hearing things that have me concerned. That the main dining room is no good and unless you're in a suite there's no point, that you need the premium beverage package because the drinks are so small but also good luck getting a drink at all, that it's impossible to get a seat for the night's entertainment and the ship is "dead" at night anyway.

 

Is the "basic" experience that someone would get booking a balcony still worth it or is it a huge mistake to book this cruise? We were hoping for something that took us to a variety of ports we could explore on our own and a place with good food and nice entertainment to relax in the evenings, not at all a party-till-2am type vibe.

 

Also, we may get a classic drink package from booking this month, is it possible in anyone's experience to just pay the $10/day difference to upgrade it to the premium once you're on board?

[DrivesLikeMario]

When I first started on this board, I thought the same thing. Then I spent more time here and cruised with Celebrity more and understood that you have to realize that the people that are saying:

 

1. You MUST eat in Blu or Luminae because the main dining food is subpar and completely unpalatable,

2. You MUST sail in a suite or you'll be disappointed,

3. You MUST get the premium alcohol package or you'll be so limited in your choices that you'll end up frustrated

 

are only a very, very small percentage of real cruisers. Take into consideration that Cruise Critic only captures maybe 5-10% of total passengers on any given sailing and of those, maybe only 1-2% are very vocal here with those sentiments.

 

Somehow, we've managed to survive without any of the 3 things above and have had a fantastic time! We found the Classic Drink Package to be more than adequate, our cabin was so comfortable and the balcony was massive. The food and service in the dining room was just like any other cruise line IME. We never went hungry.

 

Go, have a good time! Be realistic with your expectations and you'll be surprised at how nice the regular cruise experience really is. :cool:

Edited August 17, 2016 by DrivesLikeMario

[jelayne]

Congratulations on the upcoming wedding.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to book the cruise you are considering.

 

The ships are beautiful, the food in the MDR is very good. In 13 cruises on Celebrity I have never had a problem getting a drink. The small drink relates to the Martini Bar which serves oversized martinis that are not covered by the Classis package, but you can get a small (normal) sized martini at the other bars.

 

There is no problem getting a seat for shows; the only place you need to get to a bit early is when there is a late night show in Celebrity Central; it is a small venue so fills up quickly.

 

Yes, you can pay upgrade to the Premium beverage package once on board. I would suggest you try the Classic for a day or 2 and see if it meets your needs-it works for a lot of cruisers. If you find there are liquors or wines that are outside your package then you can upgrade.

 

I think if you book you will have a wonderful experience. By the way, tell you TA or Celebrity when you book that this will be your honeymoon. A few years ago we made friends with a couple on their honeymoon, there were 5 other couples on the ship who were also honeymooners & Celebrity hosted a lunch for them.

 

Again congratulations!

[beaveh]

 

But I keep hearing things that have me concerned. That the main dining room is no good and unless you're in a suite there's no point, that you need the premium beverage package because the drinks are so small but also good luck getting a drink at all, that it's impossible to get a seat for the night's entertainment and the ship is "dead" at night anyway.

 

Is the "basic" experience that someone would get booking a balcony still worth it or is it a huge mistake to book this cruise? We were hoping for something that took us to a variety of ports we could explore on our own and a place with good food and nice entertainment to relax in the evenings, not at all a party-till-2am type vibe.

 

Also, we may get a classic drink package from booking this month, is it possible in anyone's experience to just pay the $10/day difference to upgrade it to the premium once you're on board?

 

We had our first cruise on Celebrity last year and I had all the same queries as you ( we had done a couple of RCCL crusies before):

 

My view:

 

We don't like to mix with other people at dinner on big shared tables. So we had a table for 2 in the MDR or ate in the buffet - the buffet food was amazing!!.

We weren't that keen on the food in the MDR so mainly stuck with buffet or some of the other dining venues.

 

Classic package was fine for us, beers, sodas, cocktails, wine..there was always something we liked!! ( yes you can upgrade on board - but we never felt the need to)

 

We only went to 2 of the shows as we general did our own thing in the evenings, watching people in the casino, drinking in the bars or chilling out in our cabin.

 

We had the most amazing fabulous cruise ever.

Edited August 17, 2016 by beaveh

[thebutlerdidit]

We've never sailed Celebrity before. The British Isles + French Open itinerary next year on June 4th is perfect schedule-wise, we can spend a week after our wedding exploring London then get a taste of some other European cities while having a bit of time to relax.

 

But I keep hearing things that have me concerned. That the main dining room is no good and unless you're in a suite there's no point, that you need the premium beverage package because the drinks are so small but also good luck getting a drink at all, that it's impossible to get a seat for the night's entertainment and the ship is "dead" at night anyway.

 

Is the "basic" experience that someone would get booking a balcony still worth it or is it a huge mistake to book this cruise? We were hoping for something that took us to a variety of ports we could explore on our own and a place with good food and nice entertainment to relax in the evenings, not at all a party-till-2am type vibe.

 

Also, we may get a classic drink package from booking this month, is it possible in anyone's experience to just pay the $10/day difference to upgrade it to the premium once you're on board?

 

I think Celebrity would be a great choice.

 

Upgrading your drink package is simple if you find that the Classic drink pkg isn't meeting your needs, but honestly, you really should get along fine without upgrading.

 

We hadn't eaten in the MDR since our first Celebrity cruise in 2010 (Blu happened, and then Luminae), but we enjoyed it in May as we had booked a regular cabin on the Infinity. Yes, you can go back to the MDR even after experiencing the other venues. I even wanted to try the buffet for dinner at least once, but my husband was not having it. The food was very good and the staff worked hard to please. If you need leisurely chit-chat with your waitstaff you'll probably be disappointed; their work pace can best be described as frenetic. We never had a problem keeping our wine glasses full (Classic pkg), but cocktails are another story.

 

Ask for help in choosing a cabin location and you'll be golden.

[illiniwahoo]

I think the MDR food is the best of all the lines I've been on (ncl, rccl, carnival, princess)

We honeymooned on the equinox 3 years ago and it was great! If you like wine or martinis, upgrading to the premium package is well worth it. Nightlife is usually in the martini bar or casino very late at night.

 

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[bEwAbG]

I have found the basic amenities to be more than sufficient. I ate in the MDR last year and found it to exceed expectations as long as you know it's banquet food. Service is generally great all across the ship.

 

I personally would not waste money on a suite for a cruise that's as port intensive as the one you're considering. I do suites when there are lots of sea days or I plan to not get off in port. You can always book meals in the specialty restaurants for some nights if you want a suite restaurant experience without paying for a suite. Since it's your honeymoon, you could put these items on your registry, even.

 

If you have a Classic package as a perk, I agree with waiting to upgrade until you figure out if you really need the Premium package. It's cost effective to upgrade, though, unless they change those upgrade options between now and then.

 

I find that a lot of negativity I read is from people who have sailed so often that "familiarity breeds contempt" or they were expecting an experience that cruising on a mass market line does not provide.

Edited August 17, 2016 by bEwAbG

[Cakeyandbeano]

We did our 1st Celebrity cruise last month, we were in a balcony cabin & had a large amount of OBC so went with a very open mind. We could upgrade the drinks package if we needed to, we could pay for speciality restaurants if need be, but we were prepared to give it a couple of days to try everything first.

 

We were perfectly happy with the classic drinks package (& I'm quite fussy about my wine) & ate in the MDR every night.

 

Basically we loved Celebrity & booked our next cruise whilst onboard. I can't think of a more perfect honeymoon.

[jabrown40]

Please remember that people with complaints tend to relate their experience more often than those who were satisfied. We took our first Celebrity cruise a few months ago. Loved it so much, I booked two more. I also believe a vacation is what you make it- are you the glass half full or glass half empty person? I did opt for Aqua, and the premium drink upgrade, because I liked the concept of lighter food choices. I just didn't want to worry about what was classic or premium, factored that into the cost of vacation. Just be aware that weddings can be exhausting, so allow plenty of time for relaxing in your trip!

[rose6]

You should be fine in a balcony cabin. Please take into consideration that many of the posters here are experienced cruisers who have complaints about recent changes to the Celebrity product. Things like cut backs to entertainment staff, loss of access to Michael's club for non suite passengers, or changes to the pricing structure are examples. These are valid criticisms for past Celebrity passengers, but things that most new cruisers would not be aware of or concerned by.

As far as those who argue that one must choose Aqua class or a suite to have a good cruise experience, I have often wondered if it was a status or self esteem issue. It may be like someone who boasts what type of car they drive, or what designer clothing they bought. The food in the MDR is quite good and if you wish you can always splurge on Murano or one of the other specialty restaurants.

Hope you have a romantic honeymoon cruise.

[Mynki]

We've never sailed Celebrity before. The British Isles + French Open itinerary next year on June 4th is perfect schedule-wise, we can spend a week after our wedding exploring London then get a taste of some other European cities while having a bit of time to relax.

 

But I keep hearing things that have me concerned. That the main dining room is no good and unless you're in a suite there's no point, that you need the premium beverage package because the drinks are so small but also good luck getting a drink at all, that it's impossible to get a seat for the night's entertainment and the ship is "dead" at night anyway.

 

Is the "basic" experience that someone would get booking a balcony still worth it or is it a huge mistake to book this cruise? We were hoping for something that took us to a variety of ports we could explore on our own and a place with good food and nice entertainment to relax in the evenings, not at all a party-till-2am type vibe.

 

Also, we may get a classic drink package from booking this month, is it possible in anyone's experience to just pay the $10/day difference to upgrade it to the premium once you're on board?

 

I think yo may have misunderstood a coupe of posts but before we get to that I'd suggest that any vacation is whay an individual makes of it. Secondly you're overall enjoyment is likely to be who you are with.

 

I've not seen anyone state that if you're not in a suite don't bother. I must have missed those posts. What I have seen are people askiing about the level of luxury onboard a Celebrity ship. The suite experience is more luxurious, but when you're paying multiple times the amount of an inside cabin it really, really should be! So, for those with high expectations or who are used to sailing with premium lines then they probably are better off booking a suite. Some people seem to think that regular rooms will be more luxurious than other lines they have sailed with in some instances down to Celebrity using the "Modern Luxury" marketing tagline. As a result these posts are really to highlight the fact that Celebrity is really only a mass market cruise line. I hope that makes sense?

 

Ignore the small drinks comments. A 330ml bottle of beer is a 330ml bottle of beer regardelss of which package it's covered by. Maybe you've read about the difference in size of the martinis in the martini bar? You can upgrade to premium for $10 + 18% gratuity. Personal choice here, but if you do you'll be able to enjoy a larger selection of drinks and bars but it's not essential that you upgrade.

 

The ship is certainly not dead at night and you'll be able to find a seat almost all of the time. Persoanlly I think you'll enjoy your honeymoon on an S class ship, you should book it.

[Mynki]

You should be fine in a balcony cabin. Please take into consideration that many of the posters here are experienced cruisers who have complaints about recent changes to the Celebrity product. Things like cut backs to entertainment staff, loss of access to Michael's club for non suite passengers, or changes to the pricing structure are examples. These are valid criticisms for past Celebrity passengers, but things that most new cruisers would not be aware of or concerned by.

As far as those who argue that one must choose Aqua class or a suite to have a good cruise experience, I have often wondered if it was a status or self esteem issue. It may be like someone who boasts what type of car they drive, or what designer clothing they bought. The food in the MDR is quite good and if you wish you can always splurge on Murano or one of the other specialty restaurants.

Hope you have a romantic honeymoon cruise.

 

Has anyone actually lost access to Michaels Club? I thought access had increased now that sky suite guests can enter along with zenith cc members and those staying in higher classes of suites? Who's lost out there?

 

I did once see a gentleman look at a concierge class card at the counter in Cafe El Bacio smirk, show his his aqua class card and say "I'm above you"! That was bizarre.

 

I think you also need to bear in mind that there appear to be forum members who are clearly envious of others statying in certain types of staterooms too. There are very much two sides to the coin you describe!

[thebutlerdidit]

Has anyone actually lost access to Michaels Club? I thought access had increased now that sky suite guests can enter along with zenith cc members and those staying in higher classes of suites? Who's lost out there?

 

Before Michael's Club was designated a suites-only lounge it was open to all passengers. In 2010, on our first Celebrity cruise, our CC get-together was held in Michael's Club. Some people haven't been able to get over that yet.

[Mynki]

Before Michael's Club was designated a suites-only lounge it was open to all passengers. In 2010, on our first Celebrity cruise, our CC get-together was held in Michael's Club. Some people haven't been able to get over that yet.

 

Thanks for the reply. We were not sailing with them in 2016. Was it free drinks for all back then? Or did things change once it became a suite only lounge?

[thebutlerdidit]

Thanks for the reply. We were not sailing with them in 2016. Was it free drinks for all back then? Or did things change once it became a suite only lounge?

 

Michael's Club has been reinvented several times. I think it was originally a cigar lounge. After smoking rules were tightened it became the place to go for specialty beers. It's a nice space, especially on the M-Class ships, and restricting access has made suite passengers very happy. Others, not so much.

[ClaudiaB]

The only time Michael's has had free drinks, that I know of, is since it's been a suites lounge.

 

You're going to have a wonderful time. You're with your new spouse, you have an entire beautiful ship to yourself, you can sit on your balcony and relax, there are no beds to make, no dishes to do, no food to prepare, and your destination changes every day, thus giving you opportunities to explore (or not). Sometimes a day on the ship when everyone else is in port is heavenly.

 

I have to emphasize that probably only about 5% of any passenger list includes people who have been on Cruise Critic. Ask most people on board what CC is and they'll look at you strangely or they'll think it's a kind of cruise travel agency. I was among them. So take what you read here as a grain of salt. There are lots of negative people who always are complaining about downgrades or losses (to them) of perks, and they will inhabit here bemoaning all this. Take out the top 3 and take out the bottom 3 and read the middle.

 

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and if you have the time or desire, write a little review here when you have returned, giving the "honeymoon" cruise report. We'd love to hear about your experience.

[Texed]

The only time Michael's has had free drinks, that I know of, is since it's been a suites lounge.

 

At one point in time, the Captain's Club Happy Hours were held in Michael's Club. So, during that time there were free drinks. :)

[hcat]

Has anyone actually lost access to Michaels Club? I thought access had increased now that sky suite guests can enter along with zenith cc members and those staying in higher classes of suites? Who's lost out there?

................................. .....

....

 

Who lost out???

Loyal cruisers who will never get to Zenith in this lifetime & who do not book suites lost their long time access to Michaels club (which btw used to be a cigar bar til they kicked the cigar smokers outdoors)....

 

The Cap Club late afternoon get togethers were held there...then just Elites...it was a nice gathering with other frequent cruisers....They also used to have a great breakfast spread on M class ships...very nice way to start the day

 

Elite gathering was eventually shifted to the upstairs club area due to having many Elites on board...many of which were Diamond on Royal getting reciprocal perks on Celebrity after many shifted over when the drink pakages started..

 

We do miss Michaels quite a bit because Celeb ships..esp M class do not have enough intimate lounge spaces on board...but all things change so I guess if we want Michaels we'd have to book a suite.... for niw AQ is fine..as long as we have BLU...

[wallie5446]

We've never sailed Celebrity before. The British Isles + French Open itinerary next year on June 4th is perfect schedule-wise, we can spend a week after our wedding exploring London then get a taste of some other European cities while having a bit of time to relax.

 

But I keep hearing things that have me concerned. That the main dining room is no good and unless you're in a suite there's no point, that you need the premium beverage package because the drinks are so small but also good luck getting a drink at all, that it's impossible to get a seat for the night's entertainment and the ship is "dead" at night anyway.

 

Is the "basic" experience that someone would get booking a balcony still worth it or is it a huge mistake to book this cruise? We were hoping for something that took us to a variety of ports we could explore on our own and a place with good food and nice entertainment to relax in the evenings, not at all a party-till-2am type vibe.

 

Also, we may get a classic drink package from booking this month, is it possible in anyone's experience to just pay the $10/day difference to upgrade it to the premium once you're on board?

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Celebrity chat board on Cruise Critic!

 

Here with us you must always remember the old adage Gran Ma used, take things with a grain of salt!;)

 

You will have a most wonderful time by choosing a cruise with Celebrity for your Honeymoon trip.

 

Our first cruise with them was in 1994 and we have always had dinner in the MDR, except last yr when we were in an Aqua cabin, but the wifester said at the end it was not really any better to her than the MDR. We do like to get the 3 dinner specialty pkg and will again.

 

The drinks are the same size no matter what pkg you have, (well the martinis on the classic are in a smaller glass, but how much straight up liquor does one need) it is just a better quality with the Prem.

 

We always have the Premium bev pkg as I am a beer snob:D and proud of it! The craft selection is good, tho limited with 35-40 choices most $9- $13. ( your from Maryland, so think Dogfish 90 vs a Bud! :eek:) The wine the wifester liked last cruise was $13.50 a glass.

 

There are a few venues that stay hopping till the wee hours, or the Sunset or Oceanview outdoor patios where you can sit and chat with each other while listening to the sounds of the waves slipping off the back of the ship!

 

Oh My! I gotta find a way not to have to wait 443 days to get on board again!

Book it and enjoy!

EW

[wallie5446]

Has anyone actually lost access to Michaels Club?

 

!

 

Michaels first debuted on the Century in 1998 as a cigar with fine after dinner cognac lounge. They had a gentleman hand rolling cigars with Cuban seed tobacco. It was different from any of the other lines we had cruised on.

 

Over the years it got changed a number of times. In 2013 on the Reflection it had now become the craft beer bar and after dinner whiskey, cognac, and scotch bar. Yet the only times it was busy was when there was a sports game on the TV's. It is dark, closed in, with no windows and almost sound proof as the wonderful music from the lounge outside can not be heard inside.

 

We don't miss having access, because in going, we were forced to miss out on the other wonderful things happening around the ship.

 

One of the reason we like the GastroBar on the Equinox, open and full of life, feeding off the Martini bar across the way!

EW

[Pavovsky]

We've never sailed Celebrity before. The British Isles + French Open itinerary next year on June 4th is perfect schedule-wise, we can spend a week after our wedding exploring London then get a taste of some other European cities while having a bit of time to relax.

 

But I keep hearing things that have me concerned. That the main dining room is no good and unless you're in a suite there's no point, that you need the premium beverage package because the drinks are so small but also good luck getting a drink at all, that it's impossible to get a seat for the night's entertainment and the ship is "dead" at night anyway.

 

Is the "basic" experience that someone would get booking a balcony still worth it or is it a huge mistake to book this cruise? We were hoping for something that took us to a variety of ports we could explore on our own and a place with good food and nice entertainment to relax in the evenings, not at all a party-till-2am type vibe.

 

Also, we may get a classic drink package from booking this month, is it possible in anyone's experience to just pay the $10/day difference to upgrade it to the premium once you're on board?

 

As an alternative consider that the rail system around Europe is really excellent. 2 hours on eurostar from London to Paris, a train to Amsterdam from Paris in another 2.5 hours, or to Nice and the south of France. There is also an overnight train to Milan from paris and then Italy is at your disposal. if this is an option have a look at the man in seat61 who has great advice.

Edited August 18, 2016 by Pavovsky

[Fyrefly]

Wow this blew up! I really appreciate all of you talking me down off the ledge, so to speak! You're right in that we won't know the difference and I'm glad to hear so many people think it will be nice.

 

I love to splurge on cocktails and can easily do two of the fancy ones a day, so finding out the upgrade is an option is awesome! And it's our honeymoon so hey just this once let's not worry about anything to drink. :cool:

 

Thanks again, you're all awesome!

[chemmo]

Sincere best wishes on your upcoming wedding!

 

I think you have had enough reassurance now to know that your cruise should be fantastic!

 

Just a little comment re the rest of your honeymoon.....London is an amazing city and I do understand you wanting to stay there and it is easy from there to move on to Paris....However, I really would recommend at least one night after you get off the ship in a real English village pub hotel. Look at a map, lots of options, check on Trip Advisor.....a taste of real England!

 

Have a great wedding, cruise and honeymoon!