Upgraded to Aqua. Not sure why...

[mfs2k]

I recently booked and fully paid for a C3 concierge class cabin on Celebrity Equnox (3/23/19) and 5 days later there was a huge price drop. 

From these boards I learned I couldn’t get a refund but I could get an upgrade so that’s what I did. 

I called my TA and was able to get a free upgrade to an assigned cabin Aqua Class on deck 15. 

 

Now I’m wondering why I bothered. We don’t expect to use the spa regularly and I’m not going on a cruise to eat healthy spa cuisine. Do guests get a lot of benefit from Aqua class if they’re not regular spa users?  Should I have just stayed in concierge class?  Did I make a mistake ?  

Ps. I wish there was another big price drop. I’d love to have the added space of a suite. 

[mfs2k]

One other question. 

I read Blu is my assigned restaurant now and we’re no longer in the main dining room. 

Is this good or bad ?  

[rf52]

We had the same thing happen to us on a cruise a couple of years ago by getting upgraded to AQ Class.  We had the same concerns as you as we are not spa users either.

 

For us, the big advantage is eating in Blu.  The food is not spa food.  Instead is was food similar to the MDR, but fixed cleaner, i.e. not as much cream sauces, etc.  

 

Blu is also a much quieter, intimate atmosphere, with no reservations required, and excellent service, as it is a much smaller venue. 

 

The first night we sat at a table for two, a very pleasant couple sitting at the adjacent table,  looking out at the Sydney Opera House through the expansive window, and we were hooked! 

 

We will probably always select AQ it if the price is not outrageously different.

 

 

[I_r_a]

Hi mfsk,

 

Blu is far superior the MDR.

 

Have you looked at Celebrity's web site to see what you get with AQ?

 

Ira

[bajathree]

51 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

I recently booked and fully paid for a C3 concierge class cabin on Celebrity Equnox (3/23/19) and 5 days later there was a huge price drop. 

From these boards I learned I couldn’t get a refund but I could get an upgrade so that’s what I did. 

I called my TA and was able to get a free upgrade to an assigned cabin Aqua Class on deck 15. 

 

Now I’m wondering why I bothered. We don’t expect to use the spa regularly and I’m not going on a cruise to eat healthy spa cuisine. Do guests get a lot of benefit from Aqua class if they’re not regular spa users?  Should I have just stayed in concierge class?  Did I make a mistake ?  

Ps. I wish there was another big price drop. I’d love to have the added space of a suite. 

We are booked on the same sailing also  in Aqua Class. Blu is great....don't let the "health spa cuisine" description fool you....it's a wonderful specialty restaurant just for Aqua or suite guests. Also the upgraded shower in Aqua class is very nice....we always like to sail Aqua with Celebrity if we can. Persion gardens is a nice relaxing perk also. I was hooked on Aqua class after the very first time.

[Fogfog]

1 hour ago, mfs2k said:

I recently booked and fully paid for a C3 concierge class cabin on Celebrity Equnox (3/23/19) and 5 days later there was a huge price drop. 

From these boards I learned I couldn’t get a refund but I could get an upgrade so that’s what I did. 

I called my TA and was able to get a free upgrade to an assigned cabin Aqua Class on deck 15. 

 

Now I’m wondering why I bothered. We don’t expect to use the spa regularly and I’m not going on a cruise to eat healthy spa cuisine. Do guests get a lot of benefit from Aqua class if they’re not regular spa users?  Should I have just stayed in concierge class?  Did I make a mistake ?  

Ps. I wish there was another big price drop. I’d love to have the added space of a suite. 

Interesting that they didn't upgrade you to a C1 from a C3... but jumped you to AQ. 

You just got a private restaurant BLU... plus spa access. 

[schlu1dm]

I agree with everybody else.  We really don't utilize the Spa portion of Aqua Class but love Blu.  We always have far better service in Blu compared to the MDR. Also, like others have mentioned, it is not the 'healthy spa food" that you would think. 

 

Here is a link to some Blu menus.

 

https://images.r.cruisecritic.com/pdfs/celeb-blu-menu-dinner.pdf

 

[mfs2k]

58 minutes ago, I_r_a said:

Hi mfsk,

 

Blu is far superior the MDR.

 

Have you looked at Celebrity's web site to see what you get with AQ?

 

Ira

yes, I have.  I didn't realize Blu is now my dining room.  I thought it was an option only available to Aqua Class guests.  I like getting to know people at large MDR tables in my past cruises.  I guess this will no longer be possible for me. 

[If only]

4 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

yes, I have.  I didn't realize Blu is now my dining room.  I thought it was an option only available to Aqua Class guests.  I like getting to know people at large MDR tables in my past cruises.  I guess this will no longer be possible for me. 

 

Not true, the tables are close together that it’s almost impossible to not talk to the people on either side, unless of course they don’t want to.  We have met some wonderful people on cruises this way.

[Greenymac]

6 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

yes, I have.  I didn't realize Blu is now my dining room.  I thought it was an option only available to Aqua Class guests.  I like getting to know people at large MDR tables in my past cruises.  I guess this will no longer be possible for me. 

Just because you have access to Blu,doesn't mean you're restricted from eating anywhere else you please except for Luminae...

[mfs2k]

another follow up question, 

 

Since I'm now Aqua Class, and I'm booked in Blu for 830 dining, are we allowed to go to the MDR for anytime dining for dinner?  or are our only options Blu, Specialty restaurants, or the buffet? 

[Stateroom_Sailor]

I heard someone complain on our last 4 day Bahamas cruise, "Why did we choose this restaurant? It is all diet food, we're not on a diet."  The waiter got him a MDR menu, for wider selections.

 

I guess some people are looking for Carnival's greasy lasagna, or a prime rib & meatloaf.  There's always some kind steak, chicken, fish, and vegetarian.  Coined as "clean cuisine", but not sure how true that is.  The food is very good, excellent service, in a more intimate atmosphere.  Breakfast menu is extended.

 

[If only]

9 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

another follow up question, 

 

Since I'm now Aqua Class, and I'm booked in Blu for 830 dining, are we allowed to go to the MDR for anytime dining for dinner?  or are our only options Blu, Specialty restaurants, or the buffet? 

You can go anytime you want,  we also eat at 8:30 but found going around 8 meant there was no waiting.  If you don’t see anything you like on theMenu you can choose off the MDR menu.  You can also request the same server if you really like him/her.  You will enjoy the experience.

Edited January 28, 2019 by If only

[TFLG]

7 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

another follow up question, 

 

Since I'm now Aqua Class, and I'm booked in Blu for 830 dining, are we allowed to go to the MDR for anytime dining for dinner?  or are our only options Blu, Specialty restaurants, or the buffet? 

 

Aqua has no set time. It's anytime dining.  I don't know why you would want to go to the MDR.  The food in aqua is better. It's not anything like "healthy". It's just good food. Very similar to the MDR food just a bit better.

[Lady Arwen]

7 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

another follow up question, 

 

Since I'm now Aqua Class, and I'm booked in Blu for 830 dining, are we allowed to go to the MDR for anytime dining for dinner?  or are our only options Blu, Specialty restaurants, or the buffet? 

You can ask to be allowed to eat in the MDR on occasion, but it will be space available only.  Blu is your assigned dining room, but you are welcome to eat in the other dining venues.  Dining in Blu is anytime you want to eat, no reservations are required, just show up when you want to eat.  You will be very close to your fellow diners, so you can chat with whomever you choose.

[mfs2k]

1 minute ago, TFLG said:

 

Aqua has no set time. It's anytime dining.  I don't know why you would want to go to the MDR.  The food in aqua is better. It's not anything like "healthy". It's just good food. Very similar to the MDR food just a bit better.

 

It's not about the food for me.  I like the "party in my brain" feeling of being in the MDR on cruise ships.  It's fun, vibrant, and lots of interesting people watching.  I don't sense that vibe from looking at the pics of Blu. 

[lisiamc]

We book Aqua whenever we can just because of Blu.  The food is excellent, not spa food at all.  The venue is small and much, much quieter than the MDR and the service is outstanding.  

[TFLG]

Just now, mfs2k said:

 

It's not about the food for me.  I like the "party in my brain" feeling of being in the MDR on cruise ships.  It's fun, vibrant, and lots of interesting people watching.  I don't sense that vibe from looking at the pics of Blu. 

 

It's usually packed and the tables are quite close together.  It's not nearly as loud as the MDR which at times can have a background db similar to a jet taxiing.  But you can still people watch and talk with those around you so don't worry about that. We usually sail with big groups so the MDR works great for us but when we sail without the group we love Blu.

[Lady Arwen]

4 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

 

It's not about the food for me.  I like the "party in my brain" feeling of being in the MDR on cruise ships.  It's fun, vibrant, and lots of interesting people watching.  I don't sense that vibe from looking at the pics of Blu. 

If you're sure that you won't enjoy Blu, I would ask my TA (or directly with Celebrity if that's how you booked) and have your cabin changed.  There is no other reason to be in Aqua Class.......the rest of the amenities are really just fluff.

[hiccups]

Because you seem to be questioning your choice, perhaps you can talk to your TA and see if you can be moved back to a concierge cabin.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

6 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

 

It's not about the food for me.  I like the "party in my brain" feeling of being in the MDR on cruise ships.  It's fun, vibrant, and lots of interesting people watching.  I don't sense that vibe from looking at the pics of Blu. 

 

You're better off switching back to concierge, if you can.  Persian Garden and Blu are the only real "upgrades". 

[mfs2k]

I'm questioning my choice because I've never sailed on Celebrity before (although I've sailed on 12 cruises on other cruise lines) so everything is new.  Cruisecritic is awesome for learning about your trip before you go, but it also is great for instilling a little self doubt about your choices.  The boards are full of people wondering if they made the right choice about cruise lines, ships, itineraries, dates, excursions, perks, balcony categories, meal times, port or starboard, etc...  This is my time and topic to wonder and ask you guys for your input. From what I'm reading, most of you have loved it, so I will go ahead with new expectations and a positive outlook.  Thank you. 

Edited January 28, 2019 by mfs2k

[TFLG]

I would not second guess it.  It's a great dining room with a much more interesting menu than the MDR. You get everything that Concierge gets plus better food, a better shower and access to the Persian Gardens. I also don't use the spa but on the S-Class ships I hear it's really nice if you want to chill out (heated loungers, sauna etc).  If you do find you hate Blu after a day or two I'm sure they can find a spot for you in the MDR. There's usually empty tables or tables that are not full.

[chemmo]

If it is the social aspect of dining you are concerned about rather than the menu remember you can turn up at Blu as a group of 4/6 and ask them to make up a table for you. Once you have socialised in a few bars and across tables in Blu (yes they are very close) you may find that a few of you choose to dine together on a few nights. Remember, however, friends you may make in standard rooms can not join you in Blu. 

 

You did mention moving to a suite if prices dropped....Luminae does have more of a gap between tables but it is more of a speciality restaurant and you would have the advantage of meeting fellow suite guests in Michael’s Club where again you could find likeminded fellow guests to dine with. Non suite guests can, by arrangement, join you in Luminae but there is a cost.

 

Final option is to join the roll call for your cruise and see if you can make some Aqua friends pre cruise to regularly share a table with.

 

 

[NanaChar]

I LOVE the Persian Garden.  I would book Aqua just for that.