A sparkling embarkation and other rumours

[Despegue]

Some very recent reviews have mentioned that on entering the ship during embarkation, they were welcomed by a glass of bubbly. ( like with Celebrity).

has anyone experienced this ? 

 

Also, there are rumours regarding a change of Signature Beverage Package ( SBP) maximum allowance.

currently it is 9 US$, but there is talk that this would be increased to 11 US$.

Does anyone have more info on this?

HAL is introducing new beverage menus and pricing, and there is a new wine menu, which severely restricts the SBP choices. A small increase in allowance would do wonders.

 

some reviews are mentioning a new show, on several vessels, called “post Modern Jukebox”

Any info on this?

 

 

Edited March 13, 2019 by Despegue
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[terrydtx]

I would like to follow this thread as we will be on the Noordam in July with the Explore 4 SBP. The answers to your questions will determine if we will upgrade to the Elite package the first day onboard.

[wales4ever]

No  bubbly last week, no idea of price increase, though what we had for $9 was fine for us.

[boards]

No we have not, did on the Celebrity Infinity several years ago.  It was nice I don't think we need to copy it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Many, many years ago we were offered a glass of champagne when we got on the ship -- like back in the late 90's.

[watson61]

I was on Rotterdam last week.  I wasn't offered a glass of champagne and was surprised to read a review where the poster said he was (on the same cruise!).  Someone in my group got the drinks package and regretted it because the wines she wanted were over the $9 limit and unlike on other cruise lines, she wasn't allowed to pay the difference. She said she wished she hadn't gotten it.

 

I saw Post Modern Jukebox.  Apparently it's a YouTube thing. I had never heard of it.  It's okay, nothing special, IMO.

[drowelf]

1 hour ago, Krazy Kruizers said:

Many, many years ago we were offered a glass of champagne when we got on the ship -- like back in the late 90's.

I remember being offered an embarkation drink, back in the early 2000's too. 

[OlsSalt]

 

Can't think of anything worse than coming on board, hands full with carry-ons and be handed a glass of anything to juggle, while working our way down the crowded foyers, elevators and corridors to our cabin.

[Fouremco]

It's one of the nice touches we enjoy on Celebrity. We always have one hand free for our glass of bubbly, but as late as last month haven't seen anything similar on HAL.

 

Still waiting to see about the other changes.

Edited March 13, 2019 by Fouremco

[frankc98376]

HAL went up to $9 on the SBP when most drink prices went up to $8.95.  If they are raising it to $11 I'd bet that most drink prices will go up to $10.95

[jkgourmet]

4 hours ago, watson61 said:

Someone in my group got the drinks package and regretted it because the wines she wanted were over the $9 limit and unlike on other cruise lines, she wasn't allowed to pay the difference. She said she wished she hadn't gotten it.

 

 

We used to sail HAL and really liked it.  Until Celebrity started including the drinks package and gratuities for OV cabins and up.  So we've been on Celebrity for >5 years. 

 

Last week, I saw that HAL was giving the drinks package and other perks to new bookings on certain sailings.  I thought "Great!  We can go back to HAL!"  Then I saw the wine list.  We're not picky, but we do like to have some choices.  Only 2 white wines - a chardonnay and a sauvignon blanc?  Don't they know that pinot grigio is way more popular?  And making you pay for the full price, not just the difference is not cool.

 

That and the smoking in some of the casino's will keep us with Celebrity.  And I say that with some sadness. 

Edited March 13, 2019 by jkgourmet

[rkacruiser]

3 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

 

Can't think of anything worse than coming on board, hands full with carry-ons and be handed a glass of anything to juggle, while working our way down the crowded foyers, elevators and corridors to our cabin.

 

That was exactly my experience when I embarked Celebrity Eclipse a few years ago!  I appreciated the offer of the flute of wine, but what am I supposed to do with it since both hands were full?  I solved the problem by stepping off to the side, drink the wine, and then proceed on my way.

 

For mini-suite guests (and higher?) on Princess, they have a better plan.  Once in your stateroom, the Cabin Steward arrives and introduces his/herself with one's flute of champagne.  Much more "civilized" and helped me to enjoy my unpacking that afternoon more than usual.

 

 

[BRWolf]

OlsSalt:  LOL. I would free one hand, chug the cheap champagne, and continue on.  

[SilvertoGold]

I think the Club Orange includes a glass of bubbly for dinner the first night. Could be wrong about this.  

 

[go noles]

On 3/13/2019 at 1:39 PM, OlsSalt said:

 

Can't think of anything worse than coming on board, hands full with carry-ons and be handed a glass of anything to juggle, while working our way down the crowded foyers, elevators and corridors to our cabin.

Can't think of anything worse?

[AncientWanderer]

I miss the welcome glass of bubbly and hope they do bring it back.  It says, "We are glad you are joining us for this special occasion."  Hospitality!