Such lovely people cruise Celebrity!

[chemmo]

In recent weeks Cruise Critic has had two long posts focusing on inappropriate behaviour...Whilst these topics have relevance I don’t think they reflect the general wonderful, kind and thoughtful people that generally cruise Celebrity. One of our main reasons for loving and consistently returning to Celebrity are the people on board.

 

I think all of us would agree that inappropriate behaviour is rare on Celebrity and friendliness and kindness is the norm... So let’s share some kindness stories...

 

I will start with two...

 

Last year I was talking to a fellow guest about my luggage nearly not making it on board. A lady who had only heard part of the conversation (and though I was without luggage)  came to my side and quietly asked if I would like to go with her to her room and choose a few ‘tops and things’ and that she had new underwear and I was welcome to half of it saying she ‘had far too much stuff’ and was planning on using the laundry. Obviously, I explained I was fine but her offer still makes me quite emotional. If my luggage had not made it I would have been so grateful....

 

A couple of years ago I ended up temporarily in a wheelchair. One day my husband had left me on my own by the pool for a short while. The couple opposite asked if I was alright and offered to get me anything if I needed it and told me if I wanted to move somewhere else to just ask...The same cruise in the Solarium a family insisted in shuffling their seating around so I would have an end sun bed which would be easier for me to get on and off...

 

So what experiences of kindness from fellow guests have you experienced?

[GastroGnome]

Great post to start - thank you.  I agree I have met so many wonderful folk on board that when you do get the odd horror they tend to stand out.  The one incident which really shines for me was in fact staff rather than guests - but it made such a difference.  We were cruising for our 25th wedding anniversary with my mother, sister and her husband.  DM had boarded not terrifically well having caught sunstroke in Venice the day before.  She was also fairly immobile waiting on a knee replacement (now done and up and about like a gazelle!!)  Her suite and ours had the same butler and we got daily reports that she was up, had eaten etc.  The staff knew her routine and knew where she was.  We didn't even have to ask - just moving around the ship staff would let us know where she was and that she was OK. It was just such a gentle caring thing.  Although DM recovered from sunstroke within 2 days folk just kept keeping an eye. It made what could have been such a worrying time so much easier.

 

The our butler help DS and DM into our suite to decorate it... but thats another story!

[chemmo]

Glad to hear your mother is now fit and well! 

 

Sometimes just knowing people are alert to family worries on board takes the pressure off you and enables you to relax...

 

 

[Luvcrusn]

I'm so glad you started this thread. Three years ago we were waiting in line to board our cruise and I noticed a woman wearing a button that said " DON'T POSTPONE JOY." I commented what a lovely thought it conveyed and she took it off and gave it to me. She explained that her late husband had that as his motto and that after he passed she and her children had these buttons made up as a tribute to him. They wear them daily and pass them out to whoever notices and comments about them. Two years later I saw her again on board and there were two of us wearing the button. 

 

 

[TMLAalum]

Similar to chemmo's luggage tale except that ours actually was missing the entire cruise and the week prior, our cabin steward Kate, concierge Niko (we weren't in a CC cabin) and numerous roll call members helped us in so many wonderful ways. This was in 2016.

 

Fast forward to our recent Eclipse B2B-  here is just one example of caring fellow cruisers. DH & I took a Celeb excursion in Punta Arenas Chile that was a strenuous hike to a vista point above the city. Every time I sat for a bit to put something in or get something out of my back pack, another tour member would stop to ask if I was ok.

 

 

 

[wrk2cruise]

On our first Panama Canal transit cruise from FLL to San Diego we had fixed dining and as usual dined nightly with 3 other lovely couples.  During our trip there were fires burning in the San Diego hills.  Long story short one of our dining companions learned that they had lost their home to the fire during the cruise.  It was hard to watch their emotions over the next couple of days remembering things they lost, the sentimental stuff not the financial stuff.  Then there were the things they were thankful for, having 2 weeks worth of clothing, having all their photos on an iPod.  This was before the time of internet being available and Celebrity was letting them make all the calls they wanted for free.

 

As news traveled to other passengers they would report all the offers of help nightly at dinner.  The one that stuck in my mind most was someone they had never met before told them they had a Motor Home parked at their house and this couple was welcome to stay there as long as they wanted.  The couple had a son in the immediate area so they didn't take them up on the offer  This was about 15 years ago and I'm still getting emotional remembering this.

[jelayne]

We had traditional dining a few years ago and after the 2nd night asked to be moved.

The 3rd night we were seated at a table for 8 where 1lady was seated.  The previous 2 nights she had been at the table by herself and had decided not to return to the MDR if she was alone at the table again.  5 mins or so after we sat down another couple joined the table.  Talking with that couple later they mentioned that they had see her by herself at that large table for 2 nights so when they arrived at the MDR on night 3 they asked to be moved to her table.  Such a thoughtful gesture.  The 5 of us enjoyed dinner together for the remainder of the cruise.

[Marelaine]

Sometimes our 30+ year old disabled son cruises with us. He has an early Parkisonism condition, which causes tremors, sweating and mobility issues. We have met many nice people through him. One night, we were in the casino and a lovely Canadian woman approached and inquired about my son's disability. She explained that she had a disabled sister and their mom had cared for her until she passed. I reminded her of her mom in the way  I effortlessly helped my son. She gave me a big hug. Every evening after that, the woman made it a point to chit chat with my son, asking about his day and how he was doing in the casino. Sometimes, it's those little things that count the most. Canadians are the loveliest  people. 

 

Chemmo, I love your story. 

 

[grandgeezer]

This is not isolated to Celebrity, we’ve been on all the major lines and have experienced them on all of them.

[chemmo]

6 hours ago, Luvcrusn said:

I'm so glad you started this thread. Three years ago we were waiting in line to board our cruise and I noticed a woman wearing a button that said " DON'T POSTPONE JOY." I commented what a lovely thought it conveyed and she took it off and gave it to me. She explained that her late husband had that as his motto and that after he passed she and her children had these buttons made up as a tribute to him. They wear them daily and pass them out to whoever notices and comments about them. Two years later I saw her again on board and there were two of us wearing the button. 

 

 

 

Don’t postpone joy, just spread it around’ is I think the heart of your story...

 

Look for positives (even following a heartbreaking loss) and you do find it....

[diesel1973]

Don't mean to hijack this thread but Celebrity also has some lovely employees. On a recent Caribbean cruise our Son-in law suddenly passed away while we were in Aruba. GS went above and beyond to find us a flight home and assisted us in any way possible. Also CS adjusted the price of cruise and OBC. This is one reason why we stick with them. You can't put a value on consideration like that!

[chemmo]

6 hours ago, TMLAalum said:

Similar to chemmo's luggage tale except that ours actually was missing the entire cruise and the week prior, our cabin steward Kate, concierge Niko (we weren't in a CC cabin) and numerous roll call members helped us in so many wonderful ways. This was in 2016.

 

Fast forward to our recent Eclipse B2B-  here is just one example of caring fellow cruisers. DH & I took a Celeb excursion in Punta Arenas Chile that was a strenuous hike to a vista point above the city. Every time I sat for a bit to put something in or get something out of my back pack, another tour member would stop to ask if I was ok.

 

 

 

 

So glad you received support when your luggage was missing. Honestly, the thought of boarding with 1 out of 3 suitcases for us as a family was stressful....I was just grateful that I had cross packed so at least each of us had a change of clothes...We also had the luxury of a quick mall shop (before our luggage reappeared) where we bought some basics and a ‘posh frock’ which seems to need a thread of its own...

 

So pleased you received support on your hike too. It is so nice to see that fellow guests see excursions as a shared adventure and are considerate and caring of others in the group...

 

 

[GUT2407]

4 minutes ago, diesel1973 said:

Don't mean to hijack this thread but Celebrity also has some lovely employees. On a recent Caribbean cruise our Son-in law suddenly passed away while we were in Aruba. GS went above and beyond to find us a flight home and assisted us in any way possible. Also CS adjusted the price of cruise and OBC. This is one reason why we stick with them. You can't put a value on consideration like that!

Sorry to hear of your loss.

[chemmo]

2 minutes ago, diesel1973 said:

Don't mean to hijack this thread but Celebrity also has some lovely employees. On a recent Caribbean cruise our Son-in law suddenly passed away while we were in Aruba. GS went above and beyond to find us a flight home and assisted us in any way possible. Also CS adjusted the price of cruise and OBC. This is one reason why we stick with them. You can't put a value on consideration like that!

 

Hijack this thread with pleasure!

 

It is all about focusing on the good in the world and specifically on cruise ships. I honestly cannot imagine the awfulness of your situation and I am just so pleased that X did everything they could to support you. All to often we do try to put a $ value on experiences but when people show true kindness it is priceless....

 

 

[GUT2407]

I’ve been helped by many people on many cruises. Just as anywhere else there are great people and jerks.

 

one cruise I forgot to pack my Camera charger when I mentioned it on an excursion I had four people offer that they had the same battery and would be happy to charge mine anytime I needed.

 

i have mobility issues and frequently use a wheelchair, while I’ve  have had some crap encounters, I’ve also had plenty of help, Otha from passengers and crew.

 

[chemmo]

28 minutes ago, grandgeezer said:

This is not isolated to Celebrity, we’ve been on all the major lines and have experienced them on all of them.

 

Totally agree....We made some lifelong friends on a RC cruise who were kind enough to invite us to visit them in Washington State, the time we spent with them will be treasured forever....

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I was on a private excursion to Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia with people from my roll call.  Much younger and more fit people!  As we were descending umpteen steps into the park, one of them noticed I was slower and stayed back with me.  When we reached the bottom, our lovely guide suggested that I skip part 2 of the tour which was all up and down stairs and go on to part 3 and take my time and meet them at the end.  It worked out wonderfully well.  I was able to stop and rest on the long switchback hike out, take my time to admire the waterfalls and lakes, and we all arrived at the end at the same time.  So, there are thoughtful and considerate people everywhere.

[chemmo]

2 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

I’ve been helped by many people on many cruises. Just as anywhere else there are great people and jerks.

 

one cruise I forgot to pack my Camera charger when I mentioned it on an excursion I had four people offer that they had the same battery and would be happy to charge mine anytime I needed.

 

i have mobility issues and frequently use a wheelchair, while I’ve  have had some crap encounters, I’ve also had plenty of help, Otha from passengers and crew.

 

 

Things like forgetting a charger can be a big deal or a nothing depending  on the support you receive from others...It would be nice (now cruise ships have more interactive technology) if the apps could include a ‘can you help...’ where guests in need could report their problem. Most of us wouldn’t mind sharing camera/phone chargers and be very grateful when we were the ones in need!

 

Re mobility issues I have to agree that encounters can be mixed...When I cruised (twice) needing a wheelchair the good definitely outweighed the bad encounters...

[chemmo]

4 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

I was on a private excursion to Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia with people from my roll call.  Much younger and more fit people!  As we were descending umpteen steps into the park, one of them noticed I was slower and stayed back with me.  When we reached the bottom, our lovely guide suggested that I skip part 2 of the tour which was all up and down stairs and go on to part 3 and take my time and meet them at the end.  It worked out wonderfully well.  I was able to stop and rest on the long switchback hike out, take my time to admire the waterfalls and lakes, and we all arrived at the end at the same time.  So, there are thoughtful and considerate people everywhere.

 

So pleased you were supported by your group and that your tour guide could offer a sensible alternative for you. 

 

We have been in a similar situation to you and having fellow tour members support and encourage you does mean you feel more confident to keep exploring this wonderful world we live in!

[chemmo]

7 hours ago, wrk2cruise said:

On our first Panama Canal transit cruise from FLL to San Diego we had fixed dining and as usual dined nightly with 3 other lovely couples.  During our trip there were fires burning in the San Diego hills.  Long story short one of our dining companions learned that they had lost their home to the fire during the cruise.  It was hard to watch their emotions over the next couple of days remembering things they lost, the sentimental stuff not the financial stuff.  Then there were the things they were thankful for, having 2 weeks worth of clothing, having all their photos on an iPod.  This was before the time of internet being available and Celebrity was letting them make all the calls they wanted for free.

 

As news traveled to other passengers they would report all the offers of help nightly at dinner.  The one that stuck in my mind most was someone they had never met before told them they had a Motor Home parked at their house and this couple was welcome to stay there as long as they wanted.  The couple had a son in the immediate area so they didn't take them up on the offer  This was about 15 years ago and I'm still getting emotional remembering this.

 

Gosh, I feel emotional too.

 

I honestly cannot imagine how I would feel to be on a cruise and know I had lost my home. I am sure your support must have helped them begin to put the important things in life into perspective.

 

Such kindness as the offer of the motor home loan really does reflect how in times of real need that there are always those who will go above and beyond...

 

[chemmo]

2 hours ago, Marelaine said:

Sometimes our 30+ year old disabled son cruises with us. He has an early Parkisonism condition, which causes tremors, sweating and mobility issues. We have met many nice people through him. One night, we were in the casino and a lovely Canadian woman approached and inquired about my son's disability. She explained that she had a disabled sister and their mom had cared for her until she passed. I reminded her of her mom in the way  I effortlessly helped my son. She gave me a big hug. Every evening after that, the woman made it a point to chit chat with my son, asking about his day and how he was doing in the casino. Sometimes, it's those little things that count the most. Canadians are the loveliest  people. 

 

Chemmo, I love your story. 

 

 

It is always the ‘little things’ that mean the most...I spent 30+ years working with children, young adults and their family’s with a wide range of physical, emotional and behavioural issues. 

 

As a parent of a child (or adult) with any disability all you want is your son/daughter to be able to enjoy themselves and receive a little understanding and compassion from fellow cruisers....

 

I think the lady in the casino  recognised the fantastic job as a parent/carer you were doing, hence the big hug...It sounds to me you are a fantastic Mum as well as the lady in the casino being a lovely lady...

[chemmo]

3 hours ago, jelayne said:

We had traditional dining a few years ago and after the 2nd night asked to be moved.

The 3rd night we were seated at a table for 8 where 1lady was seated.  The previous 2 nights she had been at the table by herself and had decided not to return to the MDR if she was alone at the table again.  5 mins or so after we sat down another couple joined the table.  Talking with that couple later they mentioned that they had see her by herself at that large table for 2 nights so when they arrived at the MDR on night 3 they asked to be moved to her table.  Such a thoughtful gesture.  The 5 of us enjoyed dinner together for the remainder of the cruise.

 

So pleased how everything worked out.

 

If the other couple and yourselves hadn’t joined that lady I honestly wonder if she would have cruised solo again let alone dined in the MDR...Dining is such an integral part of the cruise experience. I know exactly how I would have felt on my own on a table for eight...

 

Not only are the other couple thoughtful, you are too...

[AnnaNicole]

My toddler daughter's sandals were stolen on a beach in Mexico.    The ship's store did not have any toddler shoes available for purchase.  A very kind couple lent us a pair of their daughter's shoes.   I was very embarrassed and very grateful.   

 

 

[chemmo]

1 minute ago, AnnaNicole said:

My toddler daughter's sandals were stolen on a beach in Mexico.    The ship's store did not have any toddler shoes available for purchase.  A very kind couple lent us a pair of their daughter's shoes.   I was very embarrassed and very grateful.   

 

 

 

Another incident where kindness and thoughtfulness provided a solution where money couldn’t..

 

I am sure the other couple were pleased to help you and I am sure you would have done the same for them....

 

Just goes to show how as a ‘family’ of fellow cruisers we can all look after each other..

[GUT2407]

1 hour ago, chemmo said:

 

Things like forgetting a charger can be a big deal or a nothing depending  on the support you receive from others...It would be nice (now cruise ships have more interactive technology) if the apps could include a ‘can you help...’ where guests in need could report their problem. Most of us wouldn’t mind sharing camera/phone chargers and be very grateful when we were the ones in need!

 

Re mobility issues I have to agree that encounters can be mixed...When I cruised (twice) needing a wheelchair the good definitely outweighed the bad encounters...

Your can you help idea is a great one I might think to include it in my next surveys.

 

i agree the good people when I’m in a wheelchair far outweigh the bad, even out shopping the number of times people stop and ask if I need help reaching something is heart warming.