Dec 13 Constellation B2B - East/West Caribbean (Holiday) Cruise

[JeanieC,Aston]

19 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

OK, I know this is going to come as a shock to some of you and I just want to apologize upfront. I was fed some inaccurate information which I subsequently past along to you all without verifying it. I know, this type of thing doesn’t usually happen on CC and I just wanted to set the record straight. 😂

 

So after verifying the correct answer with 2 other crew members along with asking Ms Google, the correct answer is …. Wait for it ….

 

Tug in the Anglo-Saxon language means tugboat. NO TUG means NO TUG. This great symbol is generally found in the doors or openings where the platforms are set up to embark or disembark passengers from and to the tenders when the ships are at anchor. It is an area considered as delicate or sensitive and when it is closed it indicates that the tugs when they approach the boat, cannot and should not lean on it. There are some ships of some shipping companies that not only have this indication expressed in this way, but also indicate where they can do it using the word TUG with an arrow pointing down.

 

I know. Who knew!! 😂😂

 

https://cruises-info.com/what-do-the-symbols-that-exist-on-cruise-ship-hulls-mean/

 

Hi Ken

I can recommend a good book with regards the markings on ships hull,,the most important marking The Primsol Line.

Good reading for on a cruise.

The story of how shipowners fought to stop it being introduced.

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Today is a sea day, so I went to the CC wine tasting seminar this morning after we attended a Future Destinations presentation in Michaels, of which both were very enjoyable.

 

One thing we did learn was that Celebrity should be releasing more 2024 itineraries after the Holidays. So for those interested in booking early like we do, keep your eyes open for those.
 

We also found out something interesting if you’re looking to book a sky suite on an M class ship and don’t enjoy climbing over a 2’ tub wall to take a shower. There are only 2 cabins, 6145 and 6146, which happen to be next to the PH suites on deck 6 that actually have a walk-in style shower. Now, there may be some potential in the handicap accessible cabins, but someone with more knowledge regarding the tub/shower combinations in those cabins will need to share their knowledge with us.

 

[wrk2cruise]

8 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Today is a sea day, so I went to the CC wine tasting seminar this morning after we attended a Future Destinations presentation in Michaels, of which both were very enjoyable.

 

One thing we did learn was that Celebrity should be releasing more 2024 itineraries after the Holidays. So for those interested in booking early like we do, keep your eyes open for those.
 

We also found out something interesting if you’re looking to book a sky suite on an M class ship and don’t enjoy climbing over a 2’ tub wall to take a shower. There are only 2 cabins, 6145 and 6146, which happen to be next to the PH suites on deck 6 that actually have a walk-in style shower. Now, there may be some potential in the handicap accessible cabins, but someone with more knowledge regarding the tub/shower combinations in those cabins will need to share their knowledge with us.

 

 

Accessible Sky Suites on M class ships have a roll in shower only, no tub.  They tend to leak out to a center floor drain but that's easily handled with a towel outside the door.  The stateroom attendants will suggest this to you.

[Ken the cruiser]

8 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

 

Accessible Sky Suites on M class ships have a roll in shower only, no tub.  They tend to leak out to a center floor drain but that's easily handled with a towel outside the door.  The stateroom attendants will suggest this to you.

Thanks! When we booked the SS we’re in now, which was about 10 days before embarkation day, our CVP said the only other one available was a handicap accessible one on deck 9, which she actually tried to book us in first. We thought about it, but then decided to book this one as we didn’t know what other modifications had been made to the HA cabin, besides the fact someone more needing should be allowed to book it.

Edited December 20, 2021 by Ken the cruiser

[wrk2cruise]

Ken, while I have your attention have you noticed shortages of supplies onboard.   Specifically when sailing from FL/MIA there seemed to be a shortage of Caffeine Free Diet Coke and Vitamin Water.  On Summit in Nov they were out of Sprite Zero at the end of our first leg and the entire second leg.   I ended up going to Publix on turnaround day and buying Diet 7UP for DW to drink on the second leg.

 

If you have a chance can you inquire about the availability of these 3 things onboard.  I'll probably bug you at the end of your next leg as well as we will be boarding when you get off on Jan 3.  I just want to know if I need to bring supplies along for our 21 days.  Not exactly Modern Luxury!

[Ken the cruiser]

9 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

Ken, while I have your attention have you noticed shortages of supplies onboard.   Specifically when sailing from FL/MIA there seemed to be a shortage of Caffeine Free Diet Coke and Vitamin Water.  On Summit in Nov they were out of Sprite Zero at the end of our first leg and the entire second leg.   I ended up going to Publix on turnaround day and buying Diet 7UP for DW to drink on the second leg.

 

If you have a chance can you inquire about the availability of these 3 things onboard.  I'll probably bug you at the end of your next leg as well as we will be boarding when you get off on Jan 3.  I just want to know if I need to bring supplies along for our 21 days.  Not exactly Modern Luxury!

I will try to figure out who to ask and I’ll let you know what I find out. 😎

[wrk2cruise]

Bar tender in MC should be able to tell you.  We will be in a suite for the first sailing.  Any bar tender will probably know.

[jcpc]

13 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

Ken, while I have your attention have you noticed shortages of supplies onboard.   Specifically when sailing from FL/MIA there seemed to be a shortage of Caffeine Free Diet Coke and Vitamin Water.  On Summit in Nov they were out of Sprite Zero at the end of our first leg and the entire second leg.   I ended up going to Publix on turnaround day and buying Diet 7UP for DW to drink on the second leg.

 

If you have a chance can you inquire about the availability of these 3 things onboard.  I'll probably bug you at the end of your next leg as well as we will be boarding when you get off on Jan 3.  I just want to know if I need to bring supplies along for our 21 days.  Not exactly Modern Luxury!

Not to hijack Ken's thread, but I was on the November 3 and 8 Summit sailings and I could not get a caffeine free diet coke anywhere on the ship.  I had a hard time getting a diet coke too .... seems like they only had coke zero.  I was in a RS and my butler tried to get diet coke but he could not.  One day I saw a few cans of diet coke in the "bar area" set up next to the hamburger/hotdog grill.  I felt like I hit the jackpot in the casino!!!! LOL

 

[Ken the cruiser]

23 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

Ken, while I have your attention have you noticed shortages of supplies onboard.   Specifically when sailing from FL/MIA there seemed to be a shortage of Caffeine Free Diet Coke and Vitamin Water.  On Summit in Nov they were out of Sprite Zero at the end of our first leg and the entire second leg.   I ended up going to Publix on turnaround day and buying Diet 7UP for DW to drink on the second leg.

 

If you have a chance can you inquire about the availability of these 3 things onboard.  I'll probably bug you at the end of your next leg as well as we will be boarding when you get off on Jan 3.  I just want to know if I need to bring supplies along for our 21 days.  Not exactly Modern Luxury!

OK, I went and asked the Michaels Concierge and he said, and called someone to confirm, they haven’t stocked caffeine-free Diet Coke in quite sometime. But they have plenty of Vitamin Water (multiple flavors) and Sprite Zero.

[wrk2cruise]

Yes those were the same sailings I was on.  They did get some Diet Coke from a RCL ship while in port during the second sailing.  I've never seen this before but they didn't take on any provisions between the two 5 day sailings.  I had been in discussion with the F&B and inventory managers throughout the first sailing about CFDC and SpriteZero.  When they told me they weren't getting any for the second sailing like I said I went out and got something for DW to drink as she is diabetic and doesn't drink alcohol or anything with sugar or caffeine.   I was a bit miffed to return and have lunch in Oceanview only to be told no Diet Coke which I would have picked up while I was out.

 

I believe Vitamin Water has actually been discontinued by Coca Cola company so probably won't be available anymore so they should take it off the placards on every table in the buffet!

 

Ok back to the sailing..........

[Ken the cruiser]

11 minutes ago, jcpc said:

Not to hijack Ken's thread, but I was on the November 3 and 8 Summit sailings and I could not get a caffeine free diet coke anywhere on the ship.  I had a hard time getting a diet coke too .... seems like they only had coke zero.  I was in a RS and my butler tried to get diet coke but he could not.  One day I saw a few cans of diet coke in the "bar area" set up next to the hamburger/hotdog grill.  I felt like I hit the jackpot in the casino!!!! LOL

 

No problem. That confirms what the Michaels Concierge told me just now. 

[wrk2cruise]

Just now, Ken the cruiser said:

OK, I went and asked the Michaels Concierge and he said, and called someone to confirm, they haven’t stocked caffeine-free Diet Coke in quite sometime. But they have plenty of Vitamin Water (multiple flavors) and Sprite Zero.

 

Thanks.

[Ken the cruiser]

On 12/18/2021 at 8:41 PM, canderson said:

Tell Paolo and Liz that the Andersons (off 11/22) said hello.  They were a great help when anything needed sorted out.  It was thanks to Liz that we were able to post the PDF of the MDR menu rotation, and thanks to Paolo that we got our OBC sorted out, and lots of other good things.

 

 

I just saw Liz and it brought a big smile to her face when I told her you said hello. I think it made her day!

[Ken the cruiser]

On 12/13/2021 at 8:04 PM, goldsmip115 said:

Ken, is your butler Anu?  The Sunshine Skyway actually connects Tampa to St Pete/Clearwater and not the Florida keys. I know that because I lived in Tampa for 20 years. Your pictures of sailing under the skyway are far better than those I took 21 days ago.  Ahhh, such memories. 

Just met Anu in Michaels and he had a big smile when I told him you said hello. I think it made his day as well! 

[Ken the cruiser]

Just learned a very useful procedure from Liz in Michaels which should keep my iPhone or iPad from disconnecting from the ship WiFi every time I leave the device idle for 3-5 minutes. 
 

Step 1 - Go to Settings, then WiFi

Step 2 - Click on the “WiFi Guest Ship” network info button on the right. 
Step 3 - Turn on Auto-Join and turn off Private Address (if it’s turned on)

 

Then log back into the network and it should stay linked, even when you put your device down for awhile. 
 

Yay!!! 😎
 

Edited December 20, 2021 by Ken the cruiser

[Ken the cruiser]

According to the Michaels Concierge who just heard today, it is highly likely X will start construction on the Connie’s Retreat Sundeck sometime during 2022 while at sea rather than holding off until sometime during 2023 during a dry dock.
 

However, as with most things, this is all subject to change. But if you by chance are on a cruise on the Connie, probably sometime in the latter half of 2022, and head up to the top deck forward and see some construction going on, that’s probably what’s happening. 

[Jim_Iain]

4 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Just learned a very useful procedure from Liz in Michaels which should keep my iPhone or iPad from disconnecting from the ship WiFi every time I leave the device idle for 3-5 minutes. 
 

Step 1 - Go to Settings, then WiFi

Step 2 - Click on the “WiFi Guest Ship” network info button on the right. 
Step 3 - Turn on Auto-Join and turn off Private Address (if it’s turned on)

 

Then log back into the network and it should stay linked, even when you put your device down for awhile. 
 

Yay!!! 😎
 

 

Cool information to know.   I've never had a problem myself but have tried to help others and didn't think of Private Names

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Tonight after enjoying a wonderful dinner in Luminae on Chic Night, we first went to Michaels where the girls played a complicated Star Trek board game while I played on my iPhone and learned all about Auto-Join and the potential upgrade plans for the Retreat Sundeck in 2022 from the Michaels concierge.
 

Afterwards we went and watched O-Town Motown performed by some great guest singers followed the “Interactive Theme Party: Masque” performed by the production cast up in the Reflection Lounge where afterwards we all got up and started dancing! Fun times!!

 

 

[Ken the cruiser]

We have arrived in Nassau!

 

 

In about an hour we’ll be heading out on our third Harbor Tour we booked through Celebrity. We took it when we were here on the Edge in August, in November when we were on the Apex, and now. It is such a relaxing, fun cruise around the waterways and their rum punch is quite tasty! However, this time there has been a change in vessels, as their catamaran is having some maintenance issues. Today, we’ll be on a ferry boat which should be interesting, so stay tuned for pictures. 😎

 

[Ken the cruiser]

We learned something new today regarding the Elite+ 15% discount perk you get on the cost of one specialty restaurant. Well, we also learned it only applies to one SR reservation rather than all of them. But, more importantly with that limitation in mind, the discount will be applied automatically to the first SR you actually eat at which may not be the most expensive one if you wind up eating at multiple SRs.

 

In our case our most expensive SR will be at the Le Petit Chef on the last day at $110 for 2. However, since our first one was the 2 for 1 deal at the Tuscan Grille at $40 for 2, that’s the one the “computer” discounted 15%.

 

Lesson learned. When you get onboard, either contact the Captains Club rep or a maitre d’ at one of the SRs and have them add a note stating which SR you want your Elite+ 15% discount applied to. At least that’s how it’s been explained to us. If someone knows something different, please let us know.

[wrk2cruise]

2 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

cost of one specialty restaurant

 

First I've heard of  this one.   I'm also surprised it's automatically applied.  We have in the past had some problem getting them to apply it.

 

Edit:  Not seeing any limit in the terms and conditions document online.  It just says the discount will be applied onboard. https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/enroll#Terms

Edited December 21, 2021 by wrk2cruise

[AlbertaCruisers]

2 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

We learned something new today regarding the Elite+ 15% discount perk you get on the cost of one specialty restaurant. Well, we also learned it only applies to one SR reservation rather than all of them. But, more importantly with that limitation in mind, the discount will be applied automatically to the first SR you actually eat at which may not be the most expensive one if you wind up eating at multiple SRs.

 

In our case our most expensive SR will be at the Le Petit Chef on the last day at $110 for 2. However, since our first one was the 2 for 1 deal at the Tuscan Grille at $40 for 2, that’s the one the “computer” discounted 15%.

 

Lesson learned. When you get onboard, either contact the Captains Club rep or a maitre d’ at one of the SRs and have them add a note stating which SR you want your Elite+ 15% discount applied to. At least that’s how it’s been explained to us. If someone knows something different, please let us know.

 

I would suggest you push them on that further (I will be next cruise if they take this position!).  I have gotten the Elite + Discount on multiple specialty dining reservations on one cruise for sure in the past (on the Equinox for sure and maybe others).  When you look at their list of benefits, this one says "Discount on cover charge at specialty restaurants" and there is no mention of "one" or "one time use".  For example, there is a laundry benefit that says "one-time use".  It seems that if this discount was meant to be for a one time use they would have made that clear, like they did on other benefits.  

 

https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/new-images/Captain's Club Benefit Brochure_072821.pdf

[PaulaW]

2 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

We learned something new today regarding the Elite+ 15% discount perk you get on the cost of one specialty restaurant. Well, we also learned it only applies to one SR reservation rather than all of them. But, more importantly with that limitation in mind, the discount will be applied automatically to the first SR you actually eat at which may not be the most expensive one if you wind up eating at multiple SRs.

 

In our case our most expensive SR will be at the Le Petit Chef on the last day at $110 for 2. However, since our first one was the 2 for 1 deal at the Tuscan Grille at $40 for 2, that’s the one the “computer” discounted 15%.

 

Lesson learned. When you get onboard, either contact the Captains Club rep or a maitre d’ at one of the SRs and have them add a note stating which SR you want your Elite+ 15% discount applied to. At least that’s how it’s been explained to us. If someone knows something different, please let us know.

I agree with the above posters.

 

I was on the Edge in October and dined at 3 specialty restaurants and had the 15% discount applied to all three reservations.  We had to ask at Guest Services to get it applied, but it was done.

 

Keep at them!

[Ken the cruiser]

1 hour ago, wrk2cruise said:

 

First I've heard of  this one.   I'm also surprised it's automatically applied.  We have in the past had some problem getting them to apply it.

 

Edit:  Not seeing any limit in the terms and conditions document online.  It just says the discount will be applied onboard. https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/enroll#Terms

 

53 minutes ago, AlbertaCruisers said:

 

I would suggest you push them on that further (I will be next cruise if they take this position!).  I have gotten the Elite + Discount on multiple specialty dining reservations on one cruise for sure in the past (on the Equinox for sure and maybe others).  When you look at their list of benefits, this one says "Discount on cover charge at specialty restaurants" and there is no mention of "one" or "one time use".  For example, there is a laundry benefit that says "one-time use".  It seems that if this discount was meant to be for a one time use they would have made that clear, like they did on other benefits.  

 

https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/new-images/Captain's Club Benefit Brochure_072821.pdf

 

32 minutes ago, PaulaW said:

I agree with the above posters.

 

I was on the Edge in October and dined at 3 specialty restaurants and had the 15% discount applied to all three reservations.  We had to ask at Guest Services to get it applied, but it was done.

 

Keep at them!

Thanks everyone! OK, I just got back from meeting with the Captains Club reps. The bottom line is they sent an email to Celebrity HQ in Miami for an official interpretation of the rules regarding the 15% SR discount for Elite+. When she hears back from them, she is going to call me. However, since it’s after 5 pm, chances are she won’t hear back from HQ until sometime tomorrow. So stay tuned … 😎

[Ken the cruiser]

4 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

We have arrived in Nassau!

 

 

In about an hour we’ll be heading out on our third Harbor Tour we booked through Celebrity. We took it when we were here on the Edge in August, in November when we were on the Apex, and now. It is such a relaxing, fun cruise around the waterways and their rum punch is quite tasty! However, this time there has been a change in vessels, as their catamaran is having some maintenance issues. Today, we’ll be on a ferry boat which should be interesting, so stay tuned for pictures. 😎

 

We had a good time on the Harbor Tour, but they were able to fix their catamaran, so no ferry substitution. However, the free rum punches are now a thing of the past with cruising starting to get back into full swing. Instead, we got one complimentary fruit punch with ice. But if you wanted it with rum, it was an addition $7. But, the hour boat ride was still worth it I believe.

 

 

Edited December 21, 2021 by Ken the cruiser