What I gave up Aqua suite for!

[zwallace]

So wow, I've done something on the spur of the moment.  I debated all day to bidding up to a sky suite, but just didn't feel the move up bids were woth it for that amount of money. We  were in Agua class on the January 3rd Celebrity Constellation, room 9100.  No more.  We now are booked in room 9197, the family verandah at the port aft on the ship.  I was just doing a fake booking (like I do practically every day) and found it available.  I have wanted one of these aft cabins for a long time and recently snagged one for a 2023 Canada New England cruise.  I don't think I'll miss Blu at all, and I'm not a big spa person.  But I do love having a bigger room and the bigger balcony.  Please tell me we'll love it and that I haven't made a bad decision.

[royalcruz]

I think that's a great decision! We were just in an accessible concierge aft on Millenium this week and loved it. We had considered Aqua because it was the same price at the time. We are so glad we ended up eating in the MDR because it was superb,  and it felt very safe because it was so empty. We ate in Tuscan one night but it was not good on this cruise.

[Miaminice]

10 minutes ago, zwallace said:

Please tell me we'll love it and that I haven't made a bad decision.

 

Mmmh, I for one can´t do that 🙂 One of the only two cruises we did in a non AQ stateroom (or suite) was on M class - Millennium. We missed Blu every single day!

 

Not really because of the food - which is also good in the MDR - but because of the noise and rushed ambiance in the MDR. We disliked it so much that we preferred eating in Ocean View many nights where ist was nice and quiet. Might be different now with less capacity.

 

Our personal preference

M class - no cruise in MDR! Specialty options not worth mentioning.

S class - maybe, because many specialty restaurant options are available

E class - the 4 MDRs are fabulous. So AQ or suite are nice but not a must do.

 

[Turtles06]

25 minutes ago, zwallace said:

But I do love having a bigger room and the bigger balcony.  Please tell me we'll love it and that I haven't made a bad decision.

You will love it and you haven’t made a bad decision. The corner FVs are incredible. A ton of interior space, and an enormous private deck. We’ve sailed twice in corner FVs on M-class and loved it.   Being on Deck 9 might have a small drawback in potential noise from the Sunset Bar, but I don’t recall a lot of complaints about that. 
 

Enjoy it! 

[mfs2k]

Don’t allow yourself to regret your choice. Once you get on that ship have the best time you can and forget about Aqua. 
And you can still switch back if you really want to but it sounds like Aqua isn’t really for you anyway. 
I was in Aqua on Equinox. I liked the spa access but I would have been fine without it. I loved Blu. But you be you!  The new cabin sounds fabulous. 

[wrk2cruise]

With reduced capacity the MDR has actually been very pleasant.  I'm also on the Jan 3 sailing and see it way more heavily booked than the prior post restart sailings I've been on.

 

I do have a question for the OP as I'm looking to do something similar on the Jan 14 sailing if/when the FV cabins are released.  Did they consider this a downgrade?  Was the current price of the FV more/less than what you originally paid for AQ.  How was the difference handled, if it was less did they give you OBC for the difference?

[canderson]

If you're prepared to forgo the Aqua Suite bennies, you now have a GREAT cabin with a GREAT veranda in the corner.  Bigger inside and out than the sky suites, lots more closet space, and a nice 'two room' layout.  We've sailed in them many times.

 

@wrk2cruise

They'll hold FV cabins for groups of 5 when an itinerary is released, and because the web site allows you to enter a max of 4 pax for a cabin, it's often impossible to book online.  A TA with some X savvy will know how to approach this.  Booking for 2 may be limited to non-peak times (school in session), though.  Depends on demand.

 

 

Edited December 15, 2021 by canderson

[jelayne]

2 hours ago, wrk2cruise said:

 

I do have a question for the OP as I'm looking to do something similar on the Jan 14 sailing if/when the FV cabins are released.  Did they consider this a downgrade?  Was the current price of the FV more/less than what you originally paid for AQ.  How was the difference handled, if it was less did they give you OBC for the difference?

We moved from Concierge to a corner FV a few years ago.  It was considered a downgrade, CC points for a Veranda (not that it matters to you) , price was $20ish more. 

[wrk2cruise]

I'm very aware of the restrictions on FV.  They were recently made available on the first leg of my B2B just waiting for them to be released for double occupancy booking on the second leg which is just 30 days away.

 

At one time after final they would not allow "upgrades" unless it was at least $1 more even then it seem to depend on who you talked to.  That was the reason for my question to OP.

[NutsAboutGolf]

2 hours ago, wrk2cruise said:

With reduced capacity the MDR has actually been very pleasant.

Just my experience on the Edge in July and Equinox in Oct-Nov, in the MDR they were cramming people in by section (vs spacing folks out), only once every table in the section was full would another section be opened so you're were still basically on top of one another.  During each of the Q&As sessions someone mentioned this.  In the Edge, Capt Kate answered with something like enjoy that X protocols do not require masks or social distancing like other cruise lines; many pax later griped about her response.  Maybe things have changed.

Edited December 15, 2021 by NutsAboutGolf

[wrk2cruise]

We have asked to be seated with spacing and have been given a 4 top for just the 2 of us and generally the next table over was left empty.  Went to breakfast on disembarkation day and it was as you mentioned, one small area packed.   Celebrity has really just given lip service to social distancing.   Edge and Equinox, no markings anywhere.  Summit at least had them in the elevators and in the casino.

[canderson]

1 hour ago, wrk2cruise said:

I'm very aware of the restrictions on FV.  They were recently made available on the first leg of my B2B just waiting for them to be released for double occupancy booking on the second leg which is just 30 days

Your sail dates appear low season, and as you're sailing during in-school time where demand is low for 5 pax cabins, a savvy TA, as earlier noted, knows how to work with X to book the cabin for you.  At least it used to be possible.  We were able to do it many times.  If you'll email at the address in my signature line, I will explain how the wink and nod between X and my TA worked.

 

Again, we never requested this arrangement during high season, which I suspect is why it was always allowed.

Edited December 15, 2021 by canderson

[mahdnc]

8 hours ago, zwallace said:

So wow, I've done something on the spur of the moment.  I debated all day to bidding up to a sky suite, but just didn't feel the move up bids were woth it for that amount of money. We  were in Agua class on the January 3rd Celebrity Constellation, room 9100.  No more.  We now are booked in room 9197, the family verandah at the port aft on the ship.  I was just doing a fake booking (like I do practically every day) and found it available.  I have wanted one of these aft cabins for a long time and recently snagged one for a 2023 Canada New England cruise.  I don't think I'll miss Blu at all, and I'm not a big spa person.  But I do love having a bigger room and the bigger balcony.  Please tell me we'll love it and that I haven't made a bad decision.

 

Congratulations on getting afted! 

 

As someone who has sailed M-class FV several times, I know you will be happy with your decision.  You will have amazing views for your Canada/NE sailing.  Enjoy!

 

Infinity, Beagle Channel, Dec 31 2016

 

Infinity FV 8166

[zwallace]

4 hours ago, wrk2cruise said:

With reduced capacity the MDR has actually been very pleasant.  I'm also on the Jan 3 sailing and see it way more heavily booked than the prior post restart sailings I've been on.

 

I do have a question for the OP as I'm looking to do something similar on the Jan 14 sailing if/when the FV cabins are released.  Did they consider this a downgrade?  Was the current price of the FV more/less than what you originally paid for AQ.  How was the difference handled, if it was less did they give you OBC for the difference?

I had to pay the aqua suite price as I'd already made my final payment. But we kept our $300 OBC. I'd already upgraded to premium drink package for dh, but the nice guy canceled it for me so I can use the OBC to pay for it once we're on board. That way we can pick a bartender at a bar we intend to frequent and I think he'll get the tip or commission and take good care of us, probably the Martini bar. I feel like getting this huge room and balcony was totally worth it. 

[royalcruz]

11 hours ago, Miaminice said:

 

Mmmh, I for one can´t do that 🙂 One of the only two cruises we did in a non AQ stateroom (or suite) was on M class - Millennium. We missed Blu every single day!

 

Not really because of the food - which is also good in the MDR - but because of the noise and rushed ambiance in the MDR. We disliked it so much that we preferred eating in Ocean View many nights where ist was nice and quiet. Might be different now with less capacity.

 

Our personal preference

M class - no cruise in MDR! Specialty options not worth mentioning.

S class - maybe, because many specialty restaurant options are available

E class - the 4 MDRs are fabulous. So AQ or suite are nice but not a must do.

 

I would normally feel the same way, but this week on M we found the MDR delightful. We were in select deck 4 and usually ate around 8:30. We felt like we had the room to ourselves and the service was very good and well paced. There are many tables for 2 that are not close to others. (The noise level in Tuscan was beyond loud and the service felt chaotic and stressed).

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

You will love it.  Those are fabulous cabins.  I moved into that exact cabin from a royal suite on a B2B2B and liked it better than the RS.  Of course, this was back before being in a suite got you a separate dining room, etc.  I was never particularly impressed with dining in Blu.  I find the MDR to be very good.

[cruising in mn]

You gave up an Aqua SUITE, or an Aqua class cabin? Big difference. 

Me personally, Love Blu, but in a suite you get Luminae, also very very good. 

[zwallace]

I believe an aqua room. I don't know all the different categories. Just know a big cabin and a huge verandah when I see one and am thrilled to be sailing in it!

[mfs2k]

8 hours ago, zwallace said:

I believe an aqua room. I don't know all the different categories. Just know a big cabin and a huge verandah when I see one and am thrilled to be sailing in it!

The difference is about $2,000 a person 

[ljk76]

Family afts are the best cabins on the ship.  Years ago we also lucked out on finding one to switch into after final payment. It’s a special opportunity…you can go aqua for you next cruise! 

[twins_to_alaska]

I've had in order celebrity suite on S class, family corner aft on M, aqua on S, and sky suite on M.  I loved them all! All solo except the celebrity suite. I really enjoyed the balcony for the family aft corner. Spent a lot of time out there. I think it's fun to experience different options. I hope you love it! 

[goofysmom99]

OP, congratulations on scoring a corner FV!  Except for the M-class penthouses, they're the best cabins in the fleet IMO.  Earlier this month, I moved from S1 (6131) to corner FV (8181) on Summit and much preferred the FV.  The cabin space is terrific and the balcony.....oh my!  After 4 recent cruises in Luminae and 3 in the MDR, I was every bit as happy with the MDR where I actually received more attentive service.  Food was excellent in both.  I did frequently order from the MDR and Blu menus in Luminae.  I will offer one suggestion for Summit/Millennium FVs - bring your own mirror.  The lighted one is about 15 ft from the desk (where the plugs are); it's on the wall between the door and the closet with no outlet.  

 

Recently saw an FV become available for next year's Constellation TA and was able to downgrade from S1 6146 (great cabin) to corner FV 7199.  I couldn't be more pleased.

[cruise kitty]

On 12/14/2021 at 11:28 PM, zwallace said:

So wow, I've done something on the spur of the moment.  I debated all day to bidding up to a sky suite, but just didn't feel the move up bids were woth it for that amount of money. We  were in Agua class on the January 3rd Celebrity Constellation, room 9100.  No more.  We now are booked in room 9197, the family verandah at the port aft on the ship.  I was just doing a fake booking (like I do practically every day) and found it available.  I have wanted one of these aft cabins for a long time and recently snagged one for a 2023 Canada New England cruise.  I don't think I'll miss Blu at all, and I'm not a big spa person.  But I do love having a bigger room and the bigger balcony.  Please tell me we'll love it and that I haven't made a bad decision.

With reduced capacity, MDR is like having a private restaurant..  this will be your one opportunity to experience that...   & those aft family verandah cabins look wonderful, don't regret your decision & enjoy your holiday!

[canderson]

3 hours ago, goofysmom99 said:

 

Recently saw an FV become available for next year's Constellation TA and was able to downgrade from S1 6146 (great cabin) to corner FV 7199.  I couldn't be more pleased.

Downgrade?  That's an upgrade!😁

That's the cabin we were in for our last Connie coast to coast Panama cruise and Alaska.

[zwallace]

16 hours ago, goofysmom99 said:

OP, congratulations on scoring a corner FV!  Except for the M-class penthouses, they're the best cabins in the fleet IMO.  Earlier this month, I moved from S1 (6131) to corner FV (8181) on Summit and much preferred the FV.  The cabin space is terrific and the balcony.....oh my!  After 4 recent cruises in Luminae and 3 in the MDR, I was every bit as happy with the MDR where I actually received more attentive service.  Food was excellent in both.  I did frequently order from the MDR and Blu menus in Luminae.  I will offer one suggestion for Summit/Millennium FVs - bring your own mirror.  The lighted one is about 15 ft from the desk (where the plugs are); it's on the wall between the door and the closet with no outlet.  

 

Recently saw an FV become available for next year's Constellation TA and was able to downgrade from S1 6146 (great cabin) to corner FV 7199.  I couldn't be more pleased.

Thanks for your suggesting to bring my own mirror. I always bring a 10X magnifying mirror. I can't see too put my makeup on otherwise. I'd look like bozo the clown of I had to rely on regular strength mirrors. 🤡