After a decade away, we're coming back to Celebrity

[chrismch]

Our last cruise was in January of this year on RCL and we booked our Celebrity cruise while on that one to compare. So I have some questions...

We'll be driving to the cruise an arriving around 1 pm. When do they release cabins so we can drop our bags?

Are any specialty restaurants open for lunch on embarkation day?

What's the max price point for the "all included" drink program? And can I get champagne and martinis?

Are there any prizes for trivia?

If I order one of the steaks or lobster fee options in the MDR, is the same as what I'd be getting at the specialty restaurant?

How early do you have to arrive for the evening shows to get a seat? What are the best shows to see?

What's the best menu item that I shouldn't miss having on the cruise?

What do you enjoy most about cruising with Celebrity?

 

[Northern Aurora]

So many questions  but I will start.  Our OP also hasn't provided information on their specific ship.

 

Celebrity now does not provide stateroom keys during the terminal embarkation check-in process.  The Seapass cards will be in your mail slot outside of your stateroom.  If you board while your stateroom is still being prepared there will be a magnetic sign with verbiage something to the effect of "work in progress."  But you can pick up your Seapass cards, deliver your carry-on bags and put valuables in your stateroom safe.

 

Few specialty restaurants are open on embarkation day.  Luminae will be open for Suite passengers, as will be the Mast Grill and Ocean View cafe.  The MDR is only open for a special Concierge Class embarkation day lunch; Zenith members of the Captain's Club and B2B passengers are also invited to the Concierge Class luncheon.

 

We always have the Premium beverage package, but my recollection is that the price limit for classic is around $9.00.  I may be incorrect so someone will provide correct info.  If folks with the classic package purchase an alcohol drink over the limit they will be charged for the difference plus the gratuity on the difference.

 

I am not sure I understand the question about uncharged menu items in the MDR.

 

Celebrity theaters are sufficiently large that unless you are extremely picky about specific seats you should be able to arrive about 15 to 10 minutes before a show and be able to select a seat which will please you.

[Denny01]

Would help if knew the ship you are on but generally, the SRs are open when passengers arrive to the extent you can go to yours and drop off your carry ons. In the two cases we experienced the SRs were open for full use at around 1pm. 
 

specialty restaurants aren’t open for lunch but the Sushi On Five which is a ala carte pay by dish is usually open. If you are in a Concierge SR they have lunch in a MDR. Not sure about Aqua or Retreat Suite. 
 

I haven’t seen the uporder fee for steaks or lobsters on any Celebrity ship MDR. 

 

As for AI, I for drinks, I think it is $9 and I got martinis. Not a special gin or vodka. 
 

We get to the theater shows about 15min or less in most cases. 
 

edit: I see @Northern Aurora beat me to this. I think we agree on most. 
 

den

Edited August 15, 2022 by Denny01

[Luvcrusn]

38 minutes ago, chrismch said:

Our last cruise was in January of this year on RCL and we booked our Celebrity cruise while on that one to compare. So I have some questions...

We'll be driving to the cruise an arriving around 1 pm. When do they release cabins so we can drop our bags? You can drop your bags in your cabin as soon as you board even though the room may not be ready yet and you pick up your seapass card at your room.

Are any specialty restaurants open for lunch on embarkation day? Yes but it depends what whip you are sailing as to which ones.

What's the max price point for the "all included" drink program? And can I get champagne and martinis? If by the "all included" you mean the Classic drink package the max price point is $9.  If you order anything above that price point, you are only charged the difference plus the gratuity. You can get Prosecco, and some low end champagne. The martini bar martinis are above the $9 but there are smaller martinis available for the Classic included price.

Are there any prizes for trivia? Yes

If I order one of the steaks or lobster fee options in the MDR, is the same as what I'd be getting at the specialty restaurant?I don't recall seeing any lobster options in the MDR for an additional fee, just the lobster that is served on the second evening chic night as a regular menu choice. There is always a steak option on the MDR menu for no additional fee. No the steak options are not as good as the specialty restaurant options.

How early do you have to arrive for the evening shows to get a seat? What are the best shows to see? The shows are at 7 and 9 nightly (some have reported them as being 7:30 and 9:30 lately) and if you arrive 10-15 minutes before you will not have a problem getting a seat as long as you are not super "picky" about where you like to sit.

What's the best menu item that I shouldn't miss having on the cruise?We love the escargot as an appetizer and the lobster, duck and rack of lamb are always delicious. Of course those things are subject to individual taste preferences.

What do you enjoy most about cruising with Celebrity?We love the adult atmosphere and the fact that the casino, as well as all indoor venues are smoke free.

 

Enjoy your sailing! You may find you have a new favorite cruise line.

[cruisestitch]

Some ships give out trinkets and tokens for trivia, others don’t.  Infinity did, Summit says they have run out

 

i think they have dropped the “extra charge” items from the MDR menu

[Gatordad1967]

being that our safety briefing spot was the Tuscan Restaurant, I'd say no.   But YMMV.

[canderson]

10 hours ago, chrismch said:

What do you enjoy most about cruising with Celebrity?

 

A lot of things, but each time I think about this, one thing always bubbles to the top...

 

It's a much more enjoyable cruise when there's not someone on the PA all day long reminding me of what a great time I'm having, and telling me where that next "can't miss" event is being held.  Sets a whole different tone for the experience.

[DCPIV]

10 hours ago, chrismch said:

What's the max price point for the "all included" drink program? And can I get champagne and martinis?

 

As mentioned, the drink package works more like an allowance.  You can get anything you want, and Celebrity will cover the first $9 of it.  You pay any difference plus 20% gratutity on that difference.  You can look a price list to see what comes in at or below the $9 mark, and you also can just ask the bartender or sommelier what you can do to stay in your package.  If you care to upgrade the package, you can easily do that once on board.

 

10 hours ago, chrismch said:

What do you enjoy most about cruising with Celebrity?

 

We very much like the lower-key atmosphere.  There still is plenty of activity if you want it, but it's also easier to relax without a bunch of announcements and high energy stuff going on.  We also very much like how many smaller, lounge-type music acts there are on board.  We also enjoy finding "smaller" ships that have fun or interesting itineraries and that have been kept up so well.

[Keys Kathy]

I am trying to remember 10 years ago, but I believe there are a few other things that have changed. They no longer have the Acapela Groups, no seaday lunch extravaganza in the MDR, no Captains Club special with all the entertainment and food, and no more Champange on arrival. They have also redesigned the Ocean View cafe on the Millenium Class ships. 

 

There haven't been any craft people on for quite awhile either and there are few guest speakers. Heck, we are not even making towel animals or have napkin folding! Oh, and much of the food in the MDR has change, no more JVC meatballs or anything else in the cookbook. Qusine have been replaced with Petit Chef. (It is worth seeing once, but they have upped the price to $60. pp) 

 

You want to sign up online for your first nights' specialty restaurant. There is usually a discount unless you are on an Edge class ship. Prices have skyrocketed. We paid $99 for a ships tour a few years back. Now they want $139! To upgrade you drink package from regular to premium used to be $11.80 with the tip, per day. Now it is $18. with tip per person, per day.

 

BUT! You'll still see us on board. The people are the best. The service is the best.

[D. B.]

To Chrismch

I can answer 2 of your questions.....

 Prizes for Trivia. On my 7 X cruises since June 2021 the prizes for Trivia have been either a lanyard with a cast Metal or Plastic X to hang around our neck (one for each member if you are on a Team) OR some swag like a Deck of Cards or another  X branded item.

 I can tell you that on the same night that Lobster Tail is Served in the MDR it is available in the Specialty Dining restaurants with a delicious creamy sauce instead of plain as in the MDR.

 You may find that Formal Nights have been replaced by Evening Chic Attire but it's only a Suggestion.

 I hope you have a Great Celebrity Cruise!

[Keys Kathy]

12 minutes ago, D. B. said:

To Chrismch

I can answer 2 of your questions.....

 Prizes for Trivia. On my 7 X cruises since June 2021 the prizes for Trivia have been either a lanyard with a cast Metal or Plastic X to hang around our neck (one for each member if you are on a Team) OR some swag like a Deck of Cards or another  X branded item.

 I can tell you that on the same night that Lobster Tail is Served in the MDR it is available in the Specialty Dining restaurants with a delicious creamy sauce instead of plain as in the MDR.

 You may find that Formal Nights have been replaced by Evening Chic Attire but it's only a Suggestion.

 I hope you have a Great Celebrity Cruise!

When we are in Lumenia, we request our lobster from the MDR. We don't like the sauce. Since I don't know what ship you will be sailing, I can't speak about the choices of specialty restaurants.

 

As far as evening chic, you will see a few gowns and tuxes around, but since the airlines limit your luggage now, formal attire is just too heavy to travel with. They are not doing formal night on Azamara either. 

 

[Gatordad1967]

formal night was an excuse to sell overpriced photos.

 

[Denny01]

1 hour ago, Gatordad1967 said:

formal night was an excuse to sell overpriced photos.

 

No, Formal Night for many of us was an ‘excuse’ to dress up and have a bit of fun, unlike normal going out’s. But enjoy the Chic nights. I’ll wear a sports jacket and sometimes a bow tie, other times, just shirt and slacks. Heck, sometimes do it on any old night. 

 

Den