Jim_Iain - First Non-Celebrity Cruise in 22 year - Ponant vs Celebrity Comparison

[Jim_Iain]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 13, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[gfkcruiser]

Think we went to the Soo locks when we were there. 

[carolyn22]

50 minutes ago, janabelle61 said:

Jim - I follow quietly most of the time, but wanted to thank you for the Mackinac Island pictures!! It was home to me for several summers during college and I miss the island.

 

I would imagine the restrictions on entry to the hotel last year were Covid related as typically there's been a small fee to enjoy the porch since the early 80s.

We went to Mackinac last year in mid-September. We were able to do a self guided tour of the Grand Hotel for $10 each. It was on a Monday.  So I don’t think it was anything Covid related. The only thing I can think is that maybe they don’t allow it over the summer or maybe not on weekends?  It was such a beautiful place!  And I would have loved to do that glorious tea. How wonderful that you were able to spend your college summers there!

[Jim_Iain]

Differences

 

Retraction of a Retraction 

 

The Ponant App with all the promises is useless

 

 

 

 

Check the time.    The actual time was 12:30 pm

TV clock is off by an hour.   
 

Hate to say Celebrity App is extremely high tech to Ponant.  

[Jim_Iain]

Difference

 

Now for something I love. 
 

Every room has both a tea kettle and a coffee pod machine.  
 

 

Bar fully loaded and replenished daily

 

 

 

Another smart idea is the keep the ice in refrigerator and it doesn’t melt. 

[Jim_Iain]

Now this is something I love.   Next to you door are putting for do not disturb and request your room to be made up. 
 

Information is displayed on a screen out side the door. 
 

[REEtired]

7 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Final stop was the Somewhere in Time memorabilia room

 

 

❤️

[mchell810]

18 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Another smart idea is the keep the ice in refrigerator and it doesn’t melt. 

 

I first saw that on Silversea, it really does make a difference. 

 

Also, I am really glad I had lunch before I saw the pictures of your tea at Mackinac. 😋

[hcat]

21 hours ago, Ciaranaman said:

Completely agree!  I LOVE this shot!

~Bernadette

 

Jim

what a treat having a new  group of photos to enjoy..thank you!

 

upcoming X suite guests will be jeaous to see the Fridges filled  & you can use the stuff inside without extra charge!

 

I like that this thread is bringing out  great memories in folks that have shared these places in their lives . So very lovely!

[Jim_Iain]

Difference:

 

Drink Packages -   Ponant provides a standard drinks package for all guests that cover the basic wines and bar drinks.   I'll try to publish menu later.  

 

Unlike Celebrity, if your drink is over the limit (they are listed with symbols) you pay the full price of the premium not the difference.  

 

Similar to Celebrity all guests in a stateroom need to buy the upgrade package - 25 Euros pp/day.      Grey Goose falls under the premium.    When speaking to the bar tender he said since I don't drink he could do it just for Iain. 

[Jim_Iain]

30 minutes ago, hcat said:

 

Jim

what a treat having a new  group of photos to enjoy..thank you!

 

upcoming X suite guests will be jeaous to see the Fridges filled  & you can use the stuff inside without extra charge!

 

I like that this thread is bringing out  great memories in folks that have shared these places in their lives . So very lovely!

 

It's really nice.   Our stateroom attendant also explained if we wanted a different selection to let him know and he would restock.

[Jim_Iain]

Someone earlier had asked if Ponant has a Sauna in addition to a gym, beauty and Massage. 

 

Yes they have a Sauna with an ocean view window.    The sauna is open 10Am-7PM

 

Pool is Open 24 hours per day.

[Jim_Iain]

Another difference

 

Bath product are all Premium Brand Clarins of Paris. 
 

Really like them. 

 

[Jim_Iain]

We just departed for Little Rapids.    The nice thing of a small ship is you sail really close to land.  Lots of birds and wildlife. 
 

This afternoon one of the curators gave a lecture on bird watching. 
 

[Jim_Iain]

Bar Menu 

Code Martini Glass Premium

No Price - Included drink Package

Just Price - not covered and you pay listed amount

 

Unlike Celebrity if you choose a premium item and don’t have a premium you pay the listed amount. 
 

 

*** Price has increased from 20 to 25 Euros

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 13, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[miched]

Million dollar question.   Were you persuaded into buying the fudge?  If so opinion.  You know mine from a previous post.  
 

One time when we were there a youth pointed to the road apples and went phew  what is that?   The dad said without hesitation that is fudge.   😱🤗.  One way to keep them from asking to buy some.  

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[Purplsmurf]

Oh no! We were supposed to meet when you were here in Milwaukee. I haven’t been on here in awhile so just seeing this today. Bummer! Hope you have a fabulous cruise.

[DaKahuna]

5 hours ago, hcat said:

 

Jim

what a treat having a new  group of photos to enjoy..thank you!

 

upcoming X suite guests will be jeaous to see the Fridges filled  & you can use the stuff inside without extra charge!

 

 We just booked a February 2024 cruise on MSC in the Yacht Club.  The minibar is included. 
 

[DaKahuna]

Jim,  inquiring minds must know — true Guinea Hen or not?  
 

[Norwaylady]

So late to the party Jim😅

Really great to follow your adventure on this cruise!

 

I think its great that you post from this adventure on the X forum🥰 

The ship looks great, small but well appointed.  

 

Looking forward to the rest!

[Jim_Iain]

12 hours ago, miched said:

Million dollar question.   Were you persuaded into buying the fudge?  If so opinion.  You know mine from a previous post.  
 

One time when we were there a youth pointed to the road apples and went phew  what is that?   The dad said without hesitation that is fudge.   😱🤗.  One way to keep them from asking to buy some.  

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

We ended up passing on the fudge.  I was tempted but finally decided to pass.   I almost broke down and got some English Toffee but also resisted. 

[Jim_Iain]

9 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

Jim,  inquiring minds must know — true Guinea Hen or not?  
 

Yes.  True Guinea Hen.   You could tell as the skin has a layer of fat (not as thick as a duck).  The fat was nicely rendered and skin crisp.   The hen was perfectly cooked , tender and juicy. 

[Jim_Iain]

Another difference. 

 

Coffee is via a Nescafé machine but better than Al bacio.  Foam is Dry just the way I like. 

 

The serve a small dark chocolate with each cup.  Remember Cova Cafe and the chocolate you use to get?

 

[Jim_Iain]

The explorer class ships have a unique bar on deck 1 with eyes below sea level. 
 

 

[Jim_Iain]

Thursday 

Up early.   We arrived Little currents at 7:30 and I have a tour departing at 8:15.   There are 3 tours. 
 

My tour is right up my alley.  Hiking.  As the tour is a bit aggressive there is a warning ⛔️ 

 

it is like a small group tour. 15 guests on a large tour bus. 

 

 

We were tendered ashore and now waiting.   Not for a passenger but for our guide.   That’s a new one for me. 

 

Edited September 14, 2023 by Jim_Iain