Jim_Iain - B2B Sydney - Honolulu - Vancouver

[Jim_Iain]

16 minutes ago, hcat said:

Sounds like you are having a good cruise, despite cancelled ports.. Mellow is good!

 

"F stop"  not on my cell phone apparently!

 

You probably have it --- Adjust -  second button Exposure (after shooting).

 

On a Pro Max I can force it by portrait mode top right the f stop.   It controls how much light enters the picture. 

 

 

 

Edited April 12 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

21 minutes ago, cruisingxpert said:

Don't eat it all.  I get on in Honolulu.😅

Hope they will still have it. 

[Jim_Iain]

9 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 I agree with you 100%.  Guess that makes me a GRUMPY OLD GIT as well.  So be it.

 

 

Now….the photo op

 

[cachouonacruise]

13 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Sorry --- these are of course only my opinions and we each have different tastes and preferences.    I think Edge convinced us we will never sail E-Class again.     If E-Class is Celebrity's future we are Celebrity's Past... ok... ok.... I'm an GRUMPY OLD GIT!   Stay tuned.

 

 

 

I certainly don't have your cruise experience level, nor do I sail in the retreat or in suites.

 

This said, I agree with your conclusion! Celebrity Edge did not do it for us!

 

The bars, the specialty restaurant, and even the MDR and the food, were much more enjoyable on S and M class ships than the Edge.

 

In addition...the Infinite Verandah, did not do it for us either.

 

But, even more significant, for non Retreat Passengers, all activities are held in The Box... sorry, I meant, The Club, which is a windowless, boring environment. I Really, really, missed the Sky Lounge! 

 

Cruising, for me means being close to the seas, seeing and smelling the ocean. On the Edge, I really felt boxed-in with no front view access for non-retreat passengers. It really did not feel like a cruise! 
 

The only aspect that really blew me away on Edge, were the production shows and other shows at the theatre! With one exception, they were all a Wow! For us. Bravo for this! 

 

But, despite, the show quality on Edge, I am not planning to return to this type of class ship! 

[MicCanberra]

10 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Captain just came on.  Medical emergency and we are diverting to Noumea, New Caledonia for an evacuation.    
 

Looks like they will be cancelling Mystery Island, Vanuatu.   
 

Trying other alternatives but won’t know until tomorrow morning.  
 

It will remain a mystery,  I hope the person with the medical issue is okay.

[MicCanberra]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Saturday - 7:30 AM

 

I'm up and sipping on my first cupa Java.   Well we are at sea --- that's all I know for sure -- Cruise Mapper says we are sailing at 22 Knots and heading to Lautoka,Fiji -  I suspect we will have an overnight.  

 

I guess Captain Theo will let us know once he makes an announcement -  He came on 3 times last night between 9 and 10PM and said he would update us once shore side makes arrangements.

 

 

Yes, Solstice is heading to Lautoka for a 1.30pm arrival tomorrow, and overnighting there.

[JazzyV]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

You probably have it --- Adjust -  second button Exposure (after shooting).

 

On a Pro Max I can force it by portrait mode top right the f stop.   It controls how much light enters the picture. 

 

 

 

Do you shoot in ProRAW  or just  regular photo mode at a high resolution?

[kris816]

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Our very first cruise in 2000 was in a Veranda what was called a 1A   -   They later turned them into Aqua Class Rooms-   Marketing ploy as they weren't selling well.  

 

Next cruise was in a Sky Suite.    Since then we have sailed in CS, RS and PS.    Our original plan was that once we hit Zenith we would sail in Aqua  and enjoy all the free perks.   That happened once and then they eliminated Zenith Access to Retreat.  

 

Yikes -- General Population.... is that like the exercise yard in prison when not confined to solitary.  LOL      We sailed in Suites long before they had a Suites Dining Room and a Suites Lounge.    At that time for the extra price all you got was a bigger room and a Butler.

Thank you for the insight. I’ve done suites twice when we’ve gotten good deals. Once on Infinity and once on Reflection. Reading about the experience on the E class, which I’ve sailed in Gen Pop only, I don’t think I will seek it out.  

[bjahil47]

15 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Today was day 4 and I thought I would reflect on the cruise - especially with our recent disappointment with the Edge Class ships.

 

Michael's Club - vs - Retreat Lounge

 

While the Suites lounge hasn't been updated and still the old dark clubby paneling - we are enjoying it much better than Retreat.  

 

The Concierges are engaging, attentive and very responsive to any request.   Even though they don't have a hot/cold table they have everything you wish with table side service.   It is our go to place for a light continental breakfast.    We went to the CC Breakfast one morning and it was mobbed -- we had to grab a table when someone got up and it was cleared of the dirty dishes quickly.   I think this cruise has a large CC member count -- they had 2 Captains Toasts --- Elite + and above and all others the next day.

 

They have a actual bar on Solstice which we love.   Originally there were 4 chairs and Lucy pulled up 2 more --- then last night she had 8 high top seats for the group that we have been drinking with.     Really fun -   as opposed to to the Airport Lounge feel of Edge. 

 

Sorry --- these are of course only my opinions and we each have different tastes and preferences.    I think Edge convinced us we will never sail E-Class again.     If E-Class is Celebrity's future we are Celebrity's Past... ok... ok.... I'm an GRUMPY OLD GIT!   Stay tuned.

 

Luminae -

 

So far would give it a 10+ on Solstice vs a 7 on Edge.   Food always perfectly cooked to order.   The Maitre'd an Assistant are ever present and checking in.    The Sommelier greets us when we arrive and is watching glasses constantly.    Edge shall we say was like pulling teeth or asking the assistant waiter to find him.     Iain was please that they had his  Louis Jardot - Macon-Village 2020 on the Premium Package.... He is happy.   I have my Fre Red - January 2024 so am also pleased.

 

When we first boarded we saw they had implemented the "New" Luminae Menu -  Of course the Raspberry Pistachio Vancherin had been replaced with the Chocolate Pill on the Daniel Boulud menu.     Last night I noticed it was on day 3 menu.   I asked Mori (our waiter) if it was a mistake.  He said no-   they were going to alternate and it was indeed available ---  2 points for the Solstice.

 

Next up Murano -

 

Excellent as usual.   It was quiet with light music in the background -  unlike ALL OF THE SPECIALTIES  on Edge Class with no walls and blaring noise an music.  I would give our experience a 10+ vs.   all the specialties on Edge Class -  7-

 

More later --- Iain just left for a smoke and I meet him in Michael's Club in 15 minutes.

 

 

 

We have been on Equinox 8 times!  We went on Beyond last month and did not care for it.  To us it was cold and uninviting.  Not once did anyone greet us in Retreat Lounge, call us, etc.  it took 9 days for the assistant waiter to comprehend I was gluten free.  On Equinox we were always greeted walking in Retreat door, waiters/assistants knew I was gf on day one and remembered and gave me options for dinner instead of me asking “can I eat this?”.  We also always received calls from Retreat on Equinox.  
 

We booked a cruise on Reflection while on Beyond.

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, JazzyV said:

Do you shoot in ProRAW  or just  regular photo mode at a high resolution?

I don't shoot ProRAW usually --- but I do like Live.   It is especially handy when shooting a picture of multiple people and can find a frame where everyone's eyes are open and mouths shut. 

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, kris816 said:

Thank you for the insight. I’ve done suites twice when we’ve gotten good deals. Once on Infinity and once on Reflection. Reading about the experience on the E class, which I’ve sailed in Gen Pop only, I don’t think I will seek it out.  

 

They younger demographics that enjoy loud music and lots of activities enjoy the E-Class.  There are far more Specialty Restaurants but.... they don't have Murano and Tuscan (Specialty).  

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, cachouonacruise said:

I certainly don't have your cruise experience level, nor do I sail in the retreat or in suites.

 

This said, I agree with your conclusion! Celebrity Edge did not do it for us!

 

The bars, the specialty restaurant, and even the MDR and the food, were much more enjoyable on S and M class ships than the Edge.

 

In addition...the Infinite Verandah, did not do it for us either.

 

But, even more significant, for non Retreat Passengers, all activities are held in The Box... sorry, I meant, The Club, which is a windowless, boring environment. I Really, really, missed the Sky Lounge! 

 

Cruising, for me means being close to the seas, seeing and smelling the ocean. On the Edge, I really felt boxed-in with no front view access for non-retreat passengers. It really did not feel like a cruise! 
 

The only aspect that really blew me away on Edge, were the production shows and other shows at the theatre! With one exception, they were all a Wow! For us. Bravo for this! 

 

But, despite, the show quality on Edge, I am not planning to return to this type of class ship! 

 

I can understand that for sure.   The one thing I do like is the track that goes up and down two decks.

 

To be honest we haven't been to a show in 10 years.   I have looked inside and it does look like beautiful sight lines...

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, MicCanberra said:

Yes, Solstice is heading to Lautoka for a 1.30pm arrival tomorrow, and overnighting there.

 

Where did you see that.   The Captain hasn't said yet and no one is talking on the ship.  I looked on Cruise Mapper and they are showing we arrive at 4PM.     I was saying to Iain we could visit the Botanic Garden - around 2 km away but it closes at 4 PM.    We have a tour the next day.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

4 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I will have to say Millennium still holds a warm spot in our hearts.   She was the first ship we sailed in the year 2000.    She is our first love and there will always be a warm spot in our heart for her -  regardless of age. 

Mercury was my first Celebrity ship.  She's long gone, although we've seen her in her new livery in several ports.

[Jim_Iain]

55 minutes ago, bjahil47 said:

We have been on Equinox 8 times!  We went on Beyond last month and did not care for it.  To us it was cold and uninviting.  Not once did anyone greet us in Retreat Lounge, call us, etc.  it took 9 days for the assistant waiter to comprehend I was gluten free.  On Equinox we were always greeted walking in Retreat door, waiters/assistants knew I was gf on day one and remembered and gave me options for dinner instead of me asking “can I eat this?”.  We also always received calls from Retreat on Equinox.  
 

We booked a cruise on Reflection while on Beyond.

 

Reflections has 2X the number of Sky Suites 44 vs 84 plus Extra Reflection Suite and Signature Suites...   Puts a strain on both Retreat and Luminae.    When first introduced we had a major problem with the restaurant and chose to never sail her again.   

 

Again... many do not share our opinion and love her.

[Jim_Iain]

2 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

Mercury was my first Celebrity ship.  She's long gone, although we've seen her in her new livery in several ports.

 

Iain also loved Mercury... especially the Royal Suite ---- they had a huge sofa facing the wall of windows and you could just sit there and watch the inland passageway glide past your room.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

20 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

I don't shoot ProRAW usually --- but I do like Live.   It is especially handy when shooting a picture of multiple people and can find a frame where everyone's eyes are open and mouths shut. 

How do you save just one frame from Live?  I've never been able to figure that out.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

2 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Reflections has 2X the number of Sky Suites 44 vs 84 plus Extra Reflection Suite and Signature Suites...   Puts a strain on both Retreat and Luminae.    When first introduced we had a major problem with the restaurant and chose to never sail her again.   

 

Again... many do not share our opinion and love her.

I think we Grumpy Old Gits prefer the more sedate atmosphere.  Where did you get your GOG t-shirt?

[Jim_Iain]

Hmmm.... Now what to do today.    That is the question. 

 

I stopped off in the casino and pulled off the remainder of my OBC --- Haven't cashed in yet but I think I have about $3,500 in my little key wallet.   

 

The machines are definitely set at having to play 50% before getting locked out.   I think I have played enough to hit that threshold.   So far I'm still up about 20%

 

I believe I may be able to calculate by the number of points I've accumulated.   Does anyone know how much you have to play for each point on a slot?

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

8 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

I think we Grumpy Old Gits prefer the more sedate atmosphere.  Where did you get your GOG t-shirt?

 

In the UK.   I love it..    I just had to buy it.    It was in Portsmouth UK

 

Online site

Edited April 13 by Jim_Iain

[Ex-Airbalancer]

44 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Where did you see that.   The Captain hasn't said yet and no one is talking on the ship.  I looked on Cruise Mapper and they are showing we arrive at 4PM.     I was saying to Iain we could visit the Botanic Garden - around 2 km away but it closes at 4 PM.    We have a tour the next day.

Probably from here 

[kwokpot]

55 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

To be honest we haven't been to a show in 10 years.   I have looked inside and it does look like beautiful sight lines...

I'm not sure why you think the theaters on E-Class ships don't have great sightlines; there's literally no columns anywhere. The theater on the Ascent is one of the most spectacular theaters of any cruiseship.

[Cruising Is Bliss]

1 hour ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

Mercury was my first Celebrity ship.  She's long gone, although we've seen her in her new livery in several ports.

 

Mercury was my first Celebrity ship too. We sailed on her twice and have very fond memories.

[bjahil47]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Reflections has 2X the number of Sky Suites 44 vs 84 plus Extra Reflection Suite and Signature Suites...   Puts a strain on both Retreat and Luminae.    When first introduced we had a major problem with the restaurant and chose to never sail her again.   

 

Again... many do not share our opinion and love her.

Thanks, I did not research that.  Don’t know if will make any difference that we will be in RS.   Can’t be any worse than Beyond, in which we got a pager and had to wait 40 minutes for a table in a half full Luminae.  We were in SS on Beyond.  

[MicCanberra]

3 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Where did you see that.   The Captain hasn't said yet and no one is talking on the ship.  I looked on Cruise Mapper and they are showing we arrive at 4PM.     I was saying to Iain we could visit the Botanic Garden - around 2 km away but it closes at 4 PM.    We have a tour the next day.

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