Celebrity Secrets they usually don't tell you about

[waserdog]

Thanks Canderson for the site, it's clearly stated as CC being excluded. Oh well, still happy with our cabin selection even if I didn't get a better deal. At least we booked early and saved a bundle. :)

Marianne

[bigtexxx]

I admit I haven't scanned all 35 pages of this mega-thread, so forgive me if I'm repeating info.

 

Last sailing on Summit, our room stunk with cigarette smoke. They try cleaning rooms like this with a heavy cleanser. That just added to the stench! Naturally, we tried switching rooms, and naturally, we were rebuffed ("ship's full," of course).

 

We informed our cabin steward. He offered to re-clean our room with a detergent rather than the heavy-scented cleaner. That helped quite a bit. Then he brought us an electronic air cleaner. It ran very quietly, and helped immensely in getting rid of the smoke stink.

 

Why they don't make all ships all non-smoking, as they've done with airliners, I'll never understand. After all, fire is the greatest hazard at sea (OK, fire and Somalian pirates!). Until they do, people will sneak smokes in non-smoking cabins.

 

For those of you who hate the lingering smell of smoke, you can get some relief. But normally, X won't tell you about it. As has been said many times, many ways, it pays to be nice to your cabin steward.

 

Happy smoke-free sailing!

[canderson]

Why they don't make all ships all non-smoking, as they've done with airliners, I'll never understand.

Ask any of the number crunchers with the few lines that have tried this on even one ship (and have abandoned it quickly), and you'll have your answer. Reducing your potential client base by 25% isn't necessarily a great business move. Even the longest airline rides don't compare to a couple of at-sea days.

[dtm]

When "proof of stock ownership" is forwarded to shareholderbenefit@rccl.com, how much personal info can be blacked out? I would presume any account numbers, etc could be marked out. Any help?

[bigtexxx]

Ask any of the number crunchers with the few lines that have tried this on even one ship (and have abandoned it quickly), and you'll have your answer. Reducing your potential client base by 25% isn't necessarily a great business move. Even the longest airline rides don't compare to a couple of at-sea days.

 

Point taken. One day, cabin stewards or casino workers or some other group of ships' workers will get organized, sue for health problems due to second-hand smoke, they'll prevail, and a huge settlement will ensue. Then THAT will be more costly than prohibiting smokers, and the lines will suddenly be pushing non-smoking cruises as the latest and greatest thing. Also, no offense, but that whole "we'll lose business" argument is specious, as every bar and restaurant in California that is now non-smoking continues to enjoy a brisk business. The key is to do it all at once; perhaps our vigilant government will take imposing a smoking ban on ships as a to-do.

[canderson]

Also, no offense, but that whole "we'll lose business" argument is specious, as every bar and restaurant in California that is now non-smoking continues to enjoy a brisk business.

Also, and also no offense, but comparing an hour or two in a restaurant to a couple of days without smokes at-sea is no comparison at all. Any smoker will tell you that. Actually, I doubt we need one to tell you that.

 

Besides -- we're WAY off topic for this thread.

[Drew B]

Wow, this thread has been a great read (although I've spaced it out over several days instead of doing it all in one).

 

I'm preparing for my FIRST Celebrity Cruise - the 13-day Repositioning/Alaska from Los Angeles on Summit. I got the last family ocean view cabin, and it's a corner one! #7199!!! And the cabin is only for two of us. After what you guys have said, I'm particularly excited...

 

Thank you for explaining the Persian Gardens. That was one thing I never understood from Celebrity's website. I don't know if I'll like it or not, but I'll try it one of the first days, and if I like it, then I'll book it for the rest of the trip. In any case, I'm glad that there is a free sauna in case I feel the PG isn't worth the cost...

 

I'm hoping that the thing that one of you said about a one-time per-bag sale on laundry holds true, as I can't imagine packing enough for 13 days IN ALASKA in May, and those per-piece charges for laundry look like they can add up mighty quickly....

 

One question I have is what is actually served at the spa restaurant? I've seen menus for the Cosmopolitan and the Normandie, and I think I get what the buffet is about, but the spa food isn't really clear...

[canderson]

I got the last family ocean view cabin, and it's a corner one! #7199!!! And the cabin is only for two of us. After what you guys have said, I'm particularly excited...

and for good reason! Enjoy the cabin and the view.

I'm hoping that the thing that one of you said about a one-time per-bag sale on laundry holds true, as I can't imagine packing enough for 13 days IN ALASKA in May, and those per-piece charges for laundry look like they can add up mighty quickly....

We've been on Celebrity ships for as many as 14 nights, and have never heard of this "one bag - one price" arrangement on even cruises of this length. I seem to recall something about HAL or Princess doing this.

One question I have is what is actually served at the spa restaurant? I've seen menus for the Cosmopolitan and the Normandie, and I think I get what the buffet is about, but the spa food isn't really clear...

All kinds of interesting things show up there. Wraps with wild and wonderful flavors, salmon any time you might ask for it, some of the best fresh fruit on the ship...

 

There's no "menu" per se -- items are either in the counter or posted on the board at the counter, and seem to vary quite a bit. BTW, if you want a good salmon steak and don't see salmon listed, just ask. It's there somewhere.

[kwhite7]

First of all I would like to thank all of you who have posted secrets, answers to questions, ect. All 34 pages have been very helpful as I plan for my first cruise. I am aboard the Galaxy for the Panama Canal Cruise. I have a question about dinning. I am on a very strict diet and I have read from this forum that X is very accomodating. I am unable to have a lot of sweets, so unfortuneatly a lot of the desserts are out of the question. I am able to have jello, but it has to be a certain kind. If I take the jello with me and give it to the waiter, is it possible for him to take it to the chef or someone else to make it? I know that this needs to be done in advance and as always, if he/she makes it happen, then an extra tip is essential.

 

I also drink several shakes a day that are powdered that needs to be blended with water. Is there a blender available on board? Or can I have someone blend them for me? I appreciate any and all responses.

 

Thanks!!

[Drew B]

I am on a very strict diet and I have read from this forum that X is very accomodating. I am unable to have a lot of sweets, so unfortuneatly a lot of the desserts are out of the question.

 

I don't know the details of your diet, but I saw some menus, and they had a number of "no sugar added" desserts that look delicious. Does that help you out at all?

 

Also, on the subject of menus, I noticed that there are rarely any vegetarian entrees. I was surprised, as Celebrity is so known for the dining (on Carnival, they have a vegetarian option for every course at every meal). I'm sure that they can make something vegetarian if you ask, but do you know if you need to pre-request vegetarian like you would kosher, or can you just request something not listed at the meal itself?

[deeva211]

Also, on the subject of menus, I noticed that there are rarely any vegetarian entrees. I was surprised, as Celebrity is so known for the dining (on Carnival, they have a vegetarian option for every course at every meal). I'm sure that they can make something vegetarian if you ask, but do you know if you need to pre-request vegetarian like you would kosher, or can you just request something not listed at the meal itself?

 

There is a separate vegetarian menu with several selections every night. You just have to ask for the menu.

[Drew B]

Thank you, Deeva!

[Karynanne]

First of all I would like to thank all of you who have posted secrets, answers to questions, ect. All 34 pages have been very helpful as I plan for my first cruise. I am aboard the Galaxy for the Panama Canal Cruise. I have a question about dinning. I am on a very strict diet and I have read from this forum that X is very accomodating. I am unable to have a lot of sweets, so unfortuneatly a lot of the desserts are out of the question. I am able to have jello, but it has to be a certain kind. If I take the jello with me and give it to the waiter, is it possible for him to take it to the chef or someone else to make it? I know that this needs to be done in advance and as always, if he/she makes it happen, then an extra tip is essential.

 

I also drink several shakes a day that are powdered that needs to be blended with water. Is there a blender available on board? Or can I have someone blend them for me? I appreciate any and all responses.

 

Thanks!!

 

I know that the Buffet serves sugar-free jello. I am not on a restrictred diet, but I do like the surgar-free jello. Hope this helps...

 

Karyn

[linda47]

DTM, I black out all my personal information except my name and address when I fax the proof of ownership to RCL. It has not been a problem.

 

Kwhite, you've already gotten a few good responses to your special diet question. I would talk to your travel agent, or, if you booked with Celebrity, call them directly. If your travel agent can't help, call Celebrity anyway. I've never seen a blender anywhere except in a bar. Perhaps, and I have no idea if this would work, if you went to one of the 'quieter' bars and spoke to the bartender, he/she would be willing to do your drinks. Of course, a nice tip wouldn't hurt. :)

[Offtune Angel]

... I have a question about dinning. I am on a very strict diet and I have read from this forum that X is very accomodating. I am unable to have a lot of sweets, so unfortuneatly a lot of the desserts are out of the question. I am able to have jello, but it has to be a certain kind. If I take the jello with me and give it to the waiter, is it possible for him to take it to the chef or someone else to make it? I know that this needs to be done in advance and as always, if he/she makes it happen, then an extra tip is essential. I also drink several shakes a day that are powdered that needs to be blended with water. Is there a blender available on board? Or can I have someone blend them for me? I appreciate any and all responses. ...Thanks!!

If you have a TA, Email your TA with instructions to Email Celebrity about your Special Needs. If you don't have a TA, call Celebrity yourself, detailing your Special Needs. In either case, as soon as you board, go to see the Assistant Maitre d' who will be outside the dining room rearranging table requests. Explain your Special Needs to the Assistant Maitre d'. Let him know that you have already attempted to let Celebrity know your needs. With Celebrity it is usually a matter of "Ask and you shall receive".

If you need something more than the Maitre d' can provide, you can ask Guest Relations or the Concierge for assistance. I speak from personal experiences.

Celebrity has always been great, but on our Infinity cruise in October 05, they were phenomenal. The Maitre d' arranged a meeting for us with himself, the Executive Chef and the Hotel Director. They all bent over backwards to accommodate my allergies and medical conditions. Guest Relations and the Concierge were great, as well, making sure equipment needed in our cabin was installed and working properly. On Infinity, communication between the different staff areas (there was some overlap between departments) was exceptional.

Enjoy your cruise.:)

[kwhite7]

Thank You all for your responses, I appreciate them all!

 

Happy Crusing....

[Cricket63]

My DH wants to know if they serve lobster any night on the Century.

[deeva211]

My DH wants to know if they serve lobster any night on the Century.

 

Yes, on the last formal night.

[Sky Sweet]

My DH wants to know if they serve lobster any night on the Century.

 

They serve lobster tails during one of the formal nights, but they are very different than Maine Lobsters.

[Cricket63]

Thanks for the lobster update, DH is smiling!!:D

[cruisin'cats]

I just returned from the Mercury Mex. Riv. 10 day sailing (2-3 through 2-13-06) and I have some news to report. Despite the concerns of all those who worry that the ocean will run out of shrimp due to the people on CC who know about the any night shrimp cocktails, the news flash is this: CELEBRITY STILL HAS SHRIMP COCKTAILS AVAILABLE EVERY NIGHT AND PAX MAY ORDER AS MANY AS THEY LIKE; OUR ASST. M'D ONLY REQUESTED THAT WE TELL HIM AT THE START OF THE CRUISE THAT WE MIGHT LIKE TO EAT THEM REGULARLY SO THAT HE COULD HAVE THEM AVAILABLE FOR OUR ORDERING. Yes, folks, he readily told us to order them every night, as many as we'd like even, just let him know up front that we like them. And two of us at our table usually had at least one, usually two, shrimp cocktails with our dinners, usually in place of either a salad or appetizer course.

 

Not only did he offer this information to us on the first night of our cruise, he also told us that if we didn't see what we wanted on the menu, for ANY REASON, we should ask for him and he'd arrange alternative offerings for us. There is ALWAYS STRIP STEAK AND SALMON available as well as baked potatoes and regular steamed vegetables as sides. He informed us, un-asked I might add, that it would be his PLEASURE to help us if we had any requests. His name was Richard (only spelled the Polish way) and he'd do the same for you as he did for us--and he was one of the first asst M'D's that we've ever had that we sought out to willingly tip too!

 

 

Better yet--one of my cruise buddies loves escargot and our asst. m'd told her that she could have escargot every night if she so desired--and if she wanted more than one portion of the little slugs, just say so. Easy as pie! She was in escargot heaven for about 8 out of the 10 days we were on ship.

 

So if you don't believe me and don't want to listen to those who chastise people for having a desire for something they don't see on the menu--ask for Richard from Poland and you'll find that Celebrity has a lot more to offer.

 

As for the soda controversey--my soda guzzlin' buddies did indeed beat the cost of the soda package and also learned that their old soda containers worked at the bar once it was established that they'd paid for the new soda package on their current cruise accounts. If it floats your boat, go for it--I'm not a soda drinker and don't care or worry that they might run out of soda on the ships. Even though I'm not a soda drinker, however, I still think that charging for sodas is stupid. It's a nickel and dime thing that can be absorbed into the costs and not be noticed or worried about--and I wrote this in my comment card too. Come on--soda is cheap stuff, don't make an issue over it.

 

The coffee stinks for the most part unless you're paying for it at the Cova Cafe. The prices seem to have risen quite a bit at the Cova cafes since I first sailed Millie in 2000. OF course, I'm willing to pay through the nose for good coffee at Starbucks (and I know the joke about calling it "Four Bucks" or even "Five Bucks"). I really think that Celebrity should partner with S.B. and serve their roasts as their house coffee--but what do I know? I own stock in Starbucks. (I know, I know, not everybody loves the roast or the price...but enough do.)

 

Wine list was limited and expensive. It didn't stop us from spending a small fortune on wine, usually around $100 a bottle, with one bottle usually lasting for two diners for two dinners. Our wine steward, Lena, was top notch and well educated--and well tipped as a result.

 

Priority boarding for Select capt. club didn't make a difference because we arrived around 1 PM for boarding and it was after the initial rush and before the next rush. We went in the Priority line and our buddies went in the regular line and we all boarded together. No big deal.

 

Select upgrade offer is not good for upgrade from non-balcony to balcony so not a big factor in getting moved to better quarters that way. AND, remember, despite the offer as part of your status with the cruise line, if the ship is full, the ship is full and you aren't getting upgraded to another cabin. Period. Sold out is sold out. At least that was what we were told at embarkation.

 

There IS a lot of noise and vibration AFT on this ship. We were 8227 and we got the magic fingers treatment when the ship used their stern thrusters. Friends on the starboard side of the ship directly across from us complained more than we felt we needed to but we heard that lower decks felt like they were sleeping on the set of the movie, "Earthquake!" Other than that, we had no complaints. Dining in the aft can get bumpy too during the pedal to the metal evenings--but we had the farthest aft table on the top level of the dining room and the view of the wake was worth the bounce in the buns.

 

All in all, we didn't see any seediness or worn materials that would indicate decline in the ship's maintenance as I'd read previously. The staff was the friendliest we've had on the line (we'd previously spent two weeks on Millie and 10 days on Summit), and we deemed this OUR BEST CELEBRITY EXPERIENCE TO DATE. KUDOS to the whole gang for letting us relax and have a good cruise.

 

As far as you who cry fowl over those who order doubles, extras, shrimp cocktails that you wish you'd asked for but didn't because you were worried about someone else's opinion of your behavior, I say--shut up, stop worrying and enjoy your vacation! And, you WILL enjoy it more if you don't worry about anything other than having a good time and letting Celebrity do what they advertise they'll do and that's pamper you. This time they really did it right!

 

Thanks Celebrity!

[tuggers]

Just to clarify for anyone new reading this thread. The Captain's Club Upgrade is just a 'paper' upgrade. They aren't going to move you to another cabin. It works like this. In non balcony cabins you pay for, say a cat 10 and you get a cat 9. It's just a money thing. Sometimes can be as much as an $80 savings down to only $10.:) Depends on the price of the cruise.

[Char]

Just to clarify for anyone new reading this thread. The Captain's Club Upgrade is just a 'paper' upgrade. They aren't going to move you to another cabin. It works like this. In non balcony cabins you pay for, say a cat 10 and you get a cat 9. It's just a money thing. Sometimes can be as much as an $80 savings down to only $10.:) Depends on the price of the cruise.

And to add to Gail's response ~~ the Captain's Club "upgrade" is done at time of booking, not when you board the ship.

[dizliz]

cruisin'cats....your review was delightful! Thanks so much for all the information with all the amusing insights. So glad you had a great time and that you took the time to share here.:)

[SheilaNC]

cruisin' cats,

Thanks so much. We're sailing Mercury in July to Alaska with our whole family - their first on Celebrity. It's so good to hear about the staff and service. We've never had a problem with service on X but it's particularly nice to hear for our upcoming cruise. Did you hear or experience any comments re: children's program? Since we'll be on in summer, I expect there will be more children than usual and our 5 are so looking forward to it!!