Celebrity Secrets they usually don't tell you about

[mischamom]

Use the camera connector to an IPOD which then functions as a cheap external hardrive. Have done this on lots of travel and am able to download 100's of pix using only one 1GB card with my digital camera.

[mbgoalie928]

is internet on the ship expensive? because some people can't go without internet for 14 days, but if the price turns out to be $20.00 a day, then you might want to use wireless cards... or something like that:(

[alfiemom]

Understand that you access the interenet via sat not just a wireless card. Even using our own laptop wirelessly it's still charageable. We usually get a package of something like 200 minutes for under $200. The more minutes you buy, the cheaper they are.

[mbgoalie928]

oh... i get it. ;)

[Sammy Sails]

[quote name='tuggers']madforcruising,

Totally agree. You make very good sense.

And for whoever said irons now come with auto shut off: Not all of them! And some times a travel iron is selected more on the basis of price than features just because people realize they won't be using it except on holiday.

New ships really do need an area where some laundry could me done. I'm not going to be doing a weeks worth, but the ability to do a load to pack less is definitely a plus![/QUOTE]
On the subject of irons on board.We had taken a, excuse the expression,Carnival cruise,with all our kids,their spouses,and grand kids on board the Estacy. In all,7 cabins. They had a self service laundry area, washers with ironing boards.You can't imagen our distress when an lifeboat drill was called because an iron had started a fire in the "safe" area. We all scrambled to get kids from the camp and get to our stations, as smoke filled the air from the fire.
I'd rather see some fold wrinkels than have to do that again! If you garments are wrinkeled, hang them in the bathroom when you shower and they will all fall out! Safety first. please!!!!!!

[SkyGuy747]

[quote name='Lsimon']...understand it is a common area for any fee paying guest to use at the same time as other guests...[/quote]

Way at the far end of the Persian Gardens is an Etruscan Chamber which has an inner steam room and shower area and a private foyer filled with spa goodies. We discovered this when we booked the RAZUL (RASUL?) treatment. It's a do-it-yourself package for two in this secret chamber. You steam and shower and rub exfoliating salts all over each other, followed by various lotions and potions, and more steam and more showering and... they leave you to your own devices for an hour. They also gave us a jar of the salts to take home with us, but I don't know if that's a standard inclusion.

[xplores]

[quote name='alfiemom']Understand that you access the interenet via sat not just a wireless card. Even using our own laptop wirelessly it's still charageable. We usually get a package of something like 200 minutes for under $200. The more minutes you buy, the cheaper they are.[/QUOTE]
OK. I get it too..

[RB Bonzo]

[quote=Jujubee Cruisin'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=purple]I don't log on for one day, and look at the buzz! I've become a 'Celebrity celebrity'! :p Good idea to the people who suggested posting it here.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=purple]Below is the email I sent to the rest of my party. I think it captures the gist of this thread. Hope you think so too. Happy Cruising![/COLOR][/FONT]


[SIZE=2][COLOR=#0000ff]****************************************************************************
[/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=2][COLOR=black]Okay, so it took me awhile, but I went through all 45 pages of the "Secrets of Celebrity" thread.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Here's some of the stuff I found[/COLOR] [/SIZE][SIZE=2][COLOR=#0000ff](I put my comments in blue)[/COLOR][/SIZE][SIZE=2]:

[/SIZE][B][SIZE=2][COLOR=#ff0000]GENERAL[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=2]
[/SIZE][COLOR=black][SIZE=2]1 -[/SIZE][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]You can get over-the-counter seasickness meds at customer service or the purser's desk. Free, dispensed a couple of tablets at a time. No need to buy them in the gift shop.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]
[FONT=Times New Roman]
[COLOR=black]2-Also, if you see that they are doing a Internet class, you an get free internet for 30 minutes (you just have to sit though the class).[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]3-Yes, there is an area up front above deck 11 for topless sunbathing. It is clearly marked with no photography rule.[/COLOR] [/FONT][SIZE=2][COLOR=#0000ff]Hmmm...[/COLOR][/SIZE]
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[COLOR=black]4- Re: gizmos, there are some threads you could find, but probably the[/COLOR] [COLOR=black]best point is that there is only one US - style outlet in most of the cabins, so you'll either have to switch things around to charge your camera/phone/iPod/computer, etc., or bring a power strip or at least a "Christmas tree" plug to have enough outlets. Also, there's no clock in the cabins, other than suites, so a lighted alarm clock is a good idea if you want to know what time it is when you wake up in the night. A night light helps to find the way to the bathroom.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]No "secret", but a tip, especially for those with inside cabins. If you leave the TV set to the channel for the bridge cam, you'll find that it displays the time in white. Typically, it's pitch black out there all night, and all you'll see on the screen is the time (and temperature? can't recall) You can set the brightness on tube as you like.[/COLOR]

[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]5- Tons of stuff on the infinity - pictures, menus, deckplans, etc.
[/COLOR][/FONT][URL="http://cruiseclues.com/shipstips/infinity.htm"][U][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]http://cruiseclues.com/shipstips/infinity.htm[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]6-I do have some recommendations from this trip for you--if you want a lovely and romantic lunch by the sea to Oscar's in PV. It's in town, down by the river: address is Isla Rio Cuale Local No. 1. You walk through town, and when you reach the bridge to cross the river, go down the steps to the restaurant below. There are two restaurants--one on either side of the bridge but down at the river level. The other one didn't interest us as much as the menu at Oscars and we were quite pleased with our choice. The margaritas are amazing! The food was great! The guitar player was good. The location was spectacular--right at the beach, next to the river (which was a rather sleepy, slow moving body of water when we were there), and the restaurant was beautiful. Prices weren't bad either. At least it's local color and not some chain food that you'll regret later.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]7 - you get double Captains Club credits for booking a CC class room.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Classic Level Benefits*[/COLOR]
[/FONT][URL="http://www.celebrity.com/captainsclub/heroSingleTxtSub.do?pagename=terms_and_conditions////////////////////////////////lcat"][U][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]One-Category Upgrade[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Times New Roman]
[/FONT][URL="http://www.celebrity.com/captainsclub/heroSingleTxtSub.do?pagename=terms_and_conditions////////////////////////////////lcustom"][U][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]Complimentary Custom Air Requests[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Times New Roman]
[/FONT][URL="http://www.celebrity.com/captainsclub/heroSingleTxtSub.do?pagename=terms_and_conditions////////////////////////////////lspecialty"][U][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]Presailing Specialty Restaurant Reservations[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Times New Roman]
[/FONT][URL="http://www.celebrity.com/captainsclub/heroSingleTxtSub.do?pagename=terms_and_conditions////////////////////////////////lpriority"][U][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]Priority Embarkation (where available) - Founder Classic Members Only[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Times New Roman]
[COLOR=black]Exclusive Captain's Club Party[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Benefits for Classic Members, including welcome amenity, gift with purchase at the Steiner's AquaSpa® by Elemis and certificates for the Celebrity casino[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Preferential Debarkation (where available) - Founder Classic Members Only[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Reunion Cruises[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Online Newsletter[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Double sailing credit on itineraries of 12 nights or more (maximum of three sailing credits per sailing)[/COLOR]
[/FONT][B][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#800080]Double sailing credit for booking a Concierge Class stateroom or Suite (maximum of three sailing credits per sailing)[/COLOR][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#800080]
[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]8- If you own 100 shares of RCL (Royal Caribbean Stock) by the time you cruise, you can get a $200 shipboard credit for a 10 day cruise. You do not need to hold it a minimum amount of time. [/COLOR][/FONT][SIZE=2][COLOR=#0000ff]I actually ended up doing this, so if you are interested, I can give you more info.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]
[/COLOR][/FONT][B][SIZE=2][COLOR=#ff0000]FOOD RELATED[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=2][COLOR=#ff0000]
[/COLOR][/SIZE][COLOR=black][SIZE=2]1- [/SIZE][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]You can also ask for your fruit options in the suite. There's the regular fruit bowl, and a tropical fruit bowl. We didn't find out about this either until after the 5th day....our regular fruit bowl had sat uneated for 4 days with mold on it! The head housekeeper gave us a list of fruit available, and from that point on, our fruit bowl was made fresh daily with our choices.[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]
[FONT=Times New Roman]
[COLOR=black]2-You can order fresh berries - raspberries, blueberries, strawberries -- with whipped cream every night for desert.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]3-They also serve NY Strip Steak any night or every night.[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff] Another big hit is getting shrimp cocktail every night if you ask for it in advance.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]
[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]4- On M-class ships, the Aqua Spa Cafe offers grilled to order high quality salmon filets every day at lunch. It's so good I could eat it every day[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]5 - In the cova you pay for coffees, hot chocolate, etc, but the pastries and cookies are free[/COLOR]! [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff](from the threads, I hear the almond and chocolate croissants are super yummy there.)[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]
[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]6-I've paid 3 prices for Martini tastings: $5. $7.95 and $10. You get 5 tastings.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]7-Go to cruiseclues.com. They have pictures of all the menus including Cova Cafe.[/COLOR]

[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]8-You can get SASHIMI!!! Whoopie!! [/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]On our first cruise with Celeb. we discovered the sushi bar. It was a small assortment of sushi and rolls set up buffet style. The sushi chef noticed I picked all the fish off of my rice so he asked if I would like a sashimi platter. Of course I did so he specially made one fresh for me.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]It was huge portions of tuna and salmon. Yumm..easily $75. at the neighborhood sushi bar. So fantatastic. Of course he was well tipped.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]9 -In the very back of the ship, there is also another place you can get sandwiches and some theme/ethnic foods, like Indian & Mexican. In the AM, that's where they make the waffles!!!!!!!! YUM![/COLOR] [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]Lots of people were raving about the belgium waffles.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]

[COLOR=black]The waffle and sandwiches are in the rear of the buffet restaurant.[/COLOR]


[COLOR=black]10 - Here is an interesting thread on Celebrity Menus:[/COLOR] [/FONT][URL="http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=4762127&highlight=menus////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////lpost4762127"][U][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=4762127&highlight=menus#post47621 27[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL][FONT=Times New Roman]
[COLOR=black]Post #7 on the thread indicates that there are only 14 dinner menu's for all of Celebrity, and that it is up to the ship's staff to pick from them for a given itinerary. There are also some links to another site with some Celebrity menu's. I believe it was to here:[/COLOR] [/FONT][URL="http://cruiseclues.com/menus.htm"][U][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]http://cruiseclues.com/menus.htm[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL]
[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]Menus from the main dining room of the Infinity[/COLOR] - [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]has 6 dining room menus plus the SS United States Menu! Everything looks delicious!
[/COLOR][/FONT][URL="http://www.thepreismans.com/Infinity%20menus.htm"][U][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff]http://www.thepreismans.com/Infinity%20menus.htm[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/URL]
[FONT=Times New Roman]
[/FONT][B][SIZE=2][COLOR=#ff0000]SPA STUFF[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=2][COLOR=#ff0000]
[/COLOR][/SIZE][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]1 - a daily pass ($20) to the Persian Gardens if you want to try it out before spending $100 for the entire cruise[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]We haven't cruised in the past year, but on our last cruise the charges were $15 per day or three days for $45 or a week for $99. The Rasul was very reasonable, I believe it was $75 for the two of us.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]2. Do Spa services have the gratuity built in? [/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]They have an automatic 15% added in. If you want, you can add more.[/COLOR]


[COLOR=black]3. The Rasul treatment is an extra charge that includes use of the Persian Gardens after your treatment. It is a fun couple thing. We have done it a few times. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]4 - Embark early and head for the spa. Volunteer to be a spa model for the tours that are offered the first day. Our last 3 cruises, my husband has had a free hair treatment (frangipani massage or something of the sort) and 2 different massages). You have to be willing to be 'on display' (that is the reason I have never done it), but if you don't mind that it is a great way to start the cruise.[/COLOR] [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff](More than one person has mentioned this) [/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]Many folks do this, as it is nice to get free messages, etc. But you have to be early (by noon I would say to get them).[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman]
[COLOR=black]5 -Speaking of the spa, on our last cruise (Mercury 10-day Mexican Riviera), all spa services were 1/2 price on the last day. It was a nice way to relax after the stress of packing to leave (WAHHH!!)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]6- Re the T-pools. This is kind of confusing because the answer depends on the class of the ship. On the C class ships (Mercury and Century), the T-pool is a smallish therapy pool inside the spa. Very strong jets, strong massage, etc. There is a charge for use of the pool unless you are in a suite.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]On the M class ships (Infinity, Millie, Connie and Summit), the T-pool is outside the spa in large covered pool area. It is the size of a swimming pool and the massage action is not as strong. There is no charge for the use of this pool. Hope it helps.[/COLOR]


[/FONT][B][SIZE=2][COLOR=#ff0000]SS UNITED STATES[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][SIZE=2][COLOR=#ff0000]
[/COLOR][/SIZE][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]1- I hestitate to let others in on this one. The specialty restaurants on the M class ships are truly a fine dining experience. When you go for the third time they offer to make you a special meal. The Maitre d' prepares the whole dish at your table -- it's like having a personal chef!! Book early, though because they fill up.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]2 -Class ships have a specialty restaurant you can reserve for an extra fee. No children[/COLOR] [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=#0000ff](12 and under) [/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=black]allowed. Enforced.[/COLOR]
[/FONT][/quote]
I thought this was good enough to merit a "bump" to make it easier to find. Good stuff.

[Drew B]

If you're visiting the Hubbard Glacier on an M-Class ship, they open the front deck (where the helipad is) for viewing. I didn't see any announcements of this, but sort of stumbled upon it by accident.

[Hplar]

[QUOTE=Boo's Mom]Oh...you guys and gals are making me laugh!

...and I thank you!

;)[/QUOTE]
You'll sound like you have alot of fun.
We are traveling on THE CONSTELLATION 1/8/07. Hope some of you are on board.

[Hplar]

[quote name='CaribbeanBound']Our cabin always seems to be next to a cabin of some couple that likes to get lots of criosants and sit out on the balcony. They usually take a plate full of them and leave them out there for a little while before they actually go back out there to eat them.

Our secret...
We lean over the balcony and get a couple of fresh croisants off the plate![/QUOTE]
AH HA! WE HAVE BOOKED A BALCONY! i'LL BE CAREFULL WITH OUR CROISANTS.

[MGilly]

Five hours! That's how long I've been sitting here, reading each and every one of these 1063 posts! Whew! But I've got to admit - there are some terrific ideas here! Sheila and Helene - Why am I not surprised to see you here? :) I do have one question: people have talked about using four-digit codes to open the safe in their cabin. Do all of the ships have the code-type of safe? I thought I'd read on another thread that some ships have the magnetic strip card kind of safe. We're sailing on the Millennium next June, and I'd really appreciate it if someone would tell me which kind of safe we'll find in our cabin. Thanks!

[Offtune Angel]

[quote name='MGilly']...I do have one question: people have talked about using four-digit codes to open the safe in their cabin. Do all of the ships have the code-type of safe? I thought I'd read on another thread that some ships have the magnetic strip card kind of safe. We're sailing on the Millennium next June, and I'd really appreciate it if someone would tell me which kind of safe we'll find in our cabin. Thanks![/quote]Our personal experience:
[LIST]
[*]Constellation 14 days Apr/May 2003;
[*]Millennium 28 days Oct/Nov 2004;
[*]Infinity 14 days Oct 2005;
[*]Constellation 19 days Apr/May 2006; [/LIST] All of the safes (located in the closet in each cabin) on the above itineraries, had the slot for a magnetic card [B]but[/B] had signs advising pax to use the four digit code. Never had any problems with the code, opening or closing the safe. All contents (monies, credit cards, tickets, passports, cameras, jewellery, papers, medications, stronger medications, CD writer, plus more) remained securely in safe unless we took them out.

Enjoy Millennium (Mediterranean?) next June.:)

[SkyGuy747]

It's not a secret, and it's not just on celebrity, but since we're on the topic... In my limited 3 cruise experience, I've found something left in the safe each time. A bank card, a gold chain and a signet/college ring. These items were brought to the purser's desk before we sailed, so I hope their owners got them back fairly quickly.

In each case, the safe looked empty, but the item was under the lip at the bottom of the door opening. Double check for your valuables before you disembark, it's easy to miss something.

[MGilly]

Thanks, Offtune Angel. I've never seen a safe that had both! We are so looking forward to this cruise! I know it's almost a year away, but we've already started buying guide books for each port of call. :o After reading this thread, I'm kind of wishing we'd have more days at sea! The Millennium sounds like it will be incredible!

[marzy]

[quote name='dmarch@islc.net']First, I must confess that I ripped off this thread title from another forum ( substituted Celebrity for another line). So, tell us all you insider Celebrity cruise secrets. Information that is not normally given out by Celebrity.

I'll start: You can get anything you want for breakfast from room service. If it's not on the breakfast door card, then just write in what you want.[/quote]:confused:

[MGilly]

[quote name='SkyGuy747']It's not a secret, and it's not just on celebrity, but since we're on the topic... In my limited 3 cruise experience, I've found something left in the safe each time. A bank card, a gold chain and a signet/college ring. These items were brought to the purser's desk before we sailed, so I hope their owners got them back fairly quickly.

In each case, the safe looked empty, but the item was under the lip at the bottom of the door opening. Double check for your valuables before you disembark, it's easy to miss something.[/quote]
I read something on another thread that sounds like a good idea to me. Put everything you want to keep in the safe in a large ziplock bag, and then put the bag in the safe. This way, when you remove the bag, ALL of the contents of the safe will be removed with it.

[cruzndive]

I'm hearing that you can get salads and shrimp, etc., but my son and I were hoping to gain around 10 lbs each on Alaskan King Crab. What's the secret to getting the most crab on the Summit?

[CStorm]

[quote name='cruzndive']I'm hearing that you can get salads and shrimp, etc., but my son and I were hoping to gain around 10 lbs each on Alaskan King Crab. What's the secret to getting the most crab on the Summit?[/quote]

Probably trying another ship. It is under my impression you will NOT get King Crab on any of the Alaskan cruises offered by X.

[getaway101]

[INDENT][quote name='cruzndive']I'm hearing that you can get salads and shrimp, etc., but my son and I were hoping to gain around 10 lbs each on Alaskan King Crab. What's the secret to getting the most crab on the Summit?[/quote]

We didn't see any on the Summit last year on a 14 day Alaska cruise.
[/INDENT]

[sweepy]

Could someone tell me how and where to buy shares in Royal Caribbean? Sorry if I seem like a complete klutz, but have never done this before!!!!

[RB Bonzo]

[quote name='sweepy']Could someone tell me how and where to buy shares in Royal Caribbean? Sorry if I seem like a complete klutz, but have never done this before!!!![/quote]
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RCL". To purchase the stock, you are going to need to open up a brokerage account with a securities trader.

I would like to suggest that you do a little research into investing before you open a brokerage account. Your library will have tons of books that will explan the basics for you.

If you do decide to make a purchase, then I suggest that you look into one of the discount online traders. Look for someone that offers low commissions, and many will do an initial number of trades for no commission in order to induce you to open an account and deposit money with them. TD Ameritrade offers up to 50 free trades. [URL="http://www.tdameritrade.com"]www.tdameritrade.com[/URL] There are many others.

[susierailroad]

I heard of the onboard credits available to anyone who owns 100 shares of RCL stock, applicable on both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Having taken a number of cruises in the past, I thought it would be a grand idea to buy stock, which I did a couple of months ago at $42/share. Stock is around $34 today. So it will take me four or more cruises before I am whole again. It still is a great deal, especially now, while stock is lower. One caveat, the RCL board annually renews the "perk" of onboard credits to shareholders; however, I am told they have "always" done it. Benefit calls for $250 onboard credit/stateroom for sailings of 14 or more nights; $200 for 9-13 nights; $100 for 6-8 nights; $50 for sailings of 5 nights or less. Contact RCL's shareholder benefits department.

[sweepy]

[quote name='RB Bonzo']
Thanks very much. I did a bit of digging, as you advised, and have now arranged to buy stock. Thanks again:)

[RB Bonzo]

[quote name='sweepy'][quote name='RB Bonzo']
Thanks very much. I did a bit of digging, as you advised, and have now arranged to buy stock. Thanks again:)[/quote]

No problem - I bought some shares last week; the fundamentals of the stock is good, although it is not trending very well. The on-board credit is a significant benefit for someone who regularly cruises on RCL or X.