Century 1/21&1/26 Review

[Ships R Great]

What a good time we had! Despite someone (Arno, are you listening?) rubbing it in that we were getting off after ten days while he was staying on for another 4.

 

But to the review:

1/21

Embarkation:

That was a snap. We arrived at the port shortly after 11am, parked the car in the parking garage right by the ship, and were on board before 11:30. Parking is now $20 a day (wow!) but since we had a handicap parking tag we parked for free. Quite a savings on a ten day cruise. Parking was cash only, in advance. I feel sorry for those folks who arrive with no advance notice of that. The first familiar face I saw was Arno, sitting in the terminal waiting to re-board. He was talking to Mitch and Jody. They had been on the 2 day cruise. We had a bit of a wait and then boarded right behind them. We were able to leave our carryons in our cabin, which was ready.

Lunch:

We enjoyed the first of the next ten lunches at the pasta bar. X pasta is very good. The guys that man the bar are great. After the second day they knew just what I liked and how I liked it.

Cabin:

Franco was excellent. We hardly saw him but the cabin was always in top-notch condition. We are low maintainence guests and had no special requests. We had fruit from our TA and since we do not eat between meals we insisted Franco take it and enjoy. (On the second leg after the fruit was delivered it diasppeared so he remembered.)

Muster:

What can I say? Muster is muster. However, since Ed cannot stand for long periods of time and I have knee problems (replacement scheduled for one knee on Feb. 25th (yuk!), Aaron, in the casino, told us to sit to the side and stay there during muster, with the admonition to listen to the instructions. As it turned out the weather was bad and Captain Pagonis opted for everyone to stay in.

Dinner:

We checked with Ante in the Rendesvouz to see where our table would be. I am glad we did because we discovered that we were at a table for four. We were travleing with another couple and we all wanted to be at a table for eight so we could meet new people right away. We do not like open-seating at all because we like to rehash the day's events with our table-mates, without that "where are you from" nonsense each night. There is always the chance to have dinner-mates from you know where, and we are always a little apprehensive until we meet them, but our table was delightful. They were a dad and two daughters and we quickly developed a rapport.

Our waitress was Mili from Serbia. I wish that all of you could have her at your talbe. She was so cute! And very efficient. She remembered our preferences from the very first night.

The food was great, as usual. There was at least one new menu item each night. I never eat beef at home so I splurge and try it every night on a cruise. The Prime Rib was as good as ever. The tomato basil soup on the first night was new and it was the best tomato soup I have ever eaten. All the cream soups were great. The gumbo seemed to be a new recipe also and it was better then previously enjoyed on X.

Entertainment:

The show the first night was a duke's mixture with the CD, acapella quartet (Michigan Avenue), comedian, adagio duo and singers and dancers. I hope I remembered that correctly. It was a good introduction to the folowing nights.

We missed the show the second night due to a chance in our dinner time (more about that later). It was Shout! Our dinner mates said it was very good. they also did Dance Around the World, which was very good. The adagio team was outstanding. Very Cirque du Soleil. We had seen the comedian before but he was still funny. (His airplane jokes are really hilarious.) We rarely find a show we do not enjoy but I did not like the magician at all. Others at the table thought he was good but he was just not to my liking. The other show was A Touch of Broadway that we always enjoy. The singers and dancers were a larger group that we have seen lately and did a good job.

The quartet in the Rendesvouz Square were very good. Lots of folks dancing, including the requisite pair who took lessons from Arthur Murray and wanted to strut their stuff each night. I am not coming down on those who take lessons and enjoy dancing on cruises---just on those who "perform" each night.

The ship:

The ship is still beautiful since the make-over but there are a few things that need attention. I do not carp over a small spot on a cushion or a bit of rust on a rail, but I did notice throughout the ship that the corridor and landing carpets seemed to be stained. Someone mentioned that it must be faulty since there were big spots that looked like they had been water-stained all over the ship. But that should not discourage anyone from sailing on her.

Excursions:

I cannot comment since we did not leave the ship.

Cruise Director/Activities Staff:

We have sailed with Stewart Turnbull before and enjoyed meeting him again. He was very visible and very approachable. We had several lengthy chats with him. His staff was a fun bunch. The trivia games, which we enjoy very much, were varied and lively. Shannie's games were very unusual! Certainly not the run-of-the-mill types we have encountered before.

Captain's Club Hostess:

Sue Williams is new to Captain's Club. She used to be in the spa but switched over just three weeks earlier than our cruise. She is a delight! She is from South Aftica as was Brenda (last name escapes me) who is now in Guest Relations on another ship. She promised to get a message to Brenda for me. We had the opportunity to chat with Sue often and spent a delightful hour with her in Cova one PM. (If you ever meet her ask about the nanny/crocodile story---unbelievable!)

Captain's Club Cocktail Party:

Arno and JoAnn were honored bythe Captain for 77 cruises! They are headed for the big 100! We enjoyed chatting with Staff Captain Livanios, whom we had sailed with a few times before. We shut the Crystal Room down, finally, after 9:00.

Martini Bar:

Sudi was holding forth there as usual. He is such an entertainer. He had new card tricks that were really quite good, as well as his old tricks-including pouring three martinis at a time. In Dec/06 we had brought him a gift for the baby they were expecting in january. This time we brought him a first birthday gift. He calls us "momma and poppa".

Special treats:

We were pleased to be invitied to eat with Captain Pagonis (a surprise since we eat at first seating and he always eats later). We sailed with him in Dec/06 and had spent a little bit of time with him in the Martini Bar. He had told me at the end of that cruise that if we ever sailed with him again we would have to have dinner together. It seems he remembered us and told Sue to invite us to dine with him on formal night. It was a lovely evening. Arno and JoAnn were there, also.

The Captain invited the table to the bridge for sail-away from Grand Caymon. That was a treat. We have been on the bridge before but not at sail-away. It was very interesting to see the procedure from that vantage point. As an RCL ship was leaving he phoned the Captain to tell him that he had two Carnival passengers on board that had missed their ship. He was taking them to Cozumel where, I suppose, their ship was also headed. I wonder where they spent the night.

Debarkation:

Since we were staying on board for another leg we met with the other B2B'ers and were escorted off the ship and back on in a matter of minutes.

Summary:

It was a great cruise, made even sweeter by the fact that, as others were packing, we were reading and relaxing.

1/26

Muster:

Saw Aaron in the casino and he, again, told us to stay put when the others went outside. This time there were four couples. We looked like the hospital ER with all the crutches, canes and wheelchairs! This time the weather was good so muster went as planned.

Dinner:

Ante had arranged for us to be at the same table, again with Mili. We were glad of that.

Entertainment:

Thankfully, in my opinion, the magician left the ship and was replaced with a juggler/comedian. He was a good substitute. He was zany, ending his act with four stuffed animals rotating around his head from a beanie. We saw him later in the cruise and told him he must have a very positive self-image. The other entertainment was the same, I think. the adagio team was better recieved this time. The audience erupted with sound when they finished. We met them in the buffet on the last morning and discovered they would be on Connie in the fall. When we told them we might be on then Sally asked that we let them know we are on board.

Special treats:

We ate with the Hotel Director on formal night this time. She was charming. Arno and joAnn were again with us. The other guests were"unusual" for want of a better word. They were a couple, her mother. her sister and brother-in-law (with their two children-ages 5 and 8, I think). The couple were friends of a high-up with RCL. He showed up with no tie and wearing bedroom slippers.

Again, we were invited us to tour the bridge. This time it was more an informational session since the ship was pretty much sailing itself. Morfeus, a junior officer showed us around this time.

Debarkation:

We stayed on board until 9:00 so we could miss as much of morning traffic as possible in Miami. the ship docked half a mile from the parking garage so there was a bit of a hassle to get the car. We had mis-information from several of the port people about a shuttle. We finally found out there was none ao Tom and Diane hiked to get the car. We were on our way a little after 10, waving good-byr to the beautiful Century until next time.

 

Whew! Did not mean to run on so. I have left a lot out but tried to hit the highlights. If you book Century you will have very good sail!

 

Please excuse any typos. Spell check doesn't work on CruiseCritic.

[C 2 C]

What a good time we had! Despite someone (Arno, are you listening?) rubbing it in that we were getting off after ten days while he was staying on for another 4.

 

4 more days is still not long enough. We love Century and the wonderful staff that makes each journey a true homecoming. Unfortunately, if you like Captain Pagonis you'll have to search for him on another ship since he will be leaving Century after his summer cruise. I'm guessing he will be master on Constellation next winter.

[caazcruzin]

So nice to hear such a great review(s). Can't wait for our 5-night in April. Good luck with the knee replacement surgery - I am a home health Physical Therapist and see tons of people post-surgery. Just follow directions, do your exercises, manage your swelling and you'll manage your pain and on your next cruise you'll be up dancing!

[Lois R]

Hi Patty, glad to hear ya'll had such a good time:)

Thanks for sharing the experiences with us:)

 

Hope you and Ed are both doing well!

[Lois R]

Question for either Patty or Arno....I was reading about the

evacuation this weekend on the other thread.

 

I have a couple of good friends who were next to the ship in Key West and Cozumel

(on a Royal ship) this weekend too.

She said there were a couple of gals who were in an accident

(from an excursion?) She could see them going back to the

ship and one of them looked pretty banged up. Do you know anything

about it?

They had to be taken back to the ship (in Cozumel).

[Ships R Great]

So nice to hear such a great review(s). Can't wait for our 5-night in April. Good luck with the knee replacement surgery - I am a home health Physical Therapist and see tons of people post-surgery. Just follow directions, do your exercises, manage your swelling and you'll manage your pain and on your next cruise you'll be up dancing!

 

Thanks. But what do you mean by "manage your swelling"? I am such a big baby. I have never had surgery before.

[megsmum611]

Thank you SO much for this review. We have sailed X 3 times previously and grew to ADORE this line and having read some very negative reviews of the short Century sailings, I began to feel that we had made a mistake for our upcoming departure on Feb 18th. However, that being said, I don't ever recall the carpeting conditon, tiles in the bathroom, teak needing attention on the verandah, etc....when we cruise, we enjoy the wonderful weather, warm sun, no cooking, no cleaning, no laundry way of life:) The shows, for us, are just that: entertainment. Much better than the weekday TV shows at home. We love a great broadway show however, not being able to carry a tune in a bucket and wish I could, we enjoy anyone that can. We love cruising for the sake of cruising ----could care LESS about skating rinks and rock climbing walls and must add that I have NEVER paid attention to what movie is playing in the cinema....can do that at home:) Food? hear this from me: I AM NOT CCOKING, WASHING DISHES, EMPTYING DISHWASHERS, SHOPPING FOR FOOD, PLANNING THE MEALS.....etc....If it is not "gourmet", okay, Zenith and Horizon, back in the day, were awesome.....BUT the Millie last year, was NOT the same...did that stop us from rebooking this year?? NO! A vacation is just that....a "vacation" from whatever it is that you need escape from in my estimation......I am SO looking forward to my suite on the Century and my extended nights in FLA away from the gray and blah of New England@ :) However, that being said, we (being DH and I and not DD who will be on her own...) want to try Silverseas, Regent, or some other luxury line .....no rock climbing walls, skating rinks, etc...which is what we love about X...

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... We stayed on board until 9:00 so we could miss as much of morning traffic as possible in Miami. the ship docked half a mile from the parking garage so there was a bit of a hassle to get the car. We had mis-information from several of the port people about a shuttle. We finally found out there was none ao Tom and Diane hiked to get the car...

 

Thanks for your review, it sounds like you folks had a enjoyable, relaxing cruise!!!

 

I have read this elsewhere regarding debarkation on the Century, perhaps it was a review of this same sailing! It is of concern to me - as it should be to everyone who drives to the port!! Actually the other review I read recently indicated it was slightly over a mile to the parking garage :eek: . This happened once to us on Carnival (over 30 sailings) and when it did they were running a bus back and forth, taking people and their luggage to the other parking area (perhaps a mile or so).

 

 

Were the passengers informed of this before debarkation (and if so, when)?

 

Do you know if this happens often? :confused:

 

How late can one stay on the ship prior to debarking - and how late in your cabin? We will be in a suite, not sure if that plays a role or not...

 

 

Thanks!

 

Tom

[Andy]

4 more days is still not long enough. We love Century and the wonderful staff that makes each journey a true homecoming. Unfortunately, if you like Captain Pagonis you'll have to search for him on another ship since he will be leaving Century after his summer cruise. I'm guessing he will be master on Constellation next winter.

 

Hi Arno !

 

I certainly hope that news is true. We are on Constellation quite a bit, and it would be fantastic if Captain Pagonis was the new Master of Constellation. When I was on Constellation a few months ago, I believe that Captain Papanicoulau said he might be retiring. We are a bit bored with Century's short sailings, and I hope we will sail again with Captain Pagnois this Winter on Constellation.

 

Have a great time on Century, and please stay in touch.

[Andy]

Hi Ships R Great !

 

Thanks for the wonderful review. I am happy to hear you had a great Cruise, and Welcome Home !

[C 2 C]

How late can one stay on the ship prior to debarking - and how late in your cabin? We will be in a suite, not sure if that plays a role or not...

Tom

 

On all three turn-around days we were asked to meet at 9:15 for an escort through immigration and back as the last passengers on board and the first for the next cruise.

Unless you are staying on board for a B2B, you will be requested (but not forced) to leave your cabin at the assigned disembarkation times... which start as early as 7:00 am.

[Ships R Great]

Tom, we went to guest relations and asked to stay on the ship until 9:00 due to traffic in Miani. Sure enough, when the debarkation lettter came it said meet in Rendesvouz at 9:00. Don't know if this will always be the case but you can try.

 

Arno, any idea when Captain Pagonis will be on Connie in the fall?

[C 2 C]

Arno, any idea when Captain Pagonis will be on Connie in the fall?

 

If he continues with the 3 months off/on rotation, he will be on Constellation around November 20th.... However he might find himself on another ship. We hope to cruise to the Arctic Circle in July and he should be on board Century at that time for an update.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom, we went to guest relations and asked to stay on the ship until 9:00 due to traffic in Miani. Sure enough, when the debarkation lettter came it said meet in Rendesvouz at 9:00. Don't know if this will always be the case but you can try.

...

 

Thanks!

 

When (and how) did you learn of the fact that you were not returning to the same pier for debarkation??

 

Tom

[Ships R Great]

Thanks!

 

When (and how) did you learn of the fact that you were not returning to the same pier for debarkation??

 

Tom

 

When we woke up and saw where we were docked. We joked when we embarked that we hoped we would not be far away fromthe parking garage. the laugh was on us! We should have just sent one of us for the car from the beginning instead of asking the folks in the terminal and curbside. Everyone had a different answer. It was not X's fault. They can't ask for a certain terminal---it just depends on who gets there first, I would suppose.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

When we woke up and saw where we were docked. We joked when we embarked that we hoped we would not be far away fromthe parking garage. the laugh was on us! We should have just sent one of us for the car from the beginning instead of asking the folks in the terminal and curbside. Everyone had a different answer. It was not X's fault. They can't ask for a certain terminal---it just depends on who gets there first, I would suppose.

 

I would think that the cruise line would assume at least some responsibility in helping arrange a method to assist people when they return 1+ mile from where they left... even if it's just a shuttle running back and forth to the garage so that people can pick up their cars.

 

Most MORNINGS when we debark I'm not really in the "hike a mile" state of mind. If it occurs, I will nonetheless roll with the punches - though I would expect at least a sympathetic ear (if not, in reality, more!!)

 

Tom

[Jade13]

We hope to cruise to the Arctic Circle in July and he should be on board Century at that time for an update.

 

C2C - Who does the Artic Circle in July besides the Prinsendam (we don't have 3 weeks) and Hurtigruten (like the itinerary but not the price)? Century doesn't go that North, does she? Looking for that itinerary for July 09.

[C 2 C]

C2C - Who does the Artic Circle in July besides the Prinsendam (we don't have 3 weeks) and Hurtigruten (like the itinerary but not the price)? Century doesn't go that North, does she? Looking for that itinerary for July 09.

 

This is July 2008:

 

12 Nt Arctic Circle & North Cape Cruise on board Century

Destination: Europe. Prices starting from 1,849.00 USD on 04-Jul-2008 Cruise Ports: Amsterdam, Holland, Alesund, Norway, Arctic Circle (Cruise), Alta, Norway, Honningsvag, Norway, Tromso, Norway, Molde, Norway, Olden, Norway, Bergen, Norway, Amsterdam, Holland 2008 Departure Dates: Jul 04

[Jade13]

This is July 2008:

 

12 Nt Arctic Circle & North Cape Cruise on board Century

Destination: Europe. Prices starting from 1,849.00 USD on 04-Jul-2008 Cruise Ports: Amsterdam, Holland, Alesund, Norway, Arctic Circle (Cruise), Alta, Norway, Honningsvag, Norway, Tromso, Norway, Molde, Norway, Olden, Norway, Bergen, Norway, Amsterdam, Holland 2008 Departure Dates: Jul 04

 

It will be interesting to see if this will be available in 09. There are limited cruises up to Honningsvag.

[libramitch]

Some of the fellow passengers were absolutely delightful!! Hope to sail again with some of them soon. C2C, are you booked on the Brilliance yet?

 

ShipsRGreat, pictures are forthcoming. Still waiting for Jody to download them.

 

Hope all is well.

[babyfie]

4 more days is still not long enough. We love Century and the wonderful staff that makes each journey a true homecoming. Unfortunately, if you like Captain Pagonis you'll have to search for him on another ship since he will be leaving Century after his summer cruise. I'm guessing he will be master on Constellation next winter.

Nope, for sure Cpt. Pagonis is staying on CN, going back on the ship middle of May, doing Baltic he told us...