Live from the Connie Repo 10/30/08

[WichitaCruiser]

Thanks, Joann - your comments are very helpful. We will be on the next sailing. We're worried about the hurricane, but it looks like you may be trying to skirt it. Have you heard any more about it? Who are the "don't miss" entertainers? Thanks again for your help.

[Flipflopsnfrozendrinks]

Hi JoAnn,

 

If you happen to notice how much wireless costs onboard, please let me know. My ipod died (water accident), and I am considering an itouch. It would be nice to not have to be on the ships computer for hours while keeping in touch with the dog sitter.

Of course, this won't be my final decision maker, just extra info, but it wuold be nice to have wireless onboard.

 

Have an after dinner Martini for me tonite, I'll be thinking of you and Bob (and his hat!), and raising my glass!

 

Safe travels home tomorrow!

Kim

[jerseygirl3]

Sorry I haven't posted more frequently, but the internet service here is frustratingly slow. And when it's not slow, it's just not available. Everyone seems annoyed by that, and they have been crediting back people's accounts.

 

As far as the hurricane, the Captain has kept us informed and told us where no where near the hurricane. We skipped Labadee because of some political unrest and docked in Nassau this morning. We leave Nassau tonight and head for home (sniff, sniff). We've had perfect weather the entire cruise except for today it's been windy, cloudy and drizzles off and on in Nassau. I think we might be getting some bands from the hurricane.

 

I will do a complete review when we get back (we're heading over to Marco Island tomorrow until Nov. 15). As far as entertainment, Perry Grant still remains a favorite. Last night he did a performance in the large show lounge so that the vast numbers of passengers who wanted to see him could. Otherwise, in Michael's Club, it's hard to get seating, as he's standing room only every night.

 

I guess that's about it for now. We have decided to do a future booking (to be determined later). I was reluctant to do this given the talk of not being able to combine the OBC with shareholder OBC, but since that decision hasn't been made yet, we'll take our chances and do an open booking. It just makes getting off the ship tomorrow that much easier knowing there will be another Celebrity cruise in our future.

 

But to those of you who have Constellation in your future, you are in for a treat. This has probably been the best cruise we've ever been on. And our others have been great too.

 

Jo-Ann

[WichitaCruiser]

Sorry I haven't posted more frequently, but the internet service here is frustratingly slow. And when it's not slow, it's just not available. Everyone seems annoyed by that, and they have been crediting back people's accounts.

 

As far as the hurricane, the Captain has kept us informed and told us where no where near the hurricane. We skipped Labadee because of some political unrest and docked in Nassau this morning. We leave Nassau tonight and head for home (sniff, sniff). We've had perfect weather the entire cruise except for today it's been windy, cloudy and drizzles off and on in Nassau. I think we might be getting some bands from the hurricane.

 

I will do a complete review when we get back (we're heading over to Marco Island tomorrow until Nov. 15). As far as entertainment, Perry Grant still remains a favorite. Last night he did a performance in the large show lounge so that the vast numbers of passengers who wanted to see him could. Otherwise, in Michael's Club, it's hard to get seating, as he's standing room only every night.

 

I guess that's about it for now. We have decided to do a future booking (to be determined later). I was reluctant to do this given the talk of not being able to combine the OBC with shareholder OBC, but since that decision hasn't been made yet, we'll take our chances and do an open booking. It just makes getting off the ship tomorrow that much easier knowing there will be another Celebrity cruise in our future.

 

But to those of you who have Constellation in your future, you are in for a treat. This has probably been the best cruise we've ever been on. And our others have been great too.

 

Jo-Ann

 

Thanks so much, Jo-Ann! We were thinking about flying to FLL today to get ahead of the storm, but it seems to be fizzling out. So, safe and good travels, and we will do our best to have as terrific time as you did (and get our seats early in Michaels) ; - ) This is going to be so much fun!

Helen

[2ndsailing]

Sorry I haven't posted more frequently, but the internet service here is frustratingly slow. And when it's not slow, it's just not available. Everyone seems annoyed by that, and they have been crediting back people's accounts.

 

As far as the hurricane, the Captain has kept us informed and told us where no where near the hurricane. We skipped Labadee because of some political unrest and docked in Nassau this morning. We leave Nassau tonight and head for home (sniff, sniff). We've had perfect weather the entire cruise except for today it's been windy, cloudy and drizzles off and on in Nassau. I think we might be getting some bands from the hurricane.

 

I will do a complete review when we get back (we're heading over to Marco Island tomorrow until Nov. 15). As far as entertainment, Perry Grant still remains a favorite. Last night he did a performance in the large show lounge so that the vast numbers of passengers who wanted to see him could. Otherwise, in Michael's Club, it's hard to get seating, as he's standing room only every night.

 

I guess that's about it for now. We have decided to do a future booking (to be determined later). I was reluctant to do this given the talk of not being able to combine the OBC with shareholder OBC, but since that decision hasn't been made yet, we'll take our chances and do an open booking. It just makes getting off the ship tomorrow that much easier knowing there will be another Celebrity cruise in our future.

 

But to those of you who have Constellation in your future, you are in for a treat. This has probably been the best cruise we've ever been on. And our others have been great too.

 

Jo-Ann

 

Jo-Ann

 

I have enjoyed reading your posts very much. My family and I will be on the Constellation Dec. 22nd for Christmas/New Year. We have never sailed on Celebrity before (Princess and Holland American) so we're looking forward to experiencing a new cruise line.

[sunnydaze]

As far as the hurricane, the Captain has kept us informed and told us where no where near the hurricane. We skipped Labadee because of some political unrest and docked in Nassau this morning. We leave Nassau tonight and head for home (sniff, sniff). We've had perfect weather the entire cruise except for today it's been windy, cloudy and drizzles off and on in Nassau. I think we might be getting some bands from the hurricane

___________________________________________________________________________

 

Thank you Jerseygirl3, for putting my mind at ease.

I was getting a bit crazy worrying about the hurricane, then my daughter phoned and said that she didn't even feel a wave. She has been playing on different cruise ships for a couple of years, and always tells me not to worry. They seem to do a pretty good job of avoiding storms.

[mardon]

Bugeye - We are cruising 3/6/09 and hope Perry is on the Connie there. We always enjoyed his show. Did you spend any time in the martini lounge? Who are the bartenders? What waiter did you have? We love that ship.

 

marlene

[doubled]

jerseygirl is right on.....we were on same cruise and just killing time at FLL airport....as always service was exceptional....food was very good and agree with jersey about casual dinning as we ended up eating there 3 times...they had escargo app every night and there roasted chicken was excellent. one of best meals ever in specialty as they made a special beef wellington that was to die for...internet was spoty and one day was down almost for 24 hours....

 

there were over 1200 capt club members aboard with over 300 elite members

 

biggest complaint for me was some of public areas like martini bar casino seemed warmer than other x cruises.

 

getting on was a breese and getting off started about 40 minutes late but after that was the fastest and quickest we have experienced in over 20 cruises.

 

can't wait tell next one

[prairiesailor]

Jo-ann: sounds like you had a great cruise & looking forward to reading your review. Did you run into Diane & Donna from our Feb cruise? Was the Solstice in port when you got back/ If so how does she look? I just looked at a picture of her leaving Ft. Lauderdale at night-it is hard to wait until Feb to get onboard.

[chessbriar]

Hi Jo-Ann:

I'm always interested to hear about any changes in the senior officers and staff.

Who is the Staff Captain?

CD? still Gary Walker... he's terrific

 

Any change in Future sales manager or Captain's Club Hostess(Rosalba)?

Please pass on greetings from Arno.. If they say who... I'm in trouble...

 

Is Claudio the Event Co-ordinator?

 

There is a fantastic management team on board..

Theo is the Staff Captain, forget his last name.

 

Gary left today, Robert LeForrest taking over.

 

Mark is still the AM

 

Rosalba will be there for another 4 months.

 

Mikki(Mihelia sp?) is due to get off the 18th waiting to get confirmation, waiting for a replacement.

 

Claudio is getting off in 5 days and heading to Solstice Jan 18 when we board. My daughter was thrilled as he always made himself available for a hug or a kiss.

 

We too got off the ship today. Disembarkation was delayed due to the itinerary change. Imigration was not happy with X skipping Labadee in favor of Nassau. I can't understand the difference.

[jerseygirl3]

Jo-ann: sounds like you had a great cruise & looking forward to reading your review. Did you run into Diane & Donna from our Feb cruise? Was the Solstice in port when you got back/ If so how does she look? I just looked at a picture of her leaving Ft. Lauderdale at night-it is hard to wait until Feb to get onboard.

 

Yes, we did run into Donna and Diane during the cruise on several occasions. It was great seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

 

As someone else mentioned, the ship did seem extremely warm in most public areas. The dining room was uncomfortably warm at times. It seemed when you complained about it being too warm, they started to crank up the A/C a bit. We wondered if they were keeping the A/C turned down to conserve $$$?

 

I will try to do a review during our week here in Marco Island, but if not, I will for sure do it next week when we get home.

 

Jo-Ann

[mmp13]

We were on this cruise, our third constellation cruise, and I have to agree...Service was incredible. Better than any of our previous cruises. Staff went out of their way to please. And not only that...they seemed to be enjoying their job! We had a great time and met some wonderful people. We felt the food was as good as always. Hot food served hot, cold food served cold and beef dishes were excellent. Can't wait to go again

[NorthernLite]

Bugeye - We are cruising 3/6/09 and hope Perry is on the Connie there. We always enjoyed his show. Did you spend any time in the martini lounge? Who are the bartenders? What waiter did you have? We love that ship.

 

marlene

 

I'm not Bugeye but Elesio in the Martini Bar made our trip! LOL He also solved my "what to wear on an the unexpected 3rd formal night" a mute question. Too many flights to taste and a great dirty the first night gave me and the spouse a 36 hour stress rest before being all bright and ready for Bermuda on Saturday morning.

 

The espresso martinis are dangerous BTW.

 

Sue

[Flipflopsnfrozendrinks]

How many formal nights were there? I was originally thinking 3, like the last 2 longer cruises we were on, but I thought it got changed to 2. I hope they are bringing back the 3rd. It is not everyday I get to see my 11yo ds in a suit!

Hope you are enjoying San Marco!

Kim

[cruiseorbust]

What was the entertainment, and was it any good?

[doubled]

How many formal nights were there? I was originally thinking 3, like the last 2 longer cruises we were on, but I thought it got changed to 2. I hope they are bringing back the 3rd. It is not everyday I get to see my 11yo ds in a suit!

Hope you are enjoying San Marco!

Kim

 

There were 3 formal nights on 11 night 10/30/08 Constellation cruise

[Flipflopsnfrozendrinks]

plus, I just got an e-mail from my TA, and the price has gone down $100.00!!!!

We love our formal nights, so 3 suits us just fine.

Kim

[chickaroonie]

Our favorite by far was the party band Top Notch(some of you may know them from the Summit)... Also a good acapella quartet we caught by Cova....and a guitarist at the aft deck bar. Hyperion Knight was a pianist we did not see. Did see comeidan who I felt was more of a magician/performer....Jeff Palmer. My group did not want to see Perry...

we did go to 2 good production shows- Broadway one was near the end. I can't believe I was too tired to even go look at the chocolate dessert buffet- so unlike me!! but I did go to see the Caribbean one that had terrific fruit carvings & numerous selctions (there was some rain a bit into that I believe. The dancing pair in the first production was truly outstanding.

This was our first X cruise, we have done 1 RC cruise. So we were quite dazzled by the concierge class service & outstanding service all around. We renewed our vows in the conservatory( a big surprise to me) a bouquet was placed in my hands as I left the cabin to join our group for what I thought was dinner in Oceanliners. Claudio & Gary made it exceptional & the photographer took terrific shots in the conservatory for our album. DH had worked on this for months - I must walk around in a bigger fog than I thought!! It was a black & white theme night for our group & we were given the very special table in the wine cellar rm. Phenomenal.

We are so looking forward to the TA on Connie next fall.

[cruiseorbust]

Does anyone have any pictures from this cruise that they want to share? video?

[WichitaCruiser]

We just got off the Connie Friday. Everything was wonderful - until an outbreak of Norovirus. The crew has to work overtime sanitizing and serving everything (even sugar packets). And even though we were religious about hand washing and sanitizing we came down with it the last night. Ugh!

 

The production shows were fabulous, but 2 of the 3 headliners were not very good (in our opinion). We were surprised that the other shows (on an 11-night cruise) were filled in by the ship's regular entertainers (who were better than the headliners). The show one night was the guest talent show--which we left after the 1st act. The showroom never came close to being filled-we always found great seats at the last minute.

 

The live music was all really, really good, and we heard little repetition of songs the whole cruise.

 

There were 2 formal nights (11-night cruise).

 

We were very disappointed in the elite perks (especially after our diamond ones on RCCL).

 

I'll try to post photos when I have some more time.