What are the things every new Celebrity cruiser should know? (details please!)

Ok, before anyone jumps down my throat and tells me just tosearch for this info, let me assure you, I HAVE searched! Ever since bookingout 11 night “France Italy and Film” cruise for May on the Constellation, Ihave been obsessed with CC (as I usually am before any cruise)!

I have cruised a lot as a child (including a coupleCelebrity cruises over 20 years ago) and have sailed on NCL a few times morerecently, but I am pretty unfamiliar with Celebrity.

Just as context, a bit about ourselves: This isgoing to be our HONEYMOON! We are a couple in our early (me) and mid (him) 30s from New Jersey. We like to eat, relax, sightsee and have a goodtime but are by no means “partiers.”

I am a planner by nature, and I love to have as muchinformation as possible before a trip. I am looking to find out all of thethings that you seasoned Celebrity cruisers think I should know. Of course, Idon’t know what I don’t know, so it is hard to pinpoint what information I reallyneed, but things I have thought of are:

• The cruise cards, are these used the same as onother lines?
  
• Food options – specific to Constellation – arethree options 24/7? It is unclear as to what specialty restaurants are actuallyon board now, can someone confirm?
  
• Disembarkation at ports – do people line upearly? Is this usually easy?
  
• Embarkation – any need to arrive early? We areleaving from Barcelona. What should I expect? (asking because we are used tothe hellish NCL embarkation process!)
  
• Is there enough space underneath the bed for thesuitcases?
  
• WIFI – I have read mixed reports on the quality
  
• Are there irons/ironing boards in the staterooms?
  
• SPA – do they usually do embarkation dayspecials?
  

Thanks everyone for all of your help!

Interesting comment from the OP. Having looked at all the questions just about all the answers are are available on Celebrity threads especially if one uses the search engine. What maybe missing is embarkation at Barcelona which I will answer. Take a taxi to the cruise terminal. The terminal used by Celebrity has plenty of room and a lot of agents to get you onboard quickly. Expect to get on board no earlier than 11.00 am. How long you have to wait as a new passenger will be solely dependant upon how many other newbie passengers turn up at the same time.

No irons on board, There is enough space under the beds for suitcases, There are three specialty restaurants on board, WIFI is fine but expensive. Spa specials are offered on embarkation day. There I have done what I promised I wouldnt

The cruise cards or Sea Pass is your key and charge card. Easy as can be.

Pressing service is available, no irons or self laundry.

Have a great cruise and honeymoon.

Interesting comment from the OP. Having looked at all the questions just about all the answers are are available on Celebrity threads especially if one uses the search engine. What maybe missing is embarkation at Barcelona which I will answer. Take a taxi to the cruise terminal. The terminal used by Celebrity has plenty of room and a lot of agents to get you onboard quickly. Expect to get on board no earlier than 11.00 am. How long you have to wait as a new passenger will be solely dependant upon how many other newbie passengers turn up at the same time.

 

No irons on board, There is enough space under the beds for suitcases, There are three specialty restaurants on board, WIFI is fine but expensive. Spa specials are offered on embarkation day. There I have done what I promised I wouldnt

Thanks for your input, but I must ask, why bother replying to a post if your reply is a critique on the poster? We are all here to talk about vacations! Why not keep it light and positive? If you feel my post is redundant and answering would be a waste of your time, don't answer it!

However, thank you for the information you did provide. I'm sure it will be helpful to me as I plan out my cruise.

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Ok, before anyone jumps down my throat and tells me just tosearch for this info, let me assure you, I HAVE searched! Ever since bookingout 11 night “France Italy and Film” cruise for May on the Constellation, Ihave been obsessed with CC (as I usually am before any cruise)!

I have cruised a lot as a child (including a coupleCelebrity cruises over 20 years ago) and have sailed on NCL a few times morerecently, but I am pretty unfamiliar with Celebrity.

 

Just as context, a bit about ourselves: This isgoing to be our HONEYMOON! We are a couple in our early (me) and mid (him) 30s from New Jersey. We like to eat, relax, sightsee and have a goodtime but are by no means “partiers.”

 

I am a planner by nature, and I love to have as muchinformation as possible before a trip. I am looking to find out all of thethings that you seasoned Celebrity cruisers think I should know. Of course, Idon’t know what I don’t know, so it is hard to pinpoint what information I reallyneed, but things I have thought of are:

 

• The cruise cards, are these used the same as onother lines? Used to access rooms and for all purchases on board. If you have a drink package, you provide the card but do not sign anything.
  
• Food options – specific to Constellation – arethree options 24/7? It is unclear as to what specialty restaurants are actuallyon board now, can someone confirm? Don't know this.
  
• Disembarkation at ports – do people line upearly? Is this usually easy? Never found it to be a problem except on tender ports. However we don't usually insist on being first off the ship so our experience may be different than those who do. They usually have a designated time to obtain tender tickets. Santorini was the worst experience getting off the ship. There, many people booked a Celebrity tour to get off the ship early.
  
• Embarkation – any need to arrive early? We areleaving from Barcelona. What should I expect? (asking because we are used tothe hellish NCL embarkation process!). Never left from Barcelona so don't know.
  
• Is there enough space underneath the bed for the suitcases? Yes, the medium ones fit better. We put the large ones there too but sometimes they push up the bed frames a bit. It helps if you push them toward the middle under the double bed.
  
• WIFI – I have read mixed reports on the quality. Had unlimited package on Silhouette and Equinox in last year. Slow at peak times, but much improved from 2-3 years ago. Okay for casual internet user. Not tried for business purpose.
  
• Are there irons/ironing boards in the staterooms? No. They will iron items for you but it can be pricy. We used Eagle Creek packing folders on recent trip to Europe and all the clothes (pants & shirts) were neat & wearable without needing ironing. Also, helped us to pack everything in smaller suitcases. Loved their system.
  
• SPA – do they usually do embarkation dayspecials? Yes so go immediately upon embarkation to check them out. Also, on port days or even sea days in the morning before 1:00 pm. Different ships have different rules. On Equinox, they would extend the specials to sea days if the appoitmnets available on port days didn't work for you. On Silhouette, they wouldn't.
  

Thanks everyone for all of your help!

I can't answer all your questions but will do my best with my experiences. We have sailed on most if not all Celebrity ships & my responses reflect my general experience. I added them above.

Enjoy your cruise!

Never been on constellation bit have left from Barcelona it is the most amazing city if you can try to stay a day or 2 before or after your cruise it won't disapont enjoy all your planing try to hook up on your roll call for tours as they can be very expensive

Just to clarify, Irons and Steamers are not allowed on board. They will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise.

Jagg3003: Hope you have a great time in Barcelona, which is one of my favorite European cities, and a great honeymoon on the Constellation.

We have both embarked and had several turnaround days (between B2B legs) in Barcelona. Several times the hold up has been going through the security lines prior to the actual check-in process. But once through security screening we have found boarding employees directing passengers to the correct lines and an adequate number of check-in stations. Celebrity generally will start the embarkation process around 11 AM, so we arrive about 12:30 PM to avoid the early rush of folks.

I am a planner too. What I want to say is, don't find out everything about the ship before you get on. There is only one time that you'll get to experience the ooooh and aaaah as you explore a new-to-you ship for the first time. Don't spoil that. Enjoy it.

But there are some things. Irons. Think about it. It's a fire hazard. I'm glad they don't allow them. Not everyone is diligent. There are no laundry rooms or ironing rooms on board either. Fine with me. I'm not spending my vacation cruise time doing laundry, except for a few hand things that I do in the sink. Hang clothes in a steamy bathroom, wear traveler knits, use water and a hairdryer, or send them out. Or just don't worry about it. Once clothes are on 98.6 degrees wrinkles have a way of coming out. No one cares. We're all there. I put my husband's button down shirts in a dry cleaner bag and then fold it and for some reason that really minimizes wrinkles. Also a fully packed case makes for less wrinkles. Your room steward can get you as many hangers as you want.

Don't bring too many shoes! I don't bring a different pair for every outfit. I wear the same bottoms (skirt, slacks) several times each for dinner. No one remembers or cares. Change up the tops with jewelry, etc. and bring non-wrinkly things.

We always like to eat in the specialty restaurants because to us that's just a part of the whole cruise experience. I can't comment on the main dining room because we've been in suites eating in their dining room Luminae and in Aqua Class where they eat in Blu.

Our suitcases fit easily under the bed without lifting it up, but if it does, just open the case up. I do that anyway. I put my dirty laundry on one side of the case and on the other side I put things I might not need or that I have already used.

Barcelona is a fabulous city. We took a transatlantic from there a few years ago and it was memorable. We went three days early and stayed in a great hotel which was a good price, the Room Mate Pau. It wasn't a fancy hotel, but it was perfect for us, had a breakfast buffet, and a little store next door to buy last minute toiletries, etc. It was near Las Ramblas and convenient to transportation. We took great tours through Barcelona Day Tours which is the same as Spain Day Tours. We took a taxi to the port about 11 a.m. and it was as easy an embarkation we've had. Very efficient. From dropping off luggage to glass of welcome champagne in hand it was maybe 20 minutes.

Happy wedding and have a great honeymoon.

Barcelona: The only port that I can think of where you can buy alcohol after passing through security.. and you can board and go back for more..

Be careful in Barcelona. it is a pickpocket's dream and Cruise Critic members have posted how they missed their departure because their passports had been stolen.

We were on a shuttle to the ship where we witnessed a pickpocket sitting back on the bench waiting for the next bunch of tourists after being told to get his hand out of a passenger's pocket as he boarded the shuttle.

The three for-fee specialty restaurants are:

Tuscan Grille - steaks and pasta

Qusine - small plates in very unique "dishes"; e.g. soup in test tubes (reminded me of my high school chem lab) - best appreciated with a group to share multiple plates.

Sushi on Five - a la carte - also have some dishes other than raw fish

Non-fee options other than your assigned dining room or Oceanview Cafe buffet are:

Pool Grill - burgers, hot dogs, fries

Aqua Spa Cafe - healthy salads are the main draw; but a little known fact is that you can order grilled salmon - cooked to order

Downy wrinkle release is great when you can't have an iron!

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Thanks for your input, but I must ask, why bother replying to a post if your reply is a critique on the poster? We are all here to talk about vacations! Why not keep it light and positive? If you feel my post is redundant and answering would be a waste of your time, don't answer it!

 

However, thank you for the information you did provide. I'm sure it will be helpful to me as I plan out my cruise.

 

 

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b/c it's CC...

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and honeymoon. Make sure Celebrity know it is your honeymoon, they do sometimes arrange special events like a cocktail party.

I think your questions have pretty well been answered.

You do not mention what room you have, I would strongly suggest you go for at least a balcony room....nothing quite so romantic as sitting out on the balcony, drink in hand, watching the stars.

On boarding see if you can negotiate a dining package (book2/3 meals at a discount). If the discount is minimal just say you will think about it and ask again a couple of days later. Discounts are based on supply and demand, some cruises offer much better discounts than others. Tours in the Med are tiring so you may prefer to enjoy the speciality restaurants on sea days.

As Arno said, you can buy alcohol before boarding, even if you have a drinks package it is nice to have something in your room.

Never tried it but I believe the Spa does a couples massage....bargains on port days but still not cheap.

Hope you have a wonderful cruise!

To the OP, I'm a planner too, but over the years as I travelled more and more I made an effort to make myself relax about the trip. Bring less luggage, see fewer things but in more depth, take time to breath.

It's was not natural for me to do these things twenty years ago, but now they are and I enjoy traveling and especially cruising more now then ever.

Read the FAQ section on the Celebrity website

https://www.celebritycruises.com/company/customer-support/help-and-faqs/pre-cruise/before-you-board

Expect things to change before and during the cruise and find that there is no consistency from cruise to cruise or ship to ship. Don't think what you read on here will be gospel. Things change.

We sailed on a B2B and things changed from one cruise to the next.

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌞

I know this will be your honeymoon but do consider joining others on your Roll Call for excursions. I also know you didn't ask about this part of your cruise but it is probably as important or more so than all of your worthy, and totally understandable, queries.

Excursions in Europe are costly and ship's tours on big busses are really not fun. You can't visit as many sites nor spend quality time if you are getting on and off a bus sometimes with wasted hikes to and from the attractions. And, by joining your Roll Call you may find many compatible people to share time with. Often these well traveled people can also help you avoid delays for disembarkation at many port stops. Santorini is an exception, of course as has been mentioned.

To the OP, I'm a planner too, but over the years as I travelled more and more I made an effort to make myself relax about the trip. Bring less luggage, see fewer things but in more depth, take time to breath.

 

It's was not natural for me to do these things twenty years ago, but now they are and I enjoy traveling and especially cruising more now then ever.

Agree!

Some aren't aware that room service is free, so make the most of breakfast in bed or on your balcony (if you have one).

Another tip - check your final account carefully as X have a knack of overcharging!

Some aren't aware that room service is free, so make the most of breakfast in bed or on your balcony (if you have one).

Just to add that there is now a $4.95 charge for delivery between 11pm and 6pm. Regardless of time I always tip cash to the person delivering room service, but that is a personal choice.

Phil

Have a wonderful honeymoon and enjoy this special time. I would just re-enforce Arno's advice of caution in most European cities but definitely in Barcelona. Speaking as a "victim" be careful and always aware of who is around you - the pick pockets are very good at what they do. I was lucky only a few Euros taken from my bag whilst on the "Metro". Moped riders who snatch bags are also very prevalent around the tourist areas.

Just a couple of thoughts:

You don't have to rush and get to the shows 30 minutes early to get a seat.....generally you can always find a seat even if you come at show time.

Likely that after the second night, they will start to offer "deals" on specialty restaurants....1/3 off isn't uncommon...sometimes you can get a BOGO. If they don't offer, you can make an offer (with a smile) and they may say OK.

I don't think you have any tender ports....if you do, it can be a hassle to get off the ship because ship's excursions go first, etc. It's one situation where you do have to go early to get a number...

Often the casino starts with $25 minimum tables to see if there are any players at that level. The second night, $10 and even $5/6 tables seem to appear.

Don't miss the martini bar or the silent party...fun! My suggestion would be to skip any art auctions (you probably know that from reading CC).

Get a Schwab bank credit card (and bank account)...no foreign transaction or conversion fees and they refund any ATM fees. Use that to get Euro's (or whatever) at ATM's when you get off the ship at a port.

Be careful with you room card key...if it comes anywhere near a magnet, it may get erased...no problem getting a new one at guest services...but it's just a hassle when you get back to your room at midnight and can't get in (spoken from experience).

Thanks for your input, but I must ask, why bother replying to a post if your reply is a critique on the poster? We are all here to talk about vacations! Why not keep it light and positive? If you feel my post is redundant and answering would be a waste of your time, don't answer it!

 

However, thank you for the information you did provide. I'm sure it will be helpful to me as I plan out my cruise.

 

 

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Absolutely agree. no need at all.

I am a planner too. What I want to say is, don't find out everything about the ship before you get on. There is only one time that you'll get to experience the ooooh and aaaah as you explore a new-to-you ship for the first time. Don't spoil that. Enjoy it.

 

But there are some things. Irons. Think about it. It's a fire hazard. I'm glad they don't allow them. Not everyone is diligent. There are no laundry rooms or ironing rooms on board either. Fine with me. I'm not spending my vacation cruise time doing laundry, except for a few hand things that I do in the sink. Hang clothes in a steamy bathroom, wear traveler knits, use water and a hairdryer, or send them out. Or just don't worry about it. Once clothes are on 98.6 degrees wrinkles have a way of coming out. No one cares. We're all there. I put my husband's button down shirts in a dry cleaner bag and then fold it and for some reason that really minimizes wrinkles. Also a fully packed case makes for less wrinkles. Your room steward can get you as many hangers as you want.

 

Don't bring too many shoes! I don't bring a different pair for every outfit. I wear the same bottoms (skirt, slacks) several times each for dinner. No one remembers or cares. Change up the tops with jewelry, etc. and bring non-wrinkly things.

 

We always like to eat in the specialty restaurants because to us that's just a part of the whole cruise experience. I can't comment on the main dining room because we've been in suites eating in their dining room Luminae and in Aqua Class where they eat in Blu.

 

Our suitcases fit easily under the bed without lifting it up, but if it does, just open the case up. I do that anyway. I put my dirty laundry on one side of the case and on the other side I put things I might not need or that I have already used.

 

Barcelona is a fabulous city. We took a transatlantic from there a few years ago and it was memorable. We went three days early and stayed in a great hotel which was a good price, the Room Mate Pau. It wasn't a fancy hotel, but it was perfect for us, had a breakfast buffet, and a little store next door to buy last minute toiletries, etc. It was near Las Ramblas and convenient to transportation. We took great tours through Barcelona Day Tours which is the same as Spain Day Tours. We took a taxi to the port about 11 a.m. and it was as easy an embarkation we've had. Very efficient. From dropping off luggage to glass of welcome champagne in hand it was maybe 20 minutes.

 

Happy wedding and have a great honeymoon.

You know what? You are absolutely right, there definitely should be some surprises to be had!

Thanks for your tips though! I consider myself a smart person, but the idea of opening up the suitcase is great and I wonder how many nights of the bed lifting would we have endured before I thought of that... lol!

They should have spa discounts on port days.