Spif Barwunkel

Interestingly, you say most passengers. What might the exceptions be and why?

You already know the "Bigger and Bolder" presentation of Royal's Oasis Class ships. The smaller, quieter, more relaxed environment of Celebrity is certainly different, in a good way. The Solstice Class ships - including Equinox - provide a very enjoyable cruising experience. Our cruise line of choice is Celebrity, but we have cruised on Royal's Harmony, Allure and Oasis. We will take another trip on Harmony in two weeks. Obviously, we enjoy both cruise lines. Once you have considered all suggestions and comments on this thread, add the elements of cruising that mean the most to you both. It all comes down to what best fits your current mood and inclination. It sounds like you will eventually want to try something different. Question is, will it be sooner or later?

It is a de-centralized system that records transactions in the crypto world. Hence, the inability for those government agencies to get their hands on a large portion of your money, through taxation. No taxation equals irritation. That's what it's all about when you are on the outside looking in. In other words, no representation. I am probably stepping out-of-bounds by continuing a conversation regarding Cryptocurrency, in general. This thread addresses NFT's specifically, as related to Celebrity.

Kinda like with the typical operations and offerings from stock markets, brokers etc., around the world. That pervasive greedy, dishonest factor is always there. Fortunately, it is not the majority of players in the ongoing investment game.

Just like the much maligned and misunderstood "Always Included" and "Infinite Veranda", it seems NFT's will become the latest proverbial "thorn in both starboard and port side" of Celebrity Cruises.

I am too old and too dumb to want to try and understand Cryptocurrency/Bitcoin/NFT's. However, from my discussions with several folks - many years my junior - whose association with those entities has given them very comfortable lives, it is apparent that this fairly new economic endeavor is gaining ground and acceptance around the world, grudgingly so in some cases. It is legal and very profitable despite the fact that naysayers and opponents try to paint a picture of nefarious dealings and attempts to swindle innocent people. Not so. I have no problem with Celebrity entering the Crypto world and extending an invitation to join them. I see it as an attempt to gain more following from Gen X and Millennials, just as the introduction of Edge Class ships is intended to do. Hopefully, Celebrity has done its homework and knows how to honestly provide and execute this type of transaction. For those folks who decide that this new method works for them, perhaps that marriage will be profitable for everyone involved. As for me, I'll stick with the good old-fashioned greenback dollar.

No doubt. Isn't Don Julio, Reposado(my favorite), a special kind of agave nectar? May I ask, why would you want to be served Don Julio in a mixed drink? But yes, if at no extra charge bring it on in a Margarita.

In all fairness, how many stout lovers are there in every 100 beer drinkers? Whadda ya think? And, what would be a good substitute for you? A coffee stout? A milk stout? An oatmeal stout et al? Kinda difficult and expensive to stock all the options for so few stout drinkers.

There ya go, Z. Now you're gettin' it. Less money spent on new tires, rotation and balance etc. Why do I think you would make out just fine? By the way, it has been sorted out. The ayes have it.

Absolutely agree!

Not at all like what I am saying. But being that you said it, yes they have. Back to "take it or leave it." I'll still take it.

Example - If Celebrity's Premium Beverage Package included "Caymus Special Selection", I would not want "Conundrum" if Caymus unavailable. If it included "Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve", I would not want "Elegance" in its place. If "Duckhorn" was my pour, "Decoy" would not adequately suffice. Conundrum, Elegance and Decoy are all good wines, but truly speaking they are not premium. Whereas, in Celebrity's house they are. Hence, if one is not available, the others are legitimate substitutes. Bring Cherry Pie to the party and all is well. Celebrity is fulfilling its responsibility. One really has no valid complaint even though Conundrum may be the pour of choice. As we all know, should you order "Special Selection", "Vintner's Reserve" or "Duckhorn", you will pay quite a bit more $$ above the allotted amount.

No apologies to me, necessary. I do totally agree with your second paragraph, and I would ask, is it indeed the sum of all parts of this thread discussion that are responsible for the dilemma? Would common sense and a bit of wisdom lead one to this conclusion? Finally, does the current state-of- affairs significantly devalue Celebrity's beverage packages? Are they really that much different than originally advertised, pre-pandemic? I think not.

As much as I've tried, I just cannot figure out what this post means. Another foible on my part. But I do know that your reference to Liberia is irrelevant and inappropriate. Seems to be a lot of that going on in this thread. Gosh, I feel like a super-moderator.

"Take it or leave it." I confess, I am the malefactor. I might have gotten away with it had Z not ratted me out. It is a Premium "Beverage" Package and subject to change or modification depending on circumstances. We purchase the package for that reason, not solely for the alcoholic version. And, as I have said before, wines included with the PBP are not Premium wines. For those you will pay beyond the allowed $$, by glass or bottle. We never get our money's worth from the extra spent on the PBP. It is the convenience of a full "beverage" package that makes our cruise more enjoyable. That is why we take it rather than leave it.

In my area of Fl there seems to be no shortage of "wines of all kinds." Whether Total Wine, ABC, Costco or a small local wine shop with many scarcer wines, I can pretty much get whatever I want. Any thoughts that maybe Celebrity has, at least for the time being, cut back on the amounts of wines they buy and from whom they purchase. Same for liquors. Is this a cost saving measure rather than a blatant attempt at withholding or supply issues? For now, at times, you might get less for more. As "Cage the Elephant" so eloquently said, take it or leave it. Now, isn't that easy to do?

We have gotten beyond the mental concern of self-canceling cruises. Between next week and May 31, 2023, we will cruise Europe, the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Antarctica, Europe, in that order. And although Covid continues to sidle about with nefarious intent, in our own minds we will feel good about how we have prepared for our next cruising chapter. It is not without caution and awareness that we go. As best we can, we will alleviate the stress of the day thus increasing immune system response. The mind and body prefer an even keel. The closer we get to that comfortable space the better off we are. So, if the ships are going, we are going with all the positivity we can muster.

That is an excellent response. Just goes to show that many of us are not willing to be lumped into a specific category. Show me what you got, I'll decide if it works for me.

Interesting, the OP asks how things are going on the Beyond inaugural cruise and responses include many folks being “underwhelmed” and the furniture on the veranda. Certainly, there is a lot more to it than that. Keep in mind that Celebrity has declared the Beyond a ship for Generation X. Curious to see if the negative comments are coming from them or from others, or from both. Innovation and variation on an old theme is necessary in the cruising industry. I’m a pre-boomer and even though I am not the target cruiser for the Edge Class Ships, I will enjoy what they have to offer. At the same time, I will in no way abandon the S & M class ships that have given me so much enjoyment. I appreciate having more choices and I will continue to enjoy Celebrity.

With the introduction of the “Edge Class” ships, it was assumed that Celebrity was hoping to attract more of the younger cruising crowd. Now, with Beyond joining the fleet, that assumption is validated. In a recent Beyond thread by Cruise Critic Chris, LLP is quoted as saying “Our sweet spot is Generation X.” It is now official, and I have no problem with that. Our three chilluns are 40 something Gen X’ers . Our daughter would love Beyond. Our oldest son would be smitten as well. Our youngest son gets ornery when more than 5 and ½ people invade his space, that is five too many. Beyond is not going to change that. In this case, two out of three ain’t bad. New versions on an old theme are a good thing. Because Celebrity has changed the presentation to invite a younger crowd, I, as a pre-boomer, certainly do not feel uninvited to the party. I have cruised on Edge and have booked Beyond for a future date. More high-tech, edgier shows, Infinite verandas, balcony chairs and tables are irrelevant to me. I get it and I enjoy. I’m actually a Gen X’er in boomer clothing. For us older seasoned cruisers, the familiar and comfortable S & M Class will always be there. And, on those ships, we boomers can feel good about being Celebrity’s “sweet spot.” I like what Celebrity has done with innovation and I am happy to have another choice for my future cruising plans