Spif Barwunkel

It seems that lots of good folks made their feelings known regarding this latest moronic attempt by Celebrity to enhance the cruising experience for its passengers. No doubt, vaping/smoking in the casino will do just that. Unfortunately, X responses from overworked staffers and uncaring executive assistants seemed nothing more than disingenuous attempts at placation. I don't know, does anyone know if any one member from the elite brainstorming committee responsible for this exercise actually showed their face around here. Probably not. Probably unwilling to take ownership, as an individual and as a group. You have got to admit, it is an ignominious position to be in. But, from a gambling standpoint one should at least have a pair and be willing to proudly show them, even in a losing cause.

I am not concerned about the hosts. They have a job to do, they do it. Whether of their own volition or because of outside influencers. And thanks to you we will link these two together. Multiple CC threads, and vaping in casinos (including tests), most folks want neither and both are a waste of time. Thank goodness they will no longer be a concern.

RY, sometimes saturation is necessary, a written form of waterboarding if you will. It can serve to bring entities to their senses when nothing else works. Lots of people said lots of things and that's a good thing. I feel in this instance, Celebrity turned around, without warning and gave all its customers a swift kick in the groin. I'm still doubled over. This test is not now, nor will it ever be a good thing for us, or for Celebrity. They were too ignorant to see that, however. Perhaps now they can regain their senses. You are right. Many times, there are too many similar threads concurrently in motion. Most times, it is overkill. Sometimes, it is necessary.

And then there was one. It seems that this is the only vaping/smoking/Celebrity embarrassment thread left standing. All others are closed to further discussion. Or removed all together. Just goes to show what happens when someone or something is overwhelmed with negativity and left with no defense. It is particularly embarrassing when there was nothing worth defending in the first place. Shut it down or take it away, that'll show 'em. At least we can be assured that there will be no vaping/smoking in the casinos, or anywhere else indoors on X ships.

Why am I not surprised that Ms. Peaches has combined her Cagney & Lacey sleuthing skills with her Murphy Brown journalistic expertise in order to overtly run head-first into the vapor trails, seeking the story, with absolutely no regard for her own safety. And, on a "mostly-free" cruise at that. She took time away from their time in order to make time for us...nice! Meanwhile, covertly settled somewhere close by, Mr. Peaches waits and watches, with beverage in hand, ready to spring into action should his wife require assistance. Don't let the mysterious man in the "faces" shirt fool you. He is primed and ready.

With smiles on your faces, I'm sure.

To the IV detractors, much to your dismay you are not going to wish the IV's away. In one form or another they are here to stay. You will just have to live with this thorn in your side, fly in your ointment, twist in your panties and elephant in your room. No doubt, someday some big pharmaceutical will have a pill or a salve to relieve the discomfort. In the meantime, have a hot cup of tea with a hot shot of bourbon and ponder the good old days when IV meant a needle in your arm with medicine flowing into your body through a plastic tube. That will certainly make you feel better. If that does not work, count backwards from Roman Numeral 4. It's not like you have no alternatives. Infinite Verandas will be full, with or without your support. Much ado about nothing, I'm afraid. To the OP. Did I mention how all-around good and interesting your sailing will be?

You certainly do not have to explain yourself to me. I truly am not trying to besmirch your feelings and opinions because they differ from mine regarding Infinite Verandas. In fact, I really do not care how you or anyone else feels about them. I will continue to enjoy. Also, I have read more than once from naysayers that IV dwellers do not use the furthest outside extension of their cabins. DW and I use this area very much, perhaps more so than you use your “real balcony.” We would have enjoyed an IV while cruising in Antarctica and spending hours outside on our balcony in sub-zero temperatures taking gorgeous pictures. An IV would have served the purpose very well in a much warmer and more comfortable environment. We did enjoy our cabin extension on more than one occasion in Europe and the Caribbean during heavy rainstorms when for several hours we would not have been able to use the “real balcony.” Do we enjoy the typical balconies, of course we do. And, we are happy that the different cabin extensions now have a place in our future cruising as well. I have purposely refrained from using the words balcony and veranda when referencing our IV cabin so as not to insult or offend real balcony purists. Some topics proffer sensitivities that cannot be suppressed. Of course, that is the last thing that I want to do.

The OP says that IV's are controversial. I say they are misunderstood. I enjoy the Infinite Veranda because I understand its function, its purpose and its efficiency. It seems that for every 1 advocate, there are 5 critics. That is understandable because the concept is new and different. Everything about your upcoming 2024 cruise from the ship class to the itinerary to the cabin type is first-class. Think of it as such and know just how all around good and interesting your sailing will be.

I do not necessarily know what this is supposed to mean, but I do know that this kind of mindset is not conducive to properly planning an enjoyable vacation, of any kind. Being pre-disposed to future perturbation because of past disappointment - particularly someone else's - will keep you right there in a mental state-of-flux. Don't want to be there as you make your way onto Oasis, or any ship. The only expectations one should have are those that include stress-free experiences and lots of fun. Anything negative negates the reasons why you are planning to cruise on Oasis in the first place. Reading reviews can be helpful, but you cannot let them determine your state-of-mind. Otherwise, all of your cruising experiences will be vicariously. Of course, that guarantees no disappointments does it not?

It is the overall Celebrity vibe and presentation. It's what makes us consistently comfortable and satisfied with our choice. It is the option of choosing among three different classes of ships and what each has to offer. It is Celebrity's ability to overcome the occasional hiccup or misstep and our ability to realize that stuff happens. Celebrity is a favorite place for us to be when we are away from home, and we are looking for exciting places to be taken.

A nice choice to have to make. We cruised on Mariner to Bermuda in 2022, our first and only time there. That was a bucket list item and Mariner lives 30 minutes up the road from our house, a no brainer. We are not beach-lounging folks, but we very much enjoy visiting beautiful beaches. Bermuda will certainly not disappoint. Whether a ships excursion or on your own, Horseshoe Bay Beach, Elbow Beach or Jobson's Cove would be my choices, if possible. Also, you will enjoy Mariner. We have not cruised on Adventure. However, living in Florida, the Caribbean is obviously in the neighborhood. For over 30 years, DW and I have visited most of the islands, either by cruise or land vacation. Beautiful beaches abound. In St. Croix it will depend on where the ship docks and what transportation is provided to various beaches. Buck Island/Turtle Beach, Buccaneer Beach (associated with Buccaneer Resort), Rainbow Beach, Davis Bay Beach, are very nice. In Tortola, Cane Garden Bay, Long Bay Beach and Brewer's Bay Beach are hard to beat. If you do the Adventure of the Seas, you may have the opportunity for a ship's tour to the Baths at Virgin Gorda from Tortola. Should definitely be given consideration. And also from Tortola, another option might be a day trip to Jost Van Dyke/White Bay Beach and the Soggy Dollar Bar. Gorgeous beach with a fun gathering place and the "PAINKILLER". Enough said there. We know the Caribbean well. Perhaps we would rather head south than north. As beach bums, you can't go wrong either way.

You had me at Mesopotamia and I would have happily followed along through the various planning stages, from then 'til whenever. An entertaining segue it would have been, from western Asia to northwestern Europe. From where Cornflakes and Wheaties originated to where tulip fields and windmills abound. It shall indeed be an enjoyable post-cruise presentation.

Perhaps the same mistake that was made at the Bushwood Country Club pool in 1980. The dreaded Baby Ruth candy bar, but this time with some added sargassum for affect.

We will be two happy people boarding the Anthem on 5/26/24 and cruising b2b from Southampton ending the voyage(s) on 6/14/24. Both itineraries offer some bucket list items that we will be able to check off. Whereas I do not refute or dispute anyone's unpleasant experiences, on any cruise, I do not let them affect our cruise planning nor the cruises themselves. For example, number of sunbeds and their placement in relation to indoor and outdoor pools and the sun's direction seems trivial, even in the shade. The Anthem will be a most enjoyable experience. Having never been to England, we will enjoy a few days in London/Southampton, pre-cruise. Post-cruise, we will be disembarking as those same two happy people, with exception of course to the cruises end. Another RCCL "happy ship" experience. It's all in the attitude!

Ms Peaches, for a few bucks more, on a 3 or a 4, I would try the IV. I have seen your comments on various threads as to why you are apprehensive. I would not suggest this to any poster who speaks or thinks negatively of the IV, whether having cruised in one or not. We have done so for 7 nights on Edge and 12 nights on Beyond. Really enjoyed both, very much. We will do 7 once again on Ascent Maiden voyage. I just have a gut feeling that you and DH will adapt and enjoy. Not that you will not enjoy the porthole veranda, because it is obvious that you guys make the best of any situation. However, for a few bucks more, on a 3 or a 4....well, you know.

You have not cruised Celebrity in 12 months. The last time that you did cruise Celebrity, you gorged yourself on bad food 75% of the time and then went to watch a great production show, all the while claiming that "Celebrity is nothing close to what they used to be only ten years ago." Royal was the worst, you say, but even with a full belly of bad food X gets the bloated nod over Royal. Now, sadly, you must try Princess. Happily, I will not have to read your sad stories in your Princess diaries.

Quite the sapient comment. Adding to that, if a person no longer feels recognized or appreciated for exhibiting fealty over the years, frustration, disappointment and perhaps a bit of anger can manifest themselves into a stream of conscience negativity. In the heat of the moment, complaints are easy to come by and express. And yet, what has been your comfort zone for so long still seems more attractive, in its less than perfect world, than something brand new that can create the stress and anxiety of experiencing the unknown. It is easy to complain and blame, not as easy to adapt and adjust. Therefore, perhaps moving on is necessary, if only for a brief moment in time in order to test the waters and realize where you fit best it the total cruising scheme.

In these few posts you have gotten some excellent responses, sensible and valid comments in support of sailing on Infinity, and some not as much. But that is what one likes to read when asking for information. Post #5 makes a great suggestion. Indeed, Norwaylady provides very informative and enjoyable live reviews. Do check out the link provided. We sailed on Infinity in February of this year, our first time on this ship. She is certainly a seasoned lady and shows some wear from the many wonderful cruises that she has provided to so many over so many years. For us, the itinerary was very special and with one minor exception the 14-night cruise was exceptional. We are Aqua cruisers and really enjoy Blu. For whatever reason on this cruise the service and the food were not as spot on as on other sailings on other ships. Certainly not an unpleasant dining experience and one has to realize that on occasion these things happen on all ships. I would add to that, this cruise was in between a cruise on Equinox in December '22 and Beyond in May '23, both in Aqua and some of the best food and service that we have enjoyed. Would we cruise on Infinity again, absolutely! Being used to smaller ships and less people, at first, perhaps during boarding, it might seem that the ship will be too crowded. I guarantee once Infinity sets sail, things and people will settle in, providing an enjoyable experience. Keep an open mind as you consider what fellow posters have to say. In the end, make up your own mind basing that decision on what feels right for you.

There has to be some room for compromise. But in the Oceanview only.

What's then is then, not now. Whether 2014ish or 1990ish or whatever is to come in the "ish" future timeframe, the focus is now. If you can't see clearly now, then perhaps you are overdue for an overhaul. "When vision blurs at the tip of your nose, adjust your line of sight in order to see the opportunities at arm's length."

And we all know that was just the opportunity they were looking for. What a risible comment that is! But, certainly not unexpected.

It is indeed time to exit "X" if indeed you feel that your time has come. For whatever reason(s) that would be, certainly an individual decision based on a personal choice. Obviously, we are not all lumped together into one action-induced mindset. Thank goodness for that. We do not feel offended or disrespected by Celebrity's changes in certain areas. Whether we are affected or not it is inconsequential to our cruising enjoyment and any discernable difference is usually temporary. I do feel sorry for Celebrity. It seems that more and more, "we the people" just don't want to abide by the simplest of rules and requests. A perfect example is the request to dress appropriately for just a couple of hours at dinner time in the evening, in the MDR and in specialty restaurants. Is that too much to ask? Try to implement that request and the staff is besieged upon, berated and belittled by an ever-increasing number of "schlumps" who are finding cruising to their liking and liking nothing that has anything to do with compliance, consideration, and respect. Why bother some might ask. Could be, we the people, the schlumps, are the reason for some folks jumping ship.

Good, as long as it's not Celebrity!