Bobsgonecoastal

Thank you for the detailed and clear explanation. Somehow, I missed this whole dining change. The times we have sailed princess, we usually opt for Reserve Class and don't have to worry about it. The last cruise was main dining room and there was never a problem when we would show up at odd times. We're wait listed for Reserve Class, so maybe this won't matter anyway.

Follow-up - Just talked to a Princess Rep. about booking online as their emails suggest doing. She explained that booking for our January 19 cruise won't open until June 17, 2024. So it sounds like online reservations will be available and times are not assigned when you book. I'm putting 6/17 on my calendar as a to do.

I'm also totally confused about the main dining room schedule. Are there no longer assigned times, early, late etc. I just thought about this after receiving and email that suggested booking dinner times. As someone else already noted, there were no times available to book. I have a call into the Princess vacation planner I use, but in the meantime, I would sure like to know if this is going to be a hassle. BTW, we are wait listed for Reserve as it was not available when we booked. Sorry, I'm so late to the conversation.

As Ex-Airbalancer explained, post Covid cruises were half booked if that. We were on two California/Mexico and they were obviously not profitable. Princess Cruises dominates the west coast and has for some time. They have U.S. departures from San Francisco and San Pedro, so they are pretty stiff competition for X. We’ve also taken HAL out of San Diego through the Panama Canal, great cruise. We’re sort of burned out on west coast/Alaska/Mexico cruises, so having to fly as we recently did for an ABC Caribbean cruise was a PITA. Flying is the worse part of cruising.

I've been scouring the inter-web and so far the two tour company recommendations have been a bust. Either their websites no longer function, or they are still quoting 2018 prices and tours. I'm assuming Covid did them in. So still on the hunt for a roundtrip tour from Greenock to the tattoo. Any additional suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks fruitmachine, I would love a round trip including some touring, but if that's not available, I will take your advice and hire a vehicle. I see you are from Edinburg, any advice is appreciated.

That is great information! incorporating the Clyde Coast Tour with the transportation sounds perfect. I will look them up and book early. The Edinburgh Tattoo is one I've wanted to see for years. My maternal grandparents were both born and raised in Edinburgh, so it's been of interest to me for some time. If you haven't seen the tattoo in Halifax,NS. It's the second largest tattoo and performed at the Scotia Center. Prior to covid, on a North East/Canada cruise, we just happened to be in Halifax on Canada day and purchased tickets to the tattoo last minute. What a surprise treat that was.

Thanks, I was looking for that information on the 2025 tickets. I'll keep my eyes open later this year. I did register for updates.

We just booked the Regal, August 13, 2025. No excursion for the tattoo so far. I will probably purchase tickets directly. Can anyone recommend the best transportation from Glasgow to Edinburgh? I see some recommendations to used the train, is that for both to and from Edinburgh? Looking at the tattoo website, the tattoo starts at 9:30pm, and lasts a couple of hours. Was that cutting it close using the train? Would hate to miss final boarding call.

Absolutely true. We were diehard X cruisers prior to the restart and all the changes. We have been spreading the business to other lines when it serves our needs.

You're right, I did, but didn't go down far enough. think of the data bits I waisted!

Ha ha ha, not funny! I hope not, our E+ perks are the only thing still keeping us on X. Without those, we'd be elsewhere.

Great summary, Thanks

I've used FBC on several cruises and was always able to pick seats. I did not use them for our next cruise because it goes out of San Pedro Pier in Los Angeles. The best airport for that cruise is Long Beach, no LAX, which is the only airport that came up in the FBC system. I don't understand their system well enough to figure that one out, but those kind of issues do pop up.

To get the Captains Club Elite discount pre-cruise, you must book by phone, however, some of the pre cruise flash sales offered in the cruise planner may be as good. It varies from day to day. You will receive the discount if you book onboard. bob

I've often wondered why they don't discount prepaid gratuities. Maybe the majority of passengers just like to have them paid in advance. It would certainly be an incentive.

Just saw this, not sure if it has been previously posted. Starting in October 2023, Celebrity Cruises will eliminate prepaid gratuities from its All Included pricing packages. This change will go into effect for new bookings starting on October 4, 2023. Similar changes will go into effect for guests booking suites in suites-only area, The Retreat. The cruise line announced plans to remove not only gratuities, but also the onboard credit amenity for Retreat guests. No mention of any adjustments in pricing of the packages. So those are the negatives, but on the positive side, guests no longer need to book All Included packages for AquaClass staterooms. Instead, AquaClass staterooms can be booked with a cruise only fare. This has been a burr in my saddle for a while, so happy on that score. Here's the link: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/08/30/celebrity-cruises-removes-gratuities-inclusive-package-and-makes-changes-retreat Smooth seas and blue skies, Bob

What ever their reason is, I’m happy to see the cans go. Had a heck of a time opening them, and ended up getting a small cut from a sharp edge of the open can. Not to mention, they must be very expensive. plastic is not ideal, but I prefer that option over aluminum cans.

I feel for anyone who has had to endure those ridiculous long holds. I recently had call back service twice on the celebrity service line for booked guests. Was not blue chip, just through their usual 800 lines. it sounds like the call back service isn’t corporate wide, but it did work well for me. Safe and happy cruising everyone!

There is a old saying that I’ll paraphrase; some people have the time, and some people have the money, but few have the time and the money. The few describes those of us who are retired and have the wherewithal to cruise on a frequent basis. Celebrity and others would be wise to remember who really supports the cruise industry while they plan for their future market. Yes, we’re all getting older, but from my vantage point, we are still their most affluent and loyal market.

From what I gathered on the last two post Covid cruises, full is not the same thing as being at capacity. I’ve read that bookings were being cut off at 50 to 60% due to fewer crew members available and supply chain issues. From what I witnessed, their ships have not been at their designed capacity. Am I wrong about this?

Exactly! As far as bad top down decisions go, that one was epic. We don’t sail E class ships for that exact reason. Unless you’re booked in a suite, there are few traditional balconies on these ships. I’m sure this has had an effect on demand for E class cruises. I’ve talked to several of my X cruise mates, and they feel the same. Those that have experienced IV (aqua class) cabins said never again.

Very true, and that was just one of many poor decisions and bad communications by LLP. Yes, some of us loyal X customers are getting older, but that doesn’t mean you communicate your desire to throw us overboard for a new woke group of hipsters. That really soured my taste for LLP, and X overall. We still have the time and we still have the money! I’ve had numerous other bones to pick with her, but won’t get into them now. I truly hope the new X President steers the ship back to it’s previous market position of a premium cruise line. one that I would feel good about spending my time and money with.

After our January X cruise experience, instead of having our typical 5 or 6 cruises booked, we have canceled all but one. The bloom is definitely off the rose (the X rose at least). It’s just not very special anymore, just a mass market experience, and we can get that anywhere.

Not sure about it being a tough call. We’re booking Princess for $100pp fully refundable and for each $100 deposit we get $50 back in OBC. We’re booking HAL with $25 deposits. X is aware of this, so I don’t think their decision is tough, I think it’s business suicide.