AC Stew

Thank-you; any thoughtful input is always welcome to the conversation. However, in this case, the staterooms that we're talking about here, all have incredibly large balconies. An SV balcony (Millenium Class) is darned near as big as the cabin itself! Walkable space is not the issue.

Yes. I've received telephone call backs in response to my emails. You shouldn't have to pay for a phone call; press the importance of a response and see what they do. ** Another point that the Executive Office person divulged yesterday. He stated that "there were 50 documented/ known safety incidents regarding the loungers." Hmnnn ... if so, then they certainly know the who/what/why! Cameras? Again, they should address the "violations" with the specific violators. Tell the rest of us what the safety concerns are, and we won't cross the line. More and more, I'm thinking that the new CEO just wants to find a dedicated place for all those ridiculous Kelly Hoppen chairs that they probably over-ordered!

Tiny update, direct from Executive Office customer service individual: I was just informed that the decision was made at the highest level, the new CEO and her inner circle. Comments made to the phone number below are being passed onto that upper level management team. I also pressed for a firm answer as to what furniture would be placed on the balcony. Answer? The Kelly Hoppen miserably uncomfortable little half back chairs. I reiterated that there's a couple of months before final payment, and I would not accept those chairs under any circumstances. The fellow I spoke to (Mantana?) stated that all emails and phone conversations are being compiled and then passed on to upper management. So, I'm not quite ready to stop beating that poor horse. It's not dead (YET)! There are 7 folks answering the phones at the number below. They are well aware of this issue, and the fact that we're not buying an unexplained "safety" excuse. Call them! Executive Office: (305) 614-1343 PS> I also added that if passenger misbehavior or lounger misuse is responsible for this matter, let them look at their deck cameras and punish the abusers. Ship Security would know who they were!

We're currently on that Connie Transatlantic this November. Same as Rina155 and canderson. Booked in an aft SV on deck 8. Humungous balcony. 3 lengthy emails to the executive office and 2 conversations with their drones. They adamantly refuse to discuss the reasons for the safety concerns. But one thing about which they're crystal clear ... there will be NO lounger furniture for my cruise, no exceptions. Should we bring black ninja suits and masks for the middle-of-the-night lounger repo mission?! And if busted, will it be a "walk the plank" or a gentle "slap on the wrist"? Or even worse, a lifetime ban from the Martini Bar?!

I would strongly suggest that if you are interested in this topic, please read the entire Celebrity thread: "Celebrity removes loungers from balcony?" Bottom line: It appears that Celebrity is concerned about "inappropriate behavior" on the loungers. Nothing to do with tripping over deck furniture. Probably, it's a really good idea to get the full picture as it currently stands. Arm yourselves with information. Who knows if or when this idiotic idea will carry over to Royal?

You can't make a wholesale negative judgement on class quality based on ONE instructor on ONE ship. Or even on a couple of cruises. Every instructor is different ... some highly capable, others pretty basic, others still, not so hot. Lots of factors involved. Class participants can work to their own level of experience and ability. Geez ... I've had this conversation before! mygreyhound66: Ignore any discouraging comments and try a class of your liking. If you aren't overwhelmed, at least you gave it a go, burned some calories, and didn't have to spend any OBC. And you might just like it!

Suggestions for your emails and/or Customer Service phone calls. These were points that I emphasized: It's all patently obvious, and many of us have already spoken, but the more they have to hear it ... who knows? - If the enhanced cabin furnishings (loungers) are removed from the applicable balcony & suite categories, then there should be a price drop. Why pay the additional cost for an SV over a regular balcony when you can't fully utilize that balcony? Never mind the insane prices of suites! - IF there is a legitimate concern about "safety," then include a more detailed waiver in the contract that we all agree to. Something along the lines of the guest being fully responsible for any damage or injuries related to specific lounger use. - IF they try to pin the safety issue on misuse by kids or teens, then Celebrity "could" remove loungers from cabins with children booked. Not fair, but better than wholesale removal of loungers from all of us. - IF loungers are being removed on Celebrity, then explain in detail why the sister lines are unaffected. - IF the reason is in fact, passenger misbehavior, then Celebrity should come right out and say it! What department made this decision? Was it due to a passenger complaint? The crew have seen it all, so I would doubt that. I also emphasized that amorous encounters could happen anywhere at any time ... nothing to do with loungers. DUH!! I also suggested that such behavior "could" have been related to a specialty charter and not a basic sailing. Finally, keep on threatening to cancel future cruises if loungers will not be provided. IMHO, this decision is so idiotic, it just might be overturned. Nothing to lose by trying!

Got a phone call from a Customer Service Rep. She confirmed that all loungers will be removed from all stateroom categories on all Celebrity ships. She admitted that this plan includes all suites as well. The reason as has been previously reported ... "Safety." I asked for an explanation of the specific safety concern and why it wasn't an issue if the same lounger is utilized on the public decks. I also questioned why this so-called safety action is not being taken on the sister lines. I persisted for an explanation. "Is it a mechanical concern with the loungers?" "Were there injuries?" No, I was told it had something to do with inappropriate use. (Another poster was told the same.) Anyway, the rep said that she was unable to go into detail. I expressed my dismay about the decision in great detail. Noting of course, that she was only the messenger and not to take personal offense. It was an almost useless conversation since no specific explanation could be cited. She did however, state that they were following up on customer complaints and "compiling" information on the matter. I kinda got the impression that we really need to keep sending those emails!

Sorry ... absolutely incorrect. Yoga should be considered a mind and body fitness class. It's been around several thousand years for a reason! Maybe you should try one and see for yourself. Furthermore, many of us (even this old girl) enjoy starting our cruise day with a fitness class. There's a particular camaraderie with those who do the morning classes and I've met some really great people. I don't have to be motivated by a teacher; I simply enjoy an AM class. Furthermore, everyone in a class adjusts to their own level ... could be higher or lower than the instructor. I don't judge folks who bob around in a crowded ship's pool, or play pickleball in the wind, or any other fitness endeavor my fellow cruisers might think is beneficial. I don't judge and I most certainly would not proclaim that those cruisers are "wasting their time." To each her own!

Class quality can vary greatly. Much depends on the expertise of the instructor, their background and experience with specific disciplines. I've had "marginal" classes and absolutely fabulous classes. Agreed, at the very worst, "they get you moving!" I would not expect a more dance/yoga trained individual to conduct a super challenging Boot Camp class. Nor would I expect a beefy soccer player/body-builder type to teach a perfect yoga class. Bottom line, you make the best of it. Then go have breakfast!!

I believe that the on-board naturalist will be Celia Garland. You'll see her talks listed in the daily activities' listings. She is extraordinary! Her expertise, her intimate knowledge of the wildlife, her humour, her storytelling skills ... all far superior to any production or headliner shows that you'll see! Get there early. Believe me, after her first talk, the theater will be packed.

You know that lengthy rules and regulations contract section that we zip through and click "agree" during the on-line check-in? All joking aside here: Perhaps Celebrity could add a "specific" line item about loungers? Something like "the guest assumes full responsibility to pay for any damage done to the balcony loungers during their cruise." There's probably something there already about paying up if we deliberately (not accidentally) damage something. I'm no expert in legalese; just a suggestion.

Oh, and one last perceived act of lounger "irresponsibility": Perhaps there was a report of guests engaging in amorous activity on their lounger? Of course, that could happen, but I doubt that it would be in sufficient numbers to entail an epidemic of lounger abuse!

I'm still flummoxed as to what would be considered "responsible etiquette" for lying on your balcony lounger. In Celebrity's view, is it irresponsible to access the lounger from the right side, or should it be from the left? (Maybe different if you're a Brit and drive your car from the right!) Does your butt go down first, or should it be hand placement? Is the book you're reading banned in Florida? Did you get too comfy on your lounger, fall asleep, snore a bit, and disturb the guest next door? Did you do a disco dance on top of the lounger, fall off, and drop in for drinks to the cabin below?! Did you invite a bunch of folks over and try to see how many you could pile onto the lounger before the legs gave out?! Oh, fer cryin' out loud!! "Irresponsible behavior" has Nothing to do with the darned balcony lounger!! Irresponsibility is about being too noisy, or abusive, or drunk, or smoking, or hosting a balcony party at 2:00AM. I say, send in those letters. Let Celebrity explain why our sister lines (and Celebrity competitors) aren't removing loungers from balconies that have always accommodated them. At the very least, they might come up with a better excuse! Oh, and will there be a new posting of rules for "responsible behavior" when parked in a pool deck lounger? Wouldn't want to get in trouble!

With respect jelayne, with the aft SVs (formerly C1s) and Ultra CIs on Deck 6, and SSs and every other suite, that seems to be a significant number. Especially since these are all more pricey staterooms. More $$ should equal more amenities, shouldn't it? And while I agree that it's infuriating to be dinged a couple of extra bucks for wines that had always been included in premium packages, I'm far more concerned with being comfortable in my cabin and on my balcony! As for the cost excuse? Soft furnishings are all on a usable life cycle and must be replaced from time to time. It's in the budget. And safety? That excuse is pure and unadulterated nonsense! Not gonna fly!

We always try to sail in aft cabins with the large balconies. Been doing it for years. This is the primary reason for choosing a Millenium class ship for a particular sailing. On a longer cruise, we take full advantage of relaxing on the loungers while taking in the views. This is important to a lot of us, and we all pay more $$ for those balconies. I've written Celebrity and asked them to clarify the lounger "policy" for our November Constellation Transatlantic in an SV. I expect a stock response, but we'll see. I would suggest that for those of you who've actually been deprived of a lounger(s), let Celebrity know that you are unhappy with losing that standard piece of comfortable furniture. And it sure as heck shouldn't be "on request" ... our cabin stewards/ butlers have enough to do! Other bad decisions (cookies/vaping) were rescinded based on our outcries. Who knows where this one will land.

Exactly. That's the real world. The dining staff will always try to be accommodating. But it's on us to not take advantage.

15 minutes late "might" not be problematic if you're at a two top. But do you really want to possibly inconvenience the service flow and timing if you're at a larger table with others? And 30 minutes would be worse. Especially when Select Dining now starts after the early diners have departed. On certain days there will (from time to time) be issues with checking in at your scheduled time. It happens. But the MDR's ability to minimize the impact of late arrivals is always ship specific and different circumstances will affect the potential outcome for others. A late "window" will always be different. Probably, none of us would see the downline effects of arriving late. We're only aware of our own dining experience! So, it all comes down to trying to be considerate of your fellow cruisers. If you know that you'll be 30 minutes late, let the MDR know. Just a thought ... what would happen if you strolled in 30 minutes late for a doctor or dentist or even a hair appointment?!

Me too. Don't use the link!

We were on her this past Christmas (Aqua Deck 11) and again in February/March (Ultra C1 on deck 6). While matters such as the lack of USB ports will impact the experience for some, those things aren't important to us. We're not techies, so just one phone to recharge. And maybe we lucked out with a new shower curtain? We've sailed on the Constellation many times over the years. We love this size ship, and Tampa is convenient for us. Is "food" as good as it was years ago? Honestly, not often, but what has been the same since Covid cutbacks? I will, however, attest to the fact that slowly but surely, there have been noticeable improvements since the re-start. Considering our most recent experience in the MDR, we thought that it seemed crowded, but service was stellar, and while some Dinner entrees were just OK, others were surprisingly good. Public areas and carpeting had been spruced up. Our cabin steward was amazing. Staff and crew everywhere, were warm and welcoming. Celebrity has started to re-introduce Captain's Club evening events. The Constellation is a beautiful design with lots of window features to remind you that you're actually at sea. For the life of me, I can't comprehend how someone could find an entire crew to be "unfriendly." That has never been our experience on this ship or any other! We'll also be back in November for the transatlantic crossing!

If a "Discovery Class" ship is added, I would hope that it would live up to its title. That is ... a ship small enough to "discover" new ports without disgorging thousands of passengers into smaller, less-traveled destinations. More intimate travel adventures with RCI would be welcomed by a great many of us. IMHO, the absence of floating theme park/carnival rides would not necessarily discourage families. I know a heckuva lot of people who would love to introduce their kids to new cultures, archaeological sites, and nature conservancies. Maybe a nice beach experience without 5000 of your new best friends? I for one, would welcome a diversity of passengers on a "discovery" sailing. Kids included. And if this proposed ship class simply means a replacement for Radiance or Vision Class, then I'll be satisfied with that. The floating behemoths are not for us! (No offense to those who like them.) In any event, all the speculation is entertaining, but speculation is all it is.

Auntie and Mum can most certainly take advantage of the gym facilities: treadmills, recumbent bicycles, and if they are familiar with the machines ... light resistance. In my 55+community, folks well into their 80's (and beyond) frequent the gym. It's all about adjusting to the limits of our changing bodies and knowing what is safe for you. And you will see all ages in the ship's gym. On the ships, I've seen ladies of all ages and fitness levels stepping in to join a daily activity Zumba, line-dance, general standing stretch class, tango or cha-cha lesson. (And stepping out if they've had enough.) These fun classes are often held on the pool deck ... they're posted in the daily schedules and are complimentary. The actual "dance" lessons would be held indoors. If the girls are comfortable getting down on a mat, they can do the complimentary early morning stretch or body conditioning/abs class. Pilates and yoga, those are fee-based. And let's not forget the incredible benefits of simple walking! I read today that science no longer recommends those 10,000 steps a day as necessary. It's been determined that even 4,000 steps a day can facilitate excellent heart health. I can assure you; you'll all get your exercise. I wish you all an amazing (and healthy) sailing adventure!

I just double checked to confirm. Yes indeed, Elite Plus and Zenith are entitled to one free class! - Go to the Celebrity website (no need to login). - Click onto Captain's Club Tiers and Benefits. - Scroll down a bit to "Full List: View All Benefits." - You'll bring up the grid that displays the complete listing of all tier benefits. - Look towards the bottom of the page to the SPA listing. - You'll see "One complimentary fitness class (yoga,Pilates,spin) for Elite Plus and Zenith. Not all instructors will inform you of this benefit. I'd suggest you copy the benefit grid page to bring with you. I frequently take advantage of this much appreciated perk.

Elite+ (and Zenith) will get a free fitness class as well. Last time I was in Aqua, I was able to add that additional class to my AQ allotment.

In case points are important for you, be aware that SV cabins will accrue fewer points than Concierge or Aqua cabins. Despite the fact that SV cabins certainly cost more, they're considered regular tier balconies. If I'm correct ... that's 3 points per night for SV as opposed to 5 points per night for Concierge and Aqua. On Millenium Class, aft balconies (exception being the large "family" afts) were formerly classed as C1s. With the re-classification of stateroom categories, only the "Wheelchair Accessible" cabins remain as C1s. We still covet the Millenium Class SVs, but I'll never understand why we now must pay more than a C1 but get the fewer points and loss of the little Concierge perks. Not a deal breaker, but still ... annoying.