DanaDanes

For us, we find the buffet too nuts on arrival day. We get in and do muster asap, then have a leisurely lunch at Sushi on 5. Visit spa, unpack. Baccio for a coffee and then sail away at sunset bar. 

6 hours ago, JFontaine said:

 

 

For all those who say pack a bathing suit for the kids, where do they change- the public bathroom?  And then the parent is carrying a bag of street clothes and sneakers?  I'd have the kids wear the bathing suits under their travel clothes if swimming is the first day plan. 

 You can get into your stateroom and leave clothes there; you will have your sea pass card at the door.  You just might not have your luggage yet.

1 minute ago, bigbenboys said:

Q. Does everyone in my stateroom need to buy a Drink Package?

 

A. Any guest wishing to purchase the Drink Package must do so for all other guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom.

The following exceptions can be made, giving the guests the option of purchasing the Zero Proof package instead. Exceptions: • Children 12 years old and under: will NOT be required to purchase a Zero drink package. • Teens – A Zero Proof drink package will be added. • 13 -17 years old (Europe, Asia, Australia) • 13 - 20 years old (USA) • Pregnant guests – A Zero Proof drink package will be added. • Recovering alcoholic, religious request, or medical issue that doesn’t allow guests to consume alcohol. – A Zero Proof drink package will be added.

 

https://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Celebrity/General_Info/CEL_Beverage_Package_FAQs.pdf

Perfect! I’m so glad there is a set policy, I hate making special requests!

Hi! Heading on the summit to Bermuda and we have the All included  package with our booking. My husband is 8 years in recovery and does not drink alcohol at all. He would love the zero proof package instead for the smoothies and waters etc. does anyone know if we can switch out his classic package for the zero proof one in these circumstances? 

Have a lie in, breakfast and then a good walk and long steam session. Usually a trivia in there too. Sushi lunch then cards and reading - nap - will usually take part in a scavenger hunt or game show in the afternoon. 

Reporting back a year later! The Pelican offered a wonderful breakfast (menu not buffet) on a broad shaded veranda right on the beach. We took our sweet time and were on board by 12. They offered a shuttle to the port for 5 or 10 dollars as well, which made everything really easy for our group. 

They 

14 minutes ago, smogfarmgirl said:

Sounds like a good idea...we both love sushi! How does a specialty dining credit work since it’s an a la carte menu?

I can’t recall the exact amount they give you, but it is something like 30 bucks per person to order off the menu. Plenty for a couple of rolls or sashimi, a couple of ramen and a scoop of mochi. 

I’d also go with your instinct about petit chef. Cute enough, but food view and service are all better in Blu, and it was a bit to gimmicky for my taste. 

My suggestion would be lunch at embarkation at sushi in 5 . Blu doesn’t do lunch and you could avoid the buffet madness! The food is very good even if you don’t like raw fish. The ramen bowls are delicious. 

 

Alaska from Vancouver. 

Im looking forward to Norway next summer though and it may take top marks!

Hi!

I note that Canyon Ranch has discontinued port day pricing - what sort of spa deals or discounts are you seeing once on board (if any)?  Thanks!
Dana

Yes that is all you need, though I printed out just in case. 

Mans yes it has the facial recognition software and your key is at your cabin, where you can go immediately to drop of carryons. I’ve not been on edge so not sure if that is the same, but it was the most efficient check in ever for us. 

There are meetings every day - good attendance on longer cruises but our experience is that in short cruises attendance is very low. 

Nit sure where you are going but if key west is a stop, there is a pretty famous club there called anchors aweigh with its own clubhouse and meetings generally every other hour. 

10 hours ago, tonyd285 said:

We were in cabin 9040, below the pool deck.  Heard some occasional noise from above but not too bad.  We went to Blu between 6 and 6:30PM.  Never had a problem getting a table.  We were delighted to meet our favorite waiter from several previous cruises, Yaser, in the Tuscan Grill.  We first met him in 2001 on the Mercury.   Aside from the entertainment we had no issues with the cruise.

I’ve got the cabin next to yours on an upcoming cruise (9042) as an aqua guaranty. Was the window washing equipment parked there? Was it bothersome?

On 1/9/2020 at 1:41 PM, Teacherloves2Cruise said:

Wow! These are great suggestions. I don't eat sushi but my traveling companion does! I love the rest of it, love a nice sauna with a view too (I heard that they made these smaller on revolutionized of  M class ships.) Can't wait to enjoy Sunset bar- curious about the sail away recommendation- I like the live music and energy of the pool deck typically. Why do you like Sunset bar for sail away? No balcony, but a nice big ocean view window to look out and enjoy. Can't wait for the silent disco and martinis!

The noodle pots and appetizers at Sushi on 5 are terrific too!  It is such a nice, luxe way to ease into vacation instead of trying to hit the crowded buffet or just having a hotdog.  

For sailaway, I just love the view from the Aft.  I find the pool at sail away a little hot and crowded, and its hard to get a decent drink.  It just feels more like a ship from the back to me - maybe weird 🙂

I love that ship! Don’t miss for us are:

1.  Springing for sushi in 5 lunch at embarkation. You’ll get 30% off probably!

2. Afternoon coffee/espresso and a sweet at cafe el bacio. 

3. Sail away at the sunset bar. 

4. Sauna in the spa area locker room (not co Ed) 

5.  Coffee on the balcony in the am 

6. Silent disco and a trip late to the martini bar to watch the bartenders tricks!

Yes - way more room and privacy Assuming 3 adults)

There is an unassuming looking endive salad with white balsamic dressing that is amazing.  Best salad all week. 

All the soups were very good. 

THe beef Wellington was also very nice. 

I was on infinity for a short 4 nighter I’m March. The stateroom baths (grout/tile) were showing their age. Some public area toilets were out of order. The Persian garden had seen better days too. Other than that, it was beautifully maintained and cared for. We had above and beyond service every day and every meal, without exception.   I traveled with friends that are carnival and rc regulars and they thought it was the nicest cruise they’d ever sailed, by a factor of 10. 

59 minutes ago, !MSteacher said:

We booked an Alaskan cruise for the end of July.  Because we are celebrating our 20th anniversary, we chose to have all the perks, which includes a 300 cabin credit.  We have arranged/purchased our excursions, and we are usually more than satisfied with the food in MDR.  Is there a specialty restaurant that is best on Solstice?  So..... what are some suggestions for spending this credit?  Yes, I know this is a "good problem" to have.  

Couples massage, or a weeks pass to the Persian garden. Wonderful to take the steam, sit on those heated  loungers and watch the amazing scenery 

 From what I understand, the primary benefits are blu, as you mentioned, as well as entry into Persian gardens. I don’t believe there is a dedicated concierge lounge. You are correct about no embarkation lunch perk. 

2 hours ago, fleckle said:

 

The balcony dividers that open on deck six of the Infinity and the other M-class ships are the ones on both sides near the back of the ship, from cabins  6143 (port side) and 6144 (starboard side) on back.

                                                          

                 

Could be. We were in the series of connecting rooms near the front elevator. THey did not open (folding it back would have blocked one of our doors). 

On deck six if sister ship infinity, they did not open. 

We had an accessible sky suite on the infinity a few years ago through a guarantee. It was the first room beside the elevator. No noise, but it made the balcony somewhat smaller.  Room was generously sized. Shower comments above are correct. 

You can see the elevator behind me on this balcony pic. 

1 hour ago, Orator said:

The perks are not "free" . In most cases the cost is built into the price of the cruise. I experienced the same as TommyD3 when the difference in price with and without perks didn't justify the with perks price. I would have paid $1100 for perks with a total value of $750. This was for the Silhouette TA this October. I booked without the perks.

I understand that. The post I quoted stated that by virtue of his status, celebrity already gives him 2 perks for free (at the no perks price).   Sounds like a pretty good deal to me!!