lobster129

It was a bit crazy for awhile late yesterday...

Please be advised the Reflection 7 Night Western Caribbean Getaway itinerary has been modified as detailed below.

About 4:45PM CST (2/19)

7 Night Western Caribbean Sailing: February 27, 2016

The call port of Cococay, Bahamas is being replaced with Key West, Florida in the itinerary.

The call time for Key West, Florida remains the same, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

These changes have been made due to immigration conflicts for a charter cruise.

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Then 4 hours later....(2/19)

Please be advised this revision is no longer required. The original issue (and reason for the change) has been resolved, so this voyage will revert back to the original itinerary.

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Confusion!!!:eek:

My TA then called his Celebrity contact this morning (2/20) and emailed me the following:

"I spoke with Celebrity this morning and yes, Cococay is back on the itinerary."

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Yes, My TA rocks!:p I never have to wait all weekend for clarification or to take advantage of price changes etc.:D

You are welcomed to join our roll call!

Becky

I find Mike & Carol's website of great value in cruise planning. Excellent details and photos.:D

Here is a link to their last cruise on Celebrity ending Nov 2015. Bar menus, photos, prices etc that may be helpful to you. :)

http://www.thepreismans.com/equinox_ta_menus.htm#world

Becky

MDR customer satisfaction seems to vary depending on how much emphasis the MDR budget is given. ;) At least that has been our experience.

We first sailed with X in 2006. GREAT food (always great service!) By 2009 food QUALITY was much less, tougher meats, less fresh fruits & veggies. By 2013 a HUGE improvement. We very complimentary to the staff including maitre'd. We were told by several that they had a new Celebrity chef and a larger part of the budget was going toward better food. Our last cruise (Eclipse Oct 2015)...still great staff and a wonderful sommelier ...but the food quality (same menus) was not as good. Not ship related as we sailed Eclipse 3 other times...different years.

Yea, we can always find things to eat! (Much better than our Royal experience in Dec):)

Factors?? Celebrity's stock value is falling and it is building a new mega ship. I do not think it is the "suite package" as those prices are much higher than they used to be! World economy is tighter and questionable if X will actually sail to Istanbul anymore...despite several cruises scheduled there.

Becky

Sorry for needing to cancel the cruise. I know that can be very disappointing.

We ALWAYS book cruise insurance! Stuff happens that may not allow you to proceed with cruise plans. Twice we have had to cancel after final payment due to significant medical issues/surgery. Neither of these times we related to a known preexisting medical condition.

Things can also occur when you are on the ship or shore excursion. Some people have required airlifting (helicopter) from ship to a land hospital. THAT is very expensive!

We do not book our insurance through the cruise line however as we want to cover airfare, non-refundable reservations for flights and private tours, etc. On both of the above circumstances....we got all our $$ back except for the price of the insurance.

You are correct, the $$ you got back from Celebrity was taxes and fees. You would also get any prepayments for beverage packages, specialty dining, excursions/tours.

But what about CELEBRITY??? The article does say the changes affect ROYAL ships....but it does not say anything about the other lines owned by RCCL.

Becky

Thanks to all who replied. We had enjoyed the Gastrobar as a lunch/snack alternative on Eclipse. Especially loved the Garlic Truffle fries with dipping sauce! I noticed on several reviews of Reflection that no one commented on Gastrobar...so was wondering.

Becky

Is there a Gastrobar on Reflection? We enjoyed the one in the Passport Bar on Eclipse, and read that Celebrity set up the Gastrobar in Cellar Masters.

I;ve been reading Reflection reviews, but on one is mentioning a Gastrobar,

I fell in love with their big truffle and garlic fries, It might be enough to share. I had them for breakfast/brunch on day.:) Hope I can find them on Reflections SOMEWHere .

Becky

So...I'm checking out my cruise for next month to see what the current pricing and availability is...and, when I narrow the search to March 2016 and Fort Lauderdale and forget to check "Cruise Only", a whole bunch of choices come up...most of them titled something like "Si Its All Included Hamilton Book & Go"...or Quebec or Montreal or whatever...

 

Anyway...I booked many months ago and my balcony cabin cost me $1249 pp...and that price hasn't really changed much...They are still showing balcony cabins starting at $1249...

 

So...I look at the pricing on that "Si Its All Included Hamilton Book & Go"...and it shows a balcony cabin starting at $1226! So, I do a search to find out what this promotion is...and what I find is that it INCLUDES AIR...from CANADA!!!:

 

These Caribbean Book & Go Vacation Packages include:

--Air travel from 7 Canadian airports 7

--Night Western Caribbean or Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity Reflection®reg or Celebrity Silhouette®

--Veranda stateroom

--Classic Beverage Package

--Transfers between South Florida airport, hotel, and cruise port

--Night in a South Florida hotel for some departure airports

--Gratuities & taxes

 

Seriously? That's a heck of a deal...

 

My price, BTW, included the drink package and gratuities...but certainly not taxes, airfare, hotel and transfers! All that for LESS than the price of the cruise for the rest of us??

Hi Steve,:)

We are also booked on Reflection sailing in 2 weeks. X has been marketing that same promo to Canadians on our cruise also. It does not seem to be working too well for X. Still lots of cabins open to book in all categories. Of course we are way beyond final payment.

Did get email from X today offering upsell from our 1A cabin to CC for $300 (per cabin/not pp) and $400 for AQ. We declined as we have mid-ship hump cabin and love our location. Might reconsider if they offer us a suite...;)

BTW, we are "Elite" Capt Club status. Our DS & DIL sailing in cabin next to us were NOT offered an upgrade (booked same date/same rate) They are "Select". So looks like X is complying with their policy of offering upgrades to Celebrity loyalists first.

Becky

Another option if you use packing cubes/bags is to stack the full ones in the overhead storage. It keeps things organized and together. We pack one with shorts, one with swimsuit and pool t-shirts. hat & flip-flops , one with sock & underwear, one with folded polos.

I am too short to use the space, so I use the drawers. Depended on our travel itinerary, I do use a packing cube in the bottom of my side of the cabin for sweaters, fleece or cape.

Several companies make packing cubes. Mine are from bags but there are other options on Amazon. It is amazing how much you can pack into them.

http://www.ebags.com/search/sp/classic-packing-cubes

There is a short video how to use:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8Aw-DNzbCo

Yes its a free upgrade!

Is Blu worth trading a great balcony for one with a large shaded overhang, right under the pooldeck? I'm not fussed really about Persian garden...

It depends on how much time you will spend on your balcony. Location is a deciding factor for us.

In a warm climate a shaded balcony will help your cabin not get too warm in the daytime. If you like your cabin really cool, the A/C cannot keep up with the sun and outside temperatures. (We DO close our drapes if we are spending the day out of the cabin)

BTW, bring ear plugs no matter what location you select. You never know if you will have noisy neighbors....not just the sounds of pool lounger being moved.

Let us know what you decide.;)

Sorry - in my haste I didn't say! Solstice, South Pacific.

1549 is a Hump cabin with larger balcony & convenient to aft elevators if you want to try AQ...this is your opportunity. I like Persian Gardens for zen like relaxation. Dining in Blu is a smaller space....if the size of the MDR bothers you. There are additional perks with AQ: showers, flowers, etc.

If it is a free upgrade....I would do it.:) Have sailed on Solstice & Eclipse in both AQ and A1 balcony. We liked Blu....but cabin location is a factor for us. You do get ottomans with your deck chairs! Cabin interior size is identical to what you booked.

Best wishes on your cruise!

First time in 5 cruises I've been offered an upgrade - but don't know what to do! I have a great balcony cabin that we got on a balcony guarantee - 8261 right on the hump unobstructed, and by the lifts. I have been offered a complimentary upgrade to Aquaclass in cabin 1553 or 1549. Looking at reviews there is a large balcony overhang so no sun on balcony (pro or con I'm not sure), and is also under the pool deck. What to do?? We get the aquaclass amenities - Blu, Persian gardens etc, but am not sure if the location is worse. Would appreciate input and help from lovely CC people. I need to let them know in the next hour or so...

Caribbean itinerary? Which Ship?

1140 and the other AQ1 cabins on Millie were added when she was "Solticized". They do resemble S-class cabin interiors more than M-class. Also there are no other cabin decks above you.

You should be able to google some images/photos.

For those reasons...we selected one of those AQ1 balcony cabins.

Nice deep balcony also with 180 degree views for photos and viewing from the ship. Certainly room to have a "viewing party" that would be less crowded the the public viewing spaces.

Is the World Class bar in the same location as the Molecular Bar used to be?

Yes, exactly the same. Chairs and tables the same. Different artsy video displays on the back wall on the TV shaped screens.

The big difference is what happens BEHIND the bar. Totally new cocktails and a much smaller menu of options. (7 items within the Premium Beverage Pkg Limit, 3 that exceed it by $2.00 + 18% tip = $2.36 up-charge.)

The last time we sailed on S-class was Eclipse in Oct. They were the first to change over from Molecular Bar to WC Bar. They were struggling with the new special equipment. Very few customers....usually not enough to fill 7 bar stools.

But we will try it on Reflection later this month...since Molecular had been our favorite bar.

Hi there

 

You are lucky in UK its print your own now none being sent out.

 

Hope your well

 

Johm

Hi John:)

Yes, very aware that UK cruisers have different restrictions and cruise booking guidelines. Sometimes you have the option of "residency" discounts...at least when sailing from Southampton. (Allowing for nice cabin upgrades)

When we last sailed with you in 2014, UK cruisers were being sent luggage tags. I realize that has changed :(

As you know, I am a Celebrity fan. I am just concerned about the lists of "little things" that are changing...NOT for the benefit of the customer. These "little things" are adding up significantly.

Hope you are well. See you are sailing on "my side of the pond" soon. Bon Voyage!:)

Becky

Yes, those of us on Cruise Critics now know the "work around" the Celebrity website glitch is to not bother to order Luggage Tags on line...because of high risk that you will not receive them. Instead call Captains Club.

My concern is this adds to the number of things that Celebrity "no longer provides". That is actually what disappoints me with the direction Celebrity is going.

It seems like Celebrity cruisers can more readily identify the things Celebrity is NOT doing as well as 2 years ago...versus what things they are doing better.

Becky

I have always been able to order luggage tags on Celebrity's website after completing my e-Docs and X-press pass. Not this year. :( Ordered x2 without success. Called Captains Club on Monday....received Luggage Tags today (Saturday). Kudos to Captain's Club staff.

What is going on Celebrity!?!?:( :eek: I wish this was the first time Celebrity has disappointed me in the past year....sadly not....just a different issue. Trending downhill.

Really? On Eclipse in January we watched some poor sap who had NO idea what that bar was all about get refused several requests. When he finally came up with somethingt the bartender would actually make, he was then told he had to pay because he only had Classic. Personally, I loved the WCB but I really felt sorry for this poor fella and his wife.

We were on Eclipse in Oct after the change over from Molecular Bar (our previous favorite) to the WC Bar. They would only make the ten drinks on the menu (3 of which were $3 each...plus 18% gratuity... above the Premium Pkg) I realize they no longer had access to all the ingredients needed to make cocktails from the former Molecular Bar.....but they were not willing to make anything else. BTW, the bar was nearly empty every evening. Sad.

Will be on Reflection in 3 weeks...so will give it another try.

Fuel Surcharge option dropped by RCCL (including Celebrity, Royal & Azamara) last year:

“Effective March 24, 2014, when Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International advertise a cruise fare price, we will also showcase the associated government taxes and fees and non-governmental port expenses,” said Royal Caribbean in an email to travel agents.

“Our new practice will represent a change from our existing practices and was initiated in response to an arrangement with the State of Florida as it relates to disclosure obligations on cruise lines taxes, fees, and port expenses,” the statement continued.

In addition, Royal Caribbean brands are eliminating the wording we see in advertising, catalogs and other media to impose the wildly unpopular fuel surcharge, should the price of oil rise above a certain sustained level. Also a good move, cruise lines would have avoided imposing that charge anyway; now it is off the table.

Becky

Celebrity, RCCL and most other cruise lines instituted their option to charge a FUEL surcharge to all customers in 2009 when crude oil was above $100/barrel.

We had two cruises in 2009 that oil was above the ceiling they set. We were NOT charged the additional fees. I don't think anyone ever was...from reading the CC boards.

Actually the US economy was so shaky then that prices on cruises dropped and dropped. (one cruise a total of 9 price decreases after booking). Back then you could continue total advantage of price drops AFTER final payment....and would receive additional OBC.

Continuing to observe ships with many open cabins close to sail date. Economy and stock prices are a factor....as is the Zika virus and allowing people to cancel cruises past final payment.

Watching to see what Celebrity's next moved is going to be to fill those ships....

2x Daily-- ice bucket refill.

 

Had an outstanding chief steward and staff for 14 nights/Baltics.

 

They brought us a champagne/bucket and cake for anniversary (from dining)

We had a tea (hot water kettle) sailing from Southampton--

they kept us flush with teas/creamer etc

 

extra handtowels..extra cotton balls/toiletires (removing makeup)

 

 

Awesome awesome service

We have always been supplied with electric teakettle (and tea etc) on Eclipse from Southampton and other S-class ships from Med Ports. We DO NOT get a teapot when sailing from US and Caribbean ports.

We DO now have to request ice bucket and 2x/day ice. But we always have great room stewards. So it is always "of course, no problem"!:D

Dear OP,

Excellent idea and thoughtful effort to share the Google spreadsheet of menu items. I have a great appreciation for those that generously go "over and above" the requirements of being a Cruise Critics member.

Cheers to ALL those that find CC an opportunity to learn from others and "pay it forward"..*and disappointed that others have been critical of the way you use your time.* Some people cannot just say thank you!

To add to your list:

MDR: **varies by cruise & ship**

Entrees: Prime Rib, Rack of Lamb, Warm water lobster tail, Braised Beef Short-ribs , Slow Roasted Beef Brisket, Steak Diane, Chateaubriand. Beef Bourguignon, Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb. Moroccan Spiced Ahi Tuna, Moroccan Spiced lamb kabobs, Render Braised Veal, Beef Wellington, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Pan seared Branzino(fish)

Cold fruit soups: Pear & Honey, Silky strawberry soup

Salads: Chicory Apple Pear Salad, Caesars, Boston Lettuce and Gorgonzola, Chop-Chop, Cobb salad, The Wedge Salad, Caprese salad

Hot Soups:Baked French onion soup, Hungarian Beef Goulash.

Apps:shrimp cocktail, escargots, Cajun Shrimp. Poached Pear & Gorgonzola in Phyllo pastry, Warm Goat cheese Choustillant, BBQ Pork Spring Roll, Scallops Rockefeller, Double Baked blue cheese soufflé,

Cafe al Bacio: All the whipped cream frosted cakes, carrots cakes & muffins, oatmeal raisin cookies (several other items worth a try)

Bistro on Five: Mac & cheese with biased short ribs, lamb chops, Croque Madame, Steak Cobb Salad, Cowboy Crepe, Italian dessert crepe

Murano:

APPS: Lobster Bisque, Wild Forrest Mushroom Cappuccino, Warm Goat cheese Soufflé, Diver Scallops

Entree: Dover Sole. Chateaubriand, Murano lobster, Herb crusted Rack of lamb, Venison Loin.

Cheese Course instead of (or in addition to...dessert)

Dessert: 7 shared items (cannot recall the name; Grand Marnier Soufflé

We also like Tuscan Grille, but fewer items @ QSINE.

THANK YOU!!!

Where can I find the Pacsafe products? The store locator on their website is pretty useless.

Pac safe has their own web site. But you can find them on e-bags, Travel Smith, Magellan etc too.

A one page mini-medical info for each person in your group (if you don't have the info on an app or electronic documents in your smart phone. Must not rely on WIFI service to access).

Your medical info should include:

Your name

Age & date of birth

Allergies

Home Meds: Prescription and OTC with doses (and why you take them if you are not sure)

Major Medical History of diagnoses, surgeries, hospitalizations, injuries w/dates

Immunizations: Last Tetanus

Emergency Medical Contact for you with phone numbers

Info of your home doctor including address and phone contacts

Your info on your travel and health insurances contact info.

I also bring a travel thermometer in my medical/first aid kit.

Becky, RN

To anyone who books the Feb 27 Reflection cruise package... Please hop over to the Roll Call and join us!:D

Becky