sandycruzr

We embarked on the Summit on 2/15/20 with Expedited arrival (which was awesome). But we never received ANY HEALTH SCREENING at all!  We did receive several emails prior to our cruise about advanced screening etc so we were very surprised when there was absolutely nothing! Not even the normal screening ie Have you been sick in the last 2 weeks?  NOTHING!  
Within the first hour onboard, a woman was vomiting in the rest room....

Ok I feel like I have a good

perspective to answer your question having sailed back to back on the Freedom in December and The

Summit 3 times recently (doing it again this

Saturday)

First I can say we had GREAT cruises on all of those sailings but a

big part of that is our attitude towards cruising. We really try hard to not let little things bother us and are determined to have fun no matter what. That attitude helped us greatly on the FOS. Again, we enjoyed those

cruises BUT.....,

here are my thoughts on freedom of the seas: we sailed right after Thanksgiving and there were hundreds of large groups from Puerto Rico on the cruise. Lots of extended families with young children. There were lots and lots of kids everywhere. It was very difficult to find ANY quiet area on that ship.   many of the local people brought musical instruments, some were hitting pots and pans with wooden spoons and singing Puerto Rican songs all around the pool including the quiet adults only pool EVERYDAY I I love Puerto Rico and really enjoy the Puerto Rican culture but I have to say after a couple days it became annoying. There was a young man with a boombox blasting Puerto Rican music down at the pool for four days in a row and nobody from the crew ever said a word to him about it. You couldn’t have a conversation it was so loud. Also, the service was just average and the food was just OK. The buffet area was constantly crowded regardless ofWhat time we went there. They were making announcements repeatedly saying if you finished your meal please leave the buffet area so others could come in and eat. I’ve never been on the ship that made those constant  announcements to finish 

your meal and leave. I could understand why though, because people sat there all day playing cards and dominoes! We never had a peaceful meal in the two weeks we were on that ship. In the dining room they constantly harassed you to book specialty dining and buy lobster tails and special steaks in  the dining room. In fact the servers all have a sales goal that they must meet so be prepared for constant pressure to buy buy buy everywhere! 8 times during one dinner we were interrupted with sales

pitches. It was ridiculous! Thank God we were diamond members and had the diamond lounge to escape to because that is the only  place on the ship that was at all peaceful.  
all the theme parties seemed very late to us. Most started at 1130.  The ships entertainment, food and schedules were all geared to Puerto Rican clientele (which I understand being based in San Juan) Our second week was a bit quieter than the week after Thanksgiving.  We did have a great time but If given the choice Summit is the one I would pick here’s why:

Summit was recently revitalized and the

ship is beautiful!  The food, service and drinks were much better.  There are many quiet areas on the ship. Lobster night actually had real lobster not lobster dainties.  Also often times you can book the cruise including a free drink package and other perks for almost the same price as freedom of the seas.  There was great entertainment on the summit including many guest performers. The theme parties started earlier and overall, we thought they had more activities than freedom of the seas. The summit also seems less crowded and it has the feel of being a much bigger ship.  Also we love sitting outside to eat and there wasn’t much area to do that on the freedom of the seas. We were never harassed with sales pitches like on FOS   On the downside, while both ships were sailing out of San Juan, the summit did kind of lack that Puerto Rican flair. Don’t get me wrong there were a lot of locals sailing on the summit, but it was a different clientele altogether. The ship is more geared to an adult clientele, so there were very few kids on the ship and we rarely saw them It depends on what you’re looking for… I truly believe there is no bad Cruise if you go with the right attitude. I hope I was able to shed some light on both cruises for you! Either way you’ll have a great time!

On 2/8/2020 at 8:30 AM, blackshirt said:

Just curious, why print cruise docs at all? I’ve never needed anything from the cruise docs. I download them, just in case, but I’ve never needed them for anything. 

Actually, you may need an old fashioned paper copy of your boarding pass at some ports.  I haven’t printed my boarding passes for a cruise in years so I was shocked in December when Port security in San Juan for Freedom of the Seas made us get out of line and go to a separate line for

the “people that aren’t prepared to board”!!!! Seriously, that’s what they told us.  They wouldn’t even look at the boarding pass that we had on our phone.  It was really strange!

while other ports are streamlined and now using the super fast facial recognition with expedited boarding they want paper in San Juan!  There was a very long line of angry people waiting to get the official ok to board without the

paper documents. 

I just got off a cruise in Fort Lauderdale and leave Friday for a 7 nighter out of San Juan.  It never occurred to me to consider canceling.  At this point, I would be more concerned about catching the flu in the US.  I cruise a lot and take every possible precaution against illness. 
It is a personal decision   But if you decide you need to cancel, NCL will do a name change on your reservation so maybe a lucky friend can take your spot.  The cruise will be amazing so I hope that YOU get to enjoy it!

So funny!  I was on the Equinox a few weeks ago and there were no pens or pencils in my cabin. I went to guest services to ask for one and I was told than I could borrow a pencil for a few minutes but they had no pens at all. Then, the guest services rep started to frantically search for her bic pen.  She realized the last guest walked away with it.   She frowned and said now I too have to use a pencil!  After a few minutes she was able to locate a pencil that I could use but I couldn’t take it away from her counter area because it was the only one she had!   I was shocked!  It was a great cruise but this left me feeling like wow! Cutbacks!  If this was done for environmental reasons guest services should explain that!  I heard several other guest complaining about the lack of pens. 
it’s certainly not a big deal but free pens with celebrity written on them are inexpensive marketing tools. 
I will make sure to bring my NCL pens on my next sailing😎

On 11/24/2019 at 6:43 PM, Rockymaya said:

Going on Equinox Feb 2020.What are the current entertainment and production shows.

I was on Equinox last week.  Same old shows unfortunately Topper and Life. There were also 1 great comedian and 1 so so impressionist. They also had a Frankie Vali tribute band that was awful.  They were disorganized and only sang a few songs. (Which were pretty good). The problem is they spent most of the time talking.  It appeared that they were looking to fill up their time by NOT singing and just talking.  They actually thanked the orchestra 7 times!!! They introduced the orchestra 3 times.  Clearly they were not up to Celebrity’s high standards.  
All that being said, there were wonderful bands and we had a great cruise. The crew on Equinox is the best!

have fun!

2 minutes ago, GerScot said:

Would rather listen to the music!

 

😂

On 2/7/2020 at 8:56 AM, Tudy said:

My husband brings a guitar as well.  If your husband wants to play his acoustic guitar on the balcony, all he has to be is ask his neighbors if they mind. 

 

I'm just curious, those of you who object to acoustic guitar on the balcony, do you also object to conversations on the balcony?

Clearly NOT the same thing!

I was on Freedom of the Seas In December and MANY passengers brought tambourines and bongos.  One even brought a boom

box and blasted salsa music by the pool for several days. A group

paraded  playing instruments through the quiet adults only pool.  Many passengers loved it and even encouraged it. Obviously some were annoyed by all the loud music. It wasn’t until the fourth day that security put a stop to it! 
my point is, I am sure your hubby is very talented but some passengers would NOT appreciate hearing ANY music out on their balcony or coming from the cabin next door. I agree with the previous poster, check with the Cruise Director and they might welcome him to

play in a lounge. 
enjoy your cruise!

Thank you so

much!

Hi fellow cruisers 

 On my 

last cruise I was told that there is a special Captains Club phone number for Elite level and above.  I tried to find it online but haven’t found it so I’m turning to the experts here. 
Can anyone share it with me?

Thanks❤️

Hi, I normally get unlimited Wifi but I am

considering downgrading to a surf package. I’ve been given different answers from Celebrity about Wifi calling, so I am here asking the real experts!

Yes or NO...can you use Wifi calling with the basic surf package?

Thanks ❤️

We were happy to be invited to dinner with the Captain and his wife during our Easter cruise on the Summit last year.  At the time, we were NOT high level loyalty members, we were NOT staying in a suite..just an inside cabin and did not know anyone onboard.  We were. mystified as to why were chosen.   It turns out 2 other couples were invited, one was on their 30th Celebrity cruise and the other had never cruised before!  (They thought everyone was invited to dine with the Captain 😂😂😂). 
Anyway, dinner was in the MDR, it was wonderful, ladies received a rose and each couple received a lovely photo of the group with the menu and seating chart. 
I did inquire how we were selected and I was told it was because we were so nice to the crew members.  ???? We didn’t do anything special, we always treat all crew members the way we would like to be treated!

8 hours ago, Iamcruzin said:

I think the bigger issue is that the cruise is over and it still bothers you. 

Seriously?   The bigger issue is people like you that feel the need to mock others on cruise critic for venting after a bad experience on a cruise.  The OP was simply sharing an insight which is what these boards are for.  

Be nice and keep your cartoons to yourself!

1 hour ago, mtsublueraider said:

 

 

I think I'm looking at it more of.... will we get good meals... be able to sleep the night... and generally have a good time having transportation to all of the different ports. On Oasis Class... the SHIP is the destination. On this... we wouldn't have to tender, fight crowds, or deal with the other things associated with the larger ship. And it's half the cost. 

 

Taking all of that into consideration. 

 

Would ANYONE do it? 🙂

NO WAY!! The cabins are too small for 2 people much less adding 2 kids into the mix.  I know it’s tempting to save money and cram everyone in one cabin but that’s gonna be a long 12 days!   When my kids were younger, we would get 2 cabins (connecting if possible)!if not my husband and I would split up for the week      The ship itself is old and crummy but it does have an amazing crew!  I was on it in November right before Thanksgiving and there were only a few kids onboard.  They were all in one club together, toddlers to teens. I think maybe 10 very bored kids in total. 
I’m sure if you decide to book this you will find a way to make it fun.  As I always say, a cruise is what YOU make of it!

2 hours ago, ryguy2008 said:

Out of curiousity, what are their quotas?

 

On my recent Symphony sailing, I was approached often in the Promenade on embarkation day. Likewise, on the first night, there were people approaching tables in the MDR. However, that quickly stopped as the week progressed.

As per the posting in the galley wall for employees on Freedom of the Seas:

weekly target for waiters and assistants:

20 fillet mignon or lobster

20 galley brunch bookings

30 Evian or pellegrinos 

from the Restaurant Operations Manager

seriously don’t these folks work hard enough without now having sales quotas?

54 minutes ago, matj2000 said:

All that but you keep going back....

Nope not going back!  And I wouldn’t have after the first week but I had 4 cruises all paid for and I certainly wasn’t going to cancel over this issue BUT I did cancel 2 Future cruises booked for April and May.  I’m sure Royal will straighten this out and take the pressure off their employees to sell and constantly bother guests.  When they do, I’ll be back.  We all have choices

3 hours ago, JennyB1977 said:

I didn't experience this on Navigator in September. However, I would be irritated if it happened once, let alone 4 times. Did you complain to the Restaurant Manager and then the Hotel Director while onboard?

I did tell the Restaurant Manager on Freedom and after that we were only approached twice during each meal 

I’ve been on 4 RCL cruises in the past few months, Empress, Freedom and Majesty and on all 4 cruises we have bombarded with sales pitches for specialty dining offers while eating dinner!   On Freedom back to back in December, we were asked 4 time’s during one meal!   We politely said “no thanks” but after the 3rd sales pitch within 30 minutes I complained!  The Head waiter told us this sales pressure comes from corporate.  5 minutes after complaining another person shoved a specialty menu in my face and said “you really need to go to Chops”. This is just plain rude behavior. Can’t we just enjoy a nice dinner in the dining room without being harassed?  I also feel badly for the waiters who now have a sales goal every week to sell upgraded steak and lobster to dining room guests.  (I know this for a fact because I took pictures of their goals that are posted in the galley during a tour). That on top of the other specialty restaurant sales pitches have made me decide I probably won’t sail on Royal for awhile.  I know Celebrity and NCL also sell their specialty restaurants but in my experience it is done outside of the dining room NOT constantly during dinner. 
Lots of people where complaining about the constant interruptions during dinner!   

14 hours ago, Lois R said:

That is why we are all different people and we have different feelings about things...….I agree it was over the top

rude and nasty and the ladies had no manners.  But I would have been upset too.  We all react to things in different

ways. I don't think laughing at them would been in my thought process. 

Laughing never ever entered my mind. I was really mortified!

As an update, I sailed on Empress in September and Freedom of the Seas and had fantastic cruises from start to finish. And I met so many amazing people. In fact 10 of us are reuniting for another cruise in March. This unfortunate incident did not dampen my spirit and the love of cruising continues!  I know that the vast majority of cruisers are wonderful and fun folks!

7 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Actually, I'm talking about the Feb 29th cruise.  However, your sailing may be similar.  I'm told that one of the least expensive months to cruise is February due to lack of any major school holidays.

Actually The month of February includes President Day and many if not most schools in the northeast are closed for an entire week and the cruise lines always jack the price up for that week. FYI, if you don’t want to sail with thousands of children AVOID Presidents week. Last year we sailed with over 2000 kids on the Escape that week. ThNk God for the Vibe Beach Club!!

1 hour ago, cecil89 said:

I was able to change my flight to the next day, even got a credit,(southwest)

and was able to use my free room, so we will be spending another day in San Juan .

dont want to stress out about making a flight.

thanks sandy

My pleasure. Have a wonderful cruise❤️

On 12/10/2019 at 8:21 PM, cecil89 said:

We have been on the epic 5 times and love it, but always out of Miami.

we are sailing on the 11 day Caribbean out of San Juan the end of January.

after reading through this thread , I’m starting to panic about our departing flight on disembarking day.   We have a 1;25 flight to ft lauderdale.    Should I look at changing this?

YES!! Change your flight if you can. The port in San Juan is a mess. We were on the Freedom for the last two weeks and experienced the mess getting in and out of the port. We disembarked at 8:50 am, ordered an Uber. The Uber app indicated a 4 minute wait. It took 40 minutes to arrive due to traffic.  Them

we were stuck in the parking lot trying to leave the port.  We finally left the port at noon!!! Our flight was at 235 and between the security line, using Tsa precheck we made it to our gate 5 minutes prior to boarding.  So learn a lesson from me,  if you are keeping your 125 flight do the self assist disembarkation and be in the very first group off the ship and take a taxi. Good luck and have fun!

On 11/1/2019 at 9:20 PM, matj2000 said:

Why did you book 4 cruises in 4 months

 

If you haven't been on them for a while?

I booked the first 2 because I was traveling with a friend that loves Royal  I had a great time so I booked a few more. Besides after sailing so much with Ncl and celebrity I wanted to switch things up a bit. 

Thanks everyone...you guys are awesome!