Pinboy

15 hours ago, cachouonacruise said:

Based on your evaluation

Very difficult for any of us to answer what you should do.

We all have different priorities, and situations depending on " issues " ( family, health, work, financial, etc ).

For us re cruising, we have a few cruises planned in the winter and to ensure we don't have travel problems ( snow storms, flight cancellations, etc ) we always go to our cruise destination a few days ahead of time.

LOL-- Years ago I heard about a motel in Ft Lauderdale---they even discount the room by 50% if you stay the whole night.  So, I suggested it to " You know who " ---- any guesses where we didn't stay ?

Châteauguay, Qc---- I think I played golf there " years " ago---Is that great chip wagon close by still there ? ( Burgers, fries, poutine , hot dogs -- better than the Mast Grill )

7 hours ago, mayleeman said:

I think people who worry about overtipping are needlessly concerned. If someone makes you happy, and if you like to make them happy in return, tip 'em and enjoy knowing you have helped them out.

That's the best post on " tipping ", and exactly what we do.

Being non-drinkers, and don't stay in a suite---- It's our pleasure to tip our cabin Steward, Waiter, Asst Waiter, and Maitre'd "if" he/she ( Maitre'd ) did something extra ( have a meal prepared for us that is not on the menu )--- never ahead of time, always on the last day of the cruise and thank him/her for their excellent service.

What's a few extra $$ in the overall cost of the cruise?

If I posted my thoughts about " I prepaid my gratuities and don't tip any extra ", or  " I remove the gratuities and tip who I want ", or " In my Country tipping is not , etc etc " my post would be deleted.

Not mentioned yet----

If you plan to go to any Specialty restaurant, go there asap as prime times get filled up very quickly. They do hold space for suite passengers which limits prime time availability.

Suggestion --- For a nice relaxing lunch try the Spa Cafe in the Solarium pool area instead of the " Zoo " in the OVC. Not as much selection, but, very adequate.

So many different opinions.

On the Edge, we enjoyed the choice of the 4 MDRs and found the food, the service and the menu very good-- nothing to complain about.

As a matter of fact, one night the Maitre'd asked if there was something that we might like that was not on the menu and he had it prepared for us the next night.

As for the Specialty restaurants, they all seemed similar to what we can get at home, except the Rooftop Gardens, and it was excellent. 

LOL-- Off Subject:

We had a very nice cabin in which we could not find the verandah-- Our Cabin Steward pointed to a 3 ft extension to the room and lowered the window halfway down--- That's it ????

On a recent thread re Cruise Directors--- Can't comment--- Don't care--- We don't participate in the Newlywed game, the Art Auction, or where the best deals are in port , you know, the places that provide the Cruise Line with a " Thank You $$ ". 

Now, waiting for another " Who's the Captain ,etc etc " thread.

C'est la vie.

49 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said:

Wish I had your CVP....I can leave a message and MIGHT hear back in a day or two...or it's forgotten all together.  Emails I have a better chance but she's busy all day and doesn't check emails until later in the evening.  I've missed a booking because of this.....if only she wasn't soooo nice!

No disrespect intended----

How could she be " so nice " and not return messages for a day or two or ---- never ?

How could she be " so nice " if she doesn't check emails until later in the evening when clients are waiting and want answers  ( service ) asap?

It's too bad you missed a booking because of her poor service.

Next time be " nice " to yourself .

11 hours ago, Cruise till you drop said:

They’re all doing it or have already done it.

For me, I’ll take Celebrity 8 days a week and twice on Sunday

Exactly correct-- 

So, let me think---- Why are sooooo many CCers with only negative comments about Celebrity still reading/posting on Celebrity ? What's the purpose ?

FYI--- We don't cruise on Carnival ( as an example ) ----- soooo , I don't read any Carnival's threads.

13 hours ago, Dolebludger said:

Well, IMHO, no company of any kind that off shores it’s CSR dept. is a “better” anything.  IMHO.

Let's hope you never need help with Customer Service or Tech Support from the 1000's of Companies employing off-shore services.

3 hours ago, C 2 C said:

A problem for Canadians is that the dollar valuation for cruises varies greatly and TAs in the US do not like Canadian pricing.  We cruise at least a dozen times a year and have yet to find a Canadian source that gives the 9-10% OBC for booking.  

Here's what we have done for several years without any problems.

Why ?? Because our Personal Celebrity Cruise Planner never returned calls after he said " I'll look into it and get back to you " or never returned phone messages.

So, we book a future cruise while on board and receive a few extra perks ( 1 category cabin upgrade + a bit of extra OBC ( $ depends on cabin category and length of cruise ).

Immediately transfer the booking to Big Box Travel and at the end of the cruise receive a Gift Card based on 8-9% of what we paid. Never had a problem, and it's like " found money ".

Also, there is someone available all the time-- ( English and/or French speaking ).

I don't have to wait for the TA to finish his/her 36 holes of golf, or his/her 3 hr lunch or, or---to get a call back.

Again, we always had a very good Agent.

Perhaps we were just lucky ? 

3 hours ago, C 2 C said:

I refuse to believe anyone that says they get more than the 10% plus refundable prices, plus gratuities over and above Celebrity pricing.  ( I would love to be proved wrong)

I'm on your side--- Sounds too good to be true , but, I have no reason to believe otherwise.

Some folks receive $$$$ thousand(s) ?? of OBC for booking suites and being a loyal customer.

I wouldn't know what to spend it on---- Holy cow, there have been threads on CC where someone had a few $ OBC left and asked " What would you do with it " ??

Now, you got me thinking of that old fart with the 32 yr old--- Again !!!

I'll bet she still has the Rolex and he has only the memories.

3 hours ago, C 2 C said:

A problem for Canadians is that the dollar valuation for cruises varies greatly and TAs in the US do not like Canadian pricing. 

The easiest ( IMO) is to book/pay in $US -- 

The TAs in the US would have to search the current exchange rate and add a " service fee " etc. etc.

40 minutes ago, W283386 said:

Is the daily schedule of events still provided in printed form as well as the menus?  Or do you have the inconvenience of having to haul your phone around with you?

You still get a schedule every night on your bed with the chocolate bar ( ?? ).

On the last night you might have a towel wrapped as a bunny as a surprise---- if you didn't remove the gratuities.

The menu for each day is posted outside the MDR.

" the inconvenience of having to haul your phone around with you "?

Not necessary--- unless you forget what time " Zumba at the pool at 2 pm with Officers is " or " Cigar tasting at 4 in the MDR is " etc.

Is this another " Celebrity Downfall " thread ????

What next ?

22 pages and I'm still confused as it appears others are as well.

We are not suite passengers--- ( non-drinkers, don't require much internet, had a Butler " years "ago but didn't use his services, don't entertain ( no upside-down pineapples here) , or dine in our room ).

I keep asking myself :

Suite passengers pay high prices for their accommodations and service, and expect ( deserve ) to receive what they have paid for-----( within reason ).

How can one person, call him/her " whatever ",  service and satisfy 12-14 rooms, cabins, suites , etc everyday ? 

1 hour ago, Baggy178 said:

 

 

If this Speciality restaurant is so special why not make an advanced booking for it. I presume not every table on every night is fully booked ?

The point is paying to gain entrance to an onboard restaurant because you simply must eat in it that night when there are other dining options you've already paid for strikes some of us as preposterous.

But as we always say, you moolah your move.

I hear ya and totally understand your thinking.

What you might not be aware of is that they hold back the " prime times " apparently for suite guests, which makes it impossible to book on line in advance.

We don't want to have dinner at 5 or 9 pm, thus, we are stuck to " play the game "--

Everyone has different priorities--- and for us to tip a few $$ ( once in a while ) and have a very nice dinner in a Specialty restaurant when , as you say, our dinner is already paid for, means nothing.

To quote---"you simply must eat in it that night "

LOL--- That sure isn't us !! --- LOL

Again to quote---" strikes some of us as preposterous ".

The same can be said about cabin accommodations, expensive purchases on board, etc.

We all have choices.

Who knows, maybe we will meet in person one day and share a good laugh.

2 hours ago, Baggy178 said:

 

This is the sort of thing that Ninja Cruisers™ share jokes and stories about when we meet up.

" Listen you'll never guess what. This fellow who had already paid for his meal in the MDR decided to switch up to a speciality restaurant to pay a second time then guess what he pays a third time just to get into the ' full 'restaurant.

" Then leaves a generous tip to thank everyone for letting him pay three times for a meal "

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Baggy178 said:

 

This is the sort of thing that Ninja Cruisers™ share jokes and stories about when we meet up.

" Listen you'll never guess what. This fellow who had already paid for his meal in the MDR decided to switch up to a speciality restaurant to pay a second time then guess what he pays a third time just to get into the ' full 'restaurant.

" Then leaves a generous tip to thank everyone for letting him pay three times for a meal "

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorta makes sense --- You win !!

From now on :

LOL----" We ain't going to that Specialty Moriano Restaurant for a nice dinner that we been talkin bout since we booked the cruise 4 yrs ago--- you know, the one everyone posts excellent comments about on CC in addition to "who the Captain will be on their cruise in 3 years " and that " there were no round tomatoes no where" .Ya, that's the one. 

They ain't gonna get me to pay no extra for food I already paid for , and then they esspect me to leave a extra tip ??  They must think Pinboy is a sucker-- nice try !!

No, I didn't dream that up !! Someone on CC told me that people share jokes and stories, yes, jokes and stories about people who go to Specialty restaurants--- you know, the ones that are always busy".--- LOL

Perhaps it's time to put this " baby " to bed ???

7 hours ago, Baggy178 said:

I've got more self respect than that.

" self respect " ? Perhaps you meant " principle " ?

How about this:

If we want to dine in Murano ( as an example ) a few times during the cruise and there are no reservations available at the time(s) we want, so, I play the " game " and hand over a few $$ to the Maitre'd. IMO it has nothing to do with " self respect ".

LOL, it does have something to do with enjoying a dinner or two in an excellent restaurant , with very good service, on a nice clean ship, during a very enjoyable cruise.

9 minutes ago, hcat said:

example of poor ethical  concepts.

.hope not a business school professor!

It probably was a Professor at the Maitre'd Business School that taught the concept. 

Talk about " poor ethical concepts "---

Ever hear the expression " Buyer Beware " ?

Ever go into some of the jeweler shops on the Islands ?

Ever hear " Have I got a deal for YOU " ?

Ever notice how fast a calculator appears on the counter ? 

( LOL-- Years ago a salesman, oops, sales person ( gotta be politically correct ) showed me a Rolex for $125 and " swore " it was real. He forgot the word " junk" )! 

So, is it really that bad handing a few $$ to get a reservation to a Specialty restaurant ?

4 hours ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

no, that is a tip because it is given AFTER.

 

it’s when you give money in advance in hopes of getting something done for you - which you are always saying to do for a great table, etc. - when it becomes a bribe 

I never once mentioned " table ", as in " can't you find us a better table than this "? 

I mentioned reservation at a time when they say, right on the first day, even before sailing " Sorry, we are booked up all week for the times you want ".

You smile and shake his/her hand with a few $$ and " Please notify me if anything becomes available ",then all of a sudden reservation(s)  become open.

LOL--- it's all part of the " game "--- So, what's the big deal ? The Maitre'd gets a few $$ and you get the reservation(s) -- it's all good.

( Never had a Maitre'd refuse--- only smile " I'll see what I can do ").

Bye the way, haven't we all seen on Cruise Planner where Specialty Restaurants were all booked and no advance reservations could be booked. 

Perhaps they hold back a few for suite passengers, but , the entire restaurant all week ???

4 hours ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

Well, the one always promoting bribing is Canadian...

Ooowwww -- I have a " feeling " who you are referring to.

So, let me ask you--- Someone in the Service Industry who relies on tips as part of their salary does you a favor and you give him/her a few $$ to say " Thanks, I appreciate what you did for me ". You call that a bribe ??? 

7 hours ago, hcat said:

How sad! 

but we never experienced that type of activity by X staff..

 

How it works:

You get on board and head straight for the Specialty restaurant(s) of your choice and all the times you want are booked-- The Maitre'd will ask for ( or you tell him/her ) your cabin # and tell you he/she will let you know if " something " comes available-- Then, you say " Gee, I really appreciate your help and look forward to your call ( and smile )--- It's pretty sure your " message " ( $$ ) was received.

Poof--- the call comes, you say Thank You ( $$ ) when you arrive for dinner -- everybody is happy.

C'est la vie --- That's life.

20 hours ago, hcat said:

I am opposed to the present culture  of.. " if  I pay  I can skip the line,  have something better or  upgraded on cruises..  "    and in general.

"I am opposed to the present culture".

Totally agree, however in the " real world " it's been a part of doing business for " years ".

An example, I have noted several times on CC --- no reservation available in a restaurant ( on board or on land ) --- a few $$ makes it happen. 

I heard of a restaurant in Florida specializing in stone crabs ( not to be confused with " stoned " crabs on a cruise ship or some of the posts on CC ) where you better shake the Maitre'd's hand ( $$ ) or no seating for you --- The guy has blisters from all the hand shakes and never got Covid !!

14 hours ago, miched said:

Things that they may start charging for 

 

Seats for shows in the theater 

Early entrance to the OVC ( slugfest on 14 ) 

4th shrimp cocktail 

Photo with the Captain 

email address of an Executive who " cares and will do something about it "

In addition :

ANYONE posting a 2 positive comments on the same day receives a Complimentary cruise for 10 on the ship of their choice.

ANYONE posting 5 complaints on the same day receives a Complimentary cruise for 1 on the ship of their choice---- Food not included to ensure enjoyment.

10 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

You can buy candy at one of the ship stores also

Correct---Ummm---Ya gotta win a lottery to afford the prices.

M&Ms in any store on land -- $4.99--- on the ship---$14.99

Come to think of it, if Celebrity had their logo on it--- $24.99

4 hours ago, bnurick said:

4 Dove brand chocolates a night for two of us

That's toooo many chocolates to " stash away " to bring home for your grandchildren, your barber or your golf buddies.

For those that are upset with Celebrity reducing the number of "chocolates on my pillow" nights, why not just buy a bag of M&Ms prior to the cruise ? It will save time standing in line behind people removing their gratuities for the same reason.

23 hours ago, billc23 said:

Pinboy, what about important stuff like who is the Captain?? And the Porch gave me brown mustard on my hotdog yet they advertised ball park mustard. Unbelievable!  You're one of my favorite posters, keep the levity coming!

Appreciate it, especially since you have been a member in " Good Standing " ( probably sitting ?? ) and enjoying CC since 2006. 

As you know, we have to take some of the comments from the trolls on CC with a " grain of salt " .

Oops, that reminds me---- salt and pepper shakers with a Canadian flag logo---- would that be a nice memento( tip ) with $20 for our Cabin Attendant instead of $100 ?  

16 hours ago, Hazelwoodp said:

We have cruised on Summit, Solstice and Silhouette.  Other than those three, which ships have you loved the most and why.   We’d like to book another cruise next year and want to stay with Celebrity.  Thanks for your help!

We have been on all Classes ( M-S-E ) of Celebrity ships-- never had a bad cruise.

" Loved the most " :

Our preference is an S class -- with a large balcony on the " hump" ( as they are referred to) in the center of the ship , the outdoor  Lawn Club Grill Specialty restaurant on the top deck, Murano, and Tuscan Grill for a second breakfast, and the Solarium Pool ( Adults only , except for the time a CCer " spotted " a child in there and ran back to their cabin to post it on CC for people like me to laugh at )!!

However, ( and, I'm not intending to start another debate ) on a recent cruise on the Edge we enjoyed everything -- except the Infinite Verandah -- which is only a 3ft addition to the cabin with a window that opens 1/2 way down.

" Why " :

Service--- Food-- Lots of very nice people -- there was nothing to complain about.

( And, FYI -- I never even once noticed that there were no round tomatoes in the buffet which " prompted " a CCer to start a thread about a few days ago ( LOL ).

13 hours ago, Baggy178 said:

Seasickness and piles ?

Some people just can't catch a break ! 🤣

LOL-- If ya got seasickness and piles, what the hell kinda break ya lookin for ?

A break in the " action " ???

Ya can't do nothin anyway !!!

It's kind of hard to believe all the negative reviews and comments about Celebrity in general.

Food ( quality, selection, portions , cold soup ) , no "this", no "that " , a child in the Solarium, no towel animal on my bed, no response from the Executive Office.

We were on 2 cruises this winter-- both were excellent -- no complaints.

We know two couples that were on two separate ships in the last month --- loved their cruise.

If people are so upset with Celebrity, why are they interested in looking at Celebrity's CC site ?

For example-- We have no interest in Carnival , so I don't look at their CC site.

Make sense ??

13 hours ago, Cruisegirl6 said:

Does anybody know how we can contact the internet host on the Equinox?

There is someone in the iLounge on deck 6 ( ? ) from time to time every day.

FYI--When I forget to log off and use up all our internet time ( 90 free minutes for Elite ), they always add back the time. 

Celebrity does do some things right even though it's not very evident on CC lately.

( Why are so many people now posting about friggin mashed potatoes , no round tomatoes, cold soup , instead of " I'm removing my gratuities because ", " Is Julio still on the xyz ", " I seen a kid in the Solarium " , and of course , " What would you do with the $29 of OBC left  etc ,etc  " ).