8 hours ago, mahdnc said:

 

Thank you, Julie.  Marcia and I wish for you and your mom a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  And may Ohio State have better luck next year!

Recruiting has gone very well.  Still holding our breath for Marvin Harrison Jr and Treyvon Henderson to decide if they will return or go NFL Draft. 

Much Joy to you both as you celebrate the Holidays aboard the Solstice! 

Julie

  There is nothing better than a MAHDNC name tag!

Although Covid kept me from the TA in October 2022,

I put my name tag to excellent use on the Silhouette TA  April 2023!

Following along on your Live Report!

Thank you so much David and Marcia!

Hi everyone,

I am following this topic.

In April I did Miami to Southampton on the Celebrity Silhouette

and loved every minute. I was a Solo cruiser.

There have been changes made that have me now looking at

Princess. Somewhat dismayed that the Enchanted Princess is

staying here and not in the Med next year.

Any suggestions about the Caribbean vs the Island vs the Sun?

I have no qualms about going Solo.  Although a former colleague

would like to also go, but I prefer having my own accommodations.

Maybe I don't share well! 🤣 

Any opinions of the New Reserve Collection?  The Plus packages?

Princess excusions?

Thank you for any input you would like to share!

Julie

PS I check CC for ship ratings, accommodations, etc. But feel former

or current passengers opinions are the best resource!. 

What I find interesting is that once Celebrity was awarded/announced the Forbes ratings,  the cuts appeared to really take off.

Celebrity has been able to use the prestigious awards in their marketing material.  The executive office can proclaim "Mission accomplished!"

Perhaps the possibility of "anonomyous" inspections was anticipated in 2022 and therefore

miraculously Celebrity was able to manage supply chain, post covid and financial challenges.

What has followed in 2023 simply doesn't seem to value or want to maintain Forbes' nod.

Does Forbes give a followup report of what their assessment was?   Is lowering quality a likely recommendation?  

Long ago I was involved in our companies team applying for the Malcolm Baldrige Award.

We were thrilled to receive a site visit!  Although we did not receive an award, the valuable

self assessment and examining of our policies and procedures challenged us to never stop

working toward even greater excellence.

I used all my FCC on the April Silhouette TA.  I knew of the MDR changes and had decided

no complaining!  I booked 4 Specialties, enjoyed an app and French Onion soup when the

entrees weren't to my liking, had pasta/pizza in the OVC and it worked well for me.  The entertainment was terrific ( Jayne Curry!!!!), the 2 Celebrity excursions I took excellent and

2109 spacious and perfect location!

WIll I book Celebrity again?   I am paying attention, but not willing to at this time.

Happy and Healthy Sailing!!

Julie

Hello All,

I am following and really enjoying your narrative and pictures! Thank you LACRUISER88 for your

Live report!

Considering  Hawaii cruise with Princess.  This would be my first Princess cruise.

Would really appreciate your recommendations regarding the best ship to book.

I took a TA on Celebrity Silhouette in April. My first Celebrity cruise. The ship was

lovely, the entertainment and talks terrific.  

I am sure this cruise is making wonderful lasting memories!

Wishing everyone safe, healthy and joyful travels!

Julie 

5 hours ago, Lastdance said:

Thanks, Patty; I just found that thread...I guess Celebrity wants to empower those who vape, especially if the company thinks $$$ can be made.  Makes me wonder what else is coming to a Celebrity ship for an eight week trial...TBD!

Just like empowering drinkers? That certainly fills the coffers. I have no idea what a vape is.

If something or someone bothers me, I simply move away.

I am opinionated, as have had 73 years of experience to cultivate them, but I try not to be

judgemental of people. My Mother at 98 would quickly remind me that

I have enough to do to keep myself in check.

The April TA on the Silhouette was my first Celebrity cruise.  It was very nice and I thoroughly

enjoyed myself.  I did find that the quality of food and choices did not match the ship, entertainment and staff.  Unfortunate and baffling.

Happy and safe cruising to all! 

I was on the April TA Silhouette.  The new menus look very similar to the ones we had.

Being aware of the January changes, I decided "No complaining." So I "tap danced" by booking 2 Muranos, 1 Porch and 1 Lawn Club Grill dinners. There was Prime Rib night and Lobster night in MDR.  OVC for Pasta Bolognese. Other nights in MDR, App and French Onion soup. It worked well for me.

I will say the quality of beef you might expect, was certainly lacking. This included the Specialty venues.

For me, no bread, no dessert.  So I do look forward to good quality in my selections.

Moving forward, hopefully that will dramatically improve.

I will be watching CC with great interest as "tap dancing" should not be necessary.

21 minutes ago, keesar said:

 

Does the Captain also advertises making appearances at jewelry and watch shops  like the Captain on our last couple of cruises?  

No.  But "back in the day" we had a First Officer once who played the harmonica and serenaded passengers as they boarded with a medley of salutes to the branches of the military....... 🎵 upbeat and put a smile on everyone's face!🎵

6 minutes ago, Oceansaway17 said:

and on cruise ships, the Captain almost always has his room on the right side known as starboard and then other captain (staff) has the port side.  Just interesting things to think about.

That is interesting!

4 hours ago, shipshape sam said:

Who is in left and right seats.  Captain always in what side?

Captain is in left seat.  1st officer in right.

(When you look into the cockpit from inside aircraft.)

34 minutes ago, Mickey S said:

Who do you want piloting a plane on the way to your cruise? As long as they are honestly qualified, its fne with me regardless of any criteria.

As a retired United flight attendant, I appreciate experienced left and right seat, preferably former military.....never paid attention to anything else.

1 hour ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

I'm not really sure that anyone can correct history.  You need to accept it for what is was, the good and the bad , and then move forward with the lessons you have learned.  Everyone should have the ability to participate equally in the future.  Mentors and advocates can certainly help but the playing field still needs to be level.

Bingo!

I want the person in the Captain's seat to be the best qualified and experienced. Period.   

4 minutes ago, Redtravel said:

Once you sail on Oceania, you will not be happy on X.   

They will be my next cruise.  As a solo it is double, but they do have certain cruises selected

where they only charge 150%. I used to think sailing with Celebrity ( my first with them on the Silhouette April TA) would be a step up, but am now curious to find out in April if that is true. I do believe I will find that Oceania does provide an upscale experience.

2 minutes ago, calicakes said:

I watched a few YT videos.  Of course I didn't see the "adult" content, I just heard about it. 

2 minutes ago, calicakes said:

I watched a few YT videos.  Of course I didn't see the "adult" content, I just heard about it. 

Understood.  I too have heard the reports.  To which I simply say, no thank you, would not be a good fit.

1 minute ago, calicakes said:

Does Virgin fit your lifestyle?  My wife and I like to lay out at the pool on sea days.  Have you seen that pool?  Its the size of a postage stamp.  We're also not into sex parties, "adult" entertainment and the like.  The food does look good, but I can't get past the other issues.  

This may be unfair, as I have not sailed Virgin.  Their "culture" simply wouldn't be a good fit.   I am looking forward to getting my X  FCC used in April and moving on....First stop Oceania.

On 2/21/2023 at 10:22 AM, TeeRick said:

.  In particular I sense that the E-class MDR's are less of a problem, maybe because of the multiple dining rooms?

My guess, the Apex's 4 Star Forbes rating, the "recommended" Edge, plus with Ascent coming soon, ads showing Edge class ships, and fare structures, almost makes a better dining experience predictable.

8 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

Unlike other lines, I do wish X had the upcharge option to order surf and turf in the MDR.  For non-suite guests, it's near impossible to book a specialty restaurant and get a reservation same day

Totally agree.  Like RCL does. Plus the new menus for RCL fleet starting Feb 1st appeared more appealing IMO.  Of course bottom line is quality. 

***********

Interesting Article

USA Today Feb 17th Article

Best in sea: Five ships from this cruise line earn Forbes Travel Guide 2023 Star Awards

Nathan Diller

USA TODAY

************

Wishing everyone Exceptional Experiences without Exceptions!

On 2/19/2023 at 12:05 AM, Shipswap said:

This photo needs to be sent to Lisa Lutoff-Perlo 

And LLP needs to move to Marketing with her "Cute Capers" and get someone in her place interested in restoring the Celebrity brand. Even if it means increasing the fares "again" by $20-30 a day to provide the quality cuisine most experienced Celebrity cruisers have come to expect and enjoy.

18 minutes ago, HMR74 said:

did they serve prime rib on reflection MDR?

Beef Wellington, filet and other quality beef dishes?  

Midwestern girl here with fingers crossed!🤞

10 minutes ago, thebutlerdidit said:

I wouldn’t use trays in the hall as a measure of how many passengers utilize room service. I’ve used room service plenty and never set a tray of dishes outside my door. The dishes can be cleared when the room is serviced. 

Plus it is my understanding the Continental breakfast does not have the $9.95+18% fees.  I can only assume that a tray is used to deliver. So I agree trays may not be a reliable measure of RS utilization.   

14 minutes ago, HMR74 said:

we just look at the value received in our perception for the price paid.

 

The real test is IMO coming soon. A recession is sought by our Fed to fight inflation. If thats a deep and long recession, stocks get hit and if portfolios get hit the wealth effect , especially for boomers,  will  evaporate for many.

I couldn't agree more HRM74!  

37 minutes ago, cwayne said:

I'm sorry that those were your only choices, although all of those were very good, along with all the other choices we had. Why is it that if someone makes a positive comment, it has to be ridiculed. This has gotten to be a "how dare you enjoy cruising when it is SOOO terrible" thread. 

If you are referring to post #330, I read it as a lighthearted, humorous post!  I chuckled as those items can be a great way to boost your lbs.. for most of us.  Perhaps I read it differently, but I prefer to err on the upbeat side of most posts.   😊

10 minutes ago, Keys Kathy said:

I would complete the survey without using the waiters name, although you could put him under someone who gave you outstanding service. If people don't say anything, nothing will get done. 

Agree!  Who knows if the "chef" or others aren't using this tactic to avoid low marks?

"Honesty is the best policy." 

24 minutes ago, oskidunker said:

There is pent up demand for cruising. Many have yet to experience the new normal.Lets see how full the ships   are in 2024 with bad food and poor service and high prices.

Plus lots of FCC to use.  I wondered if the pricing was also increased to offset the FCC and still get

new money.  Just a thought.

I too received an email and then the next day a call from the "Executive offices".

My email to "Lisa" was primarily to point out that Celebrity has set expectations

and for the experience to be not at the level they tout, it may cause guests to pay

attention to the " wrinkles and warts" they may otherwise overlook or forgive. 

( Think ships not revolutionized or new.)

Here is an exert from the Welcome letter I just received .

"Once aboard, indulge in all the amenities Celebrity Silhouette has to offer. Savor world-class cuisine in our globally-inspired restaurants".

and

"Until then, let the anticipation begin."

Hmm...🤔 expectations of guests, here we go.

I changed my cruise after changes were announced.  Switched from a Greece Constellation cruise to

a TA on the Silhouette.  Both on my Wish list.  

Hope everyone has an Exceptional Experience on their journeys! Be it by Air, Land or Sea!!