Roo B

I was on Equinox Feb 8-15 in concierge. When I reserved our MDR dining table (traveling with a group of 8) before we left - I was told by the customer care they would `consider`` my request but were adamant that concierge were not entitled to any dining preferences. I had been trying to do reservations on my own on the website and had problems (surprise face).

When I went to confirm our dining arrangements on board, I was told by the concierge that they had a lot of concierge guests and elites, so unfortunately I should not expect to get my dining preference. 

She should have waited to find out what I was asking for, because it really wasn't a problem for them to fulfill.  she could have said nothing and waited to see if it was a something that could be done or not.  I would have walked away happy, instead of disgusted that there was one more perk that was removed that I paid for with a concierge room .

We also were not given any kind of preference with specialty dining. times were limited which could be because of Valentines day. But the concierge was only offering me 5:30 or 9:00 pm when I tried to book a specialty dinner.

in the past I have had good luck with the concierge making dining arrangement for me and my group.  I don't know if it depends on the individual concierge or if this is another one of their roll-backs.

21 hours ago, RickT said:

Not to start a discussion on dress code but I have seen people in shorts turned away and believe that’s the right thing for X to do.  The required dress code is fairly relaxed but shorts are not on the list of acceptance attire.

 

 

I think it is not enforced consistently. As I said we saw a fellow in shorts get seated last week.  When I hear people say they don’t want to dress up, I want them to know it is not something to be concerned about.  

I was able to do the same thing on Equinox last week - and I wasn`t in a suite. We went to a slot machine - charged it $50 to our sea pass (using  our non-refundable obc) and gambled for 5 minutes, came out even and cashed the whole thing out. We weren`t charged anything extra.

2 hours ago, kwokpot said:

I agree that USED to be their policy(I first sailed with them in 2002 on the Millie - remember when each table had 2!! assistant waiters?) but ever since they went to the Evening Chic dress code there's no more requirement for a jacket. My husband and I never bring suits or jackets on Celebrity cruises anymore. Slacks and nice dress shirts are perfect for Evening Chic and slacks and polo type shirts for all other evenings.

Just of the ship last week - the guy in front of me was wearing cammo shorts and a t-shirt to the dining room on Chic night and had no trouble getting a table. They won`t turn you away for not having a jacket.

The concierge on our last cruise was fantastic. My card stopped working numerous times. He replaced it for me  - was much closer and quicker then waiting in line at guest services. He also gave me an extra cardholder to help prevent it happening. The Concierge arranged for my friend's room to be decorated for her birthday - they spoke to the speciality restaurant and had a cake made for her dessert. The hostess at my time dining was horrible (you can have any time you want as long as it is after 8:30) - he got involved and got us a table at the time we wanted.

The concierges are super helpful - just ask! I think not enough people use them, so they love it when they can help.

I did stop by his desk on the last night and gave him a tip - I didn't do it each time I visited him. And I had great service from him all week.

Just off the Silhouette. I was is a C2. The concierge had a desk in the library and was very visible every day. She was at the welcome lunch in the MDR greeting everyone and assisting with reservations.

Most people did not take advantage of her service. I got her assistance with booking some specialty dinners for a group and booking a shore excursion. Could I have done it without her? Sure, but it was awfully nice to just take 5 minutes after our welcome lunch and make all the arrangements for my group instead of standing in three lines, and fighting for a spot at ocean view.

She also hosted a sail-away on the helipad for those in CC. It was a nice unexpected perk. I think celebrity is trying to do more of the special experiences for concierge class to make it more appealing.

We also got her to print our boarding passes on the last day.

None of the perks on their own are worth much, but when you start putting them all together, they do make things just a little nicer and worth a couple $ more then a regular room.

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I was there last week. We had a cooler with 6 bottles of Evian and used the golf cart numerous times. The cart even took us to the straw market. The whole experience was wonderful.

We stayed at the Thompson. It was fantastic. Nice room, wonderful staff, and a really good restaurant onsite. It is right on the beach, but north of the heart of south beach. Short ride away. The boardwalk runs behind the hotel, and they have their own beach club.

We found a deal on a travel site and it was so worth the money we spent.

I used them 3 years ago for snorkelling, and probably would NOT book again for that. I think they are great for the divers, but if you are a beginner snorkeler, it was tough. It is all deep water went to. We were in the water for 3-30 minute stretches. They dropped us at the money bar after. I wish we had just gone there on our own.

You got your money's worth, they were great to deal with, but it was hard.

This is great! We got the Classic package when we booked, and I was debating about upgrading to Premium. This showed me that it will definitely be worth it.

Thanks for doing that.

Of course, sometimes when RCI gets things right, they actually become a victim of their own success. Take a look at the lines on embarkation day for a roast beef sandwich at Park Cafe! Maybe if they really nailed a casual venue with great food on The Boardwalk, it would become a madhouse...

But would Park Cafe be packed if everyone had to pay for the sandwiches? I like them, and have them almost everyday on board, but if I had to pay...I might have them once. Might.

I agree with the comment that people will pay for upscale food/experience but are more hesitant to pay for casual fair. There has to be a reason to justify the cost, and the quality is just not there with a lot of the casual food.

I think to perk the Boardwalk up, you need a non-pay food venue in the Rita's/Seafood Shack location. Draw people farther in and give them a reason to stay when the shows aren't on.

The area outside the gates is not unsafe. Driving on Jamaican roads

is way more dangerous than the town of falmouth. If you want good

local food then you really have two choices. Either walk few yards into

Town or drive up to an hour towards Montego Bay or Ocho Rios. Selling

Fear is profitable so if you want to spend over $100 to travel and feel more

Safe then go right ahead.

Where do you reccommend going in town? When we were there last year we tried Pepper's and enjoyed it. I wouldn't mind trying a different place when I go in another month, but I don't want to eat at the compound or drive anywhere.

Appreciate any advice!

This is a wonderful review! Keep going. I am enjoying all the details.

I have to agree with Happy KS. I did my time in retail and as a waitress. The number of people that are rude to the "help" is astounding. I try to let that sort of thing bounce off me. Most often it is because they have asked for or done something that isn't allowed. Now they feel stupid, and they can't deal with that, so it must be someone else's fault.

Best lesson I was ever taught was by a customer. They returned to the store to tell me, and my manager, what a great job I did. He pointed out that we often complain about people, and make sure the bad stuff is pointed out, but we don't often make that same effort when someone does something good. We need to tell people more often they were helpful/polite/make our day.

When was the last time you told the parents sitting beside you at dinner that their kids were well behaved? We need to make more compliments and less complaints.

That's my pollyanna comment for the day.