Lily'sMum

1 hour ago, Purplsmurf said:

Just out of curiosity, is there a reason why you didn’t book them in the cabin themselves? I ask because when our kids were teens (first time on Celebrity they were 15 and 13) As long as we were close to them they were booked in their own cabin. We did this for a couple of years and it worked great. Had no issues with keys. The first year they were across from us and the next 2 they were next to us.

You know, we asked for that (as we have heard you could do that as long as they were adjacent)... but the Celebrity rep. (booked directly) said it was "much easier" to just put an adult in each room and just swap rooms as we see fit.  They said the same on previous cruises, but we had connecting cabins -  so it wasn't an issue as far as getting into either room.   I'm sure they were just being lazy, and I didn't really push back... but wasn't thinking about key access at the time.

Okay, great.

Ultimately, that's really all that is needed.

Thanks!

We are traveling with our teenage daughters, staying in cabin next door (but not connected).  The way they booked reservation was to have one adult and one kid in each cabin, but said we could rearrange any way we wanted. Will Celebrity give me access to both cabins on one SeaPass card?   

2 hours ago, miaminative0853 said:

My wife and I just came off a week on Edge in a Sky Suite and previously cruised in an SS on Edge. This time we had the vertical column on the balcony I believe you are referring to. I found it to be of very little consequence. You're aware it is there but it isnt that large and it doesnt block any usuage of the balcony. Would it be better if it wasnt there? I guess, marginally, but I'm also certain it's needed to hold up something important! 🙂

 

MiamiNative - Do you recall if your balcony had a connecting door to your neighboring suites?  We have 2 neighboring suites on Edge (Deck 9) coming up and curious if there a way to connect the balconies/cabins.  Thanks!

My family has booked 2 Sky Suites (S2) next door to one another on Deck 9 on Edge.  

I know the interiors do not have a connecting door, but can anyone tell me if there is an access door available to connect the balconies?

I've seen some pictures that seem to have one, but others do not... but it's not clear one way or the other.  

I have read that the Infinite Verandas cannot connect, but nothing on the suite balconies.

Appreciate any insight! 

If you (or anyone in your traveling party/family) test positive within 14 days of your departure - you can receive a full refund.  Not even FCC....At least that is what Celebrity just told me.   

From their website:  

Book a Celebrity cruise that’s sailing on or before April 30, 2022 and you’ll have the following reassurance at no extra charge:

• 100% cruise fare refund for you, and your Traveling Party, if any of you tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to the cruise or at the boarding terminal.**. 

**To qualify for a refund, if your COVID-19 test was administered by a provider other than one retained by Celebrity, you must present your verified positive test result in a form acceptable to Celebrity.

I read somewhere that 99 days out is statistically the best time to buy International Flights. We buy international tickets several times per year (mostly NOT for cruises). I generally start looking about 6 months out to get an idea of the flight times I want, prices, etc. I suggest keeping an eye on how many seats have sold on the flight you want... if it's quite full - don't hesitate to buy when it looks like a good price. If it's pretty empty - WAIT! We had to buy 4 tickets to Amsterdam for a cruise next week... and prices were going up in $50 increments every few days (this was 4-5 months out) and I got nervous that I had waited too long. But the flight was only 20% full, and prices started to drop back after a few nervous weeks. (Prices direct with airline were hovering between $1550-$1750pp.) I checked with Choice Air right at 100 days out and bought tickets on my desired airline/days/times for $1325. (When airline was still at $1570.) So x4 that was quite a good savings! I will say it was "deeply discounted fare"... so I won't get the full amount of frequent flier miles and probably won't get upgraded to "delta comfort+" even with my husband's status. But saving $1000 seemed worth it. Choice Air does check the codeshare savings... we knew exactly the fights we wanted (on Delta), and we got those flights, but the outbound was booked via Delta, and the return via KLM (though still a Delta operated flight.) Good luck!

Lilly's Mom - we are on the 25th Eclipse sailing also and we received an email a couple mo this ago that we are docking in Stockholm not Nynashamn. The sail in is supposed to be one of the most scenic to experience. We have a rollcall started if you are interested in joining.

 

Kathy

Thanks Kathy... I must have missed that email... I'll have to look back and see if I can find it. Happy about it nonetheless!

We are sailing on the July 25 Baltic cruise on Eclipse... just noticed our cruise planner has changed from Nynashamn to Stockholm. We are excited about this change, but thought that the ship was "too big" (or something) to get into Stockholm itself?? Any one else notice this change or know why? Want to make sure we can rely on this as, in fact, the new itinerary. Is this now where all Celebrity ships will be docking?

If your children can find ways to occupy themselves, that would be a key. Otherwise, there is really not much to do for children that age on Celebrity as compared to RCL.

 

Of course, you will have other posters who will say "My two year old says Celebrity is his favorite cruise line". But you know your children best. I can tell you our child had a great time on RCL and there was no problem meeting others. Much higher energy level on RCL.

Totally agree. My girls started cruising with X at about the same ages... and they absolutely LOVE it. (They are 9 & 13 now). But they love going to Kids club! They like that there is often not a lot of other children on board... no lines for games, more attention from staff, etc. As they get older they love the scavenger hunts. We eat our meals together - they go to club for a few hours after breakfast and after dinner. We all love the amount of time together and apart. But if they want to be with you the whole day, but want "things to do" on board... you might have a tough time. But I'd give it a go... :)

We have been on Reflection twice and Silhouette once (about to be twice) in last 2 years. It's really a toss up... but I will say - I thought the food service was SLIGHTLY better on Silhouette. We had some cold/luke warm food issues on Reflection in November... throughout the restaurants. (Once even in Tuscan, but mostly the problem was in the buffet, and cold toast in the MDR for breakfast.) It was by no means "vacation ruining"... just here and there, but it was something we noted for sure that we did not notice on Silhouette last March. Maybe it was just an "off" week for them.

I agree - FLL is easier, but Saturdays are better! What about the East vs West Caribbean? I like the Western because I like the private beach day at Labadee (I imagine the Cococay day would be similar).

Ship-wise there are only slight differences... for me the differences were not enough to sway me one way or the other.

Good problem to have.... you can't really go wrong! Good Luck!

We've been on Reflection and Silhouette a few times in the last 2 years with our kids (now ages 11 and 7).

They really love the Fun Factory. The scavenger hunts are a must-do for the kids over 9 (I think?). She also loves the pool game night (boys v girls) and just playing video games, etc. My little one loves the talent show and gaga ball and the little craft activities. I don't think they are ever "required" to play anything, but if the whole group is going outside to play (and therefore all the staff are going outside- they may have to go with them and just watch.)

The teens have a lot more freedom. It seems like it's more of a gathering place... movies, video games, arcade... but I never witnessed the older teens really participate in organized activities. (I could be wrong!) They did participate in Talent Show... very cute.

We have never done the VIP thing. If you plan on being out late-late almost every night - it may be worth it. But we always just "pay as we go" and have never hit the cost of what the VIP would've been for 2 kids. (although we only have 2-3 late nights per week.) It's only like $6/hour per kid after 10pm, and they pro-rate after the first hour... so $1.50 (or so) for 15 minutes. And we have dinner as a family each night (barring one "date" in specialty restaurant.) So again, if you plan on having the kids do the "dinner party" many nights - the VIP may pay off. But certainly there are always plenty of kids who do use it. The staff do kinda push/recommend it on that first day.

From what I can recall - it's open around dinner time on the first night.

I think that covered your questions... ??

We'll be onboard Silhouette in less than 4 weeks and planning on booking the same cruise for 2017 in a Sky Suite for us and my in-laws. They are currently running the "4 Free Perks" in Suites promo until the end of February (i.e. ending 6 days before we get onboard). My husband and I definitely take advantage of Premium beverage and wi-fi, while my in-laws won't so much. So booking 2 suites... does the $500 of OBC for booking onboard outweigh the 4 free perks offered now?

Decisions, decisions.... Any opinions?

My personal favs:

Cafe Al Bacio - Coconut Cake

4pm-6pm Buffet - Scones with cream and jam

Murano - Warm Goat Cheese Souffle (OMG... its so good!)

She will not be going on RCL, NCL, or CCL because I don't want to, and I am paying :D

LOVE this...our feelings exactly! ;)

They don't know anything else...they love it, we love it - why would we go anywhere else?

Posts like this is why Cruise Critic needs a "like" button.

Recommendations here are good and exactly what I'd recommend.

Thanks Larry!:)

Not sure about teens and older kids, but my kids love Celebrity. They are 7 and 5 and have been on Disney, RCCL, Carnival, Princess and Celebrity, they'll tell you celebrity is their favorite. Agreed there are more gimmicks, slides, rock wall type items on other lines, but they are a minority on the ship and everyone really caters to them, they love the special attention.

Totally agree. My kids (6 & 10) absolutely LOVE Celebrity. Granted, I haven't exposed them to the activities on Disney and the others, but they think it's awesome. We feel it's a great family vacation...It's not swarming with kids, but they are happy and have a great time with the children's program and as parents - we get great food, atmosphere, and some time alone while the kids are happy!

I hesitate to tell people how great Celebrity is for kids...I feel like its a great secret! ;)

No not 90%.

 

Most adult cruisers want an adult cruise, they just wont say it here.

Lol! You may be right about that... But I'd say to them - go on cruise line without a children's program. Celebrity may not advertise itself on being a "family" cruise line, but it has invested a lot of effort and $$$ into making itself a great cruise line for families with $$. They do a great job with kids. Those who don't like them there - should really go elsewhere.

Thinking of taking our kids and two grandkids on a Celebrity Reflection cruise. One baby and one 3 year old. Was wondering if anyone has any advise for us on the ship. The kids would be in a Sky Suite which has a little more room than a regular cabin as they'll need a crib. Is milk available for free or do you have to purchase it in the drink package? Also bottled water? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I have two kids that have been cruising with Celebrity for many years... I'd say you would be better off getting 2 connecting verandas over a Sky Suite. It's SOOO much better. The cruise price is about the same, maybe a little less for the 2 verandas. (And especially with the perks given per stateroom - you'll have more OBC, tips, etc. by getting 2 rooms.) Also, the extra space (and bathroom) with little ones is great. You (or their parents) can put them to bed and chill out in the other room while they sleep, nap, etc. If you are getting even more cabins - you can get 3 in a row...and put the kids in the middle. That's what we did when we brought the grandparents with us. And I felt so much more at ease if there was any crying, fighting, etc. I didn't have to worry about neighbors.

And best advice for dinner... go to MDR in the early seating and have the waiters get used to how the kids work. They will bring food/snacks out early. They will speed up the pace if you want to get out quicker. And personally - I'd use the babysitters for nights you want to do the specialty dining. You'll pay less for the sitter than you would for the cover charge for the kids. And the adults can enjoy the full experience more... Book a later table (8:00 or so) and the kids would likely be asleep for the night anyway. And you don't have as much concern over a "stranger" taking care of the kids. We did Luminae last time... it was great, and they were great with my kids, BUT it's a much quieter restaurant and you feel much more conspicuous. My kids are older now too - 6 & 10, but even few times their laughing and chatting felt too loud for Luminae. The MDR is loud anyway, so a kid can be a kid a bit more in there. And having the same waiter throughout the week will be a blessing. Maybe even throw them a few bucks in the beginning of the week with what your expectations are... would go a long way to making it a great week for all of you.

I've always found the crew to be AWESOME with kids. And 90% of the passengers are too. Of course, be respectful of others' experiences... remove the kids if they are melting down, etc. But I'd expect you to have a WONDERFUL time with the Grandkids!!

I've always booked through Celebrity direct and they have always told me we had to book an adult in each room too... maybe they were just being lazy?? It's been 4 different cruises they have told us this.

Thanks MaBell and Sunny AJ for your input... that's good to know. I'll be sure to push a little harder when we book next time. Good Luck vicki. Let me know what they say.

We were on back in March, but ours was a great gal named Fabiola. From Brazil, I believe.

My husband and I are booked in a Sky Suite - Silhouette - November 22nd out of Fort Lauderdale. We have a connecting CC cabin with our 2 boys (11 & 13) and then another CC cabin with my sister, her husband and their daughter (13).

 

Wondering where we all eat dinner together? We currently have select dining and will book a few speciality restaurants. Can the rest of our party join us in Luminae? If so, is there a cost? How can I arrange this?

 

Thanks for any advice...looking forward to a enjoying my family - together - at dinner!

Vickidrysdale - Just curious, are your children actually assigned together in the connecting room? Every time we have done connecting rooms they have made one adult go with one child on the reservation (needing someone over 25 on each reservation/cabin). It was never a big deal, as we would just sleep as we choose... but now with the Go Big offers, and also wanting to do what you have done (sky suite+ adjoining) I was worried we couldn't utilize the Luminae or the beverage package deals (i.e. we'd have to all "pick 4", where if we could have just adults in one room - we could Pick 2 for kids, and Pick 4 for adults. Did you book thru Celebrity or TA?

Appreciate any advice... (from anyone!)

Can I assume none of the other "Suite Class" benefits will apply to cruises before those specific dates? i.e. Premium bev package, unlimited specialty dining, socked bar, etc.

We are sailing next week and have pre-paid for these things... want to make sure we aren't paying for things that would be given to us once on board.

great to know... thanks!

I know the official open date of Luminae isn't until April, but I've heard it has opened on Reflection. We are boarding next week (March 8) - any chance it'll be open for suite guests? Anyone recently coming off Silhouette who might know?