superduper123

Anyone know if it is self-serve yet, or is the staff still doing it? Sailing on Enchantment next week.

2 minutes ago, twangster said:

Prepay - no.  OBC can not be used in this manner. 

 

Thanks I could not find any mention of OBC and tips at all. But it can be used once onboard, for tips correct? I also thought it was permissible to use OBC to book dining, excursions, etc in advance? 

We are considering using OBC to prepay tips before the price increases. Can this be done? 

I agree with many things said in the post. We were on a cruise in June (Celebrity) and things are definitely different than before covid. Mostly, we noticed slow service due to being understaffed. Hopefully things will soon return to the way they were prior to covid.

Side note -  after 20+ cruises on Royal, and two more booked, we do prefer Celebrity a bit more.

1 hour ago, slyster said:

 

Be aware some are not able to check in 45 days out on the app.  I checked in a couple of weeks ago and tried the app.  It said it wasn't available yet.  I went to my laptop, logged in, and checked in through the website right away.  So, if you don't see the ability to check in on the app, go try it from the website.

Good to know, thanks for the tip! 

How far out from the cruise can you check in on the app? We are 47 days until cruising day. Also, what determines the time assigned to you?

8 hours ago, Steppy08 said:

I was on the Enchantment June 24 6 nt Bermuda. The service was good but they were short staffed ESPECIALLY in the bars. One bartender and one waiter for a crowded bar. 
 

MTD always had a line, even w reservations we waited every night. Not long but it was a bottleneck. 
 

I had a similar experience on my recent Celebrity cruise. Will be on Enchantment in September.

Has there been any update when Meet & Mingles will return?

3 hours ago, kearney said:

We too are close to D+ on Royal.. one or two cruises away... but switched to Celebrity a few years ago.. we tried for the longer itineraries and stayed because we really liked Celebrity. Not knocking Royal.. it is just Celebrity was just right. Anyway..if you are D+ on Royal... you will still be considered Elite on Celebrity. For that reason...we didn't bother to take the additional cruises.. and after a few years .. we are now a legit Elite on Celebrity. Likely won't be cruising enough to get to a higher status..but no matter. 

This is what I'm thinking also.

2 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

 

Ship shape and service is about as subjective as the food 

Good point. 

12 minutes ago, jwlane said:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/exclusive-offers/loyalty-reciprocity-program

Good to know! Thank you!

I am new to Celebrity, ( sailed Summit in June) and will be close to D+ on Royal after my next cruise. As far as Celebrity goes, is there any difference between D and D+ , or does it all classify as Elite? Trying to decide if I want to make it to D+ with Royal or not bother. We prefer Celebrity and will probably make a complete switch, just not sure when.  

Thanks

I was last on the Enchantment in Sept 2018. For those who have sailed recently, how is the ship and service? I can't remember, is there a dedicated diamond lounge? Anything of importance I should know? 

I'm not concerned that it is not one of the big ships with all the bells and whistles (flow rider, water slides, amusement park feel, etc.) as I don't have young children, and those types of activities don't appeal to me. 

Thanks!

13 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Yes, they sell Elemis skincare products.     I do not recommend buying them at onboard price.     I ask for them to write down the name of the product then when I am home I will order online for much less than what I would have paid onboard.     I really enjoy the elemis papaya enzyme peel, smells so good and does a great job.      I, also, love their Lavender toner I use almost everyday.   

Great! I didn't buy anything, and haven't yet compared prices, so this is good to know. 

52 minutes ago, wallyj said:

I believe the Spa services on both lines and actually most cruiselines are provided by the UK based company Steiner and they should be using/selling the same products on board. I believe they carry the Elemis brand of skin care but may have others

Thank You!

I previously never had any spa services onboard. However, on my recent Celebrity cruise, I had a significant amount of OBC, so I splurged on a facial. 

Anyone who has had spa services on both lines - can I expect a similar experience on Royal as with Celebrity? Also, do you know if they use the same skincare products? Specifically curious about the Enchantment, as I will be cruising in September.

Thanks for any info you can share

I am considering booking to take advantage of the current sale. I do not use a T/A. Does the  "always included" apply to all cruises, even those that are already / currently discounted? 

@OysterD Great comparison!

Yes! I recently sailed Celebrity after cruising exclusively with Royal Caribbean. ( I am 50-something also. ) I loved it! Mostly because of the passenger demographics. Primarily couples our age (ish) not many young families, a little quieter. There were still group activities offered, just didn't seem to be as loud, and something else I can't quite describe. Also, the food is better, and the decor a little fancier (IMO). The entire experience felt more upscale. I already have two previous cruises booked with Royal, but after that plan on making a complete switch to Celebrity. It's definitely more my style.

19 minutes ago, CruiszBug said:

Looks like you can find celebration gifts and room decorating options under the Cruise Planner... Found it on the web posted by Matt H.

Thank you!

1 hour ago, cruzvaca said:

Had a note on our reservation last month sailing to celebrate husband’s 60th birthday. Decided to bring decorations for room (used magnets to hang from ceiling and on door to cabin) and numbered candles. Gave candles to server night of his birthday and him and a few other dining room staff sang to him.   They put the candle on slice of cake that they serve in dining room. Don’t think anyone in the dining room would have done anything if we didn’t ask so even though on reservation still need to talk to wait staff. It was the perfect amount of celebration 🎉 

That looks great!

30 minutes ago, george35 said:

We will be celabrating our 65th annv. on the Harmony on the july 3rd sailing how do I get the ship to surprise my wife with a little surprise in our room??

 

george35 

That's great! (I don't know the answer to your question though.)

11 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Your MDR servers will sing happy birthday if that's what you had in mind.

 

Not sure how much of a celebration you're looking for.

I'm not sure either. Unlimited drinks would be nice. 😉 

I think I saw this somewhere before, but never paid attention, as it wasn't relevant. Does Royal do anything to celebrate birthdays during a sailing?  If so, do I need to call them, or can it be noted through my reservation online? Just to clarify, this is for an adult, not a child. 🙂

I booked directly online, not through a travel agent.

I just recently finished my first Celebrity cruise on the Summit. What is your favorite ship on Celebrity?  How different are the classes? I am Diamond with Royal and usually sail Radiance or Vision class, but have also been on Navigator, Independence, and Adventure, nothing bigger than that.