goofysmom99

3 hours ago, jelayne said:

The  Zenith cruise only price for suites eliminated the military discount, at least on all pricing I have seen.  You $125 was better than the 0 we got when we repriced we lost both military and OBC, but still came out ahead. 

Did they reduce or remove altogether the OBC from booking onboard? 

The only "enhancement" I see for a sky suite is the swell butler chat feature.  Big woo.  Meanwhile X reduced my OBC for booking onboard (repo S1) to $125 from $200, and military discount to $125 from $200.  $150 total OBC reduction.  Both cuts were blithely explained away = I'm solo and have zenith discount.  The onboard booking OBC is supposed to be per cabin, not per person.  I'm seriously steamed.  I might cool off, but nope, not yet.  So since Silversea deposits are refundable right now (less $250 admin fee), I've booked them, too. If I cool off eventually, I'll take both repos; if not, then just Silversea.  I so appreciate X's spin managers "giving" me "enhancements" that cost nothing while grabbing my OBCs.  Grumble, grumble, grumble.

S-class sky suites beneath the uncarpeted area of Oceanview can be noisy at any time of the day/night. I used to always choose what are now designated AQ sky suites (higher priced).  I'm not willing to pay more just to be under the carpeted area of Oceanview, though, so I bring along a little Bose Micro bluetooth speaker on the nightstand and connect it to White Noise app on my phone when I go to bed.  It's also my solution for hotel noise (elevators/drunks). Perfect.

12 minutes ago, Damager said:

I cant give you an example of this happening factually.   I CAN tell you that my girlfriend went to Future Cruises on a cruise last week, and looked at some options.   They quoted her the (now insane) pricing for solo's, and when she said she would just add another traveller and cancel just before the cruise, she was told directly and in no uncertain terms that this loophole would not work any more, and they would charge the full rate.

I wouldn't base that certainty on something that anyone in future cruises told me.  I know first-hand to never rely on their knowledge (frequently wrong so I never ask them anything).  I personally doubt X's software could track someone not showing up (it happens to couples, too), but if it scares you, then don't do it. 

I'm PO'd about the things they're doing to solos that don't show.  For example, as a solo, my military discount has been $200 as long as I've been cruising solo (16 yrs since DH died).  Three weeks ago, when I changed cabin category on a 2025 sailing (booked onboard last Nov), my existing $200 military discount dropped to $125.  They've also dinged me as a solo when I booked a suite with the zenith discount; then they wouldn't honor the military discount at all.  My TA, who is also a solo zenith, has questioned Celebrity about these changes/eliminations; evidently, it's the game they've very recently decided to play.  I've booked cruises on other lines for 2025 and as it stands now, I guess other lines will be in the cards for 2026.  I've tolerated a lot of X's slash-and-burn style of management over the past two years, but I'm finding this military insult difficult to overlook/forgive. 🤬 OK, rant over for now.

It's miraculous that loungers aren't dangerous on the pool deck, the deck above it, or the Retreat sundeck.  Yup, "it's a miracle!"  

I wouldn't put it at all past them for a lounger to be an add-on purchase, like a beverage package, wifi, early boarding (premium pkg thing), room service, etc.  Yup, it'd be an "enhancement." 😆  Cha-ching.  

1 minute ago, mahdnc said:

 

Hi, Ruth!  I didn't quite follow the 2nd half of your post (the part I quoted in this post).  In the 2-4-2 instance, would you purchase the two outboard seats?  And you would upgrade both coach seats to two coach-plus seats?  Yes?  

 

And what plane these days have 2-4-2?  It sounds kinda like the old 767 planes, but every time I have flown long haul on United it's either 787 or 777 which have 3 outboard seats in each row.

 

David

Yes.  On the flight from MCO to the hub (either IAD/EWR), I sit by the window, own the middle, and someone else sits on the aisle.  I don't upgrade that first leg to coach plus.  But on the long-haul, the 767 out of IAD/EWR, I upgrade my two seats to a set of the "2s" in coach plus.    

Going from Orlando to Barcelona this November, United has a choice of 767-400 (2-4-2) from EWR or 767-300 (2-4-2) from IAD.  I actually had booked United business (thru IAD) with FBC when it first came out for $500 less than it has been ever since.  But the end of April, when I was checking FBC options (do it every weekend), AA business popped up on FBC through MIA for $1600 less than my UA fare!  I dialed FBC on-the-spot.  Whew, the good deal was only there 24 hrs before fare went back up to well over $5K.  I still can't believe my good fortune - I think first/business for less than $2K to anywhere in Europe qualifies as the holy grail (so I've quit checking).

2 hours ago, mahdnc said:

how does one go about buying an extra seat (e.g. middle seat) to keep it empty?

David, when my DH and I traveled to Europe, except for a very few times we flew in first class, we'd choose an airline/aircraft that had 3-3-3 coach seating configuration.  Then one of us would book the middle "extra seat" to have a passport assigned against it.  Worked wonderfully and would also give us an extra checked bag which I liked, DH didn't (he used the term sherpa a lot).  FBC can only book one seat per cruise reservation passenger, so no extra seats possible through them.  If I can't afford business class these days, I'll still book coach directly with an airline, being sure the overseas leg is on an aircraft with 2-4-2 configuration.  Then I upgrade my two seats to coach-plus on just the long-haul, overseas leg.  It's actually pretty comfortable and usually waaay cheaper than premium economy.

19 minutes ago, tfred said:

You dont have to do the math $22-17=$5.  

$22-17= $5+1= $6 (still gotta do the math). 😉

2 hours ago, jelayne said:

I also noticed that the military discount was not applied when I did mock bookings with the Zenith cruise only pricing.  

I think I remember reading you were able to reprice a cruise or two with the zenith discount?  If so, did they adjust/remove the military discount you already had?  On the Eclipse cruise I upgraded, instead of keeping the same onboard booking number, they issued a new number altogether and new booking codes.

Military discount and onboard booking OBC are still available in current form to all but zenith and/or solos.  It's X staying under the radar while chiseling away at formerly standard discounts/OBCs.  Chip, chip, chip.

After booking four cruises elsewhere because I'd lost patience with X's management moves, they finally instituted a cruise-only option for zeniths, so I upgraded an Eclipse cruise (A2 to S1) for next year which I was going to let go.  The new invoice came through from my TA and instead of the usual suite $200 OBC for a repo cruise, it's only $125.  She asked about it:  "I questioned the onboard credit for booking onboard and he said 'this is for a single rate'." I'm still trying to determine how to compute a single rate for OBC.  Oh, and they didn't honor the military discount with the zenith discount.  Don't know if that's because I'm solo, zenith, or it was just simply arbitrary.  I'm very cranky about this on principal.  Haven't decided if I'll switch back to A2 or cancel.  Grumble, grumble, grumble.

BTW, my Eclipse (2010 build) S1 Z-discounted price w/gratuities is $380 more than an identical cruise I've booked on Silversea (2024 build).  I'd like to do both, but for sure, not in the S1 now.

My TA is unavailable and I don't know for how long.  Meanwhile, there's a cruise I'd like to book.  Other lines allow a booking to be transferred to an agent within X number of days.  Does Silversea?  I'd wait except I need an accessible cabin and there's only one left.  TIA

2 hours ago, mahdnc said:

The only problem was that Solstice was sailing into the sunset.....

 

Great photo!  (You're on Summit.)

46 minutes ago, mahdnc said:

Here is a photo of the chateaubriand:

 

 

David, I'm curious, were both sauces ordered or did this come sitting in gravy with bearnaise?  Thanks.

5 hours ago, kwokpot said:

We were on the Solstice last February and then the Apex last July and Ascent this past February. While none of our cruises were in Retreat I can honestly say of the three recent Celebrity cruises the Solstice out of LA for the Mexican Riviera itinerary was our least favorite with regards to the cruise ship experience. On the Solstice there wasn't lobster served on either Chic Night.

That pretty much follows X's fleet-wide menu quality cuts last year, and their reinstatement this year (and other cuts/returns as well).  I noticed a big difference between cruises this past November and last month.

8 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Today was day 4 and I thought I would reflect on the cruise - especially with our recent disappointment with the Edge Class ships.

 

Michael's Club - vs - Retreat Lounge

 

While the Suites lounge hasn't been updated and still the old dark clubby paneling - we are enjoying it much better than Retreat.  

 

The Concierges are engaging, attentive and very responsive to any request.   Even though they don't have a hot/cold table they have everything you wish with table side service.   It is our go to place for a light continental breakfast.    We went to the CC Breakfast one morning and it was mobbed -- we had to grab a table when someone got up and it was cleared of the dirty dishes quickly.   I think this cruise has a large CC member count -- they had 2 Captains Toasts --- Elite + and above and all others the next day.

 

They have a actual bar on Solstice which we love.   Originally there were 4 chairs and Lucy pulled up 2 more --- then last night she had 8 high top seats for the group that we have been drinking with.     Really fun -   as opposed to to the Airport Lounge feel of Edge. 

 

Sorry --- these are of course only my opinions and we each have different tastes and preferences.    I think Edge convinced us we will never sail E-Class again.     If E-Class is Celebrity's future we are Celebrity's Past... ok... ok.... I'm an GRUMPY OLD GIT!   Stay tuned.

 

Luminae -

 

So far would give it a 10+ on Solstice vs a 7 on Edge.   Food always perfectly cooked to order.   The Maitre'd an Assistant are ever present and checking in.    The Sommelier greets us when we arrive and is watching glasses constantly.    Edge shall we say was like pulling teeth or asking the assistant waiter to find him.     Iain was please that they had his  Louis Jardot - Macon-Village 2020 on the Premium Package.... He is happy.   I have my Fre Red - January 2024 so am also pleased.

 

When we first boarded we saw they had implemented the "New" Luminae Menu -  Of course the Raspberry Pistachio Vancherin had been replaced with the Chocolate Pill on the Daniel Boulud menu.     Last night I noticed it was on day 3 menu.   I asked Mori (our waiter) if it was a mistake.  He said no-   they were going to alternate and it was indeed available ---  2 points for the Solstice.

 

Next up Murano -

 

Excellent as usual.   It was quiet with light music in the background -  unlike ALL OF THE SPECIALTIES  on Edge Class with no walls and blaring noise an music.  I would give our experience a 10+ vs.   all the specialties on Edge Class -  7-

 

More later --- Iain just left for a smoke and I meet him in Michael's Club in 15 minutes.

 

 

 

Jim, all the S-class ships (except RF) have only 70 suites total.  Apex has 184 suites and Beyond, a whopping 204!  The numbers alone disenchanted me with E-class.  No way to receive personal service among hordes.  BTW, I also prefer Michael's Club to the Retreat.  Excellent news about the vacherin!  That and the zenith discount just might win me back to X. 😉  

10 minutes ago, mahdnc said:

I hope you have a smooth embarkation today. 

David, did you get another eclipse photo today?

1 hour ago, BeasleysMom66 said:

 

I don't know about the nunchucks but when it comes to the handcuffs some of those "pineapple" people (and non-pineapple) are into some weird stuff.  😈😈  Just sayin......

Nah.  I prefer the bunny fur-covered handcuffs.  Just sayin.... 

Concierge cabin on Summit earlier this month.  Had stateroom attendant push the bed all the way to the chair.  Plenty of room to park and turn around.  Also exposed the plug so used a Euro adapter.  Worked well.  Will NOT work in standard veranda; in standard cabin, bed is already up against the chair.

From X's FAQs:  If your assistive device is 23 inches or less, it will fit through a standard stateroom door. If your assistive device is 32 inches or less, it will fit through an accessible stateroom door.

The scooters come with a big charging brick, a bit like laptops had in olden days.  They take both 110/220. 

You can make it fit in a concierge or aqua cabin but M-class standard balcony cabin is too small.  I know this first hand.

2 hours ago, jcpc said:

I priced out a few sailings. An example of what I'm seeing is:  Royal Suite on June 2025 sailing on Silhouette - a reduction of $600 using the Zenith rate (priced reduced from $16.1K to $15.5K.)  A savings of $600 on a $16000 booking is not going to make me jump back to booking suites on Celebrity.

After checking the zenith fare for next year's Eclipse TA, I looked at the price I'm paying for identical 13-night TA on Silversea for same period.  Celebrity Eclipse (2010 build), in an accessible S1 w/zenith discount, is still $200 more, +$299 for gratuities, than the solo fare I grabbed in early Feb for next year's Silver Ray (2024 build) accessible suite (way bigger and better than X's).  SS includes excursions, specialty dining, and $300 OBC.  I do appreciate the effort X is making, but so far, the product doesn't yet justify the price for me.  Royal Caribbean Group is probably quite happy, though, that I'm at least keeping this particular TA within the family.  

I just looked up next year's 13-night Eclipse TA and the difference for cruise-only  is ~$911 (~$70/day). For two, it was $1012 (~$39/day/person).  Didn't reflect my usual military discount, though.  I suppose including both the z and mil discounts automatically would overtax X's IT dept, but I'm actually impressed they were able to mesh the CC numbers (plus, I can do -$200 math in my head😅).