bikerunner

I’m guessing the tips are not added into the cruisefare because of tax reasons. If they were the companies would be taxed on them and would be less overall in the pool. Having it as an auto grat the taxes are not pushed on the company and then the employee for dbl taxation could be wrong overall on that thought. And all the tips absolutely all go to staff, my best friend was dating someone who worked for celebrity for 20 plus years in service side, waiter bartender etc. we had long discussions on this subject and many more things about celebrity The removing of the tips baffles me. Ohh my country culture does not do tipping. So stay in that country. I prefer learning and understanding each country and learn their customs. To each their own if you want to stay close minded and tunnel vision of what you know from where you live go for it.

I’m heading to Austin in March and going to be looking at places in San Marcos new braunfulds areas. Sick of winter.

Prefer not to have a one world system. Each country area etc has their own customs and ways of doing things. Not an inconvenience at all. I just make sure I’m aware of the places I travel and their customs. The employees working have a choice to work other places that don’t do tips. Many employees have been with celebrity long time.

Haven’t looked at Europe lately was just noticing in the states as I had to book a bunch for work and other travel. My flights I do to Austin and fll and others are stabilized. I will need to look at European next few months as have an April 24 transatlantic I need to get home from eventually. Staying in Italy about 2 weeks after cruise.

Exactly. All forms of travel have gone up tho finally noticing a little better on airline rates overall. My next few cruises are booked thru travel agents, not big box ones, that offered great group rates. Much less than celebrity site and with additional obc. It’s all about doing some research I do both land ALL inclusive and cruises.

I prefer to pick cabin overall. I like certian locations and lately been picking sunset veranda rooms which rarely are ever gty type cabins.

Depends, the 7 day ones might have kids since it just covers a week over thanksgiving, sunday to sunday etc. The longer cruises that cover 9plus days I have found pretty kid free, except the one I took once over Christmas new years, never again.

Thanks that was the info I needed.

Does anyone know what the price is to by the pass for non aqua guests for the thermal suite is on the E class. I know per day looking for 7 or more days pricing. Trying to figure out if to take the Aqua class room or another and pay for the pass. I have not been on E class yet, I know it's different from the M and S class ships. I know my travel mate and I would definitely use it all the time, always have on the other ships.

I refuse to go into almost all situations with a pessimistic attitude anymore, family gatherings are the exception (joking). My vacations are optimistic outlooks. My vacations are also for me to reset and get away from my day to day "regular stuff" I do not focus on negatives, and really only take into account threads that people are actually on the cruise then people who are not and commenting their negative perception of the situation. There not on the cruise but yes they can perceive it how they want, but will not let it affect me and my thoughts on the cruise. Ill admit have not sailed since the changes beginning of the year, but last year and when they started up have done 3. But different threads here and other places I see many people having a great time. I completely understand shortages as having ran many resorts/hotels for 25 years. Rates for every type of vacation and goods have gone sky high, I just got back from an all inclusive and it was up more than 40% from when I last went. Supply issues still exist unfortunately. I have 3 cruises booked over the next year, 2 10 day ones, refuse to take 7 days as it does not let me reset and relax, and one TA April next year. Im very excited about them. I also have sailed celebrity about 20 times, not as much as many on here but a good subset overall.

I always try to find a group rate and always was able to choose my cabin with them. Like many would not take a gty cabin because of this. The Move Up is also pot luck on rooms. I might try it on my Nov cruise since Im in a standard concierge on the Silhouette. If price is right would take an Aqua

I have my first TA next April on the Beyond, got a great price on the Sunset Verandah room. Right now it's up over 1500 more than I paid for. The only room Id move to is a suite and I would think about that long since I love the SV rooms.

Perception that it is a special night. OOO lobster type of thing I guess. I don't get it tbh either, many times book a specialty those nights since the dining rooms tend to be busier.

Never had a good lobster on a cruise overall. I grew up summering on Cape Cod and Many travels up the Maine Coast. Never was interested in ordering it on a cruise, about 17 now on Celebrity. When having to mass produce for such a large seating never can get it right. Not an important miss to me overall. I know for some it is, but no lobster or extra cost that is my least concern. As long as menus are interesting to me Ill continue cruising very easily with Celebrity. Looking at cruises over next few weeks the menus look great. I dont cruise again to fall and then a TA in April 24. Bunch of other land trips planned.

Look thru the topics, many things discussed in various threads about this and other changes

Not disagreeing with that but easy enough to go get more.

you won't go hungry. Jeez so you don't get the American size portions anymore,

No you do not but you get all the extras that a concierge gives one, mainly lunch on embarkation, main issue is that you have no control over your room. My next few sailings are in aft balconies and I rarely move from those unless I can get a suite at a great price

Thanks for the great review, I sail on her on a TransAtlantic. With LeVoyage I know this can be done but need to make sure. The entrees don't have any vegetarian options. If have a chance, not priority, ask them if this is a common request. Im figuring out if Im booking it beforehand and this will help. Enjoy your cruise. Sounds like.a great time so far

Food is so subjective overall. It's all perception, to the individual. Yes Ruth is way overrated so are most steakhouses, but I also get steaks straight from the farmer/rancher in VT.

I never use third party anymore with Flights, the tickets they're offering are a bulk rate and like you experienced a major issue. Yes its nice bundling saves lots of money at times but the headaches it can cause are crazy like you dealt with.

A lot depends on supply and what they can get. I know Cattier is on premium, think that's the name. The Prosecco's are not bad on a hot day.

Why its the spa cafe not the regular breakfast buffet, not many go there especially on the Constellation, I know from past experiences. They keep it simple no reason to create a ton of food that will then be tossed. The choices are normal for breakfast there, muffins, proteins fruits and juices.

Thanks. Honestly prefer veuve over Dom but will check it out when I board next November. The times I have done it have had great table mates so that made it extra fun.

I know it's never listed before hand in the Planner or able to purchase pre cruise. I have done it twice and both times my absolutely favorite specialty dinner overall. Last time even worked the menu for my friend individually since she is a vegetarian. Hoping to have it again on one of my next cruises