wineoclock

Thank you that’s very comprehensive. I’ve often looked at luxury lines & end up back at Celebrity.

Where were you cruising out of interest? Thank you

When we were looking to book our Norway cruise HAL definitely had the better itinerary but decided to stick with X purely because of other reviews & the indoor smoking. Also a friend has been on HAL & was never again! She said to stick with X.

We’ve stayed at Chewton Glen a few times but it is pricey. Have stayed at a couple of Harbour Hotels & I really rate them as a mid price type of place. I’m always pleasantly surprised as to how good they are but I haven’t stayed in Southampton.

I agree if we are paying more then I expect either the same service as pre pandemic or better. I really don’t understand why I’m meant to give Celebrity a break about service. The staff yes, as it’s not their fault, but not Celebrity itself; they aren’t doing me a favour for allowing me to sailing on their ships. I’m paying for the privilege. And very happy & excited to do so.

For Naples we did Pompeii. Florence we had a private guide Rome in Limo I think & went via Pisa as well.

I’m pretty certain a couple of bags were included with PH. But we were also elite so got laundry perks there as well. We did a fair amount of laundry on board as we had land holiday before as well.

Thank you for this.

How lovely of you to come back & say thank you!

What have you decided to do? I do agree you may be too tired to do it & there lots of lovely things to do not to far from Southampton. Enjpy whatever you decide!

Thank you!! Oh how I love the Singapore Sling. During the day I’ll allow myself a virgin pina colada or mojito but in the evening definitely the sling. Apparently it used to be called a gin sling.

I hope your spouse is better & didn't have it too badly. Friends returned from P&O cruise recently & both tested positive day after they got home. It’s risk we take cruising in these times.

There are selfish people in all places I find. It used to be people were more considerate but so much anymore.

Now that’s service. We use a holiday home that we rent couple of times a year & the first thing I do when we arrive is make ice for the gin & tonics we will most definitely be drinking. No ice Maker fridge.

I eat mainly fish so I’m happy but the occasional steak thrown in. And I used to be vegan when it most certainly wasn’t popular. Showing my age but I was vegan over 35+ years ago!

Some great observations here. There are no accessible SS left on my May cruise so we went for Aqua. If an accessible one becomes available then I will consider cost for an upgrade. However I’ve have wanted to try Aqua as becoming priced out of the suites so we shall see.

My favourite ever cocktail when made properly is Singapore Sling but so long since I cruised I’ve no idea if they have it.

Interestingly when I booked my May cruise on Silhouette I told agent I wanted to try Aqua but with a balcony. He said the IV are like marmite - you either love them or hate them. Not really a great selling point. However if you want to sail E class unless you can afford a suite or are quick off the mark to bag a SV then IV is your only choice. And I’d never book a PH on E class. For that money I want a proper balcony!

Hi they both have a balcony. We were aft on constellation a few years back & absolutely loved it. I’d look here & see if your question can be answered re the actual cabins locations. Then post on the celebrity board for a response re the Persian package & Blu etc the posters have a wealth of knowledge.

Ahh yes thank you. The soufflé was amazing. Not had one since….

True our first cruise was on Celebrity Galaxy & we loved it. Our next 4 on Disney with the DCs. When they became teenagers we went back to Celebrity. I always look at other lines when booking a cruise but always seem drawn back to X. One day I may be brave and venture out but for now I’m happy as it’s on the whole a good fit for us.

I’d imagine it’s due to covid. Hopefully you’ve sorted it all out.

I was looking at a HAL Norway cruise but booked Celebrity instead mainly due to the casino on Celebrity being smoke free. I don’t mind smoking outdoors but can’t abide it indoors. I hope you manage to enjoy the cruise.

When we sailed on Constellation there was a French restaurant. Can’t remember what it was called but we ate there 3 times at least. I particularly remember it as I’m GF & chef would make me a desert soufflé which usually I’m not able to have. Happy days - I still remember that soufflé!

Will agree to disagree. I’m on holiday after all but I wouldn’t stress about it though it would be Gary getting my drink as I’m unsteady on my feet & with a stick my drink is more likely to be spilt than drank 😂