Our Constellation Odyssey, Oct 3~Dec 20

[ellbon]

truth is the snowbird keep me from enjoying so of my favorite places. at least last winter was nice but i rarely had the windows open. 82- it is 60 here and will Elbe about 40 tonight. lived in Fl for over 30 years FT and now PT. i will sunbathe all winter but i prefer a heated pool.

 

also realize you are from the west coast of Fl my cousin thinks it is cooler there than the east Coast. i fi my windows are closed then it is too hot.

 

Arno please come back and post cruise talk.

[Bobbie John]

I hope Arno comes back and posts about his cruises!

[longduo]

Lucky you spending so much time on the Constellation. We will board the day you get off (Dec. 20)

 

Is Josh still the CD? I heard it is now John Grantham who has been the CD on the Connie before.

 

When will the flexible dining schedule begin on the Constellation?

 

I heard that the band people complimented so highly (Spira) is gone. What musical groups are on now?

 

Will Perry Grant be gone over Christmas?

 

Are there other changes to the Lido buffet area besides the addition of the poached egg section? The last time we were on the Connie was a year ago and we saw groups measuring and talking about renovations for the buffet.

 

Let us know if you have any new tips.

 

Enjoy your time onboard....what a great place to be!

[Texed]

We will board the day you get off (Dec. 20)

 

Me too! :cool:

[gimletgal]

When will the flexible dining schedule begin on the Constellation?

 

Anytime dining begins with the 1/17/10 cruise on the Connie.

[C 2 C]

Is Josh still the CD? I heard it is now John Grantham who has been the CD on the Connie before.

 

When will the flexible dining schedule begin on the Constellation?

 

I heard that the band people complimented so highly (Spira) is gone. What musical groups are on now?

 

Will Perry Grant be gone over Christmas?

 

Are there other changes to the Lido buffet area besides the addition of the poached egg section? The last time we were on the Connie was a year ago and we saw groups measuring and talking about renovations for the buffet.

 

Josh is gone. John Grantham is now in charge.

 

More staff changes are coming over the next few weeks.

 

The morning now starts for us with sticky buns and a double spresso. At 8:30 warm croissants are available in the cova and find there way down stairs with another coffee.

There is a morning "trivia" renamed, according to a new "Celebrity Style"

as Wakey Wakey Time...

At noon there are dance classes and other renamed events. Activity staff is now responsible for an additional dance class such as line dancing and intro language classes for the $$ additional classes.

 

We had our Panama transit interrupted by a medical emergency and a passenger getting off in mid canal.

 

Life on board is great.

Starring you trivia is on at 430 every sea day. The activity staff provide new questions everyday and there are no repeats of the old Miami error prone questions of years gone by.

A good score might reach 50% for the participants.

[sailsalot]

How is the new CD, and what other staff changes are coming?? Thanks for the review!!

[Bobbie John]

I enjoy all your updates.

[C 2 C]

Things to do:

CS Nov. 23 At Sea

Despite rumors started by the activities staff about the reduction of trivias, some competition, including

Battle of the Sexes, continue to be offered but the names will soon change.

"X" is a Celebrity Life Event, $$ means fee is applicable.

7:30am X Freshly Squeezed Fitness

8:00am Catholic Mass

8:00am X Fab Abs Class

9:00am X Pathway to Yoga $$

9:15am Morning Trivia

10:00am X Detox for Health & Weight loss Seminar

10:00am Digital Camera Seminar

10:00am X Memories at Sea Scrapbooking Class

10:00am Sabrina Jewelry Collection Unveiling and draw

10:00am Shore Excursions Presentation

10:30am Tag Heuer Watch Seminar

11:00am X Beyond the Podium: Cartagena

11:00am Nintendo Wii Games

11:00am X Introduction to Acupuncture Seminar

11:00am X digTal: Windows XP Tips

11:15am X Let's Dance: Energy Class

11:15am Famous Places Visual Challenge

11:30am Chocolate Diamond Collection

11:30am Texas Hold'em Tournament $$

11:45am Skin Clinic WSorkshop

NOON: Captain's Update

12:30pm X Let's Dance: Salsa Class

12:30pm Wheel of Fortune Game Show

1:00pm X Introduction to Botox Seminar

1:00pm Art History Seminar

1:00pm Power of Aromatherapy Seminar

1:15pm X Mixology 101

1:30pm Name That Tune: Malt Shop Favorites

2:00pm X Secrets to a Flatter Stomach Seminar

2:00pm Texas Hold`em Tournament $$

2:30pm Arthritis Pain Solutions

2:30pm X Wine Appreciations 101 $$

2:45pm Battle of the Sexes Trivia

3:00pm Blackjack Tournament $$

3:00pm Download Images Class

3:00pm X Beyond the Podium: Puppy Love- How pets enrich our Lives

3:00pm X Group Cycling $$

3:30pm Art of Collecting

4:00pm X Chiliates $$

4:00pm Free Card Jackpot Bingo

4:15PM Film: Quantum of Solace

4:30pm Starring You Trivia

4:30pm Texas Hold'Em $$

5:00pm Friends of Bill W.

Showtime 8:30 and 11:00: Spotlight Broadway and Captain's Toast

10:00pm Formal Night Dance Party with Sipra, the Party Band

[C 2 C]

and today:

Constellation December 1st, 2009

Activities & Events ( X is a Celebrity Life event) ($$ fee required)

7:30 X Freshly Squeezed Fitness

8:00 Catholic Mass: Celebrity Theatre

8:00 Legs, Bums and Tums: AquaSpa

9:15 Brain Waker Challenge: Rendez-Vous

10:00 Celebrity Choir Class #4: Theatre

10:00 X Memories at Sea Scrapbooking Class: Bar at the Edge

10:00 Minute Madness Slot Tournament ($$)

10:00 Tribond Challenge: Rendez-Vous

11:00 Darts Tournament

11:00 Pictionary: Rendez-Vous

NOON: Dock in Huatulco Mexico

12:30 Film: Bride Wars

1:00 Wii Games

2:15 Golf Challenge

3:15 Challenge your Knowledge

4:30 Afternoon Brainache Challenge

4:30 Total Body Conditioning: AquaSpa

5:00 Friends of Bill W: Boardroom

5:45 Back Onboard

6:00 Sail for Acapulco

6:30 X Masters of Malts Tasting $$

7:00 Celbrity Showtime Alfreda Gerald (Vocalist) Tribute to the Divas

7:00 Peter Max Exhibition in art gallery

8:00 Diamond Cutters of Israel Showcase

8:00 International Coffee night $$ Rendezvous

8:30 Texas Holdèm Cash Game $$

10:00 Karaoke: Rendez-vous

10:45 X Jazz, Port & Chocolate Tasting Seduction: Bar at the Edge

12:30 DJ Late Night

Constellation Live:

Crescenzo Verde: Pianist in Cova

Eugene Villarino: Guitarist

Paradise String Quartet: Classical Strings in Michael`s (Perry`s night off pre-Theatre tomorrow)

Rhythms of the Night 5:15-6:15, 7:45-8:45 Rendez-vous

Sipra: Poolside at sailaway

Voice Males A Cappella 8:00-8:30 Bar at the Edge

Brain Waker:

1. What did Galileo describe as "Light held together by water"?

2. The world's three smallest countries:

3. What do you call a group of crows:

4. The only animal that can cry:

5. Three "P" words that the Romans used for the three levels of society:

6. The three words of the Olympic motto:

7. The "Capital city" of Europe based on the location of the HQ of the European Union:

8. The name of the period between the fall of Rome and the Renaissance:

9. The name of the James Dean song about a mining disaster:

10. What can live two weeks after losing its head because the brain is spread throughout the body:

followed by 10 easy questions involving movie quotations and songs.

Tribond involved a repeat of questions so we left:

Lights, jeans, memory (Things that fade)

Yesterday's "Starring you" Trivia included:

What did the ancient Egyptians use to deaden the pain before an operation: (a wooden mallet)

What would 35% of women change in their husbands: (Their looks)

What is the language of origin of "Honsho":

and 15 more questions too tough to remember.

Carl, the activities staff member, introduced us because he wanted other people to know the reason

for these obscure questions was the presence of frequent cruisers who liked the challenge of true trivia.

Unfortunately Carl will be leaving Constellation for Equinox. We have met few staff members who have worked as

hard in researching questions on a daily basis that will stump the majority of passengers.

We wish him a happy departure and a great future with Celebrity.

There was a visual quiz two days ago that required particpants to identify famous landmarks around the world.

Pictures included:

Mt Rushmore. The Golden Gate Bridge, the London Eye, Stonehenge, Le Mont St. Michel in France, the Arc de Triomphe,

Colliseum Italy, St Peter's Basilca Vatican City, St Isaacs in Russia, Victory Column in Germany, Isuaza Falls (sp) Brazil,

Taj Mahal India, St Patrick's Cathedral Ireland, CN Tower and Skydome in Toronto Canada, Machu Pichu Peru, Great Wall of China.

The Sphinx in Egypt.

"Starring You Trivia" teams are limited to 4 people this cruise.

The most successful teams include members from the UK as well as N. America.

Other trivia-like competitions allow up to 6 members.

[CruisingChick]

Arno, thanks for posting the Activities. I love reading about what's going on.

[C 2 C]

The Morphing of X (cont'd from long ago)

Several years ago I posted my observations of the changes that Celebrity had initiated.

Well it seems that Celebrity is again attempting to change its image.

The "Starring You" era has just about ended. There is no longer a grand finale for

the best photographer, joke teller, dancing couple, napkin folder and table setter, top trivia team...

Individual awards might still be presented on various ships but on Constellation, that evening

show is no longer showcased.

It appears to me that programs that do not produce revenue will have to be discontinued.

Several years ago we witnessed the elimination of dance hosts, bridge instructors and librarians.

As we stroll through this wonderful ship we note that there are fewer bingos, fewer gamblers in the

casino, fewer drinks on the tables. If an act or activity does not generate revenue, there is no incentive

for the cruise line to continue it. The lines at the excursion desk are shorter than ever. The shops have

more employees than customers. Although Michael's Club is full every night, few passengers order anything

but a glass of water during a performance. The theatre seems to have few people ordering drinks.

Trivias, Battle of the Sexes, Tribond, Pictionary, Charades, all require the presence of, and preparation by

a staff member. Rumours imply that these will soon be gone just like line dance classes and Newly Wed show.

It seems to me that Constellation is near capacity, staterooms are nearly sold out on each sailing but only

because fare prices have been discounted throughout most of this Fall's sailing season. Passengers are cruising

but not spending money on board. If the new elite perks are intended to increase loyalty to the brand, the

cost of those perks must be off set by attracting passengers to cruise more often and to spend more.

Celebrity now has three distinct groups of passengers: those that like the small ships offered by Azamara,

those attracted to large new builds, and those that like the less glitzy M-Class.

These longer cruises attact an older, retired crowd who don't dance and drink into the early hours, who

don't go on excursions as much because they have been here before.

Celebrity wishes to provide a product that will attract a younger crowd eager to spend money, supposedly

a group aged 35 - 60, hopefully making over $100,000 a year in family income.

This is a very dificult time for a cruise line to remake its image. We find ourselves in a demographic outside

of Celebrity's target but with lot's of time to enjoy the activities that will soon be discontinued.

Until Celebrity finds enough well-heeled young cruisers, I hope it does not intentionally allienate the passengers

who trully appreciate the product it offers today.

Celebrity promised to announce more improvements to the Captain's Club program before year end.

Perhaps there has been no positive impact to Celebrity arising from the earlier incentives and they see no

reason to offer anything more. Perhaps there is no more left to give.

We're still enjoying life on board Constellation but we are now concerned about Celebrity's future direction.

[C 2 C]

Constellation December 2nd, 2009

Activities & Events ( X is a Celebrity Life event) ($$ fee required)

7:30 X Freshly Squeezed Fitness

8:00 Catholic Mass

8:00 X Step, Jump & Pump: AquaSpa

9:00 Acapulco

9:30 Morning Team Challenge: Rendez-Vous

10:15 Spelling Bee

11:30 Pictionary Challenge: Rendez-Vous

12:30 Film: Miracle at St. Anna

1:00 Wii Games

2:15 Golf Challenge

3:15 X Let's Dance: Energy Class

4:30 Afternoon Team Challenge

4:30 X Group Cardio: AquaSpa

5:00 Friends of Bill W: Boardroom

5:30 Flavored Maragarita Tasting $$

6:00 Sail for Cabo San Lucas

6:30 X Small Batch Bourbon Tasting $$

7:00 Celbrity Showtime: Perry Grant

7:00 Marc Chagall Exhibition in art gallery

8:00 Chimento Italian Jewelry Showcase

8:15 $10 Lightning Bingo

8:30 Texas Hold'em Cash Game $$

10:30 Newly Wed Game

11:30 X Starring You Culinary event: Bar at the Edge

11:30 Sipra: Bar at the Edge

Staff in the Spotlight:

Master: Captain Manetas

Hotel Director: Christian Deniel

Cruise Director: John Grantham

F&B Manager: Milivoj Simunec

Guest Relations Manager: Pearline Morgan

Executive Chef: Francisco Sagastume

The hotel director and Guest Relations Manager will leave in the next week

and Captain Pagonis will come on board Dec. 20th.

[ellbon]

I am tired from reading. as long as Equinox has some of it.

[Lois R]

Hi Arno....lots of things to do:D

 

I see your list of folks working on the ship....:)

Milivoj is now Food and Beverage Manager? He was promoted

from Restaurant Manager then?:)....nice to see! He is terrific!

Last time I saw him was on Mercury in 2008.

[Andy]

Hi Arno....lots of things to do:D

 

I see your list of folks working on the ship....:)

Milivoj is now Food and Beverage Manager? He was promoted

from Restaurant Manager then?:)....nice to see! He is terrific!

Last time I saw him was on Mercury in 2008.

 

Hi Lois !

 

I believe Milivoj was promoted on the Constellation sailing I was on. It was a pleasure seeing him again, and I wish him all the very best in his new position.

[richsea]

The Morphing of X .............We're still enjoying life on board Constellation but we are now concerned about Celebrity's future direction.

 

Hi Arno! Thanks for the great reports.

 

With all due respect, I think that you should just enjoy your many days sailing Celebrity ships & not dwell on what may or may not happen in the future. Companies must change/evolve/morph, it is inevitable, or they cannot survive.

 

Life is good, enjoy it now!

[CruisingChick]

With the economy the way it is people are spending less on everything, including vacations. It's a bad time for any business to alienate their loyal customers.

 

Personally I think the new Elite benefits are wonderful and we are more than happy with the improvements. Even though the 4-6 is a little early for us for drinks we still managed to get there on some days.

 

We saw plenty of older people drinking the "free" drinks. It's too bad they don't also buy some drinks at Michael's Club. Maybe if Celebrity lowered their drink prices some more people would drink. I'm sure their liquor costs are low.

 

We don't go to bingo anymore because it's rip-off, I take the money and go to the casino now instead.

 

All in all Celebrity still offers a product we really like and will continue with them now that we have the Elite perks.

[C 2 C]

The Social Gathering in Michael`s on Wednesday was the best experience during our Odyssey to date.

In addition to a tasting of white and red wine and a port, the Specialty restuarant cheese cart was rolled out

and we experienced a taste of culinary heaven. Celebrity Life can`t get better than this!

 

Constellation December 3rd, 2009 At Sea, Formal Night

Activities & Events ( X is a Celebrity Life event) ($$ fee required)

7:30 X Freshly Squeezed Fitness

8:00 Catholic Mass

8:00 X Group Cardio

9:00 X Pathway to Yoga

9:30 Morning Challenge

10:00 X Eat More to weigh less

10:00 X Star Chefs Cook-Off

11:00 X Beyond the Podium: Baja California

11:00 X Chinese Herbal Remedies Seminar

11:00 X digiTal: Adobe Photoshop 2 $$

11:00 Nintendo Wii Game Time

11:00 Ping Pong Tournament

(11:15 Senior Officers Reception by invitation, Select & Elite)

11:30 Celebrity Choir Class

12:30 X Rosetta Stone: Italian Language Class

1:00 X Couples Massage Workshop $$

1:30 X Let`s Dance: World Dance

1:30 Where in the World Is Carl: Visual Challenge

2:00 Bean Bag Toss

2:45 Battle of the Sexes

3:00 X Beyond the Podium: Just Crazy About Pets

3:00 X diglTal: Windows Movie Maker $$

3:00 X Group Cycling

4:00 $7,500 Mega Jackpot Bingo

4:00 X Chilates

4:30 Film: Australia

4:30 Starring You Team Challenge: Bonus Round

5:00 Friends of Bill W: Boardroom

5:30 & 8:00 Stars in a Glass Tasting $$

8:45 & 10:45 Showtime: Celebrate the World

10:30 Formal Night Dance Party with Sipra

12:30 DJ Late Night

There was a Captain`s Club Senior officers Cocktail Party at 11:15 am today.

For those who feel uncomfortable having alcohol prior to noon, adjust your watch to

the appropriate time zone and enjoy.

Prior to the event, the CC host was attempting to clear the "Bar at the Edge" and depite

being polite he was verbally attacked:

1. Approaching one couple he stated that there would soon be a gathering of Captain`s

Club and that the room was reserved for Select and Elites until noon when the room would

again be available. Without letting him finish, the woman challenged him saying "how dare you

presume I'm not Elite?" He then stated, "Don't you recognize me, we met several days ago?"

2. After the room was cleared, a "gentleman" came in, (a waiter had left the fire door open after

allowing some guests to leave) sat down in front of the windows. Andre, returning from the other

side of the lounge proceeded to explain the upcoming gathering. The guy said that he only spoke

Spanish. Andre switched to Spanish and the guy through body language indicated that he was not

going to leave. After 5 minutes of conversation, Andre departed but the guy would not leave.

We later learned that the guy stated that he had paid for this voyage and he could sit

wherever he pleased.

I do not envy any of the hosts(esses) who will be written up by unhappy passengers who feel

slighted by the simplest of requests because of their own feelings of entitlement.

[CruisingChick]

In addition to a tasting of white and red wine and a port, the Specialty restuarant cheese cart was rolled out

and we experienced a taste of culinary heaven. Celebrity Life can`t get better than this!

 

WOW wish they had done that on our cruise. It would have made my husband very happy.

 

To bad they can't also ban rude people from getting on board a cruise ship the way the ban other things. Poor Andre.

 

Would have loved to take the Italian class.

[May B]

Arno, I have been fascinated by your recent messages. I hear your concern for this being the end of an era for you on Celebrity; and I feel badly for Celebrity, also, trying to give us a great product but with less money in the coffers to do it.

 

So how come the stock keeps going up???

 

Also, I must admit that I don't know what a Celebrity Life event means.

 

It's just over 24 hours before I board the Connie for my own 14-day odyssey. I'm sure I'll love it, and I hope I don't see some of the ugliness in other guests -- yikes!! I hope I don't display any of my own!!! -- that you've seen.

 

SO SO glad to hear that you had your best experience yet, of the entire odyssey, just this past Wednesday.

 

See you all soon, and especially looking forward to seeing your smile in person, Arno!

 

--Muriel May B

[conwmock]

Does every room in CC have a pair of binoculars for your use while on the cruise?

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

It is one of the listed amenities. However, they are not the world's greatest binoculars, so if that is very important to you, you might want to bring your own. For casual use they're fine.

[C 2 C]

We are sailing in vey cool waters today.. San Diego will be a cool day as well.

In San Diego immigration will come on board making for a very slow turn around day. There are grumbles from people about Celebrity's slow disembarkation but immigration will not board till about 7:00. Until everyone is screened, no one will be allowed to disembark.

First departures are scheduled for 9:00 am.

 

Yesterday's schedule:

Constellation December 4th, 2009 Cabo San Lucas

Activities & Events ( X is a Celebrity Life event) ($$ fee required)

7:30 X Freshly Squeezed Fitness

8:00 Cabo San Lucas

8:00 Legs, Bums and Tums

9:30 Morning Challenge

10:15 Tribond Challenge

11:30 Pictionary

1:00 Nintendo Wii Games

2:15 Golf Challenge

3:15 History Knowledge

3:30 X Let's Dance: 70's disco

4:30 Final Starring You Team Challenge

5:00 Friends of Bill W: Boardroom

5:15 Catholic Mass

6:30 X Jameson Whiskey Tasting $$

7:00 & 9:00 Showtime: Alfreda Gerald & Paradise Strings

10:45 World's Hardest 70's Music Challenge

11:00 70's Night Fever with Sipra

1:00 DJ Late Night

 

We particpated in the expensive wine pairing and dinner in the specialty restuarant last night. If given the opportunity, the meal is great, your own tastes in wine will be better. For us, too much sparkle (bubbly) not enough substance.

[Andy]

Hi Arno !

 

Thanks for your updates. It sounds like you are having a great time on Constellation. We miss the ship already. Enjoy !