casp Posted February 14, 2005 #1 Share Posted February 14, 2005 I'm in my late 30's, husband early 40's traveling with a 3 1/2 year old, 4th cruise w/celebrity, 10 cruises total, traveling with 7 other family members. Overall: Staff wonderful, cabin steward-Sandra from Poland A+, excellent vacation! Embarkation: Went okay, a little unorganzied...B. Dining: Every morning...just ate grapefruit and the EXCELLENT waffles from the aft, my 3 1/2 year old love the waffles. The buffet at lunch...my family really enjoyed it, I ate at the AFT every day, enjoyed the variety in the different salads, but the staff wasn't as friendly at the AFT (maybe they didn't like being back there). The "cova coffee"...my mom and I were on are way to the gift shop, the smell from the european pastries blew me away, so we decide to split a chocolate, oh my gosh! warm and excellent the best I've tasted in years! We did split another one. Dining room..I wish they would change the menu same one for 3 years. Food was good, seemed a little salty at times, our waiter was from Poland--Piotr-very quiet, but very good and efficient!!(table 462) Ship: As always the staff is doing a wonderful job, keeping it clean! Cabin: We were in the CC cabin-8124, orginally when booked wasn't a CC, I'm not sure if it is worth the extra $$$,but loved the extra cabin space. Out cabin steward Sandra did a excellent job, always spotless. As always, I enjoyed the cruise there is always something different each time, some goods and bads but coming from Chicago in the cold weather. I will enjoy my vacation no matter what. I do think there was alot of people quarantine...my son was sick on the airplane all the way home, what a long plane around after that. Hope everyone enjoys this quick review, I didn't talk about the port, please remember this is my opinion..and everyone always has a different one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisebunny32 Posted February 15, 2005 #2 Share Posted February 15, 2005 Thanks for the great review. How did your son like the kids programs? My son is 4 1/2 and has cruised several times, but this will be his first time in the kids programs. We are sailing in 3 weeks..March 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casp Posted February 15, 2005 Author #3 Share Posted February 15, 2005 Hi Cruisebunny, My son went in the kids program just once, he's a little shy. The manager of the kid's program name is Shannon...very nice. My son did play outside quite a bit and swam in the adult pool alot, he stills takes afternoon naps. I did save all the schedules, what is happening from day to day, every 30 minutes something different. I'm sure next year, he will want to be there more. Any other questions? don't hestitate to ask. Also, if you want a copy of the schedules let me know, I can fax them. Carolyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaQuack Posted February 15, 2005 #4 Share Posted February 15, 2005 Thank you for the review. Did you try any of the alternative dinner dining? Did you take any shore excursions? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lbella Posted February 15, 2005 #5 Share Posted February 15, 2005 I am so glad to hear someone had a good experience with CC and Sandra. We too had her for a cabin steward in room 8156 and she apparently was busy at the other end of the ship. Our service went severely downhill after the 3rd day. Things were not replenished in the bathroom. Towels had huge bleach stains, flowers went dead in the vases and were left that way. We basically cleaned our own room so I guess because we had no kids or mess we were forgotten. The breakfast service from her was a tray dropped off, missing items and silverwear, left on the balcony table with no tablecloth or any of the amenities promised. Fruit was never replaced with the type we like and asked for in writing (grapes and bananas - nothing fancy). When I did talk to her about the problems she got defensive. I told her that I am responsible for my team at work and she should be for her's as well. I assured her that she would still get her full tip but we would appreciate some attention. Never saw her again after Thursday morning. The tip was removed from the room along with our service survey but all other items were untouched. The concierge desk is a joke, no help at all, and guest services was either closed or could not help. This is not my first time with Celebrity - in fact they were always my favorite - but next time we are trying Princess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casp Posted February 16, 2005 Author #6 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Ibella, Sorry you didn't have good service with Sandra, maybe there was 2 Sandra cabin steward next to each other. Otherwise, in this case it would mean she would have 20 cabins to clean that is a heck of alot. Our flowers were replaced after the 3rd day with a yellow/orange rose, I do agree with you that the towels were bleached out. Our room wasn't messy ever with a 3 1/2 year old. I do hope that you try Celebrity again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casp Posted February 16, 2005 Author #7 Share Posted February 16, 2005 MamaQuack, My parents and sister/brother-in-law went to the oceanliner, sister 1st day on arrival-states it was excellent but no chocolate souffle. They told her that they weren't expecting such a large crowd the first night, so they couldn't make. Parents went on CasaDeCamp night no chocolate souffle but a grand marnier (sp?), they thought the food was good, not as good as last year. Shore excursions....Grenada took a taxi and explore around the island, wonderful tour and very reasonable. Antigua...taxi tour to Nelson's Boatyard-not the best tour taxi driver was very informative. Casa DeCampo..third time there-stayed on the boat. Barbabos...walk around very hot. St. Thomas...walk around (been here approximately 8 times). Hope this helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaQuack Posted February 16, 2005 #8 Share Posted February 16, 2005 casp, thanks very much - big help!! when I called to make our Oceanliners reserv the Celebrity person told me not to go on the 1st night - said they never have "everything" ready - guess that was the case for your sis-sorry for her though mamaquack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayison Posted February 16, 2005 #9 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Hi there, Thank you for the review. We go in just a little over a week. How do you make a reservation for the Ocean Liner restaurant before we actually get to the ship? What number would we call? Thank you for your help Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casp Posted February 19, 2005 Author #10 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Rayison, All you need to do is contact Captail Club and they will ask you what time and day you want! Have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaQuack Posted February 19, 2005 #11 Share Posted February 19, 2005 casp-how was debarkation handled in San Juan? do you have to do customs or is that done on board? thx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisebunny32 Posted February 19, 2005 #12 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Since we are sailing at 11:30pm, I am assuming as people are arriving at all times during the day that dinner will not be an organized 2 seating as usual. How did they handle that on your cruise? I was trying to remember exactly from my last time. Also...Since we are in Casa De Campo so late the 2nd night, how do they do dinner that night? Thanks! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisebunny32 Posted February 19, 2005 #13 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Momma Quack: Every cruise that I have gone on, customs is done on the ship. They give you the duty and declaration cards the night before. You only have to go to customs if you have something to declare, that is usually in the board room or something. Otherwise when you get off the ship, you hand customs your card and that is pretty much it. Some people get stopped and checked, but usually it is smooth sailing! The last time we cruised in Eastern Carribean, we had to do something before we went to St Thomas, we had a paper for each in the cabin, and you had to go through a line with your passport and the checked you off. Everyone had to do this, and they knew if you weren't there. They would not clear the ship or let anyone off until everyone went through. I think this is sort of a customs ritual as well. Maybe something to do with 9-11. We had never done that before. Also security seemed to be tighter the last few cruises we did. Have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaQuack Posted February 19, 2005 #14 Share Posted February 19, 2005 thanks so much! I do now seem to remember the St. Thomas thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbon2 Posted February 19, 2005 #15 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Does anyone know where I can get a menu for the speciality restaurant for the Constellation. Was thinking of booking it for our first night when we do the S. Caribbean in Dec. Thanks, Barbara Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perki Posted February 19, 2005 #16 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Momma Quack:Every cruise that I have gone on, customs is done on the ship. They give you the duty and declaration cards the night before. You only have to go to customs if you have something to declare, that is usually in the board room or something. Otherwise when you get off the ship, you hand customs your card and that is pretty much it. Some people get stopped and checked, but usually it is smooth sailing! The last time we cruised in Eastern Carribean, we had to do something before we went to St Thomas, we had a paper for each in the cabin, and you had to go through a line with your passport and the checked you off. Everyone had to do this, and they knew if you weren't there. They would not clear the ship or let anyone off until everyone went through. I think this is sort of a customs ritual as well. Maybe something to do with 9-11. We had never done that before. Also security seemed to be tighter the last few cruises we did. Have fun! I was wondering this as well, as I remember having to wake up early to get in this LONG line at like 6:30/7:00am that snaked around the inside of the ship thru the casino and into and thru the showroom to show them our passports or birthcerts & ID - is this still done now on the Constellation on the last morning or do they do something differently now so we don't have to go thru this hassle? I always hated that part - have to be out of our rooms early enough as it is and this is just that much earlier - not fun for those of us that aren't morning people! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perki Posted February 19, 2005 #17 Share Posted February 19, 2005 Since we are sailing at 11:30pm, I am assuming as people are arriving at all times during the day that dinner will not be an organized 2 seating as usual. How did they handle that on your cruise? I was trying to remember exactly from my last time. Also...Since we are in Casa De Campo so late the 2nd night, how do they do dinner that night? Thanks! CB The first night they do as "open seating", from what has been written on this board, when you enter onto the ship that 1st day/night they give you a card stating either 1st or 2nd seating that is to be used for that 1st night only, after that you will have your standard seating arrangements - I have read too that if you get say 1st seating card and you prefer 2nd seating they will allow you to switch so you don't get stuck eating at a time you don't prefer your 1st night. But Casa de Campo, even though it is a late departure island is standard seating for dinner. We will get to find out 1st hand in just short of 2mos! Yipee! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casp Posted February 20, 2005 Author #18 Share Posted February 20, 2005 Customs...Friday morning...you go through immigration on the 4th floor, everyone in each cabin needs to be present you show some form of id (drivers license, passport etc.) After you are done this give you a blue slip to get off this ship. Saturday night is open-seating it depends what time you arrive on the ship, if it is early then 6:00 seating if late that 8:30 seating they give you a ticket when you get on board. Sunday night you will be at your assigned table and normal times. Don't forget when you leave San Juan after the cruise you still need to fill-out your form for customs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perki Posted February 20, 2005 #19 Share Posted February 20, 2005 Customs...Friday morning...you go through immigration on the 4th floor, everyone in each cabin needs to be present you show some form of id (drivers license, passport etc.) After you are done this give you a blue slip to get off this ship. Saturday night is open-seating it depends what time you arrive on the ship, if it is early then 6:00 seating if late that 8:30 seating they give you a ticket when you get on board. Sunday night you will be at your assigned table and normal times. Don't forget when you leave San Juan after the cruise you still need to fill-out your form for customs. Well that certainly sounds better, doing immigration/id check when we get into St. Thomas, gonna get off the ship somewhat early anyhow so makes it easier than waking up at the crack of dawn on your last day - I always hated that, made the ending much less fun ya know! Thanks for the info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelinGal2 Posted February 20, 2005 #20 Share Posted February 20, 2005 Hey cruisebunny...we'll see you on the 5th! My husband and I will be on that cruise also. Our first time on Celebrity. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casp Posted February 20, 2005 Author #21 Share Posted February 20, 2005 You still have to get up early to go home..I hate it! But we were in the CC and my sister and her husband ordered room service that morning. Smart on her part Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stanjj111 Posted February 20, 2005 #22 Share Posted February 20, 2005 For St. Thomas they give you a form with a time to report to deck 4. After passing through they give you a card. You do not have to wait for the entire ship to be cleared. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perki Posted February 21, 2005 #23 Share Posted February 21, 2005 You still have to get up early to go home..I hate it! But we were in the CC and my sister and her husband ordered room service that morning. Smart on her part We are in a CC room this coming cruise so we will at least hang out til I'm thinking 8:30/9:00, have one of the large aft cabins so if need be we can hang out on that and eat and let the room sterward(ess) clean up while we hang out...just be ready to go already with showers, brushed teeth, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casp Posted February 21, 2005 Author #24 Share Posted February 21, 2005 Have a wonderful vacation and enjoy yourself! We did and the weather was great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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