What next?

[20pluscruises]

The vanity pack was boxed (which cost $). It contained 2 cotton balls' date=' maybe 2 q-tips and a miniature emery board. Can you imagine how many emerie boards I had leftover! ($$)

 

So much for cost cuts.

 

I guess there are those who have no need for cotton balls, but I use them, so like you, I will now bring my own. At least my post was useful to one person!!

 

To those who made snarky remarks: if you think your sarcasm is appreciated.....well...good luck to you.

 

To the person who asked what kind of cabin and the poster who mentioned inexpensive itineraries....this was a Baltic cruise. Although we had an inside cabin, it was the most expensive cruise we have taken to date...over $6000 for an inside.

 

To the person who thought this was a full report, I was addressing one issue only. How could you think this was a full report???

 

We cruise quite a bit and I don't appreciate that each time, something else has been eliminated.[/quote']

 

Like button!!!

[Truffle]

So, is that the total review of your cruise and the ship? Seems to be lacking a wee bit of balance. :rolleyes:

 

Seems a bit mean spirited! (Especially the "nice" touch with the added rolled eyes emoticon.). In no way did the OP state that this was a "review" of the cruise or imply that the lack of these small touches had in some way ruined the cruise experience.

I think the point here is that slowly the nice little extra touches are falling away. After a while the combined affect of many (the straw that broke the Carmel's back) is that it may make a difference in the "lodging" part of the cruise experience. There are, for example, many small touches that make a stay at The Four Seasons or St. Regis different from a stay at, say, a Hyatt. All are lovely, clean, efficient, etc., but the little things, added up, make the experiences different--just a little extra bit of pampering! When one has become accustomed to enjoying that, it does become noticeable when things change. It doesn't mean anyone is not smart enough to figure out why it's happening, or needs a lesson in economics. Can't we just accept that someone was merely stating an observation?

These boards are for discussion, posting questions and also our experiences. Why do we have to be so critical? Let's lighten up a little and not belittle anyone for making a statement.

[Fouremco]

Seems a bit mean spirited! (Especially the "nice" touch with the added rolled eyes emoticon.). In no way did the OP state that this was a "review" of the cruise or imply that the lack of these small touches had in some way ruined the cruise experience.

I think the point here is that slowly the nice little extra touches are falling away. After a while the combined affect of many (the straw that broke the Carmel's back) is that it may make a difference in the "lodging" part of the cruise experience. There are, for example, many small touches that make a stay at The Four Seasons or St. Regis different from a stay at, say, a Hyatt. All are lovely, clean, efficient, etc., but the little things, added up, make the experiences different--just a little extra bit of pampering! When one has become accustomed to enjoying that, it does become noticeable when things change. It doesn't mean anyone is not smart enough to figure out why it's happening, or needs a lesson in economics. Can't we just accept that someone was merely stating an observation?

These boards are for discussion, posting questions and also our experiences. Why do we have to be so critical? Let's lighten up a little and not belittle anyone for making a statement.

Sorry, but it gets a little bit tiresome reading picky complaints from cruisers who have nothing nice to say. If she had said that she'd had a wonderful cruise and pointed out some positives along with a couple of negatives, I wouldn't have said a thing. But when the first and only post commenting on the cruise has nothing but picky complaints, I stand by my first statement that it lacks balance. You might want to address the question of "Why do we have to be so critical?" to the OP.

[thebutlerdidit]

Sorry, but it gets a little bit tiresome reading picky complaints from cruisers who have nothing nice to say. If she had said that she'd had a wonderful cruise and pointed out some positives along with a couple of negatives, I wouldn't have said a thing. But when the first and only post commenting on the cruise has nothing but picky complaints, I stand by my first statement that it lacks balance. You might want to address the question of "Why do we have to be so critical?" to the OP.

This wasn't a review. I'm sure the OP can figure out how to submit a review should the occasion arise.

 

This is a heads up to another change that we can expect on our Celebrity cruise. Several of us have thanked the OP for this information because it's useful to know. If Qtips and cotton balls don't concern you, it's ok to just read and not comment, especially if you don't have anything to add.

[Gracie115]

To the person who asked what kind of cabin and the poster who mentioned inexpensive itineraries....this was a Baltic cruise. Although we had an inside cabin' date=' it was the most expensive cruise we have taken to date...over $6000 for an inside.

.[/quote']

 

I was the poster who asked what kind of cabin, that's all I asked and made no other comment. I understand full well how expensive a Baltic cruise is, I cancelled the one I was supposed to go on a year ago because of that. I was curious to know what kind of cabin because I didn't remember cotton balls/Qtips being in any rooms lower than an AQ or CC cabin. Obviously I was wrong.

 

I wonder if at least PART OF THE REASON for this change is because of health issues. I do not believe that buying prepackaged vanity kits is cheaper than buying cotton balls and Qtips in bulk. Perhaps there is a concern that germs can be spread by the open canister of these items being shared cruise after cruise as I feel pretty certain they didn't throw away the unused portion after each cruise, just refilled. I hadn't even thought about that as a possible reason for this change until someone mentioned it in this thread. I think that's a very possibility, just like the change in the buffet serving style.

 

I would be very upset if I had no face cloths, the chocolates I can do without...not because I don't like them but I don't need the calories, but I DID like having them there, just a little finishing touch....

 

Sorry you had so many bad experiences hope the cruise to the Baltics was still wonderful.

[warmwinds]

We would hide our chocolates because we wanted to bring them home and didn't want them to stop coming if he saw them piling up.

 

Q-tips I pack automatically for every trip (land or sea) because you never know what hotel will/won't have them, and they don't take up much room.

 

This will be our first time in AQ so curious to see if there are any differences in bathroom amenities.

[bobsfamily]

I wonder if at least PART OF THE REASON for this change is because of health issues. I do not believe that buying prepackaged vanity kits is cheaper than buying cotton balls and Qtips in bulk. Perhaps there is a concern that germs can be spread by the open canister of these items being shared cruise after cruise as I feel pretty certain they didn't throw away the unused portion after each cruise, just refilled.

 

A comment that makes sense...:eek: WOW how unexpected!

Thanks Gracie!

No Noro for me!

[thebutlerdidit]

I agree! Lots of hands lift the canister lids cruise after cruise. Very good point!

[afto]

 

I wonder if at least PART OF THE REASON for this change is because of health issues. I do not believe that buying prepackaged vanity kits is cheaper than buying cotton balls and Qtips in bulk. Perhaps there is a concern that germs can be spread by the open canister of these items being shared cruise after cruise as I feel pretty certain they didn't throw away the unused portion after each cruise, just refilled.

 

Makes sense to me. I am not a germ-o-phobe, or a person who brings disinfectant wipes to sanitize the cabin before I unpack my suitcase, but somehow the thought of using those cotton balls or q-tips always seemed particularly unsanitary to me. I bring my own, and I for one will be glad of the extra space created by not having the container sitting on the bathroom counter. (Would have moved it myself but always thought cabin steward would think I was intending to steal it, and there is no good spot for it anyway.)

 

But the OP's point of "what next?" is well taken. On every cruise, there is a little something that I notice is missing. On the other hand, there are little added touches here and there that help make up for that. I still love cruising Celebrity, and I am sure the OP feels the same way.

[jonsmum]

I agree! Lots of hands lift the canister lids cruise after cruise. Very good point!

+ all the others in a similar vein!

 

Oh for goodness sake! No wonder we have so many 'allergies' these days. People 'touch' things that we touch all day, every day - it actually helps to build up your immunity to infection! And in any case the canister AND lid will have been cleaned between stateroom occupations. I seriously do wonder why some people ever leave the safety of their own homes. Sheesh!

[Puckhog]

On the first night my wife took off her makeup with a washcloth and the next day there were enough cotton balls for ten cabins

[Presto2]

We've just returned from our first land holiday for 5 years.

 

What struck us was that the hotel was far better than before (not happy to move backwards) and there were far more perks - they offered the cool drinks and cold towel in the foyer when we came in each day, a glass of champagne when we checked in, a turn down service with biscuits and a bottle of water, special 'free' BBQ evenings, no gratuities, waiter service around the pool, specialist restaurant included at no extra charge (I could go on and on) and many other little things that made it that extra bit special this time. We actually thought that someone on the 'team' had been on a cruise in the past and brought back some of the ideas! :)

 

What we are noticing about cruising with Celebrity, and cruising in general, is that the prices go up and up, but the 'little' things that made it special just don't happen anymore.

 

I think this is what the OP meant by their original post and think that those who have criticised them for the little things they miss are missing the point ---- for many of us 'those little things mean a lot'.

 

We are looking to our next holiday ------- at the moment, with all the little things being eroded we will not book with Celebrity as their prices are going up and up. If we pay more we expect more - not less. Surely everyone can agree with that. :confused: We have a cruise booked for July 2015 - it has something to live up to after this year's holiday.

Edited August 16, 2014 by Presto2
spelling mistake - love not live !

[Gracie115]

+ all the others in a similar vein!

 

Oh for goodness sake! No wonder we have so many 'allergies' these days. People 'touch' things that we touch all day, every day - it actually helps to build up your immunity to infection! And in any case the canister AND lid will have been cleaned between stateroom occupations. I seriously do wonder why some people ever leave the safety of their own homes. Sheesh!

 

NOT a "germaphobe" here at all....but AGAIN there is NO WAY that buying prepackaged vanity kits is cheaper than buying cotton balls and Q Tips in bulk....so WHAT other reason would there be....

 

and while I agree that the cabins are cleaned between each stay....a quick swipe with a duster on the top of the canister is not "cleaning" and do I think that the attendant is carefully emptying out the containers, washing it in soap and water, drying it and THEN filling it up with all new supplies? NO I do not, and that is NOT a ding on the housekeeping staff just reality..... Is the "vanity kit" as pretty as the container, no, but it's contents are sanitary for sure, works for me......

[jonsmum]

Sorry - but why would they need to? What deadly germ are you likely to get from using a cotton ball that has been in a jar for possibly several weeks? As said - and this is a proven fact - exposure to unfamiliar germs builds our own resistance to infection. Seriously - you are not going to die or get anything nasty from touching a jar with cotton balls in it. I have cancer and have to be especially careful about hygiene, but one thing I am not concerned about are the cotton balls in my bathroom - at home, in a hotel or on board ship. Now the banisters on the stairwells - that is a different matter!

 

Edit: I'm not talking about cost cutting here - I can see that the Vanity packs are probably more expensive, what I'm getting at is the alarmist comments of some posters, where no alarm is needed.

Edited August 16, 2014 by jonsmum

[Gracie115]

Sorry - but why would they need to? What deadly germ are you likely to get from using a cotton ball that has been in a jar for possibly several weeks? As said - and this is a proven fact - exposure to unfamiliar germs builds our own resistance to infection. Seriously - you are not going to die or get anything nasty from touching a jar with cotton balls in it. I have cancer and have to be especially careful about hygiene, but one thing I am not concerned about are the cotton balls in my bathroom - at home, in a hotel or on board ship. Now the banisters on the stairwells - that is a different matter!

 

Edit: I'm not talking about cost cutting here - I can see that the Vanity packs are probably more expensive, what I'm getting at is the alarmist comments of some posters, where no alarm is needed.

 

ok....I'm NOT an alarmist either....BUT the cruiseline's management is CONSTANTLY facing noro outbreaks and constantly being hounded about what they are doing about it..........just another "something" they can refer to...I REALLY just do not believe this particular item falls in the "more cuts by Celebrity" column.

 

My husband is a microbiologist and his remark on this particular topic was as follows "when someone wipes their rear end, and then grabs a Q tip before washing their hands...they have contaminated any cotton ball or Q tip they have touched" :eek: his actual words were a bit more graphic but the point is made and I won't be using those items anymore EVEN IF they ARE there...... just saying.....

[miss dee]

The vanity pack was boxed (which cost $). It contained 2 cotton balls' date=' maybe 2 q-tips and a miniature emery board. Can you imagine how many emerie boards I had leftover! ($$)

 

So much for cost cuts.

 

I guess there are those who have no need for cotton balls, but I use them, so like you, I will now bring my own. At least my post was useful to one person!!

 

To those who made snarky remarks: if you think your sarcasm is appreciated.....well...good luck to you.

 

To the person who asked what kind of cabin and the poster who mentioned inexpensive itineraries....this was a Baltic cruise. Although we had an inside cabin, it was the most expensive cruise we have taken to date...over $6000 for an inside.

 

To the person who thought this was a full report, I was addressing one issue only. How could you think this was a full report???

 

We cruise quite a bit and I don't appreciate that each time, something else has been eliminated.[/quote']

i was on the same sailing as can't stop cruising and i completely agree with her observations.

[TomBeckCruise]

It seems that every cruise we take' date=' something else is missing.

 

We just returned from the Eclipse and there is no longer a supply of cotton balls and qtips. Now they give you a Vanity pack and they don't replace it twice a day unless you ask.

 

You also have to ask for facecloths.

 

We had chocolates only one night out of 14.

 

There are no longer any nuts at the salad bar. They told me to "just ask". I did and the walnuts were the blackest I have ever seen. Obviously I didn't ask again!

 

I can't think of anything else at the moment, but I am sure that those of you who read this, will also think of things that were removed.

Is this a policy or did someone just fail to put the facecloths in your cabin? Did you Ask?

Sorry - but why would they need to? What deadly germ are you likely to get from using a cotton ball that has been in a jar for possibly several weeks? As said - and this is a proven fact - exposure to unfamiliar germs builds our own resistance to infection. Seriously - you are not going to die or get anything nasty from touching a jar with cotton balls in it. I have cancer and have to be especially careful about hygiene, but one thing I am not concerned about are the cotton balls in my bathroom - at home, in a hotel or on board ship. Now the banisters on the stairwells - that is a different matter!

 

Edit: I'm not talking about cost cutting here - I can see that the Vanity packs are probably more expensive, what I'm getting at is the alarmist comments of some posters, where no alarm is needed.

 

I suspect most are concerned about Noro. You do tend to spend a wee bit of time in the bathroom when you get it. If you touch that lid the person who uses it next might just get sick too. I've been on a ship where 30+% of the passengers got it. I tried to not touch anything!!!!!!! I do not believe you build up a resistance to Noro.

Edited August 16, 2014 by TomBeckCruise

[Gracie115]

I do not believe you build up a resistance to Noro.

 

You're right.

[Dancin85]

ok....I'm NOT an alarmist either....BUT the cruiseline's management is CONSTANTLY facing noro outbreaks and constantly being hounded about what they are doing about it..........just another "something" they can refer to...I REALLY just do not believe this particular item falls in the "more cuts by Celebrity" column.

 

My husband is a microbiologist and his remark on this particular topic was as follows "when someone wipes their rear end, and then grabs a Q tip before washing their hands...they have contaminated any cotton ball or Q tip they have touched" :eek: his actual words were a bit more graphic but the point is made and I won't be using those items anymore EVEN IF they ARE there...... just saying.....

 

As someone who has suffered (and literally suffered) from hospital acquired staph infection (not only on the outside but inside me), you think about these things.

The 2 year hardest battle is over but I'm still prone to infections more than the normal person.

I definitely do NOT live in a bubble but I am much more aware of my surroundings and 'germ' traps.

 

and silly me, since this only my 2nd cruise in 8 years (the other on NCL), I had no idea that Q-tips and cotton balls were furnished. I have a plastic sandwich bag for mine.

[Can'tstopcruising]

First I want to thank those who wrote such supportive replies.

 

I must add about the cotton balls. In the ladies' dressing room in the spa, there was the usual jar of cotton balls. So much for the theory that Celebrity is trying to prevent illness!

 

As for the vanity packs. Luckily I had a good room steward. He supplied me twice a day (sounds like a fix, doesn't it!!!)

I imagine that the company hopes nobody will ask for extras, thus the saving.

 

About the facecloths... we did the South American cruise this winter on the Infinity. Not an inexpensive itinerary,but less than the Baltic. I was told by our room steward that there was a shortage of facecloths on the ship. I was franky very surprised to hear that.

 

If I may digress, following the Baltics we stayed at the W in London. I know it is a higher level than Celebrity, but I was wowed by the service and attitude of every staff member there. I have been to many deluxe hotels but have never had such service and hospitality anywhere.

[Iamcruzin]

Note to self.... If sailing on Princess remember to bring soap. If sailing on Celebrity remember to bring face cloths from home.

[jonsmum]

Originally Posted by Gracie115 View Post

'My husband is a microbiologist and his remark on this particular topic was as follows "when someone wipes their rear end, and then grabs a Q tip before washing their hands...they have contaminated any cotton ball or Q tip they have touched" his actual words were a bit more graphic but the point is made and I won't be using those items anymore EVEN IF they ARE there...... just saying....

 

Oky - think we will have to agree to disagree on this one. But having worked in the hospitality industry I can say with confidence that X would be failing in their duty of care if the items in the bathroom/stateroom were simply dusted between guests as opposed to 'cleaned'. Even given my compromised immunity, I am confident in touching any and everything in my stateroom/bathroom, and have no concerns re contracting Noro via these items. I have more concerns over the handrails throughout the ship, even though I see people cleaning them throughout the day!

[Gracie115]

Oky - think we will have to agree to disagree on this one. But having worked in the hospitality industry I can say with confidence that X would be failing in their duty of care if the items in the bathroom/stateroom were simply dusted between guests as opposed to 'cleaned'. Even given my compromised immunity, I am confident in touching any and everything in my stateroom/bathroom, and have no concerns re contracting Noro via these items. I have more concerns over the handrails throughout the ship, even though I see people cleaning them throughout the day!

 

I'm in the hospitality business too....I manage a resort on the ocean.....I in no way meant to infer that the cleaning staff only "DUST" I know that is not true I know how hard they work.. however I stand by the statement that they most likely do not take the Qtip container, empty it, wash it, dry it and refill it....just don't think that happens.... oh well...

 

I am also confident in the cleanliness in the room, I do not "wipe down" everything in sight as some do....I am also concerned about railings...in fact avoid them as much as possible.....

 

Oh well we have gone WAY off topic. To bring it back I still say that this change has to do with sanitation not with cutbacks.:)

[Adidas4fun]

ok....I'm NOT an alarmist either....BUT the cruiseline's management is CONSTANTLY facing noro outbreaks and constantly being hounded about what they are doing about it..........just another "something" they can refer to...I REALLY just do not believe this particular item falls in the "more cuts by Celebrity" column.

 

My husband is a microbiologist and his remark on this particular topic was as follows "when someone wipes their rear end, and then grabs a Q tip before washing their hands...they have contaminated any cotton ball or Q tip they have touched" :eek: his actual words were a bit more graphic but the point is made and I won't be using those items anymore EVEN IF they ARE there...... just saying.....

When they wipe their bum, and dont wash their hands properly they contaminant surfaces.

 

And then there is the person with noro vomiting in that bathroom the cruise before yours aerosolising noro everywhere in that bathroom.

 

And as the bathroom is a place of high visitation during a noro episode then everything in there is suspect.

[Lois R]

None of these issues on out June Reflection cruise.

 

Hi Tommy, I wonder if this only certain ships then?

 

I will be on Reflection in November. Guess I will find out once I board

the ship. I will just bring a travel size package of Q-tips. Never use

the cotton balls and as for wash cloths? That is a bit surprising

(in my opinion) but I won't be packing my own.