Helpful Hints for Newbies.....

[Duanerice1]

These are all great tips. Another is on Embarkation day you can get a nice quiet lunch at the Aqua Spa café. We do it every time, avoiding the buffet. Sure the selection is not as good but what they do have is very good. So I eat at least one healthy meal on the cruise :)

 

Also, room service for lunch is quite good. If you have a balcony it is a great place to enjoy a nice quiet lunch either on a sea day or a nice snack coming back from port. Actually on out last 10 night cruise we never ate in the buffet and believe me, we didn't suffer from lack of food :)

 

Last tip from me is that if you have both sea passes you can grab two drinks, you both don't need to be there. I used to grab 2 mudslides from the pool bar and take them to the cabin when we got back from an excursion (she would go put her feet up in the cabin)

 

Some of my best trips/cruises, have been when I didn't know much. And yea, I might have missed out on some stuff but it was cool finding "new" stuff. Favorite Celebrity cruise was our first. I didn't know about which balconies were better, how to get a deal on specialty restaurants but what a great cruise. This was after they introduced Concierge Class and it was special. This is something to be said for not knowing everything.

 

Now with that being said, I'll read and enjoy all the tips :)

[VitaminSea53]

These are all great tips. Another is on Embarkation day you can get a nice quiet lunch at the Aqua Spa café. We do it every time, avoiding the buffet. Sure the selection is not as good but what they do have is very good. So I eat at least one healthy meal on the cruise :)

 

Also, room service for lunch is quite good. If you have a balcony it is a great place to enjoy a nice quiet lunch either on a sea day or a nice snack coming back from port. Actually on out last 10 night cruise we never ate in the buffet and believe me, we didn't suffer from lack of food :)

 

Last tip from me is that if you have both sea passes you can grab two drinks, you both don't need to be there. I used to grab 2 mudslides from the pool bar and take them to the cabin when we got back from an excursion (she would go put her feet up in the cabin)

 

Some of my best trips/cruises, have been when I didn't know much. And yea, I might have missed out on some stuff but it was cool finding "new" stuff. Favorite Celebrity cruise was our first. I didn't know about which balconies were better, how to get a deal on specialty restaurants but what a great cruise. This was after they introduced Concierge Class and it was special. This is something to be said for not knowing everything.

 

Now with that being said, I'll read and enjoy all the tips :)

 

 

 

What is a Sea Pass?

 

 

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[Doctor G]

On the M class ships not all the walls are metal in the Sky Suites. I was recently on the Summit, and the only metal wall was behind the cabin door (when the door is open). The magnets do work on that wall, but it is a bit inconvenient. I also found this on another ship, but don't remember which one.

 

Carolyn

[ChucktownSteve]

What is a Sea Pass?

The Sea Pass is the card that gets you into your cabin and you give the crew member when you're purchasing something to put on your shipboard account.

 

Both people do not have to be present when you make the coffee run for the most excellent caffeine in the morning at Cafe al Bacio. They just need to swipe both cards for two coffees. But make sure you either save the previous cup heat coozie or put a second one on because the go cups are hot. I spelled coozie with the c because the K spelling is trademarked. :D

 

All the treats at Cafe al Bacio are complementary any time of the day.

 

Hint: that morning coffee run if you both are addicted, is an excellent way to make a deposit into her emotional bank account. That way when you screw up, it covers the debit.

[dkjretired]

Whenever possible get to the port a day early.

[Cruise Raider]

posted by cruiseraider..."If you have the beverage package included for your sailing, you only pay the difference between the cost of a drink and package limit now for both classic and premium packages. It used to only work like this for the premium but now includes both."

 

 

Is this actually true? When did it change because I know previously if you had Classic you paid the full amount if it was over the classic package limit. If true this is great!

 

They rolled this out fleetwide earlier this year. I sailed on the Solstice in May and was happy it was introduced to our ship in April. It worked like a charm.

At least on my cruise, it was not the case in every single bar but know for a fact that it worked in the Ensemble Lounge, the Passport Bar, the casino bar and Cafe Al Bacio....and in the dining rooms. I know it didn't apply up at the pool bar and I would question it at the Martini Bar.

Whereas we would pay $11.50 per day per person to upgrade to the premium package in the past, we only had a bill of $10 each at the end of our cruise for the upcharges. It was nice!!

[Shadow9612]

What is the best place to get a morning cup of Jo (strong black coffee)?

 

Cafe al Bacio - Americano or shot of espresso. Free with the classic beverage package. Otherwise, IMO, regular coffee in Oceanview Cafe is actually good (and free).

[Shadow9612]

Wouldn't be set on getting the Affogatto. When we sailed in March on the Equinox it was no longer available. They also eliminated the Igus. I think the Affogatto was eliminated because too many passengers were writing on here about the loophole of getting a free scoop of gelato.

If you really wanted one you can purchase the gelato and then get a shot of espresso to pour over it.

 

Things always change and it may have been on a trail basis and just on that ship.

 

Affogato was still available on Reflection at end of July and included free in classic beverage package.

[Shadow9612]

They are very popular in Australia, and, in licensed premises, usually come with the option of a shot of the liqueur of your choice. An affogato with Amaretto or Frangelico is to die for.

OH gosh! I just about died with the regular, but, I'll have to try your suggestion!!

YES! This. And if you enjoy the affogato, by all means try a "Mudslide"...-like a milkshake with chocolate syrup and vodka :D Enjoy your trip❤️

I'll try this too!! Another reason to go on a longer cruise.... So much to "try" [emoji12]

[Luvcrusn]

Hint: that morning coffee run if you both are addicted, is an excellent way to make a deposit into her emotional bank account. That way when you screw up, it covers the debit.

Thanks for the chuckle. I will make sure DH sees this post.;p

[Beejay4016]

Glad to be of help. I got all these helpful hints from others on these boards ... they are invaluable! Just sharing as those before me have done.

 

In so far as the magnets ... I try to find the kind with strong magnets and clips on them whenever I am in one of the ports of call. They are not always the easiest to find but then I have a useful souvenir rather than some junk I will never look at again. I've had an Alaska one that has been to so many different places in the world like the Travelocity gnome!

 

Fabulous idea - better than the boring plain ones. I'll stock up in Auckland before our cruise.

[Beejay4016]

YES! This. And if you enjoy the affogato, by all means try a "Mudslide"...-like a milkshake with chocolate syrup and vodka :D Enjoy your trip❤️

 

Sounds exactly like my sort of milkshake. Thank you. :D

[Beejay4016]

OH gosh! I just about died with the regular, but, I'll have to try your suggestion!!

 

I'll try this too!! Another reason to go on a longer cruise.... So much to "try" [emoji12]

 

Ah, the cruising life offers so many possibilities. On our last cruise (with HAL) were were addicted to Tuscan Lemon Drops - too addicted. It's amazing how pink your eyes can get on too many Tuscan Lemon Drops. I really did want to wear my sunglasses at night, just so I didn't give people a big fright. :D

[cruisin lady ca]

The Aqua Spa Cafe is a nice alternative for both breakfast and lunch. While not listed on the menu, we were able to request a grilled chicken breast or salmon for lunch. With their salad, it was a very nice and healthy lunch.

[Slugsta]

We will take our first Celebrity cruise next year, so I am finding this very helpful :)

 

Someone said that there is no washing-line in the showers of S class ships. I assume this, therefore, applies to the Silhouette?

[cruisin lady ca]

We will take our first Celebrity cruise next year, so I am finding this very helpful :)

 

Someone said that there is no washing-line in the showers of S class ships. I assume this, therefore, applies to the Silhouette?

 

My solution for hanging the small items I wash in the bathroom sink: We are always in need of extra hangers. The ones that are provided are wire hangers. I bring some small plastic hangers (what you use on a clothes line) and handle the clothes on the hangers. I hang the hangers over the top rail of the shower doors. It would be much easier to follow this explanation if you see a picture of the bathroom, I'm afraid. I will try to post one from another device.

 

I've purchased some large plastic beach towel clips which I use to secure the hangers to the back of the chairs on the balcony. Before I get blasted for doing this, I do it only when we are in our cabin and position the chairs so that the clothes are not blowing in the breeze.

[VitaminSea53]

I want to thank everyone for the helpful hints. I am learning a lot. I am still blown away that I didn't realize that the walls were metal. They sure didn't look like metal on other cruises I have been on.........Now to scout out heavy duty magnet clips.

 

I am looking forward to my first Celebrity cruise next year. What were some of the more memorable dishes that you had on board? So far, I have an affagato and a mudslide on my To-Do drink list. Is there an entree that stands out in your mind?

 

Cheers

 

 

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[ChucktownSteve]

On the S class ships, those are the electrical outlets at the desk. They're limited to two US plugs and one Euro plug. If you bring a three outlet cube you can increase the two to four outlets.

 

 

But do not bring any extension cords or they will be confiscated until the end of the cruise. Just pick it up on the way off the ship.

 

 

 

On the S class ships, that wooden fixture above the bed doesn't just serve a decorative function. It's more storage space...if you can reach it. lol

 

Edited September 1, 2017 by ChucktownSteve

[FamilyMooner]

As for entrees in the MDR, I really enjoyed the beef wellington and my husband enjoyed the braised short ribs with polenta, but we found something at every meal that was yummy!

[VitaminSea53]

On the S class ships, those are the electrical outlets at the desk. They're limited to two US plugs and one Euro plug. If you bring a three outlet cube you can increase the two to four outlets.

 

 

But do not bring any extension cords or they will be confiscated until the end of the cruise. Just pick it up on the way off the ship.

 

 

 

On the S class ships, that wooden fixture above the bed doesn't just serve a decorative function. It's more storage space...if you can reach it. lol

 

 

 

 

Are there electrical outlets in the night stands as well ?

 

 

 

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[ChucktownSteve]

Are there electrical outlets in the night stands as well ?

 

Nope.

[VitaminSea53]

Bummer

 

 

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[Beanb41]

Fabulous idea - better than the boring plain ones. I'll stock up in Auckland before our cruise.

 

Suitable magnets can be purchased at the $2 shops . Ours came in a pack of 12 and we have used them now on many cruises.

If washing ones own clothes consider getting one of the synthetic Chamois, one often sees at home and Trade shows and the like. They are far better at removing water than rolling clothes up in a towel.

 

When we travel in a balcony cabin we also bring a 4 metre length of cord which we string up between the stations on the balcony as a clothes line. We take down the laundry on port days but always leave up the clothesline. WE take around 20 good quality clothes pegs as well as the breeze outside can get a little strong.

 

We always ask the cabin steward on arrival the following:

1. Empty the fridge of the ships booze

2. Put a second set of towels into the bathroom and ensure there is always a second set there - With only one steward now slip ups occur occasionally and whilst dirty towels etc is taken out sometimes replenished doesn't happen

3. We ask for ice twice daily - supposed to happen automatically but not always.

4. We always introduce ourselves to our steward by Christian name - it makes for a more relaxed and informal cruise. A happy steward is a helpful steward.

5. Whilst gratuities are prepaid in nearly all cases we have given the steward something extra. When travelling Concierge the bubbles are crap but the stewards love them

[Shadow9612]

What were some of the more memorable dishes that you had on board? So far, I have an affagato and a mudslide on my To-Do drink list. Is there an entree that stands out in your mind?

On my last X cruise, I found the beef in the MDR was always amazing.

 

For dessert, watch for the Chocolate Lava Cake!

[Beejay4016]

Suitable magnets can be purchased at the $2 shops . Ours came in a pack of 12 and we have used them now on many cruises.

If washing ones own clothes consider getting one of the synthetic Chamois, one often sees at home and Trade shows and the like. They are far better at removing water than rolling clothes up in a towel.

 

When we travel in a balcony cabin we also bring a 4 metre length of cord which we string up between the stations on the balcony as a clothes line. We take down the laundry on port days but always leave up the clothesline. WE take around 20 good quality clothes pegs as well as the breeze outside can get a little strong.

 

We always ask the cabin steward on arrival the following:

1. Empty the fridge of the ships booze

2. Put a second set of towels into the bathroom and ensure there is always a second set there - With only one steward now slip ups occur occasionally and whilst dirty towels etc is taken out sometimes replenished doesn't happen

3. We ask for ice twice daily - supposed to happen automatically but not always.

4. We always introduce ourselves to our steward by Christian name - it makes for a more relaxed and informal cruise. A happy steward is a helpful steward.

5. Whilst gratuities are prepaid in nearly all cases we have given the steward something extra. When travelling Concierge the bubbles are crap but the stewards love them

 

Great tips. Many thanks.