Semi-live from the Celebrity Constellation 11 night departing 11/22

[goldsmip115]

After nearly 2.5 years the time is getting close. We’re sitting at PHL awaiting our flight to Tampa.  We passed the Covid tests with flying colors this morning.  It was perhaps one of the longest 15 minutes I’ve ever experienced.  Our flight is delayed by about 1:45 but at least it’s on it way here.  My cruise withdrawal has been almost unbearable over these last 2 years.  The last cruise was a Summit 10 night Bermuda and New England in June of 2019.  We love the M class ships primarily because of the Penthouse suite and that amazing verandah.

We have been so fortunate that Randy who is currently sailing has been a wealth of information.  I feel like I already know our retreat host and some of the Luminae staff.  We’ve been on m class ships pre and post revolution. Both have their positives and negatives.  I will miss the retreat sun deck but won’t miss some of the changes in the retreat lounge.  I was very impressed with the revolution of the PS, but also enjoyed the suite pre revolution.  I am desperate for a true vacation as I’ve never in my professional life worked harder than I have in the last 2.5 years.  But, I promise to share some pictures and information.  I do believe I will be very teary when I walk onto that ship in less than 48 hours.  Oh, my first picture to kick off the trip.

[Kiran]

I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

 

Going on Constellation myself in January so will be following closely.

[Definitas]

We are so sad that we will not be on this cruise, partly because we had a stupendous deal with all the perks, partly because we had an aft C1 with the huge veranda and partly because we were going with old friends who have never cruised. Sadly we had to cancel when final payment was due because the US border was still closed to us at that time and no sign of it opening. I think I will wear a black armband tomorrow when it sails 😢

[jimbri]

Have a wonderful cruise!

[Schmoe38]

20 hours ago, goldsmip115 said:

After nearly 2.5 years the time is getting close. We’re sitting at PHL awaiting our flight to Tampa.  We passed the Covid tests with flying colors this morning.  It was perhaps one of the longest 15 minutes I’ve ever experienced.  Our flight is delayed by about 1:45 but at least it’s on it way here.  My cruise withdrawal has been almost unbearable over these last 2 years.  The last cruise was a Summit 10 night Bermuda and New England in June of 2019.  We love the M class ships primarily because of the Penthouse suite and that amazing verandah.

We have been so fortunate that Randy who is currently sailing has been a wealth of information.  I feel like I already know our retreat host and some of the Luminae staff.  We’ve been on m class ships pre and post revolution. Both have their positives and negatives.  I will miss the retreat sun deck but won’t miss some of the changes in the retreat lounge.  I was very impressed with the revolution of the PS, but also enjoyed the suite pre revolution.  I am desperate for a true vacation as I’ve never in my professional life worked harder than I have in the last 2.5 years.  But, I promise to share some pictures and information.  I do believe I will be very teary when I walk onto that ship in less than 48 hours.  Oh, my first picture to kick off the trip.

One more “surprise”….

 

We found more North American outlets inside the cabinets next to the bed. There’s no mirror close to this set, so hair dryer or other accessories may be a challenge, but charging of phone would work if the other 2 sockets in the dressing area are in use.

 

Have a Wonderful trip, and we will continue our journey by reading your reports as you go along.

 

Randy

[MikeMary4449]

Hello goldsmip115, We are very much looking forward to your posts as you sail on the Connie as we are anxious to board her on December 13.  Have a wonderful time and we look forward to meeting you in The Retreat one day!  Thanks also to Schmoe38 (Randy) for all your great posts.  We appreciate the information you provide.

Mike and Mary

[Jim_Iain]

Looking forward to reading your Live report.   Bon Voyage

[CTSandy]

I hope your cruise is wonderful!  Sailing Constellation for the first time in March, so I will be following your comments. Enjoy every minute!

[Azulann]

Looking forward to your report. I love the Constellation. Wonder how she is doing  in2021?

Also, interested in the  suite and retreat experience on the Constellation.

Been  sailing on Viking for the past four years, but now might want to return to Celebrity  in a suite and the Retreat experience.  

Edited November 21, 2021 by Azulann

[hrhdhd]

Enjoy your cruise! I can't wait to hear the details before I board on 12/23.

[Sheltielover73]

Have an amazing cruise! Can't wait to follow along! And I know what you mean about being teary eyed as you board! Ill be the same on Dec 3rd on Silhouette! It's been a tough past few years-- so excited for some sense of normalcy. Cheers!!! ENJOY!!!!!

[NCHPcruiser]

Bon voyage!  I’ll be following along!  About a year ago I commented in a post, halfway in jest, that a tear or two might be shed when I next boarded a ship.   Now a year later and less than two weeks away from finally boarding our next cruise, I can say a joyful tear will definitely be shed.  

[vickykay]

Looking forward to your review.  We’re on the Connie next fall.  One our favorite ships.  Enjoy!

[goldsmip115]

Hello Luminae, my dear friend. I sure missed you. Tears of joy flowing as we embarked. 

[goldsmip115]

[MAsquared]

Have a wonderful trip!  Looks like you are starting the cruise off right 🍷

[FLCruiser97]

Following also. Sailing on "Connie" for a TA Oct 22, 2022. ROM-TPA

[goldsmip115]

3:45 day one. All unpacked. Well, sort of. I’m totally fried because for some reason I awakened at 3:45am and could not get back to sleep.  Pre cruise excitement?  No, that could not be.  Wonderful driver that we used on Saturday night from airport picked us up in his giant Escalade. The 1,113 pounds of luggage fit.  We had to tie the convection oven and the dishwasher on top of the car but soon we were off.  Only one negative with the boarding experience.  We arrived at the port at 11:18 am. Very, very unfriendly police officers had everything barricaded off.  Told us no entry. Nobody. Too bad. All these poor elderly people just dumped at the entry to the port with their bags and many with walkers. He did not care.  Our driver said he would find a place to park and go and see what was happening. He did tell us that we had to gift him the convection oven and the dishwasher in exchange. It seemed a very small price to pay because we could see the ship and we were simply drooling.  I’m not sure if it was the ship or the thought of lunch in Luminae since we had nothing other than black coffee this morning.  Finally the very surely officers started herding all the poor people in the gates.  Eventually we were waived to enter.  There were more equally surely police officers who said they don’t know anything about the retreat.  Pull over.  Pull over.  Unload here.  They made us unload by valet parking with no porters anywhere and no retreat entrance in sight.  The valet guys were not busy and took pity on us and the driver when they say the flashing lights on the Escalade saying “OVERWEIGHT/OVERWEIGHT’. Alright, alright, I know Covid has not been kind to my waist and my hips.  We tipped them nicely and dear George went and found a porter with a front end loader for all of our luggage.  Many nice tips later and the wonderful experience begins……….

[goldsmip115]

We finally found someone who introduced us to a representative outside. As soon as we provided her with our suite number the magic was back.  She very carefully checked our Covid vaccine card and our Covid test.  She escorted us inside and to a Retreat Priority line with nobody ahead of us.  I never heard of a retreat priority line. I think there were also Retreat lines. She stayed with us while our boarding passes were checked, our covid tests checked again, our passports checked inside and we thought we would be off.  Alas, she said that my picture needed to be retaken.  She mumbled something about covid 19.  I think it related to the 19 pounds that I have gained since covid. LOL. I heard her mumble something like “gee, I hope she fits through the security screener”. We were then turned over to a retreat escort and walked up the gangway. She asked no less than 10 times if she could carry our bags.  Tears started to flow as I boarded that ship.  OMG it was wonderful. Our boarding pass was scanned and she then asked if we wanted to be escorted to Michael’s Club or Luminae.  As hungry as we were I said Michael’s Club/Retreat lounge

[goldsmip115]

We walked into the lounge and it was empty.  Nobody but the 3 of us.  I was reminded of how much I appreciate the lounge pre revolution.  We were greeted warmly by so many staff members and enjoyed a glass of bubbly.  Oh, I forgot to mention all of the clapping and warm welcomes and smiles over and over again.  It was amazing and a bit overwhelming in a positive way.  We were served finger sandwiches and mini desserts.  Just lovely!  Everyone was so warm and welcoming.  Alas, all we wanted was a sip of bubbly and off to Luminae we went.  I recall being escorted.  I was just euphoric.

[goldsmip115]

We were escorted to Luminae. As soon as we started to enter beloved Gede ran up to us as the huge hugs started.  We sailed with Gede in Luminae for 18 nights on the Summit pre Covid. That’s when the tears really started to flow. Russell the maitre’d greeted us warmly.  I think as menu’s were presented Gede mentioned that he did not remember me being a member of the raccoon family.  I cried so much all my eye makeup ran.  Seriously, it was like coming home.  Randy was so kind to tell me about Gede being onboard, about Russell the amazing maitre’d, Anu our retreat host and many other wonderful tips.  All I remember about lunch is my favorite pea soup and eating the lobster out of the roll.  It was so wonderful to be home again.  Stay tuned for the reason why we are not completely unpacked….I need to try and clean up a bit for dinner.  I look like something the cat coughed up after a long night of hunting. You have no idea what it is like unpacking over 1,000 pounds of luggage.  I may not post more until tomorrow as it’s been a long emotional day filled with such joy.  

[goldsmip115]

Setting sail. Lived in Tampa for 20 years, but this is an ugly port

[Bill Miller]

So happy for your arrival aboard the great Constellation. We look forward to your reports.

Port Tampa is a working port with mystery and drama. Cuba, South America. It puts a lot of local Tampa Bay folks to work. Just last week body parts floated to the surface near the cruise ship docks. A tattoo on the calf of a leg that floated up identified the victim as a woman from up north, (Pennsylvania?) who fell victim of misadventure.

We sailed on the 11/7 inaugural cruise of the Connie. Port security and Hillsborough County Sherriff Deputies vigilant. They enforce the arrival times for boarding passengers. I know, I arrived early and was sent to the right line. Not their fault.

Again, we look forward to your posts  Bon Voyage

 

[jules27556]

Perhaps you should rename your live report "Live from the Retreat".  

It appears your "live" report will soon be of little interest to anyone 

sailing in "steerage".  

[retired dude]

i want a report from someone who is a "common" non-demanding individual...Not everyone including my wife and I who have only sailed on 35 cruises are as demanding and overbearing as this. I just want a report from simple folks that sail in inside/ocean view/balcony cabins and have a broader view of what real life is like aboard the ship. god that felt good to say.