First Time X Cruiser with Questions

[SororitySue]

This will be our second cruise overall and first with X. We chose the inclusive option when booking, which is supposed to cover tips, wi-fi and classic drinks package. When reading over these forums, I noticed that they charge and 18 percent gratuity for drinks - is this in addition to the gratuity we pre-paid or is it covered under the inclusive option? 

Also, we are listed as Anytime dining but we wanted the 8:30 sitting - how difficult is this to change?

[Northern Aurora]

With your beverage package you will hand your sea pass card to the bartender.  As long as the beverage is covered by your package there will be nothing more to the transaction, and you will not be charged a 18% gratuity.  If the beverage cost exceeds your package the bartender will tell you and give you the option to exceed the package.  If that happens you will be charged the difference on the drink and 18% gratuity on the amount of difference only.

 

 

[RTShaker]

4 minutes ago, SororitySue said:

This will be our second cruise overall and first with X. We chose the inclusive option when booking, which is supposed to cover tips, wi-fi and classic drinks package. When reading over these forums, I noticed that they charge and 18 percent gratuity for drinks - is this in addition to the gratuity we pre-paid or is it covered under the inclusive option? 

Also, we are listed as Anytime dining but we wanted the 8:30 sitting - how difficult is this to change?

The extra gratuity is only charged on the cost difference between a standard drink and a premium drink you may have ordered.

[OysterD]

If the drink you order is covered under the classic package (alcoholic drinks up to $10), you pay nothing extra. 

 

If you order an alcoholic drink which is $12 for example, you will be charged the difference plus tip on the difference ($2 + $0.36). 

[sunlover5]

Very easy to change your dinner time. When you board go to the main dining and talk to the maitre d!!!  They are so kind and will try very hard to accommodate you. Should be an easy fix. Not sure if there is a place to change it online in your reservation. 

[Arizona Wildcat]

And the bartender might or might not tell you your drink exceeded what your package covers.

Depending when you are cruising and the ship there might not be a fixed seating.  That said, after you board seek out a restaurant manager and tell them what you would prefer.  Dining at 8:30 each night should be easy.

[Pinboy]

29 minutes ago, SororitySue said:

Also, we are listed as Anytime dining but we wanted the 8:30 sitting - how difficult is this to change?

Try this : ( I hope it works ).

Activate your booking on line--- go to Cruise Planner---- scroll down to Dining or Specialty Dining-- Click on it and choose " Anytime Dining or Main Dining "--- I believe you can make a reservation there for each day of the cruise, so select the 8:30 option and confirm the time.

If that doesn't work, perhaps you can call Celebrity and ask the Agent to book it for you.

If THAT doesn't work wait until you board the ship -- Or, keep reading this thread and wait for someone who knows more than me.

Edited January 9, 2023 by Pinboy
Forgot a point

[hrhdhd]

The dining answer depends on what ship you're on. Edge-class ships have all select dining with no first/second seating.

[miguelmia]

43 minutes ago, SororitySue said:

Also, we are listed as Anytime dining but we wanted the 8:30 sitting - how difficult is this to change?

 

Navigate to "Manage Reservation" on the Celebrity website (top-right corner, make sure you're logged in first):

 

 

Then on this page expand the "Reservation Details" tab and you'll see your dining preference with an "Edit" button.

 

 

Hope this helps!!

[SororitySue]

3 hours ago, hrhdhd said:

The dining answer depends on what ship you're on. Edge-class ships have all select dining with no first/second seating.

We're going to be on the Silhouette.

[the penguins]

6 hours ago, SororitySue said:

We're going to be on the Silhouette.

Or stick to AnyTime and simply pre book for 8.30 every night.

[CaribbeanBound]

On 1/9/2023 at 4:21 PM, Pinboy said:

Try this : ( I hope it works ).

Activate your booking on line--- go to Cruise Planner---- scroll down to Dining or Specialty Dining-- Click on it and choose " Anytime Dining or Main Dining "--- I believe you can make a reservation there for each day of the cruise, so select the 8:30 option and confirm the time.

If that doesn't work, perhaps you can call Celebrity and ask the Agent to book it for you.

If THAT doesn't work wait until you board the ship -- Or, keep reading this thread and wait for someone who knows more than me.

That does work!