BarbaraP Posted August 20, 2007 #1 Share Posted August 20, 2007 Thinking of booking our first Celebrity cruise. Previously 3 Princess and 1 RCCL cruises. Why Celebrity? Barb:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbyleduck Posted August 20, 2007 #2 Share Posted August 20, 2007 Thinking of booking our first Celebrity cruise. Previously 3 Princess and 1 RCCL cruises. Why Celebrity? Barb:confused: Dear Barb: This may give you a lot more information, in a hurry, than waiting for everyone to answer you. This is taken from the thread: Celebrity Secrets they usually don't tell you, page 47, post 938. GENERAL 1 -You can get over-the-counter seasickness meds at customer service or the purser's desk. Free, dispensed a couple of tablets at a time. No need to buy them in the gift shop. 2-Also, if you see that they are doing a Internet class, you an get free internet for 30 minutes (you just have to sit though the class). 3-Yes, there is an area up front above deck 11 for topless sunbathing. It is clearly marked with no photography rule. Hmmm... 4- Re: gizmos, there are some threads you could find, but probably the best point is that there is only one US - style outlet in most of the cabins, so you'll either have to switch things around to charge your camera/phone/iPod/computer, etc., or bring a power strip or at least a "Christmas tree" plug to have enough outlets. Also, there's no clock in the cabins, other than suites, so a lighted alarm clock is a good idea if you want to know what time it is when you wake up in the night. A night light helps to find the way to the bathroom. No "secret", but a tip, especially for those with inside cabins. If you leave the TV set to the channel for the bridge cam, you'll find that it displays the time in white. Typically, it's pitch black out there all night, and all you'll see on the screen is the time (and temperature? can't recall) You can set the brightness on tube as you like. 5- Tons of stuff on the infinity - pictures, menus, deckplans, etc. http://cruiseclues.com/shipstips/infinity.htm 6-I do have some recommendations from this trip for you--if you want a lovely and romantic lunch by the sea to Oscar's in PV. It's in town, down by the river: address is Isla Rio Cuale Local No. 1. You walk through town, and when you reach the bridge to cross the river, go down the steps to the restaurant below. There are two restaurants--one on either side of the bridge but down at the river level. The other one didn't interest us as much as the menu at Oscars and we were quite pleased with our choice. The margaritas are amazing! The food was great! The guitar player was good. The location was spectacular--right at the beach, next to the river (which was a rather sleepy, slow moving body of water when we were there), and the restaurant was beautiful. Prices weren't bad either. At least it's local color and not some chain food that you'll regret later. 7 - you get double Captains Club credits for booking a CC class room. Classic Level Benefits* One-Category Upgrade Complimentary Custom Air Requests Presailing Specialty Restaurant Reservations Priority Embarkation (where available) - Founder Classic Members Only Exclusive Captain's Club Party Benefits for Classic Members, including welcome amenity, gift with purchase at the Steiner's AquaSpa® by Elemis and certificates for the Celebrity casino Preferential Debarkation (where available) - Founder Classic Members Only Reunion Cruises Online Newsletter Double sailing credit on itineraries of 12 nights or more (maximum of three sailing credits per sailing) Double sailing credit for booking a Concierge Class stateroom or Suite (maximum of three sailing credits per sailing) 8- If you own 100 shares of RCL (Royal Caribbean Stock) by the time you cruise, you can get a $200 shipboard credit for a 10 day cruise. You do not need to hold it a minimum amount of time. I actually ended up doing this, so if you are interested, I can give you more info. FOOD RELATED 1- You can also ask for your fruit options in the suite. There's the regular fruit bowl, and a tropical fruit bowl. We didn't find out about this either until after the 5th day....our regular fruit bowl had sat uneated for 4 days with mold on it! The head housekeeper gave us a list of fruit available, and from that point on, our fruit bowl was made fresh daily with our choices. 2-You can order fresh berries - raspberries, blueberries, strawberries -- with whipped cream every night for desert. 3-They also serve NY Strip Steak any night or every night. Another big hit is getting shrimp cocktail every night if you ask for it in advance. 4- On M-class ships, the Aqua Spa Cafe offers grilled to order high quality salmon filets every day at lunch. It's so good I could eat it every day 5 - In the cova you pay for coffees, hot chocolate, etc, but the pastries and cookies are free! (from the threads, I hear the almond and chocolate croissants are super yummy there.) 6-I've paid 3 prices for Martini tastings: $5. $7.95 and $10. You get 5 tastings. 7-Go to cruiseclues.com. They have pictures of all the menus including Cova Cafe. 8-You can get SASHIMI!!! Whoopie!! On our first cruise with Celeb. we discovered the sushi bar. It was a small assortment of sushi and rolls set up buffet style. The sushi chef noticed I picked all the fish off of my rice so he asked if I would like a sashimi platter. Of course I did so he specially made one fresh for me. It was huge portions of tuna and salmon. Yumm..easily $75. at the neighborhood sushi bar. So fantatastic. Of course he was well tipped. 9 -In the very back of the ship, there is also another place you can get sandwiches and some theme/ethnic foods, like Indian & Mexican. In the AM, that's where they make the waffles!!!!!!!! YUM! Lots of people were raving about the belgium waffles. The waffle and sandwiches are in the rear of the buffet restaurant. 10 - Here is an interesting thread on Celebrity Menus: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=4762127&highlight=menus#post47621 27 Post #7 on the thread indicates that there are only 14 dinner menu's for all of Celebrity, and that it is up to the ship's staff to pick from them for a given itinerary. There are also some links to another site with some Celebrity menu's. I believe it was to here: http://cruiseclues.com/menus.htm Menus from the main dining room of the Infinity - has 6 dining room menus plus the SS United States Menu! Everything looks delicious! http://www.thepreismans.com/Infinity%20menus.htm SPA STUFF 1 - a daily pass ($20) to the Persian Gardens if you want to try it out before spending $100 for the entire cruise We haven't cruised in the past year, but on our last cruise the charges were $15 per day or three days for $45 or a week for $99. The Rasul was very reasonable, I believe it was $75 for the two of us. 2. Do Spa services have the gratuity built in? They have an automatic 15% added in. If you want, you can add more. 3. The Rasul treatment is an extra charge that includes use of the Persian Gardens after your treatment. It is a fun couple thing. We have done it a few times. 4 - Embark early and head for the spa. Volunteer to be a spa model for the tours that are offered the first day. Our last 3 cruises, my husband has had a free hair treatment (frangipani massage or something of the sort) and 2 different massages). You have to be willing to be 'on display' (that is the reason I have never done it), but if you don't mind that it is a great way to start the cruise. (More than one person has mentioned this) Many folks do this, as it is nice to get free messages, etc. But you have to be early (by noon I would say to get them). 5 -Speaking of the spa, on our last cruise (Mercury 10-day Mexican Riviera), all spa services were 1/2 price on the last day. It was a nice way to relax after the stress of packing to leave (WAHHH!!) 6- Re the T-pools. This is kind of confusing because the answer depends on the class of the ship. On the C class ships (Mercury and Century), the T-pool is a smallish therapy pool inside the spa. Very strong jets, strong massage, etc. There is a charge for use of the pool unless you are in a suite. On the M class ships (Infinity, Millie, Connie and Summit), the T-pool is outside the spa in large covered pool area. It is the size of a swimming pool and the massage action is not as strong. There is no charge for the use of this pool. Hope it helps. SS UNITED STATES 1- I hestitate to let others in on this one. The specialty restaurants on the M class ships are truly a fine dining experience. When you go for the third time they offer to make you a special meal. The Maitre d' prepares the whole dish at your table -- it's like having a personal chef!! Book early, though because they fill up. 2 -Class ships have a specialty restaurant you can reserve for an extra fee. No children (12 and under) allowed. Enforced. Happy cruising to all! Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkjretired Posted August 20, 2007 #3 Share Posted August 20, 2007 Dress for dinner is more formal and is for the evening on most areas of the ship and they do not have a buffet for dinner. Many people coming from other lines expect this and are disappointed when they find out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GORDONCHICK Posted August 20, 2007 #4 Share Posted August 20, 2007 -no hoopla in the dining room except for the Baked Alaska parade. -minimal announcements -outstanding service and food -traditional dining -lots of little touches that add up over the course of a voyage (truffles instead of chocolates on pillows, cold, moist cloths when coming back from a hot & humid port (same for iced tea and ice water waiting for you before reboarding), escorted to cabin instead of pointed in the general direction, etc. And we've only sailed in inside cabins, so no suite or cc preferential treatment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan-M Posted August 20, 2007 #5 Share Posted August 20, 2007 Hi Barb, A good way to find out if the' fit' is right is to read reviews (in the CC review section) for the Celebrity ship(s) that you are thinking of going on. We pick our cruises based on itinerary first, cruise ship second ... and just happen to have had the good fortune to choose Celebrity on 4 of our 6 cruises. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micmacmissy Posted August 20, 2007 #6 Share Posted August 20, 2007 Here's why we choose Celebrity, time and again: Every time we plan a vacation, I do OBSESSIVE research. On everything. So I have read just about every cruise review book, article, and website. Celebrity is the only line I've found that doesn't have some serious flaws and nearly always gets rave reviews. Our first Celebrity cruise was fantastic (we're picky travelers), but when researching the next cruise, I still looked at every line and again, came up with Celebrity. Celebrity consistently comes out on top (unless you factor in luxury lines like Crystal, etc) which are above our price range AND our age range. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longboysfan Posted August 20, 2007 #7 Share Posted August 20, 2007 Dress for dinner is more formal and is for the evening on most areas of the ship and they do not have a buffet for dinner. Many people coming from other lines expect this and are disappointed when they find out. Per se... They do have informal dining every night - just call ahead to reserve. You pick out your extras at the buffet area and there is a limited main course selection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddonalds Posted August 20, 2007 #8 Share Posted August 20, 2007 I've sailed Crystal (perfection), Princess (disappointment) and now Celebrity - which was excellent, and I would definitely sail with them again. In addition to all the above mentioned good points - I just thought their service was exceptional. Our room attendant was as good, if not potentially better, than our room attendant on Crystal - who was perfect. We had a balcony (had the same on all three cruise lines) and a Concierge package - which meant there were lots of little extras. The one that was great was the "pillow selection" - which we used and slept SO well..... Also, we had fresh fruit and flowers every day (which I loved). I also like their itineraries (I'm like a previous poster - I go for itinerary first - then try to figure out the cruise line).... While Celebrity is a mass population cruise line, you didn't feel that as much as we did when we were on Princess (Panama Canal cruise)... If you're a "I want to wear jeans or shorts all the time" - Celebrity would not be a good choice for you.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkjretired Posted August 20, 2007 #9 Share Posted August 20, 2007 Per se... They do have informal dining every night - just call ahead to reserve.You pick out your extras at the buffet area and there is a limited main course selection. Point I was trying to make is that many people come from other lines, one being Princess which the OP has sailed and expect 24 hr. buffet or a buffet for dinner. Having a casual dinner in the buffet area is not the same as a buffet dinner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeepWaterMariner Posted August 21, 2007 #10 Share Posted August 21, 2007 The best reason for trying Celebrity is for the change of pace. If you cruise enough every cruise line gets old so maybe it's time for a change. I can only handle the dress code and Celebrity menu for one cruise a year. Then it's on to Princess, RCI, etc. When you get tired of Celebrity you can try HAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rucruizin Posted August 21, 2007 #11 Share Posted August 21, 2007 Thanks for the answers you have provided me, without me having to ask. I too have found Princess to be a disappointment. RCCL NEVER AGAIN! Carnival has been fun, but I'm outgrowing it...for sure. It's great for a, "we really can't afford another cruise this year honey" getaway. I did enjoy our HAL cruise, but found the ship overall to be quite boring. Oh, well I got plenty of sleep, and returned home well rested. It was a nice change of pace, but I had hoped for at least a little modern music to dance to. It was geared to a much older crowd. The staterooms, and beds...oh, turn me into a Kraft marshmallow, and toast me gently.....aaaaahhhhh! I found the food, and service on on Princess, as well as the food on HAL to be not quite as good as what I have experienced on Carnival!:eek: Scandalous! I know! But...put me on any ship, anytime, and take me anywhere, and I will be happy.:D I am really looking forward to the Celebrity experience. We are quite diverse, and could be happy with the jeans, and t-shirt crowd. However, I own more formals, and little black dresses than most of the celebrities....little play on words;) The darling husband owns his own tux, and looks mighty handsome in his dress clothes. We can sip champagne, or fine wine in our evening attire. Or drink a frosty cold one while we wipe the sand, and sweat off after a paddleball game. We fit in most anywhere, with most anyone. BTW...the picture of the little baby girl...my darling girl...now 18, and leaving the nest. I'm remeniscing, and wishing she could be that prescious age for just one more day:( And...I'm turning 40 on Friday. Wow! I think I deserve a breakdown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbyleduck Posted August 21, 2007 #12 Share Posted August 21, 2007 Thanks for the answers you have provided me, without me having to ask. I too have found Princess to be a disappointment. RCCL NEVER AGAIN! Carnival has been fun, but I'm outgrowing it...for sure. It's great for a, "we really can't afford another cruise this year honey" getaway. I did enjoy our HAL cruise, but found the ship overall to be quite boring. Oh, well I got plenty of sleep, and returned home well rested. It was a nice change of pace, but I had hoped for at least a little modern music to dance to. It was geared to a much older crowd. The staterooms, and beds...oh, turn me into a Kraft marshmallow, and toast me gently.....aaaaahhhhh! I found the food, and service on on Princess, as well as the food on HAL to be not quite as good as what I have experienced on Carnival!:eek: Scandalous! I know! But...put me on any ship, anytime, and take me anywhere, and I will be happy.:D I am really looking forward to the Celebrity experience. We are quite diverse, and could be happy with the jeans, and t-shirt crowd. However, I own more formals, and little black dresses than most of the celebrities....little play on words;) The darling husband owns his own tux, and looks mighty handsome in his dress clothes. We can sip champagne, or fine wine in our evening attire. Or drink a frosty cold one while we wipe the sand, and sweat off after a paddleball game. We fit in most anywhere, with most anyone. BTW...the picture of the little baby girl...my darling girl...now 18, and leaving the nest. I'm remeniscing, and wishing she could be that prescious age for just one more day:( And...I'm turning 40 on Friday. Wow! I think I deserve a breakdown. 40! Why, you're just a baby yourself. I think you're ready for Celebrity, and I think you'll find that Celebrity is more than ready for you. If you enjoy cruising, then you'll enjoy Celebrity. Happy cruising to all! Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontius Navigator Posted August 21, 2007 #13 Share Posted August 21, 2007 Bobbyleduck, 3-Yes, there is an area up front above deck 11 for topless sunbathing. It is clearly marked with no photography rule. Hmmm... Can't find your original thread. On Constellation Deck 12 forward is labelled Topless Sunbathing once you are at the top of the stairs. However on no occasion was there any topless bathing. There was no photography ban either. Deck 12 was the only place where you could look forward apart from the End of the World (:D ) lounge on deck 11 or the gym on deck 10. The weather was ideal for sunbathing virtually every day, all day and deck 12 gave a much better windbreak than deck 11 above the pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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