Celebration news

[kruzseeka]

Hi, just returned from a great trip on the Celebration to the Baltics. I've done a separate posting on the itinerary for those interested, but thought I'd pass on what I could about the Celebration for all her fans.

 

First and foremost - it's as great as ever: wonderful atmosphere, friendly and welcoming. :) So many of them remember you from previous visits, the crew feel like friends! We hadn't sailed with Capt Leech before but what a perfect match he is for this ship! His warmth, personable approach and obvious care and concern for people - especially his crew, is so perfect for the predominantly Filipino crew. It was clear he knows them well and has a very hands-on approach. This fantastic crew deserve a Captain with his qualities. It makes for such a happy ship. Long may the partnership last!

 

Everything was spot on; the food, entertainment, service was excellent. The Buffet Magnifique was the best we'd ever seen. One area we think has improved greatly is the reception desk. In our early trips on Celebration (2005) there was a 'detached' feel to the reception - not very welcoming at all. We thought it was a weak link. However it has now become very friendly, staff greet you as you walk by even if you aren't going to reception and they are very helpful, smily and warm now. Perhaps the change to a Filipino as Senior Receptionist has made the difference but whatever the reason, it shows. We think the ethos at Reception is now consistent with the rest of the ship.

 

We thought the destination services did a good job too, getting good advice and an informative answer to all our questions. We had a problem with one of our trips (not their fault) but they quickly responded with a % price refund which was appreciated - and good customer relations too!

 

As most of you already know, Celebration is going into Falmouth for a re-fit at the end of October. Apparently last time she went in the budget was spent on the engine/mechanical work (bow-thrusters were mentioned amongst other things). But this time it is the public/passenger areas which are going to be targeted for improvement. They've already started re-upholstering the chairs in Hemingways (very striking too) but they are bringing in outside contractors too to get the work done in the time frame before she's off to the Canaries. Good excuse to book another trip to see what they've done!

 

We tried asking about the rumours re the Island Escape going into the Thomson fleet. Crew knew of this although everyone seemed to think it wasn't yet definite and negotiations were still going on. When we gently quizzed an officer, we made the point that we hoped Thomson wouldn't lose sight of the things which I think most of us value i.e. the atmosphere, service, entertainment etc. which I believe is different from the large American ships. The response was that they are looking - but they want to retain what they feel are their strengths (e.g. style of entertainment) and even commented that some ships they'd looked at had been rejected because they couldn't accommodate Thomson's way of doing things. (Re-assuring, I hope!) We asked specifically about the rumours re the Island Escape and didn't get any confirmation (surprise, surprise) but were told that as Thomson have taken over/merged with First Choice and Island Escape is a First Choice ship there is a link there. However, we were lead to believe if the ship couldn't deliver for Thomson, then it wouldn't necessarily be the one they would acquire. Sooooo.........we still don't know - or do we? Has anyone got any new info?

 

I've responded to a couple of queries on other threads but a summary of other things which may be of interest:

- bar prices have gone up a bit - but still reasonable we thought, wine in the restaurant was very fairly priced compared with restaurants/hotels ashore

- shops well stocked - best of the Thomson ships we've travelled on, duty free spirits very good prices - much better than airport duty-frees

- C.D. is Lee Oliver, showteam did 7 shows in 12 nights (fewer than we've been used to - new policy?) with guest acts 4 nights and no show on the over-night in St. P. - as most people were off the ship. We though the entertainment was good though.

- Celebration is definitely non-smoking inside - and I must say it has made a big difference to the Casino/Hemingways and Liberties. Smoking is allowed on deck and at the tables on the outside area of the Lido Restaurant. I didn't hear any comments about this thorny issue on board though.

 

And finally, I'm so sorry to tell you, Sooty Sue, that Janus and Jozef were not on board. They had been until three weeks earlier. It was Josef (violinist) and Geza (pianist) playing in Explorers - they were good but not as good as J & J. On a slightly more hopeful note, my DH thinks we have a CD of theirs which might have a picture of them. Might take us a while to find/scan etc., so don't hold your breath but we'll see if his memory serves him well and check it out for you.

[kernow]

Thanks for your update on the Celebration, it sounds like you had a great trip.

We are going on the New Year cruise, our first time on Thomson so its always good to get more info.

I had no idea that the ship was having a dry dock in Falmouth, its not far from us so maybe we'll go over and see it.

 

Julie

[happidaze]

:) WOW!

 

Thanks for the informative post - I am so excited to be going on her again for Christmas!

Even better is that she will be refurbished in time!

[SOOTY SUE]

Hi Kruzseeka

 

Oh no - don't say I missed out on buying a CD as well!! I would love your DH to try and find your one - I think I will have to give up on my mission if not :( (can't say I didn't try). Somebody on another thread said J & J were going back on the ship in a couple of months, but I don't know if I'll be able to go on another cruise (sob!). Heartbroken.....

 

Anyway I'm glad you had a fab holiday - are you going on another one next year?

[kruzseeka]

Hi sooty sue, We won't forget to try and follow this up for you - but it may take a while (bit busy at the moment). Not got another cruise booked for next year yet - but all being well we are hoping to be on the Celebration at some point next season. I know Janus and Jozef like working on Thomson (they weren't impressed with another line they had worked for) but have other commitments/contracts which means they move around a lot. Last year when we saw them, Janus was going home to Budapest at the beginning of the year to fulfil a contract with (I think) the National Hungarian Orchestra but said he hoped to be back, preferably on Celebration, in the early summer - which in fact he was, since you saw him there! He said it depended a bit on his agent what was sorted out but I think from what we understood, he would continue to work on Thomson ships if he could, and of those Celebration was his favourite - so you never know when your paths may cross again!

[davecttr]

Just got back from 'Myths of the fjords' and Lee Oliver plus Captain Leech made an entertaining double act at Captains question time, providing some useful information on Thomson and Celebration.

If you are a first time cruiser like me the history of the ship was fascinating, no mega block of flats here but a ship with character!. I will repeat the info just in case there is someone out there who does not know. She started life in the early 80's as one of 2 container ship hulls snapped up at bargain prices by Holland Amerca Lines. As built this had 1 engine, 1 propeller and 1 rudder. To comply with passenger regulations 2 engines etc were fitted and this caused a problem which has led to the Celebration and Spirit having their remarkable 'shimmies'. After fitting the engines there was not a enough room to fit a suite of electric generators so one large one was shoehorned into the available space. As this is a low revving engine it is this that causes the wobble, not the actual engines. Captian Leech told us she does have generators fitted to the prop shafts but using these lowers the speed too much for efficient cruising, so Celebration/Spirit cruisers will have to learn to love the shimmy.

 

During the Falmouth dry-dock the ship is undergoing a 25 year compulsory 'MOT' as well a re-furbishment. The MOT will involve ultrasound scanning etc of her most private parts. Passing the exam gives her another 5 years until the next exam. At the same time there is soft fitting refurbishment as Kruzseeka wrote and a lot of the crew will be staying on to help with a mega deep clean ready for the winter season.

[tinnyboy_1]

Hi Kruzseeka. davetheroad and everyone.

Also just got back from Myths and thoroughly enjoyed it. The weather was unusually warm and dry, which did detract from the waterfalls as there was hardly any water and the seven sisters were reduced to 1 sister and a trickle.

 

The ship as ever is a dream and the crew the best (we have sailed on emerald. spirit and destiny).

 

Hoping to pick up a 'cheapy' over to the canaries when she transits November time.

 

Tinnyboy_1

 

PS Nice bit of info there Dave. May have met you on board, usually spend most of my time in Horizons looking out the window.

 

Steve

[davecttr]

Horizons was my favourite bar as well!. I was in there every evening at least once propping up the bar on a bar stool and unable to make my mind up between Boddingtons or Tequila Sunrises. The Black Sea Band sounded and looked a bit jaded which is hardly surprising after a 6 months stint and they were pining for the polders. The Canaries on Celebration is booked for March, problem is it is 6 months away :(

 

I had a single cabin 720 on B deck and was surprised at the size. It was 13' 2" x 10' 2" with a double bed, 9 large and 3 small deep drawers, a double wardrobe with storage above plus additional space under the bed. Plus a stool and padded chair with arms, 2 mirrors, a lcd TV. The bathroom was small and everything worked although the tiling etc was looking its age. This was one of the areas to be worked on during the refit so it might be sparkling new next March. The steward told me all outside single cabins had double beds which has saved me from the expense of requesting the same cabin number again. I must say the cabin was fairly noisy being near the engines and it took me 3 days to get used to, after which I was getting my normal 6 hours of continuous sleep before the first awakening.

[davecttr]

Another thing I liked about the Celebration was the full wrap around teak promenade deck, 5 times round equals 1 mile and I did at least one session a day. When exhaustion set in you could just collapse into the nearest chair and stare at the sea, even so I managed to miss the Whale and the Porpoises. There was plenty of deck space for lounging especially on the higher decks which were not even shown on the deck plans. allegedly up there you can sunbathe topless :eek:

[happidaze]

That is worth knowing - 5 laps = 1 Mile!

 

We loved then stroll around there each day, very romantic :)

 

Will make sure I take the time to do my daily mile at Christmas then whilst onboard!

[kruzseeka]

Have found what you wanted and DH has scanned images. :D I just have to crack the system for getting a personal message to you with the attachment. :confused: Do you have any idea how to do this - or is there someone out there who can put us on the right track???? Thanks if you can! :)

[SOOTY SUE]

Kruzseeka

 

Oh my goodness:D I can't believe it! Thank you so much. Can I just give you my email address on this thread?

[davecttr]

Try adding each other to your buddy list, that might do the job?

[SOOTY SUE]

Thanks davetheroad, I've done that (I think!), but kruzseeka if that doesn't work, I'm happy to give you email address on the thread. Let me know what you prefer to do!

[davecttr]

OK, try clicking on UserCP below the title bar and editing your options. There is a allow vCard option which should allow others to download your email address.

[SOOTY SUE]

Thankyou, I've done it, so I'll wait and see what happens!:D

[kruzseeka]

Hi, think I've done it too - thanks for the help Dave :) I'll try the email now Sooty Sue - so stand by!!!!!;)

[SOOTY SUE]

Hi Kruzseeka

 

I don't think it worked - I haven't got anything this morning :( . Can we do it another way?

[SOOTY SUE]

Oops sorry it has worked - too quick for my own good there!! Kruzseeka you are a star thank you very much for all your help.

[e-milosz]

The Black Sea Band sounded and looked a bit jaded

You would look jaded as well if you were highly talented musician that needs to play in a bar on the very top deck (rocking and hard to find where not many people come) playing for sometimes 5 drinking and talking people.

 

The two Ukrainian and one Georgian (percussionist) musicians represent top quality performance (especially Jazz improvisations). I spoke to the Georgian drummer for a second and he played 10 concerts with Polish 80's no.1 star.

 

It is very sad that extremely talented people from poorer countries have no such possibilities as in US or West Europe and they are not even given better opportunities to play on main stage on the ship, just because they don't represent 'keep smiling culture' and play higher level music.

 

If I only could I would go on the Thomson Celebration once again now to here them again and spend more time in Horizons (I found it on the ship in half way time of the cruise).

 

Hope they will end up soon in at least good UK jazz club where people comming not only to get drunk.

[jessthepest]

Just reading this back to read the comments about the Celebration in September/October which I imagined would be the same as now and was suprised there are a few changes already, as Captain Leech isn't the captain, there is no Black Sea Band and the show team is a new team (the girl we spoke to in the launderette had got onboard for the first time in Falmouth and had never been away from home before - and I don't think she was the only one).

[davecttr]

Captain Leech is only 'not the Captain' for 6 months, unless he has left the company!. Apparently the Celebration has 2 Captains each on a 6 month contract so according to Captain Leech he gets 6 months holiday a year during which he does not get paid!. He likes this because his filing involves stuffing papers in any drawer. When he returns from leave the other Captain has neatly rearranged everything.

 

It is not surprising that the entertainment team has changed as it must be incredibly hard work and the body count of the summer season was as bad as that TV series 'Carnage in the West Country' (Midsomer Murders) :D

[marylizcat]

Apparently, Captain Leech does 3 months on and 3 months off. That is how his '6 month contract' works out.