SMOKEY0202

 For the inquiring minds...

I ventured over to Next Cruise this evening.  2025 Europe itineraries are better with Celebrity and rate ended up cheaper in the end especially with OBC added and $100 deposit on a long sailing 

 

Maybe that beef is still on Europe standards

Each night in main dining room, there has been chef special meal created not on the menu

 

 

It can vary anytime that week.  Usually email comes day before to be on lookout following day with hints of what's to come with itineraries and ships.

Also be on lookout for Webx invites from Celebrity.   Usually gives good insight on upcoming itinerary release and all plus get power points.

They just had Webx on changes of bringing back classics on menu and chocolate dessert nightly with some of tid bit news. 

Don't forget rooms also provide beach bag, umbrella and night before port beach towels will be left in cabin

 

Currently on Celebrity in Europe, there has been no issue finding chair either in solarium or pool deck

Made my way over to Sunset bar this morning and buffet didn't seem like a mob scene at all.

Casino is smoke free which is a major plus in my book.  Cruise director loaded $5 plus status amount to everyone sea pass card.  Lucky mine turned into $200  last night.

That is true , won't see tipping like on Royal.  I did venture up to buffet in the name of research.  Quite a bit of options and it's doesn't look like cafeteria food.

Made to order pasta station, carving station, Asian grill, casear salad station made to order, gluten free area(variety), chef daily special, Curry station,Gelato area, pizza station and normal items with plenty of fruits, breads, cheeses, meats and sweets.  Everything is presented well and map on wall details location of items.  They do offer late night menu as well.  You won't find hamburgers or hot dogs.  Those are at pool grill daily til 6pm.

Down at coffee shop there is a counter filled with pastries that changes daily.  Cookies of course then across is another Gelato counter.

You will not starve.

Very accommodating and crew will ask if everything is fine or if something else needs to be made.

 

 

You never have to lug the bags. 

It's a whole different elegant ambience.

Even on this itinerary, blankets are laid out on chairs at night and hot chocolate is being served

 

There is Silent Disco, karaoke, and lounge will have late night activities.  Tonight headed to Abba night.

Gotta luv Martini Bar and Sunset bar 

Maybe a Celebrity group cruise will be coming

I did Equinox and enjoyed.  Sailing Europe on Celebrity now and enjoying it.  Spa is great as well

Are we saying this cruise is spoiling you....

Once you sail Celebrity, it's hard to go back because it's definitely heaven

Have you hit casino yet?

Has mother made it over to Next Cruise to book another Celebrity Cruise yet?

Where are pictures of Matt's room?

Way to do you think of Retreat area?

 

For me i can't imagine leaving my money as inheritance when it could be logically or selfishly spent on more cruises for ME.....

Maybe i could leave a small inheritance with stipulations on cruising and say forget planting a tree at a park, instead buy me a bench on each ship in Central Park, table in Coastal kitchen or a bar stool in Schooner bar with name engraved in memory of......whose fondest memories were sailing the seas til the end.

I cruise at least 4 a year then add land escapes and those quick getaways so for me, a travel agent who is knowledgeable and reliable is a must.  I have used big firms before but at times felt just another file folder in their cabinet and didn't listen to my budget or needs.

My agent is like Dr on call.  I refer to her as Dr travel 24 7.  No matter time she always checks on her clients to make sure arrives with text and thru out vacation.  Also like openness to say nope you won't like that option or it's expensive right now.  I hate when people are pushy or pressure to say this is only option.

 

 

Travel agent all time.  Way see i am way too busy in my life to do and keep track of booking with price drops etc.  Obviously travel agents are the expects and not me.  A good travel agent listens to what your style and budget involves and handles situation small or big.  Why put more unnecessary stress on my plate.

Just had major situation 3 weeks ago in Puerto Plata with ceiling crashing from pipe burst.  Travel agent handled it top notch and even was compensated more than expected by property and then helped file travel insurance claim. 

 

Each port operates differently on boarding process.  Currently in Barcelona for my cruise.  Check in was 1130 but boarded ship 10am.  Actually was 1st passenger to board and was at munster station in a flash and had by 1015am.

Barcelona doesn't even go by check in times and everyone got a number to board after documents verified.

Now i am plopped in solarium with my view of the ocean relaxing for the many days ahead

Wish all of you could be here enjoying the ship as i am

 

 

 

Things we do to snag those early check in times.....it's all worth it to be tired next day.

 

Celebrity 2025 Europe itineraries are much better and offer more distinctive itinerary options.   Prices weren't that bad either.  Have some great holiday sailings in November and December.

Royal was disappointing to say and no long sailings.

I booked this Celebrity Cruise on board Explorer of Seas at Next Cruise desk.  I got Resident Rate, All included and OBC and then when my agent got fax of booking , it was moved into a group rate space that added more OBC.

Sometimes even though both Royal and Celebrity are sisters, when booking a Celebrity with Royal Next Cruise sometimes their rates are a tad off to what is showing on Celebrity website and i make Next Cruise Manager call over to Miami directly to get that price honored and still get perks of booking at Next Cruise......

I have sailed quite a few times with Celebrity.  Had itinerary desired and price was really good with All included and OBC.

This sailing doing i booked at Next Cruise while on Explorer of Seas and then transfer to travel agent where it fell into group space so more OBC and then price dropped along the way . 

For airfare booked package thru Delta Vacations to do air and hotel and was able to use Delta Miles and it was much cheaper than doing separately or AirtoSea.

Even now with Delta Sky Miles changing, many airlines are status matching so that's a plus to explore and see what's out there.

All can say you need a good travel agent and have a set budget that works for you and not what agent says.  Deals can be found maybe not as good or many like pre Covid but you just need to set tone for new reality of pricing.  You just have to be open minded these days.  For me if it means open doors for other options that can offer sailings and quality of elegant experience i desire then i venture over and try it.  

 

 

 

 

 

It's been a damper day in sorrow seeing these rates even for the oldest ship in the fleet and then to add all the changes and cutbacks to add to the mix.

Dry dock syndrome might be in the cards with Royal.  Might need to venture horizon over to Princess or river cruises.  Waiting on Celebrity to release Europe because Royal itineraries for Europe were lack luster with no Iceland or Ireland.  Seems they were just basic cut and dry and no long sailing options.  

Very disappointed and then with airfare rates so crazy 

Currently in Barcelona having sangria to cry my sorrows over Royal itineraries releases.

Sad to say doing BTB 10 night Celebrity All included with OBC sailing this weekend and that rate wouldn't even cover Royal for a Caribbean sailing for 2025 for a measley 7 night 

 

My oh my these Caribbean rates are brutal to my cruise fund account......

Santa just may not grant his usual number of cruises in my stocking with these HIGH rates.....

 

Well might have to see what Celebrity releases for Europe

Wanted to do Iceland and Ireland itinerary and Arctic Circle and see no options with Royal

Little disappointed with options then if airfare continues to increase, crossing pond for cruise will absorb entire cruise budget for the year

 

 

Getting prepared for the high rates once Europe itineraries are released since Alaska release was definitely high

Brilliance outta Amsterdam would be better than another season of Jewel.

Looking for another Iceland or Ireland itinerary 

I have sailed Celebrity numerous times and will be on her again for Thanksgiving.....

You won't find many kids on Celebrity.  Activities are plentiful with a more upscale feel.  Nightlife, casino and bars are enjoyable.  It's a different vibe with a more pampering elegant experience.

I have found food to be better and perks with status match have been great.  Imagine going to the pool, towels laid out without having to check towels out.  In port, you get a bag, towel, umbrella to use night before.  

Lately Celebrity has had some great rates and with all included it's been cheaper than Royal.  With status match, perks are actually things people will use like laundry, priority off ship access etc.