cruisellama

I've tried different days and our experience is day 1 tends to be the least crowded and formal nights tend to be the more heavily trafficked.  Foods the same.

On 3/5/2024 at 10:34 AM, judgen said:

Doing my first celeb cruise on May 26 out of NJ. Trying to find info like the RC blog but haven't had much luck. Anything out there?

There are many Celebrity cruisers on this site.  You've found the right tab to ask a question.  There isn't a Celebrity roll call area like Royal roll calls  so if you're looking to join or follow a roll call there's FB, Cruise Critic, or Shipmate.   However, there's a good chance you can get informed answers to Celebrity questions here.

Matt has a nice video blog on Youtube regarding Genie service.

Seems some service issue became more prevent with the on-boarding of the new  leadership.  But not to rule out ability to recruit and retain  personnel.   May not be able to recruit from certain eastern European countries.

On 2/2/2024 at 2:29 PM, cruisellama said:

edocs available today....

Galveston to Perfect Day!!! Anyone else going/interested?

edocs available today....

On 1/26/2024 at 1:56 PM, CNA Jacksonville said:

We recently completed a five day Mexico cruise on Mariner of the Seas.  When we booked we specified we wanted Early Dining (5:30pm) and that was reflected in the Cruise Booklet we received.  Once on board our Sail Passes said My Time Dining.  We stopped at the MDR reception deck and asked why the change.  The attendant could not offer a good explanation, instead saying that the "system" might not be updated yet.  We politely pressed the question as to who made those changes without our consent.  Again, no good answer except that we could come back later.  He continued to keystroke when we asked to speak to someone who could provide an answer.  After a minute he asked if we would be okay with Early Dining seated with other passengers.  We said that was totally acceptable.  He wrote out a Main Dining Room reservation card and said that it would be reflected on our Sail passes.  We stopped by Guest Services and lo and behold we had our MDR Early Dining specified.

Has this happened to anyone else?  Does anyone know why these sort of dining arrangement changes are done without your approval or input?

Happened to my son on Allure.

18 hours ago, StuckInOhio said:

Hello more experience travelers. Our family of four (2 adult sized teenagers) will fly to Seattle for an Alaska cruise. Checked bags are $30 each way. We'll have 2 backpacks (counts as personal items for flying) for excursions. Should we take four carry-ons and two checked bags to save $120 (2 bags * $30 * 2 flights) for a total of six bags? Or should we just take use four checked bags and have less luggage to deal with? Is carry-on luggage treated any differently at embarkation? BTW, it's possible I'm my luggage math is off, I'm not yet sure how much we'll need to pack. I'd just like to hear some opinions on carry-on luggage with a trip like this I guess. Thanks!

Not sure what airline you're using, but some offer 1 or 2 free bags if you sign up for their credit card..  Some cards are free others have a small fee.   Just so the math to see if it makes sense.  Alaska is tougher to pack because of the swings in weather.    Pack clothing you can layer.    You can save volume by getting light weight (roll able) rain slickers that you can wear other clothing underneath.  

1 hour ago, SPS said:

FYI: I sent a DM to Royal Caribbean's Twitter/X account to ask about the availability (or rather, the lack) of the "Safety" icon and the Muster Station Map on the app. The reply stated that these features become available once on board.

(Perhaps these features are only available on the ship's wi-fi?)

They updated the app and you can see a few new options like "for you", "cruises" , "videos" - but the safety icon is not there (-yet).   It will show up closer to your cruise.

No change.  Same menu on-line from when we sailed last year.

I believe you're correct, but the savings have withered in recent times.   As you paid gratuities, it still simplifies when your "checkout" when dinner ends.  All paid and you don't necessarily get the puppy eyes for additional (and a little quicker).

10 hours ago, cruisellama said:

Checked in.

Checked in..

Checked in.

Crickets.....

Anyone else sailing this one?    I'm hearing an echo, echo, echo, echo................

10 hours ago, CHart said:

These are just some random thoughts on the loyalty program. Do you ever feel Royal will move to more of a revenue-based system from points (nights) status today? Most if not all other reward programs I know of have moved to that including all the airlines. But then again, the reward program on the airlines is more of a bank and almost a larger business than flying people. I am not sure how it would work or if you would get multipliers depending on your status and then X amount of points after each sailing that would move you to the next level. It would be interesting if you could earn points that could be redeemed for cash value onboard or free cruises. Almost like the casino program $5/10 spent equals 1 point and you could redeem 1000 points for $100 onboard credit or 2500 points is a free drink package for a cruise up to 10 nights etc. Not saying that has to be the exact value but it would be an interesting thing to start trying to get people to spend more money onboard/generate revenue. 

What are everyone else's thoughts on the CROWN & ANCHOR® SOCIETY? Do you think there will be revenue-based changes? 

Similar to how the credit card incentive works for OBC.   I thought that might work to boost on-board revenue, as you mentioned, maybe you get 1 point for every $1000 spend on-board.   It could be attractive for those on the cusp of a new loyalty tier.    Celebrity awards loyalty points for participating in "Power-up" activities.   Taking quizzes on cruise line related marketing activities, participating in webinars, or booking certain cruises can allow you to pick up 1-10 points depending on the activity.  It was spawned during COVID to keep people engaged.   It's been scaled back, but they're still offering power up point opportunities.   I mentioned revenue point boosts for on-board sales (as you suggest for RCL) to Celebrities Captains Club VP, and she didn't say it was a bad idea and worth looking at.  But that's Celebrity and they run a different type of program.  I don't think that's in RCLs DNA, but seems like it could influence spending behavior if C&A points can be had.

Reflection  ABC - Nov 24

6 hours ago, RCIfan1912 said:

Yeah this has this new CEO written all over it. Hey we can replace Ben and Jerry's ice cream with super duper cheap ice cream and have the price go up. I can literally hear him saying that. 

So the Ben and Jerry suite goes away also? Would have to replace the cow with something,  maybe a polar bear?

On 12/4/2023 at 6:43 PM, Zambia-Zaire said:

Royal in danger of price cannibalizing itself.

Must be doing a Disney price match

9 hours ago, SpicyCherry said:

So when we were on Edge last December, in a Sky Suite, we had a Butler and a stateroom attendant. The SA took care of our room and the Butler handled everything else, from room service orders to reservation reminders to any issues that came up to making sure our favorite nightcap was waiting for us each evening. So are Butlers now called Retreat Hosts and do you still have a Stateroom Attendant as well?

On Edge class (pre policy change), we had a butler and a stateroom attendant (now the Retreat host per his card).  Under new operation, the butler is reserved for upper suites and the stateroom attendant (Retreat host) takes on duties that the butler would take on.  So if you want reservation - your attendant (Retreat host) can address (inexperienced attendants may not be comfortable with those tasks yet).   However, you can always go to the Retreat and have the concierge team address reservations and special requests.   On solstice class last month, we only saw the attendant - Retreat host.  The butler left a card in the cabin but stopped by the entire cruise.  The attendant (Retreat host)  took care of housekeeping as well as address any special needs like reservations.   We didn't notice an assistant attendant so he really worked - but still very attentive.  We felt no need to provide additional tips to any of the Michael's club (Solstice class) concierge - just didn't interact.  We have one more Solstice class trip booked.  If you want the "legacy" service experience, you have to book a Celebrity suite or above on any of the classes; however, the Edge class ships seem to have more robust Retreat staffs than the other class ships.  I'm sure what I'm describing may be a little different on various ships.  Sailed Apex (pre policy change) this year, Beyond (post change), and Eclipse (post change).  Reduced service was definitely noticeable on Eclipse.

30 minutes ago, barbeyg said:

We returned last week from Celebrity Beyond.  We were in a Sky Suite, and had a great time.  The 'Retreat Hosts' are really room stewards who work their butts off.  We have no complaints about the service, but aren't high maintenance.  We asked for additional hangers and the ice bucket to remain full, and Domnick took great care of that.  He was grateful that we are up and out early, so he could begin with our cabin each morning.    The ship is beautiful, the staff very friendly, the Retreat lounge was really enjoyable.  We would sail the Beyond again in a heartbeat.  A very nice touch was that Captain Leo, cruise director Alexandro, and some of the officers were dockside to say goodbye to us as we left the ship.  So many times, once the cruise is finished, the staff is in a hurry to push you out the door because they have so much to do to prepare for the next one.  That goodbye made for a very nice finish to a great cruise.

We sailed just before the change from butler to retreat hosts.  We observed service on the Edge class Sky Suites  is better than last month's Solstice class Sky Suite with "host".    Retreat on Beyond (and other Edge) "up" the experience on the ship.