AGSLC5

7 hours ago, 1st Mate said:

I'd like to know what is more "upscale".  

Enquiring minds want to know!

I didn't use the words upscale lol. What I like about celebrity is the following: The food in the MDR is much better than Royal's food in the MDR. I like that they have a sommelier come over and make wine suggestions for you and then take your order. I like the design of the ships and the artwork. I like that there are much less children around and the children that are on the ships are much more well behaved in my opinion than on Royal. They dont run around pressing elevator buttons and being loud and annoying. Not saying all children on Royal are like that but I find it even less on Celebrity. I like the ambience and atmosphere at the bars and I like that the Casino is Non smoking. 

2 hours ago, Ja-sun said:

I'm just wondering if everything is pretty much ran the same. I like to eat, so is the main dining just as good as RC, and is it as much as you want or limited? Also, do they have decent entertainment and shows? I'm not worries about bells and whistles. No kids this cruise.

The food on Celebrity is much much better than Royal's food in my opinion. As on Royal you can order as much food as you want on Celebrity. The entertainment is good especially on the new edge class ships but it is not as good as on Royal Oasis class ships. I prefer the atmosphere on Celebrity better, the food, the non smoking casino, the bars, and overall the whole celebrity experience. I think if you go on the new edge class ships which would be Edge, Apex, and now Beyond you would enjoy it. 

7 minutes ago, Ja-sun said:

Has anybody ever cruised on RC's sister ship, Celebrity? I heard it's just like Royal, except a smaller cruise line. More intimate and upscale. 

Yes I sailed celebrity several times and I love it. Their new Edge class ships are beautiful and fun to be on. What specific questions do you have?

2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

That will depend on your level. I am only prime so my free offers are interiors and I have paid the upgrade to balconies, don't know about RoyalUp. 

Being only Prime does not mean that you only get interior offers. I also am prime and get plenty of Balcony offers. Your offers are based on how much you play in the casino, how many hours you spend in the casino, and how much you win/lose in the casino. Plenty of Prime players get Jr suite and balcony offers because many people who only play table games find it difficult to move to signature as you earn so many less points than you do on slots. 

4 hours ago, WAYNO said:

As we entered our cabin on Odyssey, February 26th, we were surprised and pleased to already have a free cruise certificate waiting for us on our bed. 

At the end of our cruise, I had amassed a considerable number of points, and was eligible for another cruise.  When I met with the casino host to get the newer certificate, he said since they gave me a certificate at the beginning of the cruise, I was not eligible for another, or even an upgraded one.   Okay.  I guess that's their rule.

 

I thought about it, and went back a second time, meeting with both hosts, for verification of the reasoning.  They both agreed, I was not eligible for another certificate or upgrade.

 

Once home, I was planning another cruise, when I discovered on the first certificate, if I win another certificate on the cruise, it can be combined with the original offer to give me another $500 of casino play.  Well, that couldn't happen now, since they refused me the second certificate. 

 

Further, and I know I have thirty days to book a cruise using these certificates, the thirty day clock began on the first day of the cruise, so the certificate was good only 22 days after the cruise.  Had I been issued a certificate at the end of the cruise, it would not yet be expired. 

 

I  reached out to Casino Royale  hoping for the second and/or updated certificate, but have received no reply.

 

I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth.  Just a heads-up, if a person has enough points for another cruise, if they again refuse the certificate, at least hold them to 30 days from when you would have won the additional or upgraded cruise.

 

 

 

That is crazy they did not issue you a new certificate. On Wonder a few weeks ago they issued me a new one. When I got on I had one but at the end of the cruise I had many more points then what it was worth so they issued me a new one. I have no idea why one ship would do this and not the other. Very frustrating that they are so inconsistent. 

19 hours ago, dr martini said:

no solarium bistro on symphony last week and windjammer was closed for two hours at different times of the day, sometimes didn't open until 5 or 6?  was a very poor dining experience all around except for one night at 150 central park, which was outstanding.  they very clearly did not have enough staff to serve the number of passengers and very likely had many of their best and brightest on wonder to make her fully staffed and wow the media blitz, spring breakers booked on her.

I think you are 100% correct. I was on the Wonder March 18th sailing and the Windjammer was open most of the time. They also had alot of staff in the windjammer even just walking around getting drinks. It was obvious they wanted to make sure there were no hiccups with Wonder. Its too bad they made Symphony and other ships suffer because of this. 

38 minutes ago, Raj said:

I was told yesterday over the phone by Royal Caribbean customer service you only get 2 free drinks with Prime and above membership in the casino. This contradicts their website, have they had a recent change of perks?

I have been Prime for years and they have never limited the amount of drinks I get while playing.. I do make sure to tip the waiters $5 every time they bring me a drink. not sure if that makes a difference but they come around alot to check on me and I always get free drinks. 

6 hours ago, RWDW1204 said:

Certificates for what?

Talking about Casino Certificates and Codes

6 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

Yes. You have to check in for the ride or it be 2hrs later before you can book another.

That was my major issue. I had a party member who would book rides and not go, so we had to wait until his expired before we could book another. I only used Genie+ on 3 rides for a 3 day stay because of this......also because I stood in line for the popular ones that cost a la carte as well.  I just timed them before I got in line. My longest wait was an hour for Star Wars and that was because we went there first before anything. While standing in line, they closed the line as it was 2hrs after 5min. 

I would of been upset if I had someone in my party doing that lol. But luckily I just go with my boyfriend and he lets me pick the order of our rides lol. The whole way Disney does this new system annoys me. I hate that they are charging for things that for 20 years was free. I wish they would do what Universal does with their express pass that truly is a pass where you can cut the line. 

one more thing about Genie +. It is true you can only book one after you use one. This is how the old fast pass system was about 20 years ago when they had paper tickets. I am hoping they will go back to letting you pick 3 at a time in advance and then pick 1 after you use one that would be easier. 

31 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

This is actually only partially correct. There is not cutting of lines per se. You do pay the $15 pp per day to get access to stand in a shorter line. It is one ride every two hours, but the more popular rides cost a la carte. Once you check in for your lightning lane rides you can schedule another. It is a lot of phone time and weird hours scheduling rides. I went in thinking I would be cutting lines but that was definitely not the case. It was pretty much just a money grab. 

You are correct you are standing in shorter lines.. However when the standby line is lets say 80 min and the lightening lane line is 15 I would rather do the lightening lane. Plus its a known proven fact that they let all the lightening lane people in first before the standby line to keep the line moving. I have watched countless Disney YouTubers test the system. For me because I have mobility issues I cant be waiting in a 60-80 min line so I pay to go to the shorter line. 

8 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Thanks for that info, Steph.  With that information I think I’ll skip the Concierge thing.  Sounds like $$ for nothing.
 

Also appreciate the intel on using the scooter and transportation. That’s really helpful.  Thanks for confirming that staying on the monorail is a good way to go.

Happy to help. I can also recommend some good restaurants if you need. If you need any other tips feel free to ask. - Steph 

6 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Thanks, Steph !  I really appreciate the clarification on Genie+.  Still not sure whether it's worth the money but at least it does include some ways to cut some of the lines....I didn't get this from the descriptions.  As far as the Concierge thing goes, I will have to see how much they are charging for that to see if it's worth anything.  We are BIG breakfast people so I would love to have a nice place to eat b'fast.  If it is just a kind of quickie continental b'fast like they serve in the Suites Lounge....ah, no.  I want a full service, full menu sit-down b'fast.  If that's not what's included, I'm sure it will be a -no- for us.

I really appreciate your insight.  It helps a lot since I am pretty much a newbie at this point.  The last time I was at WDW was 1996 and they hadn't even opened the Animal Kingdom.

I also use a scooter and is the main reason I stay on property. So I have stayed at the contemporary and Beach Club which in my opinion is nicer than boardwalk.. If you are looking for ease of accessibility do the monorail hotels. The monorails are very easy to use with the scooter... The buses are also easy. I never have a problem getting my scooter on the bus. The bus drivers are very helpful and accommodating. The other reason I would get Genie + is using it with the scooter is much easier.. And it includes all the rides except the two big headliners at each park. At Magic Kingdom that would be 7 dwarfs mine train which I cant fit on anyway its made for very thin people lol and then space mountain.. At Hollywood studios its Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie runway railroad. Then at Epcot I believe its the new remy ride and I think frozen. Then animal kingdom I think its flight of passage and one other but all other rides are included with regular Genie +. Back to the Hotel the concierge level does not include a full sit down breakfast. Its exactly what you said a lounge where they have grab and go options. I did it once and for me it was a one and done. The price was way too much more for what you get. Let me know what other questions you may have. I am happy to help. - Steph 

13 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Very timely post.  I am in the process of booking a Disney vacay at this very moment !  Since it has been 25 years since I visited WDW (and Dan has never been.  He's a SoCal guy so he grew up at Disneyland but has never been to WDW), I don't even know where to start.

As you said, back in "the day" it was always best to stay on property b/c you parked your car and then didn't think about it again until you got ready to go home.  

I managed to miss the whole "fast pass" and dining plans and Magic Express (Whatever that was...nevermind, I think this must be a transport between the airport and resort ?  Do they no longer have this ?) so I really have nothing to compare today's offerings with.  I know that I have read NOTHING but BAD reviews of the whole Genie+ thing.  I know it's new so you have to give them a little leeway there...but it seems as if it is nothing more than an app that provides you with electronic maps and some recon and intel on which lines are longest or shortest.  If you want to skip the line you STILL have to pay for the Lightning Lanes, which is a NO WAY for us. $7- $15 Per person, per ride ?  Nope.

I am still willing to pay big $$ to stay on property though....at least, I think I am.  I like to be able to go out early in the morning, come back to the room and rest/swim, etc. during the hot part of the day and then return to the park for the evening.  That is really just WAAAYTOOO much trouble if you have to get in your car and come/go.  Once I leave for the day, I am NOT coming back.

So...what is Club Level Concierge service all about ?  @michellementioned that it includes a complimentary breakfast and some sort of lounge....but I don't know if there's anything else included.

Also, they have just lifted their mask requirements inside (outside was already lifted).  Now the only place that still requires masks is on the transportation systems.  That's cool.

A couple of things.. The Genie+ thing is a money grab but you have it little bit incorrect. Genie + costs $15 per person per day and you get a slew of rides that you get to cut.. Then each park has 2 rides that are additional that don't come with regular Genie Plus but you don't have to buy those. You could just buy Genie + for $15 a person per day and cut most of the lines.. That is what I plan to do when I go. I personally always stay on property for the convince factor you mentioned. I like being able to park my car and just use Disney transportation. I personally find Club level to be a waste. I did it at the contemporary and I am not a breakfast person so for me I had no use for it. They don't make the rooms any nicer in club level they just provide you this area to go to that has breakfast, snacks, and people to help you book things if needed but I find you really need to book things way in advance anyways. let me know if you have specific questions because I have been to Disney about 200 times in my life lol . - Steph 

21 hours ago, Eddy said:

Ok, thx. At least we are at an Emerald status. Im going to try with a private host and give it a go. As much as I like Royal, the consensus seems to be that Celebrity is a notch up in overall quality/luxury  from state rooms  to food and entertainment. Further.. less kids.   So I am going to give it a go.  

It is a step up in all those areas.. I love the new Edge Class Ships. They are designed beautifully, there are less children, there is no smoking in the casino which I like because I don't smoke, the food is better, and its just a much nicer experience all around. I highly recommend it. 

7 hours ago, Eddy said:

Celebrity has a loyalty match for Crown and Anchor members.  I m trying to find out if they do the same with the casino program?  If I am a Signature player on Royal, do I get the same benefits on a Celebrity ship?

They do not. I am a prime member with Royal but I have recently discovered I enjoy celebrity quite a bit. I am having to gain status with Celebrity's casino from scratch which has been pretty easy. I have got 2 comped cruises from them last summer and now I am getting casino rates. I am almost at Amathyst and looking forward to when I get there for some of those perks.  

8 hours ago, AAD said:

We are booked for 12/31 Eastern Caribbean out of Miami.  Any word or rumor of RC unilaterally cancelling sailings?   Trying to plan a backup vacation….   We are not afraid of this surge.  Just worried about a cancellation by RC altogether.  

I am probably on the same cruise as you on Symphony. I am not worried at all. The only way Royal would cancel is if the CDC forced them to cancel and I think they got it under control. All 48 people got off the ship and they did a huge deep clean of the ship on Saturday before the next cruise departed. That combined with the new mask policy I don't think they will have a problem.. There are going to be Covid cases on a cruise. Just like on land people have Covid but they have the proper protocols in place to deal with it. So no I am quite sure this cruise will be happening. 

1 hour ago, JeffB said:

From Millennium again....... correction on one point: there are 962 passengers all US passport holders. I way over estimated how many guests were aboard. Will see more European and Canadian guests now that US boarders are open. Also the fitness center and spa were redone too as part of the 2019 refurb. Well done as I recall the original fitness area on Millennium was a bit tight. There seems to be quite a bit more space. There are 3 operational Peleton bikes and 2 not plugged in. Didn't see anyone using them. Big spin studio.

Glad you give it such a positive review. I will be on her on Dec 9th and again on Dec 23rd. I love Celebrity and the refurb made me want to jump on these cruises since like you I live in Ft. Lauderdale area. 

3 minutes ago, SpeedNoodles said:

From what I understand they are drive through.  I'm not taking a Covid test from the back of a Lyft.  I'm just not gonna do it.  LOL.

The one is use is semi drive through lol. a lady comes to the car and helps you do the test but I get it you would still have to be in back of car. I guess I am just lucky I live in Ft. Lauderdale area and can get the free CVS tests lol 

16 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

That doesn't work for us due to the 2 day prior stipulation.  We usually fly out the morning 2 days prior to our sailing before CVS opens.  Home testing works best as we can test anytime before we leave in the morning, or bring the test with us to test in the hotel.

you could always find a CVS in the area where the cruise ships leave from... I live in Ft. Lauderdale and there are plenty of rapid tests here in Florida

I went to CVS and it was the easiest thing possible.. It was also Free.. I signed up two weeks in advance for a rapid antigen test. Showed up on my assigned day and time and 29 min later had my results. I strongly recommend using CVS 

5 hours ago, Andrew72681 said:

In totally unnecessary but nice to have's, my upgrade cleared from my balcony room on 11 into a Junior Suite on Deck 9. Of course the one time I don't need the additional space I'll have it. It also opened up an earlier check in time, so I'll be able to board a little earlier now right at noon, which hopefully means more options open for Ifly and the North Star. 

In just a few hours I'll get on the road and head down Florida's Turnpike for my stay in Fort Lauderdale. Right now Waze has it at just over three hours. Hopefully there's no problems between Winter Garden and Fort Lauderdale.

Hello, I happen to be on the same sailing as you. I am curious what was the earlier check in time that opened up? I currently have a check in time of 12:00 pm but I am curious if there are even earlier times... 

4 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

LOL.  It's SY.  Gettin' old.  We will be there IF (big if) they allow us to cruise.  My guess is they won't....so probably won't be going on either one of these.  But I'm still planning on going.  Fingers crossed.

Lol that's funny. Hopefully they will let you go. Would love to see you and catch up!! 

3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

We love sailing during the holidays.  There is definitely a festive feeling in the air and they decorate the ships very nicely.  It is pricey - so be prepared - but it's really fun.  We are doing a B2B on Allure this year for both Christmas and NY.

Hi Raye, in your signature it says you are doing symphony for the holidays.. Did you move it to Allure? I ask because I am on the Symphony new year cruise and was hoping to see you in the casino!

55 minutes ago, cruisellama said:

Sorry about that.  I'm behind on reviewing that fine print.    (thought that Iconic did (for a $20k-ish price)  but wasn't sure, so it is closer to Star without official Genie, may have mini-bar too)

No problem I just wanted to make sure the OP had the right info... Also This past summer they started to implament Genie type hosts.. They even escort people to the restaurant like a Genie.. They didn't make an official name for that class of suite like Star class but they are starting to have the same perks..