Looks like it's a better deal to opt out of the premium drinks package and just pay as you go. As far as the "ship excursions".... how long before a trip to the hot tub or the pool is a paid "ship excursion"? lol
I agree. For me, getting a package depends on the trip and number of destinations. If I’m going to be ashore a lot, I’ll drink there and skip the package altogether. If there are a lot of sea days, a package pays. They always have discount sales during the year, so you can lower your costs.
I believe you've completely mistaken about the chargers. I've talked to many people as well as contacted Royal Caribbean. It's not multiple USB chargers on same plug, it's multiple outlets splitting isn't allowed. Multiple USB, is using same outlet, same amount of power. They are banning splitters. That split outlets into multiple ac outlets. Same like surge protectors before.
We are sailing on the ACCENT in 5 days out of Barcelona. It is 13 night Translant ending up in Ft. Lauderdale. Tom, your information has been useful in our planning. Thank you for keeping us up on things.
Hi Tom, thanks for the updates and happy to hear the food quality is being addressed. I was one of the first to report to you last December o bout the growing number of drinks and wines requiring and additional up charge in some cases of a $1 or $2, which is nickel and dimming a higher end customer who has already upgraded the drink package. There really is simply no excuse for that and I refuse to pay for that as I don’t want to give celebrity what they are trying to gain. I think yes there shouldn’t really be a cocktail that is not included in their top tier drink package. I suggest either coming up with a 3rd level to cover every cocktail on the ship as well as some of the top shelf liquors and better wines, or charge more for the premium package. Unfortunately, for me it isn’t worth paying by the drink as I do use it. I pretty much never get a drink for less than $17 so it is like 2 drinks a day pays for it. Of course I don’t expect really high end liquors to be included and I would excuse having a couple of ultra high end cocktails using ultra high end booze for a significant up-charge. But not charging $1-$6 more for a drink that used to be included. Just increase the price like you did on everything else due to inflation.
Took the Mixology class on a recent celebrity solstice cruise. They scheduled it for a few feet in front of the Effy store right at the same time as the Effy charm giveaway. The place was so crowded, noisy, and elbow to elbow that you couldn’t hear the Mixology guy and he had to use a speaker and shout over all the Effy store patrons it was right between two pathways and guests kept coming up to look at the event and ask questions Celebrity should not book these things in front of the jewellery store during a giveaway and next to a part of existing aisles look at your schedules I had to leave as it was so crowded and noisy and literally bumping elbows with other people that the class was useless and I did not get a refund. And I’ve had similar events on other cruise lines. But They’ve used a separate area such as an unused specialty restaurant or a lounge that is much better.
I completely understand how that could be frustrating, especially after paying for the class but not being able to focus or get much value from it. I’ve seen similar classes on other ships, and like you mentioned, they’re usually held in a specialty restaurant or away from large crowds to avoid distractions.
I was on two Celebrity Solstice cruises last month. The Chef "specials" were butter chicken and fish and chips. Breaded tilapia and whiting served IN ALASKA. This while Holland America is serving 36 different fish species on their ships and brought in pallets of frsdh Alaskan salmon and halibut on both of of their stops in Juneau on my recent 14 day cruise of HAL Nieuw Amsterdam.
Hey Tom, thanks for the video! We just got back from our 10-night Med cruise on Equinox last week. The intinerary was great and we (two couples) agreed that our steaks in Tuscan Grill, Murano and Blu (!) were all in our lifetime top 5 of steaks. Blu's Chef made a great off-menu Butter Chicken that was amazing! The current Premium Drink package works for us, but as you know, we love Decoy Cab. 10-year Taylor and Fladgate Tawny Port is good too! Ha Ha! ...Six long months until our next Celebrity cruise. We can't wait to see your next videos!
Just off Celebrity Infinity 9 nights Med cruise and must say the food in the MDR was very under par with what I was accustomed on the my few Edge class ships. It did get a bit better after the 4th night but some easy stuff like Oignon soup was a total mess. The buffet area was the star of that cruise as it was very tasty and lots of choices morning, afternoon and night. As for drink package Celebrity should stop cheating people and when u purchase Premium you should be entitled to all of the drinks if not whats the insensitive of buying it. This cruise we went drink less package and managed to have a bar bill of $800 for 2 for 9 nights so I think we won overall and paid premium drinks only on nights we wanted. Going on Apex in November will see if they offer special meals in the MDR. Thanks for the video Tom Sea ya Eric
I’m soooo happy they are reevaluating the ratio of regular verandas and infinites in the future. I hate the infinite verandas and think it’s a stupid design and there are so few regular verandas on the Edge class, they sell out right away; therefore, I’m stuck with limited options of ships and itineraries because I make great use out of my veranda.
@@mcshiggitypilot5901 you are going to love it. If you have any questions, I'm here to help. I have a detailed review of the Eclipse if you are interested as well.
Went on Beyond as my first ever non Royal Caribbean ship. Ship is incredibly beautiful, but without the free drinks I’m entitled to daily on Royal, and the cruise fare being just about double a Royal cruise, I doubt I would sail Celebrity again. It wasn’t THAT much better. IMO
Thanks for your feedback. You should get free drinks on Celebrity as well as RCL due to the status match. I think the difference is set number of drinks per day vs. Celebrity's daily happy hour. Correct me if I am wrong. I am surprised to hear Celebrity is double RCL cruises. I'm my past experience, it was the other way around. However, I will double check the prices once I get home from work. Thanks for the heads up.
@@tomsunday you’re correct to a point. Celebrity has a “happy hour” with free drinks for Diamond status. However it’s only 5-7 pm, in certain venues, and worst of all, it’s a VERY limited menu. Most liquors not included. Mixed drinks limited to ONLY those cocktails on the menu. Trust me, anyone who has experienced this has had the same reaction. Very disappointing.
Thank you for the clarification. I'll be sure to mention this in my next video covering this topic. Hopefully, Celebrity makes changes and aligns with RCL on this benefit.
@@tomsunday that would be a game changer. Think about it: Diamond status = 8 drinks per day, whenever you want, wherever you want. That’s 56 drinks on a 7 night cruise. Diamond Plus = 10 drinks per day. 70 free drinks on a 7 night cruise. By my math that’s upward of $1,000 worth of drinks.
@@michaelvitale4029Please clarify the number of drinks you referenced is for two people. It’s four per day per Diamond guest and five per day for Diamond +.
That food made me hungry. What a nice surprise to have filet mignon as a freebie on the menu. It's like opening your front door & someone is just waiting there for you with a delicious filet mignon dinner.
From what I have read, Filet is available in the mdr for a $20 charge. Same for lonster tail. We sail Reflection Oct. 7 so we will find out soon. Unfortunately it looks like the forecast is rainy and stormy the entire cruise😮
Anyone else notice that the food in the MDR and Buffet is being served at room temperature? The same goes for other cruise lines. Why doesn't anyone ever complain about that? It can't be just my meals!
Unfortunately the MDR meals are mass prepared. I do agree, by the time they get to your table, they are not as hot as they should be. This is the nature of serving so many guests at once. I am not sure what can be done about this. However, I do understand and agree with your complaint.
Thanks Tom for the news! I'm so disappointed in Celebrity at the moment. I haven't heard anyone talk about this one but Celebrity has changed the policy with Future Cruise bookings and deposits. The $100 you put down while onboard, is no longer refundable but they don't mention that at booking. If you don't book anything within the 6 months, they keep your $100 deposit. It's like you're paying a fee to book onboard. This future cruise promo is now useless. You're better off booking whenever you find the right itinerary and not onboard. Also they just released some 2026/27 sailings and they're more expensive and not that appealing. 🤦♀
@@lavonnehall99 we used one almost immediately and it was great. We were already on the Reflection for a b2b2b. Hurricane Milton was going to hit Florida. So we booked a 4th cruise to stay away from Milton while we were on the ship using the future cruise certificate.
I will be sailing in May of '25 on that President's cruise. I booked this cruise before it was named The President's Cruise. I have been watching the price of Celebrity Drinks going up and up while their limits in their drink packages stay the same ($10 for classic and $17 for Premium). It doesn't seem fair when you book a cruise and a PREMIUM drink package that one should then have to pay an additional $3 per drink at least for a premium alcohol and many time $8more. Shouldn't the Base limits to the packages go up as their drink prices go up also???? I think so!!! It is only fair!! If this doesn't change, I will not include a drink package and buy my drinks at ports of call. and limit my drinks aboard ship.
Thanks for the great post Tom. I wish Laura would move the Red Blend Conundrum back to the Premium Package - you can even get by the glass anymore on Celebrity. Only can get by the bottle at a whopping $100!
@darthvader2141 I only reviewed Symphony of the Seas. That was during the pandemic. So it's a bit stale. I've been on Oasis, Allure, Symphony, and Harmony of the Seas. Wonder, Icon and Utopia are on my list of ships to review. I am considering sailing on them in 2025. I am super excited to make videos on those ships. They are amazing.
This is a copy directly from Royal Caribbean website, and Celebrity changes to the policy exactly the same, since it was done though out Royal Caribbean Group The revised rule bans electrical extension cords, "including power strips/surge protected strips and multi-plug outlets." Royal Caribbean specifically states, "We do allow consumer type power conversion device USB charger (multi-plug blocks on which the outputs are for USB cables)." This confirms a USB hub would be acceptable since it adds just USB outlets, and no power outlets. (Contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use) So what you showed at the end of your video, is completely incorrect and directly contradicts what Royal Group CONFIRMED is ALLOWED. But otherwise, love your channel and videos!
Hi Vlad! Thanks for the correction-I really appreciate you taking the time to update us on this. I was under the impression that extension cords and surge protectors were always banned. I know their social media posts caused some confusion for a lot of people. However, I’m glad they clarified things with the update about USB chargers in the rules-it definitely makes things 100% clear. Looks like I won’t need to buy a new charger after all! I’ll be sure to include your comment and the update in the next cruise news video. Thanks again for the heads up, I really appreciate it!
If we purchased the premium drink package already for next April, we’re going to Panama now. Is that still intact or are they gonna make changes to the drink package extra that we purchased on the premium site?
Celebrity has made many changes to their beverage packages! When we sailed last year April on Reflection our Classic beverage package included Riesling and Moscato. Fast forward to November last year and those wines were excluded and now commanded a surcharge! In my opinion, you might benefit from booking the non-alcoholic beverage package which includes a ton of selection and paying a la carte for the alcoholic drinks. Do the math, because unless you’re going to drink $90 per day it doesn’t make economical sense. Plus I’ve heard many people grouse about how the premium package doesn’t include drinks from the world class bar, or that now they’ve got to pay $2-5 per drink extra because Celebrity has raised the price and it’s not included anymore. If you have Elite status or higher all of the bars offer Elite Happy hour for free every evening from 5-7pm. Hope this helps and enjoy your cruise!
I think they need to refine the infinite veranda idea. I think the concept of it is good, but the execution needs some work. I think one thing would definitely be adding a curtain in front of the partition. I would also like to see that partition be more like a folding patio type door, and for the AC to turn off, both the window and the partition would need to be open instead of just the window. They could make the rooms a little larger and they would be able to charge a little more for them.
If it were up to me, I’d convert all oceanview rooms into Infinite Verandas. It would be a major upgrade, giving those rooms a full glass window with a beautiful view of the outside world. That way, they could still offer all veranda rooms with balconies-regular, sunset, and porthole verandas would keep their traditional balconies, ensuring everyone gets what they want.
I think Celebrity cruises offering is now not of the class it used to be. It was once a lovely experience, but my last few experiences have been disappointing.. They are too busy, too noisy, the food and drink quality is lacking. I;m a long time cruiser that will never cruise with them again,
Luckily I am a not a wine drinker. Just don’t screw with my martinis! Why don’t they just add the drink costs into the fare. Packages are silly, especially when there are numerous sales discounting them prior to sail time.
Royal Caribbean has mixed these verandas up on the Icon class. There are regular non suite verandas as well as infinite verandas. There's no reason Celebrity can't doe the same.
Disappointing that Celebrity leaves from FLL and not MIA. We stay at the Marquis Marriott in Miami for NCL, Virgin and RCL cruises and dine in DBs restaurant every time.
Great video Tom! Psssst, if you go to Royal's FAQ it says "Extension Cords and Multi-Plug Outlets/ Power Strips", a USB port isn't a "plug"...While banned, folks seem to be able to get extension cords if in a CPAP bag or put into a bag given to the porter
I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for the heads up. I was under the impression that extension cords and power strips were always banned. When I saw their recent social media post about the new ban, I mistakenly thought they were restricting USB extensions as well. That was my error-I should have double-checked the latest FAQ. I apologize for the confusion, and I’ll be sure to clarify this in the next cruise news video.
Nothing here excites me. In the future classes of ships I want to hear that they'll have an observation deck and lounge and not have the front of the ship be "retreat only" That's for starters. Bring back libraries and card rooms. Design more of a Celebrity ship and not what the Edge class ships are (generic contemporary ship). I don't want to hear about more for-pay stuff. Put the specialty restaurants back where they are in a quieter space, not in the "Grand Plaza." Put more lounges on the ship that aren't all "multi purpose" spaces. Bring back a sense of class and not just revenue enhancement to the product and more included meals. And remember Celebrity is not for everyone. If you're going to replace the Millennium class, bring a ship that has Millennium class overall size and character, not something much larger because that's what some Celebrity fans want.
This is BULL!!! We used to be able to do behind the scenes FREE!!! I've done the kitchen and stage FREE. Celebrity is going the wrong way. Oh, my husband did a Scotch tasting top shelf also FREE!!!!!
You couldn't be MORE WRONG in your description of Multi-Port USB outlets being banned! I'm shocked that you got this totally/completely WRONG considering it isn't late breaking news and that you had plenty of time to "get the facts straight"
I honestly thought all extension cords and surge protectors were already banned on RCL, as they are on many other cruise lines. That’s why I jumped to conclusions after reading their vague social media post. However, that’s no excuse-I was wrong. I should have checked the updated FAQ (RCL updated it yesterday) and looked into the details of the ban before reporting on it. I’ve pinned a comment at the top of this video with the correct information and copy/paste of the relevant rule. I also removed that section from the video, though it may take a few hours for RUclips to process the update. The corrected version should be live soon. I apologize for the confusion, and I appreciate your correction. Thanks for keeping me honest!
Ship excursions...LMAO....Just another take on how to increase their profits....I remember when the Ship tour starting on the top deck and all the way to the bottom deck including touring laundry service, Galley, showroom, back stage was all free...it is a twist on the same thing they use to do only they now charge. When she said they are constantly dreaming up new experiences means we are thinking on how to make even more money...No regrets about leaving Celebrity.... I have been on my first Oceania cruise which celebrity can't touch and next will be Viking Ocean...
Wow! They used to offer ship tours for free!? I would love to see how they do laundry, check out backstage etc. I do agree with you that this seems to be a new way to make money.
If we purchased the premium drink package already for next April, we’re going to Panama now. Is that still intact or are they gonna make changes to the drink package extra that we purchased on the premium site?
You don’t have to worry-the Premium Package is still intact, and you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of drinks that are included. Some people are upset because their favorite wines have been moved to a list that requires an extra charge, even with the package. However, the Premium Package still offers a wide variety of options. As long as you’re not set on a specific wine or brand, you’ll have no issues enjoying your drinks.
Latest Celebrity Cruises News Here: ruclips.net/p/PLAMELD7KEuK5athSku73mmMuTEN1aO5FJ&si=oS05rDkGGh5sq5Jw
Looks like it's a better deal to opt out of the premium drinks package and just pay as you go. As far as the "ship excursions".... how long before a trip to the hot tub or the pool is a paid "ship excursion"? lol
Don't give them any ideas! 😅
I agree. For me, getting a package depends on the trip and number of destinations. If I’m going to be ashore a lot, I’ll drink there and skip the package altogether. If there are a lot of sea days, a package pays. They always have discount sales during the year, so you can lower your costs.
Blows my mind why you would pay for a wine or drinking "tour" when you have the premium drink package. Just order all the wines.
I believe you've completely mistaken about the chargers. I've talked to many people as well as contacted Royal Caribbean. It's not multiple USB chargers on same plug, it's multiple outlets splitting isn't allowed. Multiple USB, is using same outlet, same amount of power. They are banning splitters. That split outlets into multiple ac outlets. Same like surge protectors before.
You’re absolutely correct.
Yep he errs on this one. Hopefully, he will research and correct his mistake
Thanks for the correction. I pinned your other comment to the top of this video.
RCL updated their FAQ on banned items yesterday. It's a lot clearer now. I removed it from my video so it does not cause any more confusion.
@@tomsunday That's great. As long as we're all on the same page! 😊
We are sailing on the ACCENT in 5 days out of Barcelona. It is 13 night Translant ending up in Ft. Lauderdale. Tom, your information has been useful in our planning. Thank you for keeping us up on things.
I am so glad you are enjoying the content. I hope you have a great time on the Ascent!
Hi Tom, thanks for the updates and happy to hear the food quality is being addressed. I was one of the first to report to you last December o bout the growing number of drinks and wines requiring and additional up charge in some cases of a $1 or $2, which is nickel and dimming a higher end customer who has already upgraded the drink package. There really is simply no excuse for that and I refuse to pay for that as I don’t want to give celebrity what they are trying to gain. I think yes there shouldn’t really be a cocktail that is not included in their top tier drink package. I suggest either coming up with a 3rd level to cover every cocktail on the ship as well as some of the top shelf liquors and better wines, or charge more for the premium package. Unfortunately, for me it isn’t worth paying by the drink as I do use it. I pretty much never get a drink for less than $17 so it is like 2 drinks a day pays for it. Of course I don’t expect really high end liquors to be included and I would excuse having a couple of ultra high end cocktails using ultra high end booze for a significant up-charge. But not charging $1-$6 more for a drink that used to be included. Just increase the price like you did on everything else due to inflation.
Took the Mixology class on a recent celebrity solstice cruise. They scheduled it for a few feet in front of the Effy store right at the same time as the Effy charm giveaway. The place was so crowded, noisy, and elbow to elbow that you couldn’t hear the Mixology guy and he had to use a speaker and shout over all the Effy store patrons it was right between two pathways and guests kept coming up to look at the event and ask questions Celebrity should not book these things in front of the jewellery store during a giveaway and next to a part of existing aisles look at your schedules I had to leave as it was so crowded and noisy and literally bumping elbows with other people that the class was useless and I did not get a refund. And I’ve had similar events on other cruise lines. But They’ve used a separate area such as an unused specialty restaurant or a lounge that is much better.
I completely understand how that could be frustrating, especially after paying for the class but not being able to focus or get much value from it. I’ve seen similar classes on other ships, and like you mentioned, they’re usually held in a specialty restaurant or away from large crowds to avoid distractions.
Thanks for posting, Tom. I missed the Captain's Club webinar. I am looking forward to my Mediterranean cruise in November.
You are very welcome. I hope you enjoy your cruise in November. Which ship are you sailing on?
@@tomsunday We'll be onboard the Infinity. We had taken this several years ago from Chile to Argentina. A little dated, but the itinerary is great.
I hope you enjoy it. It's one of the handful Celebrity ships i haven't sailed on. I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback.
We are going on the equinox in 18 days and we just have the classsic drink the premium was stupid money
I was on two Celebrity Solstice cruises last month. The Chef "specials" were butter chicken and fish and chips. Breaded tilapia and whiting served IN ALASKA. This while Holland America is serving 36 different fish species on their ships and brought in pallets of frsdh Alaskan salmon and halibut on both of of their stops in Juneau on my recent 14 day cruise of HAL Nieuw Amsterdam.
Hey Tom, thanks for the video! We just got back from our 10-night Med cruise on Equinox last week. The intinerary was great and we (two couples) agreed that our steaks in Tuscan Grill, Murano and Blu (!) were all in our lifetime top 5 of steaks. Blu's Chef made a great off-menu Butter Chicken that was amazing! The current Premium Drink package works for us, but as you know, we love Decoy Cab. 10-year Taylor and Fladgate Tawny Port is good too! Ha Ha! ...Six long months until our next Celebrity cruise. We can't wait to see your next videos!
Just off Celebrity Infinity 9 nights Med cruise and must say the food in the MDR was very under par with what I was accustomed on the my few Edge class ships. It did get a bit better after the 4th night but some easy stuff like Oignon soup was a total mess.
The buffet area was the star of that cruise as it was very tasty and lots of choices morning, afternoon and night.
As for drink package Celebrity should stop cheating people and when u purchase Premium you should be entitled to all of the drinks if not whats the insensitive of buying it.
This cruise we went drink less package and managed to have a bar bill of $800 for 2 for 9 nights so I think we won overall and paid premium drinks only on nights we wanted.
Going on Apex in November will see if they offer special meals in the MDR.
Thanks for the video Tom
Sea ya
Eric
I’m soooo happy they are reevaluating the ratio of regular verandas and infinites in the future. I hate the infinite verandas and think it’s a stupid design and there are so few regular verandas on the Edge class, they sell out right away; therefore, I’m stuck with limited options of ships and itineraries because I make great use out of my veranda.
My 1st celebrity cruise is next week on Eclipse. I’ve been on 16 NCL cruises.
@@mcshiggitypilot5901 you are going to love it. If you have any questions, I'm here to help. I have a detailed review of the Eclipse if you are interested as well.
Went on Beyond as my first ever non Royal Caribbean ship. Ship is incredibly beautiful, but without the free drinks I’m entitled to daily on Royal, and the cruise fare being just about double a Royal cruise, I doubt I would sail Celebrity again. It wasn’t THAT much better. IMO
Thanks for your feedback. You should get free drinks on Celebrity as well as RCL due to the status match. I think the difference is set number of drinks per day vs. Celebrity's daily happy hour. Correct me if I am wrong.
I am surprised to hear Celebrity is double RCL cruises. I'm my past experience, it was the other way around. However, I will double check the prices once I get home from work. Thanks for the heads up.
@@tomsunday you’re correct to a point. Celebrity has a “happy hour” with free drinks for Diamond status. However it’s only 5-7 pm, in certain venues, and worst of all, it’s a VERY limited menu. Most liquors not included. Mixed drinks limited to ONLY those cocktails on the menu. Trust me, anyone who has experienced this has had the same reaction. Very disappointing.
Thank you for the clarification. I'll be sure to mention this in my next video covering this topic. Hopefully, Celebrity makes changes and aligns with RCL on this benefit.
@@tomsunday that would be a game changer. Think about it: Diamond status = 8 drinks per day, whenever you want, wherever you want. That’s 56 drinks on a 7 night cruise. Diamond Plus = 10 drinks per day. 70 free drinks on a 7 night cruise. By my math that’s upward of $1,000 worth of drinks.
@@michaelvitale4029Please clarify the number of drinks you referenced is for two people. It’s four per day per Diamond guest and five per day for Diamond +.
That food made me hungry. What a nice surprise to have filet mignon as a freebie on the menu. It's like opening your front door & someone is just waiting there for you with a delicious filet mignon dinner.
It was a very delicious surprise!
From what I have read, Filet is available in the mdr for a $20 charge. Same for lonster tail. We sail Reflection Oct. 7 so we will find out soon. Unfortunately it looks like the forecast is rainy and stormy the entire cruise😮
@@conspiracybeliever1749 I hope the weather forecast is wrong, enjoy your cruise! Let us know about the menu.
We just did a b2b2b2b on the Reflection and loved it. The MDR was great! Loved the Chef specials❤️. It was so much fun!
3 cruises in a row!? The sounds amazing.
@@tomsunday actually it was 4😉. We added the fourth to stay out of Florida during Milton
Wow! I love that. Sounds like it was an amazing trip. I loved the Reflection as well. Great ship!
Anyone else notice that the food in the MDR and Buffet is being served at room temperature? The same goes for other cruise lines. Why doesn't anyone ever complain about that? It can't be just my meals!
Unfortunately the MDR meals are mass prepared. I do agree, by the time they get to your table, they are not as hot as they should be. This is the nature of serving so many guests at once. I am not sure what can be done about this. However, I do understand and agree with your complaint.
Thanks Tom for the news! I'm so disappointed in Celebrity at the moment. I haven't heard anyone talk about this one but Celebrity has changed the policy with Future Cruise bookings and deposits. The $100 you put down while onboard, is no longer refundable but they don't mention that at booking. If you don't book anything within the 6 months, they keep your $100 deposit. It's like you're paying a fee to book onboard. This future cruise promo is now useless. You're better off booking whenever you find the right itinerary and not onboard. Also they just released some 2026/27 sailings and they're more expensive and not that appealing. 🤦♀
@@lavonnehall99 we used one almost immediately and it was great. We were already on the Reflection for a b2b2b. Hurricane Milton was going to hit Florida. So we booked a 4th cruise to stay away from Milton while we were on the ship using the future cruise certificate.
I will be sailing in May of '25 on that President's cruise. I booked this cruise before it was named The President's Cruise. I have been watching the price of Celebrity Drinks going up and up while their limits in their drink packages stay the same ($10 for classic and $17 for Premium). It doesn't seem fair when you book a cruise and a PREMIUM drink package that one should then have to pay an additional $3 per drink at least for a premium alcohol and many time $8more. Shouldn't the Base limits to the packages go up as their drink prices go up also???? I think so!!! It is only fair!! If this doesn't change, I will not include a drink package and buy my drinks at ports of call. and limit my drinks aboard ship.
They do allow the device you showed us as long as it is a only usb
Thanks for the correction. I apologize for the confusion. Ill be sure to clarify this in the next cruise news video.
Thanks I enjoy your cruise videos
I am very glad to hear it. Thank you for your kind words. The next video will be out this Sunday!
Thanks for the great post Tom. I wish Laura would move the Red Blend Conundrum back to the Premium Package - you can even get by the glass anymore on Celebrity. Only can get by the bottle at a whopping $100!
Have you done reviews on the wonder of the seas
@darthvader2141 I only reviewed Symphony of the Seas. That was during the pandemic. So it's a bit stale. I've been on Oasis, Allure, Symphony, and Harmony of the Seas. Wonder, Icon and Utopia are on my list of ships to review. I am considering sailing on them in 2025. I am super excited to make videos on those ships. They are amazing.
This is a copy directly from Royal Caribbean website, and Celebrity changes to the policy exactly the same, since it was done though out Royal Caribbean Group
The revised rule bans electrical extension cords, "including power strips/surge protected strips and multi-plug outlets."
Royal Caribbean specifically states, "We do allow consumer type power conversion device USB charger (multi-plug blocks on which the outputs are for USB cables)."
This confirms a USB hub would be acceptable since it adds just USB outlets, and no power outlets. (Contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use)
So what you showed at the end of your video, is completely incorrect and directly contradicts what Royal Group CONFIRMED is ALLOWED.
But otherwise, love your channel and videos!
Hi Vlad! Thanks for the correction-I really appreciate you taking the time to update us on this. I was under the impression that extension cords and surge protectors were always banned. I know their social media posts caused some confusion for a lot of people. However, I’m glad they clarified things with the update about USB chargers in the rules-it definitely makes things 100% clear. Looks like I won’t need to buy a new charger after all! I’ll be sure to include your comment and the update in the next cruise news video. Thanks again for the heads up, I really appreciate it!
If we purchased the premium drink package already for next April, we’re going to Panama now. Is that still intact or are they gonna make changes to the drink package extra that we purchased on the premium site?
Celebrity has made many changes to their beverage packages! When we sailed last year April on Reflection our Classic beverage package included Riesling and Moscato. Fast forward to November last year and those wines were excluded and now commanded a surcharge! In my opinion, you might benefit from booking the non-alcoholic beverage package which includes a ton of selection and paying a la carte for the alcoholic drinks. Do the math, because unless you’re going to drink $90 per day it doesn’t make economical sense. Plus I’ve heard many people grouse about how the premium package doesn’t include drinks from the world class bar, or that now they’ve got to pay $2-5 per drink extra because Celebrity has raised the price and it’s not included anymore. If you have Elite status or higher all of the bars offer Elite Happy hour for free every evening from 5-7pm. Hope this helps and enjoy your cruise!
I think they need to refine the infinite veranda idea. I think the concept of it is good, but the execution needs some work. I think one thing would definitely be adding a curtain in front of the partition. I would also like to see that partition be more like a folding patio type door, and for the AC to turn off, both the window and the partition would need to be open instead of just the window. They could make the rooms a little larger and they would be able to charge a little more for them.
If it were up to me, I’d convert all oceanview rooms into Infinite Verandas. It would be a major upgrade, giving those rooms a full glass window with a beautiful view of the outside world. That way, they could still offer all veranda rooms with balconies-regular, sunset, and porthole verandas would keep their traditional balconies, ensuring everyone gets what they want.
I think Celebrity cruises offering is now not of the class it used to be. It was once a lovely experience, but my last few experiences have been disappointing.. They are too busy, too noisy, the food and drink quality is lacking. I;m a long time cruiser that will never cruise with them again,
Just was on the Celebrity Eclipse it was not my best cruise. I gave it a 3 1/2
Is that out of 5 or out of 10?
It’s Captain’s Club, not Captain’s Circle, Tom.
@@MB-uy5kh thank you for the correction! I always make this error.
Luckily I am a not a wine drinker. Just don’t screw with my martinis! Why don’t they just add the drink costs into the fare. Packages are silly, especially when there are numerous sales discounting them prior to sail time.
Royal Caribbean has mixed these verandas up on the Icon class. There are regular non suite verandas as well as infinite verandas. There's no reason Celebrity can't doe the same.
Disappointing that Celebrity leaves from FLL and not MIA. We stay at the Marquis Marriott in Miami for NCL, Virgin and RCL cruises and dine in DBs restaurant every time.
I believe Celebrity Beyond will be sailing from Miami in the very near future!
@@tomsunday Probably to make room for the Excel in Fort Lauderdale
Good point!
Great video Tom! Psssst, if you go to Royal's FAQ it says "Extension Cords and Multi-Plug Outlets/ Power Strips", a USB port isn't a "plug"...While banned, folks seem to be able to get extension cords if in a CPAP bag or put into a bag given to the porter
I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for the heads up. I was under the impression that extension cords and power strips were always banned. When I saw their recent social media post about the new ban, I mistakenly thought they were restricting USB extensions as well. That was my error-I should have double-checked the latest FAQ. I apologize for the confusion, and I’ll be sure to clarify this in the next cruise news video.
Nothing here excites me. In the future classes of ships I want to hear that they'll have an observation deck and lounge and not have the front of the ship be "retreat only" That's for starters. Bring back libraries and card rooms. Design more of a Celebrity ship and not what the Edge class ships are (generic contemporary ship). I don't want to hear about more for-pay stuff. Put the specialty restaurants back where they are in a quieter space, not in the "Grand Plaza." Put more lounges on the ship that aren't all "multi purpose" spaces. Bring back a sense of class and not just revenue enhancement to the product and more included meals. And remember Celebrity is not for everyone. If you're going to replace the Millennium class, bring a ship that has Millennium class overall size and character, not something much larger because that's what some Celebrity fans want.
This is BULL!!! We used to be able to do behind the scenes FREE!!! I've done the kitchen and stage FREE. Celebrity is going the wrong way. Oh, my husband did a Scotch tasting top shelf also FREE!!!!!
You couldn't be MORE WRONG in your description of Multi-Port USB outlets being banned! I'm shocked that you got this totally/completely WRONG considering it isn't late breaking news and that you had plenty of time to "get the facts straight"
I honestly thought all extension cords and surge protectors were already banned on RCL, as they are on many other cruise lines. That’s why I jumped to conclusions after reading their vague social media post. However, that’s no excuse-I was wrong. I should have checked the updated FAQ (RCL updated it yesterday) and looked into the details of the ban before reporting on it.
I’ve pinned a comment at the top of this video with the correct information and copy/paste of the relevant rule. I also removed that section from the video, though it may take a few hours for RUclips to process the update. The corrected version should be live soon. I apologize for the confusion, and I appreciate your correction. Thanks for keeping me honest!
Ship excursions...LMAO....Just another take on how to increase their profits....I remember when the Ship tour starting on the top deck and all the way to the bottom deck including touring laundry service, Galley, showroom, back stage was all free...it is a twist on the same thing they use to do only they now charge.
When she said they are constantly dreaming up new experiences means we are thinking on how to make even more money...No regrets about leaving Celebrity....
I have been on my first Oceania cruise which celebrity can't touch and next will be Viking Ocean...
Wow! They used to offer ship tours for free!? I would love to see how they do laundry, check out backstage etc. I do agree with you that this seems to be a new way to make money.
Just another way of separating you from your money ;-)
If we purchased the premium drink package already for next April, we’re going to Panama now. Is that still intact or are they gonna make changes to the drink package extra that we purchased on the premium site?
You don’t have to worry-the Premium Package is still intact, and you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of drinks that are included. Some people are upset because their favorite wines have been moved to a list that requires an extra charge, even with the package. However, the Premium Package still offers a wide variety of options. As long as you’re not set on a specific wine or brand, you’ll have no issues enjoying your drinks.