cruisellama

On 12/12/2022 at 2:48 PM, SpicyCherry said:

I literally got off Edge today after my 10N Southern Caribbean sailing. I just wanted to follow up about the balcony furniture request. I did request, at the very least, leg rests prior to sailing, however, upon arriving to the cabin, there was nothing. So when the Butler, Jess, introduced himself, we asked him for something, anything. He said in times past he would put a lounger in if the guest requested it but one time someone tripped over it(there isn’t really enough room on the balcony if you are in port or starboard facing suites) and injured themselves. So that ended that. He did bring us one rattan stool-like piece of furniture(probably from up in the Suite Lounge or Sundeck) that did the trick.

Now, I must say this about the ‘uncomfortable and cheap’ looking chairs on the balcony….they actually were, surprisingly so, pretty comfortable and did not feel cheap, not to us anyway. Now, the table was too small to eat on but we would just drag the big table from inside the room out there and it was fine.

As for our dining preferences, we took your advice and had them written in advance for the Butler but never got a chance to give it to him. We just said we had a 5N dining package and my man ran with it. He booked everything and always gave us written reminders. He was great.

All in all, we had a fantastic time….Edge is gorgeous and the Captain was hilarious  

I'm glad everything worked out.   Sky Suite veranda furniture continues to be the "windmill"  to charge.   It will end up being a survey comment for us.    For future reference, the aft facing Sky Suites have great chairs, but a lousy table for dining.  Even though the space is quite adequate for both.

Sailed Apex over Thanksgiving week in a Sky Suite.    Room steward was in our room straightening things out every time we left the room.  It was like "old days".   On other cruises in 2022 Celebrity and RCL, twice a day. 

If not stuck with flight reservations, it would be easier to retain flexibility.  I've been reading that it's filling to capacity.  Quite the popular destination.

https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbeans-largest-cruise-ship-is-oversold-due-to-inventory-error/89710?fbclid=IwAR3aSJk9MaZfqZsyOKYGxhWRJEqTFyONhSL2-qdxhjkMgH9L20VGHf9sGrI

Anyone affected by this?   I looks like willing parties could make lemonade from the lemons.

1 hour ago, steverk said:

I was on Celebrity Inifinity in July and was disappointed by the food as well.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. In fact it was in line with RCI.

But Celebrity prides itself as a foodie line and RCI doesn't.  Therefore, I expected Celebrity to be significantly better.  

As a point of comparison, I've sailed Carnival, NCL and Princess.  Princess food was a better than RCI, but Carnival and NCL were both significantly worse.

Based upon 2 recent sailings, RCL and X  converged to be pretty much the same.

Has anyone sailed Beyond lately in either Retreat or Aqua class?   We sail in about 90 days and the APP is showing the neither Luminae or Blu is open on sea days.  Not sure if this is because we're still  90 days out or a reduction  in available lunch venues on sea days.    Anyone know?   Not really an attractive change if so.

We just got off Apex and noticed the menus are a step down from a year ago.  Meaning, less complex offerings, somewhat bland.  Appeared to be less dessert offerings (noticed that on RCL also).  Quality was also a little off, especially beef and lamb dishes.   Fish (salmon and haddock) were good.  Although prepared to the right temperature levels, we noticed the meats to be dry.   Might be a supply chain or storage issue.  We'll be sailing Beyond in March and hoping for a better culinary experience.  We dined in Luminae, Fine Cut, Raw on 5, Eden (which abandoned its original themed menu), and some MDR options.

On 12/3/2022 at 1:01 PM, KevinJ said:

I was disappointed in the MDR food I had on Voyager in October so I just booked with Celebrity. I'm going to give Royal a chance to change my opinion during my next six Royal cruises. 

We just got off Apex and didn't think the menus and food were not quite up to our past experiences.   Kinda dull...  (Others we dined with others in Luminae and they had similar perceptions - but maybe we're just becoming too used to it..  "familiarity breeds contempt")   Hope you experience better, but be prepared.

On 11/21/2022 at 7:28 AM, SebagoSue said:

This is our first time on Celebrity and we are absolutely loving the Retreat on Apex.  When on Royal, we always leave a tip on the table after each meal (in addition to automatic gratuities.). We haven’t noticed anyone else doing this in Luminae.  Is there a different practice on Celebrity, especially in Luminae?  The service is fantastic and we just want to make sure we show our appreciation.  We are doing Specialty restaurants most dinners, but eat in Luminae for breakfast and lunch.  Thanks for your insights!

We tip on the last night.   

Has anyone sailed Beyond Retreat?  I’m looking at the App for our upcoming trip and there is no lunch menu published for Luminae on sea days.    Do they not open Luminae for lunch on sea days ?   If so, that’s different from the rest of the fleet(and would be quite disappointing).

Ship:  Apex (second of the Edge class) is only about a year and half old.    Meticulously maintained and looked new as we sailed it.  Still had the "new ship" smell and didn't notice any wear issues that caught our eyes.  Well curated with art throughout the ship.  Each Edge class ship has a unique artistic branding to maintain visual differences between the ships.  But in general, deck plans for both Edge and Apex are identical.   The new Beyond has an additional upper deck.

Cabin:  Sailed in an aft Sky Suite with ample space and slightly larger balcony (which provides Retreat/Luminae access).  Balcony was equipped with 2 lounges, 2 upright chairs and small table.   The table was not adequate to hold more than a single plate and a couple of beverages.   While a very comfortably equipped cabin, the balcony furniture configuration isn't ideal for room service.  Being an aft cabin, plenty of sun and room, so heading to public sun areas is not necessary.  Bathroom was large with ample storage and an oversized tub and 3 way shower head location design.  Closet space is ample, but not as efficient as it could be.  Room safe is small and would not accommodate a laptop or tablet computer.   Edge class ships offer cabin climate and TV controls through the APP  which was very handy.  APP is very functional, the only missing linkage is to any spa appointments you may wish to add to the calendar.  Cabin came with a butler and steward.  Both were extremely helpful and attentive.

Service:  Apex service was a high point.   The rooms butler checked in at least daily, worked with the concierge for reservations or updates, and ensure the room remained fully stocked.  Room steward was cleaning whenever we left.  Always came back to a fresh room which is a notable post pandemic service upgrade (previously we would see 1 or 2 visits unless called).  Restaurant wait staff also excelled, they were active and worked to ensure needs of guests were satisfied.

Food:  Not a highpoint.  Not sure if this is due to supply chain issues or not, but we noticed changes in Luminae and some special restaurant menus that were not for the better.  It was tough to distinguish a "finer" food quality between the specialty restaurants and main dining offerings (4 MDR options plus buffets, and cafes).  The primary distinguishing feature was service, not food or menu quality.  We came to the conclusion the cost/benefit of specialty restaurants on this cruise wasn't there.

Entertainment:  Two main performance areas,  forward theater and Eden with production shows.  They're not the high end Oasis or Quantum types of productions, but 50 minute productions by singers, dancers and acrobats.  The main theater has a huge high def screen behind the stage that is part of the show.  So there are stunning visual enhancements to those productions.   Eden shows entail acrobatic/dance which is fine, tends to look the same for each performance.   Great vocalists and comedian rounded the entertainment also with the various solo performance and instrumental performers.  Of course there are venues that also offer silent disco and games to keep you busy.  The martini bar tenders also display their talents under music and lights.

Other:    The ship sailed at full capacity (3100ish).  A lot of families with small children, which we've not really seen on Celebrity, even on holidays.   Even the Retreat area was at capacity on sea days.  Kids behaved pretty well, we spoke to a few and they relayed that there really isn't much for them to do on-board.  (not surprised).   Elevators were fully stressed.   Long waits as they filled up and would have to pass floors due to loading considerations.   Made for using the stairs most of the time.  While it was a very nice week, I would rate the overall experience as a 3.5/5.0.    Service was top notch, but the food just didn't raise the bar on this trip.   We'll be on Wonder and Beyond in 1Q23.

19 hours ago, SpicyCherry said:

A dining option popped up in my Cruise Planner, Dinner on the Edge, on the Magic Carpet, that can be booked for our sailing on Edge in December. I have never heard anything about this dining experience, nor did they have a Sample Menu to look at. Anyone ever book this? Anyone have a sample of the menu? Is it different than just booking dinner there once onboard? Thanks.

I don't have a menu, but sailing on Apex in 2 days.   If it comes up on the planner, I can snap and post.   I do know the meals are all prepared in the Luminae galley.  There is also a lunch option (weather permitting), that has a lower cost.   If winds are too high, it's not used as a bar/restaurant.   BUT, it's a great bar space in the evening.    People forget its out there.

I've always thought the park looked great.   I wondered about all the processes  of dealing  varying cruise climate especially salt air, etc.   Didn't think about the USDA invasive species angle (which is an important selection consideration).   Seems like it's could be a notable maintenance cost item, maybe include some artificial ones in the mix.  

Any recent post-hurricane news about San Juan?   Was it aversely affected?

Is the optional ship-to-airport luggage transportation option opening up yet from Miami/FLL/MCO?

Staffing continues to be a problem.   Its tough keeping an international hospitality company sufficiently manned in today's environment.  Not getting back many of the experience crew members.  It will improve, but we're in the lean recovery years.

Anyone having issues getting to FLL/MIA today because of Nicole?   Looks like both airports are operating.

Anyone on APEX Nov 19th?

I think you can get a "kettle" to heat water for tea.

14 hours ago, SpicyCherry said:

Sooooooo…I did find a YouTube video for the Royal Suite that shows a Lavazza Coffee maker. I did email The Retreat to see if we could get one(fat chance) and the answer was:

Unfortunately, we do not have coffee makers available to guests however our suite guests receive In-Suite Specialty Coffee Service and your butler would be happy to assist with your coffee requests.

This is an acceptable option that I was not aware of so looks like we’ll be happy ️

Yes. Some butlers are more eager than others to bring the stuff from Cafe  al  Bacio, if you're in a higher level suite, more enthusiastic service.  The generic coffee in the metal carafes should be avoided.

2 hours ago, Toby said:

We have a cruise on Silhouette in a Retreat class suite.  Do we make reservations for dinner at Luminae after we board or can we make them before the cruise?

You can make them embarkation day.   Luminae will be open for lunch.   Just tell the maitre'd when you go for lunch.   (Or give him/her a card with your preferences (incl stateroom) when you enter).  We used to make reservations, then found it easier to just float.  Never had an issue getting in.

On 10/25/2021 at 8:47 AM, MikeK said:

Tie a rope and chain to your Invicta and use it for a boat anchor!

But it comes in such a nice box (probably costs more than the watch).

Buy 100 shares for the OBC and take that as the return.

I can see how people get "dinged" for a low cost beverage and lose out on using it on a more preferred cocktail.    Bar tenders always asked us if we wanted to use our vouchers, so lucky I guess.  But it will provide some level of assurance you're getting what you want.    A minor inconvenience and just killing more trees that could be used for better straws.