SpicyCherry

3 hours ago, Bowen said:

How was it sharing a table with people you don't know? There are only two of us who are thinking of doing this, so I'm wondering how awkward/normal this feels?

We are basically 'Table-For-Two' kind of sailors and we were concerned about 'awkward' too but we had a great time. We have found most people on a cruise who choose this kind of experience aren't jerks or anti-social so you'll be fine. You might find another couple to hang out with, your 'Fred & Ethel'(for all you I Lucy fans).  

Faves are of course the Lava Flow w/Kraken, the Lavender Daiquiri at Schooners and the Curaçao Cosmo in the Suite Lounge

3 hours ago, Soxfan1965 said:

there's an upcharge for the wine at Chefs Table??!!

I didnt see that anywhere and when I paid for it, it did not ask for it.

On Celebrity, there was an upcharge for the wine pairing, but I believe the wine is included with Royal's Chef's Table. Yes??

Has anyone stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral? We're Courtyard people and generally stay at these properties. We've cruised out of Cape Canaveral before but stayed in Orlando....never in Cocoa Beach.

I got like 3 of ‘em and not sailing until November…..and Yeah, couldn’t get into app after that. But I think this happened before. I must admit, it did give me a start because I immediately checked my reservations, thinking: ‘Did I forget something…I do have like 5 cruises coming up. Maybe I missed one’!!

21 hours ago, cruisellama said:

Your suspicion is correct - winds control how much activity can be supported.   We've been on a couple of cruises were it was too windy for any dinners .   Very wary of allowing material getting blown around (napkins etc).

Our dinner was scheduled on an evening while we were still in port. It was a 5:00p reservation and the ship was due to depart at 7:00p. So we had no wind issues at all.

47 minutes ago, D Alt said:

woohoo LIers!  I'm in Deer Park. 

We're neighbors.....Wheatley Heights!!!

As a follow
up, in case anybody is wondering, the Dinner on the Edge(Magic Carpet) was really nice. I must say though, that although the food was decent, it really was the atmosphere that made the experience special. Our dining time was just before sunset so we were able to enjoy a nice sunset while we dined.

The experience is not like Chef's Table and I'm not sure if everyone on the Magic Carpet that evening had the same menu. 

One strange thing that happened is that right before dessert was served, the Host and the Chef came over to our table and spoke to us as well as the couple at the table next to us. They asked how our meal was and to offer a 'special' on the cost of the dinner. All of us were a little confused, but said "OK"!! The next day we checked our account but didn't see any change. We waited one more day then asked the Suite Concierge to look into it. They did verify it was a valid offer and said they would credit our account for the difference. 

I would recommend the Magic Carpet for sunset views and al fresco dining. An example of the menu is attached below:

On 1/29/2023 at 6:49 PM, D Alt said:

I finally booked a Celebrity cruise on Silhouette for end of 2024! The deals were pretty good with 75% off second guest and I got $100 OBC. Albeit it's a short 3N cruise. Figured it's good for now. By that time I will be Diamond (almost D+) and Elite on Celebrity.  So I'm guessing I should wait until I hit that level to start purchasing any extras in order to get discounts.  

For some reason RCCL and Celebrity's Loyalty programs are not showing the correct levels.  Anyone else having this issue in the cruise planner? 

Yes....my profile on RCCL & Celebrity say Diamond/Elite but my DH's profile still says Emerald/Select. I called and was assured the system would update in 7-10 days(everything is 7-10 days), as I wanted to make sure all was well when we sailed in Dec 2022. Never happened. However, both RC & Celebrity said the status was showing correct on their end. And when DH received emails from the cruise line, it confirmed his correct status. I gave up. We were afforded the proper perks once onboard so all was well. 

We did Chef's Table on Celebrity Edge and it was an amazing meal & experience. We also met great people who we are still friendly with to this day. We plan on trying CT on Wonder later this year. On Celebrity, wine pairing was optional, for an additional $60 per person(not covered by the beverage package). At first we were going to skip it but decided to go for it and it really enhanced the meal. It was worth the $$. Glad RCCL includes the wine for their CT experience(and it's less expensive than Celebrity to boot). Attached is a copy of our menu, for example:

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

We had the CL for 2 of us on SY a few years ago. I loved it for just Hubby and I! So much so that I booked the CL for Wonder for our anniversary this coming July. Besides, how can it be wasted space when you can each have your own bathroom? Lol

That is so true!! Can’t go wrong with 2 ‘thrones’!!

On 1/24/2023 at 3:38 PM, fa-li said:

The CLS balcony is not small, despite what photos may make it seem.  It is very deep and having the double height really opens up the view.  We were out there every night looking at the stars. I cannot stress enough the convenience of being right there on deck 17 by the CK.  And then just a quick toddle across to the suite sundeck.  We loved the two full bathrooms and there were only two of us! When we travel with adult daughter, the extra bath is a must.  

We’re booked on Symphony for May 2024 and initially chose a GS, same cabin as our sailing in 2022. However, I noticed, when checking for any price reduction, that the CLS was just a little more and decided to go for it(unbeknownst to DH..as a surprise). I’m glad you mentioned that you enjoyed the suite even though there were only 2 of you. I was feeling that maybe it would be a lot of wasted space for 2, but after your comments, I feel better and am looking forward to surprising my husband for our anniversary!!

23 hours ago, rjweber3 said:

The breakfast at Luminae is terrific! Eggs to order, several different proteins, omelets with almost anything you ask for. I became a fan of their eggs benedict. BTW, they did not enforce any dress code for breakfast and lunch. I wouldn't go there in a swimsuit, but many times went before and after excursions on port days.

I am so on a eggs benedict BINGE right now so I will definitely try it!! Place we go to for breakfast near our home has a benedict with crabcake on a toasted croissant with hollandaise....WONDERFUL!!!!

On 1/16/2023 at 1:07 PM, Censored said:

Lucky you. I cant wait to try that ship. From all the reviews I have been reading, you are in for a real treat.  I wish Royal would step up their game the same way.  Coastal Kitchen needs an improvement.  But you are in a ship with fewer passengers and the cruise will cost more in comparison.  You get what you pay for I suppose.

Edge is a beautiful ship and you will absolutely LOVE the Captain. He was hilarious!! As I said previously, we really took Luminae for granted....I suspect it was because we thought it would be similar to Coastal Kitchen, which doesn't always 'blow up our skirts'. NOT!! Luminae is way better and worth dining there multiple times, both for lunch and dinner. We did not try breakfast but will remedy that situation on Beyond next year....And I agree with you that you get what you pay for. In my opinion, the extra you pay for Celebrity is worth it because you do get more.

On 1/13/2023 at 10:32 AM, rjweber3 said:

We have dined in Luminae on both M and S class ships. All were very nice and a cut above the MDR. The food was better. But the service and atmosphere were top-flight. We usually had reservations, but if we didn't or arrived early or late, the head waiter was gracious and we were seated immediately. Getting to know all the waiters, assistant waiters, sommeliers, etc. by name was very enjoyable. We have not sailed on an Edge-class ship. We are looking forward to Apex in May to experience that one. I don't think you will regret it.

We are on the Summit Feb 2024 and Beyond Dec 2024 and plan on making up for lost time at Luminae!! We too found the service top notch.

As a Followup….we didn’t dine at Luminae nearly enough on our Dec 2022 10N Edge sailing…..We dined there maybe 2 times for dinner and 2 times for lunch. And it was at the end of the sailing. The food at Luminae was AMAZING!!! We so regretted that we neglected it in favor of Specialty Restaurant dining. We will not make that mistake again.

I was so hoping that the menu changes would prompt some kind of change to CK menus. I enjoy CK but feel there should be more entree choices each day, similar to MDR. There’s no reason why the MDR menu should look more appetizing than CK. Just saying….

Our next 2 Celebrity Cruises is Feb 2024 for a Charter sailing Jazz Cruise on Summit and then Dec 2024 on Beyond, an 11N to Panama Canal & So Caribbean. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to meet Capt. Kate!!

I agree….NEVER too early….We’re booked on Celebrity Beyond for December 2024….710 days to go. WOO-HOO We are ready!!

41 minutes ago, SpeedNoodles said:

Ok, I know that Azamara isn't part of the Royal Caribbean Group anymore, but I'm posting this here because I know you guys will GET THIS.

We have just booked our retirement celebration experience (herein referred to as the RCE).

Azamara Quest, August 2024 - 11-night Ireland Intensive Voyage.  2 nights in Dublin, 2 nights in Belfast, Londonderry, Donegal (Killybegs), Galway, Foynes, Bantry Bay, Cork, (sea day), and disembarking in Southampton.

Y'all, I am SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It funny that you mentioned Azamara….I had no interest really in Azamara for all the years it was associated with Celebrity…until 2 days ago. We were interested in a cruise that included Monte Carlo and offered an excursion for the Grand Prix. Azamara was one of the first cruise line we came across that offers it. We’re looking into it maybe for our 35th anniversary.

2 hours ago, cruisellama said:

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.

Honestly, we’ve always avoided Forward and Aft cabins because of motion sickness issues. However, we are finally going to try The Patch, after 20+ years of cruising. I guess we’ve been in denial!!! Then we’ll see if Aft/Forward cabins will be in our future.

On 10/30/2022 at 11:47 AM, cruisellama said:

Suite perks are the same BUT you don't get as much attention (service) from the butler staff (concierge).   Good ones will put forth effort.   Try Celebrity customer engagement.  [email protected]  (The desk is operated by the Capt Club loyalty team VP staff so they tend to be a bit more responsive.)  or [email protected].    I found Jennifer to be very helpful on pre-cruise issues (even though that's not in her job jar.

If you strike out ahead of time, prepare your preferences on a piece of paper and give it to your butler when he/she  checks in with you after you get in your cabin.  They'll always ask "what can I do for you?" .  Hand him/her the paper and it will get done.  Always had luck with that - writing on a card makes a difference in getting it right.

 

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  

27 minutes ago, barbeyg said:

Have a great cruise! Our first time as well.

Thanks….you too

On 11/29/2022 at 8:42 PM, barbeyg said:

We sail Apex in a Sky Suite this Saturday. One more workday till vacation begins…..

We sail on Edge in a Sky Suite this Friday….just got to Ft. Lauderdale today. 1st time in a suite on Celebrity so looking forward to experiencing The Retreat!!

I saw that too on my Wonder sailing….for Nov 2023!! Now how could that be? Now, I just went back on Cruise Planner and it no longer even offers a Voom Surf package, only a Surf & Stream. Maybe it’s a glitch OR they are getting ready to load Starlink for an up charge. Who knows??