CGTLH Posted April 13, 2019 Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 Greetings all! Currently sitting on the Tri-Rail at the Miami airport station waiting for it to depart northbound heading towards Ft. Lauderdale. (Check out writeup @twangster did going from Ft. Lauderdale airport.) Day started off catching a 6:30 am flight to Miami with a landing just after 7:30 am. Have to admit a hour flight sure beats sitting 7+ hours in either a car or bus. Just a shame the flight costs 3-4 times what RedCoach would have been. But the convenience so far is worth it. So those wondering what exactly 3343 means, I'll reveal that tomorrow. Sure some smart folks might figure it out. Also if you want to get an idea of what to expect. Please check out my previous LIVEish: mom2mybugs, Traveler, Lovetocruise2002 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted April 13, 2019 Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 Woohoo! A @CGTLH live blog! Bring on those WJ recon pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 30 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Bring on those WJ recon pics! Might be difficult this sailing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted April 13, 2019 Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 Following from the edge of my chair... MotleyCruiser 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 Didn't want to give the impression I was lost on some train heading towards West Palm Beach. Around 10:00 the train arrived at the Ft. Lauderdale "airport" station. As @twangster mentioned in his write the station isn't directly at the airport. Rather you hop on a transfer shuttle/bus and that would drop you off at one of the terminals. In our case we ordered a Lyft and in about 5 minutes picked up and heading towards the Embassy Suites on 17th. Per my Lyft transaction 14 minutes later we arrived at the hotel. Cost for the ride was almost $12. Arriving at the the hotel I was met with a very full lobby of eager future cruisers. Think in total I noticed signs for five ships. Unfortunately the hotel didn't have a room yet available. However they did have a bag check room to leave luggage in. Where things stand right now, finish up lunch at Duffy's. Did get notification a moment ago saying the my "digital key" was ready for the hotel room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted April 13, 2019 Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 I will be following. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted April 13, 2019 Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 Are we on Harmony together? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted April 13, 2019 Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 2 hours ago, CGTLH said: Might be difficult this sailing... Hmm...that along with whatever 3343 is, I am definitely intrigued... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetPea Posted April 13, 2019 Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 I have no idea what ship you're getting on, but I'm following along for funsies! Duh. Just saw the ship name in the title. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted April 13, 2019 Report Share Posted April 13, 2019 11 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Hmm...that along with whatever 3343 is, I am definitely intrigued... It's not that hard but technically there is day and night difference in his thread title. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Not much worth mentioning post lunch. Summary is going to sleep at 1am and waking up at 4am plus a heavy lunch suddenly caught up to me. Got to the room and for the most part caught up on sleep. Dinner tonight was nothing special, Jamaican meat patty from the Publix bakery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Morning everyone! Such a great sight seeing your ship in port. Here let me get a closer view of the one on the left. monctonguy, firebuck, CazV and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 #modernluxury Enjoy your cruise! CGTLH 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firebuck Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 3343 - reminds me of texting on my old Nokia 3390 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jedi Jason Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 My wife and I really enjoyed our 3 night Bahamas preview sailing in December. So, I will definitely will be following. We need a longer cruise on Edge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 As those that are following along the reveal is Celebrity Edge. This card depicted here is the last non Royal Caribbean International cruise ship I sailed. This card was from my 17th cruise. Celebrity Edge will be cruise number 43. Other thoughts this is my first non Royal Caribbean International cruise in 6 years. Now one could argue that Celebrity is part of the Royal Caribbean Cruises brand so really it isn't truly cheating on another brand. mom2mybugs, WannaCruise, JLMoran and 4 others 5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 First impressions, traffic patterns at Terminal 25 could be a bit better. Also would help to have travel lanes better marked. One suggestion is hang all the way in the left lane. The luggage drop off area is after the terminal building. Also for "priority" guests they have a very small drop off zone closer the entrance. The keep left theme continues for Suite and Zenith guests. Similar to Terminal A in Miami there is a small podium next to an elevator to reach security screening and check-in. This part was fast paced and didn't have any time to stop for pictures. Same tablet check-in method is used as Terminal A. Now the actual waiting area for Suite and Zenith guests is a step up from Terminal A. Even has a small bar setup with some snacks, soda, and water. Plus some snacks JLMoran, Lovetocruise2002, The Cruise Junkie and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Another feature of the Terminal 25 waiting area for Suite and Zenith guests is rooftop access. Guess if you didn't mind being under the watchful eye of a security guard you could get a pre-boarding tan started. CazV, twangster, Skigoofy and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 So boarding has started and first impressions are great. Plus some welcome aboard bubbly is nice touch. JLMoran, The Cruise Junkie, Lovetocruise2002 and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Bought a dining package, trying to book reservations. No ideal times (before 8 pm) are available. Might need to speak with the Concierge vs the reservation roamers. Go figure... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cruise Junkie Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Following @CGTLH From Serenade Then Enchantment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WannaCruise Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Excited to follow along as you don't see many reviews from Celebrity...and we can switch over at same/comparable c&a level. Enjoy your cruise! Ship looks beautiful. On our last couple cruises, we kept seeing her (i.e. same ports) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Some pictures of The Retreat Lounge Available beverages Only one snack item, full meal is available in Lumine. JLMoran, spiralqueen, twangster and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 In Oceanview Cafe (hence the Windjammer difficulty comment @Lovetocruise2002 ) Sorry to hear about Harmony @Sweety. If it isn't rubbing salt in the wound here is a picture of Red Velvet cake. @AshleyDillo this one is for you @Matt and other Indian food lovers Lovetocruise2002, Skigoofy, JLMoran and 4 others 5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Some nice touches Pizza is made with fresh dough For people that have allergy or dietary concerns it seems everything has a tag listing the key concerns. This one for example would indicate "gluten free" Traveler, twangster and CazV 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 I love the suites waiting area. The bar and snacks are a nice touch. Thanks for taking us along ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Red velvet cake picture is wrong on all levels. I need some to soothe my pain. mom2mybugs, The Cruise Junkie, WAAAYTOOO and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Wow! Just caught up now as I haven't logged in since last night! I love this ship already and you just started this blog. The Edge is beautiful! I actually have not researched this ship at all so this is the first time I am seeing pics of it. The suites waiting area already sealed the deal for me. Why won't this ship sail North America in the summer when I can actually sail her? I will have to settle for living vicariously through your blog. Keep the pics coming @CGTLH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 38 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Wow! Just caught up now as I haven't logged in since last night! I love this ship already and you just started this blog. The Edge is beautiful! I actually have not researched this ship at all so this is the first time I am seeing pics of it. The suites waiting area already sealed the deal for me. Why won't this ship sail North America in the summer when I can actually sail her? I will have to settle for living vicariously through your blog. Keep the pics coming @CGTLH! They have four more Edge series ships coming, you'll get a chance... Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Quick visit up to The Retreat sundeck One unique thing is the Edge Villa guests have direct access to The Retreat sundeck from their room. Doors on the left side I'm going to assume lead to a locked door to the Villa. Also a bar up here, just didn't get the chance to take a picture. spiralqueen, CazV, twangster and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Could almost call this a sneak peek at the future of the Royal app. This is the Celebrity version. Notice the three icons. Fork and Knife, Bed, and door knob. Hitting the "Fork and Knife" brings you to the well known screen showing what dining venues are open, menus, and what not. "Bed" icon brings up room control options, defaulting to the television tab. Room tab brings up various room controls Hitting "see all" dropdown next to lights gives granular on/off control of the various room lights. Finally the "Door knob" icon. The initial setup requires some authentication. Once authenticated no need to do anything more other than have the app open. JLMoran, The Cruise Junkie, twangster and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 But do all the room control features work? That's how you know they have a different IT department than Royal. Ogalthorpe Haywood, MotleyCruiser and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 7 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said: But do all the room control features work? That's how you know they have a different IT department than Royal. Work and work well are two different things. TV controls seem to work fine. Room controls are a random story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mworkman Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted April 14, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Some of my responses tonight brought to you by... Mexi-Cali Martini: Grey Goose, jalapeno, pineapple juice, and vermouth. Dill Pickle Vodka Martini: Grey Goose and Dill Pickle Juice JLMoran, Guy Gadwa, The Cruise Junkie and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Blahnik Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Looking forward to following along, Michael (thanks, Sabrina!) - we board next Sunday and hope you have an amazing week! John & Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Blahnik Posted April 14, 2019 Report Share Posted April 14, 2019 Looking forward to following along, Michael (thanks, Sabrina!) - we board next Sunday and hope you have an amazing week! John & Debbie Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jedi Jason Posted April 15, 2019 Report Share Posted April 15, 2019 7 hours ago, CGTLH said: Some nice touches Pizza is made with fresh dough For people that have allergy or dietary concerns it seems everything has a tag listing the key concerns. This one for example would indicate "gluten free" I always forgot about the pizza station in the Ocean view café since it is in the aft of the dining area separated from everything else. I never got around to trying it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jedi Jason Posted April 15, 2019 Report Share Posted April 15, 2019 7 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Wow! Just caught up now as I haven't logged in since last night! I love this ship already and you just started this blog. The Edge is beautiful! I actually have not researched this ship at all so this is the first time I am seeing pics of it. The suites waiting area already sealed the deal for me. Why won't this ship sail North America in the summer when I can actually sail her? I will have to settle for living vicariously through your blog. Keep the pics coming @CGTLH! They are building four other sister ships so maybe one of them will eventually sail in the summer in the Caribbean. Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jedi Jason Posted April 15, 2019 Report Share Posted April 15, 2019 5 hours ago, CGTLH said: Work and work well are two different things. TV controls seem to work fine. Room controls are a random story. The best was the blinds or black out shade for the balcony, being able to raise or lower that from the comfort of your bed via the app. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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