Matt on Apex!

[BrianAlt]

I'm very excited for @Matt to take his first cruise on Celebrity!  I think he's going to love it.  But perhaps the kids less so?  Although I think they'll still find their niche while on board.  The Edge class ships really are beautiful ships.  Let's post some tips for Matt here!

[Cactus527]

I saw that and was surprised too! No tips, just hope it goes super well.

[twangster]

Registering celebritycruiseblog.com now....  darn it, it's taken!

 

 

[Curt From Canada]

Tips for Matt (this is based on a SUMMIT sailing ... therefore on a larger ship YMMV):

• Standard internet (as a part of their Always Included rate) was terrible.  A large lineup resulted on DAY 02 to upgrade to their "fast" internet (which was not great, but was good enough).
• Standard drink package (as a part of their Always Included rate) was "OK" (we are "low maintenance drinkers" ... nothing fancy).  They have the cutest little martini glasses (emphasis on little ... really, really little ).
• Returning Cruiser Event was a zoo ... this is now officially on the "Do Not Attend" list. 
• Rendezvous Lounge was the best place for dancing of any ship we have been on.  Not sure if the larger ships try to (or need to) recreate that vibe.
• Cafe al Bacio is fantastic.  we could have lived there.  Coffee to go or stay was a highlight.
• Entertainment was "OK" (nothing special) ... again this was a small ship.
• Food was "hit and miss" (some very, very good ... some not so good).  I think this is similar to most comments on most lines since the restart.

I hope this helps ...

Curt from Canada

[WRSmith2PhD]

1 hour ago, Curt From Canada said:

Cafe al Bacio is fantastic.  we could have lived there.

I'll second this!  My family used the Cafe on various Celebrity ships (Edge and Equinox) as the common location to meet, enjoy a drink, people watch, and have a nice dessert.  The staff was always great!

We also loved how open and bright the Edge-class ships are.  There are neat places to find and enjoy throughout the ship.

 

 

[loki007]

renting the pool side cabanas on sea days is awesome and well worth the $300

[SMOKEY0202]

Luv Celebrity cruises.  It's a different vibe for sure but those extra touches make it quite rewarding and special.  Won't have waterslides, belly flop competition on pool or see many kids, but you will have enjoyable time at the Martini bar nightly or spectacular views at Sunset bar and all varieties of music around ship.

When is Matt sailing on Celebrity?

[SpeedNoodles]

6 hours ago, SMOKEY0202 said:

Luv Celebrity cruises.  It's a different vibe for sure but those extra touches make it quite rewarding and special.  Won't have waterslides, belly flop competition on pool or see many kids, but you will have enjoyable time at the Martini bar nightly or spectacular views at Sunset bar and all varieties of music around ship.

When is Matt sailing on Celebrity?

Over Thanksgiving this year.

[BrianAlt]

16 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

Over Thanksgiving this year.

That's a good time because there will be other kids on the ship.  (More than usual.)

[Matt]

I appreciate the kind words, and big thanks to @Curt From Canada for all the tips! I wasn't sure if it was worth upgrading the drink package or not.

[AspiringCruisePlanner]

On 4/17/2023 at 9:14 AM, Matt said:

I appreciate the kind words, and big thanks to @Curt From Canada for all the tips! I wasn't sure if it was worth upgrading the drink package or not.

Super excited for you to try out Celebrity, Matt!  We were on her back in December and loved it.  I have some tips as well.

• If you don't have Celebrity Select dining, I would try to get it switched to that now.  The reason being is that Edge class ships don't follow the early/late seating preferences like any other ship.  People who chose early or late dining are given a reservation at one of the 4 main dining rooms on the first night and then are on their own to make reservations for the following nights.  To get set times locked in, you need to choose Celebrity Select dining and pre-reserve times for each night via the app or cruise planner.  Reservation spots open about a year in advance, so you should be able to book them now.
• It's worth trying to eat in the 4 different main dining rooms on various nights.  There's a different theme/ambiance in each which is fun to explore.  My favorite was Cyprus.
• Each of the 4 dining rooms has a short list of "exclusive" dishes which are not truly exclusive as you're able to order these from any of the 4 main dining rooms.  You can find all the exclusive dishes listed in the menus for the various dining rooms on the app.
• Based on your comment it sounds like you have the classic beverage package.  I wouldn't bother upgrading to the premium package since there are a huge number of drinks included with the classic package and you can always pay the difference plus gratuity if you want a drink priced higher than the included amount.  Kraken rum is included in the classic package, so lava flows with kraken are fair game 
• You may already be aware, but contrary to Royal Caribbean, you don't need to check in or out pool towels!
• Also contrary to Royal Caribbean, you don't need to reserve seats for shows in the theater.  Just show up 5-10 minutes before hand and there should be plenty of decent seats.
• Since you get status match to Elite from being Diamond Plus (and soon to be Pinnacle, congrats by the way), you'll get 1 bag of laundry complimentary.  Why not take advantage of it?
• If you want to attend any of the Captain's Club onboard events like the Sneak Peek of Wonder at Eden or Create and Pour, you want to sign up for those on the day you board as they get filled up quickly.  You should get a flyer in your room on day 1 with details on how to reserve.
• For late night bites, head to the back of the buffet for pizza.  They do a good job.
• I'll echo @Curt From Canada's tip that Cafe al Bacio is top notch and all drinks without liquor are included with the classic package.  Also, the baked goods at Cafe al Bacio are complementary for everyone.
• Pro tip: Eden Cafe is a complementary fast-casual style restaurant with outdoor seating on deck 5 in the Eden area.  It's open for breakfast and lunch, but only on sea days. The food is great and it is much less busy and noisy than the buffet.  Would recommend
• If you want to upgrade your internet package, you'll want to call in order to get the Captain's Club discount applied.  The price shown on the planner doesn't include the additional discount.
• Don't forget to pick up your 3 casino match plays from the cashier for being an Elite member!

That's all I got.  Enjoy your cruise!

[cruisellama]

On 4/17/2023 at 9:14 AM, Matt said:

I appreciate the kind words, and big thanks to @Curt From Canada for all the tips! I wasn't sure if it was worth upgrading the drink package or not.

If you plan to spend a lot of time at the martini bar, world class bar, or Eden bar, upgrade is worth a look as it opens up some interesting options.   

[Aron_Ross]

On 4/13/2023 at 12:29 PM, SMOKEY0202 said:

Luv Celebrity cruises.  It's a different vibe for sure but those extra touches make it quite rewarding and special.  Won't have waterslides, belly flop competition 

No belly flop competition?? Forget it no Celebrity for me then!  Ok just kidding.  I'm very intrigued with Celebrity these days and I see a booking in my future.  My MEI agent highly recommends it, especially since my wife and I are in our early 50s.  I'm really looking forward to Matt's experience and his thoughts. 

Question for anyone, which ship do you suggest for 1st time Celebrity cruisers?

[Matt]

Great stuff @AspiringCruisePlanner!

[KevinJ]

We're doing Apex next year for an Ireland & Iceland cruise, so I'll be looking forward to your reports of your experience.

[MICHELLE]

On 4/17/2023 at 10:14 AM, Matt said:

I appreciate the kind words, and big thanks to @Curt From Canada for all the tips! I wasn't sure if it was worth upgrading the drink package or not.

I always upgrade the drinks and the wi-fi before boarding - well worth it I think

[Cactus527]

Oh no, is the sailing Celebrity just cancelled?????

[smokeybandit]

3 hours ago, Cactus527 said:

Oh no, is the sailing Celebrity just cancelled?????

They canceled 2024 and 2025 cruises.

[Cactus527]

51 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

They canceled 2024 and 2025 cruises.

Whew! I was worried for him.

[NCBuckeye]

My April 2025 on Apex was canceled and I'm miffed about it.  I had an excellent room and rate. 

[cruisellama]

10 hours ago, NCBuckeye said:

My April 2025 on Apex was canceled and I'm miffed about it.  I had an excellent room and rate. 

Seems to be a few ships all getting redeployment orders: Apex, Summit, Equinox, Reflection.   Some are from the south and central American rotation.  Wondering if they can't get the bookings they want.  New president has to make her numbers.

 

 

[ColdRingo]

This thread was a great read - wife and I are sailing on the Apex in December to try out Celebrity.  I'm not upset about the status match at all..