Just another Thanksgiving cruise live blog...on Celebrity APEX

[AshleyDillo]

1 minute ago, OCSC Mike said:

As someone used to sailing on full Oasis class ships, that’s just bizarre to me. I’m not even a huge drinker but I definitely enjoy using my vouchers & can’t remember ever having an issue getting a drink.

Not sure if this is the norm or there's a lack of staff, but it's never this hard to get a drink on Royal. Takes them way longer to use the POS system too.

[AshleyDillo]

They want us out of the room by 7:45 on departure day

I guess it makes sense when they want to have our room ready upon boarding for the next guests, but that's harsh.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Do they have expedited departure for retreat guests like on Royal where the suite concierge walks off groups of suite passengers? 

[AshleyDillo]

20 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Do they have expedited departure for retreat guests like on Royal where the suite concierge walks off groups of suite passengers? 

Not sure..doesn't look like it per this letter. At least from the Retreat Lounge you start at the top of the ship. The elevators on this ship are massive, though. We haven't had any issues like we do on Royal other than folks aren't willing to step back to let new people in and they don't let you off before trying to board the elevator.

[asquared17]

1 hour ago, CGTLH said:

I recall hearing in the past it could be done, going from Classic to Zero Proof. Not sure the exact process if it can be done in advance or onboard.

Celebrity also runs sales where the Classic package can be upgraded to Premium for ~$10 per person per day factoring in the gratuity as well.

and now for my silly follow up question — will they still let you order alcohol if you do this??

like if you want the odd corona at the pool or glass of wine at dinner (not captains club happy hour times), i wonder??

thank you @CGTLH and @AshleyDillo for being our ambassadors

…wait, also.  i swear you just got on board… how are they already sending this letter!

[AshleyDillo]

Tried to catch a casino photo for @Ampurp85 without it being weird.

[AshleyDillo]

5 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

and now for my silly follow up question — will they still let you order alcohol if you do this??

I don't see why not. It's just gonna show you have the zero proof package..not block you from ordering drinks.

[CGTLH]

9 minutes ago, asquared17 said:

and now for my silly follow up question — will they still let you order alcohol if you do this??

Don't see why it would get flagged. Just keep in mind the higher than Royal prices for some of the more common items. However, think Corona might be same price.

[AshleyDillo]

BREAKING NEWS!!! WE ACTUALLY GOT BAR SERVICE WITHOUT HAVING TO FLAG DOWN A SERVER!

[SMOKEY0202]

Bar service is a hit or miss on this end.  By the grace of God if these bartenders could make the cocktail correctly.  Some have been pure horrible and were sent back and last night took 3 times to get perfectly.  Thinking it's rookies students in training especially when asked what's in it.

Food is subjective however temperature could be warmer.  Officer nabbed me last night with head waiter if there is issues with dining because only eat half platter and never get dessert.  Tried explaining when you are on 10 meds i barely am hungry and fill me up.

The infamous green bean casserole(tons served) made its presence last night on the turkey platters.  Way too much turkey.  You were given 4 big slices white meat with 2 slices dark meat.  Barely any cranberry sauce or stuffing.

Ham platter looked like you got the whole pig on the plate.

For the dessert lovers, red velvet has been spotted numerous times around but no pies or cheesecake.  Cheesecake has only been seen 2 times so far.  Did see pecan pie in Ocean Cafe yesterday.

 

 

[Neesa]

9 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

Not sure..doesn't look like it per this letter. At least from the Retreat Lounge you start at the top of the ship. The elevators on this ship are massive, though. We haven't had any issues like we do on Royal other than folks aren't willing to step back to let new people in and they don't let you off before trying to board the elevator.

This seems to be everywhere. The lack of kind etiquette flows equally on Royal....and on land for that matter. Gone are the times of cordial niceties. Holding a door for the person entering behind you is now an exception where I felt it used to be a rule. I think it's @teddy if I'm wrong I apologize who opines our behaviors with each other are changing and not for the better. 

I'm so happy for your honest review, it will keep my expectations in check when I finally sail Celebrity in the not so near future.

[OCSC Mike]

29 minutes ago, Neesa said:

This seems to be everywhere. The lack of kind etiquette flows equally on Royal

That's partly why I stay on a middle-ish deck and take the stairs whenever humanly possible. I'm not exaggerating when I mention how lazy I am or how I never exercise. On a ship? I'm Rocky running up and down the Philly Art Museum stairs just to avoid the elevators between the wait, the crowding, and the etiquette.

[AshleyDillo]

Fortunately the passenger to public space ratio on this ship is huge. We have had zero issues getting an elevator and there's been no crowding of public throughway areas. Even when they had the well‐attended crowded events, they were in a theater at the far reaches of the ship, in The Club which is a closed off venue, or the Martini Bar which is smack in the center of the ship but on the 3rd deck whereas decks 4 and decks 5 are where everyone is walking through. 

There is no Royal Promenade type area that they clog up with balloon drops or 70s parties cutting off easy transit from one end of the ship to the other.

Only negative is the aft elevator bank is still quite midship. It's a long trek back to Eden or if you have an aft cabin..similar to Quantum class on Royal.

[WAAAYTOOO]

11 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Do they have expedited departure for retreat guests like on Royal where the suite concierge walks off groups of suite passengers? 

 

11 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

Not sure..doesn't look like it per this letter.

Very surprised to hear this.  A huge shortcoming, IMO.  With all of the other nice suites/Retreat amenities, not having expedited disembarkation seems like a real head scratcher.  Let us know how it goes in reality.

[Lovetocruise2002]

11 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

 

Very surprised to hear this.  A huge shortcoming, IMO.  With all of the other nice suites/Retreat amenities, not having expedited disembarkation seems like a real head scratcher.  Let us know how it goes in reality.

Was also surprised to hear this. But then again, @AshleyDillo has been saying all week that public areas are not crowded so maybe disembarking will be cordial and easy as well

[CGTLH]

Bit of editing and some interpretive reading I get the impression escorted departure is offered.

Knocking off the bit talking about transfers. Maybe this is implying Retreat guests getting escorted off. Question is the escorting offered during the entire disembarkation time or only when tags 1-5 are called.

Also not having the traditional departure sheet, unknown if the use of Fine Cut is only intended for Retreat guests doing self assist.

[Ampurp85]

Thanks for the casino photos. It looks really empty and just goes to show how people literally just go to the casino and smoke on Royal.

For the Ascent sailing, we decided to forget the classic package add-on and go zero proof and buy drinks a la carte. The list of classic drinks is pretty dismal, and I don't drink enough to have to do premium. Plus, if bar service is that slow, I would feel like I wasted my money. 

Since you have been posting really good, I know at least the internet is up to par. 

[AshleyDillo]

2 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Since you have been posting really good, I know at least the internet is up to par. 

We have the premium internet. Matt said the basic has been abysmal.

[Ampurp85]

Ah, see that is also why I purchased the premium version a la carte too. I knew it would be bad. 

[AshleyDillo]

I didn't do any of the pre-cruise planning but here's the MoveUp (modern luxury RoyalUp) offers we had.

The photo for the Villa is Luminae so that's a little misleading. The Villas have their own little glass door entry way on Deck 15 and also have private doors that let them out directly to the Suite Sun Deck.

[AshleyDillo]

4 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Ah, see that is also why I purchased the premium version a la carte too. I knew it would be bad. 

Good call! Matt may have upgraded for himself since he's been able to livestream but I think the kids have the basic and they're not thrilled.

[AshleyDillo]

effy freebie coming along nicely.

[AshleyDillo]

45 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Thanks for the casino photos. It looks really empty and just goes to show how people literally just go to the casino and smoke on Royal.

11am on a sea day..quiet and empty and smoke-free!

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, CGTLH said:

Bit of editing and some interpretive reading I get the impression escorted departure is offered.

Knocking off the bit talking about transfers. Maybe this is implying Retreat guests getting escorted off. Question is the escorting offered during the entire disembarkation time or only when tags 1-5 are called.

Also not having the traditional departure sheet, unknown if the use of Fine Cut is only intended for Retreat guests doing self assist.

I am curious about retreat guests who self carry their own luggage. Cause that would be us.

36 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

effy freebie coming along nicely.

My kids would love that! Way better than the ropes! Maybe this will entice them to sail X? It’s still doubtful though lol

[asquared17]

56 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

am curious about retreat guests who self carry their own luggage. Cause that would be us.

this would also be us.

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

For the Ascent sailing, we decided to forget the classic package add-on and go zero proof and buy drinks a la carte. The list of classic drinks is pretty dismal, and I don't drink enough to have to do premium.

BIG SAME, friend. this is much smarter for my purposes although J has decided that she wants to stay with the classic

1 hour ago, AshleyDillo said:

We have the premium internet. Matt said the basic has been abysmal.

GOOD to know. i will probably be upgrading for this reason.

 

also i am weirdly intrigued by the effy trinket necklace??? who CLAIMS this woman??

[Ampurp85]

The celebrity bf sale has the two-device Wi-Fi at $28.99/day. Plus, they sell blackjack and slot tournament tickets, but given how not busy the casino is, that would be a waste.

I like the Effy pendant, all the vintages I travel with would have loved that. 

[AshleyDillo]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

My kids would love that! Way better than the ropes! Maybe this will entice them to sail X? It’s still doubtful though lol

Much nicer than the ropes for sure..but if they're used to Royal's activities definitely a hard sell unless they're into relaxing. There's not as much trivia and they do a lot of smaller scale activities.

[AshleyDillo]

9 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

Plus, they sell blackjack and slot tournament tickets, but given how not busy the casino is, that would be a waste.

The most crowded time I saw the casino was when they were selling the Deal or No Deal scratchers. Not sure what that was about as we didn't go to that show.

[AshleyDillo]

We room serviced for breakfast and my mom chose Luminae for lunch.

 

[AshleyDillo]

Chicken breast and Cobb salad.

Neuske bacon is apparently a fancy word for ham.

[SMOKEY0202]

[AshleyDillo]

With complimentary desserts like these, there's always a line at Cafe al Bacio. Much, much better than the ones at Cafe Promenade on Royal.

[AshleyDillo]

This cruise is about to sunset

[AshleyDillo]

6 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I am curious about retreat guests who self carry their own luggage. Cause that would be us.

Self assist for Retreat guests meets in Fine Cut and are walked off as soon as the ship is cleared. Fine Cut is right across from the gangway. Basically you would be on your own with elevators getting to that point.

Everyone else can stage in the Retreat Lounge until the first luggage tags are called. Then they can go down in a priority elevator, similar to the Suite Lounge departure we are used to with Royal.

[asquared17]

that sunset is STUNNING.

[WAAAYTOOO]

So it sounds like there is some priority disembarkation.  That’s good news.

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, AshleyDillo said:

Self assist for Retreat guests meets in Fine Cut and are walked off as soon as the ship is cleared.

I should have been more clear when I worded it earlier...what I meant was I wonder what happens to self assist Retreat guest who don't wish to depart right when the ship is cleared. Like for example, on Royal, the suite concierge would let you choose certain times 8am; 8:15am; 8:30am, etc. and you could meet them with all your luggage and they would wave their priority elevator card and off you go with them. Doesn't sound like that is really an option with the Retreat.

[AshleyDillo]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I should have been more clear when I worded it earlier...what I meant was I wonder what happens to self assist Retreat guest who don't wish to depart right when the ship is cleared. Like for example, on Royal, the suite concierge would let you choose certain times 8am; 8:15am; 8:30am, etc. and you could meet them with all your luggage and they would wave their priority elevator card and off you go with them. Doesn't sound like that is really an option with the Retreat.

You catch the escort from the Retreat Lounge. They said you just let them know when you are ready to go. It's irrelevant whether you're luggage assist or self-assist. But if you want off first before everybody and do self-assist you meet in Fine Cut.

[Matt]

I'll have my write up on Monday about my experience.  I stayed in an infinite veranda (not in the Retreat), but I agree with pretty much everything @AshleyDillo said in her live blog.

The ship, and the experience were lovely. I had a great time, but I didn't realize how much I depended on Royal's entertainment and things to do.

We were in bed by 10pm every night because there just wasn't anything happening, and in the daytime you'd find very few events. Trivia fans? You can forget about that.

I was also really disappointed by the Always Included. I sucked it up and stayed with the classic beverage package, but it was a disappointing experience.  The basic wifi you get is useless, so you're forced to upgrade if you want to do anything and Celebrity charges WAY more than Royal for wifi.

Loved their buffet, the MDR has the "old" Royal rules where you can make special requests, the specialty restaurants were like Royal's (mostly good, but not cheap).

The complete lack of bar staff to serve you a drink if you didn't go to a bar was eye opening. Even in the casino, it was impossible to get a drink.

Like all things, good and bad. 

[OCSC Mike]

14 minutes ago, Matt said:

Loved their buffet

This live blog is the extent of my knowledge of Celebrity. I wasn't looking to try anything new anyway but that buffet was the only thing that truly appealed to me. The signature drinks looked interesting but apparently it's hard to be served one and I'd never pay for drinks anyway.

Thanks for chiming in and hope to see ya on Wonder in March.