When is your next Celebrity/Azamara Cruise?

[cruisellama]

10 hours ago, Ryanolds said:

July 17, 2021 out of St. Marteen. I feel like I am cheating on Royal Caribbean.

But you're still helping the RCG

[BrianAlt]

We have Edge booked for April 3, 2022.  Just moved from Aqua to a Sky Suite. Because…why not?

[cruisellama]

1 hour ago, BrianAlt said:

We have Edge booked for April 3, 2022.  Just moved from Aqua to a Sky Suite. Because…why not?

And you'll enjoy all the perks.  Especially the Retreat area.   

[BrianAlt]

6 hours ago, cruisellama said:

And you'll enjoy all the perks.  Especially the Retreat area.   

We had a Sky Suite on Equinox. But definitely looking forward to it on the Edge. 

[cruisellama]

11 hours ago, BrianAlt said:

We had a Sky Suite on Equinox. But definitely looking forward to it on the Edge. 

Equinox is a great ship.  Did you sail her pre (Michaels club) or post Revolution (Retreat area)?  Edge class Retreat area sets a higher bar with a larger lounge, more substantial pool bar with food service along with the pool.   (Really looking forward to seeing the Beyond Retreat area which adds another deck to the experience.)

[BrianAlt]

Pre. Retreat didn’t exist yet. Retreat on The Edge does seem like another level. 

[cruisellama]

7 hours ago, BrianAlt said:

Pre. Retreat didn’t exist yet. Retreat on The Edge does seem like another level. 

Pre-Revolution would be Michaels club for suite dwellers.  Full of dark wood paneling, book shelves and grandma's old furniture and piano.  Service was good there as was the concierge.  They used to hold afternoon tea at 3p.  Edge Retreat still does that, but instead of table service, you have to serve yourself at the buffet (scones, sandwiches, and other pastries).  The lounge is much larger than Michaels club and will have 2 levels.  Inside and an outside level with pool, bar etc.  You can check it all out on Youtube to maximize accelerating your fun when you get there.    Some snaps below of the area.

[Bob_KY]

Transferred my Alaska Solstice to Celebrity Equinox, July 2022.    Excited.  Thanks Michelle. MEI!

[Plumlee2028]

Random question, but since this is one of the few "active" threads on this side of the boards.

 

So how does the pool towel situation work on Celebrity?  Im used to the classic check them out at the pool area from Royal, and my last royal cruise having them available in my room (at least for Coco Cay days).  Same kind of concept for Celebrity?

For my St Maarten stop, Im double dipping on excursions ($600 in the OBC for the "indulge" upgrade to spend just on myself).  I have only 45 minutes between the two, so wondering if it would be quick and easy to make an exchange at the Destination Gateway.  

 

 

[cruisellama]

11 hours ago, Plumlee2028 said:

Random question, but since this is one of the few "active" threads on this side of the boards.

 

So how does the pool towel situation work on Celebrity?  Im used to the classic check them out at the pool area from Royal, and my last royal cruise having them available in my room (at least for Coco Cay days).  Same kind of concept for Celebrity?

For my St Maarten stop, Im double dipping on excursions ($600 in the OBC for the "indulge" upgrade to spend just on myself).  I have only 45 minutes between the two, so wondering if it would be quick and easy to make an exchange at the Destination Gateway.  

 

 

It will depend on the ship, but I've seen towels offered at the disembarkation point just off the ship ( also offered before you actually get off and pass the card reader, next to where they offer water) .   Off board, they set up a shade awning with water etc, and have beach towels you can check out.  So you don't have to go to the interior of the ship to get a towel if you're heading to an excursion.

 

We would just do single beach excursions and would check out at pool area and put them in a beach bag so we didn't have to stop on the way off the ship. But there are options.

[JeffB]

Day 24, Celebrity Equinox, B3B, W, E, S Caribbean itineraries. Just departed our last port Curasao yesterday evening headed back to PEV (2 sea days) to arrive on Friday. Equinox will turn around and do a 9n S. Caribbean itinerary and then alternate 9n and 12n S. Caribbean itineraries through the end of the year.

Keeping in mind that I'm a Celebrity loyalist, this extended, 28n COVID sailing on Equinox could not have been more enjoyable. I highly recommend a cruise on her. Fantastic crew, ship's character and culture, food, activities and how ports and itinerary changes were handled in difficult circumstances. Entertainment, especially production shows, are Vegas equivalents. There were quite few port changes one two weeks in advance, one last minute and one (Coz and Costa Maya) where apparently ship was wrongly advised no touring in either on your own (note Twangster reported in another thread he was there a few days ago and both ports fully open to tour on your own).

We booked 3 ship's excisions on this our 3rd leg of a B3B and all three were very good and reasonably priced. Of special note, Celebrity broke all it's tours down by groups of no more than 20. No giant buses with 80 of your closest friends. I'll just mention one and that was the tour in Roseau Dominica - The Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls. Maybe 10-12 years ago we were in Dominica and did this tour. Both of these venues are in nicely maintained State Parks.

Last time we were there both parks were mobbed with tourists on dozens of huge buses. This time, we were it! This is one of the reasons you want to make the effort to cruise this year. It looks likely, barring the unforeseen, that the industry will return to around 75% operating capacity in the Caribbean by end of December. The only thing holding that back is going to be continued COVID restrictions implemented by governments in the ports of call. With an understandable cautious approach to start, I think benefits of restoring local travel and leisure jobs and revenues will outweigh the risks of COVID spread. So far, from what I know, cruise ships aren't causing spread of the virus. Ports will start to lift restrictions. One not so good thing is that among Caribbean locals vaccine hesitancy is high. That alone poses risks of rapid spread. That could keep conservative approaches to dealing with COVID in place.

Back to Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls. Getting to and from the sites themselves involves a 30-40m van ride. To get to and from the viewing platforms of these two sites is physically challenging. Pathways and stairs are well maintained but there are steep inclines and declines to traverse. Lots of elderly were on this tour and struggled. Keep that in mind. If your in good shape, regardless of age, you'll be fine.

One interesting adventure and side note. Last week, I developed some left leg pain from over-doing cycling. The symptoms were consistent with muscle strain and spasm that can be relieved with muscle relaxers and NSAIDs. I went to Medical never having sought medical care on a cruise ship before. First, I was very impressed with the services. The only problem was that they were out of muscle relaxers in their pharmacy. They were "on order." The provider I saw was frustrated about supply delays. I was treated with alternatives but these didn't relieve the muscle spasm. The visit was a simple one but not cheap. I was charged $170 for the visit and another $80 for the three medications used in my treatment - 2 of them injections, one oral. The $250 was charged to my guest account.

I got on line to find a a clinic in Curasao yesterday. When we tied up in port I phoned. The clinic catered to tourists needing medical care and were very helpful and friendly. I explained my symptoms and what care I was seeking. The nurse I spoke with took my number, said she would talk to the doctor and see what they could do. Got a return call in about 10 minutes and was told the Dr. would call in a muscle relaxer to a local Botica (Pharmacy). The nurse did ask me to stop by the clinic and I jumped a cab and went there. The best part was that the staff in the clinic phoned multiple pharmacies close by to make sure they had the drug I needed, located it, wrote down the address and the waiting cab took me there and I picked it up. I paid $45 for the clinic visit and $17 for the medications at the pharmacy. The cab with waiting time and a nice driver that was helpful in finding the pharmacy inside a big mall was a bit pricey but, hey, I got a city tour and the medications I needed. Score! 

[Plumlee2028]

Quite an ordeal getting meds, but great service goes a long way.  I was planning a trip to Dominica on Grandeur of the Seas in December, but that didn't end up working out.  I have been wanting to visit Dominica for many years, so I'll have to make it some other point.  I am heading to Curacao on Explorer of the Seas in January and can't wait for that one. 

I'm sailing out on Edge this Saturday.  Very much looking forward to trying the Celebrity product.  We got an email yesterday saying Celebrity tours only for Nassau and St Maarten.  This wasn't surprising given the CDC changes this week, and I think the appropriate way to handle those.  Didn't impact me at all, I have a celebrity tour booked in Nassau, that literally takes the entire time in port.  Starts 30 minutes after arrival and completes at the all-aboard time.  In St Maarten, I have two tours back to back booked, which fill the day up there as well.  Im a little disappointed to not get to explore a bit of the area, but hey Ill be back there in January.

Ive been most impressed thus far with Celebrity's communication.  I receive an email at least once a week reminding protocols etc, even when nothing changes, and more frequently when there is a change.  Heading out this evening for my antigen test.  Otherwise, Ive been laying low and avoiding people.

[cruisellama]

On 8/25/2021 at 8:08 AM, Plumlee2028 said:

Heading out this evening for my antigen test.  

Did you go the appointment route or walk-in?  Looking forward to hearing how your cruise goes.  Its interesting to see what fo guests  think about Edge class.  Its one of those like / dislike situations as there are a number of different approaches in how they conduct entertainment and dining.   We liked it.

[Plumlee2028]

46 minutes ago, cruisellama said:

Did you go the appointment route or walk-in?  Looking forward to hearing how your cruise goes.  Its interesting to see what fo guests  think about Edge class.  Its one of those like / dislike situations as there are a number of different approaches in how they conduct entertainment and dining.   We liked it.

 

I set up an appointment.   I used the pre-security testing center at DFW Airport.  I live about 10 minutes from the airport so it was just as simple as going to a CVS or something.  The test was $79, whereas usually double that for a rapid test around here.  

[Bob_KY]

Going on our first Celebrity Cruise, Equinox.  For royal cruises, we typically get a dining package.  We are thinking the Luminae is better than CK.  No need for a speciality dining... ?????  Thoughts... Recommendations...  we are foodies.

[cruisellama]

18 hours ago, Bob_KY said:

Going on our first Celebrity Cruise, Equinox.  For royal cruises, we typically get a dining package.  We are thinking the Luminae is better than CK.  No need for a speciality dining... ?????  Thoughts... Recommendations...  we are foodies.

They're about the same - maybe a small notch higher at Luminae.   I think I remember seeing  featured a Daniel Boulud (Celebrity's celebrity chef) dish specialty offered as part of the menu every night.  Since Luminae services a smaller number of guests, its quieter and you'll see better service attention.  We usually had breakfast and dinner (if we were not at a specialty restaurant) .    Lunch offered on sea days (Luminae burger very good - also offered on Retreat deck area)   No need to go to the MDR.  ps - If you're foodies - you'll want Chef's Table.  Its a DB menu also.  Very nice , but we actually prefer when the ship's executive chef is able showing off their specialties.  The CT menu does not change so no need to sample more than once during a cruise unless you really like it.

[Plumlee2028]

Currently sailing on the Edge.  Departed Fort Lauderdale yesterday and today we stopped at Nassau for about 5 and half hours and now have the rest of the day at sea and a sea day tomorrow before arriving in St Thomas on Tuesday.  The numbers I have heard are about 1100-1200 passengers, but Im not sure of the accuracy on that.  The ship is 100% vaccinated, as no children under 12 are onboard.  I think most people used today as a sea day because of the short duration and the restriction that only Celebrity Excursions were permissible to exit the ship.  After boarding at noon after my excursion, I went up to the pool deck and many of the loungers were taken, especially those with outfacing views.  

The ship is beautiful and the food has been exceptional.  Yesterday I boarded at 11:30  and my room was already prepared.  I was probably one of the first 25-30 people on board.  The check in process etc was the smoothest I have experienced, very similar to my Adventure of the Seas sailing from Nassau a few months ago.  This is definitely the best decorated ship I have been on.  I dined at Cyprus yesterday, with Sea Bass Ceviche and Mediterranean style grilled Sea Bass, both excellent.  The guest lecturer is a Nasa space ambassador giving daily presentations about space programs etc.  

The Infinite Veranda, I am still not completely sold.  In port when stopped, it makes the room too hot.  But currently, as we are sailing it is fantastic to have an open air room and the airflow is keeping things nice and cool.  

[cruisellama]

1 hour ago, Plumlee2028 said:

The Infinite Veranda, I am still not completely sold.

Heard that from several folks.  My in-laws (who are seasoned cruisers)  had one, If you're used to original balcony, its more difficult to get used to than first timers with the IV.  Room temperature control was the chief complaint.   For quick lunch, don't overlook the cafe in Eden.  Many people don't discover it until later in the cruise (as it tucked away), and they make some pretty good panini sandwiches.

[Plumlee2028]

17 hours ago, cruisellama said:

Heard that from several folks.  My in-laws (who are seasoned cruisers)  had one, If you're used to original balcony, its more difficult to get used to than first timers with the IV.  Room temperature control was the chief complaint.   For quick lunch, don't overlook the cafe in Eden.  Many people don't discover it until later in the cruise (as it tucked away), and they make some pretty good panini sandwiches.

I love the idea of the infinite balcony while cruising and have enjoyed it thoroughly, but at port it is just hot, especially this time of year. 

I checked out Eden yesterday evening and had to try the “Veldt” which is a Mezcal based drink served locked in a box, with smoke etc.  I am planning lunch in Eden tomorrow, prior to our stop in St Thomas. The light lunch should be a perfect start before my excursion

I was interested to try out the theatre last night was wasnt disappointed. I am a huge fan of the layout. The show was Kaleidoscope, with lots of hits, great singing and impressive gymnasts. Sea day today. We are east of the Caicos heading southeast towards the Virgin Islands and I have never seen seas this smooth. Looks like a pond. Ill be trying out Rooftop Garden Grill this evening. 

[cruisellama]

43 minutes ago, Plumlee2028 said:

I love the idea of the infinite balcony while cruising and have enjoyed it thoroughly, but at port it is just hot, especially this time of year. 

I checked out Eden yesterday evening and had to try the “Veldt” which is a Mezcal based drink served locked in a box, with smoke etc.  I am planning lunch in Eden tomorrow, prior to our stop in St Thomas. The light lunch should be a perfect start before my excursion

I was interested to try out the theatre last night was wasnt disappointed. I am a huge fan of the layout. The show was Kaleidoscope, with lots of hits, great singing and impressive gymnasts. Sea day today. We are east of the Caicos heading southeast towards the Virgin Islands and I have never seen seas this smooth. Looks like a pond. Ill be trying out Rooftop Garden Grill this evening. 

Please keep posting your continued experiences, I won't be on Apex until next year so suffering withdrawal at this time...

[KathyC]

Looking forward to Apex in January! 

[RandyH]

Edge on 12/12/21-12/19/21.  7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise in a Sky Suite. Really looking forward to this adventure!

[Andrew72681]

Booked Celebrity  Apex for 11/20/21. Should be a fun thanksgiving. 

[SweetHomeLady]

Sailing on Summit for Christmas.  I have sailed on her sisters, Infinity and Constellation.  So happy to be heading back to sea!  This will be my first time in Aqua class.

[mac66]

Just reporting in after a 2 year hiatus.  We canceled 6 cruises in 2020 and 2021. Just got off a RCI ship last sunday.   Re-Booked the Rock and Romance cruise on the Summit in Feb and a 12 night southern Carib on the Equinox in March.

[Plumlee2028]

I too am heading out on the Summit next year, but in April.  The Black Friday deals were nice.  About $1200 for a five day with Indulge package and $500 onboard spending.  

2023 I'll head back onto the Edge for 10 nights heading to the Southern/Eastern Caribbean.  Haven't sailed longer than 7 days, and I'll be trying out the solo infinite verandas.

[Darrell B.]

February 20,2022 on Equinox. 12 Nights Caribbean.

 My wife and I sailed on the Millennium on it's First (June) 2021 Cruise out of St. Maarten and it's first (July)  2021 Alaska cruise out of Seattle.  Then again on Millenium in December 2021 for 10 nights in the Caribbean.

   It was So Great to be back sailing on Celebrity again!

 4 more Celebrity bookings for 2022...........

[LCWind]

Silhouette on Feb 25

[not easy being green]

Just got off the Reflection and cruising again on The Reflection in November after the revolution, then to the Edge over the holidays (2022), after that we have in 2023, the Celebrity Beyond, then off to down under for a trip hopefully of a lifetime!

We love cruising!

[Kathleen]

Royal Loyalist but we have booked our first Celebrity Cruise on Eclipse, August 27, 2023. I’m so excited to have found a celebrity board within this blog. I have loved all the contributors here and gathered so much information as we have cruised in the last few years. We will be RC Diamond when we sail and looking forward to receiving the loyalty equivalent and from what I can tell Celebrity’s loyalty offerings on the cruise are a bit better! We will be staying in the retreat and since our first time in Celebrity I have a number of questions. Is there specialty dining packages on Celebrity? Are they similar to RC: Italian, steak house, pub type etc. ? How is Luminae? We’ve always enjoyed CK on Royal. Any suggestions for things we should do on ship we might miss being newbies, like favorite bars or lounges. We enjoy sitting and talking over cocktails. Thanks to all in advance.

[BrianAlt]

6 hours ago, Kathleen said:

Is there specialty dining packages on Celebrity? Are they similar to RC: Italian, steak house, pub type etc. ? 

Yes, similar.  But not the same.  They are wonderful.  And, yes, packages are offered. Tuscan Grille - Italian grill, Murano - Continental French, and Le Petit Chef - animated dinner are the offerings on Eclipse. All are worth it.

6 hours ago, Kathleen said:

How is Luminae? We’ve always enjoyed CK on Royal.

THE BEST! Better than CK.

6 hours ago, Kathleen said:

Any suggestions for things we should do on ship we might miss being newbies, like favorite bars or lounges. We enjoy sitting and talking over cocktails. Thanks to all in advance.

Martini Bar is the place to be.  Sunset Bar, outside at the back of the ship above the buffet, is fantastic.  They often have a guitar player or small band out there.

Celebrity is GREAT.  Still feels a lot like Royal, just a bit elevated.

[Kathleen]

Well we did it again, booked a second Celebrity cruise since 2024 itineraries are already out. Panama Canal plus Southern Caribbean, 11 nights, Jan 29,2024 on Celebrity Beyond in a Sky Suite. Definitely a YOLO booking but couldn’t be more excited!

[barbeyg]

We just booked our first Celebrity cruise last night. Beyond in Sky Suite, 9 night Southern Caribbean over Thanksgiving 2023.  We have several RCI cruises before then, but have kept an eye out for a great bargain on Celebrity. Excited to sail Celebrity!

[cruisellama]

16 hours ago, barbeyg said:

We just booked our first Celebrity cruise last night. Beyond in Sky Suite, 9 night Southern Caribbean over Thanksgiving 2023.  We have several RCI cruises before then, but have kept an eye out for a great bargain on Celebrity. Excited to sail Celebrity!

Looking forward to seeing Beyond in March '23 (after sailing Edge and Apex).   I'm curious about any design changes as the Edge class evolves.  

[BrianAlt]

On 8/15/2021 at 2:03 PM, BrianAlt said:

We have Edge booked for April 3, 2022.  Just moved from Aqua to a Sky Suite. Because…why not?

Posted this in August, 2021.  Now it's 3 weeks away!  Hooray!

[Censored]

On 8/30/2017 at 8:37 AM, BrianAlt said:

Since the other area ignores non-Royal Caribbean cruises, I figured I'd start one for Celebrity and Azamara.

So, what cruises do you all have planned on Celebrity and Azamara?

If we get enough, I'll set up a list like is done for Royal Caribbean cruises.

I get comped cruises through Club Royale. But I would like to try Celebrity EDGE. and try the blue chip casino experience. The only way to do that is through an agency such as URcomped.com   I have quite a few offers already, on Equinox, but I want a suite on the EDGE.  It looks awesome.  Further I think I will like it better with fewer kids, a bit more classier, better food etc.  

 

[ChrisK2793]

On 2/23/2022 at 8:27 PM, barbeyg said:

We just booked our first Celebrity cruise last night. Beyond in Sky Suite, 9 night Southern Caribbean over Thanksgiving 2023.  We have several RCI cruises before then, but have kept an eye out for a great bargain on Celebrity. Excited to sail Celebrity!

We’re on that cruise as well!!  Never been on Celebrity before, but booked Beyond for Thanksgiving’s in 22/23 and Easter’s in 23/24!  Along with our son who will be 11 right before the first one.  Also staying in Sky Suites.  Can’t wait to try out Celebrity and Beyond!!!

[barbeyg]

13 hours ago, ChrisK2793 said:

We’re on that cruise as well!!  Never been on Celebrity before, but booked Beyond for Thanksgiving’s in 22/23 and Easter’s in 23/24!  Along with our son who will be 11 right before the first one.  Also staying in Sky Suites.  Can’t wait to try out Celebrity and Beyond!!!

Have a great time!  You will be a pro at the suite life before we board.  lol  This is our first Celebrity cruise, and if life goes as we hope it will, our last vacation of the 'working years' before an early retirement at the end of 2023.       See you in the Retreat!  

[cruisellama]

[barbeyg]

Just booked our 2nd Celebrity cruise today. It will be our first, though. RCI cancelled our Wonder OTS cruise, so we are making lemonade out of their lemons. Celebrity Apex, 12/3/2022, here we come!