Maggie M Posted October 26, 2023 Report Share Posted October 26, 2023 Just booked the Millennium for our honeymoon in January 2025 - 12 nights to Bali, Malaysia, and Thailand! We can't wait! We were hoping to do the trip to Thailand on RC but there weren't many offerings and this option allows us 3 additional countries - it goes out of Bali but comes into Singapore! WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising to Retirement! Posted October 26, 2023 Report Share Posted October 26, 2023 7 minutes ago, Maggie M said: Just booked the Millennium for our honeymoon in January 2025 - 12 nights to Bali, Malaysia, and Thailand! We can't wait! We were hoping to do the trip to Thailand on RC but there weren't many offerings and this option allows us 3 additional countries - it goes out of Bali but comes into Singapore! 7 minutes ago, Maggie M said: Just booked the Millennium for our honeymoon in January 2025 - 12 nights to Bali, Malaysia, and Thailand! We can't wait! We were hoping to do the trip to Thailand on RC but there weren't many offerings and this option allows us 3 additional countries - it goes out of Bali but comes into Singapore! Everyone might want to check their celebrity cruises for 2024 i got the classic drink packages and upgraded for $6.99 each! Fantastic deal! They did not work for our 2 cruises in 2025. We just got off the Harmony and had an awesome time! Really love that ship like the first time we sailed on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbeyg Posted November 1, 2023 Report Share Posted November 1, 2023 21 days till our Celebrity Beyond sailing in a SS. Cannot wait! MaryS, WAAAYTOOO and SpicyCherry 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpicyCherry Posted November 1, 2023 Report Share Posted November 1, 2023 8 hours ago, barbeyg said: 21 days till our Celebrity Beyond sailing in a SS. Cannot wait! That's exciting....we have only 99 days until our Summit Jazz Cruise and only 397 days until our Beyond sailing....we cannot wait either!!! barbeyg 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising to Retirement! Posted November 9, 2023 Report Share Posted November 9, 2023 On 11/1/2023 at 11:23 AM, barbeyg said: 21 days till our Celebrity Beyond sailing in a SS. Cannot wait! Thats so exciting! We will be on the Beyond on August 24th for and 8 day going to the A, B, C islands! We have a sunset veranda on deck 8 my favorite! barbeyg and cruisellama 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisellama Posted November 9, 2023 Report Share Posted November 9, 2023 On 10/26/2023 at 10:51 AM, Cruising to Retirement! said: Everyone might want to check their celebrity cruises for 2024 i got the classic drink packages and upgraded for $6.99 each! Fantastic deal! They did not work for our 2 cruises in 2025. We just got off the Harmony and had an awesome time! Really love that ship like the first time we sailed on it! Excellent price. Some friends just upgraded also for $6.99 on Reflection Nov 24 - ABC itinerary - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising to Retirement! Posted November 10, 2023 Report Share Posted November 10, 2023 6 hours ago, cruisellama said: Excellent price. Some friends just upgraded also for $6.99 on Reflection Nov 24 - ABC itinerary - Thanks so very much Cruisellama but I upgraded to premium for $6.99 last week on this Beyond cruise and so surprised that on our Ascent cruise over Thanksgiving in 2024 have the $6.99 and we snatched that up also (not our year to do Thanksgiving our daughters are with their in-laws) I havent seen as many deals on Celebrity that Royal has right now. Hopefully tomorrow! We are going on the Equinox on January 18 2025 out of Pt. Canaveral and that cruise does not have the $6.99 premium upgrade yet and decided to get into the Aqua Class which was all included including the tips at that time which we also really enjoyed everyone of the people in Blue so much in 2022 and decided to upgrade from our Sunset balcony! We had been in the Retreat once on Equinox in 2022 also and didn't care for it near as much as the Blue dining! There is something always for us whether it's on Royal or Celebrity there is more than enough ships and entertainment, food, etc. that we love them both! We did also stay in Aqua on Solstice in March of this year and had a great time also! We upgraded that time from a casino comp from a balcony up to the Aqua Class on Pacific Coastal! We just love to cruise! We are happy Equinox will be in Pt. Canaveral so we can drive there from Atlanta area! Thanks again! Happy cruising! Michelle cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aron_Ross Posted November 11, 2023 Report Share Posted November 11, 2023 Hello all, Taking my first Celebrity cruise on the Reflection the week of July 4th 2024. This will be for my sister's 50th birthday celebration. I have sailed on 4 different Royal ships between May 2022 and May 2023, and I'm excited to experience the Celebrity difference. Does anyone know if I can purchase Wi-Fi at any time during the cruise, or does it have to be purchased for the entire sailing? It will be a 4-day cruise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisellama Posted November 28, 2023 Report Share Posted November 28, 2023 Just returned from our 8-day Eclipse Mexican Riviera trip. The destinations were very enjoyable - I thought the Mexican port cities of Cabo, Puerto Vallarta , and Mazatlan . I enjoyed the offerings - nice change from east coast port cities. The ship was alright, but in need of the revolution upgrade. We were in a Sky Suite and experienced the reduced "butler service" - and found in noticeable. Not that the room steward didn't do a great job, but it was nice when the concierge butler would show up and asked if you had any need during the week. Some of the touches with afternoon snacks and ice deliveries weren't there and you had to hunt down the overloaded steward to get things done. After sailing Edge class ships, the I can't continue to appreciate the old Michaels club and it limited service. We also noticed a pretty weak menu in Luminae which pushed us to other restaurant menus. Nice vacation, but not the Celebrity I'm used to. WAAAYTOOO and SebagoSue 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbeyg Posted December 6, 2023 Report Share Posted December 6, 2023 We returned last week from Celebrity Beyond. We were in a Sky Suite, and had a great time. The 'Retreat Hosts' are really room stewards who work their butts off. We have no complaints about the service, but aren't high maintenance. We asked for additional hangers and the ice bucket to remain full, and Domnick took great care of that. He was grateful that we are up and out early, so he could begin with our cabin each morning. The ship is beautiful, the staff very friendly, the Retreat lounge was really enjoyable. We would sail the Beyond again in a heartbeat. A very nice touch was that Captain Leo, cruise director Alexandro, and some of the officers were dockside to say goodbye to us as we left the ship. So many times, once the cruise is finished, the staff is in a hurry to push you out the door because they have so much to do to prepare for the next one. That goodbye made for a very nice finish to a great cruise. cruisellama, SpicyCherry, MaryS and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisellama Posted December 6, 2023 Report Share Posted December 6, 2023 30 minutes ago, barbeyg said: We returned last week from Celebrity Beyond. We were in a Sky Suite, and had a great time. The 'Retreat Hosts' are really room stewards who work their butts off. We have no complaints about the service, but aren't high maintenance. We asked for additional hangers and the ice bucket to remain full, and Domnick took great care of that. He was grateful that we are up and out early, so he could begin with our cabin each morning. The ship is beautiful, the staff very friendly, the Retreat lounge was really enjoyable. We would sail the Beyond again in a heartbeat. A very nice touch was that Captain Leo, cruise director Alexandro, and some of the officers were dockside to say goodbye to us as we left the ship. So many times, once the cruise is finished, the staff is in a hurry to push you out the door because they have so much to do to prepare for the next one. That goodbye made for a very nice finish to a great cruise. We sailed just before the change from butler to retreat hosts. We observed service on the Edge class Sky Suites is better than last month's Solstice class Sky Suite with "host". Retreat on Beyond (and other Edge) "up" the experience on the ship. barbeyg and SpicyCherry 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpicyCherry Posted December 7, 2023 Report Share Posted December 7, 2023 8 hours ago, cruisellama said: We sailed just before the change from butler to retreat hosts. We observed service on the Edge class Sky Suites is better than last month's Solstice class Sky Suite with "host". Retreat on Beyond (and other Edge) "up" the experience on the ship. So when we were on Edge last December, in a Sky Suite, we had a Butler and a stateroom attendant. The SA took care of our room and the Butler handled everything else, from room service orders to reservation reminders to any issues that came up to making sure our favorite nightcap was waiting for us each evening. So are Butlers now called Retreat Hosts and do you still have a Stateroom Attendant as well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisellama Posted December 7, 2023 Report Share Posted December 7, 2023 9 hours ago, SpicyCherry said: So when we were on Edge last December, in a Sky Suite, we had a Butler and a stateroom attendant. The SA took care of our room and the Butler handled everything else, from room service orders to reservation reminders to any issues that came up to making sure our favorite nightcap was waiting for us each evening. So are Butlers now called Retreat Hosts and do you still have a Stateroom Attendant as well? On Edge class (pre policy change), we had a butler and a stateroom attendant (now the Retreat host per his card). Under new operation, the butler is reserved for upper suites and the stateroom attendant (Retreat host) takes on duties that the butler would take on. So if you want reservation - your attendant (Retreat host) can address (inexperienced attendants may not be comfortable with those tasks yet). However, you can always go to the Retreat and have the concierge team address reservations and special requests. On solstice class last month, we only saw the attendant - Retreat host. The butler left a card in the cabin but stopped by the entire cruise. The attendant (Retreat host) took care of housekeeping as well as address any special needs like reservations. We didn't notice an assistant attendant so he really worked - but still very attentive. We felt no need to provide additional tips to any of the Michael's club (Solstice class) concierge - just didn't interact. We have one more Solstice class trip booked. If you want the "legacy" service experience, you have to book a Celebrity suite or above on any of the classes; however, the Edge class ships seem to have more robust Retreat staffs than the other class ships. I'm sure what I'm describing may be a little different on various ships. Sailed Apex (pre policy change) this year, Beyond (post change), and Eclipse (post change). Reduced service was definitely noticeable on Eclipse. SebagoSue and SpicyCherry 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbeyg Posted December 7, 2023 Report Share Posted December 7, 2023 17 hours ago, SpicyCherry said: So when we were on Edge last December, in a Sky Suite, we had a Butler and a stateroom attendant. The SA took care of our room and the Butler handled everything else, from room service orders to reservation reminders to any issues that came up to making sure our favorite nightcap was waiting for us each evening. So are Butlers now called Retreat Hosts and do you still have a Stateroom Attendant as well? Our cruise on Beyond, our cabin steward took care of things like ice in the bucket, hangers, etc. He seemed to always be working. We had the Retreat host's card for anything else, and those requests were handled thru the Retreat. We don't make many requests, so didn't notice any decrease in service ourselves. For us, we were happy not to have to meet with the butler from time to time at the cabin. We still got a treat in the cabin for the birthday, had the bottle of champagne waiting, the rose on the table, and chocolates each night, one of which was the specialty chocolates onboard. SebagoSue and SpicyCherry 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpicyCherry Posted December 7, 2023 Report Share Posted December 7, 2023 8 hours ago, cruisellama said: On Edge class (pre policy change), we had a butler and a stateroom attendant (now the Retreat host per his card). Under new operation, the butler is reserved for upper suites and the stateroom attendant (Retreat host) takes on duties that the butler would take on. So if you want reservation - your attendant (Retreat host) can address (inexperienced attendants may not be comfortable with those tasks yet). However, you can always go to the Retreat and have the concierge team address reservations and special requests. On solstice class last month, we only saw the attendant - Retreat host. The butler left a card in the cabin but stopped by the entire cruise. The attendant (Retreat host) took care of housekeeping as well as address any special needs like reservations. We didn't notice an assistant attendant so he really worked - but still very attentive. We felt no need to provide additional tips to any of the Michael's club (Solstice class) concierge - just didn't interact. We have one more Solstice class trip booked. If you want the "legacy" service experience, you have to book a Celebrity suite or above on any of the classes; however, the Edge class ships seem to have more robust Retreat staffs than the other class ships. I'm sure what I'm describing may be a little different on various ships. Sailed Apex (pre policy change) this year, Beyond (post change), and Eclipse (post change). Reduced service was definitely noticeable on Eclipse. 43 minutes ago, barbeyg said: Our cruise on Beyond, our cabin steward took care of things like ice in the bucket, hangers, etc. He seemed to always be working. We had the Retreat host's card for anything else, and those requests were handled thru the Retreat. We don't make many requests, so didn't notice any decrease in service ourselves. For us, we were happy not to have to meet with the butler from time to time at the cabin. We still got a treat in the cabin for the birthday, had the bottle of champagne waiting, the rose on the table, and chocolates each night, one of which was the specialty chocolates onboard. Thanks @cruisellama and @barbeyg….so what I’m seeing from you both, I think, is that Sky Suites no longer have butlers. To be clear, though, are saying that the stateroom attendants are now called Retreat Hosts or are the butlers now called Retreat Hosts? Only having one is fine with us because we don’t require much ‘butlering’ anyway. But we loved the additional service for those ‘just in case we need…’ moments. We’re on Beyond next December, in a Sky Suite, so we’ll see if it makes that big of a difference. cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbeyg Posted December 12, 2023 Report Share Posted December 12, 2023 On 12/7/2023 at 5:14 PM, SpicyCherry said: Thanks @cruisellama and @barbeyg….so what I’m seeing from you both, I think, is that Sky Suites no longer have butlers. To be clear, though, are saying that the stateroom attendants are now called Retreat Hosts or are the butlers now called Retreat Hosts? Only having one is fine with us because we don’t require much ‘butlering’ anyway. But we loved the additional service for those ‘just in case we need…’ moments. We’re on Beyond next December, in a Sky Suite, so we’ll see if it makes that big of a difference. Sorry it took so long to respond. On our cruise, the stateroom attendant was referred to as the Retreat Host, but he was just an excellent stateroom attendant. There are also Retreat attendants (concierge and others) that are always in the lounge (not sure what they are called these days) on duty (24 hours) in the Retreat, who are there to resolve any issues, if you are in the lounge and need them. In addition, the Retreat head concierge should have a card in your cabin to call if you need anything. That person does not fulfil the requests, but makes sure those are taken care of, if they pertain to something besides the cabin itself, which the stateroom attendant takes care of. Hope that makes sense. No butler, but excellent service for us. cruisellama and SpicyCherry 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbeyg Posted December 12, 2023 Report Share Posted December 12, 2023 Next two Celebrity bookings are: Celebrity Edge, Vancouver to HI, 9/2024 and Celebrity Ascent, 8 night Southern Caribbean (great pricing for 11/13/2023 in a SS -- it's up by $200 now, but still a sweet price for a suite) cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpicyCherry Posted December 12, 2023 Report Share Posted December 12, 2023 3 hours ago, barbeyg said: Sorry it took so long to respond. On our cruise, the stateroom attendant was referred to as the Retreat Host, but he was just an excellent stateroom attendant. There are also Retreat attendants (concierge and others) that are always in the lounge (not sure what they are called these days) on duty (24 hours) in the Retreat, who are there to resolve any issues, if you are in the lounge and need them. In addition, the Retreat head concierge should have a card in your cabin to call if you need anything. That person does not fulfil the requests, but makes sure those are taken care of, if they pertain to something besides the cabin itself, which the stateroom attendant takes care of. Hope that makes sense. No butler, but excellent service for us. Yes this makes sense...We're used to the Suite Concierges and no Butler on Royal so sure this new arrangement will be just fine. 3 hours ago, barbeyg said: Next two Celebrity bookings are: Celebrity Edge, Vancouver to HI, 9/2024 and Celebrity Ascent, 8 night Southern Caribbean (great pricing for 11/13/2023 in a SS -- it's up by $200 now, but still a sweet price for a suite) Next booked sailing is Beyond in December 2024 but close to booking a 12N Adriatic & Mediterranean itinerary on Infinity for 2025. Trying to get my brother and his family to go for their 1st cruise on a Celebrity ship and 1st trip to Europe. Hope I can!! cruisellama and barbeyg 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted December 14, 2023 Report Share Posted December 14, 2023 Norwegian fjords, Apex, June 2025 barbeyg and SebagoSue 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisellama Posted December 15, 2023 Report Share Posted December 15, 2023 Reflection ABC - Nov 24 WAAAYTOOO and barbeyg 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottB Posted December 19, 2023 Report Share Posted December 19, 2023 Reflection Aug 2 - 5 2024, 3 Night Nassau Getaway This will be my husband and I first time on Celebrity WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deep1 Posted January 9 Report Share Posted January 9 Summit April 1: Mia - Key West- Bimini- Nassau.... All places I've lived. Fiancee hasn't done Bimini or Key West so that was the reasoning. Gotta say, compared to Royal, they go out of their way to make you feel welcome... Sweety 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl_nj Posted January 27 Report Share Posted January 27 On 1/8/2024 at 10:08 PM, deep1 said: Summit April 1: Mia - Key West- Bimini- Nassau.... All places I've lived. Fiancee hasn't done Bimini or Key West so that was the reasoning. Gotta say, compared to Royal, they go out of their way to make you feel welcome... What are your plans for Bimini? I just booked Reflection for April, and that is one of our stops. Trying to decide what to do there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deep1 Posted January 27 Report Share Posted January 27 11 hours ago, karl_nj said: What are your plans for Bimini? I just booked Reflection for April, and that is one of our stops. Trying to decide what to do there. I'm gonna rent a golf cart and ride to the other end of the island. Conch fritters and conch salad are calling me. Introduce my Fiancee to OLD friends. Stop by Bimini Big Game club and visit my old home crowd. Stop at the burnt ruins of the Compleat Angler bar (one of Hemingway's hangouts and pay my respects to those from there no longer with us. Wade the waters of radio beach. Go to the mini strawmarket. I'll head back up to the port with enough time to shop the nice shops ar the resort there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FJ28 Posted February 24 Report Share Posted February 24 Just booked our first Celebrity cruise. March 23-29 2025 on Reflection. SebagoSue, WAAAYTOOO and barbeyg 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpicyCherry Posted February 25 Report Share Posted February 25 While on the Botti At Sea Jazz Cruise aboard Summit earlier this month, we booked our 1st European itinerary. A 12-Night sailing from Athens, Greece going to Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, France and ending in Barcelona. It will be aboard Infinity in November 2025. Hopefully family and friends will join us!! barbeyg and PPPJJ-GCVAB 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4ensic Posted March 7 Report Share Posted March 7 April 5 2024 on the Edge R/T Sydney via NZ and Tasmania for 9 nights, then staying aboard for the 18 night cruise to Hawaii. Retracing the crossing in late October (Hawaii -> Sydney). barbeyg, deep1, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbeyg Posted March 7 Report Share Posted March 7 17 minutes ago, 4ensic said: April 5 2024 on the Edge R/T Sydney via NZ and Tasmania for 9 nights, then staying aboard for the 18 night cruise to Hawaii. Retracing the crossing in late October (Hawaii -> Sydney). Sweet trips! We will be bringing her to HI in Oct 2024. 13 night cruise after flying to Seattle, taking the Cascades train to Vancouver, and staying 4 nights in Vancouver first. Can’t wait! 4ensic 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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