ian441672

We are in a SS, and made a bit for the Edge Villa. Not hopeful, but we will see! If successful would we then get access to the higher suite perks, such as the bottles of liquor in the suite and the speciality dining etc., or 'just' the room itself and Retreat benefits (that we already get with the SS)? Thanks.

Thanks both. Might give the Villa a go and see what happens. Seems a reasonable price to start with anyway!

Hi I was wondering why the Edge villa was cheaper than Penthouse and Royal and same as Celebrity suite? Does this seem a good deal, what would you go for, if anything? We are booked in a SS suite on the Apex off to Iceland in August. Thanks.

Yes, we are on the Apex too. Thanks for that info, that is a shame but I guess I can book with the Retreat Concierge once I get a chance to review the menu's nearer our departure date. Thank you!

Hi We are on a Aug 9th Iceland cruise, dining at Luminae and I was just trying to review the daily menus on the app, as I have done in the past (I saw them last month), to see which days I wasn't so keen on and to try and book some speciality restaurants and Eden etc. Just logged on and it seems they have mostly disappeared and it says half way down that 'menus are subject to change'. Does this mean they are reviewing / updating the menus or is it a change in policy that they no longer pre-advise the various menus? Their options don't always appeal so I wanted to pick my days elsewhere! Thanks.

We have booked this for our upcoming Apex trip in August to Iceland. Is there a standard 'usual' day of the cruise that it is on, or can it vary by itinerary? Was just looking ahead to plan and book Eden and steakhouse and to see what days might be available (on a day that Luminae may not appeal to us!). Thanks.

Great, thanks for replies, that helps!

Hi - we are going to Iceland for 12 days in August, dining in Luminae and a couple of specialist restaurants - we have also requested the 'chefs table' speciality dining event as well, that you have to pay for. I notice on the app that Luminae menu is already up and showing all the days, some are appealing to us and others are not! I was wondering are these likely to change between now and August when we go, as I will then book Eden and Fine Cut for two of the nights that I know the menu won't appeal to us so much. I know chef will take the odd 'special request' but I don't want to keep on relying on that, so if I know the menu's won't change, I can pick my days to eat elsewhere! Thanks.

So different from our sailing on there just after lockdown in July 2021, probably its 4 or fifth sailing. 450 pax, lucky to see anyone at all whilst walking to dinner! Luminae half empty but still an atmosphere, Retreat Lounge a haven of relaxation with so many seats and a great view and instant service, the retreat deck almost empty non-pool side and no matter what time of day, for the first time ever, we could handpick a cabana (that's never going to happen again!). Eden area was table service, never much of a wait, theatre was busy some evenings, but always a seat, casino mostly empty and we won the 'spot prize' twice whilst playing at the slots! (2 decent bottles - one of perfume for DW and Eau de something for me!). Lunch buffet a dream and seating on or outdoors a dream. Happy days....it will be interesting to compare this August when we are back again going up to Iceland; after having tasted that luxury, I know we will be sorely disappointed....mind you, on Apex you cant really be disappointed for long!

It's not so customary in the UK, but I get that it certainly is in the USA....although it is creeping in here....

Hi - thanks for your reply and I understand all of what you say, it is very helpful! Bearing in mind everything I will still book this hotel as overall I think it will suit our needs very well. We don't mind a bit of noise, atmosphere and hustle & bustle, so this sounds perfect! Thanks again for your help and observations.

Thanks for that, I appreciate the information - I think the location seems in a quieter area of the city. I meant I didn't want anything right in a main street or busy thoroughfare with only buildings or a city view to look at, but with a scenic and 'local' feel and think this hotel does that, and a reasonable distance from other city highlights and 9 streets area. Thank you again, I am looking forward to staying there!

Thanks, that is helpful. We have booked and they have been in contact already offering various options, so it seems very efficient and it does look a lovely hotel with a great location. Thanks for the tip around the windmills too, that is something we wanted to do!

We looked at Banks and had amazing reviews, but they only had a 'cozy' canal view room and we prefer a bit more space - the suite was a bit too much! I came across the Ambassade hotel, directly overlooking one of the smaller canals and seemingly near the sidewalks, canals, shops and cafes and not too far from Dam square and other attractions. I am drawn to a smaller hotel away from the main city (where we would normally stay) for something just outside the main drag and this seemed ideal - really good reviews, on top of a canal, good brasserie restaurant and good location, in a unique style hotel. If anyone has stayed here or knows of it, please let me know your thoughts, but it looks like we might have found our hotel! Thank you again for your suggestions and ideas.

Thanks all, very helpful - will now start the research! Thank you.

Hi - We have an Icelandic cruise this August and are looking to arrive 3 nights early (from UK) to see the sights and sounds of somewhere we haven't been before. I understand the airport, city centre and cruise terminal are relatively near each other (half hour or so) so we don't mind getting taxi's between, but we like a mix of hustle and bustle of a city vibe (nice shops, city landmarks, restaurants, cafe's etc.), plus the scenic side of things too (canals obviously, cobbled side streets and café culture, plus anything else). We are looking for a 4 - 5* hotel in a decent location not too far from either of the above (if that is possible!), though we don't mind a walk either - can anyone recommend an area to stay in along with a good hotel for what we would like? Plus any recommendations of areas to visit, or any other tips? Thank you.