Gracie115

Have to agree about the casino...but for us it doesn't matter as neither of us gambles, but I don't like the smell of smoke.

Yes, the Royal class ships have more perks and suite areas than the older ships. Royal, Regal, Sky, Majestic and I think one other in that class. And most likely the Sun class has even more, though we have not been on those.

AND the aft corner suites on the Royal class are amazing suites. We are booked in one for a TA in Nov 2025...can't wait.

Yes they have a separate dining room called the Reserve. Also have the concierge club that serves cocktails in the evening on the Royal class, no, not all day. If you book with the Premier package (on all classes) you can drink anywhere you want, don't need a "dedicated" lounge. Sabatini's breakfast is vastly superior to Luminae, and we love Luminae. Since only E class and a few S class have the outdoor retreat there is no way to compare that stat....but that was hardly important to us. If we need that kind of space you can always book the Sanctuary which covers that. So if you want the "same" experience you can get pretty close.

We are also Elite Plus on Celebrity, and we also sail Princess and their food in the MDR & buffet is very equal to Celebrity. Their Chef's Table is better and less expensive. All in our opinion of course..... obviously your experience differs.

With the Premier package you won't miss the perks that Celebrity gives you. We like both lines and the introduction of the Plus & Premier packages makes both lines pretty comparable, except in price, Celebrity is generally much more expensive. We have a TA on X this fall and another on Princess in fall 2025, am sure both will be great.

This is so great to see. The ship looks great in your video and I'm sure you're right will be sparkling and looking new after the dry dock that starts in jut a few days. We can't wait for our TA on her in November!!

I agree with @Jim_Iain in preferring S class to E Class. I would have to say though that since you were on Ascent, the newest of the ships, that you also most likely had the best possible staff that Celebrity has...it seems to run that way with the new ships. Since my husband can't eat lobster and I don't like it much that would not have impacted us on your Solstice voyage. But as is said so often, we all have different preferences, thankfully we have choices to meet those preferences.

Wow!! These are just beautiful!! 💗💗

It looks like you are having a blast!!! Your photos are wonderful.

We love the suites on Princess, lovely rooms. Their Plus and Premier packages are far better than X's all included. Just booked a TA in November 2025 to celebrate our 40th anniversary!!. Service has always been good on Princess for us anyway and the same on X. Princess has not upped their prices anywhere near what X has done. We sail for where we want to go now, not for the cruiseline.

Yes, this is what I was referring to...thanks.

The directions are on the TV. I don't remember the exact way because I was on Apex a year ago, but we found it on one of the menu options. It was really easy once we knew how to do it, pretty sure our butler helped the first time. Maybe someone else here who has been on E class could help more.

E class also have NO music channels on TV...not a one. Unlike S class that have a large variety of music..... Celebrity on the whole has pretty lousy tv selections, unlike Oceania and Princess which had a very large selection of movies, old & new and tv shows. One advantage on E class is the ability to stream netflix and others.

That's interesting we were not able to do so on Apex in 2022 or 2023.

Wellll it appears someone at Celebrity might finally be getting it......... 😀

I am so encouraged by your reports on Solstice thus far. It sounds like Luminae back in 2015 when it first began. I remember we were so pleased back then we hesitated to book any specialty restaurants because we enjoyed the food & especially the service in Luminae. I'm glad you are enjoying a bit of Celebrity as you (and I) remember it....hopefully it will continue through your cruise(s)!!!

I'm sure if you are referring to an Iconic suite that, yes, they make sure you are well taken care of. Otherwise as others have said and we have also done, we let the Maitre'd know what time we normally want to eat and pretty much have had no waits, but when we have had a few minute wait they will call Michael's Club to advise our table is ready.

Reflection's Luminae IS busier because of the increased number of suites, but still FAR less than on Beyond. And, yes, since you are in a RS you will be fine. We prefer Silhouette, Equinox & Eclipse but did enjoy our one Reflection cruise.

All of this is wonderful to hear and makes me even more excited for our TA on Equinox this fall. We share much the same feelings about the Edge class, so glad it sounds like S class is much closer to the Celebrity we have loved for 25+ years.

Only allowed on M & S class ships not on Edge. Just another reason we won't be booking E class again. Certainly true on Apex and E class from what I've read/heard.

I suspect you will find Luminae even better on the Connie. You will have far more choices as the MDR menu is also available on M & S class ships in Luminae. Also it is a MUCH smaller venue so it is quieter and the service is better. We have had 2 cruises on Apex and were disappointed in Luminae after several cruises on the older classes.

Wow this all looks wonderful!! I bet it tasted even better!!! I love your pictures of doors everywhere!

When do you usually find out if your bid "won?"

That would be great!! I suspect there will also be carpetting replaced in most public areas and perhaps some new seating for the same. I don't think staterooms outside of the Horizon Suites are going to be done...but hope I'm wrong.