JDPCruisers

And, with the new Retreat Privilege Package offering the tables are likely to get a lot closer together in Luminae/Blu and the Retreat Lounge/Michael's Club depending on how many people end up having this booked. On E-class an extra $199 pp/pd and $125 pp/pd for S/M class in any stateroom for Retreat amenities as long as a current Retreat guest books it.

Yes, correct but just collect the money from them or pay for them and you're good to go. Luminae and Blu are not that large on most ships so will be interesting to see what that does for capacity and the Retreat sundeck pool and bar area, as well. Maybe suite guests have been asking for this to be available for their family and friends? For the price, it is a no-brainer if stateroom space is not that of an issue for you. I guess we will see on the Beyond in a couple of months.

Agreed. I just did a practice booking and and inside stateroom for 2 including the Retreat a package is $1888 cheaper than a SS for a 7 day booking on Ascent.

I just checked and it's $199 pp/pd on E-Class and $125 pp/pd on M and S class. IMHO, this along with the other changes doesn't look like booking suites is providing any exclusive amenities for what you are paying for.

Thanks. They don't show a price but, IMHO, all I can say is Wow (and not in a good way)!

Would agree, but we consciously choose not to cruise during Spring Break time or anytime during March, Summer Break, and holidays to play it safe. Royal is another story anytime of the year it seems!

Curious about this "Family and friends will be allowed to use the Retreat just like those that pay the megabucks for that amenity." as I don't recall reading this from Celebrity, or anywhere else, or seeing it in the Retreat in December? Can you point me to another reference for this change or can others confirm? Thanks.

Thanks for the feedback, looking forward to it!

Very good to know, thanks!

Nice to hear your experience, so far. Apex is one of our favorites, have cruised her twice and booked for Scandinavia and Norwegian Fjords May/June 2025. A couple of cruises before but still can't wait to be back on her.

Thanks for the follow-up. Very helpful to know and to see what happens going forward.

Thanks for the excellent review and pics. Very helpful as we will be on the Beyond for the first time in a couple of months, so this is good info to know. Like you, we will miss not having the Retreat patio as once of our favorite places, particularly in the morning for continental breakfast.

In regard to "It seems that X is bringing back some sort of butler service for Sky Suites beyond the one head butler." any sense of how they determined what SS would have butler service in addition to the Head Butler?

Following along, as well. We were to be on Reflection last Oct for the Med and then TA back across but had to cancel so look forward to your usual excellent review.

Agree, IMHO we have found most seating on E-class throughout the ships to be more for look than comfort.

Yes, have enjoyed Duckhorn wines, including Decoy, for the price point. Though, like most restaurants and lounges Celebrity is going to charge $17 per glass when a bottle retail will run you less than that ~$12. But that's the nature of the hospitality business. Will be interesting to see if it is back on the Beyond in a couple of months and what changes have been made.

What lines are you cruising on?

Following along and appreciate the pics and thoughts. We are on her Aug/Sept for NE/Canada RT so how have you found the overall condition of the ship and cabin? Any pros or cons at this point?

Have been following along and appreciate the great pics and thoughts. I might have missed it, but how is the overall condition of the ship and your GS? Any pros and cons, so far? Many children?

Thanks for the information and I'll try the search again.

Our experience, no, you don't have to be in the room. It's your choice.

Ends up in the drawers and hung in the closets. My wife may do some rearranging, but we found it works fine for us. If you don't want a certain bag unpacked, then just tell them which ones to unpack and which ones not to and rightfully so, they do not unpack toiletry items.

Great, will be on the lookout for your impressions. We are in an OS (typically do a GS as we find them a good value comparatively and like the counter as opposed to the table) but the prize was not that much more. Good to hear the concierge has been in communication prior to your boarding. Thanks.

Look forward to following along if you decide to update us on your experience. Will be interested if restoring reductions does indeed happen and what they end up being.

Cruise Celebrity and Royal, mostly Celebrity the last few years, but looking into Silversea as a small inclusive luxury cruise option so interested in any overall recent feedback and specifically how formal is evening wear in the restaurants and lounges? Also, service in staterooms and around the ship? Look forward to any thoughts on recent experiences. Thanks in advance.