JDPCruisers

1 hour ago, Team Stag said:

We have always gotten a table for two in Luminae.  Now be warned, they tend to be very close to other tables of 2 due to the space constraints.  

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.  

18 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

Keep in mind this is a package purchased buy someone sailing in the Retreat for family/friends who are not sailing in the Retreat. 
 

 

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. 

3 minutes ago, Hawkstar33 said:

The jury will not be out long on this one.  

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.

28 minutes ago, Hawkstar33 said:

Yup...New great changes

 

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. 

15 minutes ago, paulh84 said:

 

https://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Celebrity/General_Info/TheRetreat/02_06_24_FLY_Retreat_Privilege_Package.pdf

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

1 minute ago, PTC DAWG said:

My exact thoughts

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!  

On 2/5/2024 at 3:43 PM, Hawkstar33 said:

Many things have changed at different levels.  Suites and such, appear to be taking the worst of it. Butler availability in certain suites, a hot topic. Family and friends will be allowed to use the Retreat just like those that pay the megabucks for that amenity. Not gonna go over well.  If you scroll thru the posts, you will easily come across the griping. We've not had any real issues in the Verandas, but some have had theirs... Full ships without a full staff, seems to be causing issues. Some have experienced the only once cleanup visit by the room attendant, while others have gotten both with the fold down service, chocolates on pillow, and towel animals.  In a short time, prices to cruise have dramatically risen per person, as well as on the dining and drink packages. Some have left seeking other deals on other cruise lines.  Also, the MDR is gettin crowded again, and many folks are figuring ways to get water without having to bring any, or pay for a bottle onboard for $4...Room service was a $12 charge last cruise...Buffet hrs are pretty much the same, maybe varying a bit per ship...Always good variety although some might not agree.  We caught the all included before they changed it..Like you said, gratuities no longer on it.  All of this and I'm sure much more, has not stopped folks from booking....We have 5 booked btwn now and next feb, as we book far in advance. We will see as we go, if we are going to continue to cruise as much..

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.

14 hours ago, Dancing Shoes said:

We were there in June 2023.  Great weather and plenty of water falling as posted in Geiranger and other stops.

Thanks for the feedback, looking forward to it!

On 2/6/2024 at 8:30 AM, kr00t0n said:

I have done early May (plenty of snow when taking the train up the mountain in Flam) and late June (still plenty of roaring waterfalls in Geiranger), so either works.

 

The constants for both trips were rainy Bergen, drizzly Alesund, and complete scorchers in Stavanger (30ºC / 90ºF)

Very good to know, thanks!

On 2/6/2024 at 9:36 AM, CruisinShips said:

So many people are talking about. Everything has been just fantastic.  In all fairness, we are in a CS so my perceptions are based mainly from a Retreat perspective. But the ship is a 10, the staff is incredible…absolutely incredible…the entertainment is of a very high level, the food is very good. Yes selections are a bit limited but still always good options to choose from.
 

Retreat staff could not be a better collection of humans. I swear I don’t know where they find these people with such incredible demeanors. 

 

Even the internet is great and we have been able to stream YouTube Tv when we feel like it. 
 

We would really have to be trying hard to come up with any complaints and we are 4 days in. 
 

I guess the pricing is the main issue, but for our two cruises a year, we can suck it up and feel grateful we can afford it. 

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. 

10 minutes ago, Mrs_Tiki said:

I really don't know. My comment was based on the observations of me and my fellow Ascent cruisers last week. Between 3 CC members in Sky Suites, we had 2 different butlers. Not a statistically significant sample size for sure, but we inferred from this that butler service for Sky Suites had expanded beyond one Head Butler as in the initial iteration of the Retreat Team concept.

 

Another CC member in an Edge Villa heard from his butler that X was adding back butlers as quickly as they could get them on the ships.

 

So, I guess I am guilty of sharing hearsay and speculation. That's why I said, "It seems....," since I do not have any official word from X, just what I experienced last week.

 

Hopefully, you have found the thread on this topic:

It includes info from people have been in touch with X on the subject.

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

14 hours ago, bnurick said:

Celebrity Beyond Final Thoughts

 

Here are my final thoughts on The Retreat on The Beyond and a few nits. Listed as bulletin points to make it easier to read.

 

🔹The Retreat

🔸Too large, making a personalized experience difficult to execute.

🔸Luminae is around 3-4x S-Class size and much less intimate.

🔸When on E-Class The Retreat Lounge Patio is must for us. We had on The Edge.

 

🔹Luminae 

🔸As said, too large to be an intimate experience.

🔸Menu proteins have moved on the cheap side.

🔸Cod is an example for fish. Goto your frozen food section and look at fish sticks. Let me know if you find any Chilean sea bass ones.

🔸Ribeye medallions is an example for meat. Only portions were edible.

🔸The Classics menu shouldn’t be a mystery.

🔸A filet mignon should be available every night.

🔸A simple solution would be a poll to rank proteins. X would see quickly what would appease guests.

🔸We ate at Luminae only 3/10 nights. The menus are that unappealing to me.

🔸On the plus side, our experience improved drastically after talking with the Maitre’d.

 

🔹The Retreat Sundeck

🔸Most want a spot in the shade.

🔸People would take multiple chairs for their party.

🔸Although you are to lose your chair after leaving for a period of time, it’s not enforced.

🔸While this issue is controversial all over the ship and creates drama, X really needs a global solution and to enforce it so everyone would actually be forced to abide by the rules.

 

🔹The Retreat Pricing

🔸At $1,000 a day for an E-Class Sky Suite is about right.

🔸Finally seeing some cruises at this level again on CruisePlum.

🔸Many are paying more than $1,000 a day and the cost/benefit analysis is broken at that level.

 

🔹Butler Service

🔸Our Butler was awesome. By chance, it was our second time with. We were very fortunate.

🔸X needs to return to the original dedicated butler.

🔸While they are in the process of restoring, this invalidates the reasoning behind the Team concept and deems it intellectually dishonest. They did it to simply save money at the expense of the consumer.

 

🔹Cafe al Bacio

🔸We had a great experience.

 

🔹Martini Bar

🔸Was awesome as usual.

 

🔹Specialty Restaurants 

🔸All were very good we tried. Luminae should be more comparable to.

 

🔹OVC Buffet

🔸Ate pizza almost every at sea day. Thought it was very good, overall.

 

🔹Gratuities

🔸Cash tipping staff is better for everyone involved.

🔸I will not prepay on future bookings.

🔸Sad to say, but I do wonder if X actually gives 100% of prepaid amounts, specifically on reservations made say 18 months ago. Again, forgive me for actually thinking this.

 

🔹Premium Beverage Package

🔸Like gratuities, I would prefer this being optional for The Retreat.

🔸I would never purchase a package. $17 a drink credit hasn’t adjusted for inflation, but drink prices have adjusted. Looking at our final invoice, we lost money having the package included.

🔸I recommend going a la carte if you can. I did on one cruise and saved a lot of money. Add cash tipping and service became exceptional. My usual drink simply brought over.

 

🔹Premium WiFi 

🔸Worked well and would always purchase.

 

🔹Future Bookings

🔸Made 4 onboard, all refundable for obvious reasons.

 

I could go on, but the above are the highlights I can recall. I hope I did a decent job of posting so everyone found something actionable for a future sailing.

 

Thank you for following along. Our next X cruise is in July on the Summit.  
 

Cheers! 🥂 

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. 

23 hours ago, Mrs_Tiki said:

Butlergate: (plot twist - point to Ascent)

 

This subject has been discussed thoroughly on @mac_tlc's "Live From" thread for Ascent's January 21 sailing. It seems that X is bringing back some sort of butler service for Sky Suites beyond the one head butler. DH and I were lucky to be assigned Edwin, who was a rock star. We saw him frequently, and he provided our requested fruit and cheese plate each afternoon. Also, he was proactive in checking in to ensure that our Retreat Host (aka stateroom attendant) was providing good service.

 

Our butler on Seashore is kind to greet us each morning and provide information on the evening shows but has failed to follow through on requests, such as the bottle of wine included for our suite. It is cool that the butlers are always available to escort YC patrons to other areas of the ship, like the reserved seating in the theater or to the gangway. But I don't think that it is a plus for Seashore that this is even necessary. 

 

Retreat Host/Stateroom Attendant: (point to Seashore)

 

I had to separate this as its own category due to the contrast in performance between the butler and cabin attendant on the two ships. Our Retreat Host on Ascent was adequate but failed to keep water bottles replenished. (But no fear, Butler Edwin to the rescue!) She seemed to forget that we had sent a bag of laundry, and we had to make multiple requests to get it back days later. It was obvious that she was overwhelmed with the number of cabins she was assigned. our cabin was rarely serviced before lunchtime.

 

Our stateroom attendant on Seashore is like a ninja. After the first day, he learned our habits and serviced our cabin while we had our morning work catchup session in the YC lounge. He does have the advantage of technology working in his favor. Seashore has a set of lights that indicate whether we have requested service or do not disturb, as well as a set that indicates whether we have inserted the card by the door to activate lights/electricity.

 

One small gripe - we are in a Grand Deluxe Suite (slightly wider than a standard suite), which provides an elongated area in the hall to park the attendant's supply cart. It remains there all day, everyday. This contributes to some noise from the hallway, but I guess it could help us locate our cabin if we are overserved. 🙂

 

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. 

45 minutes ago, miched said:

Not only the seating on the balcony but most of the seating areas.   I don’t think Kelly or anyone else sat in any of them to see if they are comfortable.    It is design, style over function as almost everything she has done on the ships.  
 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

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

1 hour ago, markeb said:

 

Decoy is a better than average entry level brand from a company called Duckhorn. All of their brands have a duck theme. It's their schtick. The Decoy bottles have a painting of a Pintail duck decoy.

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. 

2 minutes ago, alexandria said:

I've got three luxury cruises booked so far this year.  All booked in the past two months for travel in 2024.  Two are just under $200pp per day, one just under $300pp per day.  But you have to have flexibility in your travel schedule to regularly book at those rates.  As a retiree, I enjoy such flexibility!

What lines are you cruising on? 

1 hour ago, jimbo5544 said:

Fascinating lectures.  if any of you take this journey I highly recommend them. 

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? 

4 hours ago, SteelCityCruiser10 said:

Here are some Crown Lounge pics

 

 

 

 

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?

15 hours ago, Port Power said:

I agree with @Gourmet Gal, there are plenty of dress code threads.  Suffice to say that formal night looks like a gala opening:  dressy and attractive.

 

Silversea is all about service.  With the services of a butler, you can have room service meals, morning coffee and afternoon canapés and caviar.  Service around the ship in restaurants and bars is excellent.  Silversea has a higher standard of service to Celebrity due to the higher staff to passenger ratio.

 

Another plus for me is that all shore excursions are included.

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

2 minutes ago, abbydancer said:

I've read that you have to be in the room when they do it.

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

4 minutes ago, CruiseRQA said:

Interesting that some want a 3rd party to unpack.   How do you know where your stuff winds up? 

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. 

8 minutes ago, SteelCityCruiser10 said:

I board Jewel on Saturday in a GS.  Keep an eye out… i will probably start a live report soon.  I can tell you the concierge will be Edna & she was spot on with sending out an email a week in advance.  She has put in our dinner reservation requests ( we have 3 night package)

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.

5 hours ago, GenerationX said:

I still consider myself very much a Celebrity fan!  

As others have said, certain cabin classes and amenities are a harder sell for me right now due to reductions in inclusions while increasing price (really, either one I could’ve gone along with by itself, but charging much more AND providing much less was a bridge too far for me), but when I’m in the market for a cruise vacation I don’t think I’ll ever NOT include Celebrity when comparing options.  
 

I’m also already hearing rumblings through the social media rumor mill that some of those reductions are currently or will be in the near future restored to prior state.  So I’m cautiously hopeful for the future.

 

My better half and I recently decided to impulse book a cruise for next month and were looking at last minute trip price point options on MSC and Celebrity.
 

I think it says something that we decided to pass on yacht club on MSC (priced $1800 less than a sky suite on Celebrity) and instead step down in price and book a basic veranda on an older Celebrity ship.  I’ve been very happy with the MSC cruises that I’ve tried, but at the end of the day, for now, as far as overall cruising experience Celebrity is still our favorite line.  Hopefully our onboard experience in a couple of weeks confirms that we made a good choice!

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.