JDPCruisers

Yes, in our opinion it is the best. We also enjoy Heath sparkling which is a Texas Hill Country winery but to my knowledge they do not distribute to restaurants or retail, we are wine club members of them as well. Like food, its subjective what people like. If you try the Schramsberg will be interested in what you think.

Yes, had not changed from previous cruises. When we need anything else we contact Tony the head butler or Jiro the Concierge. Was not a dedicated butler but he was available, would see him in the hallways frequently and he would ask if there was anything we needed. Not the same as previously but not as bad as others have experienced and reported on CC.

Look forward to your review as we were just on last month with the same itinerary. So, will be interested to hear your experiences.

This is all to know. Might have to try it one of these days.

Same here, SS in Constellation last month and bottled water every day, ice daily (twice a day or on request if we needed), twice daily clean/turn down, chocolates, extra pillows and towels, and her asking us every day was there something she could do for us. Sharon from Philippines.

Interesting. Has anyone used this service and how was the experience? Not sure my wife might go for it as she likes to have the control.

I can concur having visited the following plus a number of others, such as Hall and Merry Edwards- former wine club members Frank Family Schramsberg - yes, the best and we are still wine club members Mumm and Domaine Chandon - former wine club members of both Chappellet - former wine club members Joseph Phelps - former wine club members Cakebread Depending on where you're staying a number of places have wine tastings in their bar/lounges (at least they used to) - Harvest Inn comes to mind.

I wouldn't see them doing that with RC marketing to families with a Suite option (not inclusive), Celebrity more towards adults with a semi-inclusive option for Retreat, and Silversea to adult all-inclusive. We did RC Allure a year ago to try it and said never again on RC mega-ships for a number of reasons. We'll stay with E-class or refurbed M or S class and review other options for more inclusivity and port choices.

I believe they/their computer algorithms look across all vacation options, just like we do. I agree in the upscale resort comparison as we compare land vacations with like options, i.e. room, transportation, food, drinks, land tours, etc. and cruising is still a valid option (maybe others have, but we have not found a similar size Retreat/Suite class balcony suite, food, drinks, tax, etc., particularly before their removing OBC and tips, for ~1000-1200 per day). But we continue to review options both on land and sea, i.e. moving up to Oceania, Regent, Silversea.

On Edge in April last year, they were pouring plenty of Cherry Pie in Luminae at no upcharge. Guess they found people were drinking it so up with the price. I people don't spend the upcharge then will be interesting if the price gets readjusted at some point.

Will be interested in what you decide on as we are looking but have yet to make a change.

Thanks for this. Will be interested to hear your experience once you're on Ascent/after you return as we are on Beyond in the April/May and other ships already booked into 2025. Current/future changes for the better are always welcomed to try and reverse, if to some degree, the most recent changes.

That has been our experience on Apex and Edge, as well. Have always enjoyed the Retreat experience. Will be first time on Beyond in April/May so, hopefully, it will be the same. Though, I understand and having seen videos that they replaced the outdoor terrace area on the first level which was our go-to most morning for continental breakfast, champagne and sitting outside weather permitting. I miss that!

Was on Constellation in Dec and KJ Elegance was not a problem to get anywhere, Luminae, Michaels, etc. Also, the Louis Chadot but could be hit or miss depending on where you were but I had t a number of times.

Thanks, Jim.

I think for us is finding a good TA. Have tried twice before and we didn't find anything about the service that was special. So, my brave wife handles it all as usual including the frustrating phone calls to correct mistakes.

We always use private instead of X for trip cancellation, interruption, evac and med coverage. Not endorsing one or the other but we have used Allianz and Generali.

Thanks for the information. We are considering a future Silversea cruise but not too sure about the size and experience.

Silversea but not sure dedicated to one cabin, which I doubt but having not sailed Silversea, yet, not sure.

Curious as we have never Moved Up, did you find the cost to do so much more of a value than if you have booked a SS without a Move Up?

Let me add my thanks, as well. We board Beyond in May/June for the first time having sailed on Edge and Apex, so looking forward to another E-class. Have read about the creaking from other posters, do you think it was due to your cabin being by Magic Carpet or others you talked to experienced that were not by MC? Have not expereicned that on the other E-class ships so hope this is not a "Beyond thing"!

Meant to say Jan 2025.

While we have done Blu on a whim but that was pre-COVID because they had availability, though our ongoing preference is Luminae for selection and service.

See you are scheduled to cruise out of New Orleans next month. We have yet to cruise out from there, scheduled to in Jan 2024, and will look forward to your thoughts on cruising out of that port, the ambiance of Connie with the fellow cruisers, etc.

I cannot recall if Craft Social is open on port days as they have bar type food which I believe comes from Le Grand Bistro.