mac_tlc

Once Summitt repo’s to NJ, it’s just the lonely Equinox left.😞😞😞 mac_tlc

We usually avoid an itinerary with that many consecutive port days. Not relaxing for us, we like sea days and prefer a sea day between stops. Too much go,go,go. Sure, you can stay on the ship, but casino is closed and on some ships some restaurants can be closed for lunch. This is one reason we have not pulled the trigger on an Oceania cruise. Other than a repo or transoceanic cruise, they stop a lot. mac_tlc

Not exactly. Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas, will have them —- and also have traditional balconies. If you think the the Retreat prices are high, try a suite on Icon, prices are ridiculous. We have had an IV and got accustomed to it. Especially when it’s hot, we don’t use the balcony much, it was nice to have a floor to ceiling view of the ocean. Also enjoyed being able to raise the shade after waking up and get a great view without having to get out of bed. mac_tlc

Things can change by November, but here they are from 4/2/23. Fun to look at in any event. https://issuu.com/hochmania/docs/anthem_7x_bahamas_pd_2_apr_2023_day_1-merged/1?ff

Icon will be in Miami, but I agree that between the outrageous pricing for Icon and Wonder and now Utopia doing short cruises, I won’t be on any of them. mac_tlc

Enjoying your review! I was excited to see the bourbon selection until I saw the prices.😳 I enjoy Angels Envy and OF 120, but it would be difficult to spend more above the PBP for me. mac_tlc

With the latest change in Royals and Celebrity’s non-refundable deposit policy, we have pulled back on bookings further out in time. It really depends on cabin though. On Celebrity, you can still do a Sky Suite on board at the reduced deposit level, but a GS on Royal requires a full deposit. And groups rarely if ever include suites, so the “refundable less than non-refundable discussion” is not relevant. Personally, we never do refundable. The price difference is usually substantial. We have lost a few $100 amounts but have saved many many times more over time by going NRD. Know the ever changing terms and know what you can (or cannot) afford to lose. mac_tlc

https://celebritybedcollection.com/product/celebrity-cashmere-mattress/

We just got off a week ago and already miss her! We are also E+ with no illusions of ever making Z. Enjoy your cruise ! mac_tlc

Sky Suites near the forward elevators are our preferred location on E-class. Have had them on Edge, Apex, Beyond, and next January on Ascent. Great location. Never had any noise issues. mac_tlc

Ooooh there you go…… We did just book the Fall 2024 TA on Beyond. Two TA’s in one year ?? Hmmmmmm… mac_tlc

We just got off the Beyond this past Sunday 😞😞. Look forward to following along. mac_tlc

I booked the Fall 2024 TA in a SS on Beyond for about $440pppd. Quite a bit less than the 2K/day. Only if you want RS or higher will you be in that range. mac_tlc

I noticed that two of the hosts on Beyond last week rarely left the podium, and always seemed to be typing something. Other than them making an Eden reservation on Day 1, I don't believe we spoke to either of them. Hussein and Joao on Edge were all over the room and we talked to them almost every day. There were two other servers that were very busy and I think when the lounge was very active they had trouble keeping up. We also noted several nights that the Lounge seemed much more crowded than on any of our other Retreat cruises. Our prime Retreat time was 5:15 - 6:15, give or take. mac_tlc

I think the E-class with the wonderful floor to ceiling window views of the ocean is the winner for me and DW. And on Beyond, its on both sides of the Retreat Lounge. mac_tlc

The way we are "avoiding" the new refundable rate rules are to only book onboard. That way the deposit (for a Sky Suite and below) is $100pp, which is the same as you would lose under the old rules. Unfortunately, they dramatically shortened the period that an onboard open booking can be used, from one year to 6 months. But, if you can find something you like within that 6 month period, you can book anything that is currently available, now through Spring 2025. Enjoy Game 4!!!!!!!!!!!! mac_tlc

You will be able to use the credit up to final payment date. Unfortunately we have been in your situation and have applied the credits after deposit but before FP. We usually apply it a couple weeks before FP to make sure it posts and the FP amount recognizes it. BTW-love your avatar. Real season begins tonight. Let’s hope the memorable season continues ! mac_tlc

Just off the Beyond and the French onion soup in Luminae was the best we have had on Celebrity. Better than on the same ship in the same restaurant 9 weeks ago. Chef matters. mac_tlc

In the next couple days will probably be booking it. I’ll let you know. mac_tlc

A few thoughts on our wonderful but short week on the Beyond. The ship is really gorgeous and even though I am certainly not an “art guy “, I can appreciate the sheer number and variety of artistic works. For some reason I like the ridiculous number of unique seats scattered everywhere, yes, even though half are uncomfortable and quite a few would be impossible for me to get out of if so even got into it😳. I can’t imagine anyone being bored — the number of shows, headliners, live music, game shows, trivia, etc. etc. is way too much to pack into a week. If someone is bored, I think they are not trying. But what was great this week is that we shared it with some newfound friends, who before last Sunday we only knew through their contributions to these boards ( Ok we knew @KKB before then ) @KKB (K & D), what a great trivia team we made! Actually winning a couple of sessions! I sure hope we travel again together. What do you say about that TA and some serious progressive trivia? @Silkroad (M & A), what great conversations we had! Thank you for letting us see your S3, it will help on our future decisions. You have some great journeys scheduled, hope that all go well! @Mrs_Tiki (M & M) , it was great to finally meet you and your MSC experience will certainly help us when we discuss whether to give YC a shot! I believe we are sailing again on the 1/21/24 Ascent, so our 2pm Retreat Lounge meetup on Day 1 is now officially set! @GenerationX, wow, where to start. As I read your daily musings, I at times wondered if we were on the same ship😂😂😂, certainly those late night times. Our ability to last that long and somehow awaken the next day seem to be getting fewer and fewer. You are a joy to be around, vivacious, positive , and funny! Certainly hope to sail again with you and maybe meet Jeremy ( if you let him out that week😜😜). Well we made the drive to Orlando, pulling into the garage at about 11:40. Had to make a stop for a cup of Dunkin’!! I do miss that on a cruise ship. First load of laundry is in process, with several more to follow. Our next adventure is on Royal 😳😳. An Arctic Circle cruise to Norway with our son and DIL in June, hop over to the Royal boards— I’ll be posting something, internet dependent! I am officially a Celebrity Retreat Bargain Hunter now! If/ when I find something @KKB, @Silkroad, @Mrs_Tiki, @GenerationX will be the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th to know!!! As will the CC boards of course! Im pretty easy to contact, CC username at hotmail dot com! Thank you all for a great week! Until we sail again ………… mac_tlc

We sailed with Joao on the Edge twice in 2021, very nice gentleman.

I do. Sans tie lately. mac_tlc

Did one bag this week on Beyond. Our butler took it Wednesday morning and it was back Friday night. Its not a great perk for a seven nighter but I can see the big benefit on a longer journey. Still better than Royal’s scaled back laundry benefit of only being able to do it on the “laundry special” day. mac_tlc

We have been comparing the Beyond Fall 2024 TA in a SS with the Oceania Vista Fall 2024 TA in a PH2. When I figure in tips, drinks, OBC, etc., it’s about a push. I think we need to try a shorter itinerary if we try Oceania, because they tend to be very Port intensive, which is not our preference. Good to have options and with current pricing, as you say, we need to investigate them. mac_tlc

Just to show how the prices have dramatically increased, we booked the 3/27/23 Edge trans canal in a SS when we’re onboard the Apex in January 2022. ( or maybe when we on the Edge in October 2021) Our price was $388pppd! Unfortunately we were unable to go! I kick myself when I see the prices of the same cruise on Beyond in 2024 and 2025. I know booking early helps, but that advantage has been severely diminished with the Fall 2023. - Spring 2025 sailings. mac_tlc