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On 5/22/2024 at 5:31 PM, CelebrityHybrid said:

Found this very good Retreat review, is it worth doing? 
Which line does it best - Thoughts

Has anyone done all of these?

X (Retreat)

RC (Star Class) (Sky Class)

NCL (Haven)

MSC (Yacht Club)

 

 

I have sailed in a suite on Princess, Celebrity and Azamara. Hands down, Celebrity does it best. 

56 minutes ago, cruisestitch said:

Kids sail free promotions

 

personal attention in kids club

 

there are probably other reasons too

Because if mom and dad are stressed out by the crowds and all the unnecessary noise, the kid are stressed too. Sometimes, you just want a relaxing atmosphere to spend time together. 

12 hours ago, tomcruiser1234 said:

Summit is the perfect size ship. 6132 is a great cabin. 

 

Glad things we’re up to standard. 

 

Did you use the Persian Garden ??

We did not but we are not spa people. 

13 hours ago, Shiba_Lover said:

Good to read a positive review.  Thanks for sharing.  I've got 6131 booked for an upcoming sailing (it is same cabin opposite side).  Is the balcony shape / size good?  We booked this one specifically since we wanted the balcony for the itinerary we have, so hoping it is good.

The balcony was fantastic. Large with great layout. We used it daily. 

Not that my opinion is any more important than anyone else, but I have to say that it was a wonderful experience onboard the Summit. I have sailed on many lines, in many different types of accommodations, from inside on an NCL to Owners Suite on Azamara. I have also sailed Princess, Disney, Viking and Carnival. This was my first Celebrity cruise.

The food was hands-down, the best cruise food we have ever had on a cruise ship. With that being said, we ate in Luminae for the most part with a couple trips to the buffet as well as room service breakfast one morning (that was absolutely the best room service we have had). We never went to Blu because we were allowed to order from that menu in Luminae if we wished (we did order a couple apps here and there) and we had a great server, Kurt from Jamaica in Luminae. I am Gluten-free and had zero problems or concerns on the entire trip. The gluten-free muffins were horrible, I have to add to be fair. We love wine and we drank many really good glasses on board. We found the selection to be reasonable for a cruise ship and did not select any outside of the premium package as there was never a need and were quite happy. We also brought a couple bottles to dinner and were not charged a corkage because we were on the premium package. 

We stayed in 6132, an Aqua Sky Suite and found the room to be quite comfortable. The balcony showed some wear, but we still used it every day and loved it. 2 loungers, a love seat and a table with 2 chairs. It really was a great balcony. Our room attendant Jonathan got the job done and kept the room spotless and checked in with us periodically throughout the cruise. On our anniversary, they brought a charcuterie and bottle of sparkling wine to our stateroom. Kurt our server in Luminae, acknowledged our anniversary on the following night as we were in Le Petit Chef on our anniversary. Le Petit Chef was also excellent. 

Our goal on this cruise was relaxation and did not go into any of the ports. We had visited them more than enough in the past, this trip was really about the ship experience. We did utilize the Retreat sundeck for 2 full days. Mostly good experience. Not surprisingly, the service was better on port days when things were not as busy for them. The sundeck was never crowded and there were always loungers available. The day we were in Cozumel the ship cleared out quite a bit in the morning, so we used that time to enjoy the cool main pool and also the Solarium. Both were good but on a sea day...... not my cup of tea. It was quite crowded and busy on a sea day. Again, this was a cruise to relax, so under different circumstances it may have been fine.

We initially didn't think that we would use the retreat lounge very much, but we did end up going there quite a bit. Karla kept the fridge stocked with my gluten-free beer and was very approachable and pleasant every time we visited. We would go there before and after dinner, after shows and midday on our way to and from the casino and events.

The thing about this cruise is, we kept saying to each other how much we were enjoying ourselves and how great the service was. We saw officers all day, every day, everywhere we went. They would wipe tables down as they went by, return glasses to the bar, pick up stray napkins and straw wrappers, check in with Guests as they walked through spaces. That is something I have never seen on any other cruise. I wish I had kept count. I am not saying everything was perfect, we had a few minor inconveniences however, I would be hard pressed to be able to list anything as it was overwhelming fantastic.

It truly was a magnificent cruise, and we look forward to cruising with Celebrity again.

This also applies to Monaco. 

I thought the same however because it is the only beer I can have, I spoke to them directly and was told any beers from the premium list, even those less than the Classic package limit would be charged in full just like non-alcoholic beverages under the minimum. 
 

On 9/7/2023 at 4:56 PM, Mark_T said:

That can't happen with alcoholic drinks, the price alone determines which package it is in, and if it is over your package price you just pay the difference + 20%.

 

It is only non-alcoholic drinks where they are either in your package or you have to pay full price. So still water in a can is in the classic package, sparkling water is not included so you have to pay full price even though that may only be $5.+20%

Actually, I was told differently. I am gluten-free and the only gluten-free beer is on the premium package. If I want a gluten-free beer with Classic package, I pay the full $8.50 plus gratuity just like you would do for a premium water like Evian for example. 

We arranged a private tour from Livorno to visit Volterra, San Gimignano and a wine tasting at Tenuta Torciano. From the start, Stefanos Rome cabs was fantastic. Always responding promptly and answering all my questions along the way. Extremely accommodating and helpful. Our driver was on the dock as promised with a sign with our name. He (Antonello) was welcoming and smiling and anxious to ensure we had the best day possible in Tuscany. He reviewed the itinerary before leaving and we were on our way. At each stop, he made recommendations as to what we should make sure we see, gave us fantastic directions and tips and set a specific meeting time and spot for each stop. We felt 100% comfortable with him and were able to thoroughly enjoy our time together in each amazing destination. He got us exactly where promised on time and was a FANTASTIC driver. I would not hesitate to book with Rome Cabs anywhere they operate and will when we return!

Just returned from 7-night Italy intensive on the Onward. We stayed in the Owner's Suite 6091 Copenhagen Suite, and it was an amazing experience. 100% satisfied with our entire onboard experience sailing Azamara Onward. I have uploaded a video of the room because before we sailed, there was not one available anywhere!

2 hours ago, uktog said:

Last month, two ATMs onboard Journey.  One dispensed dollars, the other euros.  HOWEVER they were off line some of the trip.  Honestly if it is a private tour and so you absolutely need the Euros, I would get them before you come or get them before you board in the country.  The ships ATM is a backstop only in my mind

1 hour ago, blag said:

On our recent cruise (Pursuit Baltic) where the Euro was the most usable currency, the ATM was offline for the entire cruise.

Thank you for the information. I hadn't considered getting euros in Monaco just before boarding, I think I will go with that idea. Appreciate the advice.

I am sure this was somewhere and I read it at some point months ago, but searching returns zero results. Do the ATMs onboard dispense euros? I know there will be a fee but need to get cash to pay for a private tour and I am more comfortable getting cash onboard then out in public. Thank you in advance. 

Maybe they are updating the website to take payments 🤭

Same here. 

1 hour ago, DS said:

    Let me try for a third time… If it’s truly the best food and wine, why are not all passengers allow to attend?   There is NO evidence that it refers to the food and drink…. And all kinds of evidence that it refers to big suite quests!

   The are other options for the executive chef to show his/her mettle.   For, example, the shore excursions AZAMARA CHEF EXPERIENCES, when the chef takes a group of passengers (independent of cabin) to a local market, buys local foods, and cooks a special dinner for those folks…. We’ve been on several and LOVE them!

   Again, I have not problem with recognizing those who pay the most for a given cruise… give them a very special dinner, with good food and special wines…Just don’t refer to them as the Best of the Best

Bitter party of one?

I paid for and had my air ticketed by Choice Air before final payment was due and then had them select my seats. I could not select seats until I was ticketed. Lufthansa ended up changing the equipment after my seats were chosen but I was able to re-select new seats directly on the Lufthansa app. I also was able to pay an upgrade directly with Lufthansa for better seats. 

Question for you all, I have a tight connection in Frankfurt to Nice. If we miss our flight, the next flight available will get us in to NCE very late. We will be sailing out of Monaco and will self-transport with train and foot if we land as expected, however, if we miss our connection and fly in late that plan will not work. Are there last-minute transportation options in NCE to get to Monaco? We have a hotel for the one night prior in Monaco.

2!

5 hours ago, azalice said:

I see my points and upcoming and past cruises at the top but that is all.

My TA’s confirmation shows it, but nothing I can yet find on Azamara itself. 

This has happened to me as well sometimes, I just pretend I am going to book an excursion and when you go to the cart it shows what you have available as a credit to apply to the purchase. You can then just back out of the purchase. Haven’t figured out why it doesn’t show at the top sometimes but this is a work around. 

5 hours ago, Vivasea said:

Try phoning tomorrow _ Saturday - half an hour before closing.  This always works for me.

They are closed on Saturday and Sunday. 

Good day,

I know I can use OBC for wifi, drink packages, spa services and shore excursions. I now know after reading through the posts, that I cannot use it for additional gratuities in the specialty restaurants. Am I able to use it to make purchases of merchandise in the onboard stores? Just trying to determine where the OBC will be accepted. I have already booked the excursions I want; I will add the drink package once on board and I do not use the spa so wondering what I will do with the rest of my OBC. Hoping shopping in the shops will be an option. Anyone know the answer to this?

Thank you all for replying. We are looking forward to our first sailing with Azamara. We honestly are not big on shows, we prefer to spend our evening out on deck and winding down the day with a glass of wine. We will be sure to let the butler know that reserving seats will not be necessary for us with the exception of the Azamazing Event. I do think the Chef’s Table would be a highlight for us so I do hope that is an option on our sailing. 

19 hours ago, excitedofharpenden said:

Not sure when you are going as Covid protocols have had some effect.  In normal times you will be invited to an exclusive welcome event with drinks and canapés and have a chance to meet some of the senior crew. If they are running the Azamazing Evening then you will meet up for drinks in the Cabaret Lounge beforehand and be escorted off the ship and onto the first bus with reserved seating at the event. You will also be first to go back to the ship. Nice if you want to get a seat at the Sunset Verandah for food. 

 

If you want dinner in your room or on your balcony, if you speak to the speciality restaurant maitre d' and let them know you are in a CW you should be able to have it from Aqualina or Prime C.  This is a really nice thing to do, only available to the big suites. 

 

It's up in the air as far as Best of the Best meal on Onward as it has historically been held in the Library which has now been converted to a bar.  I hope they can still accommodate this private dinner for the big suites and do it in a subtle way.  It's a really special dinner.

 

Enjoy the space. Not sure what deck you are on. The balconies get deeper as you go down. Deck 6 is the biggest and my preferred.  Deck 7 slightly shallower and deck 8 shallower still. 

 

Phil 

 

Thank you for your reply. We are on deck 6. I would prefer to be 7 just to have people vs. Venue above and below but I think it will be just fine on 6. My husband is a chef so I hope we are able to have the Best of the Best dinner, that would be very nice. 

We will be sailing in the Owners Suite on the Onward. I am looking for any tips on what to expect. I am looking forward to the specialty dining and the verandah mostly. Anything else I should be looking forward to that may not be listed on the website?

That makes sense about the medical if you have a condition that you are concerned about. I had to pay in full to get a non refundable deposit back though. Must work differently with Princess. Good to know.