BurBunny

On 6/22/2019 at 3:08 AM, uktog said:

And the bar tender is super busy sometimes

The OP might be the first cited beneficiary of the awful addition of extra tables in the speciality restaurants. Tables are smaller and must closer together so conversation can easily happen between tables.  

Trouble is not everyone wants chat and we certainly did not appreciate the lady from New York who was clearly eavesdropping then butting in to our personal conversations something that wasn’t previously possible in speciality restaurants.

However I’m sure if the OP explains his wish for conversation the maitre d will have a good idea which guests that might work with and seat him next to them. 

And im sure he’d never be an eavesdropper! 

Never intentionally an eavesdropper, but you're right, sometimes hard to avoid and keep one's mouth wisely shut. 

Will figure it all out. Might be just a factor of the passenger mix on my previous sailings. Just so enjoy that entire bar/restaurant ambience. 

7 minutes ago, hrhdhd said:

I have dined as a solo in Prime C, and I have no qualms about sitting at a regular table. 😋

I don't either, just always enjoyed the conversation at the bar. More social. 

56 minutes ago, uktog said:

 No it’s not. It’s just a small pre dinner cocktail bar. 

Darn!  Was a great way for a solo to dine in Prime C.  

Is it still possible to order from the menu and dine at the bar in Prime C?

7 hours ago, Gracie115 said:

I'm sure they are concerned about the salt air/rain and weather in general affecting the finish on the chair.....

Which I completely understood.  Just was funny, especially since we were turned down for our request for the lounger when another aft suite was granted theirs.  Just the little games we play...

22 hours ago, msteries said:

How heavy are the rockers?  I would love to get mine out onto the veranda, especially if a plea for a foot rest goes unanswered.  (Do you suppose it would be terribly inconsiderate of me to ask my cabin attendant to help?)  When I returned to Celebrity last year after many years on another line, I booked a concierge to make sure I got one.  Never dawned on me that I would not get one in an Edge S2.  

I easily took my rocker out on my own. However, every time I did, my steward brought it back in next time he was in the room. 

16 hours ago, vtcruising said:

Great attitude! So glad you enjoyed it! What did you like the best?

Without a doubt the crew.  With the exception of my butler and steward, they were uniformly excellent.  Clearly happy to be there, proud of their new positions, and eager to help.

1 hour ago, vtcruising said:

Sorry that you didn’t get a lounger. It doesn’t seem fair. I don’t know if they were giving me a little bit of special treatment because of the injury ( maybe thought it would help me rest better?). Anyway, I hope you had a great cruise - it went way too quickly!!

I begrudge you nothing!  You've done so much for so many... and you were injured!  They do need to get their act together, however, for the aft suites at the very least.

It was a WONDERFUL cruise!  I don't sweat the small stuff like that.

On 12/4/2018 at 8:45 AM, dcbiker97 said:

VT thank you for all your observations. You’ve been amazing.  Can you comment on Luminae? We always sail in suites to get access to Luminae. One of the things that really appeals to us is to be able order off the MDR menu. I understand that because of logistics that’s not possible.  My partner is allergic to a number of things and access to the MDR menu has been a life saver.  Do they at least have the every day favorites and will continue to do special requests if you give a days notice.   

We noticed throughout the cruise, regardless of where we dined, when the waiter/ess introduced themselves, the first question was if we had any allergies.  Quite a change from previous sailings, and while we don't have any limitations, a very nice addition we thought.

On 12/3/2018 at 1:44 PM, vtcruising said:

I just wanted to be clear that I didn't get a lounger because I complained (I probably wasn't clear). I just did what we've done on every cruise in an S1 and that was the first day give our list of requests, which are few (they ask for our requests). We always have requested a lounger or two and have always received it on S Class S1's, without an issue. I had no idea if the Edge would be different because of new rules on a new ship, but again requested a lounger, if possible. When the cabin attendant came to tell us that sorry, it wasn't allowed, we said not to worry, we understood. The next day when the butler brought breakfast and apologized, we gave him our feedback, saying we were used to a large table and 2 reclining chairs with foot rests at a minimum on S Class S1's so at least had expected that (and that the lounger would be lovely, but would understand if they were not able to do that). He had already spoken to Priscilla, his manager, and asked her to speak with us (we didn't request that - we were just going to give our feedback to X after the cruise). She asked for and received our feedback and then had a lounger brought to the balcony.  She said that she had received other feedback and that they were in the process of seeing what they should do about it. We have thanked everyone profusely for the lounger (and nice gratuities will be distributed) and my DH is now happily reading on the balcony in comfort.  😊 

Sadly, one deck down from you, I attempted similar, leaving a very nice note for our Butler (who was rarely to be found unless he was disturbing us when he knew we were resting) with a VERY generous tip on the bed the first afternoon... but was told it was absolutely impossible to have a lounger on our aft S1 balcony.  We got a lovely arrangement of flowers instead 😞

31 minutes ago, hcat said:

 

We enjoy this hotel when we can book it,..,often sold out. It's a bit older but has very good service.  The cocktail hour is very  nice but sparse on snacks..Lots of nearby restaurants.. Our current fav is a Mexican place in the shopping center behind the hotel  easy walk.. Will ask dh for the name. Also there's a Carrabas on 17th St walkable...and many others nearby..casual to upscale!

 

The breakfast buffet is one of the best at any hotel...you can book a pvt taxi  or a shuttle from the Concierge or front desk,

 

Have a great cruise...welcome to the world  of EDGIES!

 

PS    The Mex place is LA BAMBA..... there's also Carlos and Pepes on 17th street...so many others!

Love Carlos & Pepes!

Marilyn, really looking forward to meeting you!  I think I'm going to end up with a very similar perspective about the ship - we seem to view things similarly esthetically pleasing.  I'll be looking for you in Retreat, or you might spot me first... am a bit more vertically challenged than you with longish auburn-blonde hair.  

55 minutes ago, Oville said:

We’ll know tomorrow.

Anyone in the 10267 "Club" I'll report tomorrow as well 😉

Have always liked the view from the ES, and the service.  Enjoy and will join you onboard tomorrow!

4 minutes ago, MVPinBoynton said:

 

Thank you for posting this, since I forgot to reply.  I used to use Park'N Fly, but now use Park'N Go.  Great service by both of them; but I do like PNG better now.

Is PNG also covered?  I use PNF as I get discounts there and like the covered aspect. 

14 hours ago, citruscruiser said:

I think I have you beat! I was in garage at 9 and had parked on the 5th floor (only thing available when I got there). One hour to get to booth. I thought I was being smart by staying on board late to avoid rush hour traffic!

Was debating whether to use the garage or Park n' Fly tomorrow - my decision is now made for me!  Thanks!

55 minutes ago, vtcruising said:

Hope you have a large mouth. Those things are humongous but sooooo good!😀

I'm looking forward to one Saturday afternoon at boarding!

Personally, if you're going to move up, I'd move to Aqua Class to get dining in Blu.  Even if you're not spa people, that amenity alone is well worth it.  Concierge... eh.  I've never really seen the benefit personally.  

There's a reason lines are looking outside "traditional" cruise designers for new ships - and that is to attract those who haven't cruised.  Their competition for butts in beds aren't really other cruise lines, but land resorts.  

18 minutes ago, MizDemeanor said:

It was my impression that it planned to be. If not, then what, MikesClub in its own right was at least a reliable offering. What is the enhancement now, a private pool area? Without a bar? Haven and Yacht Club are superior to all of this effort. Celebrity retains Aqua Class and that sets them apart, but with the costliest cabins not getting any real Edge over other lines that offer such an enveloping experience for its suite guests, it is falling flat for me for they very high prices that have garnered for the 'experience'. So much so that lines like NCL have jacked up prices Haven prices since Celebrity has been able to 'get' pricing with this ship. 

Even if the Retreat experience is less in comparison than Haven, I'd still much rather sail in a Retreat cabin than the Haven (and yes, I have sailed Haven) because I'll also enjoy the rest of the ship on Celebrity.

10 minutes ago, MizDemeanor said:

Celebrity has to relieve itself in the Retreat of the Michael's Club persona. Its a real conflict. If they can't get past MC right now then the Retreat will not be able to accelerate beyond The Haven. 

 

I'm Ok to wait a few more weeks, but the Retreat is falling a bit short for me sorry to say. A lot of seating but a good bit missing for a ship within a ship idea. 

But was the Retreat intended to be a ship within a ship concept... or an enhanced suite experience?  Since so few cabins are actually "within" the Retreat area, as opposed to the Haven, I'd maintain the SWS notion wasn't the goal.  It's natural to compare to Haven or Yacht Club, but those areas have far fewer eligible suites to serve.  

22 minutes ago, vtcruising said:

Our S 1 has tons of storage!! Two closets- 1 large one for hanging  stuff (note that rod is very high) and a smaller one with 3 deep drawers and 3 large shelves and the safe. The dresser had 3 more large drawers.

Oh my!  Reaching that rod may be difficult for sub-5' me...  I might have to use the butler to help me unpack after all.

6 minutes ago, C-Dragons said:

In the face?! 😳 

He is rather tall...

4 hours ago, beachbunny6 said:

Regarding the hand washing stations at the OVC, they are very nice, but the problem is getting people to use them.  It is difficult enough to get the hand sanitizer used, but at least someone can essentially block entry into the area by standing at the door and dispensing it to everyone.  Once it is on your hands, you almost have to rub it around to get rid of it, and that works.  However, to get everyone to stop and wash their hands WELL, is another problem.  (I believe you are supposed to wash thoroughly for 2 minutes) You know that is not going to happen.  So, even if we all wash well, not everyone else will, and there you go... germs passed.  The only way to get it controlled on a personal basis, is to get your food, put it down at your table, then go wash before you eat it.  That way, you have not touched something anyone else did before you touch your own food.  Just a suggestion.

I think you might have hand washing mixed up with tooth brushing.  Hand washing is 20 seconds - singing "Happy Birthday" song twice will just about do it.  

8 hours ago, DachshundsRule said:

VT, feel better and make up a great story to go with your injuries! The faceless people pushed you, you bumped into the hippie van which is why they had to remove it, you got into a fight with LLP at the Martini Bar...

No, you have it all wrong.  Mr. Edge kicked her!