Nado44

Did this in La Spezia last month and overnighted in Florence. Made train and lodging arrangements in advance. Notifying Celebrity isn't required but is recommended. It was wonderful being able to leisurely explore the city at a more relaxed pace. A backpack with a change of clothes and essentials were all that was needed.

I came here to say exactly this. Recently sailed from Rotterdam. European handwriting/penmanship is distinctive and easily misread. A 4 can be a 6. A 1 could be a 7. As a result, my luggage did not reach my cabin until 21:00 on embarkation day.

Retreat sun deck bar is always open for lunch even on port days. Can order shrimp cocktail, the famed Luminae burger, a chicken sandwich and one or two other items from their food menu. I'm also a fan of the Luminae burger too. I usually cut the huge buns in half in an effort to reduce carbs. Also always ask for mayo on the side as it pairs perfectly with the truffle fries.

Complimentary access to Persian Gardens on a port day. You also get a free bag of laundry.

Sailed in Retreat on Equinox, Solstice, Edge and Apex this year. I think food quality and presentation in Luminae is, more or less, consistent across the fleet. Luminae ambience on E-class is also better. Your question is also a subjective one. You will likely get a range of answers.

Thanks for the info. Am expecting to reach the Zenith level later this year and was wondering. I hope the Zeniths collectively and proactively lobby for Retreat access. I think it's a reasonable and justified request. If I'm not mistaken, the Pinnacles over at RCL had their Suite Lounge access restored.

Am curious to know what benefits are being taken away from Zeniths. Could you share more information?

I think you're on the June 6th sailing of Apex out of Rotterdam and not the Beyond. Apex doesn't have the World Class Bar venue. Your best bet for a party of 7 is probably the bar inside The Club (Deck 4 forward). It should be relatively empty and quiet prior to dinner time. Eden is a nice venue but popular with the pre-dinner, happy hour crowd. Martini Bar will be raucous. Sunset Bar will probably be too chilly. See you onboard!

Frequent gym and spa goers love the forward starboard cabins on this deck (11). Quick, easy access to the gym, spa, Persian Gardens, locker rooms and saunas (Deck 12) via the famed secret hallway and staircase. Hallway and staircase cannot be access on the port side. A few other points: * The starboard 1502-1520 cabins also have a direct view of the water below without obstructions. * I would perhaps avoid 1502-1512 though as they're, imo, too close to the bridge which partially obstructs the forward view. * Possible downside to cabins 1520 and 1540 is that you may hear banging on the walls by passengers using mobility aids in the adjacent accessible cabins (1538/1522).

The Californian J Pinot Gris was a drinkable offering on the Edge in recent weeks. I'm also a fan of the Whispering Angel Provence rose.

First and foremost, share your keto needs with your maitre d, server and/or butler. Most will be familiar with the dietary restrictions and can modify as appropriate. They aim to please. Sliced avocados can be requested. I've also asked for small bowls of blueberries and nuts. If in a upper suite, you can make specific requests with shoreside personnel. They arranged to have chickpea pasta on a prior sailing.

Bumping up this old thread to happily report that the Martini Bar on Celebrity Edge is now properly stocked with amarena cherries.

This was a great story. Thank you for sharing!

Was on the inaugural Nov 2014 Quantum eastbound TA from Southampton to NY. Rough weather most of the way even with a detour to avoid the worst of a storm. Not a cruise I'd want to repeat. Southern crossings are *usually* more tranquil than the northern ones. But not always. Last year's April 2022 Apex eastbound TA from FLL to AMS was lovely. Calm seas and sunny skies were the norm. One day of rain in Dorset, UK. And maybe one day of mildly choppy seas. The recent October 2022 Apex westbound TA from FCO to FLL was also lovely. Zero inclement weather.

I've never seen hair dryers in the spa locker rooms on any Celebrity ship. Could you bring the portable one from your stateroom?

Edge leaves on 17 April from FLL to BCN. Fingers crossed.

First graphic shows forecast for today. Ships on the southern crossing would be in fairly calm waters. Second graphic shows forecast for 13 April 2023. Seas would not be as calm. YMMV.

Celebrity/Rakuten was 4% one day a few weeks ago. I made online payments that day for existing bookings (cruise fare, excursions and other). Fine print states that Rakuten credit is awarded after sailings are completed. Dropped down to 2% the day after.

I've taken the Crew Shuttle before. Shuttle goes from your ship to the airport, back to Port Everglades and then to the various ships that crew members are transferring to. The initial wait was 30 minutes. The ride was another 30-45 minutes. I wouldn't do it again. Would instead pay $10 for a 5-minute taxi ride, aka instant gratification.

When is the Solstice scheduled to be revolutionized? Last I heard/read was that it was going to take place prior to the September/October 2023 YVR-SYD Transpacific.

I agree with cbfb. Blu is a step up from MDR and is a major reason why passengers opt for Aqua Class. You may have a 5-15 minute wait time during peak periods. Beyond is Edge Class with all the bells and whistles. Reflection is Solstice class - and is older and not revolutionized. Still very nice, but not as nice as the Beyond. If given the choice between a standard veranda on Beyond and Aqua Class on Reflection, I'd go with the Beyond.

I would opt to move. The window washing equipment will partially obstruct your view. You'll also have the noise from up above. Best Solstice AQ cabins imo are: 1601, 1606, 1603, 1608, 1605 and 1610. You'll be close to the midship elevators and have fantastically large balconies that are private.

You absolutely made the right call to book your flight with Southwest. Your original AA flight didn't leave until 1:42 pm today and is scheduled to land at LAX at 3:34 pm. I doubt you would've made the ship had you decided to stay with AA. Bon voyage!

FYI, UberBLACK vehicles at LAX have special clearance to pick passengers up curbside and just outside the luggage carousels. Regular Uber requires the use of a shuttle bus to an offsite location.

Boarding has started. Fingers crossed!