Katsings01

I also picked between the 7 price options and picked NO on all of them as none were enhancements over the existing product. Hopefully they will get the message to provide a better experience rather than a lesser product at a slightly reduced fare.

My experience is that oft times, the fishing excursions do not go out as not enough folks sign-up (I will say this was on fly fishing excursions). In Ketchikan, when on Celebrity, I use to walk into town and their was a Kiosk that rented a 10' spinning rod and lures. I went down to the Marina and caught 3 salmon in the 15-20 pound range - released them all. It was only later than I learned from a crew member on the tender that you could take it back to the ship and the chef would prepare it fresh for the table. Last time in Ketchikan, pre-pandemic, I did not see the Kiosk. Good luck.

We just returned from the Ovation on March 17 after taking a number of Celebrity Retreat cruises, usually in a Celebrity Suite or a Royal Suite. We were in a 6th floor V3 on Ovation. Although a bit smaller (more comparable to an aft sky suite on Celebrity), the Ovation V3, though smaller, had a much nicer fit and finish that the Retreat Suites. We booked Seabourn because a 14-day Southern Caribbean cruise was, after obc and incentives, less expensive on Seabourn than a comparable 10-night in a sky suite on Silhouette. Again, I think most of your questions have been answered but I will offer these observations: - Service on Seabourn is far superior to the Retreat. Within 2 days everyone knew our names and preferences. At the Retreat, that level of service was, in my experience, only found in Luminae. Atmosphere was relaxed and not stuffy. - We like Luminae quite a lot, but the Restaurant on Ovation was usually better (I had a caviar appetizer with a beef wellington and side lobster tail entree one night which was among the best meals I have ever had on a cruise ship). Sushi restaurant much better. Solis (even with new restaurant hiccups) better than Murano, etc. - Tender service much better on Seabourn. - Caviar -- speaks for itself - We expected a big drop off re entertainment on Seabourn. Other than the big production shows, however, they were comparable and one show (a West End singer) was one of the best we have seen anywhere. - CD and staff much more engaging (and less annoying) than Celebrity. - Shore Excursions were not quite as "marked-up" on Seabourn than Celebrity - Bar/drink service at pools/lounges much better on Seabourn - the included wines (while not necessarily "fine"), were generally better than available on Celebrity -- also liked never pulling out a sea pass card. the premium liquor also a bit better on Seabourn. - Not big fans of buffets but we actually liked the "small plate" buffet structure at the Colonnade - room service on Seabourn also much better -- more expansive and always on time. Champagne and Caviar brought to room in less than 20 minutes often for afternoon appetizers. - On really enjoyed The Retreat on Ovation. Great private space. - Loved the smaller ship -- never a long line or wait. We will travel Celebrity Retreat again (booked for 2025 Iceland) but will prefer Seabourn if price and itinerary match with what we like (also trying Silversea for Antarctica).

I understand that all of these Dolphins (in all of these locations) were bred in captivity (capturing wild Dolphins has been illegal for many many years). They have never been, and are not, able to survive in the wild. They appear to be very well treated and loved. One Dolphin is 44 years old (almost twice the average age of Dolphins in the wild) and still going strong. In fact, during the pandemic when there were no visitors, the Dolphins were stressed because they missed their routine and the trainers had to don life vest and dress as tourists to keep the Dolphins happy. They provide interaction and better understanding (I learned quite a bit) so they are good ambassadors for their wild counterparts.

We have the same poses, plus the one where they dance with you and also where they push you on a body board. All good fun.

We were on the 9 am Dolphin Swim and we were back at Carambola by 11:30 am, with plenty of time to still get very well located beach loungers and enjoy caviar in the surf. caviarforme is correct that the Dolphin Swim does not allow cameras or phones and their full package is now $150 or $170 with a few extra poses and 2 printed photos. But to be realistic, we were both down on the ledge of a lagoon in swim wear and life jackets interacting with the Dolphins ... there really is not a good opportunity to take pictures without disrupting the experience and having their photographer was, we felt, ok in light of the overall experience. There is no hard sell on the photos. I think we received 86 digital pictures between the 2 of us.

Just off Ovation on March 17. Caviar in the Surf is on Carambola Beach around Noon, just before the lunch buffet (char grilled lobster tails) and they do a great job. Also the Dolphin Swim in the morning was a great event. Have fun.

We found the paper pushers most prevalent on embarkation days when new guests arrived. They had many events (champagne tastings, McCallan tastings, retreat dinners, etc.). All seemed quite expensive. We passed. After the first day, they had a few flyers out in Seabourn Square but they were not pushed on guests.

We used the Retreat on 2 Sea Days and one port day and found it to be great (we were blessed with good weather). It was in good condition (saw one small stain on a cushion) and some decking had a little flex in it). Service was good and we liked not having to worry about shade or comfy loungers. My only issue with the Retreat was I was not able to trade in the Moet premium champagne for credit against a purchase of Veuve Clicquot. But Moet was fine, and frankly the house champagne (Mountaudon) was also surprisingly good.

Just off of the Ovation on Sunday. Solis had its grand opening on March 3, 2023. Had 2 reservations for Solis ( 2 weeks on board). Additional days were not really available as we were told they limit capacity to 90 guests per evening (their capacity is far more than this with the outside deck but they sometimes have to move guests back inside due to wind and weather so they keep extra inside table available). The first visit the food was good and as noted above, the cocktail menu elaborate and inventive. Sadly the service was disjointed and slow. They had many team members involved in service and, at times, no one seemed responsible. Cocktails took 1/2 an hour. The wine steward came by to describe the wine list and the elaborate pairings, etc. When I asked for the "included" wine list to make comparisons so I could make good choices, he went to inquire and returned telling me that they did not have it but it could be sent to my cabin (which was of no help and btw none ever showed up at the cabin). We then were served our cocktails and he never returned to inquire about wine. Clearly he was focused on upselling revenue wines and not the overall satisfaction of the guests or the experience- he did stop us on the way out and asked if we enjoyed our dinner (it took all of my control to not tell him it might have been better with wine...). I provided constructive criticism on the Source feedback app per guest services suggestion (they said they were glad to take the comments but using the app worked the best). I had calls from guest services but was never able to connect with them. I heard from other guests that their experience at Solis that first week was much the same. I was happy to say that on the second visit, the service was much improved, included wines were offered (as in the Restaurant), and the upsell of wines was not present. The food was still great and the service much closer to the mark. The host came by to express his gratitude for the feedback and acknowledge the short comings of the prior week. We thanked him and siad we understood that it was a new concept that needed refinement. He said that was no excuse. We were very impressed that they responded so quickly to address these issues. Other guests that second week also had a similar positive experience So all in all Solis was a good experience and Seabourn's responsiveness to constructive criticism was impressive.

Just left the Ovation on Sunday. Our suite (including the sofa) and the ship public spaces were all in very good condition for a 2018 vintage vessel.

Just off Ovation. They had Elija Craig, Woodford Reserve, and Bulleit from what I recall.

This correct. We book TK late last year and they converted to Solis. Hopefully it is operational by then.

We have Solis Reservations on Ovation March 6 & 13. They were originally made for TK but they converted them over a month ago. I guess Solis is live on the Ovation starting on or before March 3rd. Anyone currently on board Ovation to confirm?

Thank you again for all your great information and feedback!