Can you have a luxury experience by booking a top suite on Celebrity?

[Travelcat2]

Thanks Jackie for the excellent reveiw. Having been on Celebrity i agree overall with your comments.

 

Glad overall you enjoyed yourselves.

 

I do think that some of the perks you kept referring to as suite perks were NOT in fact suite perks but perks associated with the level of suite you had. Normally lower suite guests DO NOT get unlimited access to specialty restaurants or have liquor put into their suites. You had the additional perks associated with the Royal Suite and other higher level suites.

 

Of course you are correct - due to my lack of understanding of Celebrity, I likely should not have posted about suite benefits.

[Silver Sweethearts]

Yes - going to do another luxury line next September.

 

While we believe you aren't too keen on Seabourn, they do have a short cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles on the Sojourn both this and next October. You might give it a thought if you want to try them but not have to go too far or too long to do so.

[Travelcat2]

While we believe you aren't too keen on Seabourn, they do have a short cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles on the Sojourn both this and next October. You might give it a thought if you want to try them but not have to go too far or too long to do so.

 

Actually, it is Crystal that has put me off rather than Seabourn and my reasoning for avoiding Seabourn was the smoking (which is no longer the case). Crystal used to have set seating and then went to partial open seating. Now I believe that they have open seating. Crystal also has small suites and we prefer larger ones.

 

Thank you for the information on Seabourn. It is almost the reverse of what we did on Celebrity. We do have a cruise booked on either Seabourn or Crystal next year (not saying which one only to avoid comments from posters for the next year). We are currently booked through March, 2020 and will be looking at Silversea itineraries for 2020 when they come out next week (we do enjoy Silversea). At the end of the day, we always end up on Regent. However, I believe that if our first cruise had been on Silversea, we would have stayed with them (based on how everything was in 2004).

 

Again, thank you!

[the_dylaness]

Just my thoughts-

 

I haven't sailed in a *top* suite on Celebrity but I have sailed in sky suites (which they do consider "suite level") and Aqua class (definitely not a suite but has its own dining room which we enjoyed.)  We have sailed on Crystal and Seabourn for luxury comparisons.  I don't think it's possible to have a true luxury experience on Celebrity- it's just too big.  For example, on the 2nd or 3rd day on Crystal at breakfast one of the restaurant managers (or something similar) called me by my correct title and last name out of the complete blue.  Never going to happen on X.  Our room on Crystal was turned around in the blink of an eye- passenger/crew ratio amazing.  On HAL Eurodam (in a suite) we were frequently frustrated at the hours it took to get our room turned around!

 

Another consideration if you are looking for an upscale-ish experience on a larger ship would be the Haven on Norwegian.  It's like a zoo once you leave the Haven, but they did a good job of cordoning off a nice special area with it's own restaurant, lounge, bar, pool (on the newer ships- I think some of the older ships do not have a dedicated area which I would not like.)  Embarkation etc were made as easy as possible.  It was a good experience overall and we enjoy cruising the Haven on NCL when traveling with our children.

 

 

[Travelcat2]

9 hours ago, the_dylaness said:

Just my thoughts-

 

I haven't sailed in a *top* suite on Celebrity but I have sailed in sky suites (which they do consider "suite level") and Aqua class (definitely not a suite but has its own dining room which we enjoyed.)  We have sailed on Crystal and Seabourn for luxury comparisons.  I don't think it's possible to have a true luxury experience on Celebrity- it's just too big.  For example, on the 2nd or 3rd day on Crystal at breakfast one of the restaurant managers (or something similar) called me by my correct title and last name out of the complete blue.  Never going to happen on X.  Our room on Crystal was turned around in the blink of an eye- passenger/crew ratio amazing.  On HAL Eurodam (in a suite) we were frequently frustrated at the hours it took to get our room turned around!

 

Another consideration if you are looking for an upscale-ish experience on a larger ship would be the Haven on Norwegian.  It's like a zoo once you leave the Haven, but they did a good job of cordoning off a nice special area with it's own restaurant, lounge, bar, pool (on the newer ships- I think some of the older ships do not have a dedicated area which I would not like.)  Embarkation etc were made as easy as possible.  It was a good experience overall and we enjoy cruising the Haven on NCL when traveling with our children.

 

 

 

You bring up good points and I do agree with you.  However, for the price, size of suite and amenities offered with the promotion, Celebrity was really a good deal.  

 

We only did NCL on the christening cruise of the Bliss so it was not a typical cruise.  We stayed in the Haven - liked the concept of having suites, dining and lounge together in one secured area but we found the slamming doors near us (from other suites) to be very annoying.  

 

We got off of a Regent cruise a week and a half ago and it felt like home.  We are definitely Regent cruisers.

[Michael219]

On 12/5/2018 at 4:17 PM, Travelcat2 said:

 

You bring up good points and I do agree with you.  However, for the price, size of suite and amenities offered with the promotion, Celebrity was really a good deal.  

 

We only did NCL on the christening cruise of the Bliss so it was not a typical cruise.  We stayed in the Haven - liked the concept of having suites, dining and lounge together in one secured area but we found the slamming doors near us (from other suites) to be very annoying.  

 

We got off of a Regent cruise a week and a half ago and it felt like home.  We are definitely Regent cruisers.

 

Travelcat2/Jackie,

I've enjoyed reading many of your CC posts and reviews.  This thread is both timely & interesting as we are trying to decide between Regent and Celebrity for an Alaskan cruise.  A Celebrity suite (probably Sky) vs. Concierge on Regent Mariner.  We have yet to cruise with Regent, most recently on Viking Ocean (Italy & Croatia) - we really liked Viking Ocean but dates will dictate this trip as we are looking to only cruise Alaska for 7 nights.  I have been on Celebrity in the past in both Aqua & Concierge cabins but have now been spoiled!  

Based on your review it appears you'd point someone towards Regent over a suite on Celebrity.  Costs are as expected with Regent being higher - not as much as most might think if looking at comparable packages.

 

Any additional insight/suggestions we should consider?

 

Thanks in advance!!

Michael

[Travelcat2]

3 hours ago, Michael219 said:

 

Travelcat2/Jackie,

I've enjoyed reading many of your CC posts and reviews.  This thread is both timely & interesting as we are trying to decide between Regent and Celebrity for an Alaskan cruise.  A Celebrity suite (probably Sky) vs. Concierge on Regent Mariner.  We have yet to cruise with Regent, most recently on Viking Ocean (Italy & Croatia) - we really liked Viking Ocean but dates will dictate this trip as we are looking to only cruise Alaska for 7 nights.  I have been on Celebrity in the past in both Aqua & Concierge cabins but have now been spoiled!  

Based on your review it appears you'd point someone towards Regent over a suite on Celebrity.  Costs are as expected with Regent being higher - not as much as most might think if looking at comparable packages.

 

Any additional insight/suggestions we should consider?

 

Thanks in advance!!

Michael

 

Hi Michael,

 

It you think you have been spoiled by Celebrity - wait until you try Regent.  No comparison!  

 

We did enjoy our Royal Suite on Celebrity's Infinity but was still aware of how large the ship was (too many people).  As I mentioned, Celebrity was running a special so we did not have to pay for specialty restaurants, tips, had the premium alcohol package and $300 OBC.  If we. had to pay for these items, it would have been expensive and likely not worth it.

 

If you are thinking of doing Alaska this summer, it would be on Regent's Mariner.  The size of the Sky suite on Celebrity's Eclipse (assuming this is the ship that is doing Alaska) is about the same as Mariner's concierge suites.

 

On Regent, you do not have to even think about paying for anything onboard (except super high level alcohol, the spa or Boutique).  The included alcohol is already very high level (Patron tequila, Grey Goose vodka, for instance).  

 

Some of the excursions (about 50% in Alaska) do have a cost so you need to check that out on the Regent website.  Here is a link to the excursions offered in Ketchikan https://www.rssc.com/cruises/MAR190526/activities/regent-choice-plus-free/day-3

 

As you likely know, there is no charge for specialty restaurants but you do have to make reservations online and are only guaranteed 1 reservation per cruise (if the cruise is longer than 7 nights, you can generally get more than 1).  And, here is a link to the sample menus of the restaurants https://www.rssc.com/experience/cuisine/pool-grill

 

Regent is just more laid back, relaxing and fun at the same time.  Although it is a luxury cruise line (which Viking Ocean is not), the people are quite friendly and down to earth.

 

If you have any more questions, just ask!

 

Jackie

 

 

[BarbarianPaul]

5 hours ago, Michael219 said:

 

Travelcat2/Jackie,

I've enjoyed reading many of your CC posts and reviews.  This thread is both timely & interesting as we are trying to decide between Regent and Celebrity for an Alaskan cruise.  A Celebrity suite (probably Sky) vs. Concierge on Regent Mariner.  We have yet to cruise with Regent, most recently on Viking Ocean (Italy & Croatia) - we really liked Viking Ocean but dates will dictate this trip as we are looking to only cruise Alaska for 7 nights.  I have been on Celebrity in the past in both Aqua & Concierge cabins but have now been spoiled!  

Based on your review it appears you'd point someone towards Regent over a suite on Celebrity.  Costs are as expected with Regent being higher - not as much as most might think if looking at comparable packages.

 

Any additional insight/suggestions we should consider?

 

Thanks in advance!!

Michael

Michael...

 

I’d like to weigh in with a few pro Celebrity arguments. Am sure Jackie can correct me if I’m wrong regarding any factual discrepancies regarding my thoughts on Regent.

 

 The Celebrity Millenium is about the same age, but it’s just had an extensive refurb that looks beautiful. Virtually every cabin appears new and sleek and contemporary. Why not watch a few You Tube video tours of each ship?

 

Also, a concierge cabin on the Mariner isn’t too big, about 252 square feet. That’s only a little larger than your average mass market cruise line cabin. For about the same price, a Royal Suite on the Millenium will be over twice the size. One element of a luxury experience is having a little more space to enjoy in your cabin, especially to watch the scenery in Alaska, no? And my experience with Luminae, the suite dining room, is that it’s food rivals Regent, though isn’t quite as good. But we find the Celebrity ships way more fun and lively. They are larger, and do have more passengers, but it never felt the slightest bit crowded.

 

Also, as Jackie mentioned, you’re really only guaranteed one night of dining in the Mariner’s specialty restaurants. For the price, that’s an issue, and a frustrating one. We experienced it on the Explorer.

 

As Jackie also said, a lot of the better shore excursions cost extra, and the included ones,  as Jackie will well agree, just aren’t very good. That can add substantially to the price.

 

 

[Michael219]

16 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Hi Michael,

 

It you think you have been spoiled by Celebrity - wait until you try Regent.  No comparison!  

 

We did enjoy our Royal Suite on Celebrity's Infinity but was still aware of how large the ship was (too many people).  As I mentioned, Celebrity was running a special so we did not have to pay for specialty restaurants, tips, had the premium alcohol package and $300 OBC.  If we. had to pay for these items, it would have been expensive and likely not worth it.

 

If you are thinking of doing Alaska this summer, it would be on Regent's Mariner.  The size of the Sky suite on Celebrity's Eclipse (assuming this is the ship that is doing Alaska) is about the same as Mariner's concierge suites.

 

On Regent, you do not have to even think about paying for anything onboard (except super high level alcohol, the spa or Boutique).  The included alcohol is already very high level (Patron tequila, Grey Goose vodka, for instance).  

 

Some of the excursions (about 50% in Alaska) do have a cost so you need to check that out on the Regent website.  Here is a link to the excursions offered in Ketchikan https://www.rssc.com/cruises/MAR190526/activities/regent-choice-plus-free/day-3

 

As you likely know, there is no charge for specialty restaurants but you do have to make reservations online and are only guaranteed 1 reservation per cruise (if the cruise is longer than 7 nights, you can generally get more than 1).  And, here is a link to the sample menus of the restaurants https://www.rssc.com/experience/cuisine/pool-grill

 

Regent is just more laid back, relaxing and fun at the same time.  Although it is a luxury cruise line (which Viking Ocean is not), the people are quite friendly and down to earth.

 

If you have any more questions, just ask!

 

Jackie

 

 

Hi Jackie,

Thank you for your quick and candid response - much appreciated!  As an FYI, it was Viking Ocean that spoiled us in 2018.  My Celebrity experiences were several years ago on Solstice and Equinox - both very enjoyable cruises - but at this stage of my life I prefer smaller ships and the extra experience(s) that a Viking, Regent and others offer.....and no upselling of packages, art, photos, etc.  

So, yesterday I made the deposit for the Regent Mariner and we spent the evening choosing excursions and restaurant reservations.  Despite the shortened timeline (June sailing), we were able to get on most of the preferred excursions & are waitlisted on one.  We have out two dinner reservations and if available will try to make more once onboard.  From your RSSC experiences, is this realistic once onboard?

Now that I've found you on CC I will need to follow your travels and reviews!

 

Thanks again!!

Michael

[Michael219]

13 hours ago, BarbarianPaul said:

Michael...

 

I’d like to weigh in with a few pro Celebrity arguments. Am sure Jackie can correct me if I’m wrong regarding any factual discrepancies regarding my thoughts on Regent.

 

 The Celebrity Millenium is about the same age, but it’s just had an extensive refurb that looks beautiful. Virtually every cabin appears new and sleek and contemporary. Why not watch a few You Tube video tours of each ship?

 

Also, a concierge cabin on the Mariner isn’t too big, about 252 square feet. That’s only a little larger than your average mass market cruise line cabin. For about the same price, a Royal Suite on the Millenium will be over twice the size. One element of a luxury experience is having a little more space to enjoy in your cabin, especially to watch the scenery in Alaska, no? And my experience with Luminae, the suite dining room, is that it’s food rivals Regent, though isn’t quite as good. But we find the Celebrity ships way more fun and lively. They are larger, and do have more passengers, but it never felt the slightest bit crowded.

 

Also, as Jackie mentioned, you’re really only guaranteed one night of dining in the Mariner’s specialty restaurants. For the price, that’s an issue, and a frustrating one. We experienced it on the Explorer.

 

As Jackie also said, a lot of the better shore excursions cost extra, and the included ones,  as Jackie will well agree, just aren’t very good. That can add substantially to the price.

 

 

BarbarianPaul,

Thanks for your comments and information!  As I considered both options, Celebrity was not much less costly than Regent when comparing as close to a comparable experience (Premium drink package, all excursions at a cost, specialty restaurants etc.).  Having cruised on Viking Ocean last year we really enjoyed the smaller ship experience (930 passenger max) and while it too was quieter than a Celebrity ship, we were never bored and did not miss the casino or bigger production shows.  

The fact that initially we are limited to one reservation in Prime 7 and Chartreuse is not an issue for us as we expect quality food from the other dining options - and perhaps we will be able to grab additional reservations once onboard.  

The included free excursions appear to have worked out just fine and we probably try a few paid excursions as well.   Unless I am missing something, all excursions with Celebrity are at an additional cost or as with all trips, there is always the option to utilize a local vendor.

 

I think at the end of the day, we would enjoy cruising on both lines - this trip we'll try Regent.

I appreciate your taking the time to offer your insight and opinions - CC has always been a great place to learn and share!

 

[Travelcat2]

Agree with much of what Paul said.  We have only been on the Celebrity Infinity and while the interior was nicely refurbished, some of the outside of the ship really needed some paint and the tenders were disgusting.  

 

Paul - you're right about Mariner - they have smaller suites than the Voyager or Navigator.  Still, Mariner is the favorite of a lot of Regent customers (as you know, Explorer is our personal favorite).

 

Michael, getting additional dining reservations onboard depends the length of the cruise (the longer the cruise the better chance of additional reservations).  And, if you are flexible with the time that you dine and willing to share a table, this also makes it easier to get reservations.  

 

I don't think that I mentioned that Compass Rose has "specials" every night from Chartreuse and Prime 7 so you do not have to miss out on their food.  Plus, Compass Rose always have Filet Mignon, lobster and many other great choices.  If you give speak to the Dining Room Manager, you can order just about anything that Regent has ingredients for onboard with 24 hours notice.  We have had special Indian, Indonesian, Filipino and other meals special ordered and it was delicious!

 

Jackie

[Michael219]

On 4/2/2019 at 2:51 PM, Travelcat2 said:

Agree with much of what Paul said.  We have only been on the Celebrity Infinity and while the interior was nicely refurbished, some of the outside of the ship really needed some paint and the tenders were disgusting.  

 

Paul - you're right about Mariner - they have smaller suites than the Voyager or Navigator.  Still, Mariner is the favorite of a lot of Regent customers (as you know, Explorer is our personal favorite).

 

Michael, getting additional dining reservations onboard depends the length of the cruise (the longer the cruise the better chance of additional reservations).  And, if you are flexible with the time that you dine and willing to share a table, this also makes it easier to get reservations.  

 

I don't think that I mentioned that Compass Rose has "specials" every night from Chartreuse and Prime 7 so you do not have to miss out on their food.  Plus, Compass Rose always have Filet Mignon, lobster and many other great choices.  If you give speak to the Dining Room Manager, you can order just about anything that Regent has ingredients for onboard with 24 hours notice.  We have had special Indian, Indonesian, Filipino and other meals special ordered and it was delicious!

 

Jackie

Jackie,

My error as I thought I'd already responded to your last message.  😞

So I have booked with Regent and we are looking forward to experiencing all that Regent has to offer!  Regarding their restaurants, I am quite comfortable with the thought that Compass Rose and Sette Mari at La Veranda will be wonderful as well.  Great that they've prepared special meals for you - perhaps we'll give that a try as well for an anniversary dinner one night.

 

Anyway, I truly appreciate your insights and those of Paul as well.  By all accounts, Celebrity is a fine line as well and I did enjoy my previous two cruises with them several years back (2009 & 2010 I think). 

 

At this point in our lives, we prefer the smaller, more personal touches that we experienced on Viking Ocean and will soon discover on Regent.  🙂

[BarbarianPaul]

20 hours ago, Michael219 said:

Jackie,

My error as I thought I'd already responded to your last message.  😞

So I have booked with Regent and we are looking forward to experiencing all that Regent has to offer!  Regarding their restaurants, I am quite comfortable with the thought that Compass Rose and Sette Mari at La Veranda will be wonderful as well.  Great that they've prepared special meals for you - perhaps we'll give that a try as well for an anniversary dinner one night.

 

Anyway, I truly appreciate your insights and those of Paul as well.  By all accounts, Celebrity is a fine line as well and I did enjoy my previous two cruises with them several years back (2009 & 2010 I think). 

 

At this point in our lives, we prefer the smaller, more personal touches that we experienced on Viking Ocean and will soon discover on Regent.  🙂

Am sure you will have wonderful time!

[Missmiaow]

It’s hard to sail any of the other lines you mention from Australia due to lack of availability, so we’ve been on Celebrity Solstice in the Royal Suite a few times. Last year we added the Celebrity Silhouette Royal Suite to our experience (transatlantic from Southampton to Florida) and found it to be very easily comparable. We’re looking forward to the refurbishments to the Solstice and to the addition of the Celebrity Eclipse to Australian waters. We’ve also sailed Royal Caribbean suites but have not found the value there that Celebrity offers (Celebrity’s inclusion of specialty restaurants, internet, laundry... and $1000 room credit on our next sail to NZ, which paid for all of our shore excursions).

Thanks for your review. It is hard to discuss top end cruising on the Celebrity board (or Facebook pages for that matter) because there are many people who don’t appreciate suite cruising and are dominant in comments. This has been a refreshing read.

[hospsafe]

When I travel on land I stay at the Four Seasons, Fairmonts, JW, Aria in Vegas etc. I just spent the week of July 4th on the Celebrity Eclipse in a suite...this was my first Celebrity cruise and my 12th overall. The short answer is NO! When cruising by myself I am going to try Crystal or Regent.  When I am with my kids it will be either RC or Princess.  I realize that RC/Princess is not luxury but the perceived value is better.

[BarbarianPaul]

17 hours ago, hospsafe said:

When I travel on land I stay at the Four Seasons, Fairmonts, JW, Aria in Vegas etc. I just spent the week of July 4th on the Celebrity Eclipse in a suite...this was my first Celebrity cruise and my 12th overall. The short answer is NO! When cruising by myself I am going to try Crystal or Regent.  When I am with my kids it will be either RC or Princess.  I realize that RC/Princess is not luxury but the perceived value is better.

Am confused by your assessment of Celebrity. We always sail Aqua Class, and have found the experience superior than what we had with Regent. The ship is more fun and lively, the entertainment/production shows are better, the facilities (including the pool, gym, spa, and coffee bars) are larger and better, and the specialty dining more interesting and varied. The cabins on the Edge Class, though smaller, are sleek and modern, and we love the infinite veranda.

 

Also, we eat in the BLU dining room, for Aqua Class, and we love the fact that it’s more intimate and small. The dining room on the Explorer felt like a large, somewhat impersonal event space at a hotel.

[hospsafe]

Granted I haven't done Regent/Crystal/ Silver Sea, but I thought the level entertainment was no different than what I experienced on Princess or RC.  In fact a couple of nights it was really bad. The ship was not lively.  The few cruisers that were conversational, had similar opinions. On our sea days we had 70/80 degree weather with sun yet the CD planned nothing.for the pool area that was crowded. I understand that if you stay in the Aqua Class area you might experience luxury service.I did a massage and found that the spa was nothing special except I did have a very good masseuse.  I found the menu in Luminae was different and a step above but the flavor didn't "wow me" .  Once you venture outside of Aqua Area to the rest of the ship, the feeling of luxury is gone.  That is contrary to my experiences at the Four Seasons and other places, no matter where your room is, no matter where you go, where you eat, the culture/the presence luxury is consistent as a whole. 

 

 

[BarbarianPaul]

1 hour ago, hospsafe said:

Granted I haven't done Regent/Crystal/ Silver Sea, but I thought the level entertainment was no different than what I experienced on Princess or RC.  In fact a couple of nights it was really bad. The ship was not lively.  The few cruisers that were conversational, had similar opinions. On our sea days we had 70/80 degree weather with sun yet the CD planned nothing.for the pool area that was crowded. I understand that if you stay in the Aqua Class area you might experience luxury service.I did a massage and found that the spa was nothing special except I did have a very good masseuse.  I found the menu in Luminae was different and a step above but the flavor didn't "wow me" .  Once you venture outside of Aqua Area to the rest of the ship, the feeling of luxury is gone.  That is contrary to my experiences at the Four Seasons and other places, no matter where your room is, no matter where you go, where you eat, the culture/the presence luxury is consistent as a whole. 

 

 

Once again, alas, I disagree, but we’re all certainly entitled to our opinions! Generally, I find the Celebrity ships sleeker, more youthful, and more interestingly designed. And more fun. The Edge Class in particular is a wonder to experience and explore. 

 

 

[Travelcat2]

15 hours ago, BarbarianPaul said:

Once again, alas, I disagree, but we’re all certainly entitled to our opinions! Generally, I find the Celebrity ships sleeker, more youthful, and more interestingly designed. And more fun. The Edge Class in particular is a wonder to experience and explore. 

 

 

 

Hi Paul!

 

While we likely will always like Regent more than Celebrity, we may book another short (7 night) cruise for September 2020.  You use the word "fun" above and I agree with that.  However, the ships are really too big for the kind of experience that we like to have.  Having said that, we checked all of the luxury lines and Celebrity to see what West Coast itineraries are available in September.  Celebrity seems to be the best (i.e. least expensive - for a Royal Suite).  

 

While we could not eat lunch onboard the ship (Celebrity) on port days because we felt that the quality was poor, the specialty restaurants were just fine and Luminae (possibly misspelled) was really good.  Hoping that there will be more lunch options when we are onboard next year as they have 4 sea days and 4 port days.

 

Jackie

[BarbarianPaul]

28 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Hi Paul!

 

While we likely will always like Regent more than Celebrity, we may book another short (7 night) cruise for September 2020.  You use the word "fun" above and I agree with that.  However, the ships are really too big for the kind of experience that we like to have.  Having said that, we checked all of the luxury lines and Celebrity to see what West Coast itineraries are available in September.  Celebrity seems to be the best (i.e. least expensive - for a Royal Suite).  

 

While we could not eat lunch onboard the ship (Celebrity) on port days because we felt that the quality was poor, the specialty restaurants were just fine and Luminae (possibly misspelled) was really good.  Hoping that there will be more lunch options when we are onboard next year as they have 4 sea days and 4 port days.

 

Jackie

 

Hey Jackie!

 

Though I know your heart will always be with Regent, I hope you enjoy your 2020 Celebrity sojourn! If you’re ever feeling particularly adventurous and have a window in your cruise schedule, you might want to also consider a quick 7 day cruise on either the Edge or the upcoming Apex. Though we feel the same way about the Caribbean as you do, Celebrity has really upped their game with this class of ship.its almost worth it just for the two story glass windowed Lido buffet.

 

Next October we’re sailing on the Apex’s inaugural transatlantic from Barcelona, as a relaxing way to both come home and wind down from what will surely be a unique but somewhat exhausting Viking Nile river cruise on the Viking Ra, a new all suite ship. 

 

Looking forward to your next travel blogs! What’s coming up? We also like HA, and are off the end of July for three weeks on their newest ship from Amsterdam to Norway, UK and Iceland.

 

[Travelcat2]

3 hours ago, BarbarianPaul said:

 

Hey Jackie!

 

Though I know your heart will always be with Regent, I hope you enjoy your 2020 Celebrity sojourn! If you’re ever feeling particularly adventurous and have a window in your cruise schedule, you might want to also consider a quick 7 day cruise on either the Edge or the upcoming Apex. Though we feel the same way about the Caribbean as you do, Celebrity has really upped their game with this class of ship.its almost worth it just for the two story glass windowed Lido buffet.

 

Next October we’re sailing on the Apex’s inaugural transatlantic from Barcelona, as a relaxing way to both come home and wind down from what will surely be a unique but somewhat exhausting Viking Nile river cruise on the Viking Ra, a new all suite ship. 

 

Looking forward to your next travel blogs! What’s coming up? We also like HA, and are off the end of July for three weeks on their newest ship from Amsterdam to Norway, UK and Iceland.

 

 

Paul,

 

Haven't heard of the Apex but it would have to be a west coast itinerary in order for us to consider it.  We have done a Nile cruise and, while it was exhausting, it was worth every minute that we spent in Egypt.

 

From what I have read, the Edge has a separated area for suite guests - the same as NCL does.  As you know, the only time we were on NCL is for the christening of the Bliss.  I thought that the Haven was wonderful but have since read that many families book the Haven (and would likely book whatever the Celebrity version of this is).  Since we try to avoid children, we would have to pay attention to the time of year for the sailing.

 

Our next cruise is on Crystal - a cruise line that we have not been interested in due to their small suites (and, in the past, they held onto the set seating a bit too long so it wasn't in consideration).  I will post live from Crystal on the Regent board since they are both luxury lines.  I'll be as honest as I can be and will attempt to not make comparisons until the end of the cruise.

 

Enjoy your future cruises and I do hope that we sail on the same ship someday.

 

Jackie

 

 

[BarbarianPaul]

4 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Paul,

 

Haven't heard of the Apex but it would have to be a west coast itinerary in order for us to consider it.  We have done a Nile cruise and, while it was exhausting, it was worth every minute that we spent in Egypt.

 

From what I have read, the Edge has a separated area for suite guests - the same as NCL does.  As you know, the only time we were on NCL is for the christening of the Bliss.  I thought that the Haven was wonderful but have since read that many families book the Haven (and would likely book whatever the Celebrity version of this is).  Since we try to avoid children, we would have to pay attention to the time of year for the sailing.

 

Our next cruise is on Crystal - a cruise line that we have not been interested in due to their small suites (and, in the past, they held onto the set seating a bit too long so it wasn't in consideration).  I will post live from Crystal on the Regent board since they are both luxury lines.  I'll be as honest as I can be and will attempt to not make comparisons until the end of the cruise.

 

Enjoy your future cruises and I do hope that we sail on the same ship someday.

 

Jackie

 

 

 

Those Crystal ships have apparently been beautifully refurbed. Looking forward to hearing all about it. When we cruised Crystal several years ago, in addition to the annoyance of set seating,  they had some weird thing going on with the specialty dining. Though it should have all been included, instead passengers were given only two specialty dining meals and charged for the rest. Not cool for a luxury cruise line.  I’m pretty sure they fixed that as well. 

 

And sooner or late I hope our paths will cross as well!

 

paul

[Texas Tillie]

8 hours ago, BarbarianPaul said:

 

Those Crystal ships have apparently been beautifully refurbed. Looking forward to hearing all about it. When we cruised Crystal several years ago, in addition to the annoyance of set seating,  they had some weird thing going on with the specialty dining. Though it should have all been included, instead passengers were given only two specialty dining meals and charged for the rest. Not cool for a luxury cruise line.  I’m pretty sure they fixed that as well. 

 

And sooner or late I hope our paths will cross as well!

 

paul

 

No, Paul, if you are in a regular cabin on Crystal you still get just one "included" time in the specialty restaurants. The penthouses get unlimited, but only if threy is space. No way is there space for everyone to have unlimited times. Umi Uma (Nobu) is $30 after your first visit. At ant Nobu on land the same experience would be $150 and up. 

[BarbarianPaul]

41 minutes ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

No, Paul, if you are in a regular cabin on Crystal you still get just one "included" time in the specialty restaurants. The penthouses get unlimited, but only if threy is space. No way is there space for everyone to have unlimited times. Umi Uma (Nobu) is $30 after your first visit. At ant Nobu on land the same experience would be $150 and up. 

If space is the issue, perhaps that should have been addressed in the refurb. That said, it’s the annoyance more than the money that would bother me, since I’m assuming once we surpass our “ration” of one reservation, the limited availability would hinder us getting another. It sounds complicated and inconvenient!

 

Maybe the quality of the main dining room offerings would help compensate. Will be interesting to hear Jackie’s thoughts.

[Texas Tillie]

4 hours ago, BarbarianPaul said:

If space is the issue, perhaps that should have been addressed in the refurb. That said, it’s the annoyance more than the money that would bother me, since I’m assuming once we surpass our “ration” of one reservation, the limited availability would hinder us getting another. It sounds complicated and inconvenient!

 

Maybe the quality of the main dining room offerings would help compensate. Will be interesting to hear Jackie’s thoughts.

 

How would they be "special" if there were 150 people dining at any one time? I can't believe that the other luxury lines (Seabourn, Silversea or Regent) have specialty restaurants that can accommodate large numbers so that unlimited guests can dine there every night.

 

Crystal did add 2 other evening dining venues - Silk, a Chinese restaurant and a Brazilian steakhouse. 

 - on their last remodels.

Edited July 11, 2019 by Texas Tillie