EDGE REVIEWS POSTED...not very positive!

[RICCruisers]

KKMIA - I was not commenting on your post in a negative way, only pointing out about what can be used as a deduction.  I found it a grand gesture by X to make the United Way of Broward County the beneficiary of the proceeds from their allotment of cabins.

[Nymich]

17 hours ago, MacMarauder said:

I find it interesting that the press so far has been nearly 100% positive.  I've read many articles about the Edge and I've never seen one that evens hints at issues a traveler might have with the IV cabins.  Articles stating that IV cabins are revolutionary etc.  However reading the boards, reviews, comments to YouTube videos of the IV is completely different.

 

It's strange how right now there seems to be a disconnect between the professionals (who include a lot of travel agencies so maybe there's my answer) and the consumer.  

That's a good point that I have noticed as well.  My guess is those articles are written by the people who want to generate the sales and the excitement.  The actually paying customers will give a more accurate read imo.  That being said the prices are  extremely high right now and I expect them to reduce once the novelty wears off.  

[ipeeinthepool]

20 hours ago, MacMarauder said:

I find it interesting that the press so far has been nearly 100% positive.  I've read many articles about the Edge and I've never seen one that evens hints at issues a traveler might have with the IV cabins.  Articles stating that IV cabins are revolutionary etc.  However reading the boards, reviews, comments to YouTube videos of the IV is completely different.

 

It's strange how right now there seems to be a disconnect between the professionals (who include a lot of travel agencies so maybe there's my answer) and the consumer.  

 

Just another example of the press not doing their job.  More fake news.

[TeeRick]

Ronbe65,

I appreciate your posts and the thought that you put into them.  Good reading and very interesting.  I continue to disagree with your concept of Class Separation.  I think a very poor choice of terms.  Suite passengers on Edge and similar ships with a separate suite area use the entire ship and don't just stay in their little enclave without mingling with non-suite passengers.   They come from all walks of life and just decided to spend more money to treat themselves to a suite for whatever reason they have.  Nothing more.  This is not a members-only country club.  Anybody can buy a suite.  It is a choice not a class thing.  Do you consider Aqua a class separation because they have Blu?  People are just buying the service that they want.  Nobody is excluded from doing that.

[TeeRick]

23 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Perhaps Royal Caribbean isn't the right comparison.  My big beef with Celebrity is how noisy their ships have become, which I assume is an attempt to mimic the 'high energy' atmosphere of Carnival, NCL and Royal.  That was never part of Celebrity's original atmosphere, and to me it is the opposite of Luxury.

 

Looking forward to meeting you too, if we can find a quiet place to talk!

 

Yes noise and bright lights are not my favorite thing either.  But noise is something that can always be toned down with the proper guest feedback.  At least they do not have constant announcements about belly-flop contests!

[emileg]

23 hours ago, ronbe65 said:

...Celebrity Edge reality

1. Class segregation as a manifest of the company's way of cruising. Access to the premium part of the ship is suite guests only. No free access to the front deck unless you pay for the spa pass. Forward views are not for the plebs....

 

We have stateroom 9101 booked for an early January cruise. This ocean view cabin is two decks under the center of the bridge. The fare is lower than for any verandah, infinite or otherwise: one step up from "steerage."😉 And guess what? Forward views. As for public areas, the fitness center has forward views. 

[vtcruising]

3 minutes ago, emileg said:

 

We have stateroom 9101 booked for an early January cruise. This ocean view cabin is two decks under the center of the bridge. The fare is lower than for any verandah, infinite or otherwise: one step up from "steerage."😉 And guess what? Forward views. As for public areas, the fitness center has forward views. 

Can't wait to hear how you like that cabin. When I did the bridge tour, I was looking down on those windows (can't look into them from up there, so no worries) and they looked huge! I wouldn't consider those cabins close to steerage - 242 sq ft with the best view on the ship from a huge window! 🙂

[richstowe]

1 hour ago, TeeRick said:

Ronbe65,

I appreciate your posts and the thought that you put into them.  Good reading and very interesting.  I continue to disagree with your concept of Class Separation.  I think a very poor choice of terms.  Suite passengers on Edge and similar ships with a separate suite area use the entire ship and don't just stay in their little enclave without mingling with non-suite passengers.   They come from all walks of life and just decided to spend more money to treat themselves to a suite for whatever reason they have.  Nothing more.  This is not a members-only country club.  Anybody can buy a suite.  It is a choice not a class thing.  Do you consider Aqua a class separation because they have Blu?  People are just buying the service that they want.  Nobody is excluded from doing that.

I'm on the opposite side of the class separation issue and don't agree with your country club analogy . I belonged to a country club for decades . Yes it was exclusive but not to the members themselves. Once you were a member , you were a member . All were equal members . 

I have also been a member of 2 seperate gyms which had exclusive locker rooms . All members could use the standard facilities but only "club" members had use of their elite facilities . Their private lounge , steam room etc . Plus they had other privileges not available to the other classes . 

There was no sense of a class system at the golf club as all members were the same . Not so at my gym . Bringing this back to cruising , on the premium cruise lines , all are equally privileged . Not so on the mass market brands, led my NCL and now Celebrity, where management is rapidly moving towards reestablishing more rigid classes . 

[emileg]

37 minutes ago, ronbe65 said:

 

Good joke.

I am not sure why passengers should watch sceneries from a row of treadmills instead of a viewing deck or observation lounge? 🙂

 

TeeRick,

Thanks for your comment.

I appreciate it.

 

For all interested: there is a comprhensive post that helps understand class division on cruise ships vs suite perks.

 

Happy cruising!

Thank you for the link. Your original post is very thoughtful.  Many replies. I look forward to reading all of them. 

[iflyjets]

On 12/8/2018 at 1:21 PM, Teacher42 said:

We love to hear those fortunate ones that have never met a cruise they did not like. Your so lucky. We experienced a time aboard the Regent Sea some years ago, when a fire broke out aboard ship. The ship stopped dead in its tracks. Crew were racing down to the pool to fill buckets of water and race back to the fire.  No electricity, no air conditioning, panic began to set in amongst the passengers. Passengers were fighting over lounge chairs to sleep out on deck.  The ship set out an SOS and the passengers quieted down when they saw a freighter come to our rescue.  Word passed around to be prepared to abandon ship if necessary. The freighter stayed along side us until the ship was able to get things under control and power was restored. The freighter's leaving was then a reassuring sign to all of us. To this day I always carry a small flash light to find our way to and from our cabin.Also we learned to always count the number of steps from our cabin to the nearest exit. Do not count on the emergency lighting to work. This incident changed my opinion of my fellow man, I became the misanthrope I now claim to be. No women and children first with this group, just every man for himself. It was one of the most unpalatable experiences of our lives. The cruise line gave everyone a voucher for a free weeks cruise any time in the future. The following day the injured crew member, all bandage up from his burns was introduced and given a standing ovation at the pool deck for saving the ship.

A very comprehensive and quintessential review of human behavior.  You have perfectly described changes in human dynamics from what I have expereienced in my youth, which lead me to be less trusting as well. Every now and then, however, someone kind and genereous renews my faith in people! It seems that much of it is about the "connection" and relationship you have with someone.  It is so easy to "ignore" strangers, even on a cruise ship where folks vie for "resources" (such as,  the loungers around the pool, or the lines to board/disembark or at the buffets...rudeness can too often rule because we impersonalize others).

 

As for carrying a flashlight and counting doors/steps to an exit...a GREAT safety plan for a cruise ship, a hotel, a plane, or even your own home! We do this everywhere.

 

Now back to topic at hand...reviews of the Edge.

 

In 2000, we had a negative experience aboard one of the first Millenium sailings.  It was also more of a "shakedown" situtaion and all the "issues" popped up (including the back-up in the toilet system..such fun).

 

I will be aboard the Edge next month, and despite all the reviews about disliked Edge elements on this thread, I am looking forward to what I consider an "adventure,"  exploring something new with an open mind.  For months, I noted the IKEA-like furnishings with a "jaundiced eye," but I placed those negative thoughts into the back of my mind until I experience it for myself. Then, I will simply make a decision as to whether or not the Edge will meet my future cruising needs and whether to sail her again.  There is something for everyone in this industry, fortunately, so I have lots of choice.  So to all, go explore!

 

 

 

 

[Presto2]

3 hours ago, TeeRick said:

Ronbe65,

I appreciate your posts and the thought that you put into them.  Good reading and very interesting.  I continue to disagree with your concept of Class Separation.  I think a very poor choice of terms.  Suite passengers on Edge and similar ships with a separate suite area use the entire ship and don't just stay in their little enclave without mingling with non-suite passengers.   They come from all walks of life and just decided to spend more money to treat themselves to a suite for whatever reason they have.  Nothing more.  This is not a members-only country club.  Anybody can buy a suite.  It is a choice not a class thing.  Do you consider Aqua a class separation because they have Blu?  People are just buying the service that they want.  Nobody is excluded from doing that.

 

Part of me agrees with you and for us 'you get what you pay for'. If you book AQ you get the perks, if you book CC you get the perks etc etc. That's not a class separation to me it is just people who have paid more for a cabin getting a perk that comes with that cabin grade.

 

The only thing I would disagree with is the comment that 'Anybody can buy a suite'. I'd like to think that we have a pretty good income but there is no chance that we could afford a suite unless we sailed once every 5 years. If we could afford it we would love to try a suite and the perks. People are buying the service that they want and many, like us, are buying the service that they can afford.

 

Do we think it unfair that some folk have access to other parts of the ship that we would love to see? No . They've paid for it. Would we like to be able to afford it too? Oh yes ;-)

 

Edited December 9, 2018 by Presto2

[IMNiles]

Wow.  Very polarized opinions!  There is no question that Edge is quite different from previous X vessels (and other ships in general), and this is bound to cause some agita among those accustomed to the older vessels.  Yet, it is also a clear extension of trends we’ve already been seeing on X and indeed industry-wide, including an increasing array of extra-charge “specialty” restaurants and “ship within a ship” areas reserved for suite passengers.  Having been on the ship, I can easily say that it is already among my favorites, but I can also see that it will not be for everyone (nor does it need to be!).

 

First the disclaimer : I sailed on a two day non-revenue “preview” cruise as an invited guest.  This said, we were (and remain) already booked to sail over New Years, a trip for which we paid full price, and a hefty premium at that.  

 

As others have noted, it’s hard to judge overall atmosphere and entertainment options on a pre-inaugural cruise.  All the entertainment we saw was very good (if a bit “edgy” in Eden), but I’m withholding judgement (and an actual review) until our first “real” cruise.  

 

What we CAN judge, though, is the hard product.  Count me in the group that thinks the ship is gorgeous.  Yes, the palette is very muted, but if you visit a premium hotel these days (think “W”) you’re likely to encounter the same.   Did it look cheap?  No, anything but.  The finishes were all to an extremely high standard, and the art was just as diverse and interesting as the rest of the fleet.  It was definitely a much more modern aesthetic though - much more so even than the S class.  If you’re looking for luxury in the form of over-the-top scale, marble, and crystal chandeliers, then this is not your ship.  

 

Was there a lot of natural wood?  No.  Neither were there acres of marble or other traditional trappings of luxury.  Instead, we have decor that is refined and anything but cookie-cutter.  Everywhere you look (even the ceilings!) there is something interesting to see, and that’s before you even get to the art.  The best word I can use is “details.”  Little details were everywhere, and I noticed new ones each time I passed - it really seems like they put a lot of effort into creating a beautiful and engaging space, and resisted the temptation to throw a lot of wood and marble at it.  

 

I found Eden, a particularly polarizing space, to be an extremely peaceful spot to hang out in the morning - far from the hustle and bustle of the buffet, I sat with a coffee and a fresh-made breakfast sandwich from the Eden Cafe and gazed out at the wake through the expansive two-deck high windows.  This space was previously wasted (in my mind) for the dining rooms, given that for many people it would be dark by the time they were there.  Was the entertainment at night (after 10) “edgy” and even a bit weird?  Yes.  Even so, we enjoyed our engagement with the “Edenists,” as did (apparently) everyone else who stuck around - those who found it was not to their taste just left.  This is fine.  I did find that the drinks in Eden were expensive, though.  The specialty cocktails were all priced above the threshold of the premium package (it’s unclear whether X will adjust the threshold for this ship).

 

We really liked the buffet - it seemed a lot brighter and more open than other ships, and there seemed, somehow, to be more connected to the outside.  The food was varied and excellent.  We particularly appreciated the good selection of Indian and Asian food - an X hallmark we miss when on other lines.

 

We were not in a suite, and are also not in a suite for our upcoming sailing, but we did get a chance to visit the retreat and eat one meal in Luminae.  I’ll admit I will miss not being able to hang out in the outdoor spaces of the retreat - they were much more serene than the regular pool deck - but even so I had no trouble finding quiet nooks on the ship to hang out, both inside and out.  Do I begrudge the suite guests their space?  No.  That’s part of what they’re paying for and by definition you cannot have a “retreat” like that if it’s open to everyone.  The whole point is capacity control and atmosphere.  I thought it was a particularly nice touch that some of the suites had “back doors” that led directly to the retreat.  The food in Luminae was good, but in line with my previous experience on other ships, I found it to be a little fussier than I like for more than the occasional meal.  I’ll happily stick to the MDR or Blu.  

 

Our stateroom was a concierge-class infinite verandah.  Having also been on several river cruises, we found the infinite verandah to be a welcome addition.  The room did feel slightly narrower (I haven’t checked the actual measurements), but the extra depth and wall of glass at the end made it feel palpably larger and infinitely brighter.  The bathroom was also generously proportioned for a non-suite stateroom.  We left the window open most of the time, and found that this dramatically increased our enjoyment of the stateroom - there was no production of fighting with the heavy curtains and door to get outside.  The motorized shades reliably made the room VERY dark, so we slept extremely well.  Like others have already noted, though, I will miss the ability to “peek outside” or to sit on the balcony while my traveling companion sleeps.  This could probably be solved with a curtain at the bifold doors, but I think we’ll just solve it with a sleeping mask.  Storage was also dramatically improved over S class - we had plenty of drawers and hanging space, and were glad to say goodbye to those awful over-bed cabinets.  We did not encounter a time when the window was locked by the captain, but we did learn that when we leaned on the sill, we blocked a little light sensor that made the window stop, so don’t lean on the sill while operating the window.

 

We ate one meal in “cosmopolitan” - I thought it was really good, as good or better than what I’m used to on X, but I do find the multiple dining room concept a little off-putting.  We’re “traditional dining” folks because we like not to have to deal with getting reservations, and enjoy having the same staff and companions each night.  Unfortunately, those on traditional dining are automatically placed in one of the four dining rooms for the entire trip.  While the menu is the same in each venue, there is a small selection of special items available only in each dining room.  I would have rather had a more Disney-like rotational dining experience, but I know that didn’t go so well when Royal tried it on Oasis class.  We have traditional dining on our next cruise, but in future may switch to “anytime” and just make reservations for 8:30 every night in various dining rooms right up front.  

 

We did not try the specialty restaurants, but look forward to experiencing “Le Petit Chef” on our next cruise.  I love the idea that the specialty restaurants have al fresco dining, but I don’t think it was especially well-executed.  It seemed insufficiently protected from wind, separated from passing traffic, and shielded from unlovely views of lifeboats (Blu).

 

We didn’t spend any time in the Casino, but our muster was there and it seemed nice.  I liked the fact that it was neither required nor actually really possible (without special effort) to pass through the casino to go between other venues.  I think the bar would have been better placed in the middle, but I did note that for the first time I recall, they’ve added bar-top gaming machines.

 

The Grand Plaza was always quite lively, and it seemed rather easier to navigate than on other ships, but I think they may regret putting the bar at one end, because it’s comparatively difficult to get to when full - perhaps they expect most people to use table service.  As others have noted, this space was often quite loud, especially in the evening hours.  That may be an issue for folks in the specialty restaurants that overlook it.  The Grand Plaza Cafe seemed not to be open much, and when it was I found the food looked better than it tasted.

 

We weren’t able to spend much time at the rooftop garden, because during our preview cruise it was mostly closed for private events.  I for one will really miss the real grass from S class, but I also acknowledge that the lawn was tragically underused on many sailings.  I’m sure we will continue to sail S and M class, as itineraries dictate, so I’m OK not having it when on Edge.  I’ll agree with the poster who calls out the sunset bar as a missed opportunity.  It seemed very narrow to me, and a step backwards from Reflection in that bar patrons face the bar and not the ocean.

 

The theater is fantastic.  The stage juts out into the room, so seating is around 3/4 “in the round” - we really felt much closer to the action than on other ships.  There’s even a small section of cocktail tables right down near the stage that we didn’t notice until after our show or we would have sat there.  The technical capabilities are clearly a cut above the other ships in the fleet, and the one show we saw, “Jewelry Box,” was a lot like a cirque du soleil show in that it was quite abstract, but the performances were very good and the production values very high.  This certainly blows the socks off of the last batch of X shows (R.I.P “Maxx”), which we thought were frankly awful.  It’s hard to judge more until we take a “real” cruise and see the full lineup.

 

We didn’t get a chance to try a ride on the Edge Launches (tenders) but they do look a lot more comfortable.  The destination gateway seems like it will be a much more pleasant place to embark/disembark than the typical “bowels of the ship down by the infirmary”.  The teen club (“The Basement”) was closed for an event, but I did poke my head into the kids club, which was chockablock with video games, robot kits, and other stuff that should keep the kids plenty engaged.

 

We had a cocktail on the magic carpet, and it was really cool to be right out there “at the edge” over the water.  We didn’t eat there when it was positioned as a restaurant.  I think it’s a big win for tender embarkation when positioned at the bottom.  

 

If I had to sum up my impressions, I’d say that they definitely nailed the “modern luxury” aesthetic, but I do think it’s going to turn off a segment of more traditional cruisers.  The “retreat” will both appeal to suite guests and annoy those who think all spaces should be for everyone (for what it’s worth, there is no shortage of public space open to everyone).  I do think we might be missing one “show lounge,” but it’s also possible that I just never found it.  It seems clear to me that X is trying to push themselves a bit further up-market and are catering to a slightly younger, more affluent,  well-traveled crowd who may not have ocean-cruised before, and will appreciate all the details that set the Edge apart from a typical cruise ship.  Unfortunately for X, these aren’t necessarily the folks who write cruise ship reviews, so I think they’ll continue to be skewed to the negative “not like other ships” type for at least the next few months.  I encourage people to see for themselves, and decide if Edge is for them.  I for one am really looking forward to re-boarding in just a few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 9, 2018 by IMNiles

[iflyjets]

Class distinction exists in just about every industry.  Think "club level" rooms in hotels with open bars and other amenities for higher paying guests. Airlines have business class verusus economy. There is even concierge medicine now. It is everywhere.

 

So, having classes with varying levels of privileges is not something new.  It is just more pronounced now on Celebrity and has come as a "shock" to many cruisers. 

 

I have seen this coming for years and it exitsts in some form or another on most other cruise lines. Even the much touted Viking Ocean cruises, which is an "all balcony" ship, has varying "reservation" windows for restaurants and for the "included" excursions as well as slightly different amenities based on what you are willing to pay.  It is one way the cruise lines can keep the basic fares reasonable.  Honestly, I paid significantly more in 2000 for a basic oceaniview cabin aboard the Explorer of the Seas than I did for a balcony cabin aboard the Equinox this month (and it will be a holiday sailing at that).

 

Oveall, I find that cruise prices have been pretty stable as compared to other travel indusry prices.  To achieve this, the cruise lines listened to folks who made clear they would rather have affordable cabins and then the option of buying their amenities/extras as THEY choose to do than to pay higher cruise fares in general.  That's what the cruise lines have done.

[hcat]

On 12/8/2018 at 11:14 AM, Host Jazzbeau said:

Perhaps Royal Caribbean isn't the right comparison.  My big beef with Celebrity is how noisy their ships have become, which I assume is an attempt to mimic the 'high energy' atmosphere of Carnival, NCL and Royal.  That was never part of Celebrity's original atmosphere, and to me it is the opposite of Luxury.

 

Looking forward to meeting you too, if we can find a quiet place to talk!

 

I understood your comment  and agree 100 %....but many  won't get it.

EDGE, while  beautiful in certain areas,  seems to be a jazzed up more expensive ship...more Royal than X..

 

It's  different style of cruising....  Not the  classic X approach to Modern Luxury with a fresh touch, which is what we hoped for,,,

[Freestyle Cruiser]

3 hours ago, TeeRick said:

Ronbe65,

I appreciate your posts and the thought that you put into them.  Good reading and very interesting.  I continue to disagree with your concept of Class Separation.  I think a very poor choice of terms.  Suite passengers on Edge and similar ships with a separate suite area use the entire ship and don't just stay in their little enclave without mingling with non-suite passengers.   They come from all walks of life and just decided to spend more money to treat themselves to a suite for whatever reason they have.  Nothing more.  This is not a members-only country club.  Anybody can buy a suite.  It is a choice not a class thing.  Do you consider Aqua a class separation because they have Blu?  People are just buying the service that they want.  Nobody is excluded from doing that.

 

Well said. 

We meet suite people or all ages and from all walks celebrating milestone birthdays and marriages and life. Wealthy or not, it’s nice to be able to treat yourself sometimes. A friend always does a basic cabin, but comes home with thousands of dollars in jewelry. Some of our land based neighbors spend thousands of dollars in new iPhones, new cars and eat out daily,  which we don’t do,  but they never go on a vacation. 

 

It is definitely a choice. Let’s count our blessings that we are free to make those choices and the products abound so we can choose. 

 

 

[iflyjets]

26 minutes ago, IMNiles said:

Wow.  Very polarized opinions!  There is no question that Edge is quite different from previous X vessels (and other ships in general), and this is bound to cause some agita among those accustomed to the older vessels.  Yet, it is also a clear extension of trends we’ve already been seeing on X and indeed industry-wide, including an increasing array of extra-charge “specialty” restaurants and “ship within a ship” areas reserved for suite passengers.  Having been on the ship, I can easily say that it is already among my favorites, but I can also see that it will not be for everyone (nor does it need to be!).

 

First the disclaimer : I sailed on a two day non-revenue “preview” cruise as an invited guest.  This said, we were (and remain) already booked to sail over New Years, a trip for which we paid full price, and a hefty premium at that.  

 

As others have noted, it’s hard to judge overall atmosphere and entertainment options on a pre-inaugural cruise.  All the entertainment we saw was very good (if a bit “edgy” in Eden), but I’m withholding judgement (and an actual review) until our first “real” cruise.  

 

What we CAN judge, though, is the hard product.  Count me in the group that thinks the ship is gorgeous.  Yes, the palette is very muted, but if you visit a premium hotel these days (think “W”) you’re likely to encounter the same.   Did it look cheap?  No, anything but.  The finishes were all to an extremely high standard, and the art was just as diverse and interesting as the rest of the fleet.  It was definitely a much more modern aesthetic though - much more so even than the S class.  If you’re looking for luxury in the form of over-the-top scale, marble, and crystal chandeliers, then this is not your ship.  

 

Was there a lot of natural wood?  No.  Neither were there acres of marble or other traditional trappings of luxury.  Instead, we have decor that is refined and anything but cookie-cutter.  Everywhere you look (even the ceilings!) there is something interesting to see, and that’s before you even get to the art.  The best word I can use is “details.”  Little details were everywhere, and I noticed new ones each time I passed - it really seems like they put a lot of effort into creating a beautiful and engaging space, and resisted the temptation to throw a lot of wood and marble at it.  

 

I found Eden, a particularly polarizing space, to be an extremely peaceful spot to hang out in the morning - far from the hustle and bustle of the buffet, I sat with a coffee and a fresh-made breakfast sandwich from the Eden Cafe and gazed out at the wake through the expansive two-deck high windows.  This space was previously wasted (in my mind) for the dining rooms, given that for many people it would be dark by the time they were there.  Was the entertainment at night (after 10) “edgy” and even a bit weird?  Yes.  Even so, we enjoyed our engagement with the “Edenists,” as did (apparently) everyone else who stuck around - those who found it was not to their taste just left.  This is fine.  I did find that the drinks in Eden were expensive, though.  The specialty cocktails were all priced above the threshold of the premium package (it’s unclear whether X will adjust the threshold for this ship).

 

We really liked the buffet - it seemed a lot brighter and more open than other ships, and there seemed, somehow, to be more connected to the outside.  The food was varied and excellent.  We particularly appreciated the good selection of Indian and Asian food - an X hallmark we miss when on other lines.

 

We were not in a suite, and are also not in a suite for our upcoming sailing, but we did get a chance to visit the retreat and eat one meal in Luminae.  I’ll admit I will miss not being able to hang out in the outdoor spaces of the retreat - they were much more serene than the regular pool deck - but even so I had no trouble finding quiet nooks on the ship to hang out, both inside and out.  Do I begrudge the suite guests their space?  No.  That’s part of what they’re paying for and by definition you cannot have a “retreat” like that if it’s open to everyone.  The whole point is capacity control and atmosphere.  I thought it was a particularly nice touch that some of the suites had “back doors” that led directly to the retreat.  The food in Luminae was good, but in line with my previous experience on other ships, I found it to be a little fussier than I like for more than the occasional meal.  I’ll happily stick to the MDR or Blu.  

 

Our stateroom was a concierge-class infinite verandah.  Having also been on several river cruises, we found the infinite verandah to be a welcome addition.  The room did feel slightly narrower (I haven’t checked the actual measurements), but the extra depth and wall of glass at the end made it feel palpably larger and infinitely brighter.  The bathroom was also generously proportioned for a non-suite stateroom.  We left the window open most of the time, and found that this dramatically increased our enjoyment of the stateroom - there was no production of fighting with the heavy curtains and door to get outside.  The motorized shades reliably made the room VERY dark, so we slept extremely well.  Like others have already noted, though, I will miss the ability to “peek outside” or to sit on the balcony while my traveling companion sleeps.  This could probably be solved with a curtain at the bifold doors, but I think we’ll just solve it with a sleeping mask.  Storage was also dramatically improved over S class - we had plenty of drawers and hanging space, and were glad to say goodbye to those awful over-bed cabinets.  We did not encounter a time when the window was locked by the captain, but we did learn that when we leaned on the sill, we blocked a little light sensor that made the window stop, so don’t lean on the sill while operating the window.

 

We ate one meal in “cosmopolitan” - I thought it was really good, as good or better than what I’m used to on X, but I do find the multiple dining room concept a little off-putting.  We’re “traditional dining” folks because we like not to have to deal with getting reservations, and enjoy having the same staff and companions each night.  Unfortunately, those on traditional dining are automatically placed in one of the four dining rooms for the entire trip.  While the menu is the same in each venue, there is a small selection of special items available only in each dining room.  I would have rather had a more Disney-like rotational dining experience, but I know that didn’t go so well when Royal tried it on Oasis class.  We have traditional dining on our next cruise, but in future may switch to “anytime” and just make reservations for 8:30 every night in various dining rooms right up front.  

 

We did not try the specialty restaurants, but look forward to experiencing “Le Petit Chef” on our next cruise.  I love the idea that the specialty restaurants have al fresco dining, but I don’t think it was especially well-executed.  It seemed insufficiently protected from wind, separated from passing traffic, and shielded from unlovely views of lifeboats (Blu).

 

We didn’t spend any time in the Casino, but our muster was there and it seemed nice.  I liked the fact that it was neither required nor actually really possible (without special effort) to pass through the casino to go between other venues.  I think the bar would have been better placed in the middle, but I did note that for the first time I recall, they’ve added bar-top gaming machines.

 

The Grand Plaza was always quite lively, and it seemed rather easier to navigate than on other ships, but I think they may regret putting the bar at one end, because it’s comparatively difficult to get to when full - perhaps they expect most people to use table service.  As others have noted, this space was often quite loud, especially in the evening hours.  That may be an issue for folks in the specialty restaurants that overlook it.  The Grand Plaza Cafe seemed not to be open much, and when it was I found the food looked better than it tasted.

 

We weren’t able to spend much time at the rooftop garden, because during our preview cruise it was mostly closed for private events.  I for one will really miss the real grass from S class, but I also acknowledge that the lawn was tragically underused on many sailings.  I’m sure we will continue to sail S and M class, as itineraries dictate, so I’m OK not having it when on Edge.  I’ll agree with the poster who calls out the sunset bar as a missed opportunity.  It seemed very narrow to me, and a step backwards from Reflection in that bar patrons face the bar and not the ocean.

 

The theater is fantastic.  The stage juts out into the room, so seating is around 3/4 “in the round” - we really felt much closer to the action than on other ships.  There’s even a small section of cocktail tables right down near the stage that we didn’t notice until after our show or we would have sat there.  The technical capabilities are clearly a cut above the other ships in the fleet, and the one show we saw, “Jewelry Box,” was a lot like a cirque du soleil show in that it was quite abstract, but the performances were very good and the production values very high.  This certainly blows the socks off of the last batch of X shows (R.I.P “Maxx”), which we thought were frankly awful.  It’s hard to judge more until we take a “real” cruise and see the full lineup.

 

We didn’t get a chance to try a ride on the Edge Launches (tenders) but they do look a lot more comfortable.  The destination gateway seems like it will be a much more pleasant place to embark/disembark than the typical “bowels of the ship down by the infirmary”.  The teen club (“The Basement”) was closed for an event, but I did poke my head into the kids club, which was chockablock with video games, robot kits, and other stuff that should keep the kids plenty engaged.

 

We had a cocktail on the magic carpet, and it was really cool to be right out there “at the edge” over the water.  We didn’t eat there when it was positioned as a restaurant.  I think it’s a big win for tender embarkation when positioned at the bottom.  

 

If I had to sum up my impressions, I’d say that they definitely nailed the “modern luxury” aesthetic, but I do think it’s going to turn off a segment of more traditional cruisers.  The “retreat” will both appeal to suite guests and annoy those who think all spaces should be for everyone (for what it’s worth, there is no shortage of public space open to everyone).  I do think we might be missing one “show lounge,” but it’s also possible that I just never found it.  It seems clear to me that X is trying to push themselves a bit further up-market and are catering to a slightly younger, more affluent,  well-traveled crowd who may not have ocean-cruised before, and will appreciate all the details that set the Edge apart from a typical cruise ship.  Unfortunately for X, these aren’t necessarily the folks who write cruise ship reviews, so I think they’ll continue to be skewed to the negative “not like other ships” type for at least the next few months.  I encourage people to see for themselves, and decide if Edge is for them.  I for one am really looking forward to re-boarding in just a few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great review with well-thought out opinions and lots of information.  Thanks for this post!

[iflyjets]

5 minutes ago, Freestyle Cruiser said:

 

Well said. 

We meet suite people or all ages and from all walks celebrating milestone birthdays and marriages and life. Wealthy or not, it’s nice to be able to treat yourself sometimes. A friend always does a basic cabin, but comes home with thousands of dollars in jewelry. Some of our land based neighbors spend thousands of dollars in new iPhones, new cars and eat out daily,  which we don’t do,  but they never go on a vacation. 

 

It is definitely a choice. Let’s count our blessings that we are free to make those choices and the products abound so we can choose. 

 

 

Excellent points about how we all choose to spend our money.  So glad we are even foruntate enough to have choices!

[hcat]

44 minutes ago, iflyjets said:

A very comprehensive and quintessential review of human behavior.  You have perfectly described changes in human dynamics from what I have expereienced in my youth, which lead me to be less trusting as well. Every now and then, however, someone kind and genereous renews my faith in people! It seems that much of it is about the "connection" and relationship you have with someone.  It is so easy to "ignore" strangers, even on a cruise ship where folks vie for "resources" (such as,  the loungers around the pool, or the lines to board/disembark or at the buffets...rudeness can too often rule because we impersonalize others).

 

As for carrying a flashlight and counting doors/steps to an exit...a GREAT safety plan for a cruise ship, a hotel, a plane, or even your own home! We do this everywhere.

 

Now back to topic at hand...reviews of the Edge.

 

In 2000, we had a negative experience aboard one of the first Millenium sailings.  It was also more of a "shakedown" situtaion and all the "issues" popped up (including the back-up in the toilet system..such fun).

 

I will be aboard the Edge next month, and despite all the reviews about disliked Edge elements on this thread, I am looking forward to what I consider an "adventure,"  exploring something new with an open mind.  For months, I noted the IKEA-like furnishings with a "jaundiced eye," but I placed those negative thoughts into the back of my mind until I experience it for myself. Then, I will simply make a decision as to whether or not the Edge will meet my future cruising needs and whether to sail her again.  There is something for everyone in this industry, fortunately, so I have lots of choice.  So to all, go explore!

 

 

 

 

Well reasoned comments...thank you!

We  look forward to sailing  with you in January..

 

We are skeptical about the enclosed  veranda concept as executed,   dorm style  furniture, possible loud music,  oddball entertainment experiences and flashing lights;   but we  hope to  find all the great spots that suit us on the ship, ( and there seem to be many) We hope we enjoy enough of it to return next fall! ( already booked)  After that I expect we will move on to something more our style!

 

PS ...We also carry flash lights, count steps and locate exits!

Edited December 9, 2018 by hcat

[vtcruising]

36 minutes ago, IMNiles said:

Wow.  Very polarized opinions!  There is no question that Edge is quite different from previous X vessels (and other ships in general), and this is bound to cause some agita among those accustomed to the older vessels.  Yet, it is also a clear extension of trends we’ve already been seeing on X and indeed industry-wide, including an increasing array of extra-charge “specialty” restaurants and “ship within a ship” areas reserved for suite passengers.  Having been on the ship, I can easily say that it is already among my favorites, but I can also see that it will not be for everyone (nor does it need to be!).

 

First the disclaimer : I sailed on a two day non-revenue “preview” cruise as an invited guest.  This said, we were (and remain) already booked to sail over New Years, a trip for which we paid full price, and a hefty premium at that.  

 

As others have noted, it’s hard to judge overall atmosphere and entertainment options on a pre-inaugural cruise.  All the entertainment we saw was very good (if a bit “edgy” in Eden), but I’m withholding judgement (and an actual review) until our first “real” cruise.  

 

What we CAN judge, though, is the hard product.  Count me in the group that thinks the ship is gorgeous.  Yes, the palette is very muted, but if you visit a premium hotel these days (think “W”) you’re likely to encounter the same.   Did it look cheap?  No, anything but.  The finishes were all to an extremely high standard, and the art was just as diverse and interesting as the rest of the fleet.  It was definitely a much more modern aesthetic though - much more so even than the S class.  If you’re looking for luxury in the form of over-the-top scale, marble, and crystal chandeliers, then this is not your ship.  

 

Was there a lot of natural wood?  No.  Neither were there acres of marble or other traditional trappings of luxury.  Instead, we have decor that is refined and anything but cookie-cutter.  Everywhere you look (even the ceilings!) there is something interesting to see, and that’s before you even get to the art.  The best word I can use is “details.”  Little details were everywhere, and I noticed new ones each time I passed - it really seems like they put a lot of effort into creating a beautiful and engaging space, and resisted the temptation to throw a lot of wood and marble at it.  

 

I found Eden, a particularly polarizing space, to be an extremely peaceful spot to hang out in the morning - far from the hustle and bustle of the buffet, I sat with a coffee and a fresh-made breakfast sandwich from the Eden Cafe and gazed out at the wake through the expansive two-deck high windows.  This space was previously wasted (in my mind) for the dining rooms, given that for many people it would be dark by the time they were there.  Was the entertainment at night (after 10) “edgy” and even a bit weird?  Yes.  Even so, we enjoyed our engagement with the “Edenists,” as did (apparently) everyone else who stuck around - those who found it was not to their taste just left.  This is fine.  I did find that the drinks in Eden were expensive, though.  The specialty cocktails were all priced above the threshold of the premium package (it’s unclear whether X will adjust the threshold for this ship).

 

We really liked the buffet - it seemed a lot brighter and more open than other ships, and there seemed, somehow, to be more connected to the outside.  The food was varied and excellent.  We particularly appreciated the good selection of Indian and Asian food - an X hallmark we miss when on other lines.

 

We were not in a suite, and are also not in a suite for our upcoming sailing, but we did get a chance to visit the retreat and eat one meal in Luminae.  I’ll admit I will miss not being able to hang out in the outdoor spaces of the retreat - they were much more serene than the regular pool deck - but even so I had no trouble finding quiet nooks on the ship to hang out, both inside and out.  Do I begrudge the suite guests their space?  No.  That’s part of what they’re paying for and by definition you cannot have a “retreat” like that if it’s open to everyone.  The whole point is capacity control and atmosphere.  I thought it was a particularly nice touch that some of the suites had “back doors” that led directly to the retreat.  The food in Luminae was good, but in line with my previous experience on other ships, I found it to be a little fussier than I like for more than the occasional meal.  I’ll happily stick to the MDR or Blu.  

 

Our stateroom was a concierge-class infinite verandah.  Having also been on several river cruises, we found the infinite verandah to be a welcome addition.  The room did feel slightly narrower (I haven’t checked the actual measurements), but the extra depth and wall of glass at the end made it feel palpably larger and infinitely brighter.  The bathroom was also generously proportioned for a non-suite stateroom.  We left the window open most of the time, and found that this dramatically increased our enjoyment of the stateroom - there was no production of fighting with the heavy curtains and door to get outside.  The motorized shades reliably made the room VERY dark, so we slept extremely well.  Like others have already noted, though, I will miss the ability to “peek outside” or to sit on the balcony while my traveling companion sleeps.  This could probably be solved with a curtain at the bifold doors, but I think we’ll just solve it with a sleeping mask.  Storage was also dramatically improved over S class - we had plenty of drawers and hanging space, and were glad to say goodbye to those awful over-bed cabinets.  We did not encounter a time when the window was locked by the captain, but we did learn that when we leaned on the sill, we blocked a little light sensor that made the window stop, so don’t lean on the sill while operating the window.

 

We ate one meal in “cosmopolitan” - I thought it was really good, as good or better than what I’m used to on X, but I do find the multiple dining room concept a little off-putting.  We’re “traditional dining” folks because we like not to have to deal with getting reservations, and enjoy having the same staff and companions each night.  Unfortunately, those on traditional dining are automatically placed in one of the four dining rooms for the entire trip.  While the menu is the same in each venue, there is a small selection of special items available only in each dining room.  I would have rather had a more Disney-like rotational dining experience, but I know that didn’t go so well when Royal tried it on Oasis class.  We have traditional dining on our next cruise, but in future may switch to “anytime” and just make reservations for 8:30 every night in various dining rooms right up front.  

 

We did not try the specialty restaurants, but look forward to experiencing “Le Petit Chef” on our next cruise.  I love the idea that the specialty restaurants have al fresco dining, but I don’t think it was especially well-executed.  It seemed insufficiently protected from wind, separated from passing traffic, and shielded from unlovely views of lifeboats (Blu).

 

We didn’t spend any time in the Casino, but our muster was there and it seemed nice.  I liked the fact that it was neither required nor actually really possible (without special effort) to pass through the casino to go between other venues.  I think the bar would have been better placed in the middle, but I did note that for the first time I recall, they’ve added bar-top gaming machines.

 

The Grand Plaza was always quite lively, and it seemed rather easier to navigate than on other ships, but I think they may regret putting the bar at one end, because it’s comparatively difficult to get to when full - perhaps they expect most people to use table service.  As others have noted, this space was often quite loud, especially in the evening hours.  That may be an issue for folks in the specialty restaurants that overlook it.  The Grand Plaza Cafe seemed not to be open much, and when it was I found the food looked better than it tasted.

 

We weren’t able to spend much time at the rooftop garden, because during our preview cruise it was mostly closed for private events.  I for one will really miss the real grass from S class, but I also acknowledge that the lawn was tragically underused on many sailings.  I’m sure we will continue to sail S and M class, as itineraries dictate, so I’m OK not having it when on Edge.  I’ll agree with the poster who calls out the sunset bar as a missed opportunity.  It seemed very narrow to me, and a step backwards from Reflection in that bar patrons face the bar and not the ocean.

 

The theater is fantastic.  The stage juts out into the room, so seating is around 3/4 “in the round” - we really felt much closer to the action than on other ships.  There’s even a small section of cocktail tables right down near the stage that we didn’t notice until after our show or we would have sat there.  The technical capabilities are clearly a cut above the other ships in the fleet, and the one show we saw, “Jewelry Box,” was a lot like a cirque du soleil show in that it was quite abstract, but the performances were very good and the production values very high.  This certainly blows the socks off of the last batch of X shows (R.I.P “Maxx”), which we thought were frankly awful.  It’s hard to judge more until we take a “real” cruise and see the full lineup.

 

We didn’t get a chance to try a ride on the Edge Launches (tenders) but they do look a lot more comfortable.  The destination gateway seems like it will be a much more pleasant place to embark/disembark than the typical “bowels of the ship down by the infirmary”.  The teen club (“The Basement”) was closed for an event, but I did poke my head into the kids club, which was chockablock with video games, robot kits, and other stuff that should keep the kids plenty engaged.

 

We had a cocktail on the magic carpet, and it was really cool to be right out there “at the edge” over the water.  We didn’t eat there when it was positioned as a restaurant.  I think it’s a big win for tender embarkation when positioned at the bottom.  

 

If I had to sum up my impressions, I’d say that they definitely nailed the “modern luxury” aesthetic, but I do think it’s going to turn off a segment of more traditional cruisers.  The “retreat” will both appeal to suite guests and annoy those who think all spaces should be for everyone (for what it’s worth, there is no shortage of public space open to everyone).  I do think we might be missing one “show lounge,” but it’s also possible that I just never found it.  It seems clear to me that X is trying to push themselves a bit further up-market and are catering to a slightly younger, more affluent,  well-traveled crowd who may not have ocean-cruised before, and will appreciate all the details that set the Edge apart from a typical cruise ship.  Unfortunately for X, these aren’t necessarily the folks who write cruise ship reviews, so I think they’ll continue to be skewed to the negative “not like other ships” type for at least the next few months.  I encourage people to see for themselves, and decide if Edge is for them.  I for one am really looking forward to re-boarding in just a few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the balanced review!

[Silkroad]

5 hours ago, IMNiles said:

If I had to sum up my impressions, I’d say that they definitely nailed the “modern luxury” aesthetic, but I do think it’s going to turn off a segment of more traditional cruisers.  The “retreat” will both appeal to suite guests and annoy those who think all spaces should be for everyone (for what it’s worth, there is no shortage of public space open to everyone).  I do think we might be missing one “show lounge,” but it’s also possible that I just never found it.  It seems clear to me that X is trying to push themselves a bit further up-market and are catering to a slightly younger, more affluent,  well-traveled crowd who may not have ocean-cruised before, and will appreciate all the details that set the Edge apart from a typical cruise ship.  Unfortunately for X, these aren’t necessarily the folks who write cruise ship reviews, so I think they’ll continue to be skewed to the negative “not like other ships” type for at least the next few months.  I encourage people to see for themselves, and decide if Edge is for them.  I for one am really looking forward to re-boarding in just a few weeks.

 

Thank you for posting such a thorough, thoughtful, and balanced review. 

[Germancruiser]

I suppose one has to see for oneself- then and then only one can make a fair statement!

I was a very very loyal X- cruiser- due to all these changes in their product- which some love- some not - I stopped sailing them about 5 years ago- of course a new ship makes one curious- and i watched the process closely. I even was about to book the NYE cruise - but after looking at those ridiculous prices --- well,  I wait and see for the time beeing!

Good thing there are cruise lines for everyones tastes. X was classy and traditionell - but that   started to vanish with the intro of the S- Class. Loud music almost everywhere- they seemed to drift in the Party boat direction.

And so again I read about loud music on board Edge. Well the majority may love that- I certainly don´t!

 

 

 

Edited December 10, 2018 by Germancruiser

[Nymich]

From what I can see the Edge is a beautiful ship that has many things for many people.  The Cabins are really bad.  The infinite veranda is a glorified porthole and the cabin that has a traditional balcony actually is a porthole!   I saw a video of a sky suite that has a tiny table on the balcony with two useless chairs.  So if you like your balcony to sun or eat breakfast….forget it.  For that manner stay out of your cabin and Edge looks very appealing...….but not for me......not at those crazy prices.   I will wait until prices plunge.....which they will and at least if I do travel on Edge my expectations of the cabin will be realistic.   Thank goodness we live in an age when we can see these things with a little bit of research!

 

Glad to be heading out on Reflection in a few months for our 5th Celebrity cruise!

[Turtles06]

19 hours ago, IMNiles said:

If I had to sum up my impressions, I’d say that they definitely nailed the “modern luxury” aesthetic, but I do think it’s going to turn off a segment of more traditional cruisers.  The “retreat” will both appeal to suite guests and annoy those who think all spaces should be for everyone (for what it’s worth, there is no shortage of public space open to everyone).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMNiles: thank you for taking the time to do a review.  For those of us who haven't sailed on Edge, could you (or anyone else who has been on board) please tell us: 

 

1) is there a forward-facing exterior deck area, open to everyone  -- the kind of open deck area from which it's great to watch sail-ins and sail-aways, and also just enjoy the ocean (like the areas facing over the bow on Decks 15 and 16 on the S-class ships); and

 

2) is there an interior, forward-facing lounge (like the Sky Lounge on S-class), open to everyone, and great for watching the ocean (and sail-ins, sail-aways) when the weather is too hot, cold, or wet to be outdoors, or when you just want to sit in a comfortable chair and have that great view of the water

 

(if yes as to either, where are they?)
 

Thanks!

 

 

[Nemanoxer]

Personal impression from my side (I repeat personal!) is that a lot of people were expecting miracles to happen. And well, from my personal experience on the Edge, miracles did happen. Especially that OV has become an incredible place to be in, even more than in the best days of the Oceanview Cafés.

 

But if people had expected that this ship could eventually fly and that they would have their bellies buttered in Bordier butter - well then, the ship is a total loss, I agree.

[DebbieMacG]

I’ve not been on Edge yet but do have a booking on the first European cruise out of Southampton in May. I find the reviews of the infinite balconies (I’m booked in one) concerning as they have a lack of comfortable balcony furniture with no footstools (essential for me as I have knee issues) and no table to eat room service food on, also the mentions of the inability to control the window at all times (I understand it being closed for an emergency reason) now makes an IV less desirable to me than a regular balcony. Some of the furniture in the cabins is straight from the ikea malm range,  but that concerns me less to be honest, it’s just odd they would be using something I’ve been seeing since the 80’s as “new designs”

 

Its also concerning to read about the noise in the speciality restaurants from other venues, as I would find that really annoying.

 

In the last year I’ve sailed with Cunard (Queen Victoria) Azamara (Quest) Princess (Regal) and Celebrity (Silhouette)  Celebrity was the most expensive cruise by far and the least enjoyable, due to poor quality food and service, something that I feel has been declining on Celebrity. Let’s hope the so far positive reviews of service and food on edge continue and spill over to the other ships in the fleet because for me personally as it stands, I won’t be paying over the odds for an inferior product anymore, regardless of how pretty their latest ship is 😳