EDGE April 13th Sailing Review

[JFontaine]

23 hours ago, Silkroad said:

Thanks very much for posting your review. We’re boarding Edge for the first time this weekend, though not in a suite. We had considered a Sky Suite for our next Edge cruise (next May) but decided against it because of the lack of shade in the Retreat (amongst other reasons, some of which are being resolved by X). Based on your experience, we may never try an Edge suite! Two of our friends will be in a suite for this cruise, so it will be interesting to compare their experience with yours. I am certain they will find your review quite helpful. 

While there is limited shade at the pool, there is shade throughout the Retreat - you might need to move as the sun moves.  I would tell someone of your interest in the Retreat while you are on the ship, and ask them to show it to you for next time.  Have a great cruise. 

[jcpc]

2 hours ago, sparkopotamus said:

Gonzo, you said there were three RLCs on your sailing. Cali was one; were the other two by chance João and/or Denise?  They were on when we did the December 1-4 Pre-Inaugural sailing. Both were superb!  (Sorry you ended up dealing with someone not at João and Denise’s level!)

Denise was a concierge the week we were on.  The only reason I know that is I read her name tag when she opened the door for us on disembarkation morning and directed us to the elevator.  Priscilla then escorted us down the elevator to the point where you exit the ship.  My feeling is (and this is only my feeling) that the 3 concierges were "on top of their games" during the preview cruises and the cruises that had press and travel agents on them in order for folks to come back with glowing reviews.  But the ball was definitely dropped by January!  

[vtcruising]

So sorry to hear that things have gone downhill in the last couple of months. Though we didn't spend as much time in the Retreat Lounge (RL) as I have in MC in the past, for us it was more the lack of the bar. We enjoy getting to know the bartenders and other passengers when we belly up to the S Class MC bars.

 

The way the seating was set up in the RL, though beautiful and comfortable, everyone seemed to sit separately unless you knew someone and it didn't feel comfortable to walk up to someone's seating area and join them (when there were so many empty spots). In MC, we often had to sit near another couple so we would strike up  conversation. My DH and I are often independent during the day and often go to MC alone, but it just wasn't that much fun to go alone to the RL without a bar. It was great if we went with our friends and I do have to say that Joao and Denise would circle around and talk to people.  We had met Joao on the first cruise and I spent lots of quality time with him, giving him feedback. He made me feel like I was the only person who mattered when we talked - a true gem. He remembered things about us to follow up on the next day (restaurants we were going to try, etc.). When we went back in January, the RL was busier and I could see where people could have less personalized service, but whenever Joao was there, he worked the room, making sure everyone had what they needed. If I had to leave and he hadn't made it around the room to me yet, he would stop me on the way out and say that if I needed anything to stop by later.

 

The bar servers were very friendly when we were there in January, though didn't automatically get our usual drinks as has been the case in MC. I was very disappointed with the lack of special events there that week. We did like having continental breakfast outside on the RL deck. It was great out there in the morning and the fruit, yogurt and pastries were great. We also enjoyed the RL afternoon tea a couple of times.

 

We enjoyed the Retreat Sundeck very much and felt very taken care of up there.  It almost made up for what was lacking in the RL, having the bar, pool and hot tub made it a more vibrant venue.

 

Priscilla was also excellent. She came to our suite to talk to us one time about an issue and resolved it to our satisfaction. A lovely person.

 

Luminae was great for lunch and dinner, breakfast seemed too busy (but we went late and everyone else did too). The maitre d' and hostess remembered us from our earlier cruises and we were always treated very well. It was a beautiful space and loved the view from higher up.

 

I hope that all the feedback about the RL will help stimulate change there. They need to figure out a good way to take care of all of their suite guests. There is no excuse for dropping the ball on reservations and ignoring guests waiting for drinks!