The retreat

[phe8800]

What is the main reason to book a suite, the retreat? Yes, there are off cause many reasons, but why do YOU book a suite? 

[Ashland]

I book suites because they are more similar to hotel rooms for their space and in cabin amenities. 

[chemmo]

1 hour ago, phe8800 said:

What is the main reason to book a suite, the retreat? Yes, there are off cause many reasons, but why do YOU book a suite? 

 

 

Not one thing it is the ‘package’ that makes booking a suite worthwhile for us.

 

The room...we love to have space to enjoy both inside and on the balcony.We usually book RS or PH and like the nicer bathrooms and having  room to comfortably dine in if we want to. Nice to have a bar set up and a butler who will provide any extras we want.

 

Higher service level. This starts, for us, pre cruise when we are contacted by the shoreside concierge. Before boarding we will have chosen pillows, booked our dining, sorted out room requests. When we get to our suite the fridge will already be stacked with our preferred beers and soda. This higher service level continues at check in with the ‘Special Delivery’ service. Taxi, luggage drop off, escorted through security and check in and on board can take less than 15 minutes...As we are sipping our first champagne in the retreat lounge the concierge will introduce themselves and remind us if there is anything we want simply to ask...Bar service will be perfect, we know when we walk in the next day we will be greeted by name and if we have asked for a specific brand of something to be stocked there we know if they have any on board it will be!

 

Dining is for us our main ‘evening entertainment’. We know in Luminae the service and ambiance will be excellent but generally we will cruise in the speciality restaurants. Tuscan on nights when we can watch the ship leave port as we sip on our first drink other restaurants visited and enjoyed. As ‘regulars’ in the speciality restaurants they will know and respond to our preferences. They will know we like a quiet spot, enjoy having our wines paired to courses...

 

On ships with the retreat deck there is the extra pleasure of more comfortable and spacious deck area...

 

When we were younger cruising to us was more sightseeing focused...Many of the things I have listed would have been less important. Now it is far more about the ship, we do spend time in our suite...Whilst priority check in and being escorted on board is nice it is valued even more if you are less mobile than you were!

 

I totally understand guests who see many of the perks as ‘fluff’ and unnecessary to enjoy a cruise but we enjoy it!

[cheeseheads4ever]

We just booked our first suite on Celebrity Equinox. We got a deal where the premium drink pkg, WiFi, grats, and OBC were included. Plus we get to dine in Luminae which everyone says is very nice.

Room and balcony is bigger than a normal veranda. Plus you get the Retreat but from what I hear it’s not updated to the level of the Edge.

Price was great so will give it a try.

[TeeRick]

I book a suite because I have a lot of extra money to spend!😀

[peanut head]

We echo everything that Chemmo has said plus more.  We worked and continue to work hard and have come to realize that our rainy day(s) have arrived and want to enjoy the fruits of our labor.  We don't know what the future will bring and want to savor every moment in the here and now and for us, that may mean spending more.  Hey, you can't take it with you when you go to the great beyond.

 

We sometimes say to each other that when we book a suite (we have mainly stayed in RS but our next 2  cruises will be PH) we are on a cruise within a cruise.  The attention to detail and service is just a higher level which is pretty impressive since Celebrity already is great in those areas.  We don't have to worry about nickel and dime-ing once on board since more than all is included.

 

 

[KWW88]

Love the outdoor seating area at retreat lounge, one of my favorite places to sit and eat my lunch with a libation.  Celebrity retreat suite life, simply the best

[jelayne]

We book suites on long sailings with a lot of sea days.  We choose suites for the extra space, Laminae on the M & S class  since your menu choices area greater and the service.  
We spend very little time in Michaels Club/Retreat Lounge as we prefer the livelier atmosphere of the Martini Bar, Ensemble Lounge or Rendezvous Lounge depending upon the ship.  The Retreat Sundeck on Edge and  Apex  we would use but not on the other ships, minimal shade, no pool.

[cantstopingcruising]

19 minutes ago, KWW88 said:

Love the outdoor seating area at retreat lounge, one of my favorite places to sit and eat my lunch with a libation.  Celebrity retreat suite life, simply the best

Is there a lot of shade?  Thanks

[KWW88]

Just now, cantstopingcruising said:

Is there a lot of shade?  Thanks

totally covered

 

[KWW88]

1 minute ago, cantstopingcruising said:

Is there a lot of shade?  Thanks

https://www.cruisecritic.com/photos/ships/celebrity-edge-1130/the-retreat-lounge-420589/the-retreat-lounge--v493681

[BCHappyGal]

Once we booked our first suite - we were hooked .... yes I have sailed many times in both inside and Oceanview cabins in my younger days then I upgraded to Balcony (including Concierge & Aqua) but now we are definitely suite guests... love the extra special service, LUMINAE is wonderful and makes the extra cost of the suite well worth it, the Retreat Lounge where you are always greeted personally and your drink of choice is delivered plus afternoon tea every day  and they even make sure gluten free scones are served to my DH...  and the little extra touches provided by all the staff from housekeeping to Butler to bar to wait staff makes the extra money I pay money well spent in my eyes...

 

Especially if there are lots of sea days or this is an itinerary we have already sailed...

[gerelmx]

I don't book suites because with the extra money I can book another cruise

[KWW88]

4 minutes ago, BCHappyGal said:

Once we booked our first suite - we were hooked .... yes I have sailed many times in both inside and Oceanview cabins in my younger days then I upgraded to Balcony (including Concierge & Aqua) but now we are definitely suite guests... love the extra special service, LUMINAE is wonderful and makes the extra cost of the suite well worth it, the Retreat Lounge where you are always greeted personally and your drink of choice is delivered plus afternoon tea every day  and they even make sure gluten free scones are served to my DH...  and the little extra touches provided by all the staff from housekeeping to Butler to bar to wait staff makes the extra money I pay money well spent in my eyes...

 

Especially if there are lots of sea days or this is an itinerary we have already sailed...

My very first cruise was on NCL in a PH suite, a friend got it from her crazy gambling and invited me along.  The suite and ship were VERY tired but we still had a blast.  Next cruises were on Carnival and Royal, standard balcony room.  Then I went on the Summit in a suite (2x) before refurb, talk about upping the ante!!  Edge S3 suite on the Magic Carpet path, did not other us at all, but WOW what a ship and yes the Retreat to me, is a game changer on Edge/Apex.  Cannot ever NOT stay in a suite again for future cruises.

[39august]

On S class ships, only Silhoutte has the full "Retreat" sundeck upgrade. Equinox got the upgraded furniture, but no bar. And there is very LITTLE shade on either ship's Retreat sundeck.  On the other hand, what was called Michael's Club on those two ships is now called the Retreat Lounge with new furniture and a brighter look. Of the M class ships, Millie and Summit got the "Retreat" overhaul.  Someone else can comment on M and E class "Retreats". 

[Bruin Steve]

Having just booked two cruises in Sky Suites a couple of days ago...and having booked suites on occasion before...I still really had to think about this one.

 

First, yes, I COULD afford to book a suite every time...BUT my brain functions a little differently than some others. 

 

I do like having lots of extra space.  I always joke about how we leave our 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom several thousand square foot home to go live in a 180 square foot single room with one tiny bathroom...and love it.  One cruise, on Oceania Marina, we had an Oceania suite--with two large bathrooms...and I got one to myself...and it was wonderful!  But, the Sky Suites we just booked still just have one bathroom--so I will occasionally get to use it when my wife lets me.

 

But, then, I ask myself, "How much time during a cruise do we really spend in the cabin?...other than to sleep and change clothing..."  Well, the answer is not very much.  We loved having our own hot tub on the balcony on that Oceania cruise...but it was a 16 night Europe itinerary with only two at sea days...so we didn't use the hot tub all that much...

 

So, I start with the idea that, yes, I can afford it, yes, I like it...but do I really need it?  Now, if, OTOH, I could not only afford it, but I had SO MUCH money, I couldn't give it away fast enough, then its a no-brainer--take the Suite...take the LARGEST suite.  But, for me, I still weigh the value...If I am getting a great deal, then book it...OTOH, if it costs a lot more for not that much perceived value, go with something else...and book one or two more cruises with that extra money.

 

I remember when I used to take vacations and stay in a tent and sleeping bag...or at a Motel 6 (Don't laugh...way back at the beginning of my career, when I first got out of Law School, I worked as a lawyer for Motel 6...and got free rooms)...so ANY cabin on a cruise ship works for me.

[phe8800]

14 minutes ago, 39august said:

On S class ships, only Silhoutte has the full "Retreat" sundeck upgrade. Equinox got the upgraded furniture, but no bar. And there is very LITTLE shade on either ship's Retreat sundeck.  On the other hand, what was called Michael's Club on those two ships is now called the Retreat Lounge with new furniture and a brighter look. Of the M class ships, Millie and Summit got the "Retreat" overhaul.  Someone else can comment on M and E class "Retreats". 

 

I really hope they get a chance to finish the retreat-upgrade on Equinox, before our Caribbean cruise in October 2022 .. 

[KWW88]

29 minutes ago, Bruin Steve said:

Having just booked two cruises in Sky Suites a couple of days ago...and having booked suites on occasion before...I still really had to think about this one.

 

First, yes, I COULD afford to book a suite every time...BUT my brain functions a little differently than some others. 

 

I do like having lots of extra space.  I always joke about how we leave our 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom several thousand square foot home to go live in a 180 square foot single room with one tiny bathroom...and love it.  One cruise, on Oceania Marina, we had an Oceania suite--with two large bathrooms...and I got one to myself...and it was wonderful!  But, the Sky Suites we just booked still just have one bathroom--so I will occasionally get to use it when my wife lets me.

 

But, then, I ask myself, "How much time during a cruise do we really spend in the cabin?...other than to sleep and change clothing..."  Well, the answer is not very much.  We loved having our own hot tub on the balcony on that Oceania cruise...but it was a 16 night Europe itinerary with only two at sea days...so we didn't use the hot tub all that much...

 

So, I start with the idea that, yes, I can afford it, yes, I like it...but do I really need it?  Now, if, OTOH, I could not only afford it, but I had SO MUCH money, I couldn't give it away fast enough, then its a no-brainer--take the Suite...take the LARGEST suite.  But, for me, I still weigh the value...If I am getting a great deal, then book it...OTOH, if it costs a lot more for not that much perceived value, go with something else...and book one or two more cruises with that extra money.

 

I remember when I used to take vacations and stay in a tent and sleeping bag...or at a Motel 6 (Don't laugh...way back at the beginning of my career, when I first got out of Law School, I worked as a lawyer for Motel 6...and got free rooms)...so ANY cabin on a cruise ship works for me.

The good old days when times were bad!  Most likely for me going forward, will only be sailing on E-Class and Summit now that it has been refurbished, though that Retreat area does not have a pool.  Suites have really spoiled me, and as I only do 12+ day cruises and almost always with at least 4 days at sea, having the larger room and balcony makes all the difference in the world.  Love the butler and room stewards, they just really work so hard to make it so special.  On sea days, always take my breakfast on the balcony and the outdoor seating area of the Retreat lounge is lovely for lunch and drinks.  

[George C]

We now always book suites, Celebrity has some great suite perks , have done suites on a few lines and their suite restaurant is by far the best, have not done a ship yet with the Retreat but love their suite lounge with free drinks from morning to late night, service in suite lounge and Luminae is both fantastic. Concierge helps you with any problems you may have and so does your butler and of course your suite is much nicer and larger than any normal cabins. Have done sky suites a few times , tried Celebrity suite and now love the Royal suites which offers many additional perks such as unlimited specialty dining, even though we normally eat at Luminae . Getting escorted off the ship and beating the rush at end of the cruise is a great way to end the cruise.

[garyl62]

I echo everything Chemmo said.  We started booking Sky Suites, and are now moving up through CS to RS and a PH so we're excited to see some of the added experiences those will bring. 

 

For me it's the real sense of being on a vacation.  When I go on vacation I go to escape into a different world and experience things I don't have every day at home.  We are pretty basic in our day to day lives with a few exceptions, but we still drive a 10 year old car, brown bag it to work each day, don't eat out much and get our grocery's for the most part at Walmart.  When we cruise we want to get away from our day to day and enjoy all the amenities of a suite and the extras it brings.  We don't expect to be waited on constantly and at time feel uncomfortable when we re, but it's a fun period of time we enjoy before going back to our everyday lives.

[C-Dragons]

3 hours ago, cantstopingcruising said:

Is there a lot of shade?  Thanks

If you are asking about the outdoor Retreat areas, the only ships which have lots of coverage are Edge and Apex.

One of the biggest criticisms about the outdoor Retreat areas added to other X ships is the lack of shade. 

[Lastdance]

9 hours ago, cheeseheads4ever said:

We just booked our first suite on Celebrity Equinox. We got a deal where the premium drink pkg, WiFi, grats, and OBC were included. Plus we get to dine in Luminae which everyone says is very nice.

Room and balcony is bigger than a normal veranda. Plus you get the Retreat but from what I hear it’s not updated to the level of the Edge.

Price was great so will give it a try.

Those items are included with a suite, along with other cabins as well.  Yes, the rooms/balconies are larger, and there are many great perks.  If you feel you got a great deal that is a perfect reason for trying, but you many not want to go back from the suite life.  Equinox is different from Edge and Apex.  Also, if you want a special dinner in Luminae, ask if it is possible, not to mention your post should give you a lot of answers to questions with some tips!  For me, the entire atmosphere is something special, especially meeting new cruisers and sharing experiences in different venues.

Edited April 11, 2021 by Lastdance

[sn2792]

We really like Luminae and the Retreat lounge. However, we don’t book a suite unless the prices are decent. If they are higher than we want to spend, we book aqua class for Blu and then place a bid for a move up to a suite, which we have had success.

[Ashland]

7 hours ago, garyl62 said:

I echo everything Chemmo said.  We started booking Sky Suites, and are now moving up through CS to RS and a PH so we're excited to see some of the added experiences those will bring. 

 

For me it's the real sense of being on a vacation.  When I go on vacation I go to escape into a different world and experience things I don't have every day at home.  We are pretty basic in our day to day lives with a few exceptions, but we still drive a 10 year old car, brown bag it to work each day, don't eat out much and get our grocery's for the most part at Walmart.  When we cruise we want to get away from our day to day and enjoy all the amenities of a suite and the extras it brings.  We don't expect to be waited on constantly and at time feel uncomfortable when we re, but it's a fun period of time we enjoy before going back to our everyday lives.

Enjoyed reading your down to earth narrative and views on life.

Happy, healthy and safe travels.

[Cruise a holic]

We book a suite because we enjoy the extra room and perks.  Love the suite lounge.  The service makes the vacation that we work hard for seem even more special.  The added room and storage in the suite is wonderful.  We enjoy Luminae, the suite restaurant.  Service excellent and the ambiance so perfect.  The butler service and priority everything so worth it.  We enjoy all of the suite perks.  

 

On the Edge, the suite deck is just perfect.  No crowds- the staff knows you- 

 

In my opinion, if you can afford it- go for it- If you cannot- just enjoy what your budget will allow.