Celebrity noob questions

[ScreamWithMe]

Hello!

 

I’ve been on 20 or so cruises (typically on NCL, RC, Carnival), but not in quite some time and never on Celebrity.  I’ve done a ton of reading, but hoping anyone could help with a few specific/recent questions.   I am booked on:

 

Celebrity Apex – Sky Suite (12 nights)

Celebrity Eclipse – Penthouse Suite (13 nights)

 

My questions are:

-          Drinks:   I think that everything is included with what I booked, so I should just ignore the premium drink packages that are offered in the pre-cruise planning?   I am confused as to why they are offering this if it is already included. We don't drink that much if that matters.

-          Specialty dining:  I don’t think this is included in my rooms, but we would probably go every other night (typically on the sea days).   If I book the multi-night package in advance then can I make reservations?

-          Tips:  I know Celebrity says tips are included, but outside of that who should I tip and how much given the room I have?

-          Private shore excursions:  In the past I’ve typically booked private excursions for the two of us.  I saw Celebrity has a program where they can book for you.   Is this worthwhile?  I wouldn’t mind paying a more for convenience, but probably am comfortable with 35% more rather than booking something local.

-          Are masks still required in the gym?  (both of us are triple vaxxed if that matters -  not working out for 2 weeks would be a big concern for me)

 

Thank you!   We're looking forward to our first trip with Celebrity!

[chemmo]

They are two different classes of ship. Premium drinks package will be included on both. 

 

The Apex is much newer and has a dedicated suite restaurant, lounge and deck area with pool. The suite you are booking is a standard level suite. Speciality dining is not included. I hope others will comment more, I can’t as I haven’t experienced.

 

The Eclipse is an S class, so older but still stylish. As yet it has not had a full suite makeover but does have a suite restaurant and suite lounge but no suite deck area. The room is the top suite. We have done it and it simply is a decadence of light and space with a good sized balcony. Speciality dining is included along with complementary laundry and an in suite bar set up, personal escort on board and in our experience a higher service level. A concierge will contact you about two weeks before cruising and can arrange all your complementary dining, discuss you in suite bar set up (spirits, beers, sodas), pillow choice, room set up and any other requests.

 

Two very different set ups both offering great holidays!

 

If you want to try new with a more dedicated suite area then Apex will win. If you want a nicer suite and more included perks then Eclipse PH will win…

 

I can only suggest you spend some time on line viewing videos of ship and room tours to get an idea.

Edited February 18, 2022 by chemmo

[pauly]

You will have a butler - gratuities/tips are included, but you can always give more.

For Specialty Restaurants - you will already be in Luminae.

[Cruise a holic]

The penthouse is a special experience- very different then the sky suite.  While we have sailed in a royal suite , celebrity suite and sky suite on all classes of ships, nothing compares IMO to a Royal suite of those we have sailed in.    The bath and 1/2 are wonderful!  the space in a larger suite also great!  we enjoy specialty dining and dine all nights in a specialty restaurant.  Probably included in the Penthouse, but we would buy a package if not.   We also enjoy luminae for breakfast and occasionally lunch.  

 

The retreat deck on the Edge class is wonderful.  So even if you have an entry level suite you have access to these facilities.  But bottom line is your budget.  On the older ships, we enjoy Michael's club, but not the retreat deck as it lacks all of the ambiance of the Edge class Retreat sun deck.  We tip additional, if we feel service by any ship employee,  in any class exceeded our expectations.  Never did a private shore X, but with covid now, if you can afford it- try it.

 

 We are triple vaxed and yet my DH had Omicron- just like a medium level cold fortunately as he was immunized.  I never caught it from him.  No buses for us. 

Edited February 18, 2022 by Cruise a holic

[NCHPcruiser]

Drinks:  Included 

 

Specialty Dining:   Sky Suite-none are included so that’s when you would purchasing a dining package.  Luminae is quite good though and much, much better than RCL’s suite restaurant.   On a 12 or 13 night cruise though we would also try the specialty restaurants.  

                                Penthouse Suite-unlimited specialty dining is included. (Unlimited specialty is included in Royal Suites and above.) 

 

Tips:  Included with both suites.  Many (us included) tip extra (generally at the end of the cruise) for service that has exceeded the expected basic level.  To us this means extra service from anyone on the ship from  Butlers, Retreat concierge, bartenders or bathroom attendants, etc.  

 

Private Shore excursions:  We usually book private shore excursions on our own.  I have read several reviews where people have used Celebrity to book these though, especially in ports where only Celebrity tours were permitted.  The cost posted, at least to me, seemed excessive and probably closer to 50-100% more than if booked personally.  If this were the only way off the ship without doing a large tour, we might consider it.   The Retreat concierge would probably be the person to talk with to arrange this (though I could be wrong).

 

Mask:  No longer required on the ship except in the casino and Theater.   

 

I hope you enjoy your first Celebrity cruises!

 

[graphicguy]

As others pointed out, two different ships (literally two different classes of ships).

 

The APEX is Celebrity’s newest ship sailing right now.  As such, it has all the new furnishings, amenities, and features Celebrity offers.

 

I have sailed APEX’s sister, the EDGE, twice.  Both times, I was in a Sky Suite.  It was a VERY NICE cabin.  Bed overlooks the ocean, facing the balcony.  The curtains were power operated (nice to wake up and hit a button to see what the day holds from your bed).  The Bathroom had a window/mirror that slid open to see the room and the balcony.  The bathroom had a tub/shower.  All-in-all, just a very nice cabin.

 

Granted, I don’t know much about the Penthouse Suite on the Eclipse.  But, I can’t imagine needing anything more than the Sky Suite offers on the APEX.  If you’re a family and need extra room/beds, then that equation changes in favor of the Eclipse Penthouse.

 

Either Cruise, either cabin…

 

Premium drinks are included-That includes specialty coffees, juices, etc.   I would be hard pressed to find anything I would possibly want that wasn’t offered on the included Premium Drinks package.

So yes, ignore the offer shown on the WEB site it “upgrade”.  You’re already upgraded.

 

Tips-included.  But,  my personal concierge, as well as the concierges in the Retreat were very helpful to me.  I did give a bit extra to them. Nothing crazy.  I gave $50 to my personal concierge and $50 to the Retreat concierge.

 

Private Shore Excursions…..ordinarily, I’d say go for it.  Now? Probably stick to the Celebrity excursions and use up the included OBC.  Reasons should be obvious.  You’ll have a safety net of Celebrity with their sponsored excursions.  More important now, than ever.

 

As of right this second (literally, because it could always change), masks are only required in the Casino and the Theater.  And, that’s only if you aren’t drinking.  Should be fine in the gym.

 

Specialty Dining-you’ll be dining in the premium, Retreat only restaurant, LUMINAE.  It’s really good in its own right.  But, if you’re going to explore outside if that, check out EDEN.  One of the best meals/service I’ve ever had.  Plus, on the APEX, it overlooks the AFT of the ship, so the views are wonderful while you’re dining.  Have tried Raw on 5.  Good, in its own right.  But, nowhere near EDEN.  The others I’ve never tried.

 

No bad answers here.  Personally, I always pick the newer ship, given the choice.  APEX is as new as they come for Celebirty.

 

Edited February 18, 2022 by graphicguy

[PTC DAWG]

I have sailed NCL and Royal..if you like nice things, which is seems you do seeing the cabins you have booked, you are in for a treat.  

 

Enjoy your cruise.  

[Jim_Iain]

Wanted to point out that while you are on the Eclipse in a Penthouse you will get amenities with the room in addition to the perks you got with the booking.

 

Bar Setup with 2 Liter bottles of the booze of your choice, beer and soft drinks are stocked and also included

 

Unlimited Specialty Dining for no additional cost

 

Laundry and dry Cleaning

 

Your room will also have a Coffee Maker and a Tea Kettle.  

 

Your butler will eave you more snacks than you could ever consume and a nice little treat in a clear plastic box each evening.

[DCPIV]

Luminae is great, and we enjoy it immensely.  However, there's little good reason not to take some advantage of the unlimited specialty dining while you're on Eclipse for 13 nights.  Murano most certainly is worth a try for dinner.  Sushi on 5 is terrific for lunch. 

[Julma]

I can speak to the Apex Sky Suite.  Have been on the Edge/Apex 6 times in the last 6 months.  4 weeks in a SS and 2 weeks in an IV.  The SS is a very nice room and the Retreat areas are nice.  With Sky Suite being the lowest class of suites, you are really not doted on as you in the higher suites.  Luminae is very good, but can get tiresome on long cruises.  Overall great ships.

 

It's what's important to you, but I'd go with the nicer category.  Sounds amazing.  One note about the Retreat Pool Deck, if it rains it is at least 60% unusable.  Very few spaces under true cover and the cushions get soaked.  It took days for some of them to dry out.  

 

 

[Julma]

56 minutes ago, Julma said:

I can speak to the Apex Sky Suite.  Have been on the Edge/Apex 6 times in the last 6 months.  4 weeks in a SS and 2 weeks in an IV.  The SS is a very nice room and the Retreat areas are nice.  With Sky Suite being the lowest class of suites, you are really not doted on as you in the higher suites.  Luminae is very good, but can get tiresome on long cruises.  Overall great ships.

 

It's what's important to you, but I'd go with the nicer category.  Sounds amazing.  One note about the Retreat Pool Deck, if it rains it is at least 60% unusable.  Very few spaces under true cover and the cushions get soaked.  It took days for some of them to dry out.  

 

 

Sorry thought you were trying to make a decision.  Doing both is amazing and you've received some great info. 

 

[39august]

I want to stress what someone else has already  posted. Luminae, the suite only dining room on any Celebrity ship is WAY better than the Coastal Kitchen, RCI's suite dining room

[chemmo]

11 hours ago, 39august said:

I want to stress what someone else has already  posted. Luminae, the suite only dining room on any Celebrity ship is WAY better than the Coastal Kitchen, RCI's suite dining room

Agree. However, many guests do find the Luminae menu limited (us included). This is not a problem with the Eclipse cruise chosen as the MDR menu is available also and the OP has unlimited speciality dining included with their suite.
 

However, on Apex there is no back up MDR menu, just a few everyday items. The OP can pay for and book some speciality dining or a package although I have read some reports that one restaurant (Fine Cut?) frequently only has late slots on boarding…The OP may want to supplement Luminae by visiting some of the 4 MDR restaurants which seem to have better reviews than the one main restaurant on S class.

 

It would be interesting to read reviews from the OP after experiencing lower suite on newer ship vs higher suite on older ship…Which will give the best overall cruise experience?

[pauly]

Some people don't need 3 bedrooms and a grand piano and would rather spend their money  on experiences. 

 

Also, 83% of the suites are "entry-level" sky suites.

[chemmo]

20 minutes ago, pauly said:

Some people don't need 3 bedrooms and a grand piano and would rather spend their money  on experiences. 

 

Also, 83% of the suites are "entry-level" sky suites.

Exactly, that is why choosing the room to suit you is so important.

 

When we were young cruising was all about destinations. We spent long days touring and in the evenings we were rarely in our room until we were ready to sleep. As we have got older (and less mobile) the ship is more of a destination in its own right. We do spend time in our suite, love sitting out on our own balcony and enjoy that extra service a suite offers. Many guests only book suites occasionally for a special occasion or a crash out.

 

No right or wrong rooms on a ship, just the right room for you at that time on that cruise!

 

One of the real strengths of CC, in my opinion, is reading about rooms I am considering….How big is the balcony? How much storage? Any noise? Could I choose better? Videos and pictures are useful but it is really valuable to get information from people who have actually experienced a specific room type.

 

 

Edited February 19, 2022 by chemmo