Apex Review by an M Class Fan, part 1

[cunn9004]

Part #1  Back story, haven't cruised in five long years due to a series of life changes.  2019 Galapagos cruised cancelled due to open heart to repair a congenital defect, the surgery wasn't so bad but the 6 months of temporary blindness episodes after, were life altering.  During that time my best buddy Stuart, an eight year old golden doodle died of bone cancer, we moved, built a house during covid and then I suddenly lost my best friend and sister.  Life challenges but I've keep my Faith and believed better days would come.

 

I will admit to being a happy optimist but I can also be stubborn and not quick to adapt to change.  So here I am on Apex, this was supposed to be a cruise with my daughter and I booked us in a Sky Suite.  When she decided not come we subbed in my husband and decided this was perfect as we will be on Apex in September '23 for a British Isles, 12 nighter in a Celebrity Suite.  

 

Disclaimer, I am a lover of M class ships.  I love the older, traditional vibe and the coziness of it.  You really get to know your staff and fellow passengers in a way that I feel even an S class doesn't offer.  Edge class was never going to "my" thing, I knew this the minute I saw the first renderings but I'm trying to keep an open mind.  If you want only positive things, stop reading right now. I'm all about the good, bad and plain ugly from my perspective and I appreciate your opinion may vary.

 

We drove to Florida from Michigan, stopping to visit family and friends along the way.  We arrived in Ft Lauderdale the day before the cruise and stayed at the Hilton Marina.  Saturday morning we drove the few miles to the Park N Go, caught their shuttle and were in the Suite check-in line in no time.  We were ushered right in and up the elevator to suite security and the lounge.  

 

This was the nicest embarkation experience we have ever had.  Seated at little groupings, the staff come to you to check you in while you nosh on breakfast/lunch goodies.  So stress free.  Once onboard you proceed to your cabin to drop your bags, we did wander just a bit trying to figure out how to get to our room and with only two elevators it took a little bit to get oriented.  I will say that getting on the ship was a bit anticlimactic, one or two staff, mostly cleaning people around so not a big greeting and no welcome aboard photo (yes they are cheesy but after five years I would have been all in).  Ahhh, I fondly remember the days of the welcome aboard bubbly and an escort to your cabin.  

 

The cabin was spotless and a nice size, love the bed facing the slider, good storage, however the closets would have benefited from inside lightening as the ceiling lights in the entry way do not adequately light the closet interior.  Minor miss.  Tons of hangers, first cruise where I didn't have to request extra.  

 

Bathroom is GREAT.  Love the sliding mirrors over the sink to let the light in.  Took a while to find the tiny waste basket down under the vanity - really a miss.  Too small, hard to find and reach, my solution was to take the wastebasket from next to the desk area and place in the bathroom.  We will talk about the Butler and Room Steward later but in years past one of them would have noticed that we moved the waste basket and would have offered to bring an additional one.  I realize I could request one but for seven nights seems silly.

 

The other bathroom fail is the plug next to the vanity is set so low to the counter that my travel hair dryer couldn't be plugged in.  Tried the charging station next to the desk area with the same result, the only place I could plug it in was the far side of the bed.  Not convenient and no I do not want to use Celebrity's dryer as you have to continually hold the button down for it to work.  Spoiled people problems but this is a review so I'm being honest. 

 

Enough for now but I will continue later with a review of the Suite areas and the service.  

 

Ship has been rocking and rolling since leaving Ft Lauderdale, yesterday was a sea day and at 3:00 today we dock at San Juan.

 

Jane

[Texed]

Jane,

Looking forward to your complete review. We are on Apex in January. 😊

[Tak8]

I'll be on in May.  Looking forward to the rest of the story.

[yvonneh]

Following! Thank you. We booked the Apex in June. First E Class for us.

[sunpsyche]

Following along.  We enjoyed the Apex and Edge, but Millennium class is our favorite also.

Glad you’re well enough to travel now.

[cunn9004]

Part  #2

 

One additional comment about the cabin, there are no life jackets.  These would now be handed out at the Muster Station.  😒      Now picture if you will an emergency.  The signal sounds, people would be panicked.  The stair ways packed with crowds of people all trying to go up or down to get to their station to get a life jacket.  The days of courtesy are as gone as the Titanic.  I can see getting to the muster station and people pushing, shoving to get to those life jackets.  I pray we would never have to find out but call me crazy, I'd like a life jacket in my cabin.  

 

Cabin location - #11199 port side right near the aft elevators.  There is an overhang which is new to me but I don't mind, real balcony with three chairs and small table that doubles as a foot rest.  Could you ask for a lounger, yes, would you get one, who knows.  It would really crowd the space.  The Retreat, Retreat Pool Deck and Luminae are forward so this cabin requires a hike to get back and forth, which is good considering the calories we are eating.  If you don't want to do this much walking - try to move more forward.  A sunset suite would be an even further walk.

 

We loved the Retreat Lounge (old Michaels Club) on the M class.  A perfect location as it was central to all the other public locations.  Near the photo studio, shops El Bacio, not far to the Martini Bar, casino, etc.  This Retreat Lounge is so remote that I doubt most cruisers know it exists unless they go searching.  We had to go searching and Luminae is so tucked away as to not be found easily.

 

These areas are exclusive, maybe too exclusive (is that a thing) for me.  You literally would never have to leave the suite area if you didn't want too.  So if that is your goal, you will love this.  I love the M class on this point where I can duck in to the lounge to escape the crowds, then pop back out to be back in the flow.     

 

The Retreat Lounge has seemed under utilized when we have been there, very few people except for pre-dinner.  I felt very badly for the bar tender last evening (Chic night).  It was empty and then he was slammed.  He had no server.  So people would walk to the bar to order, then he made the drinks and had to deliver them to the table.  People were waiting and getting frustrated.  I see no reason why there isn't a server assigned during peak hours to help out.  I saw one lady just give up and leave.  A service issue.

 

The Retreat Deck is really something.  Loved having a cabana type lounger and the service level here is excellent.  No need going to the bar for beverages, servers were plentiful and after a day, remember your name.  Pool is small, but for a dip to cool off adequate, I don't do hot tubs but people seemed to enjoy it although it isn't large.  

 

We were up there very early yesterday, we got to see some chair hogs stake their claim.  Most did return within a hour but a few couples didn't return for many hours and were shocked their spots were gone.  🙂  People were showing up and with no place to lay, they asked the wait staff to remove personal items from loungers but the servers must have called for backup because here came uniformed staff members, perhaps the Lounge hosts.  They try to be non confrontational but they did not give the chair hogs their spots back.  I thanked them as I left.  This is a win for those that follow the rules.

 

The bathrooms for the Retreat Deck are in a strange location and are really hard to find.  Located between two sliding doors, hard to notice and a single bathroom so if there is a line, you are standing between two sliding doors are people are passing through.  Weird.  Not just in the Retreat area but most bathrooms have this touchless system of opening the doors, sometimes it takes me severals attempts to get them to work.  Just about the time I could panic at being trapped, they finally open.  

 

Luminae, as always is good and the service has been excellent.  Every single person is smiling and bending over backwards to look after you.  We have found a spot we prefer and they now automatically seat us there.  

 

Which leads me to mention that I find a lack of hand sanitizers.  I walked to the buffet today to take a look and they have an awesome hand washing station but last night at the Grand Plaza with the Martini Bar, I looked for stations near the stairs with their hand rails and couldn't find a one.  I realize hand sanitizer dispensers are ugly but I'd rather see more than having to search them out.  I recommend you carry your own at all times and two bottles were provided in the cabin.

 

We have had some really personable Butlers over the years but not this trip.  We weren't expecting much as we know there are far more suites on Edge class ships and being in a Sky we are at the bottom of the pecking order.  Good thing we had our expectations lined up or we would be disappointed.  This Butler is not friendly but he does his job, although no striving to find ways to please.  Just the bare bones basic duties no anticipating needs with this one.  I did ask for the champagne to be switched out for Fre (alcohol  removed) sparkling wine and that was done, but then he removed the champagne bucket and so into the fridge it went.  I avoid him if I can.  His orientation speech went so long that I started unpacking while he droned on.  He went over things we told him we already knew but then didn't explain the shower controls which are a bit tricky at first.  It will be interesting to see if next fall our service is any better as we will be a tiny step up from the bottle of the barrel.  🤣

 

Random comments, theatre is very nice and the two shows we've seen were good.  Tree of Life and a comedian.  The evening band playing in the Grand Plaza (which isn't grand at all IMHO) is really sad.  From the Caribbean they don't understand the rhythm of many songs and they are just "off".  DJ has been good and the Silent Disco was fun.

 

The Grand Plaza is not very large and other than the cool light show during the Martini Bar show, really underwhelming.  No grand staircase.  Just meh.  I find that this ship actually feels small because it is so chopped up.  The Club which replaces the (insert brain fart) bar on the upper floor of the older ships feels like a dark basement.  No an upscale feel, just a dark, stark bar.  I don't get it at all.

 

Magic Carpet is fun and different, Oceanview looked clean and with lots of choices as you would expect.  Spa services have been good but I feel the pricing has really gone up, but what hasn't.  We are trying the Rooftop Grill in a few nights so will report back on that, I've heard mixed reviews.  Cafe el Bacio is good as always but many times I can't get a server and end up at the counter which is fine but then you don't get the china service.  Not many officers out and about.  

 

Walked through the pool area with it's LOUD music and I'm glad to be able to not be a part of that.  Reminds me of my first cruise which was on Carnival.  No thank you.  I don't know how many are onboard but nothing seems crowded.  

 

Masks, very few wearing masks, I think I've seen one staff member and the rest guests but more the oddity.  I've spotted a total of 3 children.

 

We are enjoying ourselves, learning the lay of the land so to speak.  Eating and relaxing.  This is only our 2nd full day so I am not making a conclusive decision about Edge class, time will tell.  I am grateful beyond words to be here!   

 

If anyone has questions, I will check back.  🙂

 

Jane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mafig]

I'm really surprised and a bit concerned reading again about chair hogs on the Retreat Deck.  It seems like, perhaps, the Lounge hosts are trying to resolve this.  

Looking forward to hearing more about Luminae.  Does it feel crowded.  Are tables close together?

Edited December 5, 2022 by mafig

[Honolulu Blue]

40 minutes ago, cunn9004 said:

I find a lack of hand sanitizers.  I walked to the buffet today to take a look and they have an awesome hand washing station but last night at the Grand Plaza with the Martini Bar, I looked for stations near the stairs with their hand rails and couldn't find a one.  I realize hand sanitizer dispensers are ugly but I'd rather see more than having to search them out.  I recommend you carry your own at all times and two bottles were provided in the cabin.

First of all, thanks for sharing.  Please continue!

 

The lack of hand sanitizer stations on your ship seems unusual.  I've noticed them in the stairwell of every ship I've been on since the restart (not just Celebrity).  They didn't always WORK, but they were always there.  I don't think we're far enough advanced that anyone would actually remove them.  I also got two bottles of hand sanitizer on my cruise on the Millie last month.

[Big_G]

Where is Luminae on Apex? 

[davekathy]

10 minutes ago, Big_G said:

Where is Luminae on Apex? 

Deck 12 port side. 

[Big_G]

59 minutes ago, davekathy said:

Deck 12 port side. 

 

Thank you. I thought 12 was all cabins so I kept looking for it on 15 and 16 on the deck plans.

Edited December 5, 2022 by Big_G

[twincheryl]

2 hours ago, cunn9004 said:

We are enjoying ourselves, learning the lay of the land so to speak.  Eating and relaxing.  This is only our 2nd full day so I am not making a conclusive decision about Edge class, time will tell.  I am grateful beyond words to be here!   

 

If anyone has questions, I will check back.  🙂

 

Jane

Thanks so much for your review so far.  We are on our first Apex cruise in Jan, and agree our favorite ships are M class.  We are Sunset Veranda people, no suites, so it will be interesting to see how it all feels.  Hopefully ok, since we have 2 more E class booked... lol... always easy to move to something else if need be, but staying positive about it.

 

Our biggest issue is that the 3 of us really enjoy sitting in SkyLounge reading or listening to trivia, etc. and know that isn't an option with E class.  Someone said that Eden has little "alcove" areas for sitting and at least getting some natural light from windows, although not forward facing.  Have you seen anything like that as you walk thru there or up the "ramp"? 

 

Anxious to hear what else you have to report...

[t18c97]

Location, location, location. We did the Millennium in a RS and we had the same issue you had with the distance with the Retreat Lounge and the deck being at the opposite end of the ship. We've done the Apex in a CS, cabin 11113, and loved the location in relation to Luminae, the lounge and the deck as they were all forward on the ship, just an elevator ride away, which was almost right outside our door (never heard elevator noise). 

[kwokpot]

1 hour ago, twincheryl said:

Thanks so much for your review so far.  We are on our first Apex cruise in Jan, and agree our favorite ships are M class.  We are Sunset Veranda people, no suites, so it will be interesting to see how it all feels.  Hopefully ok, since we have 2 more E class booked... lol... always easy to move to something else if need be, but staying positive about it.

 

Our biggest issue is that the 3 of us really enjoy sitting in SkyLounge reading or listening to trivia, etc. and know that isn't an option with E class.  Someone said that Eden has little "alcove" areas for sitting and at least getting some natural light from windows, although not forward facing.  Have you seen anything like that as you walk thru there or up the "ramp"? 

 

Anxious to hear what else you have to report...

There are seating areas throughout the ramp as rea in Eden on E Class ships. Some are directly opposite the panoramic aft windows, some are further removed. Check out these pictures. 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2612138-quiet-mellow-spaces-on-edge/?do=findComment&comment=56299718

Edited December 5, 2022 by kwokpot

[cunn9004]

On 12/5/2022 at 2:30 PM, mafig said:

I'm really surprised and a bit concerned reading again about chair hogs on the Retreat Deck.  It seems like, perhaps, the Lounge hosts are trying to resolve this.  

Looking forward to hearing more about Luminae.  Does it feel crowded.  Are tables close together?

Sorry it took so long to get back to you, I was busy vacationing 🤣  They are addressing the chair hogs but you may have to tell them that no one has been in the chairs for a while for them to take action.  Although I did see one couple lost their loungers while eating a hamburger just 20 feet away.  

 

Luminae did not feel crowed although the tables are close.  Some worse than others.  Try different areas till you find one you prefer.

[cunn9004]

On 12/5/2022 at 2:52 PM, Honolulu Blue said:

First of all, thanks for sharing.  Please continue!

 

The lack of hand sanitizer stations on your ship seems unusual.  I've noticed them in the stairwell of every ship I've been on since the restart (not just Celebrity).  They didn't always WORK, but they were always there.  I don't think we're far enough advanced that anyone would actually remove them.  I also got two bottles of hand sanitizer on my cruise on the Millie last month.

They also gave us two small bottles in the cabin and we used them along with our own.  I was never worried about getting sick but there was a lot of people coughing around the ship.  More hand sanitizer stations IMHO would be better.

[cunn9004]

On 12/5/2022 at 4:16 PM, twincheryl said:

Thanks so much for your review so far.  We are on our first Apex cruise in Jan, and agree our favorite ships are M class.  We are Sunset Veranda people, no suites, so it will be interesting to see how it all feels.  Hopefully ok, since we have 2 more E class booked... lol... always easy to move to something else if need be, but staying positive about it.

 

Our biggest issue is that the 3 of us really enjoy sitting in SkyLounge reading or listening to trivia, etc. and know that isn't an option with E class.  Someone said that Eden has little "alcove" areas for sitting and at least getting some natural light from windows, although not forward facing.  Have you seen anything like that as you walk thru there or up the "ramp"? 

 

Anxious to hear what else you have to report...

Ahhh the Sky Lounge - I loved them and no nothing like them but take heart ❤️  There are many cozy reading spots around the ship and Eden has many different little areas inside and out to find a spot to read.  

 

Our next cruise is 12 nights back on Apex and while M class will always be my favorite, there are plenty of reasons to like the Edge class ships.

[cunn9004]

On 12/5/2022 at 4:55 PM, t18c97 said:

Location, location, location. We did the Millennium in a RS and we had the same issue you had with the distance with the Retreat Lounge and the deck being at the opposite end of the ship. We've done the Apex in a CS, cabin 11113, and loved the location in relation to Luminae, the lounge and the deck as they were all forward on the ship, just an elevator ride away, which was almost right outside our door (never heard elevator noise). 

We will have 11109 next Apex cruise so will be far forward, easier for sure but then the calories burned aren't the same  LOL  That walking track is really something - gotta love that.

[terrydtx]

On 12/5/2022 at 3:11 PM, Big_G said:

 

Thank you. I thought 12 was all cabins so I kept looking for it on 15 and 16 on the deck plans.

The Edge and Apex have Luminae on deck 12 forward port side. On the Beyond and new Ascent it is located on deck 16 forward under the Retreat sun deck on deck 17.

[terrydtx]

I am following we will be on the Apex next September from Amsterdam to Athens, and we are in SS# 11199 the same as the OP. I look forward to some pictures of the cabin. My sister and BIL are in the adjoining cabin 11197.  We have never sailed in any of the M class ships but love the S class Equinox and Reflection. We have only sailed on Celebrity in Sky Suites, and I doubt we would ever like a non-suite IV cabin on the E Class ships.

 

I am also surprised about the lack of hand sanitizer stations; on the Reflection in August from Rome they were everywhere on the ship, and we were even greeted by crew members when we boarded at all ports with sanitizers for our hands. 

[cunn9004]

Part #3

 

I will work backwards now as today was disembarkation.  The EASIEST we have ever had.  Luggage out by 6:00 the evening before (suites getting priority).  We took our hand luggage to the Retreat Lounge at 6:15, enjoyed some coffee then left the luggage and headed down one floor for breakfast at 6:30 in Luminae.  

 

Back to the lounge and at 7:45 they texted me that we were ready to go.  We picked up a porter, got our luggage, caught the Park N Go shuttle and in our vehicle by 8:10 --- kid you not, that quick.  The Park N Go had our SUV out and waiting.  I'm impressed!

 

Sadly had a bit of fall on the ship's excursion to Nevis, won't go into it (long story about being guilted into a mineral hot spring) but needless to say I got to met the ships doctor, lovely young lady and nice experience.  Injury to hand was minor (split my palm open a bit), no stitches and they covered the cost as it was their excursion.  They did give us a partial refund as we had hardly gotten started, the tour company also cover the boat ride back to St Kitts and had a driver waiting as we docked on the far side of the island.  All in all good response.

 

We dined at the Rooftop Grill and while hearing good and bad reviews - we had a phenomenal meal there. Windy a bit but beautiful, good service but not overbearing.  I had the ribs and they were delish.  The Cookie was so darn good but wow, really rich.

 

Tried Deal or No Deal and it was fun even though we didn't win anything.  Did not gamble and only shopped for Rum Cakes and a few bottles of alcohol for gifts.  

 

I stand by my thoughts that the ship seems chopped up and the Grand Plaza cannot compare to the grandeur of the M and S class.  The service was top notch and we sailed at about 70% full (according to a staff member).  

 

I was told that they expect 450ish kids over Christmas - no thank you.  Only saw maybe 5 small children the entire cruise and some of those were the Officers. 

 

Few last comments - saw a man in the Retreat Lounge in his housecoat and slippers (ship provided).  Sorry but I find this rude to other passengers.  I don't care if you are in an Iconic Suite or an Inside - this is not ok.

 

The clientele on Celebrity has changed some.  😒  I will say no more.

 

Great, relaxing time.  Cannot wait till British Isles in Sept. '23

 

 

 

 

 

 

[cunn9004]

1 hour ago, terrydtx said:

I am following we will be on the Apex next September from Amsterdam to Athens, and we are in SS# 11199 the same as the OP. I look forward to some pictures of the cabin. My sister and BIL are in the adjoining cabin 11197.  We have never sailed in any of the M class ships but love the S class Equinox and Reflection. We have only sailed on Celebrity in Sky Suites, and I doubt we would ever like a non-suite IV cabin on the E Class ships.

 

I am also surprised about the lack of hand sanitizer stations; on the Reflection in August from Rome they were everywhere on the ship, and we were even greeted by crew members when we boarded at all ports with sanitizers for our hands. 

Terrydtx - 

16E31F58-6266-4969-8BF8-6A271206959F.heic 95DD0537-C95D-40BB-8419-D4CCDCE50BD2.heic 3D59F032-C511-4544-AABE-94B3630385A6.heic 58D07F7D-C070-4C10-B719-E35DD5684CCA.heic FE23BFAF-8A8D-4332-BB3B-D8E0C54FAA6B.heic 6A8495FF-8B03-4302-98DC-55815BA80A65.heic 29CD21FA-B351-4405-819D-90B4FD1191CC.heic

[cunn9004]

I'm not sure but I don't think I did the correctly.  I've never posted photos before.  terrydtx - let me know if you can't see the photos, I can email if needed.  

[terrydtx]

2 hours ago, cunn9004 said:

I'm not sure but I don't think I did the correctly.  I've never posted photos before.  terrydtx - let me know if you can't see the photos, I can email if needed.  

I was able to download the pics and so appreciate the time you took to load them. We will be on the Equinox in June with our 12 year old Granddaughter and then in this cabin on the Apex in September. Have a safe drive back home from your cruise.

[mahdnc]

4 hours ago, cunn9004 said:

Part #3

 

I will work backwards now as today was disembarkation.  The EASIEST we have ever had.  Luggage out by 6:00 the evening before (suites getting priority).  We took our hand luggage to the Retreat Lounge at 6:15, enjoyed some coffee then left the luggage and headed down one floor for breakfast at 6:30 in Luminae.  

 

Back to the lounge and at 7:45 they texted me that we were ready to go.  We picked up a porter, got our luggage, caught the Park N Go shuttle and in our vehicle by 8:10 --- kid you not, that quick.  The Park N Go had our SUV out and waiting.  I'm impressed!

 

Sadly had a bit of fall on the ship's excursion to Nevis, won't go into it (long story about being guilted into a mineral hot spring) but needless to say I got to met the ships doctor, lovely young lady and nice experience.  Injury to hand was minor (split my palm open a bit), no stitches and they covered the cost as it was their excursion.  They did give us a partial refund as we had hardly gotten started, the tour company also cover the boat ride back to St Kitts and had a driver waiting as we docked on the far side of the island.  All in all good response.

 

We dined at the Rooftop Grill and while hearing good and bad reviews - we had a phenomenal meal there. Windy a bit but beautiful, good service but not overbearing.  I had the ribs and they were delish.  The Cookie was so darn good but wow, really rich.

 

Tried Deal or No Deal and it was fun even though we didn't win anything.  Did not gamble and only shopped for Rum Cakes and a few bottles of alcohol for gifts.  

 

I stand by my thoughts that the ship seems chopped up and the Grand Plaza cannot compare to the grandeur of the M and S class.  The service was top notch and we sailed at about 70% full (according to a staff member).  

 

I was told that they expect 450ish kids over Christmas - no thank you.  Only saw maybe 5 small children the entire cruise and some of those were the Officers. 

 

Few last comments - saw a man in the Retreat Lounge in his housecoat and slippers (ship provided).  Sorry but I find this rude to other passengers.  I don't care if you are in an Iconic Suite or an Inside - this is not ok.

 

The clientele on Celebrity has changed some.  😒  I will say no more.

 

Great, relaxing time.  Cannot wait till British Isles in Sept. '23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I like your writing style. Your review is a joy to read.