Jim_Iain Apex Key West, TansAtlantic and British Isle with a Week in Amsterdam

[Jim_Iain]

Ok.... really late on getting on here today.    We had a late night with Susan and Charles.   We left at 10:58 before the auto lights shut off.    We were chatting outside the door and noticed a group of 4 in the dark and the doors had also locked.    The staff quickly got it back on... We all laughed and said they should have stayed for breakfast.

[Jim_Iain]

I got a fantastic nights sleep last night - drug free and Alcohol free since I don't drink.  I heard Iain up (unusual for sure) and had to rush as it was already 9:15.   I definitely was in need of a 3X shot of coffee this morning. 

[Jim_Iain]

4/21/2023 last day at sea. 

 

Beautiful views of Cuba off Starboard for breakfast.    I was really surprised as you usually don't see land.

 

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Covepointcruiser]

Enjoying your travel thread, wonder when they will return with cruises to Cuba.   We were there once on Azamara.    We are currently suffering through a Tahiti to Hawaii cruise on Seabourn Odyssey.    We are visiting extremely small islands and have now hit the first of the Marquesas.   So many islands and only 2000 people total.    No docks and we are waiting for the water to calm down enough for tenders.

[Jim_Iain]

I've been a lazy boy today.     I did a little walking but was way too windy for me as the winds would may my AirPods whistle.    I did about 10,000 steps (5 miles)  walking the floors.   Not bad as a crew member told me I could go through the door - Forward on each floor and make a loop.    I hadn't known you could do that.

 

I had some work to do to pull off my OBC.    I only had to deal with about $400 on this cruise.   I got most of it off using the Slots.    Valarie on Beyond told me they have a pop up screen on the slots that warn that unless you gamble 50% of the transferred amount your account would be locked and you couldn't take any more.   I didn't see the same warning on Apex.  

 

For some reason when I tried to take second withdrawal after 24 hours, when I clicked Personal Banker the Transfer button was missing.   Also when I put in my slip I couldn't pull the lever.   Thinking it was the machine I tried a different slot and everything worked perfect.    I had already gotten my NR OBC and only had Refundable so may be the reason but  pulled off all my Refundable so I don't loose Chase 3X Travel Bonus for refunds to my account. 

 

I had a nice chat with the teller to clarify some other things.   I told her I was on a B2B and asked if I need to cash in my cash slip before the end of the cruise.  She said no.   It is good for 30 days, but shy highly recommend I do so.   "If you were to misplace your cash slip we can't refund it because it isn't tied to your account.   hmmm..    

 

[Jim_Iain]

As ya' all know, I'm not much of a gambler but now am Pearl and have 4 points... Yea...

 

I still had $150 Refundable left on my account so as I was leaving the Casino thought I would use a Penny machine to see if I could also pull that off and hold onto the slip for tomorrow. 

 

No Problem ---  Maybe I'm just stupid but I have no idea how this machine works.   It has Elephants and Rhino's and lots of checker boxes.     I hit a something and said I got 20 free pulls and the wheels started spinning and thing beeping.    I automatically pulled the arm for the 20 free pulls and I won a couple more free pull and kept seeing flashes and beeps etc.   Finally stop and a bunch of cash showed up on my account.    I though cool and said one more pull -

 

 

note the number in lower left corner 

 

took a couple minutes to figure out how to cash out.  No cash out button. 

Edited April 21, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

Time for more walking

 

Took a walk around pool  very busy.   
 

there has been a lot of talk about lack of drink service at pool.   Saw lots of servers and looked like no problem getting service. 
 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

I don't recall if I reported on this yet.   Retreat has been the busiest I've ever seen it on any ship.  

 

Not only was the Retreat busy but the sun deck was really packed. 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[AF-1]

On 4/18/2023 at 7:29 PM, Jim_Iain said:

 

Maybe it's just the time we go to the Retreat (about 7:30 PM) but the Bartender just isn't as attentive as other lounges whether Michael's Club or Retreat.    Patrick is a superstar and very responsive.   The bartender seems to spend more time stocking things than taking care of customers and most of the guest have to go up to the bar and pickup and order their own drinks.

 

Now superstar bartenders like Cranston on Reflection always has an eye on every glass in the room and you never even have to ask for a refill. 

 

So far I've also been underwhelmed with the Retreat Hosts -  Most hosts walk around and act like a host.    I think we have only spoken to them once and we are on day 3.   They have a tendency to all 3 standing around together at the podium.   Last night just as we arrived all 4 of them walked out at the same time at 7:30 and didn't come back until 8:00PM.    Really not complaining but just not the inviting feel we have had on other ships.   Maybe it's an E-Class thing.   Or maybe an Apex E-Class thing.

 

I will have to say I've never see so many guests using the Retreat and Retreat Sundeck. 

Sorry you are not receiving top notch service in Retreat.  I was on Apex in Mar and the Retreat hosts and bartenders were on top of everything.  We never waited for anything.  Hope it improves for you. Cheers

[Jim_Iain]

For those that have followed me for awhile, you know I have a passion for Walking, Audio Books and Photography.  

 

The art work (Photography) on Apex is incredible.   Different artist are featured on each floor and often a theme.   I love to see how they compose shots, color and light controls.   Learn a lot for others. 

 

I was drawn by this artist as a Teaser for tomorrow's cruise.   Deck 7 around 7211

 

Terrible photo but my favorite- love the use of reflection- just draws your eye into it 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 21, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

39 minutes ago, Covepointcruiser said:

Enjoying your travel thread, wonder when they will return with cruises to Cuba.   We were there once on Azamara.    We are currently suffering through a Tahiti to Hawaii cruise on Seabourn Odyssey.    We are visiting extremely small islands and have now hit the first of the Marquesas.   So many islands and only 2000 people total.    No docks and we are waiting for the water to calm down enough for tenders.

 

Sure looks like you are suffering.   Fantastic photo.    Are you posting a live on Seaborne?   We definitely have Seaborne on our list.   We are defecting from Celebrity after 23 years -   my simple way of seeing what's out there due to Celebrity's decision to make their loyalty useless to us.   If you travel in a suite even as as Zenith it's useless as you have to now book all inclusive duplication all of our "Free Benefits" .     Might as well enjoy a real Premium Line

[Jim_Iain]

21 minutes ago, AF-1 said:

Sorry you are not receiving top notch service in Retreat.  I was on Apex in Mar and the Retreat hosts and bartenders were on top of everything.  We never waited for anything.  Hope it improves for you. Cheers

 

Hopefully the bar service will improve when the current Bartender leaves tomorrow.     Maybe he's just burnt out.   Not a third world problem to get up and get your own drink but not what we have grown accustomed to.

 

It would like be flying first class and having to go up to the Galley to ask for a drink.   When they are now charging what they are it is a little of a let down.   Luminae on the other hand is top notch

 

[yogini06]

19 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Sure looks like you are suffering.   Fantastic photo.    Are you posting a live on Seaborne?   We definitely have Seaborne on our list.   We are defecting from Celebrity after 23 years -   my simple way of seeing what's out there due to Celebrity's decision to make their loyalty useless to us.   If you travel in a suite even as as Zenith it's useless as you have to now book all inclusive duplication all of our "Free Benefits" .     Might as well enjoy a real Premium Line

I hope you explain these issues in your post cruise survey.  A friend of mine has an identical issue booking a future cruise in a suite

Edited April 21, 2023 by yogini06

[kwokpot]

1 hour ago, go.without.you said:

So what is the bar situation in Retreat? Please take a photo, I'm curious.

The bar in the Apex works more like a service bar. The issue is twofold. First is the location. One side of the bar is along a corridor to the restrooms. Because of this there's no overhang bartop and consequently no seating whatsoever. So basically it's a standing only bar to watch the bartender make your drink. Which is why I say in this case, to me, it's more comfortable to sit anywhere in the Retreat and wait to be served my drink. 

Edited April 21, 2023 by kwokpot

[Ipeeinthepools]

19 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Sure looks like you are suffering.   Fantastic photo.    Are you posting a live on Seaborne?   We definitely have Seaborne on our list.   We are defecting from Celebrity after 23 years -   my simple way of seeing what's out there due to Celebrity's decision to make their loyalty useless to us.   If you travel in a suite even as as Zenith it's useless as you have to now book all inclusive duplication all of our "Free Benefits" .     Might as well enjoy a real Premium Line

 

We'll miss your Live Reviews on the Celebrity Board, hopefully you'll continue to do your Live Reviews on the other cruise lines.  

[Jim_Iain]

Ok now just a little comment on the food in Luminae.   First of all on E-Class ships you are not allowed to order from Blu but was told by MD that no reservations or calls need if we want to eat in Blu.

 

The menu has not changed in a decade and is rather boring and repetitive when aboard for a longer cruise.

 

We have been finding that the food preparation of some dishes have been a disappointment.     It's not across the board but seam so be the Poultry.    One night I had the Guinea Hen - OK it is one of Iain's pet peeves because it isn't a Guinea Hen and most ships a Cornish Game Hen.    A Guinea Hen is more of a game bird and totally different shape -

http://t1.gstatic.com/licensed-image?q=tbn:ANd9GcRpgVMc2LlNVWziXepc0zjQnlW7Eata3YWndNXR9KN4HFZ0k3btwex8z866oCItk_sNhTFB-LdJJuTRcpk

 

What came out on Apex was the size of a baby quail.   Fine by me as I love quail but it was so over cooked I could hardly cut it.

 

Last night.    You know how the servers try to up the service for good reviews and such by double lobster.    Iain, Sue and Charles had the Lobster with drawn butter and they all raved about it.     I had the Rack of Lamb which was cooked perfect and delicious.    Sunny tried to impress us by bringing a Slow Roasted Cornish Hen - for the table to share.    We really didn't want so I said why don't we each put a piece on our plate to look like we appreciated his efforts -.    We tried it  -  dry as dry can be.    When Sunny asked us how we liked it and we told him they should rename it Road Runner.    He cracked up. 

 

[TrueCruiseaholic]

44 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

If you travel in a suite even as as Zenith it's useless as you have to now book all inclusive duplication all of our "Free Benefits" .     Might as well enjoy a real Premium Line

If you travel in a Suite, Captain's Club is essentially irrelevant to your cruise. You pay the same price and have essentially the same experience whether it is your first cruise or your 100th.

 

The point of the Captain's Club is to get cruisers to reach the Zenith level. Once a cruiser is Zenith, Celebrity does not really give an incentive for a cruiser to gain a higher level of loyalty (mainly because a higher level of loyalty doesn't exist). Plus, for 6000 points (which Jim and Iain should be approaching), they would receive a free cruise in Aquaclass - for which Jim and Iain would have to pay to upgrade to a Suite anyway (so it's essentially a slight discount on a cruise).

Edited April 21, 2023 by TrueCruiseaholic

[larry_s_taco]

22 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Thanks Larry... You may want to just start from here.    I can't imagine starting from the beginning. 

 

Maybe I should publish a Cliff Notes Version ---- oops am I showing my age again. 

Lol. I know what you mean. I did many a report using Cliff Notes. 

[miched]

Jim.   Your comments about the food in Luminae is spot on.  I am glad to hear that someone else, especially from someone that has sailed many times and appreciates quality instead of quantity, has the same opinion as we do.   The menu isn’t that appealing and the food is hit or miss.   We did a B2B on the Beyond and had some of the same entrees on each cruise.  Totally different.  The lunch lobster roll was completely different.  The first cruise it was decent the other was lawn weeds on a roll with a hint of lobster.  I swear that the meat was from one leg of an illegal size lobster.  
 

Love reading your thread, thanks for taking the time 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[miched]

Reading about  Cornish Hen and Guinea Hen reminds me of what my cousin told us many years ago 

 

He  graduated from the Naval Academy and said on his first cruise they were a lot of seagulls and other birds following the ship.  For some reason they disappeared after the night they were served chicken. 😱🤗

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

Edited April 21, 2023 by miched

[hcat]

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

For those that have followed me for awhile, you know I have a passion for Walking, Audio Books and Photography.  

 

The art work (Photography) on Apex is incredible.   Different artist are featured on each floor and often a theme.   I love to see how they compose shots, color and light controls.   Learn a lot for others. 

 

I was drawn by this artist as a Teaser for tomorrow's cruise.   Deck 7 around 7211

 

Terrible photo but my favorite- love the use of reflection- just draws your eye into it 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So wonderful! I too love the art on board X ships. So happy we booked APEX,after following this review,  so I will be able to see all this great art.

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, TrueCruiseaholic said:

If you travel in a Suite, Captain's Club is essentially irrelevant to your cruise. You pay the same price and have essentially the same experience whether it is your first cruise or your 100th.

 

The point of the Captain's Club is to get cruisers to reach the Zenith level. Once a cruiser is Zenith, Celebrity does not really give an incentive for a cruiser to gain a higher level of loyalty (mainly because a higher level of loyalty doesn't exist). Plus, for 6000 points (which Jim and Iain should be approaching), they would receive a free cruise in Aquaclass - for which Jim and Iain would have to pay to upgrade to a Suite anyway (so it's essentially a slight discount on a cruise).

I have to agree that the Free Cruise is indeed an incentive.   We will hit that in March of next year.  

I have to say our "free Zenith Cruise" was very memorable.   As we were on Final into FLL at 11:30 PM I received a text -  All ships have been grounded due to the Covid shutdown.     It took us 2 days to get a flight home.

[Jim_Iain]

An aside on Luminae food.    Iain suggested I speak with Yuksel about the poultry before leaving a negative comment.    We were on the Summit to Greenland B3B he was also the MD.  

 

On the positive side the Fish Cook really knows what he's doing and have enjoyed every fish dish we have ordered. 

[miched]

3 minutes ago, hcat said:

So wonderful! I too love the art on board X ships. So happy we booked APEX,after following this review,  so I will be able to see all this great art.

In our cabin on the Beyond there was a book with all of the artwork on board.  I don’t know if it was for the taking but we left it.  
 

A friend of mine has a BMW Isetta.  I seen this picture on the Edge so I took it for him.  Then there were these on the Apex and Beyond

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[hcat]

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

I don't recall if I reported on this yet.   Retreat has been the busiest I've ever seen it on any ship.  

 

Not only was the Retreat busy but the sun deck was really packed. 

 

 

 

 

On our Retreat cruise on BEYOND, we found this pool area crowded.  Some folks staked out their spot intp the pool or on the over water seats and  did not budge..hard to get in for a quick dip!

 

On the day we did not go to port,  we got up there early and had a great time..After lunch it filled up fast so we re-located..

 

We are mostly Solarium users,  but  also enjoyed the outdoor pool on BEYOND....we went early..quite alot of space to swim.

 

We hope to book a poolside cabana on Ascent..they allegedly will face the sea?????  And to those reading...If this is not true pls  do not  jump all over me! Verify on your own..

Edited April 21, 2023 by hcat