Beyond LIVE Med Review 10/20-10/30: Tales from our Suite Roman Holiday

[Crazy planning mom]

I am sorry that you are missing Kotor but you are right, safety first.   Curious to hear your review of the Rooftop Grill.

[JDPCruisers]

Like others been following and thanks for your usual excellent feedback and photos, Charla. So disappointed to hear of your SS experience, so far. Does not bode well for our upcoming Connie, Beyond and Eclipse! But, certainly hoping it gets better for you and Jeremy. Look forward to hearing and seeing more! 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

So sorry you have to miss Kotor.  And that you missed Dubrovnik.  Guess you will just have to do another cruise some day that goes to those places!  Both fabulous.

[LouChamp]

Aloha. Sorry you missed Dubrovnik. We have been blessed to visit many times. As an Italian I have to admit Croatia serves fantastic bread and prosciutto!  I remember the days with young children and the still responsibilities of work. We were on the Ryndam one year on a 10 day cruise and also the Queen Elizabeth 2 on a two week voyage and the ship to shore was more expensive than the cruises cost I kid you not!   When we first started dividing our time between NY and Hawaii I would get up at 3am HST and the business day in NY was starting but by 11am, it was beach and pool time. Our daughter was recently in Japan and due to time and date she too had crazy vacays! As we are all lawyers it can be difficult but you must enjoy life to the fullest and then you can reap the rewards as you have a beautiful daughter and a great husband! Enough of my soapbox enjoy and keep the food pictures coming lol!

[Barwick Cruiser]

Sorry that you’ll be missing Kotor but agree that safety should always be a determining factor. 
 

Must say, really wish they’d come up with more appropriate language in their tender letters…telling a select group of passengers that they are “valued” and thus don’t need tickets really is demeaning to the remaining passengers who apparently aren’t “valued”. Couldn’t they just use the phrasing “as a suite passenger” (or elite, elite plus, whatever)? 
 

Anyway, hope the weather and seas calm down for you and no further ports are missed! Thank you also for continuing to keep us all entertained, such a pleasure to follow! 

[calicakes]

On 10/23/2023 at 10:59 AM, GenerationX said:

But it was kind of a moot point anyway because when I touched the carton it was also near room temp, and I wasn’t going to risk drinking it not knowing how long it’d been sitting unrefrigerated.

On our recent Oceania cruise, I was served warm milk, straight from the carton.  I asked for cold milk, a glass was poured for me.  It was absolutely disgusting.  The milk they use is boxed, UHT milk, made to last for a year or more.   I never drank milk again and when we docked in Bermuda, I hightailed it to the grocery store and bought a carton of real half and half.   I'm bringing half and half and real milk when we depart on Eclipse this Saturday.  Since we're driving to the port, I feel ok with doing that.  

[verizon]

On 10/24/2023 at 1:03 AM, Covepointcruiser said:

You are on a new ship, the Apex, where there are entirely too many sky suites.   If even 50% ordered room service breakfast, the staff was overwhelmed.    Celebrity has generated this problem by having too many sky suites and not enough staff.    I didn’t realize that Zenith cruises also had access to the special seats in the theater in addition to the Retreat Lounge.   Do they also get fee room service.

Love coming back to the Zenith lounge.  For all long time Celebrity Cruisers, from Elites, to E+, to Zenith: We were there at the beginning.  All suite guests (I know you are paying for the privilege one cruise at a time) are still welcome to join long time occupants of Michael's Club and beyond.

 

Edited October 25, 2023 by verizon

[cruisebeachgirl703]

How was the Rooftop Grille? I am sure the views were nice. Food/Pics? Do you know the name of your Retreat Manager?

[GenerationX]

It’s a cool grey start to our day floating (unanchored) off the coat of Montenegro.  There are 2 other cruise ships floating nearby, including Beyond’s much older sister, the former Celebrity Galaxy!

 

Captain Kate came on and said that one of the ships did make an attempt to go up the channel this morning but was quickly met by hurricane force winds and had to turn back.

 

I heard a man on a veranda above us complaining that the weather “doesn’t seem anywhere near that bad from here” and armchair captaining that we could have made it into port just fine.  I couldn’t help but let loudly slip out of my mouth “sounds like somebody up on deck 10 has some nerve! Wonder where this nautical expert went to maritime school.”

 

Sorry, my pet peeve is when people without law degrees second guess me at my job, so I’m definitely not going to stand for anyone second guessing Captain Kate at hers!

 

We took advantage of the lack of activities and slept in till about 9:30 today when we were awakened by the sound of the magic carpet moving down to disembark crew as a pilot boat approached. 

 

I threw on my robe and went to watch and was quickly joined by Jeremy who hadn’t bothered to put his on and was just in his pajama shorts.  I told him to get back inside and cover up and quit showing Insta model gorgeous Captain Kate (who was looking back our way from the bridge with her officers to observe the pilot boat) all his charms!  He slowly sauntered back inside mumbling “NOW who’s being jealous!” 😂

 

We’re starting our bonus sea day having an aperol spritz in craft social listening to a violinist until it’s time for Luminae lunch.

 

While I’m sipping, a report on our evening last night:

 

Rooftop Grill is one of my E-class specialty go to’s for when the ship is in port late into evening.  It gets a lot trickier enjoying this restaurant when the ship is at sea because despite celebrity’s best efforts to design around it, a restaurant on the very top deck when a ship is moving full steam is going to be very windy.

 

When we ordered our drinks, we were sad to learn that the restaurant has discontinued their specialty cocktails menu and now offers just the cocktails on the sunset bar menu.  Such a pity. There was a strawberry margarita I loved and a bbq margarita Jeremy loved only available at rooftop grill that we were really looking forward to.

 

For starters we had the dry rub chicken wings (a favorite of ours) then we each had a Caesar salad.

 

For dinner, I had the lamb chops and Jeremy tried the brisket and we split a seafood skewer.

 

The meats at Rooftop Grill are no joke.  We no longer waste prime stomach real estate on the sides.  The wings were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and well seasoned.  I still think the rooftop grill lamb chops are the best lamb you can get anywhere on any Celebrity ship.  Jeremy tried his best to manipulate his way into getting a couple of my chops but I know my worth. I allowed him just one and he made the most of it!

 

This was our first time trying the brisket and it was very well done.  We often smoke our own brisket at home so we’re picky about it. This one was slightly sweet, salty and well caramelized and melted in the mouth.

 

The seafood skewers were good, nothing to complain about there but we both agreed the lamb and brisket were much better.

 

We finished up our protein fest by splitting one of the best desserts on the ship: the warm cookie topped with vanilla gelato.  Our server warned us the dish would take 8-10 minutes to arrive as the cookie is baked fresh to order.  

 

It’s funny how quickly Jeremy and I adjusted to and have come to prefer the European pace of dinning.  10-15 minutes between mains and dessert to enjoy our espresso and chat is like bare minimum for us to not feel rushed now.  Jumping from the service speed in Italy back to the very American timing on Beyond felt like we’re now doing fine dining at McDonald’s drive thru speeds.

 

Anyway, the warm cookie with cold gelato was heavenly l and we finished it just as the predicted heavy rain started to set in.

 

We finished our night enjoying some of our Italian wine from Rome on the veranda watching our nighttime sail away from Croatia.

 

More to come from our bonus sea day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Lena11033]

23 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

I heard a man on a veranda above us complaining that the weather “doesn’t seem anywhere near that bad from here” and armchair captaining that we could have made it into port just fine.  I couldn’t help but let loudly slip out of my mouth “sounds like somebody up on deck 10 has some nerve! Wonder where this nautical expert went to maritime school.”

 

I get that, I have an IT Diploma and a Multimedia BSc so I work in advertising. Part of my job it making sure websites/apps technically support the ads (so I have to be able to read the code) - I had a ticket open with our web dev team about code being broken. The developer told me it was fixed, I tested it sent it back saying to reopen the ticket as it was it was still broken - he then decided to walk down to my desk and stand over me telling me how I don't know how to read the code (that I went to school for). Needless to say it didn't go well for him as I don't take that attitude well and especially when one of the female developers came past and saw him telling me how to do my job 🙄

[AbbyCruiser45]

I just caught up with this thread! Thank you for sharing your trip. My parents are on board with you! My mom's daytime hallmark is a Costco bucket hat, not as fashionable as you! You have some fun ports coming up, enjoy! I look forward to reading about them. 

[hcat]

Loved the Rooftop report..how did Jeremy enjoy his food photo going public? 

 

We try to book Rooftop and Lawn Club Grill on port nights  to avoid the "breeze" or other elements. 

 

Interesting how some folks always think they  know more than trained and experienced professionals..

  I always ask if they would second guess their surgeon and do their own  heart surgery or gall bladder removal!    Or take over piloting  the plane!  

Edited October 25, 2023 by hcat

[Redking]

@GenerationX loved your comment about European pace of dining. We love to linger over our meal and felt really rushed on our first few cruises. Discovered on speaking to a M'd that some folks complian about not being served fast enough and missing the show! We explained that we don't do shows. Sorted, leisurely paced meals. We may even have got the hint a couple of times in Murano that it really was time for bed 🤣😉

[hcat]

is there a route from Rooftop to inside without getting wet in the rain..?

(we'll be prepared)

 

One time at Lawn Club  Grill we got drenched heading back to the elevator..no covered walkway!

[Jim_Iain]

Charla,   So sorry to hear you will be missing Kotor.    I have to say it is one of the most beautiful ports of call of that itinerary.    You will just have to book it again.    Really enjoying your diary (live report). 

[Lastdance]

I love the Sangria on Beyond in Luminae; I order it with extra fruit.  

 

You can and will return to Croatia and Montenegro because another cruise will offer these places.  Split is also very interesting if you enjoy history.  We almost did not make it into Ljubljana noon cruise, as the winds were so strong; the ship behind us was unable to dock.  We saw lake Bled(a mini Tahoe with an island)in the pouring rain.  
The higher elevations had snow...this was in early May.

 

Thanks for making lemonade when given lemons; you are a true trooper at heart🤗

 

 

[zitsky]

Hi Charla so sorry you did not make it in.  Thanks for posting all the food and tour pics.  I can’t seem to find the one of Jeremy on the balcony???  😂

[Stem to Stern]

5 hours ago, zitsky said:

Thanks for posting all the food and tour pics.  I can’t seem to find the one of Jeremy on the balcony???  😂

Jeremy was told to get back inside and stop showing all his charms.  This may be my favorite GenX line yet.🤣🤣🤣

[GenerationX]

It’s a beautiful day on the Mediterranean Sea!

 

We’ve just finished another very nice breakfast in Luminae.  Now THAT is what a proper charcuterie plate should look like!

 

We’ve had the same Luminae service team each meal there and so far the service has been been excellent.  We’ve hit that glorious sweet spot where when you have a really good team, they start to get to know your preferences and things have start to arrive without you even having to ask.  

 

I saw our bread service lady pop into the back and refill her tray before she came to our table to make sure she had pistachio danish to offer us.  

 

Our waiter Eko knows I like a little heat on my Asian dishes and when I order them he asks “shall I tell the chef make it a little spicy for you?” 

 

At lunch and dinner, after our main course is cleared, two double espressos automatically appear before us and Raymert the sommelier is already approaching with my glass of 20 year tawny port.

 

I foresee a conversation with Jeremy regarding an expansion of our additional tipping budget for the Luminae team.

 

After breakfast we stopped back by the room to get a bag of laundry ready to send in.  Sharing the price list for anyone interested.  We get 2 free bags for Elite Plus loyalty so we just fill out the number of each item in the bag for tracking purposes and then write “ELITE PLUS” in the total due box.  I also take a photo with my phone of the completed form just in case the slip or its carbon copy should get misplaced.

 

This laundry loyalty perk is one of the most valuable ones for me, especially on a longer cruise. I don’t trust anyone but myself and my long time cleaners at home with my nicer items, but it’s a plus to be able to clear all my low maintenance cotton/poly Kohls clearance rack finds out of the post-cruise dirty laundry pile.

 

Our agenda for the day is fairly light as we prepare to kick off 3 straight days of ports tomorrow.  I’m signed up for the premium wine tasting this afternoon (that I had to miss last cruise thanks to an overzealous evening in the Club the night before) and while I’m there, Jeremy is going to go on a Retreat guest tour of the engine room that we received an invite to on our bed yesterday evening.

 

We plan to give room service a try again today for a light late lunch on our veranda weather permitting (Captain Kate says we have a chance of hitting some “liquid sunshine” later).  Tonight we have evening chic night #2 with the Elements production show and the dinner reservation I’ve most been looking forward to: Le Voyage!

We’ve just settled in with orange whips and a wake view at the sunset bar.  Soon to come:  a report on the rest of our bonus sea day yesterday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GenerationX]

12 hours ago, hcat said:

is there a route from Rooftop to inside without getting wet in the rain..?

(we'll be prepared)

 

One time at Lawn Club  Grill we got drenched heading back to the elevator..no covered walkway!

Unfortunately I think it’s the same challenge on Beyond.  We had to make a quick (but handrail using) damp trot back from the restaurant to cover when the rain started.  The deck was already pretty slippery too so do be carful if you get caught in a shower!

[hcat]

53 minutes ago, GenerationX said:

Unfortunately I think it’s the same challenge on Beyond.  We had to make a quick (but handrail using) damp trot back from the restaurant to cover when the rain started.  The deck was already pretty slippery too so do be carful if you get caught in a shower!

thanks

.I won't wear  slippery or good shoes that might get ruined .Hoping for dry skies ... but we'll be ready..just in case.! 

 

 A few of our friends have had falls recently  so we try to be careful! 

 

Looking forward to some of those yummy looking dishes you featured..esp  the lamb chops

[AbbyCruiser45]

@GenerationX I just got the funniest update from my mom. There is a bagpiper on board, apparently just a guest not an entertainer, who was going a little playing earlier today. I can imagine you might be able to hear it all around the ship based on the clip I was sent 😂 have you heard the bagpiper? 

[hcat]

Bagpiper could be fun in small doses

 

Showed the  Rooftop lamb chop pic to my husb...Usually he'd go for brisket but now he can't wait for lamb... plus a few other goodies!

 

 

[GenerationX]

4 hours ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

@GenerationX I just got the funniest update from my mom. There is a bagpiper on board, apparently just a guest not an entertainer, who was going a little playing earlier today. I can imagine you might be able to hear it all around the ship based on the clip I was sent 😂 have you heard the bagpiper? 

Omg so this is hilarious!!!!

 

I was in the casino today after my wine event and I was desperately trying to change my horrible luck. My Marine stepdad had always told me that he wins at gambling when he drinks scotch so I decided to go to Craft Social and grab myself a sip of good Macallen.  
 

Half a glass in I SWORE I could here the faint sound of bagpipes playing Scotland the Brave somewhere on the ship…I took it as a sign I’d gotten too tipsy today and needed to ease off the drinking and switched to Evian for the remainder of the afternoon. 😂

[Lastdance]

Have you met Ade Roberts?  He takes the most interesting photos with all his lenses.  He has a short beard and has already taken some great photos around the ship, along with Captain Kate.  You two would hit if off for sure, although, he is not in the Retreat areas.  Anyway, just in case you see someone shopping lots of photos...

Edited October 26, 2023 by Lastdance