All about the Sanctuary?

[Host CJSKIDS]

30 minutes ago, karenmeijers said:

Are there cabana’s (or loungers) in the sun on the enchanted? Regards

Yes, there are.  We had seats 3 and 4 on the Enchanted and they were perfect.  We have also had seats 4 and 5 on the Sky which was also in the sun. 

[lx200gps]

1 hour ago, karenmeijers said:

Are there cabana’s (or loungers) in the sun on the enchanted? Regards

Welcome to Cruise Critic ;o) In the image you are showing, loungers 1-9 and 20-24 are effectively in full sun, (at least on a sunny day) or at least have no overhead cover. Loungers 10 thru 19 are under a type of translucent shade cover but can sometimes be in full sun for brief periods as the ship and sun move. Cabanas 1 and 2 have full sun on the loungers but you can "retire" inside for shade. Cabanas 3 thru 7 have a bit more shade. Keep in mind that you can move the loungers around a fair bit to escape sun, as we usually do. On our last trip, on the Discovery, the Sanctuary staff created a new space for us by moving a sofa and putting two loungers between position 15 and the hot tub.

[JF - retired RRT]

On 12/28/2023 at 7:15 AM, Tropical PJ said:

I booked sea day afternoons and it was great! If you are choosing half day the afternoon is better as they serve an "English" style tea at 3pm. They really treat you like royalty it was a nice pampering!

We've done the Sanctuary 2 times. Both were a disappointment. The first one we were one of 2 or 3 people all day and were basically ignored.

We decided to give it one more try. Again, all day. We weren't ignored, service was better. Afternoon tea...nope. Both times.

[tunisbridal]

I am a group of 17.  Doubt we could get seats

[Wishing on a star]

tunis,  they seem to follow the policies, and they should only reserve loungers to the specific person,  one person per cabin.   So, at least one person from each of the cabins in the group would have to all go up there.   I am thinking that you are correct in your assumption that you could get 17 loungers and/or cabana rentals.

The retreat is definitely not designed as a group-venue.  It is set up for couples and individuals to relax in a 'quiet' area.  

 

I am sorry to hear about your experience, JF.  That would not be what we have experienced.

Our very first visit to the Sanctuary was 1/2 day,  and we didn't really make a point to connect with the staff.  And, on some sailings. (usually weather or port related) there are not many people there.   We learned that the response of the staff matched what we indicated that we wanted.  

Might not have been the best staff when you were there???  Or they were following what they thought they were picking up, that maybe you just didn't really need much, just wanted to focus on relaxing.

Once we figured that out, we have almost always had staff to go out of their way to see that if there was anything we wanted/needed, they were happy to serve.

 

I am thinking that if you had mentioned the afternoon tea,  they would have arranged a wonderful tray of goodies and teas that you would like, just for you.

 

One time we took some breakfast goodies up there when we checked in...  they served us a nice full coffee service, cloth napkins, etc...  We asked about a fruit plate to go with it, but I am not a fan of melon. (which cheaper melon seems to always be there)...  I hoped for berries.  

Yes, a plate of strawberries, blueberries, all kind of berries, kiwi, etc.. appeared.  It didn't take too awfully long either.

Edited July 10 by Wishing on a star

[Thunderbird19]

For cruises in potentially colder climates (say Iceland or Norway in Sept-Nov) it doesn't sound like reserving the Sanctuary would make much sense.  Is it mostly used in warmer and sunny cruises?

[d9704011]

1 minute ago, Thunderbird19 said:

For cruises in potentially colder climates (say Iceland or Norway in Sept-Nov) it doesn't sound like reserving the Sanctuary would make much sense.  Is it mostly used in warmer and sunny cruises?

Layers....