So what cruise lines can rival the Retreat experience?

[CruisinShips]

NOT just from a suite standpoint, but I'm referring to the overall Retreat experience.  Butlers, dedicated restaurant, dedicated lounge, dedicated sun deck.  I get that other cruise lines offer suites and upscale amenities, but most don't offer those things I mentioned.  I know some will say MSC Yacht Club, but IMO it just doesn't match up.  Others may say NCL's Haven, but same answer. RCL's suite class on Oasis ships?  Maybe close, I guess, but a step or two below.

 

So what am I missing? 

[mom says]

Look to the luxury lines.

[Jeremiah1212]

What is your Retreat budget standpoint?  Upper suite or Sky Suite level? Explora Journeys and Ritz Carlton Yachts are both worth a look if you (generally) can go a bit higher than the normal Sky Suite range. If you're sticking to mainstream ships with the ship within a ship concept, you just have to weigh your pros and cons. You've mentioned all of the semi-comparable lines. Yacht Club is likely cheaper but that comes with some cons, Haven is typically on par with Retreat prices but you'll find a lot more kids, the Royal Caribbean suite product varies significantly from ship to ship and class to class and generally isn't worth the money in my opinion. Princess offers a 'Suite Experience Manager' but it isn't a butler. Sun Princess is the only ship that would be close for now.

[CruisinShips]

22 minutes ago, mom says said:

Look to the luxury lines.

Oh...gee...never thought of that lol. 😉

[CruisinShips]

18 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

What is your Retreat budget standpoint?  Upper suite or Sky Suite level? Explora Journeys and Ritz Carlton Yachts are both worth a look if you (generally) can go a bit higher than the normal Sky Suite range. If you're sticking to mainstream ships with the ship within a ship concept, you just have to weigh your pros and cons. You've mentioned all of the semi-comparable lines. Yacht Club is likely cheaper but that comes with some cons, Haven is typically on par with Retreat prices but you'll find a lot more kids, the Royal Caribbean suite product varies significantly from ship to ship and class to class and generally isn't worth the money in my opinion. Princess offers a 'Suite Experience Manager' but it isn't a butler. Sun Princess is the only ship that would be close for now.

Thanks, thoughtful response.  Budget-wise we typically stay in Celebrity suites, and prefer to go on 7-10 day cruises...some of the more luxury lines are for longer periods and tend to price us out.  So, yes, I guess my options are as limited as I thought they were...unless anyone else has any options that haven't been mentioned.

[39august]

What about the suite experience on Hal?

[CruisinShips]

14 minutes ago, 39august said:

What about the suite experience on Hal?

Unless it's changed, it's basically just a bigger cabin and access to a quiet little concierge area with finger foods.  No dedicated restaurant or deck as far as I recall.

[omahabob]

57 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

...the Royal Caribbean suite product varies significantly from ship to ship and class to class...

That's true of NCL Haven too, as well as the presence of kids. The season and itinerary affects that as well.

 

I don't speak from extensive personal experience, but based on posts here, it seems all lines are experiencing a reduction in service and the 'luxury experience'. I would imagine that would make a comparison at least somewhat more difficult unless you've sailed all of them very recently. Obviously price would be an exception to that.

[billc23]

Regent, Silversea, Seabourn... all offer an overall onboard experience that the Retreat cannot compare with. The increased public space and crew per passenger makes a nice difference on the luxury lines. No waiting for service, no crowds to speak of, never asked what package do you have, no slips to sign... - so much more refined overall. The ships are smaller allowing them to often dock closer to the on land attractions, are often able to dock rather than tender, and usually have longer stays at the port.

 

Last month I sailed Singapore to Honk Kong on a 600 passenger Silversea ship directly followed by a Hong Kong to Singapore sailing on the Celebrity Solstice. The difference in the variety of dining options, the quality of liquors available, and the overall service levels were greater than I expected. An example of the port experience difference was the visit to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). On Silversea we docked in the city with short rides to various tourist sites that were traffic dependent. Celebrity docked at a further away port and the excursions to sites in the city were a 2 hour or more bus ride each way. And that was after you navigated your way through the industrial port terminal. I have posted a picture, taken from my balcony, of the pop up terminal the Vietnam government set up for Silversea passengers.

 

Cost wise, I am paying 60% more per day for Celebrity. I do have a larger room on Celebrity- the PH - while on Silversea my room was similar in size to a RS on Celebrity. Once I leave my room on Silversea I am just like all the other passengers while on Celebrity I am special as a guest of the Retreat and staying in the PH. I am escorted and often skip the long lines of "fellow passengers", I am invited to exclusive events, etc. - all to acknowledge my status... and all unnecessary on Silversea.

 

A few years ago I thought I would not enjoy the smaller ship experience, let alone the stuffiness of a luxury line. Once I gave it a try on a port intensive sailing, I was sold on the overall experience. Try one of the luxury lines and see what you think. 

 

 

 

[CruisinShips]

17 minutes ago, billc23 said:

Regent, Silversea, Seabourn... all offer an overall onboard experience that the Retreat cannot compare with. The increased public space and crew per passenger makes a nice difference on the luxury lines. No waiting for service, no crowds to speak of, never asked what package do you have, no slips to sign... - so much more refined overall. The ships are smaller allowing them to often dock closer to the on land attractions, are often able to dock rather than tender, and usually have longer stays at the port.

 

Last month I sailed Singapore to Honk Kong on a 600 passenger Silversea ship directly followed by a Hong Kong to Singapore sailing on the Celebrity Solstice. The difference in the variety of dining options, the quality of liquors available, and the overall service levels were greater than I expected. An example of the port experience difference was the visit to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). On Silversea we docked in the city with short rides to various tourist sites that were traffic dependent. Celebrity docked at a further away port and the excursions to sites in the city were a 2 hour or more bus ride each way. And that was after you navigated your way through the industrial port terminal. I have posted a picture, taken from my balcony, of the pop up terminal the Vietnam government set up for Silversea passengers.

 

Cost wise, I am paying 60% more per day for Celebrity. I do have a larger room on Celebrity- the PH - while on Silversea my room was similar in size to a RS on Celebrity. Once I leave my room on Silversea I am just like all the other passengers while on Celebrity I am special as a guest of the Retreat and staying in the PH. I am escorted and often skip the long lines of "fellow passengers", I am invited to exclusive events, etc. - all to acknowledge my status... and all unnecessary on Silversea.

 

A few years ago I thought I would not enjoy the smaller ship experience, let alone the stuffiness of a luxury line. Once I gave it a try on a port intensive sailing, I was sold on the overall experience. Try one of the luxury lines and see what you think. 

 

 

 

VERY informative and potentially helpful.  Thank you.

[billc23]

Just now, CruisinShips said:

VERY informative and potentially helpful.  Thank you.

Thanks... usually I get push back for not being pro Celebrity. On Silversea there are 4 sit down restaurants (and a snack area plus a buffet) open on port days... On Celebrity Luminae closes early for breakfast on port days and does not serve lunch.

[STLCRUISIN]

After 49 completed cruises on Celebrity and attaining Zenith we booked for the first time on the MSC Seaside, January, 2025 in the Yacht Club. We wanted to try it out since suites on Celebrity are now so expensive. I've read many pros and cons of MSC and set my expectations accordingly but recently I've read a couple trip reports from former Celebrity cruisers and they were overall very happy with their decisions to sail MSC and will do it again. So that makes me feel more excited for experiencing something different. We still love Celebrity and have 4 cruises booked, but all in regular veranda cabins.

[buncosquad]

I've yet to sail on anyone that can compete with the ICs on Celebrity, at least in terms of the stateroom.

 

Unsure of your cost point, but I go by the memories made versus the cost point. Every time. The service and support, plus the views and amenities, incredible. An EV could be a very nice fallback option to consider.

 

We also like Cunard Queens Grill for unique sailings, so that is another alternative. 

 

Attempting (timidly) a family trip next month on an RCL Oasis class, in three Star Class staterooms... Would not consider this at all, but for the young kids.

 

As noted by others, the small luxury lines are likewise great options. We're partial to Regent.

 

Good luck.

[hiccups]

2 hours ago, CruisinShips said:

Unless it's changed, it's basically just a bigger cabin and access to a quiet little concierge area with finger foods.  No dedicated restaurant or deck as far as I recall.

I don’t know about NCL’s older builds, but they definitely have the “ship within a ship” in a few classes with a dedicated lounge, restaurant, deck and pool, etc.

Edited April 17 by hiccups

[Beamafar]

For us, MSC YC is a far superior experience (though food in Luminae is ‘fancier’ and not to my taste). 
 

MSC has a new ‘luxury’ line - Explora Journeys.  There are some very positive reviews and fares seem reasonable - especially in comparison to The Retreat (which, IMHO, is overpriced and over-hyped). 

[tfred]

17 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

For us, MSC YC is a far superior experience (though food in Luminae is ‘fancier’ and not to my taste). 
 

MSC has a new ‘luxury’ line - Explora Journeys.  There are some very positive reviews and fares seem reasonable - especially in comparison to The Retreat (which, IMHO, is overpriced and over-hyped). 

I can't comment on MSC YC or Explora. But I did look at Explora and that looks like something I would do in the short term   Small enough ships, food looks good, reasonable booze included.  The 7 day Caribbean on Explora was about $3000/pax  for a veranda suite-  X is usually $4800 with some savings down to $3500 - sometimes. Explora may not be a forever thing but it would worth a look 

[mahasamatman]

32 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

For us, MSC YC is a far superior experience

 

We agree 100%.

[ScottC4746]

6 hours ago, 39august said:

What about the suite experience on Hal?

We did a Neptune Suite on HAL in 2015 and no experience like on Celebrity.  I don't know about their Penthouse Suite, but there is no retreat area outside for suite guests.

[RichYak]

For me, MSC Yacht Club blew away the Retreat and it wasn’t close. Food, booze, service, facilities, butler… all better in YC. 

[RichYak]

9 hours ago, CruisinShips said:

I know some will say MSC Yacht Club, but IMO it just doesn't match up.

What ship did you sail in YC? 

[George C]

Agree Hal offers almost nothing, rccl is a distant third . Was totally blown away with my MSc yacht club equal or superior to celebrity suites . Butler does a better job they will escort you to shows or off the ship etc , our butler carried our drinks from lounge to restaurant each night. They’re the only suite lounge with live music most of the night . Very similar outdoor area with Edge class with outdoor pool , bar  but superior outdoor restaurant . I do like the celebrity bigger suites with free specialty restaurants and bar setup . But MSc  offers some small bottles of liquor in your fridge. 

[DaKahuna]

10 hours ago, CruisinShips said:

I know some will say MSC Yacht Club, but IMO it just doesn't match up. 

 

 I assure you it does.  The only thing that comes close to MSC on Celebrity is the higher end suites on the E-class and IMHO they fall short.  

 

[Beamafar]

6 hours ago, George C said:

 MSc  offers some small bottles of liquor in your fridge. 

As an FYI, not anymore.  Instead, you receive a bottle of bubbly and a choice of a larger bottle of liquor for the cabin.  The (included) minibar is stocked with a variety of soft drinks, water and beer, which is refilled as required.  There’s a large toblerone and snacks such as choc peanuts and Pringles provided on arrival (these are not replenished). 

[ggo85]

We have done the highest level suites on RCCL, Retreat on X, Crystal, and Silversea.

 

We are done with RCCL for a couple of reasons.  First, too many kids, which is their demo.  This isn't to start a kid-bashing thread, just that we like fewer and RCCL has many on most sailing.  Second, once you leave your suite, the experience is mass market. The ONLY thing we enjoy is reserved pool deck seating on many ships.  To be fair, we haven't done the new mega-ships.  We also like smaller ships so not even going there.

 

We've probably done 10 cruises on X, all in upper level suites.  Retreat (or just suites b4 they called it Retreat) used to be OK, not so much today.  We are doing our last X cruise in June.  Just did one on Reflection a couple of months ago.  Cabin size is great.  Amenities (free speciality dining, included beverages, internet etc.) are great.  Butler was above average (we've had great to terrible).  However, once you leave your suite, it's chaos.  We really noticed it this cruise on Reflection -- seemed that there were crowds everywhere.  Not a luxury experience and not pleasant for us.  And the cost was very, very high even when compared to luxury lines.  Retreat used to be a "deal" b/c you got a huge cabin and decent amenities for less than luxury lines.  No more.

 

Biggest benefits of the luxury lines (our view -- others may disagree).  First, you pay up front -- there is little to no effort to separate you from your money once on board.  Even in the spa, they aren't supposed to push products.  No (monetary) BINGO, gold by the inch, $20 watch specials, art auctions, etc. etc.  Also, you never sign for anything.  You want a drink -- go get one.  You want to eat someplace.  Show up (or make a reservation).  There are no crowds, no lines.  And nearly 100% of passengers are seasoned travelers.  Doesn't make them better or worse, just seasoned.  Much more space per passenger (nothing ever crowded) and MUCH more personalized service. Finally, most sailings have very few kids.

 

Downsides (for some):  limited entertainment. No big production shows.  No rock climbing walls (yeah!), slides, putt-putt, ice rinks, etc.  No "Central Park."  Costs are in line with (can even be cheaper than) upper level suites on mainstream line.  

 

We did Crystal pre-bankruptcy and are doing it again later this year.  The ships are older (but just recently fully refurbished) and cabins smaller than you'll get on X or RCCL for same price.  However, the service is SO personal, in a very good way.  After the second day, the pool deck guys recognize you, know where you like to sit, and when you show up.  They have your chairs already set up.  They know what you like to drink and ask you if you'd like a "Diet Coke like yesterday."  They typically give you the same wait staff in the dining room, so they too know your preferences (i.e., ketchup with hash browns).  Butlers are amazing.  After a couple of days, the crew calls you by name.  

 

Have done several SS cruises.  Lovely, new ships.  Butlers IMO not as good as Crystal across the board but still better than X.  6-7 dining options for lunch and dinner -- wide variety and all very good  Included excursions that are actually quite good.  Other nice things, when you leave ship for an excursion, they have umbrellas (as needed), water, towels, etc. available for the taking.  Pool deck chairs have plush cushions and they are always plentiful, even on sea days.  

 

IMO, it's almost impossible to replicate the luxury ship experience on a huge ship.  Mainstream lines are trying, with varying degrees of success.  IMO, X is not succeeding, which is why we're moving on.  But others may have a very different view, and we respect that.

[CruisinShips]

I am really surprised to see the positive comments about MSC Yacht Club.  I haven't tried it yet, but I have watched tons of youtube reviews and have read many reviews/comparisons, and almost all said similar things...the YC experience is very good on some ships, food is below that of Celebrity, and if you leave the YC area, you feel like you're on a packed Carnival cruise ship.

 

If this is not what some of you have found, then I'd love to be wrong.  Are there certain MSC ships to focus on for the better experience?