Let’s Go Beyond ~ LIVE Sept 7-15, 2024 with Stem to Stern for 8 Steamy Nights to the ABCs ~ Happy to Answer any Questions ???

[notscb]

Beyond really is a beautiful ship, IMO. The spaces seem refined and upscale. Love the sunset bar!

 

In your experience, is Beyond a smoother ship to sail on? I remember the hype for the new hull design and how it's supposed to offer a smoother sailing compared to traditional ship designs. Just wondering your experience 🙂 

[Stem to Stern]

8 hours ago, notscb said:

Beyond really is a beautiful ship, IMO. The spaces seem refined and upscale. Love the sunset bar!

 

In your experience, is Beyond a smoother ship to sail on? I remember the hype for the new hull design and how it's supposed to offer a smoother sailing compared to traditional ship designs. Just wondering your experience 🙂 

I completely agree.  Beyond is beyond beautiful.  Gorgeous!!

 

We had a very smooth ride.  I have been on a much smaller topsy-turbo ship, so I know what it feels like to feel the pitching and rolling in less calm waters.  

The new bow design on the Edge-class vessels is credited with cutting through the sea much effortlessly.  

During  Captain Kate’s Oceans presentation she covered the ship’s design advances in great detail.  Along with many other improved technologies.  
Beyond is her baby.

[Stem to Stern]

Our stop in Bonaire started out with an independently booked snorkel excursion and it turned out to be one of the better excursions we have ever experienced in the Caribbean.  A truly magical morning to be remembered.

 

Lady Bellaïs is a newly-constructed yet incredibly charming Brazilian wooden schooner.  She is dually-owned by the owner of Bonaire Cruisers (the go-to golf cart rental spot) and Captain Nino.  After the Captain approached BC’s owner about the prospect of buying a vessel, the two of them flew off to Brazil to hunt the Atlantic coast for the perfect one.  Captain Nino and his first mate made the 21-day sojourn safely back to Bonaire.  After adding two restrooms, a bar, and a fresh coat of paint the next chapters could be written.
 

 

Lady Bellaïs holds up to 114 people, but there were just 27 guests on our tour.😎

 

 

We disembarked Beyond quite early to meet at the Bonaire Cruisers canopy just off the pier.  Once all 27 of us were accounted for, an open-air bus was summoned to transport us the roughly two kilometer distance through town to the ship.  The ship was tied up adjacent to the lighthouse which is a building that houses a breakfast and lunch spot called Oscars.  Based on their website and most recent reviews online, I am not sure if they are currently open for business.

 

 

We boarded Lady Bellaïs at her aft which sports a Big Green Egg grill.  We were greeted by Captain Nino and then the rest of the four-person crew.  

 

We also met Senna, the BC owner’s son and lifeguard, and Flor, Senna’s girlfriend and Lady Bellaïs’ social media extraordinaire.  Last but not least was do-everything Pirena who is Captain Nino’s wife.  

 

 

They made a fantastic team and they all sported these very classy business-logoed shirts.  They were all friendly and welcoming.  Senna explained the origin of the name Lady Bellaïs and how the new arm of the business took shape.

 

 

Off we went, first by Beyond to check her out.

 

 

The steps on the right are where we boarded at the aft of the vessel.  However, Senna informed me that the ship can accommodate wheelchairs.  Three crew members can lift the wheelchair on to the vessel.

 

Then, to our anchoring and snorkeling destination.😎

 

 

Time to get geared up…

 

 

…and jump in….

 

 

Splash!

 

 

A few of us stayed on board while most everyone else snorkeled.

 

 

 

I even saw some fish from the edge of the ship.🤩

 

 

The day was just perfect in every way.  Tim was able to capture some fascinating photos with his underwater camera.  More coming in the next post about the rope-swinging adventure, the after-snorkeling party including an entire meal, and playing the game “Who gets to drive the ship on the way back?”  This was an action-packed morning all on board the enchanting Lady Bellaïs.❤️

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[eyecantwait]

Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us! You have a wonderful way with words:

 

"As soon as we were on board the ferry and asea I admired the colorful buildings painting themselves on the water." ❤️

 

We'll be doing this trip in February next year with our daughter and son in law and posts like yours are making the wait seem even longer 😂

[lola2013]

Great pictures!

[Stem to Stern]

On 9/20/2024 at 6:22 PM, eyecantwait said:

We'll be doing this trip in February next year with our daughter and son in law and posts like yours are making the wait seem even longer 😂

Thank you for your very kind words.

They are very much appreciated.

Your cruise will be here before you know it.

Speaking of waiting….

Booking quite far in advance is becoming the new normal for us.😂

The waiting pain is easier to tolerate the more cruises you have booked….

 

And this one seems like a lifetime away, but returning to the ABC’s will make it all the more sweet.  
Lady Bellaïs…see you in 2026!😎

 

Edited Sunday at 02:00 AM by Stem to Stern

[Stem to Stern]

On 9/20/2024 at 6:22 PM, lola2013 said:

Great pictures!

Thank you Susan!

Gosh, I think I finally have my land legs back after being back on dry land for four and a half days.

[lola2013]

I just took a look at your 2025 itinerary.  We both end in Port Everglades on 8/1.  😎

[Stem to Stern]

17 minutes ago, lola2013 said:

I just took a look at your 2025 itinerary.  We both end in Port Everglades on 8/1.  😎

Wild!

Are you flying out immediately?

[lola2013]

22 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said:

Wild!

Are you flying out immediately?

I have a Noon flight.  You’ll likely head over to Alligator Alley asap, right?

We are the only two ships in port that day.   No clue where RCCL will be while Reflection should be in the shiny (almost) new Celebrity terminal.  

[Texed]

Thanks for posting.  😊

[Stem to Stern]

Day 6 ~ Bonaire ~

Lady Bellaïs excursion continued.

 

 

After the snorkeling phase of our adventure wound down, a variety of other activities took place.

 

 

 

 

Rope swinging 

 

 

 

Eating

 

 

 

Dancing

 

 

The Dancing Captain Nino

 

Still dancing on his stool

 

 

 

Driving the thing

 

 

 

 

Enjoying the breezy views from top deck

 

 

Silly selfies and ussies

 

 

 

Drive-by Klein Bonaire

 

 

Lady Bellaïs and her fantastic crew made this an unforgettable morning.

 

 

 

They all worked continuously and tirelessly to provide a beyond enjoyable experience.

 

 

When we arrived back at the dock and it was time to tie up and say goodbye, we let Flor know that they would be seeing us again in 2026.  She acknowledged our tour satisfaction with another one of her ear-to-ear smiles just like this one that Tim captured earlier in the morning.

 

We all disembarked Lady Bellaïs and boarded the open-air bus for the short ride back to the ship.  Back to Beyond.

 

 

 

Edited Sunday at 05:36 PM by Stem to Stern

[lola2013]

I see you “driving” the boat.  Does Captain Sandy have to worry that you will take over her job? 😉

[minniemouse427]

1 hour ago, Stem to Stern said:

Day 6 ~ Bonaire ~

Lady Bellaïs excursion continued.

 

 

After the snorkeling phase of our adventure wound down, a variety of other activities took place.

 

 

 

 

Rope swinging 

 

 

 

Eating

 

 

 

Dancing

 

 

The Dancing Captain Nino

 

Still dancing on his stool

 

 

 

Driving the thing

 

 

 

 

Enjoying the breezy views from top deck

 

 

Silly selfies and ussies

 

 

 

Drive-by Klein Bonaire

 

 

Lady Bellaïs and her fantastic crew made this an unforgettable morning.

 

 

 

They all worked continuously and tirelessly to provide a beyond enjoyable experience.

 

 

When we arrived back at the dock and it was time to tie up and say goodbye, we let Flor know that they would be seeing us again in 2026.  She acknowledged our tour satisfaction with another one of her ear-to-ear smiles just like this one that Tim captured earlier in the morning.

 

We all disembarked Lady Bellaïs and boarded the open-air bus for the short ride back to the ship.  Back to Beyond.

 

 

 

This is the excursion that my husband and daughter have agreed on for our day in Bonaire. SO happy to see your positive review. 

We will be sailing on the Silhouette's repositioning next April/May (218 days!!) and we can't wait to experience the ABC's for the first time! 🙂

Thank you for sharing about how you stayed on board while others snorkeled. That is what my husband is planning on doing and he has been slightly worried about how common that was. Can you share how long your excursion was and about what time you all arrived back at the Beyond?

[Stem to Stern]

38 minutes ago, minniemouse427 said:

This is the excursion that my husband and daughter have agreed on for our day in Bonaire. SO happy to see your positive review. 

We will be sailing on the Silhouette's repositioning next April/May (218 days!!) and we can't wait to experience the ABC's for the first time! 🙂

Thank you for sharing about how you stayed on board while others snorkeled. That is what my husband is planning on doing and he has been slightly worried about how common that was. Can you share how long your excursion was and about what time you all arrived back at the Beyond?

My pleasure.  I am glad you enjoyed my comments.😀 

 

There were at least three of us that stayed on board, but probably one or two more that I may have missed.  I was focused on where my husband and our friends were at all spread out in the water.  Senna was the only crew member that got in the water.  He was the lifeguard.  

 

Staying on board allowed me to get some great shots of everyone else snorkeling.  And I had most of the vessel to myself.  And the beer flowed freely.😉

 

 

We boarded the vessel at 8:45 which is a few minutes later than normal.  We experienced a slight delay waiting for the bus to show up at the canopies.  We were all tied up back at the marina and back on the bus by 12:15 or 12:20.  This pic was taken at 12:22 when we were almost back at the pier entrance.  So, they gave us our full 3.5 hours that they advertised.  It was such a bargain!

 
Inside the pier area there is a souvenir shop in case you want to grab something without walking back into town.  
 

But if you are up for it, I would suggest a quick freshening up on board and a walk back into town.  The waterfront is lovely and there are a few cute shops.

 

Enjoy all of those glorious sea days on your repo cruise.  It will be here before you can say Dushi.

 

With a few sea days to look forward to, we do not mind trying to pack plenty of activities into our three port days on these itineraries.

 

Edited Sunday at 08:22 PM by Stem to Stern

[DingoMom]

Thank you for the informative and entertaining review, as well as the great pictures!!

[Stem to Stern]

Day 6 ~ Bonaire ~ conclusion

 

Dinner and Elements show

 

 

We said goodbye to Bonaire and headed into the air conditioning.

 

 

For dinner we went to one of the four main dining rooms.  I believe it was Tuscan.  I started with the beef carpaccio and repeated the pumpkin salad because I enjoyed it so much the night before.

 

 

I was not inspired by anything in particular on the menu, so I decided on the salmon on the classics side of the menu.

 

 

DH and I shared this pasta.

 

 

A couple of other entree items at the table.

 

 

Next it was time to head to The Theater for the 9:30 seating for the Production Show:  Elements with the Theater Production Cast.

 

 

I was really impressed with this show especially all of the fancy lighting and the special stage effects.  And again I was very impressed with The Theater itself.  Earlier in the cruise I was watching the Celebrity Entertainment channel on the television in the stateroom.  The channel featured interviews with the creators of the show.  
 

 

 

 

 

 

It was really interesting to see how the elements of fabric and air are used to create the impromptu visual effects on the stage that can vary from one night to the next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In combination with the dancing, the LED screen effects, and the lighting all the moving parts really came together to create a great feast for the eyes.

 

Next I found myself solo for the rest of the evening.  From The Theater at the bow of the ship, I plowed my way through the crowd in the Grand Plaza enjoying the 10:15 Celebrity Activity:  Silent Disco.

 

 

 

 

Once I reached a packed Eden at the aft, I found an unoccupied barstool off to the side and watched from an odd angle the 10:45 Wonder at Eden:  Dreams with the Eden Production Cast.

 

 

I was seated in the area near the Eden bar that has small round hightop tables and barstools.  This turned out to be adjacent to stage right, as I can best describe, and a place where a few of the performers would make their entrances from.

 

 

Or for one flexible soul, a place to do a bit of showing off?  I guess when there is no backstage, one is always on stage.  I really liked the carpet in Eden along with all of the seventies inspired design elements.

 

 

I watched an expose about this show on the Celebrity Entertainment channel in the stateroom and thought it would be something to do before turning in for the night.

 

 

As has been widely reported Eden is not an ideal venue for shows as the stage is snack-dab in the middle of the room with onlookers on all sides of the stage leaving performers’ backsides facing much of the audience much of the time.  People have been known to camp out in the best seats hours before the start times of the shows that take place here.  Lighting was dim and not great for pics.  People walking up to the bar and congregating did not help matters either.  But the show was fun and playful.  The costuming and stage decor were colorful.  And the performers seemed to have their act together.

  
 

 

 

 

Edited 22 hours ago by Stem to Stern

[hcat]

15 hours ago, DingoMom said:

Thank you for the informative and entertaining review, as well as the great pictures!!

Agree

Great photos and commentary about the Bonaire adventure. Something new to consider!

 

Stem to Stern;    Did I miss the price?

How many were from Celebrity,  Can beginners enjoy?

[hcat]

Great pics of the theater show and EDEN perfomance.

 

As to ELEMENTS..how was the sound level?  Were there any bright glasing lighrs

[Stem to Stern]

3 minutes ago, hcat said:

Agree

Great photos and commentary about the Bonaire adventure. Something new to consider!

 

Stem to Stern;    Did I miss the price?

How many were from Celebrity,  Can beginners enjoy?

Thanks!  Lady Bellaïs was really awesome in every way!  The price was $166.32 was the two of us and I prepaid for this via their website on a credit card.

 

When we embarked the vessel, I believe there was one couple that was already on board, but I am not positive.  

 

As far as beginning snorkelers, I am not sure how much special attention could be given to someone.  Senna’s goal while he was in the water was to be “lifeguard” so I would imagine he would want to remain available to all if needed.  You could email them or send them a message on Facebook or Instagram.

I made a point to ask about handicap accessibility because I will be cruising with someone in a wheelchair in the future.  Senna did not bat an eyelash saying they would work as a team to lift the chair on board.  Once most snorkelers were in the water, there was ample space for a wheelchair to maneuver from aft to forward if the person desired.  I stayed aft in the shade most of the time while I remained on board.

[Stem to Stern]

@hcat

I do not recall the volume at Elements being any too uncomfortable.  
However, there were a couple of moments that included very bright flashes of light.

[Krispie5]

My BF and I were on this excursion with you. We had the absolute best time. It has been my favorite snorkeling excursion to date 10/10.  Thanks for the review, it's been great to re-live this epic 8 night cruise. This was our first time on Celebrity and it blew us away!

[txtechmk]

Loving all the photos!  Thanks for sharing....

 

We will be on the Beyond next spring.

[hcat]

3 hours ago, Stem to Stern said:

@hcat

I do not recall the volume at Elements being any too uncomfortable.  
However, there were a couple of moments that included very bright flashes of light.

thanks.. sometimes  flashing lights are hard on my  vision!  My ear plugs can deal with loud  music!

[hcat]

5 hours ago, Stem to Stern said:

Thanks!  Lady Bellaïs was really awesome in every way!  The price was $166.32 was the two of us and I prepaid for this via their website on a credit card.

 

When we embarked the vessel, I believe there was one couple that was already on board, but I am not positive.  

 

As far as beginning snorkelers, I am not sure how much special attention could be given to someone.  Senna’s goal while he was in the water was to be “lifeguard” so I would imagine he would want to remain available to all if needed.  You could email them or send them a message on Facebook or Instagram.

I made a point to ask about handicap accessibility because I will be cruising with someone in a wheelchair in the future.  Senna did not bat an eyelash saying they would work as a team to lift the chair on board.  Once most snorkelers were in the water, there was ample space for a wheelchair to maneuver from aft to forward if the person desired.  I stayed aft in the shade most of the time while I remained on board.

great price.. we are experienced snorkelers but as we get older we like the easy  approach. !