CapeCoralCruiser

Mine is Radiance Class, love all the glass and views, especially the open aft Windjammer area.  Also, nice location of DL & CL. Wife's is Freedom class, she likes the Promenade.  Neither of us care for Oasis class.  The neighborhoods do break up the vast size of the ship, but it just feels like a floating family resort (trying to please all ages), not a cruise ship.  Have cruised on all classes except Quantum.

Another vote for the Kennedy Space Center.  Took our 9 yr old grandson and we all had a great day.

londongal, as D+, wife & I share 4 days of RCI internet on a cruise, more than enough for us.  On Celebrity, as Elite, we each got 90 minutes for the cruise.  We made that work because their package is a lot more than RCI's.  I can't remember exactly, but it was something like $50 for a day of internet.  Elites receive 30% off a cruise long unlimited package, but it was still cost prohibitive.  The internet quality was the same as RCI for us.  They have a free app, like some of the RCI ships, for messaging between fellow passengers, seeing what's happening, making reservations, etc., but it had a lot of bugs.  Different events were missing between our two phones, after day 2 menus were no longer listed, and we were listed as 6:00 diners on the app but were really on Anytime Dining.  Even though it showed 6:00 dining, we had no assigned MDR seating. And we couldn't make reservations on the app because it defaulted to 6:00.  We were sent to three different people and no one could fix it, and by that time the only seating available was 5:30 or 9:00 (we usually sign up for 6:30 or 7:00 My Time), so the restaurant manager had to override the system and made us 6:00 reservations in a rotation of the four MDRs.  He couldn't make it any later except 9:00.  After that he took photos of the image on my phone, showing 6:00, and his computer screen, showing our reservation times and said we was going to send them to IT because it was "impossible" for that to be happening.  

budmeister, we just got off Celebrity Edge yesterday, and while the ship, and the atmosphere/experience on it, are very different from any ship we've been on, my observations are very close to yours.  I wasn't going to post about it, but your comparison inclined me to join in.  Our last cruise on Celebrity was on Millenium about 5 years ago.  While RCI is still our favorite line, we prefer their smaller and mid-size ships, and wonder how many of those will be around in the coming years.  Though we enjoy certain aspects of them, we are not huge fans of the Oasis class ships, where the experience is directed inward toward a huge multifaceted floating resort.  My preference for their smaller ships is, in part, due to my feeling of being more connected to the ocean, with more outward views throughout, and Edge definitely offers that experience.   

So, comparing our Edge experience to yours on Equinox and ours on RCI:

Embarking - and disembarking - Edge has its own dedicated terminal at Port Everglades, very smooth with the facial recognition system.  It was our first experience with this technology. After disembarkation, we didn't even have to visit with a Customs agent.

Walk-on - champagne and a very good rum punch.

Service, crew - excellent service everywhere (and yes, I have had that same experience on RCI ships, just not every time) and the uniforms of the crew were notably more formal than RCI.  In recent years we have had many RCI crew members, especially dining related, almost beg for a top rating on the customer survey. There was none of that on Edge.

Dining - We have never had a problem getting a table for two at any time on RCI and experienced the same on Edge. The food did seem a step up from RCI, particularly in the Oceanview Café (Windjammer), with several carving stations and a wider choice of prepared/assembled-on-demand items. Snacks were available a little later than typically on RCI.  Pizza, available in the aft section of the Oceanview Café, was similar to our most recent tastings on RCI ships, which is an improvement from even a year or two ago.  Outdoor dining is available aft of Oceanview Café and both sides of Eden, an extremely unique venue described below, which is also aft.

MDR dinner dining attire - Smart Casual or Evening Chic.  On RCI, I dress as suggested, but try not to judge others' choice, although a few make it very difficult.  I know this is a topic of great contention on CC, and while I was not constantly looking for "violators," I'll share my observations.  I noticed only one person wearing shorts in one of the four MDRs at dinner - we were seated close to the door and I had full view of everyone entering that evening.  I never noticed anyone in a T shirt or (purposely or not) torn jeans.  On Evening Chic night, I saw everything from full tux to polos and formal gowns to nice top/pants ensembles. 

Solarium - Very simple, elegant, calming décor with soft background music, and there seemed to be loungers available at any time.  Although there were people present most of the time, it didn't seem to be as big a draw as on RCI ships.  

Children - We saw maybe a half dozen.

We are both just over 60, and we felt the average age was older than us, whereas on RCI we are closer to, or older than (on certain itineraries), average.  And certainly unlike RCI, most who looked younger than 30 were usually with families.  I was somewhat surprised by some of the piped in music which was, despite the demographics, quite modern, including a few rap style tunes.

Non smoking casino - Which led to us actually spending time there.  I explored this ship quite extensively and found only one smoking section; starboard aft on 15, I think it was.

Entertainment - I am not a fan of RCI's music & dancing production shows and the same goes for Edge.  The one I did go to, whereby they tricked me into by the description in the planner, was pretty much typical of an RCI production.  The solo comedian, who did a family friendly show as well as a (not that) late night adult show, was entertaining without profanity - not that I'm against that type of humor, it was just that obvious when labeled as "adult entertainment."  We saw a female violinist headliner one night in the theater, and I'm sure she is very talented, just not of my interest.  There were several other musical acts throughout the ship, including a very good all female group called the "Reckless Charms."   I would have bought a CD from them if they had them, as is typical on RCI ships, but they said they had none to offer.  Very notable, no RCI omnipresent Caribbean/steel drum band.

Staterooms - As with other areas of the ship, were of the minimalist elegance fashion. A lot of white and gray.  The (combined) beds were larger and softer than typical RCI.  We were in an "Infinite Veranda" room, which I would describe as a combination of a panoramic ocean view and a balcony, but not quite as good as either in their own right.  Having the outside wall to wall upper window open was nice, but the veranda is so small it is impossible, with two chairs and a small table that must be moved around, to have two people out there while closing the inner bifold doors.  The upper window movement was slow enough, but the electrically operated ceiling to floor blind opening/closing, which required constant switch contact from the occupant operator, was tediously sloth paced.  There was plenty of storage, of which some we didn't even find until a day or two into the cruise.  The mini bar, previously infamous on RCI, was present, but we experienced no mystery post-cruise charges.    

Shopping on board - as with your description, all high end; Tiffany, Bvlgary, etc.  No $10 sales, and even in the gift/Celebrity brand shop, not a single ball cap or printed/silk screened T shirt.  Very few "Edge" logoed items, and the only "Edge" embroidered bamboo cloth T shirt was about $50.  

We're not big drinkers, but do appreciate RCI's DLs & CLs for a couple evening drinks and pre-dinner bites.  Celebrity's Captain's Club evening lounge program doesn't even come close.  Edge happy hour is 5-7, with unlimited # of drinks from a limited list, similar but not identical to RCI's. Beer, Bud Light and Heineken, is served in glass bottles, not aluminum as on RCI.  There are several nice lounges/bars on Edge, but our favorite, also listed as the evening "Captain's Club gathering place," was Eden, a very spacious three level restaurant, lounge, café, gathering place with a large expanse of glass, aft on 4, 5 & 6, with an open air ramp (that follows the outlining glass enclosure) and a two person elevator to take one from main level 5 to balcony 6. Décor is, appropriately, Garden of Eden themed, with plenty of greenery, little seating niches, a great view of the trailing ocean and a small population of Edenists (dressed in a Mad Max meets '60's flower power fashion) who mingle and visit with/perform for patrons.  The Eden restaurant has a $65 pp dinner upcharge for a "sense stimulating dining experience" (we did not partake), but the Eden Café offers complimentary breakfast and lunch, with made-to-order artisan sandwiches, soups and salads.  We do enjoy Central Park on Oasis ships, but RCI has nothing like Eden.

The Grand Plaza is a compromise of RCI's Centrum and Promenade designs, three plus levels high, centered on the Martini Bar, surrounded by cafes, lounges, the casino and seating areas, not nearly as long as a Royal Promenade, but touching more venues than a Centrum.  As a gathering area, it's different, but it works.  

Outdoor areas - The Rooftop Garden, aft, top level with its accompanying Garden Grill and the Sunset Bar right behind it.  A running/walking track with ramps between decks 15 & 16.  And the Magic Carpet, for dinner, drinks, or just lounging.  It spent time off deck 5 during dining hours, but was usually to be found on 14 or 16.   

I apologize for the length of this post, I didn't realize sharing my experience would take up so much space.  We will certainly continue sailing with RCI, but I believe Celebrity cruises will be more frequently interspersed. 

4 days until Brilliance.  Although my favorite class, last cruise on this ship was '04 Panama Canal.  Looking forward to being on board again.  

Great review/pics, thanks.  Will be on Brilliance in a couple weeks, looks like she's in good shape. 

Just off Serenade yesterday.  There were noticeable areas showing rust on the hull, but it seemed crew were working on it in almost every port.  Interior areas were in pretty good shape.  As said above, some normal wear & tear, but nothing major.  And a shout out to the pizza chef - so much better than in recent years!

However, although there was a repairman in the CL diligently working with a big selection of parts for the coffee machine when we got on, it did not work the entire cruise. (😱 Oh, the horror!!!)  DL machine was working overtime...  I don't drink coffee, just a witness, not a victim, so no, it didn't ruin my cruise.  

Will be back on her in March '19, no hesitation.  Radiance class are my favorites, hope they will be around for a long time.

3 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

The 125K redemption was excluding Oasis ships for a couple of years, but that is redeemable again. 

Thanks, good to know.

Don't know if the VISA parties will occur with any frequency, other than Pres' cruises, but they were a nice perk.  Our favorites were the morning on Boardwalk and on Labadee during the Billy Ocean concert.  Ended up talking to fellow cruisers more than listening, but had a great time.🍹

2 hours ago, Cigar King said:

 

This is essentially what we did.  Cashed in 125k points and got $2359.00 applied to one of our upcoming cruises.  That's almost twice as much as we would have gotten with OBC.

That's our plan, also.  Currently have almost enough for a couple 3-4 nighters, but should have 125k by the time we finish our currently booked cruises. Only use it for RCI/Celebrity expenses for the double points.

14 minutes ago, stac573 said:

 Do they ever upgrade rooms for no charge?  If so,  how can this be done?

Yes, but not often.  This happened to us only once, from an OV to a balcony on an Alaska cruise.  The RCI upgrade fairy called and offered it to us and a couple we were travelling with.   Of course, YES for both of us.

6 minutes ago, JaniceB said:

If you book onboard can you transfer to a T/A?  Will the T/A requires a full deposit?

Yes, our TA always gets our "Next Cruise" reservations.  No extra deposit required.  If you booked the current cruise through your TA the new Next Cruise reservation can automatically go to the same TA.

Similar to previous responses.  We typically have a half dozen cruises reserved at any given time, sometimes for 4 or more people, so the reduced deposit helps.  It also helps having the agent showing us the locations of various cabins available for larger groups - possibly inside, OV and balconies all needed for one cruise.  Sometimes, OBC offers can factor in.  And, of course, we check for price reductions until final payment.

Thanks for the review, just booked her for December.  Glad to hear Brilliance is in great shape, my favorite class ship but its been quite a while since our cruise on her.

Just off Harmony President's Cruise this morning, 34 days 'til Serenade...

We were on MJ about 3 weeks ago, still a nice HH in the front half of VC. Appetizers weren't quite as good as about six months ago (had lots of varied fresh berries and more assortment then), but decent. Hotel Director was Francois Chevalier, but I believe he said he was only filling in, not sure for how long. Also a very nice late brunch set up on Coco Cay for D+/P/Suites, similar to HH with drinks (island drinks, wine, beer) and light food. I had a couple peach flavored frozen drinks, very good. Shane, the LA, escorted us off the ship and to a beach front deck. Francois and Shane both spent time conversing with everyone, maybe 25-30 people.

We met him in March and I don't think he is lonely. There are a ton of people that he could meet if he wanted to. He has friends that he has met over the years which he keeps in touch with and cruise together sometimes. Like he said he doesn't like crowds and prefers his alone time. Lots of people are like that because they want to be which doesn't make him lonely.

I agree with this. Alone does not always equate to lonely, especially when it is by choice. We've cruised with him a couple times and had casual conversations. No, we don't know him well, but he's quite social and seems very comfortable meeting new people. Nothing wrong with living by one's own terms.

We were on MJ last week, 4/9-13. Only drink card listed in the Compasses was a 15 specialty coffee card for $31. No mention of beer or other alcohol drink cards.

4 'til an MJ shorty. 35 'til Grandeur N.E./CA.

Was offered on Rhapsody mid-Feb, advertised in the Compass days 4 & 6, $49.

If you own at least 100 shares of RCI stock, you may qualify for OBC. How much depends on the length of the cruise, and the shareholders OBC benefit is often not combinable with other OBCs or offers you may already have for a particular cruise. I have qualified about half the times I've submitted a request. At the current share price, it may/may not be worth the investment, up to you to decide. Also good for Celebrity and Azamara cruises, Royal's sister companies. Go here for more information:

http://www.rclcorporate.com/investors/?c=103045&p=irol-shareholderbenefit

Free drinks bring in social hour, happy birds of a feather, who drink together and share stories.

Let’s raise a glass of free alcohol!! [emoji485][emoji485]lol!

(y) :wine-glass::cocktail::tropical-drink::beer-mug::whiskey-glass:

If anyone is currently cruising is your DL full and are there any overflow lounges being used.

Graham

Just off Rhapsody two days ago. Around 200 D/D+/P total onboard, DL was rarely full and often less than a dozen present after 5:30 - first dining, but the overflow area in the "Shall We Dance" lounge was open the whole time every day. Some chose to sit in the overflow area, but seats were usually available inside the DL even at 4:30 - 5:30. {Collective observations by us and fellow cruisers.}

Just off Rhapsody yesterday, same itinerary. I have all 7 Compasses, but only days 6 & 7 with the "Daily Offerings" half pages. The only reference to a drink card I've found was posted on days 4 & 6 (same deal both days) for 10 pints of beer for $49, good at any venue that serves draft beer.

BingBong!

One of our favorites! Looking forward to seeing him on Harmony.

And yes, they range from very entertaining to down right annoying. We've had several good CDs, some OK ones, and a couple whom I would be disappointed seeing onboard.