Jim_Iain

I think the problem is that Celebrity has not done a good job of education. David and Robert have often said that they wouldn't have know about many of the things at their disposal had we not been with them. Examples: The every day menu items, the children's menu. Our first waiter never even mentioned them but our current one also goes down the full list - Celebrity should post it like in the MDR. The Butler Team - Anu explained it very well - They have a Butler for the SS's but his job is more like a Retreat Host or a Concierge in a Hotel. You press your butler button and he answers. You tell him what you would like and he makes sure it happens. Eg. Fruit Bowl every day, Cheese Platter at 6 PM, Want something from Room Service just call him. He also said that he found as a butler, when they would leave the appetizers every evening 80% were never consumed and just went into the garbage. He did drop off some nuts last night even though I don't like things left in the room. I of course at half the big bowl before dinner last night. Opps I just took a big hand full.

I haven't - I've heard a number of negative comments. Robert tried the Chocolate Pill and said it wasn't good and would never order it again. The Chef promised me that he would make be a Raspberry/Pistachio Vacherin for the last night. He doesn't have the powder as that is supplied by Daniel B and he can't make it to look like his but will do a deconstructed one due to copyright and contractual issues.

Good news. They how have is wine - They are bending over backward now to please.

I will have to add Gatorade Packets to my Medical Supply. I have Thera Flu Day and Night and a full array of most complications. I forgot Mosquito Spray and was bitten often in Singapore.

I did read your full Live. I do agree with you assessments.

I do like oxtail. Pigs Trotter's may be good but just can't get myself to try. Iain being from Scotland where Haggis is a treat loves all kinds of stuff like that. Finally in Amsterdam I forced myself to try Sweet Breads at an Michelin Stared Infusion Restaurant. They were beyond incredible.

I was thinking it was Early January.... I guess those brain cells aren't dead after all.

Appreciate the comments - I will start steering this thread to the Joy's we are having on the cruise. I'm usually not a negative type and see the world through rosy glasses. I have to say that after a rough start in Luminae that they have taken a 360 and with the exception of the wine issue have a waiter and assistant waiter that are impeccable. Iain and David's wine glass has not gone dry and the full staff is incredible.

Trish - I have to agree. He is incredible. He is truly a gem.

Will be interesting. She may get an ear full if she has a Q&A like her past visit aboard another ship. Last time - Not sure if it was just a Photo Op, but she and here executive staff claimed to work alongside staff from the MDR, aL Bacio, the MDR restaurant.

I would love to meet Terry but I don't think he is booked on this cruise. I believe he is booked early January. I'm sure he will pop in and let us know.

Thanks Gerry for your comments. You are so articulate. I hadn't mentioned it yet but I agree. I have mentioned the same to Iain. Things just feel off. I just didn't know the correct word. Lot's of little things. Most of the crew are friendly and some have in this short time been very engaging. The vibes in Retreat for me is just flat. At this time I can't even put my finger on what it is. It feels like an Airport Lounge where you pass the receptionist at the front desk you never see the host unless there is an issue. We are on Day 7 - the halfway point of our cruise and we have never been approached by any of the Retreat Hosts, with the exception of Danny coming over to tell me the issue with my discount had been resolved. Not even an, I'm sorry we let you down but we have taken resolved the issues. I hate to say it but heard many calling them the Robots in the Retreat. David and Roberts say their room attendant is marginal, unlike normal says the towels aren't even neatly stacked in the bathroom and are sloppily placed, cleaning is half a$$ed. I said you should call and complain and he said maybe after the cruise he doesn't want his toothbrush to be used to clean the toilet in revenge. I hate to ask - What was the Zenith Gathering yesterday. I'm not big on reading the mail and missed the Top Cruiser Event. Usually there is a phone call from the CC Manager. Have not received even received the regular call - Wanted to welcome you aboard and look forward to meeting you. Maybe with so many Zenith's they have not felt compelled to do so. Even my "Attention to Detail Letter" I have not had any response from the Hotel Director or even Customer Service. In most businesses you expect a form letter reply - Thanks you for your comments.

Just tried and --- YES - the form is working again I have a book market to it. forms.office.com - You have to be on the ship's WiFi Intranet for it to work.

Same with me. I like to sprinkle it on the top of a Dry Cappuccino and get a little crunch. White sugar just doesn't work.

Iain brought one bottle aboard with him. In Singapore they stopped all passengers with wine and inspected the bottle and label to make sure it was Wine. Another warning to anyone that Vapes - It is illegal to posse, carry or use vaping devices in Singapore. Iain was caught with one on the second screening (was in his pocket) they confiscated and destroyed it.

The VitaminWater is starting to work but can still feel the dehydration. I guess it took 7 days to get so dehydrated so will take awhile to re hydrate.

Good news... They had Decoy back in Luminae and Le Crema. Iain and David only drink Chardonnay so not sure of the others.

Surely you jest! Have you tried to sit on the Sofa. It is Hard - the pillows are also so thick or sofa is so deep you are forced to get a pillow from the bedroom just so I can sit here and type. Still my back aches after a bit. At least the changed the desk chair and now it fits under the desk/makeup area vanity.

Thanks Carole - Hope you enjoyed the Ascent. Been hearing and reading many good comments.

It worked. After talking to Anu, our Butler it was on board. They found 2 bottles on the ship and said they would check further tomorrow.

NEWS FLASH - From very reliable source who wants to be anonymous as they are unauthorized to speak on the subject. Laura Hodges Bethge will be boarding in Sydney for the Final Leg of the Cruise and the Inaugural Sailing of Edge out of Sydney. She will be staying in the Iconic. I suggested they should put her in a Sky Suite and see how effective the Butler Team Concept is working. She will really be slumming it.

The question is whether they will board it or not.

Will be interesting. We were chatting with Anu our Butler this morning. He is so kind and is a perfectionist. I said I was surprised by the fact that for 5 days they have told us Iain's favorite wine was on the ship but unavailable yet in Lumina. He instantly asked Iain the write it down - I won't even try -- It's a French Chardonnay. He said I will speak with F/B Manager and have it at Luminae tonight if it is on the ship. We know it is as he had it in Eden.

I do also but with the issues so far my confidence is very low. I hope I am just a pessimist. OK... I have to admit I'm Powerless - I'm a terrible codependent and know it. I don't drink Alcohol but when My Husband is disappointed - Like all codependent we try to fix things instead of trying to fix our obsession with fixing others. Who should know better as I use to teach a course on Understanding Addictive Behavior.

Instead of re-posting - Link to New Menus in my Live Report