beachbunny6

I have been reading all (well, at least most) of the posts here, and finally cannot just sit by and not reply. So, this might get a little rambling.

First of all, someone questioned the orange. Well, I believe that it is the same orange as the tops of the launches and lifeboats, so it is well-coordinated. Is it not a requirement from the maritime powers-that-be that lifeboats have to be orange so they are more visible? I recall that Disney had to apply for special permission to change their lifeboats to the yellow they use on Mickey's buttons, as they have that particular color copyrighted, or whatever protective registration is needed to protect it.

My feeling regarding the MC is that it is a very interesting innovation. That being said, as opposed to the orange situation, my objection is to the shape of the white and orange graphic on the lower part of the starboard hull. It is just incongruous with the shape of the MC and looks like someone just painted an odd shape there. Very odd.

Regarding the handles on the round table in the staterooms, my theory is that if you put them upward, they look to be just about right to hold a room service tray from sliding off, at least on the two longer sides. Stability would be increased a lot. Having the top able to flip so the handles are downward would be a really clever idea, since if you don't have a tray sitting on it, you would not have the handles in your way when you are just using it for other things, such as drinks, etc. And, if you are not in an IV stateroom, the table looks to be lightweight enough to move inside for use there. Not that big a deal, as I see it.

My next "rant" is regarding the tiles on the wall in Eden. Every time I see a photograph of that installation, I automatically think it is unfinished, because of the gaps. I am hoping that once everything is completed and furnishings installed, that it will be less offensive. Please note that this is completely my own impression and opinion on this. If you disagree, great. Maybe we can discuss it over a drink at the Eden Bar!

Next comes the "chandelier" over the Martini Bar. I apologize to everyone who has expressed love and admiration for it, but my (again, please note: MY) feeling is that if I want to see a bunch of LED strips hanging from the ceiling, I can go to my local store and buy some for a lot less than I am paying for this cruise on a brand new ship. A "Chandelier" it is not.

I believe that I am probably too traditional in some ways. I tend to appreciate symmetry, but Edge is all about asymmetry and innovation. I do, however, love the modern aesthetic, furnishings, design, decor and technology. So, I apologize to one and all for my "rants" and wish everyone a magnificent voyage on our newest X ship. Personally, I cannot wait! And, I will most probably love almost everything about her!

Bon Voyage to one and all!

Heading out for her second set of sea trials.

Thanks to everyone posting great photos and videos here.

LOVE that sound! Can't wait to hear it in person! Edge, you are amazing and beautiful!

Something a little different. We are doing B2B Carribean cruises in December on 2 different ships! Two different cruise lines.:cool: Although some of the ports will be repeats, we will just use those days to relax. The downside will be having to get off one ship and over to the next. As per my signature, we are taking a HAL ship, and then switching over to the Edge.

 

We have done a B2B on a Celebrity ship in the Med. Almost a month onboard the Reflection...very nice. We did have to change staterooms, but it was not a big deal.

We are doing that exact combination (both Western Caribbean) in January! Because HAL usually docks right near where the new X Edge terminal is, we figure we have a LOT of time to get from one to the other. And the repeat ports are a plus for us, since we can take different shore excursions or stay onboard and enjoy the relative tranquility while others are ashore. FYI - found that the identical excursion in Grand Cayman has a later start time from HAL, thereby gaining easier access for us because of tendering, and a lower price, too. That is a win-win for sure!

We did that same kind of combination in November-December of 2015 - 8 days on HAL Eurodam and 5 days on X Constellation. At that time, Connie was docked at Terminal 4, I believe, and there was a lot of construction going on in the port, making walking it impossible. So we got in a taxi and crossed the port that way. It was the best $20 we have ever spent - taxi fare and tip, included! The driver loved it, too, because he could pick up another fare quickly, since he never left the port.

I have seen others who worry about being late coming back in from the first cruise, and I believe that in December/January there is very little chance for weather to cause problems. Regardless, trip insurance is our "must-have" for any cruise, so that would take care of any problem, I think.

Have a great time in December, and please post back how it went for you. I will eagerly await your report!

Bon Voyage!

Our OBC doesn't show up, we've tried to add the package and then go to checkout and credit card is the only payment option. It's been explained that it is because we booekd with a big box TA and listed as a "gift" on our booking invoice and therefore it doesn't appear on our sea account until a day or two after boarding. Is there some other work around because calling Celebrity directly they aren't able to help us either.

Sorry! I have never booked with a Big Box TA. I hope that as stevea36 said, there will be a sale once you board. I have booked onboard the first day and did, indeed, get a good price, but that was for only one dinner. My suggestion would be to find the crew member taking reservations as you first enter the foyer, or as soon as you can that first day. My guess would be that the longer you wait, the less likely it will be that you get a discount. The law of "Supply and Demand" will get you!

Today

You can definitely use your OBC for advance purchases online. FYI in the future, I have noted that the earlier you purchase Specialty Dining, the lower the price will be. It goes higher as the cruise gets closer. I don't know about shore excursions, etc. Bon Voyage! Enjoy your cruise!

Okay, let’s all take a moment to recognize that the Decoy Cabernet that was TWENTY-ONE dollars on my last Celebrity Cruise, is now $13 and included with the premium package. Small victories people.

 

 

 

And this is a rum mule. It was...different. We both got one, but Mark made a weird face and looked over at me after his first sip.

 

Mark: “What is that weird taste?”

 

Me: “I think it’s the allspice. Kinda tastes like Christmas threw up in your drink, doesn’t it?”

 

He ordered a mojito after that conversation.

 

 

 

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Congrats on the Decoy Cab! I think that a change from $21 to $13 is more than a small victory, (maybe a medium or sub-substantial?) but am nonetheless happy for you. And, I am so glad you told us about that Rum Mule, too. It sounds horrendous! I am onboard with the Bacardi, but the Allspice and bitters, no way! And, what is dram? (I have always felt that if I don't know what something is, and I can't find out beforehand, I probably will not partake of it. Closed minded? Maybe, but that's just me.) Regarding the Rum Mule, now THAT is alcohol abuse!

But now that it’s finished, it’s so pretty and festive. I am happy that we will come home to a decorated tree.

Okay, suitcases are packed. I wrote a letter with “instructions” for our housesitter/catsitter (Basically saying we don’t care what you do as long as said house and cats are still here ten days from now. And the cats may actually be negotiable.).

Angela, your tree is beautiful. (I forgot to mention this when I posted yesterday) And your 4-legged kid in a fur coat is VERY cute! My only problem is that perhaps in addition to the instructions you left for your house/cat sitter, you maybe should have included that you preferred the tree to still be standing, AND decorated, when you return! This is key to your home arrival feeling of happiness and good cheer, especially since you will by then be experiencing a full-blown case of "just got off the Reflection Blues" and will need all the cheering up you can get.

~Barbara~

We have a new captain who took over today. His name is Captain Panagiotis Skylogiannis.

I am SO sorry to hear this. But, thanks for the info! I will miss Captain Kafetzis, but will see him in January of 2019 on the Edge!

Sure! The master of the ship is Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis. He has a great sense of humor and is very personable. [emoji4]

 

Thanks! Captain Kafetzis was the Master of the Silhouette in 2013 when my friend and I did the TA to Rome. He was great! I had seen on FB that he was leaving the Reflection after the cruise right before yours because he was going to be the Master of the Edge the end of 2018. I was so hoping that he was staying on the Reflection until after our cruise next week, and am very happy that he probably will be there at least until then. Having him as the Captain when you are cruising is an experience not to be missed!

 

Enjoy his daily info updates and don't miss his informational talk and Q&A in the main theater. You will be VERY glad you attended. However, if you miss it, they usually replay it on the in-cabin TV.

Worth taking the time to watch!

It seems Celebrity internet is very pricey?

I guess so! Did you see that copy of the "special" that aring75 just posted? They are on the 10-night now, and that $199 for half of it is unbelievable! Does that mean our 4-night will be $160 on SALE? Wow. Sorry - just looked and it is $143.50 per person for our cruise, and that is listed as supposedly a discounted rate. Still too pricey for me.

Hi to all!

aring75, I am LOVING your commentary and photos! Your sense of humor is amazing. Please keep them coming! Also, can/would you please tell me who the Captain is now? I am seeing conflicting information on FB. Thanks.

And, RoLoHa, I am SO looking forward to meeting you! I think maybe you will be able to get internet in Cozumel, IF we are docked, not tendered, and IF you sit at the end of the ship closest to land. (Too many if's - Sorry!) I don't know for sure on -X-, but on some of the other lines, their phone and/or internet was not available in port, so you might be able to pick up outside service. Just be sure to watch your available networks and don't use the onboard one. Hope this helps!

We changed our plans, and are leaving Sunday and staying over. I am really relieved, because that takes all the stress of crossing Alligator Alley off, and we can start our mini-vacation a day early.

See you all onboard! Bon Voyage!

~Barbara~